Do you really know what's in your backyard?

Join us as we trade the faraway fantasy trip for a local adventure! Inspired by spontaneous road trips, hidden gems, and the thrill of the unexpected find, this podcast celebrates the art of being a tourist in your own town.

From discovering top-tier chefs in unexpected corners of the Barossa Valley (like that time we stumbled upon Maggie Beer's incredible outlet!) to following a random sign that leads to a delicious 'Mom and Pop' diner, we peel back the layers of our immediate surroundings.

We'll journey through the magnificent backyard of South Australia, from the fertile banks of the River Murray to the fishing waters of the Gulf of St. Vincent, and even peek out to the vast Australian continent—from tropical Darwin to the snow fields of the Great Dividing Range.

Stop planning the perfect escape and start exploring the perfect now. Every episode is an invitation to:

• Go off the beaten path and discover local treasures.

• Savour the 'unknown' that turns a simple day trip into an unforgettable adventure.

• See your own town with fresh eyes and appreciate the vibrant life, food, and culture right outside your door.

Pack a lunch, fill the tank, and let's go exploring! What's in your backyard?

I open up about the profound impact of loss and how it shapes our lives. We'll explore two deeply personal experiences that have redefined my understanding of grief, and how remembering those we've lost can prevent what's often called the "second death"—when someone is truly forgotten.

Delve into the moving NCIS tribute to David McCallum, who brilliantly portrayed the beloved character Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Watching the episode was incredibly confronting, yet so much of what was shared resonated deeply with my own feelings of loss. It was a powerful reminder of the unique connection we form with characters and the people behind them.

Then, I share a very personal battle: my return to Adelaide after the passing of my beloved husband, Phil. The "empty seat" at the game, a place we once shared, became a haunting presence, far more daunting than I ever anticipated. I recount the poignant moment, at 4 minutes past 5 on August 16th, when I scanned Phil's season ticket for the very last time, a final act of remembrance.

Join me as I reflect on these moments, offering a raw and honest look at navigating grief, honouring legacies, and finding ways to keep the spirit of those we love alive. If you've ever dealt with loss, I believe this video will speak to your heart.

Join us for a deeply moving reflection on grief, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of community within Australian Rules Football. This video explores the profound impact of loss on the Adelaide Crows family, honouring the memory of Phil.We delve into the emotional journey of remembering a beloved fan, showcasing how his legacy continues to inspire other fans and their passionate supporters. Through personal anecdotes and a heartfelt tribute, we examine the unique way sport brings people together, not just in celebration, but also in shared sorrow and strength.This is more than just a story about football; it's a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the indelible mark left by those we lose.

Creative Life Interrupted: Restarting After Cancer, Loss, & The 3-Year Head Start Dilemma.

Join me on a deeply personal journey of rediscovery as I navigate the choppy waters of restarting a creative life after facing unimaginable challenges. In this video, I open up about the profound impact of a cancer diagnosis, the heartbreak of loss, and the unique "3-year head start dilemma" that left me feeling both behind and determined.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and for many years, my creative spark was overshadowed by survival and grief. But now, it's time to reignite that flame.

In this raw and honest conversation, we'll explore:

• The Emotional Aftermath: How do you find your voice again when life has stripped you bare?

• Battling the "Behind" Feeling: When illness and loss steal years, how do you overcome the feeling that everyone else has a head start?

• Finding New Inspiration: Discovering creativity in the wake of significant life changes.

• Practical Steps to Restart: My personal strategies for getting back into a creative routine, even when it feels overwhelming.

• The Power of Community: Why connecting with others on a similar path is essential.

This isn't just a story about hardship; it's about resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief that creativity can be a powerful force for healing. If you've ever felt like your creative life has been interrupted, paused, or derailed, you're not alone. Let's find our way back, together.

This video blog is a raw look at navigating the emptiness that follows loss. I'm taking you on a journey through two pivotal moments. The first is a surprisingly poignant scene from NCIS following the passing of David McCallum, who played the beloved Duckie. Watching the characters grapple with his absence hit close to home, and I found myself unexpectedly confronted by the powerful words they shared.

The second part of the blog confronts a more personal ghost—the one left by Phil after his passing. Returning to Adelaide, the city we shared, the weight of his absence was staggering. I had to face the daunting reality of his empty seat, a void far more overwhelming than I ever anticipated. The final, heartbreaking moment was on August 16th, at 5:04 PM, when I scanned Phil's season ticket for the very last time, a silent goodbye to a shared passion and a cherished memory.

My late husband Phil had an unwavering passion for his beloved Holden car. He dedicated many years of his life working at the plant, where the hum of machinery and the thrill of engineering became a part of his very being. Together, we spent countless weekends glued to the television, cheering on our favourite drivers as the powerful Holdens roared around the racetrack during the Supercar season, their vibrant colours blurring in a whirlwind of speed and excitement. Over the years, Phil owned an impressive collection of Holdens, each one cherished, with memories etched behind the wheel. As I navigated the bittersweet task of arranging his life celebration, I couldn't help but feel a pang of irony. The hearse that would carry him to his final resting place was a Ford. I can almost hear his playful admonition in the back of my mind—saying I’d be in trouble for this slight against his cherished brand. It’s a thought that makes me smile through the tears, knowing he will always watch over me with that unmistakable sense of humour.

The video is over on YouTube on KingMick Productions channel:

https://youtu.be/KatSeBWEIXg?si=O3AzlmGWnRBEyGwP

I penned these words shortly after my beloved husband Phil left this world. In the wake of his passing, I've discovered a profound sense of healing through writing and embracing my creativity. Every day presents its own set of challenges as I navigate this new reality without my dance partner, the one who filled my life with joy and laughter. Each moment feels heavy with the absence of his presence, but through my words, I’m beginning to find solace and a way to honour the beautiful memories we shared.

I have crafted today’s episode with the assistance of artificial intelligence. This experience is a fresh and exciting venture for me, as I navigate the integration of technology into my creative process.

The song is produced with help from Suno.com

The voice-over today is helped by Hume AI

Putting all this together, I got help from Riverside. FM

Community theatre held a special place in my home as I grew up, bursting with creativity and laughter. My dad often took the stage, shining brightly in countless musicals, his passion for performance evident in every note. My brother and I followed in his footsteps, embracing the magic of the stage during our high school years, lost in the rhythm and melody of our own productions. Yet, there’s something about the grandeur of Hollywood musicals that captivates me—the way Gene Kelly effortlessly twirled and tapped in “Singing in the Rain,” his joy radiating through every frame, and the enchanting presence of Shirley Jones as she transported audiences to a vibrant Oklahoma in her iconic role.Those moments in musicals are unforgettable, filled with emotion that leaves us breathless, each crescendo and dance number striking a chord deep within us. To me, the first true musical to capture that same exhilaration since the classics is "The Greatest Showman." Its rich visuals and stirring songs connect with our hearts, reminding us of the pure thrill of storytelling through music and movement.

Asking for help can often feel like a daunting task. It’s essential to recognise that, throughout the winding journey of life, we will all encounter moments when we need support from others. There is a profound strength in embracing our vulnerability and reaching out for assistance.Personally, I've found that my pride sometimes stands in the way when I need help the most. I strive to be strong and capable, but I must remind myself that I am not a superwoman, no matter how hard I try to maintain that façade. Like everyone else, there have been times when I’ve had to set aside my pride and acknowledge my need for help.Our achievements, great or small, are seldom the result of our efforts alone. Often, we may not fully grasp the multitude of hands that have guided us along our path. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, how many of us take a moment to pause and express our gratitude with a heartfelt "Thank you"? It’s a small yet powerful act that can enrich both our lives and the lives of those around us.

When you experience a loss in your life, you may find that people often say they understand how you feel or what you're going through. Yet, they were not present during those heart-wrenching moments, so how can they truly grasp the depth of your emotions? Each person’s journey through grief is deeply personal, filled with unique memories and profound sorrow that they cannot fully comprehend from the outside. Their well-meaning words may fall short of capturing the reality of your pain.

I ask those questions along with a few more