The Byron Cooke Show

The team is gearing up for Mothers Day, with Perri Lee and Needy Jack making plans to spoil their Mums. 

What is the day really about? What do Mums REALLY want on the day?

This tricky aspect of social media also discussed. For a variety of personal reasons, the flood of Mothers Day posts can be very triggering for some. Having lost his Mum in 2014, Byron shares his feelings around the day.

There's even a cameo from Perri Lee's Mum Elena!

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He is a 6'10 Texan who plays AFL, and he is about to launch his OWN podcast.

Is Mason Cox ready for this? We find out by throwing him in the deep end as guest host of The Byron Cooke Show

Mason's very own podcast is coming soon! Stay tuned for all the details.

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Helping Hoops is an independent charity running free basketball programs for children and young people from underprivileged backgrounds all over Melbourne. 

On the eve of their major annual fundraising event [the "Charity Shootout"], Byron and Perri Lee are joined by Helping Hoops Head Coach Omar Coles.

In this episode, you'll gain an understanding of the incredible work being done by this program. We also challenge the mainstream media narrative around certain immigrant communities in Melbourne and focus on the positive aspects of what is happening.

You can learn more about Helping Hoops and make a donation here

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For the past year, Byron has been living alone in the Melbourne CBD [as part of a set up that includes the podcast studio for this show]

With some recent changes to Perri Lee's living arrangements, she is currently living alone. Should she stick with it? What are the challenges?

Byron opens up about his own experience since moving out of his ex-girlfriends apartment and has a raw and honest conversation with the team around the subject.

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Luke Adamson enlisted into the Australian Army in 2007 as a Combat Engineer. He was posted to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment in Darwin and was deployed on multiple operations in East Timor, Sumatra and Afghanistan. 

In Afghanistan, Luke experienced a life changing incident which left him pulseless and ultimately led to his medical separation from defence in 2014.

With his passion still burning for defence, Luke founded the Heroes on the Homefront Veterans Charity in 2016.

To this day, Luke's charity helps connect veterans to events and people in order to sustain mateship and loyalty once leaving defence. 

It is one of a number of charities around Australia that support veterans.

On the occasion of Anzac Day 2022, The Byron Cooke Show urges you to consider how you might support these heroes.

Find an additional list below that are mentioned within this episode.

Info on Assistance Dogs for Veterans

Young Veterans

Australian War Fighters Coffee

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The 2022 Australian Formula One Grand Prix just attracted crowds of over 400,000 to Albert Park and our very own DJ Perri Lee was in the absolute thick of it.

Perri was there for everything from the "Glamour On The Grid" event [where she bumped into an ex literally having never looked better] through to playing DJ sets in the lavish marquees. Plenty of gossip from the weekend is shared.

Also in this bonus episode, Byron shares what he believes are some fascinating facts about Albert Park's resident swan population. What do they do when masses of people and race car teams converge on their home? Are they escorted somewhere safely and brought back afterwards? 

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How many of us could honestly say we know exactly what our deeper purpose in life is? How might you start to go about making a real difference within a community?

They are heavy questions, but the answers needn't be overwhelming. This week's guest Annabelle Chauncy is the Founding Director and CEO of School For Life. She is driven every day by her belief that every child, no matter where he/she is born, deserves a right to education. 

Her foundation is a not-for-profit organisation working in rural Uganda. By building schools, they empower communities to help themselves and create their own opportunities.

Over 1000 students are now enrolled across 3 schools, with 114 local Ugandans employed as management, cooks, cleaners, teachers, security, construction and support staff in those schools.

For all of the achievements of the foundation, Annabelle believes we can all make a difference in our own way. This needn't be on a scale like School For Life and can start with the simple act of a bit of volunteer work.

Prepare to get inspired in this episode with lessons and perspectives from this amazing social entrepreneur!

For more info on School For Life and to support their work, go to www.schoolforlife.org.au

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After hearing our recent episode "The Great Dating App Debate", a listener DM'ed Perri Lee to ask her out. Should she date this wonderful sounding man called Garry? We discuss.

Also in this bonus episode, Byron reveals he is in the early stages of seeing someone. Hurtfully for Needy Jack, he also reveals he would have much preferred to take her to the Swans vs Bulldogs game last week. Jack's behaviour at the football is questioned.

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From AFL stardom to attempting to take his own life, Majak Daw’s is a football story like no other.

Born in Sudan, Majak Daw fled to Egypt with his family when he was only eight years old. When they were eventually able to make a new life for themselves in Melbourne’s south-west, Majak for the first time found where he belonged: playing footy.

Drafted as a raw prospect by North Melbourne, Majak’s explosiveness and athleticism were undeniable, and when his dream of playing in the AFL came true in 2013, he became a media sensation overnight. But on top of this unprecedented scrutiny, he was expected to be a role model for migrant youth and to speak for his entire community.

While from the outside Majak appeared to stand tall in the face of this pressure, as well as vicious racial vilification and crushingly bad luck with injuries, behind the scenes he was struggling. Depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and the fear of becoming a father were tearing him apart from the inside. At his wit’s end, feeling like there was nowhere else to turn, Majak made the decision to end it all by jumping off the Bolte Bridge.

But his story didn’t end there. Miraculously, he survived the 25-metre plunge into the icy Yarra River. Despite suffering horrific hip and pelvis injuries, Majak had been given a second chance at life, and he was determined to make the most of it. Embarking on a brutal rehabilitation program, he defied the odds and returned to play AFL footy, including a dazzling comeback game that many had thought impossible.

The focus of this one-on-one episode with Majak and Byron is helping others to overcome challenges. Through Majak's experience, so many valuable lessons can be learned.

Please note this episode contains references to suicide. If you or a loved one need support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online at https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Find below a list of organisations, websites and services that offer alcohol support, counselling and information. This list also includes research centres that focus on alcohol https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/alcohol/alcohol-contacts

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What's the go when it comes to break ups and social media? 

Byron lost a mate this week over what he considered to be a "bro code breach" on instagram involving his ex-girlfriend. Is he over-thinking it? Or if you were him, would you have done the same?

Perri Lee also opens up around how she has handled previous break ups on social media. Should your family members unfollow your ex and cut contact? What's ok and what isn't?

Listen to this bonus episode and decide for yourself.

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