Shows
Exchanges with Evan LucasExchanges with Andy Fithall: Social BusinessOn This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social GoodAndy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist.Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact with every cup.We dive into the essence of social entrepreneurialism, the idea of coffee as a currency for connection, and how businesses can balance co...
2025-11-1028 min
Talking Blood CancerCoping with Uncertainty: Andy Fithall Talks Life After a Blood Cancer DiagnosisIn this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Andy Fithall, who shares his personal experience of being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) at the age of 40. Highlighting the challenges of receiving a blood cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating the “watch and wait” approach, which can be an unfamiliar and sometimes isolating experience.Andy discusses how his diagnosis occurred unexpectedly when he was being screened for haemochromatosis. Describing the shock of hearing the diagnosis, and the anxiety that followed during the days leading up to his first specialist appo...
2025-10-2247 min
The Good People PodcastWeh Yeoh - Good charities die youngSend us a textWeh Yeoh realised that there was so much more he could do with his Physiotherapy degree than hands on, 1 on 1 clinical work.It was a combination of his physio training, clinical experience, and his travels (volunteering and working for charity overseas) that made him realise that the standard charity business model is broken. If a charity grows, then it may not actually be doing the right job, and it might actually be harming the communities that it is supposedly serving. Charities are so often more focussed on band aid...
2023-12-1250 minThe Good People PodcastGeraldine Hickey - The real stories beneath the comedySend us a textGeraldine Hickey makes me laugh, which is good, because that's her job. But it's the way she makes me laugh is what I like about her so much, through humorous anecdotes, and real stories about her life. You see, you'll struggle to find a more genuine person, willing to share the vulnerable details of their world, in this case, through the medium of comedy. And it's not an act. Our conversations on, and off the recording were by all accounts the same, with Geraldine, and her...
2023-11-301h 24The Good People PodcastLouise Larkin - The friend you never knew you hadSend us a textWhile driving her car one day, Louise Larkin heard an interview on the radio that would change the course of her life.She heard the sad story of a young boy, who was left broken hearted after no one turned up to his birthday party, despite his parents attempts at throwing a great party. This lit a fire in her belly, and after some conversations with some friends, she decided to throw a birthday party for any child who was feeling left out, an all inclusive get together where k...
2023-11-2355 minThe Good People PodcastCassie Walker - Happiness, Health, and Band T-Shirts that Save The WorldSend us a textMusic, ethics, and principles are the fabric of Cassie Walker's beingSo it's no surprise that she created a business that can help musicians create merchandise which helps them earn money, AND reduce the impact on the environment at the same time!Upcycled Merch sources non new, and pre owned items of clothing, and upcycles them into merchandise for bands, and businesses who are looking for way to be eco friendly. She's determined to give people a high quality, affordable option that both looks great, and feels good t...
2023-11-1556 minThe Good People PodcastMarrs Coiro - AI is coming to get you.... educated??Send us a textThere is no doubt that A.I. or Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic. The speed in which it is being developed and employed in almost every industry is both amazing, and FRIGHTENING!The words ChatGPT can be heard almost daily, even in non tech environment So is it friend or foe?I wanted to find out so I invited Marrs Coiro, the Co-Founder of Polynize onto the showPolynize is an AI powered, educational tool which gamifies the learning of practical skills, and aims to d...
2023-11-091h 01The Good People PodcastTommy Quick and David Jones - We rode 'round the land down underSend us a textAt just 12 years of age, Tommy Quick survived a stroke, and had to learn to walk again and talk again, and try to live a normal life with his new disability, and it was damn hard. But as it turns out, Tommy Quick is an unstoppable force, completing high school, achieving a degree in Nutrition, and even hiking the Kokoda Track. But a conversation with a mate at a coffee shop planted the seed for an epic adventure, one which would eventually be called The 4 Points Australia
2023-11-021h 02The Good People PodcastDr Matthew Read - Putting AI Technology Under The KnifeSend us a textDr Matthew Read was pretty young when he knew he wanted to be a surgeon. Having been exposed to medical clinics which were managed by his mother, and having the aptitude for fixing problems, his vision of his future was pretty clear. But, as he discovered, there is never a straight line between dreams and success, and for over 20 years Matthew pursued medical study, facing rejection, and even a stint in the army before getting to where he is now, a multi award winning Upper GI (gastro intestinal) surgeon...
2023-10-2659 minThe Good People PodcastEmma MacGregor - Sustainability that came from non eventsSend us a textEmma MacGregor reached a point in her life where she had achieved everything that was expected of her. She went to Uni, she got married, had kids, but had a the lingering feeling that there is more she should do. Event management is her trade, but after losing her dream job at the beginning of COVID, Emma took matters into her own hands, creating an initiative called the "Out Of Work Bakers" in the local community to help unemployed hospitality and event staff earn a few extra bucks from...
2023-10-191h 10The Good People PodcastPeter Baines OAM - Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Thai CharitiesSend us a textAs a young cop, Peter Baines knew he had a bigger purpose. He couldn't have guessed though, the he would be involved in the largest Disaster Victim Identification task in history, or that he would raise over $30m for charity. After choosing a path in forensics, Peter quickly climbed the ranks, which lead him to be called up as part of an international forensic squad, charged with identifying the remains of the 200+ victims of the Bali bombings, and then the 5000+ victims of the 2004 boxing day tsunami in Thailand....
2023-10-121h 13The Good People PodcastAmelia Pickering - Prison positivity, and life's possibilitiesSend us a textHave you ever thought about what it's like to re enter society after serving a prison sentence?We watch glorified TV shows about crime, lawyers, and even some popular shows set inside prisons, but we don't tend to pay much attention to ex-prisoners who have re joined the community, which is strange given that almost all of them are eventually released.For many, life has moved and changed too quickly, and the process is overwhelming, leading to a high rate of re-incarceration But when they are supported, the statistics...
2023-10-041h 00The Good People PodcastBonus Episode - Chris Farrell and Jess McDonald T-shirts, Research and Footy!Send us a textIt's school holidays, so for a change of pace, I invited Chris Farrell - (Neighbours/The Hope Fund - ep21) and Jess McDonald (High Tees Australia - ep11) to come to the studio for a coffee and chat. Chris barracks for the Carlton Blues, while Jess is a fanatical Melbourne Demons supporter, so I played a dirty trick on them, inviting them to wear their football colours, without telling them who they each barracked for. It ended up in some hilarious moments.We talk about Jess's "Community" T-shirt...
2023-09-1938 minThe Good People PodcastRyan Abramowitz - The elephant in the roomSend us a textRyan Abramowitz was in Copenhagen when he learnt that his father had died from suicide. It was an event that would change his life, and leave deep scars with him and his family. He discovered through the grieving process that there weren't many options when it came to books to help people understand, and work through the grief of losing a parent or loved one after suicide, and with around 3500 people per year taking their own life, there seemed to be a real need. During the cold winter...
2023-09-1451 minThe Good People PodcastKelly Barrett - Brief solutions for human problemsSend us a textKelly Barrett decided from a very young age that she had to take control of her own destiny. She's a firm believer that the game of life isn't played on a level playing field, so she was determined not to let her humble beginnings in the commission flats in Werribee, shape her future for her. Having been served her fair share of back fortune, Kelly's resilience and determination were key to finding the gold at the end of the rainbow. Hard work, and a handful of sliding door moments presented op...
2023-09-071h 19The Good People PodcastEvana De Lune - The power of dance, and self loveSend us a textSince the day she was born, Evana De Lune was destined for the stage. Performance is in her DNA, having been dancing since a very young age, but a chance trip to a burlesque class, opened her eyes to a whole new world of performance.She was so hooked by what she saw, she has been performing as a burlesque dancer ever since.The entertainment industry was shattered when the pandemic set in, but where there's will, there's a way, and Evana took to online in an attempt to...
2023-08-301h 11The Good People PodcastScott Miller - Purpose over profit, and the freedom machineSend us a textScott Miller wasn't far into his corporate career when he decided that working in big oil wasn't for him. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, he was destined to follow in their footsteps climbing the corporate ladder, business was the mantra, but it quickly became clear that his personal values didn't align, and so he jumped ship (or rig?) perusing study in the healthcare industrySince then, Scott been on an inspiring journey of healthcare, leading to philanthropic roles and leading volunteers, which has confirmed instincts, and unveiled the impo...
2023-08-231h 01The Good People PodcastJack Simpson - La Creme De La CremaSend us a textJack Simpson says the best thing about being an apprentice carpenter, was getting to go to great coffee shops all over Melbourne. It was the best part of his day. Truth is, he didn't really like carpentry, but started to really love coffee.One chance day, he walked into a great cafe in Brighton who had a sign on the window looking for baristas, and so, Jack took a leap. With no experience, Jack assumed he wouldn't make the cut, but the owners saw his enthusiasm a...
2023-08-1551 minThe Good People PodcastDavid Laity - Where there's a Goodwill, there's a Good WaySend us a textBlack Saturday will always be remembered as one of the worst days in the history of Victoria. But it should also be remembered as the day that David Laity was forced to think about his life, and his purpose. His media production company AND side hustle were both destroyed by the horrific fires which burnt so much of northern Victoria, and took so many lives. He and his partner were literally was left with nothing except a small amount of possessions, and their dog. Thanks...
2023-08-1049 minThe Good People PodcastZac Lewis - Empowering youth to reach their full potentialSend us a textTalent is everywhere, but opportunity is limited by your postcode.Zac Lewis is the CEO of Western Chances, and organisation devoted to empowering young people to achieve their potential. There is an unfortunate, and very real correlation between life opportunities, and the postcode you live in. Western Chances is built on the idea of levelling the playing field for young people who limit their goals based on their financial situation. Zac will tell you, that it is amazing to see what can happen when you remove the barrier of...
2023-08-0243 minThe Good People PodcastAdam Sarfati - Saving the world with corn? That's Heaps Good!Send us a textAdam Sarfati had already started trying to change the world for the better before the pandemic hit, but the COVID lockdowns combined with the increase in online shopping was the perfect time for Heaps Good Packaging to launch. People want to do the right thing, and the original Heaps Good mailing satchel (a revolutionary product which is home compostable) gave online retailers an eco friendly way to ship the thousands of orders going out every day. It was an instant success!Adam tells us how his little idea of...
2023-07-2638 minThe Good People PodcastChris Farrell - Fake Doctor, Real Nurse, Real HopeSend us a textYou may know Chris Farrell from his role as heart throb, Dr Rob in the tv soapie Neighbours. But you probably didn't know he's a Head of Operations and Marketing, helping raise awareness for serious illness like upper gastro intestinal cancer through The Hope Fund, a fantastic organisation created by medical professionals who want to create better long term outcomes for their patients through research.Chris has some amazing stories of his adventures overseas, his acting career, and the sliding door moments that changed the course of his c...
2023-07-1949 minThe Good People PodcastJacinta Parsons - Off Air Perspective and Chronic EnduranceSend us a textJacinta Parsons, has a lot to say, and we wanted her perspective!She's an ABC Melbourne Radio host, Author, and Public Speaker, as well as a huge lover of people, and their stories. If you only know her from her "Afternoons" show on ABC Melbourne Radio, you may be led to believe that this charismatic, fun and friendly, ball of energy is JP's only side. But Jacinta's real story is one of perseverance, and endurance. It's a test of emotional and physical will power to keep getting...
2023-07-1257 minThe Good People PodcastLisa Skaife - Driving home the power of educationSend us a textLisa Skaife from My Drive School has motorsport running through her veins. Having worked around the thrills and spills of the high speed industry for most of her career, she was confident that she would be able to pass on what she knew to her kids when it came time for them to get behind the wheel. But after some consideration, and research (which uncovered some horrifying statists), Lisa decided that something needed to be done to reduce not only the road fatalities, but also the huge number of road i...
2023-07-0536 minThe Good People PodcastMatt Donovan - Planting the seed for changeSend us a textMatthew Donovan, founder and CEO of Food For Change has created 3 MILLION MEALS for people suffering from food insecurity. Insane right?What is even more amazing is, he only started in 2016! Matt found himself with some spare time after winding up a business and moving to Melbourne, and so started volunteering in food relief. Little did he know that this would be the catalyst which would eventually lead to the creation of his own charity which both grows, and rescues food, and has helped so many people along t...
2023-06-2832 minThe Good People PodcastPeta-Gai McLaughlin - Finding Gold At The End Of The Makeup RainbowSend us a textPeta-Gai Mclaughlin from Iridis Cosmetics is on a mission to help people find their inner beauty, and she's doing it with Makeup!Ironic? No!Often makeup is used to hide imperfections and flaws, but Peta-Gai's talent is identifying and accentuating people's positive side. The result is an increase in self worth and inner strength which has changed the lives of so many, giving them the confidence to change other negative aspects of their lives. She has clients from all walks of life, from celebrities, musicians, executives and the na...
2023-06-2155 minThe Good People PodcastRebecca Challoner - ADHD Brains Aren't Broken!Send us a textRebecca Challoner from My Spirited Child is an award winning ADHD advocate, who is on a mission to create information, strategies and support for neurodivergent children, to improve their education, self worth, and quality of life in general, including family life and social settings.Australia has a comparatively low diagnosis rate compared to other western countries, and is lacking the support mechanisms needed in the school system, to adequately provide an environment that helps kids with ADHD and Autism learn like their non divergent counterparts. This means we are...
2023-06-1446 minThe Good People PodcastDavid McNamara - From Culinary Delights To Human RightsSend us a textDavid McNamara is the CEO of one of the world's oldest food relief charities, Foodbank. He is one of the most humble and generous people you will ever meet, and in this episode he talks about how he, as a young IT professional ends up at the helm of an organisation, which is feeding 50,000 people every dayDavid's message is clear. Solving food insecurity for vulnerable Australians isn't just about full tummies, it's about using data to ensure the right food, is getting to the right people, at the...
2023-06-0738 minThe Good People PodcastAmanda Thompson - Ironmanda, The Femme FiscalSend us a textAmanda Thompson from Endurance Financial is an award winning financial advisor, and 3 time World Ironman Qualifier, who has taken life by the horns, but not without her fair share of challenges.She was a high flying corporate financial advisor who was working HARD to provide for her family, but a life saving 4 week stint in hospital gave her the jolt she needed to change her perspective, and work on the things that really matter. Only 1 year later, another life changing diagnosis would lead her down the path of ultra tri...
2023-05-3130 minThe Good People PodcastAndrew Hansen - Chasing HilaritySend us a textAndrew Hansen from the legendary "The Chaser" tv show joins us on The Good People Podcast, bringing his very lively and detailed account of how he found himself tangled up in one of the most popular and risky comedy tv shows of the the 2000's. As well as his live comedy shows, he's also an author, and has released his own children's books co authored with his partner Jessica Roberts. His comedy is edgy, and his writing is sharp, but when it's all said and done, Andrew is just...
2023-05-241h 03The Good People PodcastLiliana Bravo - Creative Colombians Left Out In The CALDSend us a textLiliana Bravo migrated to Australia to create a new life for herself. One where she could learn English, further her education, create her own business, and make social change in an environment which is far safer than her home land. For better or for worse, she launched her business Casa Bonita Lifestyle just before the COVID outbreak, which created many challenges, but also brought some unexpected benefits. Having experienced first hand the challenges faced by Culturally And Linguistically Diverse women (CALD), Liliana has now made it her mission to h...
2023-05-1737 minThe Good People PodcastJess McDonald - Drawing On Organic EthicsSend us a textOne fateful day, A young arts graduate who was backpacking through Ireland walked into the Dublin store of one of the worlds largest cosmetics companies, looking for work. Little did she know that this would be the start of a very successful career, which took her all over the world, and solidified her ethics and values, but whose demands also took a huge mental toll, leaving her clinically burnt out. But, Jess McDonald is a warrior, and has since created High Tees Australia, an ethical and sustainable apparel company , w...
2023-05-101h 10The Good People PodcastPhoebe Preuss - Livin' La Vida KokoSend us a textPhoebe Preuss is the Co Founder of Living Koko , a company which creates delicious chocolatey treats in Melbourne, Australia. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find that she is an amazing person who's values and ethics are changing the lives of an entire supply chain, through the importation of the Samoan grown Koko or Cacao bean.Phoebe takes us on a journey in this episode, and explains how she turned grief, and tragedy, it something so positive. She is incredibly thought provoking, has the kindest sole, and is t...
2023-05-0342 minThe Good People PodcastTommy Quick - Surviving Stroke, And The 4 Points RideSend us a textTommy Quick is the definition of inspiration!At just 12 years old, the sport loving boys life would change forever, when he suffered a stroke. Tommy had to learn to walk again, talk again, and get his life back, but this wouldn't stop him from eventually achieving some incredible things. After already hiking the Kokoda Trail, he is in the process of completing his 4 Points Australia ride on a recumbent tricycle, which will take him to the 4 most extreme points of the Australian mainland (N,S,E,W) and cover 9000Kms...
2023-04-271h 01The Good People PodcastDr Loz - Steminism, And Some Important Grey MattersSend us a textLorien Parker AKA "Dr Loz" is one smart cookie! She has a PHD in Bio Chemistry, has launched science experiments into space, and was listed as a top 100 most influential women in the Australian Financial Review!In this episode of The Good People Podcast we explore how Dr Loz went from a career in cancer treatment research, to championing STEM learning, and making it accessible, and digestible for all types of brains. Lorien invented Science Play Kids which creates programs to teach kids of all kinds about the...
2023-04-1947 minThe Good People PodcastAthena Thompson - The Problem WhispererSend us a textAthena Thompson from Tech Lever is a one of a kind.Although you'll mostly find her lurking around in background, you can bet your bottom dollar she's moving and shaking, and busy helping someone bring their project to life. She loves nothing more than seeing others succeed, especially if she had a hand in it. Athena has recently been recognised with a nomination for Citizen Of The Year, for all the effort she puts into community projects, and for her volunteer work. She also has a nuclear m...
2023-04-0650 minThe Good People PodcastChris Gooden - The Saint Amongst The SinnersSend us a textChris Gooden is the owner of the infamous Seddon Deadly Sins cafe in Seddon, Victoria, but what most people don't know is the incredible story of the man who will travel to the other side of Australia, just to help people out. He's supported Aussie athletes at international competition, volunteered at crisis accomodation, spearheaded massive social change, and was awarded the Citizen of The Year award.You won't find a stronger advocate for the causes he believes in. Chris's energy is contagious, and inspiring, and will make yo...
2023-03-2755 minThe Good People PodcastJohn Ng - Migration Manhood and Money MoralsSend us a textJohn Ng - is more than just a previous citizen of the year, or the many billboards you see him on. He's a self made man, who migrated to Australia chasing love and dreams of a better life. After finally getting citizenship and gaining full time employment, he became disenchanted with his job and all the moral issues that go hand in hand with working for a big 4 bank, John decided to create his own business so he could give people things they actually need. He also cr...
2023-03-1953 minThe Good People PodcastJules Brooke - She's The BossSend us a textThis episode with Jules Brooke is one for the ages. Rarely will you meet a person with such interesting stories about their past, from impulsive and dangerous travel stories, to creating an array of businesses which have led to some incredible encounters. Jules has made it her mission to empower women in both business and in life, and has her own amazing podcast with hundreds of interviews with amazing, high calibre females from all over the globe. Her schedule is always full of lunches and networking...
2023-03-1341 minThe Good People PodcastJustin Anderson - Front Line WarriorSend us a textSubscribe to this channel, and never miss any of the amazing stories from The Good People Podcast Justin Anderson is an Actor, Producer, and Director, who has appeared in nearly EVERY good Australian drama in the past 20+ years. He’s also the co Founder of Bitten By Productions, a Melbourne based production company.Justin’s also been involved in disaster relief for a long time, so when the pandemic struck, he stepped up, and plunged in head first, taking on front line roles w...
2023-03-0847 minThe Good People PodcastSheridan Rose Shaw - Mama WestSend us a textSheridan Rose Shaw is the Creative Director at the multi awarding winning Mama West, a group of women led businesses based in the inner west of Melbourne, who set out to build a vibrant community and co-working space of cool people, creators and brands. We spoke to her about how she got to where she is today, including all the highs and lows, along the way. Sheridan openly tells her story which is story is both inspiring, and challenging, and will leave you feeling empowered.
2023-02-2148 minThe Good People PodcastKate Tapping - Write the World NotebooksSend us a textKate Tapping set out to change the world $10 at a time when she created Write The World Notebooks, a great little business that has made a BIG difference. Each notebook has a name, and the designs are all unique collaborations with artists and photographers, but the kicker is, the total amount spent on each notebook goes to effective charities, which blows our mind!! We spoke to Kate back in 2020, a year after she created Write The World, and we were impressed with the amount she had donated by t...
2023-02-2124 min