The Journey - brought to you by BMG

John Brabant | The Journey Podcast

Dr John Brabant had already built a successful career in orthodontics when a newspaper article about poverty and homelessness in the Albury Wodonga region prompted a simple response:

“I’m going to do something about this.”

That decision would eventually lead John to buy an old food van, walk into Quamby House and meet Snowy - an unlikely friendship that became part of the beginnings of Carevan.

In this episode of The Journey, John joins Matt Griffith to reflect on the experiences that shaped his life - from orthodontics and the serious health challenges that led him to choose Albury, to family, friendship and more than 16 years working alongside people experiencing hardship.

John shares how those experiences changed his understanding of homelessness and why Carevan has always been about more than providing food - it is about dignity, identity, connection and belonging.

It’s a candid conversation about professional success, unexpected turns, community and what can happen when someone decides not to look away.

The Journey Podcast: Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.

Proudly brought to you by BMG and Radio 2AY.

Stuart Hodgson | The Journey Podcast

For more than three decades, Stuart Hodgson has been part of the Albury Tigers - as a player, coach, president and passionate clubman.

In this episode, Stuart joins Matt Griffith to reflect on the experiences that shaped his life through football - from moving schools as a child and finding a sense of belonging through the game, to playing in three consecutive premierships and eventually helping lead the club as president.

But for Stuart, footy has always been about much more than what happens on the field.

He shares stories of the friendships, families and generations of people who have shaped the Albury Tigers, and what it meant for his own family to grow up as part of that community.

Stuart also reflects on one of the most challenging periods of his life - his diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the chemotherapy treatment that followed. He speaks openly about the support he received, his gratitude for the care available locally, and how the experience changed his perspective on what matters most.

The Journey Podcast: Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.

Proudly brought to you by BMG and Radio 2AY.

Most people retire. Greg Porter bought a gold mine.

After a successful career in engineering and manufacturing, Greg moved from Sydney to the Albury Wodonga region to be closer to family. Looking for his next challenge, he discovered Karr's Reef Gold Mine near Yackandandah - a forgotten piece of Australian history that would become his life's passion.

In this episode of The Journey, Greg shares the remarkable story behind restoring the mine, uncovering hidden tunnels, preserving local heritage and proving that retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down. Instead, it can be the beginning of life's greatest adventure.

It's an inspiring conversation about curiosity, purpose, family, community and the importance of never stopping learning.

For nearly five decades, Ross Ried has helped shape community sport in Albury-Wodonga.

A Life Member of the Albury Tigers Football Club, Ross joins The Journey to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have defined his remarkable journey through local football, cycling, elite sport and community leadership.

From his first job at just 14 years old to mentoring young athletes, managing teams, supporting volunteers and working behind the scenes at the Sydney Olympics, Ross shares an honest and heartfelt perspective on what community sport can teach us about life. He reflects on the importance of volunteering, the friendships forged through football, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the role local clubs play in creating a sense of belonging.

As the Albury Tigers celebrates 150 years, Ross also shares his unique perspective on the club's history and the generations of people who have helped build its legacy.

This is a warm and authentic conversation about loyalty, resilience and the people who quietly keep regional communities thriving.

Proudly brought to you by BMG and 1494 2AY. Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.

What does it look like to build a life around conviction, doubt, and compassion - all at once?

In this episode of The Journey, Father Peter MacLeod Miller shares a path that moves from Sydney’s cathedral world, to working with homeless communities across the city and the outback, and eventually to becoming Rector at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury.

But this isn’t simply a story about ministry or church leadership. It’s a conversation about questioning institutions from the inside, confronting the realities of human suffering, and continually reshaping what faith and service mean in a modern world.

From studying law while being drawn to the beauty of cathedral music, to working in some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities, Father Peter’s journey is anything but conventional.

What stands out most is his focus on people over systems - and compassion over certainty.

It’s an episode that invites you to reflect on belief, authority, and whether institutions truly serve the people they’re built for.
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share or leave a review - it helps more people discover these stories.

Proudly brought to you by BMG & 1494 2AY.

What does it look like to travel the world… and then choose to slow down?

In this episode, John Garvin shares a journey that begins in a small fishing village in England and unfolds across London’s West End, the Caribbean, and the world of underwater filmmaking.

From performing nearly 2,000 shows on stage to training actors and working on major film productions, his career has taken some incredible turns.

But this isn’t just a story about adventure.

It’s about where that journey leads.

After years of global travel and high-level work, John made a decision many can relate to - stepping away from the fast pace to build a life grounded in family, community and balance.

Now based in Yackandandah in North East Victoria, he reflects on what it really means to feel at home.

A thoughtful and deeply human conversation about finding your own path - and choosing the life that matters most.

Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners

Sandra Moon didn’t set out to build a career in radio.

Born in Wagga and raised in Deniliquin, her early path revolved around theatre, travel and adventure. She spent five years overseas, working as a tour guide and navigating life independently across Europe. But it was a moment of clarity following 9/11 that forced her to pause and ask, “What am I doing?”

That question brought her home - and unexpectedly into broadcasting.

It’s a warm, grounded conversation about curiosity, community and finding the work that feels right.

Real people. Real stories. Regional heart.
Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners.

Kade Brown’s journey is one of courage, community and balance.

In this episode of The Journey, Kade shares his path from growing up in Albury to owning Adrenaline Gym and bringing Grilled Burger Bar to the border. He speaks candidly about loss, leadership, family, and learning when - and how - to reprioritise life.

An honest conversation about backing yourself and knowing when it’s time to change direction.

Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.

Former detective. Local leader. Reality TV favourite.

A life shaped by service, trauma, resilience and purpose.

In this episode, Graeme Simpfendorfer opens up about policing, the emotional toll of trauma, stepping away after 27 years, balancing family life, and finding new identity beyond the badge. A raw, honest and inspiring journey.

Local cricket tragic. Holbrook’s favourite son. Proud dad, grandfather, coach, commentator - and beekeeper!

In this episode of The Journey, Matt sits down with the endlessly positive and always entertaining Robbie Mackinlay, whose life has been shaped by sport, family and community.

Robbie shares stories from growing up on the farm at Mirrabooka, the fiercely competitive backyard cricket battles with his brothers, the values his parents instilled, and the deep connection he still holds with Holbrook. He opens up about premiership highs, heartbreaking losses, the joy of playing alongside his son Andrew, and why local footy and cricket matter more than most people realise.

This is the story of a man who has given decades to community sport - and loved every minute of it!

Brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.