Diving Deep With Sam Fricker

At 101 years old, Reg Chard sits down for what he declares “the last interview I’ll ever do.” This powerful and poignant conversation takes us on a journey through his extraordinary life and it’s unlike any other episode we’ve recorded.

We begin before the war: a young baker’s apprentice, the youngest of ten children in Dulwich Hill, NSW, whose heart guided him to leave civilian safety and enlist at just 18 despite bakers being exempt. 

We travel next to the brutal jungles of New Guinea, where Reg endured malaria, scrub typhus, and unimaginable hardship along the Kokoda Trail. He shares vivid stories from Milne Bay and Imita Ridge, recalls the airstrip built under fire, and recounts losing mates at Sanananda all while recounting the sheer endurance he found in the harshest conditions .

Then the challenge of returning to civilian life. With his homeland’s baker offering his old role, Reg chose instead to work in iron foundries and the trucking industry, building a life alongside his sweetheart Betty, whom he married in October 1945 .

Now, in this stirring final interview, Reg reflects on courage, loss, survival and community. At 101, he’s not just a veteran; he’s an educator, a guide at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, and a custodian of a legacy that he believes should be remembered not by him, but by those who never came home .

This episode is a rare and intimate tribute Reg’s swan song as one of Australia’s last surviving Kokoda soldiers. Don’t miss this final testament of bravery, resilience, and the quiet dignity of a Digger’s life.

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This week on Diving Deep, I sit down with one of Australia's most recognisable voices  Ben Fordham. From winning a Walkley Award as a young reporter to becoming the #1 breakfast radio host on 2GB, Ben’s journey through the world of journalism, politics, and public opinion has been anything but boring.

We dive into how he handles the pressure of live radio, what it’s really like interviewing prime ministers, and why staying grounded matters when millions are listening. Plus, we talk about his views on Australia’s media landscape, the power of storytelling, and his advice for young people navigating big conversations.

Whether you love him or love to debate him, Ben brings honesty, energy, and a few surprises in this episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Diving Deep with Sam Fricker, I sit down with Olympic diver and social media star Brittany O’Briento unpack her incredible journey through sport and beyond. 

Brit’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an incredible comeback. After being dropped from the program as a young diver, she fought her way back earning her place on the Australian Olympic Team and competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics. But that was just the beginning. She continued pushing forward, not only returning to Australia to chase her dream, but also proving herself on the international stage once again by winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games. Her journey is a powerful example of what it means to get back up, keep believing, and perform when it counts.

But her success doesn’t stop at the pool. She’s built a massive following online, sharing the raw, real, and often hilarious side of life as an elite athlete. We talk about what it really takes to bounce back after a major setback, how she turned her story into strength, and how she’s inspiring a new generation through both diving and digital storytelling. 

I’ve known Brit for years we’ve trained together, competed side by side, and watched each other grow and this chat is one of the most honest and inspiring conversations I’ve had yet.

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In this episode of Diving Deep with Sam Fricker, I sit down with Winter Olympic medallist, barrister, and Federal MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall. From representing Australia on the world stage as an alpine skier to standing up for climate action in Canberra, Zali’s journey is anything but ordinary.

We talk about what it takes to transition from elite sport to politics, how she handles pressure, and why she’s pushing hard for a sustainable future. Whether you’re into sport, leadership, or just love hearing from people who get stuff done, this one’s for you.

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On this episode of Diving Deep, Olympic athlete and social media creator Sam Fricker whose videos generate over 3.3 billion views a year sits down with one of Australia’s most controversial and influential figures Clive Palmer. 

Clive Palmer is a mining magnate, billionaire businessman, and the founder of the United Australia Party. He’s known for saying exactly what he thinks and in this interview, he doesn’t hold back. Love him or hate him, Clive has left a massive mark on Australian business and politics.

From building one of the country’s biggest fortunes to becoming a polarising figure in parliament, Clive talks openly about his beliefs, his battles with the media, and why he thinks freedom of speech is non-negotiable. He even said, “I’d rather be dead in my grave than not be free as a human.”

We dive into the lawsuits, the headlines, the strategy behind his success, and what he would do if he had to start over again today with nothing but a phone and a TikTok account.

Whether you’re curious, critical, or somewhere in between, this episode gives a raw and revealing look at a man who’s shaped Australian headlines for over a decade.

This episode is not sponsored. We paid for his own flights and meals for this trip. We were offered free accommodation on shoot location, which we accepted. 

Diving Deep is an independent show and we’ve spoken with people from across the political spectrum, including representatives from Liberal, Labor, Independents, and now Clive Palmer.

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Sam Fricker sits down with the Hon Chris Bowen on Diving Deep!

In this must-listen episode, Olympian, entrepreneur, and social media creator Sam Fricker welcomes one of Australia's most experienced political leaders, the Hon Chris Bowen, to Diving Deep. With the country heading into an election, it's an especially pivotal time in politics, and there's no better guest to unpack the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Chris Bowen has dedicated decades to public service, holding key roles including Treasurer, Minister for Immigration, Minister for Financial Services, and now, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. He’s played a major role in shaping Australia’s economic and energy policies, navigating everything from financial reforms to climate initiatives.

This episode goes beyond politics—it's a deep dive into leadership, decision-making at the highest levels, and the future of Australia's energy landscape. Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a leader in today’s world.

Tune in now for an insightful and engaging conversation!

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On this episode of Diving Deep,

Olympic diver and social media sensation Sam Fricker sits down with Australian artist Tim Johnston. With over 2 billion views a year, Sam dives into Tim's creative journey—from being named a national finalist in the 2017 Macquarie Group Emerging Artist Prize to establishing his own Art Gallery Studio in Mosman, Sydney in 2020.

Tim shares how living in Mosman, with its 19 estuary bays, has deeply influenced his aerial ocean abstracts and fueled his passion for the ocean’s rhythm, colour, and life-giving force.

Tim also discusses his innovative ‘Kingdom of Coral’ art installation, where his stunning aerial ocean abstracts were projected onto the iconic Sydney Opera House Sails for World Ocean Day 2021. His dedication to ocean conservation led him to create CollaborOCEANS, a collective of creatives coming together to protect marine life and raise awareness of the existential pressures facing our oceans.

With a vision to elevate ideas with social importance, Tim’s works capture the energy of the sea and the urgency of its protection.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about art, the ocean, and the powerful role of creativity in conservation.

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Diving Deep with Craig Parry – The Man Behind the Lens

In this episode of Diving Deep, I sit down with the incredible Craig Parry—one of the world’s most renowned ocean and nature photographers. Craig’s work is next level! He’s shot for some of the biggest names, including Chris Hemsworth, and he’s the only person in the world to have photographed Migaloo, the legendary white humpback whale.  

We dive into his wild adventures, from swimming alongside apex predators to capturing some of the most breathtaking moments in nature. But we also go beyond the pretty pictures—Craig opens up about the side of photography that no one talks about. The challenges, the near misses, the insane patience required to get *that* one perfect shot.  

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel the world, camera in hand, chasing the beauty of the ocean, this episode is for you. Craig’s passion for the natural world is infectious, and his stories will blow your mind.  

Check it out, and don’t forget to hit up Craig’s website to see his insane portfolio! 🎧🌊📸

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Podcast Description: Kane Ellis on *Diving Deep* with Sam Fricker

In this episode of *Diving Deep*, Sam Fricker—Olympic diver and renowned social media creator—sits down with Kane Ellis, a dynamic young entrepreneur from South Australia whose ventures span automotive innovation, cryptocurrency, and tech consultancy. Kane is best known as the Co-Founder of the CarSwap app, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing vehicle trading since 2016. 

With a career rooted in technology, Kane began mining cryptocurrency in 2010 and launched his first tech company, Nerd Herd, at just 18. He’s recently sold Nano Flashlights for mid-six figures and also co-founded Sportal, showcasing his knack for creating impactful businesses across industries.

In this engaging conversation, Kane opens up about his journey to success, his passion for innovation, and the strategies he uses to navigate tough times. From cryptocurrency insights to lessons in resilience, this episode offers valuable takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone chasing their dreams.

Tune in to hear Kane’s inspiring story and his advice for overcoming challenges while staying focused on your goals.

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This week on Diving Deep I’m joined by someone who’s been a massive part of my life for nearly a decade—one of my best mates and former Australian diving teammate, Hamish Hutchinson! 🏅🤝 

Hamish has made the leap (pun intended!) from the world of elite sport now aiming to pursue a career in pharmacy, proving he’s not just a top bloke but also a highly intelligent one. But don’t be fooled—he’s still the same Aussie larrikin who knows how to find the fun in any situation!  

In this episode, we share hilarious stories from our early 20s, navigating life on the road as athletes, and the wild (and sometimes ridiculous) adventures we’ve had along the way. 🌍😂 From big laughs to risky situation, we reflect on how our close friendship which has helped us make the most of every opportunity—even the messy ones.  

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the nostalgia, or just some good old Aussie banter, this episode is packed with it all. So grab a coffee, plug in your earbuds, and join us for a heartfelt and hilarious chat about sport, life, and everything in between. 🎧✨  

#Podcast #DivingDeep #HamishHutchinson #FriendshipGoals #LifeStories #AussieLarrikins #OlympicDiving #NewAdventures

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