In this episode of Stories of Us, Sarah Grynberg sits down with Mitchell Coombs, a vibrant personality from Bogan Gate, a small town in New South Wales.

Growing up in Bogan Gate, Mitchell initially found life there stifling and dreamt of the hustle and bustle of Sydney. He recounts how his perspective has changed, now appreciating the peacefulness and tight-knit community of his hometown.

Mitchell shares his journey from Bogan Gate to Sydney, where he became a producer on the fast-paced Kyle and Jackie O Show. Despite the demanding nature of breakfast radio, he thrived and developed a strong work ethic. Mitchell humorously recalls his initial shyness and how he earned the nickname "Meek Mitch" from Kyle Sandilands.

His rise to public attention began with a viral video tour of Bogan Gate, which led to national recognition and an appearance on Sunrise. This unexpected fame encouraged him to pursue content creation on YouTube and later TikTok, where he continues to engage and entertain audiences.

Mitchell also opens up about the challenges of being openly gay in different environments. Surprisingly, he found more acceptance in Bogan Gate than in certain parts of Sydney, sharing a recent distressing incident in a Manly bar. Despite such challenges, Mitchell remains optimistic and committed to his work.

Join Sarah and Mitchell as they explore his unique story, from a small-town boy with big city dreams to a successful content creator who embraces his roots and identity.

if you’ve enjoyed hearing Mitchell’s story and would like to hear about another hilarious comedian from regional New South Wales - check out our episode with Cameron James here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/cameron-james-on-strumming-strings-to-striking-jok?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B3eb8c0c0-2def-4d14-9789-b1290000293a

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Join host Sarah Grynberg in a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, Geraldine Hickey, on Stories of Us. Hailing from Albury, New South Wales, Geraldine takes us on her journey from the charming regional town where she grew up to the bustling comedy scene of Melbourne.

In this episode, Geraldine shares her humble beginnings, reflecting on the supportive yet identity-challenged atmosphere of Albury, where she first discovered her love for drama. She recounts the pivotal moments that led her to comedy, including a life-changing encounter with comedian Peter Helliar and a nudge from her mother that pushed her to enter the RAW Comedy competition.

The conversation delves into the profound grief experienced when a loved one passes from dementia, describing it as a "long goodbye." Geraldine reflects on her father's final days, the solace of knowing he was at peace, and the mixed emotions of relief and sorrow that come with the end of such a challenging journey.

Geraldine also touches on the recent loss of her close friend and fellow comedian, Cal Wilson. She shares the emotional process of dealing with sudden illness and the support system of friends that helped her through the grieving period.

Geraldine talks about her comedy show "Don't Tease Me About My Gloves," inspired by her diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. She humorously explains the trials of living with this condition, from the initial shock to the practical adjustments she had to make. The show serves as a broader commentary on grief, both for the small daily losses and the monumental life changes.

You can find Geraldine’s Tour Dates at: https://linktr.ee/GeraldineHickey

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Geraldine’s story today and would like to listen to another Aussie comedy legend - check out our episode with Newcastle’s own Rhys Nicholson here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/rhys-nicholson-on-having-a-bad-gig-in-front-of-the?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B381713c1-8315-4b13-ad76-b0d7017d4794

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In this episode, Julie Goodwin, shares her candid journey of triumphs and setbacks. From the excitement of winning the show to the challenges of coping with personal losses and struggles with alcohol, Julie's story is one of resilience and redemption.

Julie opens up about the overwhelming experience of sudden fame and the unexpected pressures that came with it. She reflects on the difficult period following her win, marked by the passing of her Nan and mother-in-law, as well as her own battles with depression and addiction.

During the conversation, Julie speaks honestly about her DUI incident, acknowledging the shame and humiliation she felt as her personal struggles became public. She recounts the challenges of seeking help and the long road to recovery, emphasizing the importance of confronting trauma and making positive changes.

Despite the hardships, Julie's story is one of hope and perseverance. She shares practical insights into managing emotions, coping with depression, and finding strength in difficult times. Her message resonates with listeners as she encourages them to seek support, make positive choices, and believe in their ability to overcome adversity.

As Julie reflects on her journey and the release of her book, "Your Time Starts Now," she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and connect with others. Her honesty and resilience inspire listeners to embrace hope, seek help when needed, and believe in their capacity for growth and healing.

This episode of Stories Of Us focuses on subjects around mental health and depression and includes references of sexual assault and self-harm. If anything in this podcast brings up difficult feelings for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to someone you trust for support. Alternatively, you can call Lifeline anytime at 13 11 14 for assistance.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing from Julie today and would like to hear the story of another Australian Icon - check out our episode with Murray Cook from the Wiggles. A link to his episode of Stories of Us is here… https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/murray-cook-on-the-young-wiggles-fan-who-left-a-la?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B8e74707c-a9d2-4116-be05-b0f0017e81b4

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Join Sarah Grynberg as we delve into the captivating journey of renowned musician and activist John Butler. Born in California but raised in the serene landscapes of Pinjarra, Western Australia, Butler's life has been shaped by the river that flowed through his childhood and the cultural shifts he experienced moving from LA to a predominantly white town.

Butler's passion for music blossomed through the challenges he faced, finding solace and expression in his guitar. Despite encountering racism and adversity, he found refuge in the companionship of outcasts and the First Nations community, shaping his worldview, and inspiring his activism.

As John shares his experiences, he reflects on the spiritual and creative journey intertwined with the realities of fame and the music industry. From confronting darkness to embracing the power of storytelling, his insights offer a profound perspective on navigating life's complexities while staying true to oneself.

John Butler’s new album Running River is released on May 24, 2024.

If you’d like to hear from another Aussie music icon who hails from regional Australia - may I recommend our brilliant episode with the fabulous Pete Murray. You can find his episode here… https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/pete-murray-wasnt-destined-to-be-a-singer?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3Badb524c2-de97-43ad-baf8-b0d401879eb3

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In this episode of Stories of Us, Brendan Cullen shares his upbringing on a sheep station in regional Australia with host Sarah Grynberg.

Growing up on Mount Westwood near Broken Hill, Brendan fondly recalls carefree days exploring the vast outdoors with his younger brother.

He describes the daily routines of farm life, including stock work and maintenance tasks on the expansive 150,000-acre property he currently works on.

Brendan candidly discusses the challenges of rural isolation and the toll it took on his mental health, leading to a struggle with depression exacerbated by self-medication with alcohol. However, through self-awareness and seeking professional help, Brendan found the courage to confront his issues and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.

He emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. Brendan's journey highlights the resilience and strength found in rural communities, even in the face of adversity like droughts, which he also discusses.

If  anything  in  this  podcast  has  brought  up  difficult  feelings  please  reach  out  to  someone  you  trust  for  support  alternatively  you  can  call  LifeLine  anytime  at  13  11  14  for  assistance.

If you  would  like  to  hear  about  another  story  of  resilience,  check  out  our  episode  with  former  NRL  player  Alex  McKinnon  who  faced  a  life  changing  injury  on  the  field. You can find his episode here… https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/alex-mckinnon-forgives-the-player-who-made-him-par?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3Bb918973f-1345-4747-9bfa-b0ba009b195e

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In this episode of Stories of Us, Dr. Dinesh Palipana shares his remarkable journey with host Sarah Grynberg, revealing the twists and turns that led him to pursue a career in medicine despite facing significant challenges along the way.

Dinesh reflects on his early years growing up in Byron Bay, Australia, recalling fond memories of the idyllic coastal town where he spent his formative years. From bike rides to flying lessons, Byron Bay was a place of joy and discovery for him.

However, his path to medicine wasn't straightforward. Initially considering a career in law, Dinesh's life took a different turn when he experienced depression during his time in law school. Inspired by the doctor who helped him through this challenging period, Dinesh found his calling in medicine, driven by a desire to support others in the way he had been supported.

His journey took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him paralysed. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Dinesh persevered and continued his medical studies, eventually becoming an emergency department doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital.

Through his work, he found a way to give back to others, drawing on his own experiences to provide compassionate care to those in need.

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Dinesh’s story and would like to hear about another Gold Coast legend - check out our episode with the footballer and Matilda Tameka Yallop. You can find her episode here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/tameka-yallop-on-coping-with-the-highs-and-lows-of?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B52085d84-0c54-43b1-8697-b1080160458e

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In this episode of Stories of Us, host Sarah Grynberg interviews Paul Litherland, a former police officer from Western Australia who has transitioned into a role as a Cybersecurity Advocate.

Paul's upbringing in Albany, Western Australia, exposed him to the harsh realities of domestic violence within his own family. His life took a significant turn after a severe car accident, resulting in profound injuries that reshaped his life trajectory. This event compelled Paul to confront his physical limitations and reassess his life's direction, eventually leading him to find purpose in the field of cybersecurity.

Through his journey, Paul has become a vocal advocate for societal change, particularly in addressing issues of online abuse, especially among vulnerable children. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, he highlights the prevalence of cyberbullying, online scams, and sextortion targeting young individuals. Paul stresses the importance of parental guidance and digital literacy in protecting children from digital threats and advocates for proactive measures in both familial and educational settings to create a safer online environment.

Paul's candid reflections and passionate advocacy offer valuable insights into the intersection of technology, society, and personal resilience.

If you want to hear another inspiring story from Western Australia - the remarkable Curtis McGrath, a former soldier who will be captaining Australia at the Paris Paralympic games this year. You can find his episode of Stories of Us here... https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/paralympian-curtis-mcgrath-on-the-explosion-that-l?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3Bed240b88-28f1-43b4-ac4f-b10d016ffdc9

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In this episode of Stories of Us, join Sarah Grynberg as she chats with Jane Cay, founder of Bird's Nest, about her journey from Cooma's high street to building one of Australia's top online retailers.

Jane shares how her small Cooma clothing store blossomed into a nationwide platform, offering women a unique shopping experience. Despite initially leaving Cooma, she returned, fell in love, and discovered her passion for entrepreneurship.

Through Bird's Nest, Jane redefined fashion as empowerment for women, focusing on inclusivity and personalized styling. Join Sarah and Jane as they explore the Bird's Nest story—a testament to community, resilience, and pursuing one's passion.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing Jane’s story today and would like to hear about the growth of another iconic Australian franchise – listen to our episode of Stories of Us with Murray Cook, The red-skivvy Wiggle. You can find his episode here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/murray-cook-on-the-young-wiggles-fan-who-left-a-la?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B8e74707c-a9d2-4116-be05-b0f0017e81b4

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In this heartfelt episode of Stories of Us, Sarah Grynberg sits down with the legendary Don Spencer OAM for a candid conversation about his remarkable life journey.

Growing up in Tamworth, NSW, Don shares poignant memories of his childhood marked by challenges and resilience. Raised by a single mother in a time when divorce was stigmatized, Spencer reflects on the hardships his family faced and the lack of community support.

Unexpectedly drawn into the world of music during his travels, Don recounts his serendipitous encounter with singer Roger Whitaker in Nairobi, Kenya, which sparked his passion for songwriting. Despite his initial reluctance, he  found himself immersed in the music industry, eventually touring with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones.

Reflecting on his experiences, Don candidly discusses his decision to abstain from drugs and his frustration with their glamorization in the music industry. He shares insights into his enduring career, from his iconic role on PlaySchool to his founding of the Australian Children's Music Foundation, a testament to his commitment to providing music education to disadvantaged youth.

Through his engaging anecdotes and reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of his enduring legacy as a musician, advocate for children's education, and champion of resilience and hope. Join Sarah Grynberg and Don Spencer on this inspiring journey through the life and music of a true Australian icon..

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Don’s story today and want to hear from some another Aussie music legend, may I suggest our brilliant episode of Stories of Us with Ben Gilles from Silverchair. https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/ben-gillies-on-silverchairs-inception-in-newcastle?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=e77edba2-7502-4255-a196-adf8016555fb%3B69a56795-5292-4234-9f27-b0b1015baaee?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=episode_player&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6;69a56795-5292-4234-9f27-b0b1015baaee

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In this episode of Stories of Us, host Sarah Grynberg explores the extraordinary resilience of Brett Connellan, a surfer from Kiama, NSW.

Brett's life changed forever when he survived a shark attack while surfing at Bombo Beach.

Despite losing three-quarters of his left quad, Brett's determination and the support of his friend helped him make it to shore.

His journey of recovery, marked by challenges and triumphs, showcases the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Through sharing his story, Brett inspires others to overcome adversity and embrace the possibility of transformation.

Tune in to witness Brett Connellan's inspiring tale of resilience and triumph against all odds.

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Join Sarah Grynberg as she takes a journey through some of the most extraordinary and inspiring moments captured so far on Stories of Us. 

Former NRL player Alex McKinnon shares his story of resilience in the face of adversity, recounting the challenges he faced with unwavering determination.

Golfing superstar Karrie Webb reflects on her journey to the top of women's world golf, proving doubters wrong with her sheer tenacity.

Aussie music icon Shannon Noll opens up about his personal struggles and the transformative power of music in his life.

The podcast also revisits the electrifying energy of the Women’s World Cup Quarter Finals with Matilda stalwart Tameka Yallop, who shares her gripping experience of taking a penalty under immense pressure.

Curtis McGrath, co-captain of the Paralympic team, recounts his life-altering moment during his service in Afghanistan and his journey to representing Australia on the global stage.

Rounding off the episode is a dose of laughter with comedian Rhys Nicholson, who shares a candid account of the ups and downs of their career.

Listeners are encouraged to delve into the Stories of Us archives to uncover more uplifting and inspiring tales from Australia’s heartland.

And if you have a story about a regional hero, the podcast team is eager to hear from you. Drop us an email at [email protected].

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