The Byron Cooke Show

On Saturday August 21st 2021, a crowd of around 4,000 people marched through Melbourne’s CBD in breach of the state’s stay-at-home directions to protest over Victoria’s lockdown rules. More than 700 Victorian Police officers were deployed to contain the protest.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton described what played out that day as one of the most violent protests in Melbourne for 20 years. 

Nine police were treated in hospital for various injuries - 200 people were arrested and 2 protesters will face assault charges.

The Guardian Australia reported that many in the crowd came at police with projectiles - and for the first time during a lockdown protest, the Police used non-lethal weapons such as Capsicum spray and non lethal pellets. 

Away from the protests, police have been asked to enforce public health orders that include fining people for not wearing masks, being out after an enforced 9pm curfew and for unlawfully being more than 5km from their homes.

Has their approach been overly harsh? Or is it about right?

Are The Cops Copping It?

Joining Byron Cooke for this episode : John Sutton Director and Principal of J Sutton Associates. He is a Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist in criminal law and a former police officer in London and Sydney.

Note that a request has also been made to the Vic Police Media and Corporate Communications Department for a representative of Vic Police to answer the same questions put to Mr John Sutton. This has not been rejected as yet, and may occur in the future.

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...and how to smash them! In a collaboration with The Mind Muscle Project, this episode tackles 10 common barriers to motivation during lockdowns.

If you're feeling flat and have been struggling with physical and mental fitness at this challenging time, this episode offers some really useful techniques and solutions.

The Mind Muscle Project hosts Lachy Rowston and Raph Freedman have racked up well over 7 million downloads and 900 episodes with their impactful interviews and insights.

Suggested texts in episode : 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson 

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So many of us are feeling overwhelmed right now. The fearmongering news content. The endless angry social media exchanges. There has never been a more important time to seek out information sources that can provide clear, unbiased information.

With so much anxiety around Covid, we need genuine evidence-based hope for a future beyond the crisis. Thankfully, it is available.

Joining Byron Cooke for this episode : Anthony Macali, Founder of covidlive.com.au

A Business Intelligence and Reporting manager, Anthony created the site and donates his time to keep people informed using the power of data. By simply presenting the facts, the site has built up a massive following amongst those seeking comprehensive information without the political spin and division.

Also on the show is KIIS FM Sydney newsreader Brooklyn Ross. Presenting news on Sydney's Number 1 Breakfast Show "The Kyle and Jackie O Show", Brooklyn has called out many of his mainstream media colleagues for their sensationalist approach.

His IGTV Videos on Instagram state "Our Covid news isn't as depressing as you think". They are going viral by presenting information in a calm, reasoned style.

Contributing to the episode is Gotcha 4 Life  founder Gus Worland. The not for profit foundation delivers programs that engage, educate and empower by building mental fitness, creating meaningful mateship, emotional muscle and social connection in communities to end suicide. Gus has called for political leaders and the media to offer hope and change their tone.

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In difficult times, there is opportunity.

When the first lockdowns hit in Melbourne last year, Danny Grant went from big time nightclub promoter to stacking potatoes at the markets - literally overnight.

With his money tied up in hospitality events that would never come to fruition, he also took a part time gig at a bottle shop. At one point, income from three of his part time jobs was being put almost exclusivity towards rent at clubs that weren't even open.

Amazingly, an idea Danny had while working with mate's at the bottlo has transformed into a booming pre-mixed liquor business with distribution at over 1,000 bottle shops nationally.

There are countless examples of people turning the difficult reality of recent times into a positive. This episode focuses on how these people have gone about it, and offers inspiration to anyone considering a change.

Joining Byron for this episode : Julie Anne Longano, Executive Director of recruitment firm Peeps Consulting and Danny Grant, Co-Founder / Managing Director of Wet Pussy Shot

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Surely the world reached it's peak "online troll moment" at the recent summer games in Tokyo. It can't get worse. Global superstar gymnast Simone Biles withdraws in the middle of competition due to mental health issues - largely resulting from online abuse.

In this episode of The Byron Cooke Show, we focus on the positive steps being taken to tackle this massive issue - from athletes to the school yard.

In Australia, the Online Safety Bill 2021 establishes schemes to protect cyber abuse victims by forcing social media companies, internet and hosting providers to remove harmful material within 24 hours. It is expected to take effect in early 2022.

The world of innovative tech is also coming to the party. Joining Byron for this episode is Matt Von der Muhll of Respondology, a company that decided it was time to do something about the hate and damage produced by people hiding behind the anonymity of social media.

Providing the athletes perspective is Olympian Georgie Parker, a former Hockeyroo and member of the Channel 7 commentary team.

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From reckless drug addict to one of Australia's top chefs and television stars: MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo's powerful life story will shock and inspire.

"Last Shot" is his coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption.

Jock agreed to do this episode with Byron in an effort to help someone who might be struggling with addiction issues. He also provides some first hand insights for loved ones who are looking to support those facing this challenge.

"Last Shot" by Jock Zonfrillo (Simon and Shuster Australia $45) is available here

The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can have a damaging impact on individuals, families and communities. It is important to get support if you or someone you know needs help to manage a substance use issue. Help is available through Lifeline

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What's it like to be separated from your loved ones during a pandemic? For the countless Australians facing that situation due to border closures and strict travel restrictions, this situation has become a reality. For those with close family abroad, it's already been 18 months - with no obvious end in sight.

How do you stay positive? How can you make it work and keep these relationships thriving virtually?

In a very personal episode, Melbourne based Byron is joined by Zephyr - his 13 year old son in the USA. They haven't been together physically since spending a weekend together in Los Angeles back in February 2020, but feel as closely connected as ever.

For anyone interested in what it's like [or who actually needs some help themselves in this situation] this episode offers all sorts of ideas and stories for how they've kept their father / son relationship strong.

Zephyr also talks about his massive two year global travel adventure with his Mom. While it was cut short by the pandemic, it gave him a huge head start on the process of remote home schooling. You'll also hear a live Q & A from listeners inside the episode, and even take a musical journey through Zephyr's current Spotify playlist that he shares with his Dad.

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A desperate plea to politicians from a self employed photographer in regional Victoria racks up 2 million views across social media in less than 24 hours.

It may have also evoked a sense of helplessness for some. Times have been beyond tough for so many since the pandemic began.

What has been forgotten in all this in the longer term? 

We actually CAN control who makes the decisions that affect our lives! Because we live in this thing called a democracy - a system where people can change their rulers in a peaceful manner and the government is given the right to rule because the people say it may.

How many of us actually understand the “machine” that we are raging against?

What if instead of bitching behind keyboards and getting into pointless arguments that achieve nothing but upset, we got engaged in the actual process that allowed us to create change.

How can we take individual responsibility to better educate ourselves and make democracy work for us?

Joining Byron Cooke to help explain is Angela Vithoulkas, President of The Sensible Centre  

Their mission is to represent the 80% of us they identify as neither ‘right’ nor ‘left’, ‘progressive’ nor ‘conservative’, who want a unifying consensus-based approach to meeting all the challenges that face Australia

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REAL TALK with Aussie athletics stars Jessica Hull and Brooke Stratton.

No question is off limits. How wild was the partying in Rio? How hard is it to hustle for sponsorships? What really goes through their heads in those critical moments? What's it like to be in the middle of the controversy around travel exemptions for the upcoming games? Are Pole Vaulters strange people?

Follow Jessica Hull at her very first summer games in Tokyo via her instagram
Jessica will compete in the 1500 metres.

After a strong showing in Rio, Brooke Stratton returns for her second games in the Long Jump. You can follow her instagram here.

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Peta Hooke is a thirty-something single woman living in Melbourne. What makes her different? Peta has Cerebral Palsy - a lifelong disability she has had since birth. Peta loves her life.. and she doesn't feel like many people actually believe her when she says that!

Peta hosts the "I Can't Stand Podcast". Every week she answers a question about what it's like to live with a disability. 

In this episode, Peta answers every question sent to the Byron Cooke Show. She is a completely open book. Unless you live with a disability, there is little opportunity for you to understand the realities. In this episode, and on her own podcast, Peta aims to make misunderstanding disability a thing of the past.

Check out Peta's podcast here : I Can't Stand Podcast

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