Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

If you remember anything about the 80s, then you will have fond memories of the cheeky little furry puppet Agro. But it's the man behind, or inside, the puppet who is the real character. In their chat, Jamie Dunn shares with Matt his less than admirable school results, his radio journey, how Agro started and the colourful fellows he meets in pubs. Agro Up Late! with Jamie Dunn are performing at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Tuesday March 17 to Sunday March 22. you can get tickets from the Ticketek website.

For a man from Ireland who came to Australia as a 22-year-old labourer, he hasn't done too badly.

An established actor, director and stand up comic, Jimeoin is a household name in Australia and has been for close to three decades.

In their chat, Jimeoin shares with Matt his thoughts on New Year's resolutions, the challenges of ordering coffee and the emotions of his first ever stand-up performance.

He is currently touring with his hilarious show, Ramble ON! Go to his website for dates: www.jimeoin.com

Excelling in any industry is a challenge, but reaching the top of your game in multiple fields is reserved for the select, talented few. Former AFL player, Troy Gray was a defender for the Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints in the 90s. It was his job to mark some of the greatest players of all time. Nowadays, Troy covers an entirely different beast, television. He is the man behind, Charity TV Global. Their unique, hit show, Adventure All Stars airs on 7TWO. Find out more at adventureallstars.tv

Film director, Jesse O'Brien has just finished his second feature-length film, Two Heads Creek. In this chat, he reveals why he would rather make a movie on a shoestring budget, what it's like working with great actors and his top movies to watch (they aren't what you would expect). Two Heads Creek is now in cinemas everywhere.

With over 4000 franchises, Jim Penman is the face of the biggest franchise group in the country. (Once you listen to the chat you will hear me rattle all 52 divisions). What started as a young boy helping his neighbour, evolved into Jim's Mowing, which evolved into the Jim's Group. But interestingly, Jim isn't a big fan of business. In fact, he has an entirely different bigger picture. In their chat, Jim shares with Matt some of his 'pathetic failures' and why gives his phone number to every franchisee.

Former NRL star, Ryan Girdler holds a truckload of records and representative honours from his illustrious career. He played 227 NRL games, 10 games for NSW and 14 games for Australia. These days, Girdler calls games with the Triple M radio team, runs coffee shops and he is the ambassador for the Cheeki brand of reusable water bottles. In their chat, Girdler shares with Matt how he almost left the Panthers, why he needed to step away from the game and why he said no to a role with Channel 9.

With a truckload of hits spanning close to 20 years, Thirsty Merc is one of Australia's longest serving and most popular rockbands. Frontman, Rai Thistlethwayte shares a chat about a world very few get to experience. He gives his thoughts on drinking during a gig, sharing the stage with other music stars and how the band dealt with a tragic car crash that killed and seriously injured members of the group. Thirsty Merc will join other headline acts at the 2020 Big Summer Blow Out on Saturday February 29.

As the first ever Aboriginal school principal at Cherbourg School in Queensland's South East, Chris Sarra went into the role full of passion and high expectations. Sadly, as a school that was sitting on 50% attendance, those high expectations were not initially embraced by the teachers and the parents. The youngest of ten children, Chris' simple but effective standards won over and in five short years, the attendance rose to 92%. These days, the former Qlder of the year is the Governor General for DATSIP.

In December 2003, 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe set off for a day of shopping to buy Christmas presents for his family. That was the last time his parents, Bruce and Denise ever saw their son. Daniel Morcombe was abducted and killed in an event that sent shockwaves around the world. 16 years on, Bruce believes Daniel's death has saved thousands of other children from the same tragic fate. The Daniel Morcombe Foundation is a legacy to a young boy who every Australian holds close in their hearts.

Reality TV brings out the very best and worst in people. After spending 30 days on Australian Survivor, self-confesed 'ultre-fan', Andy Meldrum saw that first hand. With a background as a poker player and a marketing executive, Andy brought a particular set of skills to the show. In their chat, Andy shares with Matt why he thinks he didn't win, his specific preparation in the lead up to the show, why his personality was both a benefit and a hindrance and why he said 'Dave has an idol' as he was leaving.