Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

Former Noosa mayor Tony Wellington has been a strong voice for the Shire for more than a decade. That all ended recently when he conceded defeat in the 2020 mayoral race to Clare Stewart. In their chat, Tony shares with Matt his feelings after confirmation he would no longer be Noosa's mayor and the impact the campaign had on his family. He looks back on the highs and lows from his time with Council, including Noosa's de-amalgamation and the councillor 'incidents' that gained unwanted national attention.

There are no two ways about it, we are living in unchartered territory. In my humble opinion, what will allow our country to get through the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly as possible isn't praying to a particular God or posting inspirational memes. No, it's listening to qualified and experienced experts who are guided by research and data. In this special edition of Coffee Chats, Matt chats with infectious disease expert and university lecturer Matt Mason. In their chat, they discuss why COVID-19 is unlike the common cold, how Australia is better equipped to cope with the virus than other countries and what our best steps are moving forward.

Rob de Castella, aka Deeks is Australian running royalty. He is arguable the greatest long distance runner this cuntry has ever produced. His success on the track is only rivalled by his business achievements with Deeks Health Foods boasting cafes, restaurants and stockists all over the country. In their chat Deeks shares with Matt how his quest for excellence helped him in life and how he got the gig to be the voice of the Beep Test.

When Heath Franklin first watched Eric Bana play Mark 'Chopper' Read, little did he know that only a few short years later he would be making a living imitating the notorious Australian criminal. In their chat, Heath shares with Matt how he first started performing Chopper and what happened the one and only time he came face-to-face with the infamous hard man. Heath Franklin's Chopper is performing at the Fortitude Music Hall on Saturday March 21. (Show has since been cancelled due to threat of illness)

Sex. Now that I have your attention let's continue. Rosie Rees is a sex coach, a nude yoga instructor and, as Matt discovered, a woman who is not too shy to talk about what goes on under the sheets. Rosie and Matt discuss everything from vaginas and dildos, to why an alarming number of woman have never experienced an orgasm. Rosie bravely shares parts of her personal life, including an abusive relationship and life with her same-sex partner.

Sammy J has been finding the funny side of serious issues for years. But the award-winning comedian and former law student often has had to fight for the limelight from his mate, a purple puppet named Randy. In their chat, Sammy J shares with Matt why he dropped out of his law degree, why his marriage is on the rocks and the unusual events of his first ever stand up gig. Sammy J is performing at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29.

Growing up in a small town surrounded by 'tough guys', Kim Churchill knew that wasn't the life he was destined for. With six albums under his belt, the Australian folk, rock, and blues singer-songwriter has cemented his place as a genuine international talent. In his chat with Matt, Churchill talks about getting 'hand-me-down' guitar lessons from his mum and why he is repulsed by mainstream music. Churchill will be performing at the Blues on Broadbeach Festival on May 14–17. Other headline acts include Tommy Emmanuel and Karise Eden. Get your tickets from the website.

Effie has been a constant on Australian television screens for over three decades. From the moment she graced us with her presence on Acropolis Now, Effie has shown Australia what a loud, proud timelessly-attractive woman really looks like. And as one of the country's most famous virgins, she has done it without having to sleep her way to the top. Effie is currently touring the country with her interactive stage show, Love me Tinder.

When you think of angelic Australian voices, Katie Noonan's name is always front-of-mind. Katie was the lead singer in the band George, which enjoyed a meteoric rise in the '90s and early 2000s. The band's first album, Polyserena, reached number one in the Australian charts. In their chat, Katie shares her passion for the arts, her time with George and how she quit smoking cigarettes. Katie is soon to release her next solo mini-album, Late Night Tunes with Noons. She will be touring all over the country with the album. To get your tickets go to the website.

After working with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5, Conrad Sewell has very quickly learnt what it takes to make it as an international star. With the looks, the voice and a good head on his shoulders, Sewell is well on his way to realising his goal of becoming the biggest star on the planet. In his chat with Matt, Sewell shares his worst injury, the thing he could never give up and the best advice he has ever received. Get your tickets to his 'Big World' tour from the website.