Conversations In Noosa

Pip Covell is the dynamic and charismatic leader of Sunshine Beach Real Estate! Pip's infectious energy and passion for her work have made her a household name in the local industry. With a career spanning over three decades, she has built a reputation for sound business practice, effective communication, and a deep connection with the community. From classic cars to music and dance, Pip's creative side shines through in everything she does. In this episode, we delve into Pip's inspiring story, from teaching music to the real estate industry. We explore her unique approach to leadership, her commitment to her team, and her dedication to the Sunshine Beach community. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Pip's success and learn how she continues to thrive in a competitive industry.

Join me as I sit down with Rio Capurso from Locale, one of Noosa's most beloved restaurants. From Puglia, Italy to the picturesque Greek Islands and the bustling streets of London, Rio's journey is a great tale. In this episode, we'll delve into how one of Noosa’s most successful restaurant ticks and what makes Locale a household name in Noosa's dining scene. We'll talk about the skills required to succeed in the fast-paced hospitality industry, and how family and heritage have, and are shaping Rio's approach to food and community.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Bella Venezia, a Sunshine Coast institution that has transformed during its almost forty-year history into the gastronomic haven it is today. We’ll sit down with co-owner Todd Young to uncover the secrets behind its enduring success and adaptability in the ever-changing hospitality landscape.

Ever wondered how someone from a laid-back place like the Sunshine Coast ends up working on some of the biggest reality TV shows? Shows like Survivor and The Apprentice? Today, we meet Dan Munday and he’ll talk us through his incredible career path, taking us from regional Queensland to the San Fernando Valley in California. But Dan isn't just reminiscing – he's using his experience to give back to the Sunshine Coast. We'll also hear about the Sunny Coast Showdown, a film festival spearheaded by Dan and another Sunshine Coast legend, Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill.

Today we're joined by two distinguished guests, Travis Shultz, and Jane Ferrari. Travis, a respected local lawyer with a deep-seated passion for fine wines, began his journey in the world of wine as a writer many years ago. Jane, on the other hand, is a celebrated figure in the winemaking industry, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. This episode of our podcast was recorded in the “green room” ahead of the 2024 Winemaker's Masterclass at the Maroochy RSL, an event that combines the love of wine with a noble cause. The event is more than just a masterclass, it's a fundraiser for SunnyKids, a charity that's making a real difference on the Sunshine Coast. This year’s event raised over $187,000!

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, Everyone Has a Story, today featuring Hedley Thomas, multi-Walkley Award winner, investigative journalist, and creator of the most listened-to crime podcast in the world, The Teacher’s Pet. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Park & Cove Restaurant at Pepper’s Noosa Resort & Villas. You may be surprised to hear in the episode that Hedley crafted and wrote some of the episodes while staying at Pepper’s. Let’s go behind the scenes of The Teacher’s Pet podcast and discover extra details that were never in the original podcast but now feature in Hedley’s new book of the same name.

Today we're excited to be joined by Tom Harvey, co-founder of TH7 BodyLabs. Now, Tom isn't just another entrepreneur – he's on a mission to revolutionise human performance and well-being through a unique set of protocols and that's exactly what we're going to dig into today. Curious about how to unlock next-level health benefits, from sleep so deep you wake up feeling reborn to accelerated injury recovery and even the potential to extend your health span? Then strap yourselves in, because Tom's about to break down the science behind TH7 BodyLabs’ methods and how they can transform your life. Let's jump right in!

In a world obsessed with electric vehicles, one car maker is taking a different road. Toyota, the brand synonymous with reliability, is sceptical towards EVs. But is their caution justified? Join us on this episode of our podcast as we speak with Brett Mills from Ken Mills Toyota, a long-time dealer principal, we’ll dive deep into the iconic brand's future.  We'll explore Toyota's multi-pronged approach to clean cars, from hybrids to hydrogen, and discover why they believe it's the key to winning the race for sustainable transportation.  Is electric the only path, or is there a more diverse future for motor vehicles? Buckle up for a fascinating conversation about trust, tradition, and the road ahead.

Do you crave authentic Mexican flavours with a fresh, local twist?  In this episode, we journey from the Sapphire Coast to the Sunshine Coast with restauranteur Jason Jones. We'll explore his passion for Mexican cuisine, ignited by a childhood spent foraging and experimenting in the kitchen. Jason will share the story behind Mamasita, one of Melbourne's most beloved Mexican destinations.  We'll also discover how his adventures abroad, from Europe to Singapore, influenced the creation of his current project, Bandita. Located riverside in Noosa, Bandita offers a unique take on Mexican food. Think fresh, local seafood cooked over fire, alongside classic favourites like tacos and guacamole. But Bandita is more than just a restaurant. It's an experience.  Jason believes in fostering a community around food and creating memorable moments for his guests. Join us as we delve into Jason's culinary philosophy, the inspiration behind Bandita, and the magic of dining riverside with a million-dollar su

Today, we're diving into the life of Alexander Payne, a man who has always had a love for Noosa. Originally from Victoria, he was a frequent visitor to Noosa, sometimes visiting twice a year for holidays. His deep affection for the area led him to move here for the first time in the 1980s. Now, Alexander lives in Sunshine Beach with his husband, Adrian, and Alexander works as a real estate agent with Reed & Co. He specialises in properties in Sunshine Beach, an area he fondly describes as a place where you’ll come across "Beetles and Bentleys". Join us as we explore Alexander's journey, his love for Noosa, and his insights into the unique charm of Sunshine Beach.

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we delve into the world of community banking with our guest, Kerryn Vincart, Branch Manager of Bendigo Bank at Tewantin Noosa. Kerryn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fostering a community-focused banking approach that genuinely helps locals.  In this episode, we explore the importance of financial education and the need for all of us to develop financial literacy. Kerryn shares her insights on the future of physical bank branches and whether they will continue to exist in the coming years. It’s an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of banking and finance.

Welcome to Everyone Has a Story, where we dive into the lives of extraordinary individuals who are shaping our world in remarkable ways. Today, we're thrilled to have with us Amanda Yeates, the CEO of SunCentral, the company behind the transformative development of the new Maroochydore CBD on the Sunshine Coast. In a world driven by technology and innovation, it's easy to overlook the power of infrastructure development. But as Amanda reminds us, building infrastructure isn't just about creating roads and bridges; it's about shaping the very fabric of our communities. Growing up, Amanda was inspired by her father's dedication to infrastructure projects. She witnessed firsthand the impact his work had on people's lives, and it was this realisation that ignited a passion to pursue a career in infrastructure development. Today, Amanda stands at the helm of SunCentral, leading a team of passionate individuals who are redefining the concept of a city centre. The new Maroochydore CBD is more

In this episode of Everyone Has a Story, we meet Andrew Wilcox from restaurant Park & Cove at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas. He’s an individual who has always been driven to succeed. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast in Tewantin, Andy always had a thirst for life and a desire to make his mark on the world. He demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for cooking, traits that have led him to a successful career in hospitality.  Andy's love of food and his dedication to his craft have made him a well-respected figure in the industry. He’s a big sports fan, he loves Formula One motor racing and the NBA. He’s particularly fond of former Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson, whom he admires for his mentorship, leadership, and motivational skills. Andy's story is one of determination, hard work, and success. He is an inspiration to us all to follow our dreams and never give up on ourselves. In this episode, we will hear about Andy's life, his career, and his passions. We will also learn about th

Diamonds form, over time, under extreme temperature and pressure. Today you’ll meet a woman, who just like the formation of a precious gem, has built a successful business and brand following several obstacles. Life has tossed Sandra Greenberger a few curveballs. Low self-esteem growing up, a broken marriage that left her with two small children, and then the loss of her driver’s licence and subsequently her full-time job. Sandra will tell you that there were occasions when she was “curled up in a ball on the floor” however the result culminated in the purchase of her own business, Leskes Jewellers, even though she had no experience at all at ever running one.

Welcome to Everyone Has A Story, the podcast where I interview inspiring people from all walks of life. In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Maria Woods, the principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar, a school that is known for its excellence and innovation. Maria shares with me her insights on how to educate children in the digital age, how to deal with the challenges of social media and online bullying, and how to foster a culture of leadership and community among students. She also reveals some of the secrets behind Sunshine Coast Grammar's success and why it is not a one-size-fits-all school. If you are a parent, an educator, or simply interested in learning from a remarkable leader, you don't want to miss this conversation with Maria Woods.

Like many of us, settling on a career in our teens or even early twenties can be elusive. Today’s guest didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. From underwater archaeological sites in the Aegean Sea to outrunning pirates in the Red Sea, she’s managed to combine all her loves. Travel, shopping, and homewares. 

Imagine how challenging running multiple business interests can be. Today’s guest is a woman of many talents and passions. She’s always been fascinated by different industries and opportunities and has pursued her goals with courage and creativity. From organising dream weddings to running successful gymnasiums and fitness centres in Australia and the Cayman Islands to launching a chain of popular art and wine studios. My guest is a female entrepreneur who has learned valuable lessons along the way. It’s been a journey of discovery, challenge, and growth. A journey that still has some way to go.

Are older women being seen? More importantly, are they being heard? Millennials buried deep in a social media landscape seldom recognise what baby boomers have to offer. Today’s guest speaks about her purpose of being seen and heard as a septuagenarian. And Kerala, India with its cultural diversity, rich history, and varied landscape that includes the Arabian Sea coast, seems worlds away from Dalby, the often-hot rural Queensland town where my guest grew up. Why does she go there every two years? Find out in this episode.

The Comiskey Group is a family-owned hospitality, entertainment, and construction company founded by Paul Comiskey more than 50 years ago. Rob is one of two brothers who run the business with his dad and the group recently opened the doors on The Doonan, a site they purchased 15 years ago. I was interested in learning why and how some people see opportunity in a venture when others don’t. The Comiskey Group has done that with several projects and as you’ll hear in this episode, sometimes without a “plan B”.

Coffee has a rich history, complex chemistry, and a variety of effects on the human body and mind. For many, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a ritual, a social lubricant, a source of energy, and pleasure. I recently sat down with two locals responsible for the smoothest double espresso I’ve ever tasted. Ben & Kate Saultry from Bunker Specialty Coffee Co.