Spending his early working years in the mines, Brad Butcher knew his life was destined for so much more. Picking up the 2018 Golden Guitar for new talent, Brad has stayed humble and his music was always just a way to pay the bills. Brad shares with Matt his influences and what took him out of his comfort zone when he toured the U.S. Enjoy this coffee chat with a great musical artist and an absolute gentleman. You can catch Brad with other top Australian artists at this year's Murgon Music Muster...
Oct 24, 2018•37 min
Mona Hecke is well known as the 'Aussie Health Girl' and as well as sharing her popular insights on healthy living, Mona is forging a path forward for the healing powers of medicinal marijuana. Mona's son has a form of epilepsy and he was adament he did not want the convential treatments as they were doing more harm to his body than good. This lead Mona to research the controversial medicinal qualities of cannabis and they are very happy with the results.
Oct 17, 2018•54 min
Harley Cash is the president of social motorcycle club, Aces & Eights. He shares a behind the scenes look at what goes on in a motorcycle club, he gives his honest thoughts on the strict motorcycle club laws that were introduced in recent years. But maybe the most interesting part of Harley's story is his childhood. Harley was homeless at 12 and owned his own house by the time he was 19.
Oct 14, 2018•45 min
Michael Bennett is an entertainer, a comedian and a stuntman. He has wowed audiences all over the world. But behind the big laughs is a man who has dealt with the sad reality that his fiance died of hyperthermia after going out for a walk in the Snowy Mountains with a friend and getting lost. After that day, Michael's new travelling partner was the black dog. These days, with his wonderful partner (and former Coffee Chats guest) Donna-Leigh Perfect they travel the country inspiring crowds with t...
Oct 10, 2018•49 min
Amber Goldsmith has shared the stage with some of the country's biggest country artists including Troy Cassar Daley and Adam Harvey. But it's her personal life that is the really remarkable part of her journey. She joins Matt in the studio and the best part is she brings her guitar! Amber Goldsmith shares the ups and downs of her life and she sings the songs that got her through these times.
Oct 07, 2018•1 hr 4 min
As a child, Jas Rawlinson's father would emotionally abuse her every day and tell her how worthless she was. Due to his mental illness, Jas' father eventually took his own life and she remembers this being a relief because she knew she wouldn't be afraid anymore. These days, Jas has evolved into a woman making positive changes for the masses and she has recently put together a book called 'Reasons to Live' which showcases other people who have overcome massive challenges in their lives....
Oct 02, 2018•42 min
Jenni Parry didn't take up Nudism until after her marriage break up, but she very quickly embraced the commonly misunderstood lifestyle choice. In their Coffee Chat, Jenni shares with Matt how she was initially introduced to public nudity, what her children think about their mum's nude ways and what she said to a man who she thought was taking indecent photos of her naked body.
Sep 27, 2018•1 hr 8 min
Lisa Wells used to eat to excess because it was easier than dealing with the thoughts in her head. It was not unusual for Lisa to eat a whole family block of chocolate or an entire packet of Tim Tams in one sitting. In her Coffee Chat with Matt Collins, Lisa gets emotional as she opens up about this time in her life. Nowadays through her business Food, Fear and Freedom , Lisa assists others who are stuggling with the same uncontrollable, emotional thoughts which lead to over-eating as she went t...
Sep 24, 2018•58 min
After losing his arm in a farming accident at eight years old, Nick Fredricksen didn't even want his family to look at him. But as Nick grew he realised nothing would stop him following his passion for woodchopping and nowadays Nick wows crowds around the world with his one-armed woodchopping expertise. In his Coffee Chat with Matt, Nick shares the challenges he faced growing up and his response when Matt asks if he would rather live life with two arms or one.
Sep 19, 2018•41 min
Abby Andersson was born into a family of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her parents were committed to their church first and foremost so when Abby's teenage marriage broke down her parents chose their religious beliefs over their daughter and refused to speak to her again. Abby experienced many terrible things during her time in the religion, including sexual abuse which was covered up (even by her parents). These days Abby is happily married with three children and has the strength and bravery to share h...
Sep 16, 2018•1 hr 17 min
People sign up for reality TV shows for lots of different reasons; fame, money, opportunities and more. But what Clare Verrall endured from her Married at First Sight reality tv experience was nothing to envy. In her Coffee Chats interview, Clare shares with Matt a less than glamorous look behind the scenes at her time on the show. Including why she feels the only thing that matters to the producers is creating a good show and the psychological health of the contestants takes a distant second....
Sep 12, 2018•1 hr 7 min
In this unique musical event, Matt Collins hosts a Night of Music and Conversation with five talented artists each with remarkable stories and songs to share. Matt is joined my Amber Goldsmith, Tony Cisneros, Laudy, Matt Wild and Ash Williamson in front of a live audience at the Nanango RSL in Qld. The event raised over $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation which goes to show what happens when hard work, talent and good people come together to help others. Enjoy this tremendous musical experience....
Sep 09, 2018•2 hr 12 min
Super heroes don't exist, but Mandi Lee is as close as they come to the real thing. Last year, at 36, Mandi was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells which weakens bones. Doctors advised Mandi had very little time left. In their Coffee Chat, Mandi Lee shares with Matt her thoughts for the future, the love and emotion she has for her husband and children and the one final thing she is desperate to experience with her family.
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 8 min
Matt and his boy Noah (George) cover side of the Gympie Music Muster not often seen (or heard). Sure, they chat with some amazing musicians (Lloyd Spiegel, Casey Barnes, Tim Gaze, Scarlet's Way and more) but the Muster is much more than just music. Matt shares some great chats with the people behind the scenes at the Muster but ny no means less important. Matt chats with volunteers, police officers, fellow radio announcers and more. But the best chats are left for Matt and his boy. Enjoy....
Aug 31, 2018•1 hr 24 min
Petra Williams grew up in a South Africa torn with racism. She was bullied at school for her appearance and went on to become a school teacher, which she did not enjoy. One could be forgiven for being surprised that as an adult, Petra is an inspiration to all she comes in contact with. As Trevor Hahn found out. Trevor is a visually impaired adventure and Petra bravely put her hand up to guide Trevor to the summit of Gokyo Ri, a mountain parallel to Everest....
Aug 28, 2018•53 min
Choir conductor, Jonathon Welch starred in one of the most heart warming television shows ever aired. The Choir of Hard Knocks is a group of homeless people who came together under Jonathon's guidance to create an angelic choir that still tours today. In their Coffee Chat, Jonathon shares with Matt why, as a gay man in the 80's and 90's, he didn't experience the same discrimination that others dealt with, why he is the guardian of his niece's children and the reason he is so good at bringing out...
Aug 23, 2018•58 min
In this special edition of Coffee Chats, Matt shares conversations with three remarkable music artists in front of a live audience for a 'Night of Music & Conversation'. Mason Hope, Brooke Schubert and MC Wheels share stories from their lives as well as performing some of their inspiring tunes. Each artist has experienced their own challenges and struggles, and from those struggles have come some remarkable music. Enjoy this unique musical event with three great musicians with even greater s...
Aug 19, 2018•1 hr 56 min
Beccy Cole is one of Australia's most prized country musicians and deservedly so, with ten golden guitar awards (including four Female Artist of the Year awards). But whilst music has featured strongly in Beccy's journey, it is her personal life that is just as remarkable. Beccy Cole shares a coffee chat with Matt and she discusses her failed marriage and the rollercoast of emotions she experienced when coming out as a lesbian on national television.
Aug 16, 2018•59 min
As a child, Donna-Leigh Perfect saw things that children just shouldn't see. At seven years of age, Donna-Leigh and her siblings saw her father violently murder their mother. She then spent her childhood in and out of foster homes and in a lot of ways, these times in her life were just as horrific as her mother's death. In their coffee chat, Donna-Leigh shares wth Matt some of her experiences during this time and how as an adult, she has used her tragic childhood to help others....
Aug 12, 2018•1 hr 9 min
The Daruk Boy's Home in NSW, Australia has been exposed as the scene of repeated, vicious and ongoing sexual, physical and psychological abuse during the 1970's and 80's. Over 80 people have come forward to share their awful experiences when they were just vulnerable children exposed to ruthless predators. One such child (who is now a very brave man) onlywanted to be known as 'Kenny' as his case is currently being heard in court. 'Kenny' shares with his horrific story with Matt and why he believ...
Aug 08, 2018•1 hr 2 min
There is a big arguement for the validity of our prison system. Does it really promote rehabiltation? One look at Jeff Morgan and the answer is a resounding yes. Jeff ran away from his family home at 12 and turned to a life of petty crime and robbing banks. He spent many years behind bars and in that time, he completed a university degree. These days, Jeff mentors inidgenous people and is an advocate for indigenous health and he stars in a fitness and health show on NITV.
Aug 05, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Laura Descy battles daily with Multiple Sclerosis. But as a divorcee who has struggled with depression, Laura is used to dealing with challenges. As a competitive Body Sculptor, it is not uncommon to see her trainer carrying Laura from one machine to the next because of her MS. Laura takes on all this as well her career as a full time nurse. Laura Descy shares a coffee chat with Matt and she explains how she makes it all work.
Aug 02, 2018•59 min
Fiona Boyes, an Australian blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, has been recording and performing for more than 25 years. A veteran recording artist with 15 releases, Australia's first lady of the Blues has a stack of awards from both the U.S and Australia. In their Coffee Chat, Fiona shares with Matt why she started playing guitar so late in life, her thoughts on gender equality in the music industry and why Matt want his own piece of the Aussie Blues legend.
Jul 29, 2018•44 min
According to author Christopher Bardsley, a lot of young people go to progressing Asian countries with a disrespect for the culture. This is when they get themselves in trouble. In his new book, 'Jack was here', it tells the tale of such trouble. Chris shares why he got into fiction writing, why he got out of teaching and what he really thinks of Marvel movies.
Jul 25, 2018•42 min
Aaron Horsey has been a surfer for as long as he can remember, so keeping our oceans clean is especially important. Through his work with the Clean Water Group, Aaron has seen the horrendous effects of our rubbish in the oceans. Dead Sea life washed up on the shore and deserted beaches covered in plastic bottles are far too common. He is passionate about creating awareness of just how dangerous our rubbish is.
Jul 23, 2018•35 min
Wendy Miller has it all, a successful corporate career, a loving husband and three beautiful children. She is also very proud to be the stepmother to her husband's three children. Growing up as a young girl, Wendy's childhood was tainted by her abusive stepfather so being a positive influence on her children and stepchildren is a major priority. Wendy shares with Matt the ups and downs of the crazy world that is 'co-parenting'.
Jul 18, 2018•1 hr 11 min
Sports people will come and go through out the decades but there is one man who is still spoken about long after his playing days. Mario Fenech is one of the NRL's largest and most loveable personalities. He shares a great chat with Matt and they discuss his playing days in the 80's and 90's and how much the game has changed. Mario looks back on his time as a regular on the Footy Show and he shares the highs and lows of that time in his life and of course, Mario talks about his beloved Rabbitohs...
Jul 15, 2018•31 min
In Part One, Kylie discussed her less than ideal upbringing filled with the sometimes tragic events she and her family endured. In this, Part Two, Kylie shares the toxic relationship she had with the father of her first son. She talks about why she kept going back to that relationship and what her life looks like these days with a loving and supportive husband and four lovely children (two of whom have special needs). Kylie talks about the point when she realised she was worthy of love and a pos...
Jul 12, 2018•40 min
Kylie Stretton had a childhood most people would want to forget. Kylie was born into a family of domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse. She didn't speak until she was 7 and couldn't read or write until she was 19. There are so many chapters to Kylie Stretton's journey: multiple family suicides, domestic violence, abusive relationships and, sadly, so much more. Now as the parent of children with special needs, Kylie is making sure her kids get the childhood she missed out on....
Jul 08, 2018•40 min
Australian Guitar Magazine recently voted Lloyd Spiegel in their Top 50 greatest guitarists of all time. But his musical journey has not always been so glamorous. Lloyd had a heart attack at the tender age of 23 after many years of living the rockstar lifestyle. Lloyd shares with Matt his thoughts on relationships, the current state of the music industry and the first thing he googles when he goes overseas.
Jul 01, 2018•1 hr 1 min
