The Concrete Connection Project

Okay, here we go. This is it—the final episode! Thirty-five conversations later, and it’s feeling pretty emotional to close the book on The Concrete Connection Project.

To wrap things up, I’m talking to a guy I genuinely love and respect, Jacob Hodgman.

You know how I met him? The ukulele scene of course! We were just a couple of guys strumming away, but eventually, Jake and I became great friends. Writing books together, running events and a passion for left of field projects. But it was once I went to him with the idea of the Concrete Connection Project, he opened up to me about something deeply personal: he lives with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

This conversation is an absolute must-listen. Jacob doesn't hold anything back when talking about BPD—it’s honest, it's real, and it’s illuminating. We talk about:

• What it’s actually like when your emotions feel like a rollercoaster you can’t get off.

• The unexpected relief and focus that comes from having a hobby, like playing music.

• The hard work that goes into managing BPD and finding your footing every day.

The whole reason I started this podcast—to show that connection is everywhere—comes through loud and clear in this chat. You just have to be willing to sit down, share something simple, and really hear the person across from you.

Thank you, seriously, for sticking with me and The Concrete Connection Project and thanks to Jake for joining me.

Emily Davis joins us on the podcast this week! She is an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter known for her powerful, cinematic blend of country-folk and gothic blues. Originally from Adelaide, Emily's songwriting shines through her deep, emotionally honest lyrics that explore themes of love, transformation, and place. Having built a global following through multiple solo albums, national and international touring, we were so thankful to catch up with her for this chat on a beautiful spring day in Botanic Park.

https://www.emilydavis.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/emilydavissingersongwriter/

David Cronin is a well-known Adelaide figure whose career spans decades, blending the creative arts, physical theatre, and therapeutic humour. He is best known for his long-running work as a Clown Doctor and his role in promoting Laughter Yoga and wellness throughout South Australia. It was an absolute pleasure sitting down with such an important figure of our community. Thanks to David for joining me at the Pear Cafe' in Alberton for Mental Health Month.

https://www.facebook.com/LaughterClubsSouthAustralia/

The Pear: https://neighbourhoodnode.com.au/the-pear/

The Pear Cafe in Alberton, SA, is much more than a place to grab a coffee; it’s a dedicated Neighbourhood Node and a true community hub. Run by locals who opened up part of their home, it focuses on fostering connections and combating social isolation within the community. Beyond offering simple, locally-sourced food and great coffee, The Pear hosts an array of free, weekly activities—from Tai Chi and Woolcraft Clubs to community quiz events and Music Mondays—making it the essential meeting spot right next to the Alberton Railway Station. It's a beautiful example of how small spaces can generate huge community spirit.

I was lucky enough to catch some of the key contributors to this wonderful space during Mental Health Month.

For more information head to https://neighbourhoodnode.com.au/the-pear/

This project has opened some interesting doors for me and the story in which the podcast came about was no exception. A few weeks ago I came across a cool looking building in north Adelaide, I thought it would be a good place to play in front of. for the project. I saw the sign @adelaideartsociety112 (Instagram) and thought I’d take a peak inside. When I knocked on the door to my surprise there was a class of a dozen students immersed in portrait drawing. I performed for the class in their break out the front of the building and next thing I knew I was invited to be a model for their next two sessions. After my last session as a model on Monday I was able to sit and have a chat with Jo Telfer all about the Adelaide Art Society and the community its building.

https://www.adelaideartsocietyinc.com.au/

In this Episode we are very happy to announce the Concrete Connection Project donates $500 to Tutti Arts. They are doing amazing work with amazing artists to make the world brighter in every way. Thanks to Suzanne and Alex for joining me on Episode 30, which so happened to land on R U OK? Day. We talk all things Tutti and their new Living My Life project page that went live on the 11th. We talk about how it's aiming to help the wellbeing of the community become more accessible and Alex gives us a guided tour of his original character cards he created for the project. Thanks to the @tutti.barossa crew for letting me join in today.

You can find out more about Tutti Arts at https://tutti.org.au/

"A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved" is a saying that does not have a single known author, but the phrase is well-established, with a similar sentiment found in a 1931 book by D. L. Sayers "Trouble shared is trouble halved". Never the less, it was a perfect quote pulled from an awesome conversation with Adam Blesing. Singer/Songwriter/Bassist of incredible Australian band Dojo Rise.

It was a great day and a great chat, ranging through the challenges of Covid, and the beauty it spawned. Overcoming physical feats of endurance to build a greater appreciation of the simple things in life. To the negative thoughts that roll around in our heads, giving passage to self doubt and self worth and going all in on your passions.

I got a lot out of this chat and I hope you do to.

Listen to Run, Baby, Run by Dojo Rise here: https://open.spotify.com/track/466tUxrk6rwsvx1cWe501p?si=6b9d04111e7a460a

In this episode I chat with ABC Radio Adelaide's Evenings host Spence Denny. For over 11 years Spence was ABC's on the ground roving reporter. From his time in the Army, growing up in Norwood, moving to UK, regional job opportunities, a particular park bench to rubbing shoulders with the neighbourhood locals at the front bar. We had an amazing and positive chat in Wellington Square North Adelaide. Thanks Spence for a great afternoon.

Join Spence on ABC Radio Adelaide 7 - 10pm Monday to Thursday.

Please support the project by heading to https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project

My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben

Instagram: @ruefulben

In todays Episode I catch up with Adelaide singer/songwriter Courtney Robb. Talking all things @tintownband, grief, connection, the transformation of the music industry and more. Thanks Courtney for making time.

Check out Tin Town here https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZqYITCqUJOAbZ7AQlf1qO?si=4tYQY7mVT_eP0nq-EKgEqw

https://youtu.be/-SGSytkWtD4?si=d0k8twVM14ZA41-7

Episode 26: "Vinyl and Clarity" w/ Laura and Matt Hovath - Clarity Records

Thanks to Laura, Matt and the @clarityrecordsadelaide team for letting me into the store today and being such great guests on the Concrete Connection Project Podcast. A great conversation and great company. We had an awesome chat all things Clarity Records, it's history and the relationship between Vinyl and Mindfulness.

I Hope you enjoy this podcast. Please make sure to follow the pod for more great conversations like this.

Clarity records can be found at 60 Pulteney Street, Adelaide

https://clarityrecords.net/