What’s it like to face an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at just 50 years old? In this emotional and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Jeanette and Jeremy as they share their story about navigating life after Jeremy’s early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

We cover:

•🧠 Spotting the Signs: From misplaced passports to personality changes, how Jeanette first knew something wasn’t right.

•💬 Diagnosis and Acceptance: Jeremy opens up about the moment he was diagnosed and how he’s facing the changes.

•❤️ Family, Laughter, and Coping: How their family leans on humour and honesty to stay connected through it all.

•📝 Practical Advice: Tips on navigating doctor visits, finding support, and setting up systems to make life easier.

If you or someone you love is facing Alzheimer’s or memory-related challenges, this episode’s for you. 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here 🌟

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As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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How do you start a quarry from scratch when you’ve never even worked in one? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle and Scotty, who left their old jobs to launch Brooklyn Quarry, just outside Tamworth. From figuring out how to get started to handling massive equipment from Ireland, their story is full of grit, laughs, and gutsy decisions.

We cover:

•🚛 Quarry 101: From first digs to massive rock crushers—how they built the business from the ground up. (or down)

•🛠️ Learning on the Go: How spreadsheets, phone calls, and trial-and-error helped them master a completely new industry.

•🏆 Awards & Recognition: From local business awards to inspiring the next generation of quarry workers.

•🌱 Community Impact: Supporting the local economy, hiring contractors, and mentoring students to explore new career paths.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a big leap and starting something completely new, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

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What happens when Santa drops into the Podvan? Absolute mayhem, laughter, and a sleigh-full of festive cheer! 🎅 In this special Christmas episode, we invite the kids from Cottage Kids Community Preschool into the van to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and ask the big questions—like what happens to all that reindeer poo? 🎄

We cover:

•🎅 Santa’s Secrets: The truth about reindeer magic and elves cleaning up after them.

•🎁 Christmas Wishes: From Barbie houses to scooters, find out what’s topping the wish lists this year.

•🍪 Cookies vs Healthy Snacks: The debate over whether Santa should switch to broccoli.

•😂 Kids Say the Funniest Things: Surprise questions, hilarious answers, and a little Christmas chaos.

💻 Want to SEE the fun? The full video version of this episode is available on our Patreon page—it’s crazy cute!

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

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As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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🎙️ What do you get when you mix raw talent, a love for storytelling, and a touch of country charm? You get Max Jackson—a country music star who’s blazing her trail in the industry!

In this episode, I chat with Max about:

• 🌟 Her rise to stardom: From winning the Toyota Star Maker to becoming an ambassador for the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

• 🎵 The art of songwriting: How her childhood in country Australia shaped her passion for storytelling through music.

• 🚀 Viral moments: The creative journey behind her “A Little More Country” campaign that took TikTok by storm.

Whether you’re a fan of country music, creative journeys, or inspiring stories, this episode has it all!

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

Helpful Resources:

• 🎸 Max Jackson Music: https://www.maxjacksonmusic.com

• 🎵 Tamworth Country Music Festival: https://www.tcmf.com.au

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How did Tamworth become the Country Music Capital of Australia? In this episode, I chat with Barry Harley and Lawrie Minson, two legends with decades of stories from the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival. We cover:

•🎸 The Origins of Tamworth’s Golden Guitars: How it all started in a small town with big dreams.

•🏕️ Tent Mishaps and Festival Fun: From thunderstorms to massive circus tents, Tamworth’s wild early days.

•🌟 Spotlighting New Talent: How buskers and Star Maker winners have launched incredible careers.

•🎶 Playing with Slim Dusty: Lawrie shares his years on the road with Australia’s country music icon.

If you love music, history, and a few good yarns, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

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📺 YouTube

As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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***HEAVY LANGUAGE WARNING!!*** Not safe for kiddos! 😳

What rhymes with frog? Julie Goodwin is back in the van, and we dive into the ultimate debate over rhymes, random words, and ridiculous stories. It’s the silliest, funniest chat yet, featuring:

•🐸 Rhyme Time Debates: Do “frog” and “dot” rhyme? Julie and I dig deep into this (spoiler: it’s chaos).

•🚛 CB Radios and Jousting Sticks: Nostalgia hits as we swap CB radio tales and highway mishaps.

•🎄 Podvan Christmas Spirit: From crocheted prawns to a sparkling reindeer, it’s festive chaos in the van.

If you need a laugh, a break, or just want to hear the weirdest rhyming argument ever, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

🌐 Podvan Website

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📘 Facebook Page

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📺 YouTube

As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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What’s it like building a floating playground from scratch? In this episode, I chat with Fordy, the creator of Central Coast Aqua Park, to uncover the inspiring and entertaining story behind this local favourite. We cover:

•🌊 Turning Plan B Into Success: How a misstep in Airlie Beach led to ten incredible years on the Central Coast.

•🚧 Behind the Scenes: The surprising logistics of setting up a seasonal aqua park.

•🛟 Community Connections: Supporting local businesses and creating a space for fun and friendships.

•💡 Lessons in Business: From perseverance to building great culture, Fordy shares his advice for dreamers and doers.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning an idea into reality or just love hearing about community-driven success, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

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As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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What’s it like to hit the road in a 1985 Corolla for a cause? In this episode, I chat with Tanya and Paul, a couple gearing up for the iconic Shitbox Rally. From fundraising to costume themes, we explore:

•🚗 What is the Shitbox Rally?: A 7-day, 3,500km charity road trip raising money for Cancer Council.

•🛠️ The Car & Challenges: A 1985 Toyota Corolla, no air-con, and dirt roads galore.

•🎭 The Fun & Community: Costume themes, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving back.

•🌱 Their Tree Change Story: How Tanya and Paul moved from the Central Coast to a rural town and never looked back.

If you’re inspired by grassroots fundraising, adventure, and a little chaos, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

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As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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How can cooking change lives? In this powerful episode, Julie Goodwin shares her latest project—a cooking program at a juvenile detention centre. Drawing on her experiences as a youth worker, legendary cook, and advocate, Julie’s initiative is about more than just food. We explore:

•🍳 Cooking Behind Razor Wire: The challenges of running a program in a maximum-security juvenile centre.

•👫 Building Community: Teaching young offenders the value of shared meals, teamwork, and connection.

•🌟 A Path to Purpose: Julie reflects on her own journey of seeking meaning and helping others rebuild their lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how small actions can create big change, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

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What do antique shops, PowerPoint presentations, and a flint fire challenge have in common? Well, nothing until this episode! In this eclectic episode, I chat with a mix of South Australian guests, each bringing unique and hilarious stories to the Podvan. We cover:

•🏡 Historic Ballroom Living: A family shares their journey of turning a 1920s dance hall into their home and business.

•📽️ PowerPoint for Dogs: The ingenious way one kid persuaded her parents to get a Kelpie.

•🔥 Flint Fire Challenge: A 9-year-old proves perseverance pays off (with a $100 prize to boot).

•🐕 Life on the Move: A caravan-dwelling couple navigating big life changes and a cute dog named Fudge.

If you’re here for laughs, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse into Aussie life, this episode’s for you! 💬🎙️

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟

All the Podvan links you might like to check out:

🌐 Podvan Website

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📘 Facebook Page

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📺 YouTube

As always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

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