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In this episode, we sit down with Che Devlin - a Byron Bay local shaped by family, travel and the hospitality industry.

Che’s story begins at Fig Tree, the Ewingsdale restaurant his parents opened in 1981. Growing up with three brothers, he remembers childhood days in the paddocks, the sound of the kitchen, and the sense of family that made the place unique.

At 19, Che set off with a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka, later travelling through Europe, India, Pakistan and Turkey, where he discovered how connected we all are. Returning home, he stepped into the next chapter of Fig Tree, navigating the challenges of hospitality - from finding the right people to adapting to change - and rebuilding after the 2019 fire.

Che reflects on two decades in business, the importance of community, and what continues to inspire him in Byron Bay.

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In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Knight - one of Australia’s most celebrated writers and producers of film and television.

Raised in Burwood, Melbourne, Andrew recalls a “boring” childhood in the 1950s, a time still shadowed by the war, where his love of storytelling first took shape through plays and characters. A scholarship to Melbourne University and later Monash set him on the path to writing.

Andrew reflects on breaking into the industry, the early shows that gained attention, and the resilience needed to push through career lows. He also speaks about collaborating with actors like Russell Crowe and directors like Mel Gibson, describing Gibson as one of the best directors he’s worked with.

From suburban beginnings to the world stage, Andrew’s story offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of a life in storytelling.

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In this episode, we sit down with Sam Saulwick - co-founder of The Bread Social and long-time Byron Bay local with deep ties to the town’s hospitality scene.

Sam was born in Colombia and adopted by a Byron Bay family, moving here in 1983. His family quickly became part of the community, running the Beach Café from 1984 and later Oriental Express, one of the town’s go-to restaurants in the early 2000s. Growing up, Sam went to St Finbar’s and Trinity, and like many locals, found himself working in hospitality from a young age.

He shares reflections on life in a tourist town, where hospitality plays such a central role, and how starting out on the floor gave him the grounding for everything that came after. After travelling, Sam spent time in Sydney at Central Baking Depot, where he began to shift away from hospitality centred on alcohol and towards baking. That path eventually brought him back to Byron, where he and Paul worked at Harvest, formed relationships with The Farm as it was being established, and opened a bakery on-site. 

Sam talks about the value of hard work, the importance of recognising and supporting it in others, and what it takes to build and sustain a business with a strong culture. His story takes us from the early days of family-run businesses through to the creation of one of the region’s most loved bakeries.

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In this episode, we speak with Linda Sparrow - long-time Bangalow local, former media buyer, and the passionate force behind Bangalow Koalas. Linda grew up in the Blue Mountains before building a life in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, eventually settling in Bangalow over two decades ago with her mum.

She shares reflections on the sense of belonging she found in the Northern Rivers, the value of community when starting fresh, and how her career in media led her to something entirely different. That ‘something’ is now one of the most impactful conservation initiatives in the region. 

As President of Bangalow Koalas, Linda talks about how a small group of neighbours grew into a powerful not-for-profit determined to protect the area’s unique koala population. She explains their ambitious goal to plant 500,000 trees, the types of plants they’re focusing on, and why this gene pool of koalas might be key to the species’ survival.

Linda’s journey is a reminder that passion and persistence can build something bigger than ourselves. In her words, if you want to make a difference - start local.

Learn more at: https://www.bangalowkoalas.com.au/ 

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In this episode, we speak with Steve Snow - celebrated seafood chef, founder of the iconic Fins Restaurant, and lifelong lover of food, family, and the ocean. Born on the Gold Coast and raised in Cronulla, Steve’s path didn’t start in the kitchen. He began with business and law, but quickly realised the corporate life wasn’t for him. What followed was a leap into a world where he could surf by day and cook by night.

Steve shares stories of learning to cook with his mum, working on boats in France, and why his love for fish - especially locally caught - has never wavered. He reflects on opening the original Fins in Brunswick Heads in the early 90s, how he brought global flavours to the Northern Rivers, and what still drives him today.

From TV appearances and best-selling cookbooks to decades of restaurant success, Steve’s journey is a reminder that doing what you love really can shape a life. As he puts it, cooking is about passion - and doing it with love.

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In this episode, we speak with Tim Watson-Munro, renowned criminal psychologist and author of Dancing with Demons and A Shrink in the Clink. Tim’s career began in Sydney, where he studied psychology at university before taking on the role of resident psychologist at Parramatta Gaol at just 25 years old.

He shares stories from his time working in the prison system, including the well-known “Day in Jail” program and his appearances on the Mike Walsh Show. His insights into the criminal mind, and what it really takes to turn a life around, are both honest and eye-opening. Raised between Sydney and San Francisco, Tim first visited Byron Bay in the late 80s. When COVID hit, his daughter returned from New York, and they spent time together in Melbourne. They decided to move to Byron Bay, and crossing the NSW border brought a deep sense of relief. Tim reflects on why he stayed, and the life he’s built here over the past five years.

Tim’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and reflection - as he puts it, “It’s harder to restore a career than build one.”

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In this episode, we speak with Amanda Gorvin, General Manager of the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Originally from the Central Coast, Amanda began her career in sport, working with the Queensland Reds in ticketing and membership. A trip to Lennox Head in 2005 left a lasting impression - she instantly felt at home.

Years later, during the COVID lockdowns, Amanda made the move to Lennox Head. She shares how that time shaped her connection to the community, including helping feed frontline workers with a small local team.

Amanda also gives us a look into the Wildlife Sanctuary, how it’s evolved, the animals they care for, their education programs, and how people can get involved or volunteer.

Learn more at www.byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au

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In this episode, we sit down with John Morgan - better known around town as Maddog - to explore his decades-long connection with Byron Bay, from the early surf scene to community service and everything in between.

John moved from Brisbane to Byron Bay in 1976 at just 19 years old, landing his first job at the local meat works. He takes us back to what the town was like in those early years - the people, the energy, and how he was welcomed by the local community. 

Over the years, John’s journey has taken many turns. After studying at university to prepare for a more “traditional” career, he quickly realised corporate life wasn’t for him. He returned to Byron and stepped back into the surf shop where he shaped boards, and became the manager. By 1983, he’d bought the store, named it Maddog after his own nickname, and began growing the business - expanding from surfboards into clothing and other surf lifestyle products across multiple shops.

Today, John is still deeply involved in the Byron community, serving as the president of Liberation Larder - an organisation rescuing surplus food and turning it into meals for those in need. He shares how the work brings people together, and the sense of meaning that comes from giving back.

This is a story of surfing, service, and staying true to your roots - with one of Byron Bay’s most iconic locals.

To learn more about Liberation Larder head to their website - https://www.liberationlarder.org/

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In this episode, we sit down with Louise O’Connell, General Manager of the Byron Community Centre, to explore a life shaped by adventure, service, and a deep dedication to community.

Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Louise reflects on the winding path that brought her to Byron Bay, including a few years travelling overseas, where a quiet moment on a beach in Croatia became the turning point. Instead of returning to Newcastle, she followed a feeling and made Byron home.

Her career has long centred around community and connection. From working as a Jillaroo in Grafton to leading the fundraising and philanthropic arm of the University of Newcastle, Louise has always found purpose in service.

She also shares stories from her time living in a monastery in India, what a typical day looked like, the wisdom passed down by the nuns, and the lasting impact practices like meditation have had on her life.

We explore the heart of the Byron Community Centre, the important work happening behind the scenes, and why Fletcher Street Cottage has become such a crucial safe space for those experiencing homelessness in the region.

To get in contact with Louise, you can email [email protected] or call 02 6685 6807.

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In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Cousins, a businessman-turned-environmental activist who has led major campaigns to protect Australia’s natural landscapes. From teaching teenagers at 19 to working in the corporate world, Geoff shares what ignited his passion for conservation and how he made the leap from business leader to activist. 

We talk about the challenges of bridging the gap between corporate and environmental sectors, his fight to establish the Great Koala National Park, and what it takes to stay resilient in the face of big challenges.

If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected]