Coffee Chats with Matt Collins artwork

Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

277 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

Drinks coffee and chats with remarkable people.

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Episodes

Tahir (Comedian)

March 09, 2023 07:50 - 19 minutes - 22.1 MB

From Istanbul, to high school teacher, to Australian comedy star and television favorite. Tahir moved to Australia when he was three and has forged a successful career in the spotlight, involved in some of the most popular television comedies over the past 20 years. From Fat Pizza, to Housos and Here come the Habibs, Tahir's comedy has helped pave the way for many multicultural Australian comics. Tahir is currently performing across the country with a host of international comedy stars...

Royce Simmons (Rugby League great)

March 02, 2023 01:46 - 29 minutes - 41.4 MB

Back in 1991, the Penrith Panthers won their first Rugby League Grand Final. Panthers legend, Royce Simmons scored two tries that day and announced his retirement after the final whistle was blown. Over thirty years later, and despite his recent diagnosis with dementia, Royce is still involved in the club and the town he loves - and that loves him. Royce's Big Walk is a fundraiser he begun in 2022 that raised over $1 million for Dementia Australia. It is back in 2023 and knowing Royce'...

Kora Kurvacious (Drag Queen)

February 25, 2023 02:09 - 38 minutes - 45.7 MB

Luke (aka Kora Kurvacious) is one of Australia's prominent drag queens. But regardless of her talent, she is still victim of bullying and is concerned for her safety when she is out at night. In their chat, Kora and Matt discuss sexuality, bullying, the dark past of Sydney's Mardi Gras, and the unusually long time it takes for Luke to turn into Kora.

Jade Hurley

February 16, 2023 09:09 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MB

Jade Hurley has been entertaining music lovers for over 65 years. Australia’s King of Country Rock, Jade called Johnny Cash and Johnny O'Keefe friends. In fact, the Man in Black once said: 'He’s one hell of a showman and entertainer this Aussie … and he can sure play that damn piano.' In their chat, Jade shares with Matt how his music career started when he was a drunk 14 year old, the famous singer who changed his name to Jade, and the dark time in his life when he almost lost every...

Kevin Bloody Wilson

February 06, 2023 07:47 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MB

WARNING: Adult language and concepts While the rest of the world was getting offended by 60's television shows or brand names of cheese, for 35 years Kevin Bloody Wilson has continued to not give a f***. In their chat, Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson shares with Matt 'Bloody' Collins his thoughts on cancel culture, what Alan Bond's wife said about his song Living next door to Alan, and where does D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F really come from. Kev is currently touring NSW, get your tickets here.      

David Collins (Umbilical Brothers)

February 02, 2023 08:43 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MB

Once they established that they could possibly be related, David Collins and Matt Collins shared a wonderful chat about the Umbilical Brothers remarkable career. One of Australia's greatest entertainment exports, David opens up on his upbringing, performing in front of 100,000 people at Woodstock '99, why he didn't talk for the first four years of his life, and what he said when he met the Queen. The Umbilical Brothers are currently touring Australia. Get your tickets here.

Wendell Sailor

January 24, 2023 06:42 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

'Big Dell' is one of the greatest rugby league players the world has ever seen....just ask him. But it's true. He has the stats to prove it. In fact, after he did everything he set out to do in the NRL, he switched codes and become one of only a handful of players to represent Australia in both League and Union. In their chat, Sailor shares with Matt the truth behind the ego, his favourite Wayne Bennett stories, how he dealt with retirement, and why he is more proud of his son Tristan ...

Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film, 2040)

April 11, 2022 08:33 - 27 minutes - 51.4 MB

With the highest grossing Australian documentary under his belt, Damon Gameau knows a thing or two about what gets people to take action. It's a good thing he uses that power for good and not evil. After huge success with That Sugar Film and 2040, the former actor Damon Gameau has a new doco called Regeneration Australia - which looks at how much the planet could potentially thrive over the next ten years. Gameau shares with Matt what he believes we need to focus on to see massive chan...

Monique Juratovac (The Hairdressing Bricklayer)

April 04, 2022 08:51 - 25 minutes - 35.9 MB

Like so many other students, Monique Juratovac was not a fan of high school and she left to begin a hairdressing apprenticeship. But once she completed the trade, she realised hairdressing was not her true calling. But what she wanted to do next was not encouraged by her father. She wanted to become a bricklayer. Considering only two per cent of bricklayers are women, it is no surprise her father had his doubts. In their chat, Monique shares with Matt what her first boss said to he...

Brian Cadd (Aussie Music Legend)

March 07, 2022 08:42 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Brian Cadd is one of the great songwriters. He has written songs for some of the greatest artist of our generation - and thankfully, he has kept a couple of hits for himself as well. In their chat, Brian Cadd shares with Matt how a night with The Easybeats changed his career forever, he discuss his songwriting philosophies, and reveals where the iconic tune Little Ray of Sunshine comes from. Brian Cadd will be performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival. Get more information here.

Paulini

February 21, 2022 08:33 - 22 minutes - 31.7 MB

Paulini Curuenavuli moved to Australia when she was just four-years-old. The next several years for the Aussie singer were tarred with racism and the murder of her oldest brother. In their chat, Paulini shares with Matt her memories from that traumatic time, how she honestly felt after the offensive comments about 'that' gold Australian Idol dress, and why she bribed a government official to get her drivers license. Paulini's new song We are one is out available now. The dance floor hit is P...

Daryl Braithwaite

January 24, 2022 08:37 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

Daryl Braithwaite on getting COVID, his father's disapproval at his choice of career and his honest thoughts on his hit song The Horses.

Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/Mondo Rock)

January 10, 2022 08:44 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

He penned one of the greatest Australian Rock songs of all time, but he is not about to rest on his laurels. Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock front man Ross Wilson is the brains behind classic songs like Eagle Rock, Come said the Boy and many more. In their chat, Ross Wilson shares with Matt how Daddy Cool started, his transition into Mondo Rock and why university students around the country drop their shorts whenever Eagle Rock is performed. Wilson is currently touring around the country with the ...

Mahalia Barnes (Singer)

December 20, 2021 08:36 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

Mahalia Barnes is a tremendous Aussie singing talent, but coming from the Barnes family, that probably comes as little surprise. In their chat, Mahalia shares with Matt her introduction into music - which includes the infamous Tin Lids, how she got by during COVID lock downs with no where to play, and of course, you can't talk to the daughter of one of Australia's greatest rockers and not ask what it is like to have Jimmy Barnes as your dad.

Claudia Karvan (Acclaimed Aussie Actor)

November 24, 2021 08:19 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MB

Claudia Karvan knows her way around a film set. So she should, she has been doing it her whole life - but it was never her in intention to be in front of the camera. In their chat, In a 'behind the scenes' chat, Claudia shares with Matt her latest gig hosting the ABC series 'The Books That Made Us', as well as her big goals for the future and why she thinks one of her television series was axed.

Could you survive on $40 per day? Caleb Bond and Jenny Leong

November 17, 2021 09:11 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

In this episode of Coffee Chats, journalist and Sky News commentator Caleb Bond along with NSW Greens politician Jenny Leong share with Matt their experience after they spent nine days living with individuals and families who are surviving on the breadline: or the equivalent of $40 per day. It is all part of a three-part document called Could you survive on the breadline? The show airs on Wednesday, November 17 on SBS and on SBS On Demand any time.

Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)

October 26, 2021 08:45 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

In professional sport circles, only a small minority enjoy a long, successful career. With over 300 games for the Brisbane Broncos and an integral member of the infamous Queensland State of Origin team which won 10 out of 11 State of Origin series, Sam Thaiday is one such player. But it hasn't come without its challenges. In thei chat, Sam shares with Matt the emotions surrounding his retirement, what he would like to say to the current crop of players and his honest thoughts on the Broncos...

Vika and Linda Bull

October 12, 2021 08:18 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

A music career spanning over thirty years is sure to have its fair share of ups and downs. For singing sisters Vika and Linda bull they have had their fair share of both. From finding huge success with Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows to walking off stage without receive any applause, the girls have experienced both sides of the music industry. Their new album The Wait is out now.

Jay Lagaaia (Play School/ Star Wars)

October 05, 2021 08:23 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Jay Laga'aia struggled with reading when he was at school. So it is a little surprising he is the host of SBS show Lost for Words - a three-part documentary focused on Australia's poor literacy levels. In their chat, Jay shares with Matt how his time on Play School helped with his reading, his first embarrassing encounter with Star Wars director George Lucas, and why he has no parenting advice for his eight children.

Murray Cook (Original red Wiggle)

September 23, 2021 08:39 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MB

The original red wiggle Murray Cook shares an in-depth chat with Matt about how The Wiggles began, why he decided to walk away from performing with the group and what he thinks about the direction the Wiggles are going in today.

Akmal Saleh (Comedian)

September 13, 2021 08:23 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Veteran stand-up comedian Akmal Saleh has brought most Australians to tears of laughter over his illustrious comedy career. In their chat, Akmal shares with Matt what got him into stand-up, why he originally went by the stage name ‘Peter’ and his honest thoughts on religion. Akmal stars alongside fellow stand-up Jimeoin in the Channel 10 series Waltzing Jimeoin.

Casey Donovan

August 23, 2021 08:23 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

Australian Idol and 'I'm a Celebrity' winner Casey Donovan has been on our television screens and in our magazines for almost two decades. But she isn't always portrayed in a positive light. Since winning Idol as a 16-year-old Casey has dealt with a personal weight battle in the less-than-sensitive public eye. But she has always stood tall and never given into the bullies. In their chat, Casey shares with Matt the many ups and downs of her musical career and her private life.

Alex Lloyd (Musician)

August 12, 2021 07:22 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

With a string of hits and a Triple J Hottest 100 number one under his belt, Alex Lloyd is no stranger to Aussie music lovers. But life hasn't always been so kind to the 'Amazing' singer-songwriter. In their chat, Alex shares with Matt how tough the COVID restrictions have been on his career. He also opens up about his marriage breakdown, his depression and his weight that ballooned out to a staggering 168kgs.

Poppy Olsen (Olympic Skateboarder)

August 09, 2021 02:47 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

Poppy Star Olsen knows what it means to be persistent. The 21-year-old represented Australia in the Olympics for skateboarding. But it hasn’t come without a whole lot of hard work. While other kids her age would try to execute a trick a few times, Poppy would not leave the skate park until she had nailed it. This tireless work ethic has led her to make the finals and finish fifth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Something tells me it won’t be the last time we see Poppy in the green and gold.

Wanita (Queen of Honky Tonk)

July 26, 2021 08:59 - 40 minutes - 93.8 MB

**Adult language and content warning** Wanita is certainly no shrinking violet. The much loved 'Queen of Honky Tonk' has lived many life chapters. In their chat, Wanita shares with Matt some of her journey and she leaves no stone unturned. Topics include music, motherhood, sex work, abuse, alcoholism, autism, suicide, unhealthy relationships... You know, all the normal stuff. Wanita has a new album and documentary out now.

Keith Potger (The Seekers)

July 19, 2021 08:32 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

The Seekers will go down in history as one of Australia's greatest ever musical groups. From performing in front of 200,000 fans to Australians of the Year, The Seekers did all there is to do as a group. In their chat, founding member Keith Potger chats with Matt about why he first moved to Australia from Sri Lanka as a boy, what he honestly thought of Judith Durham's voice when he first heard her sing, and what he did when the crowd gave them a standing ovation before they had even played a...

Dan & Steph Mulheron (My Kitchen Rules)

July 05, 2021 08:33 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MB

Dan and Steph Mulheron set out to win My Kitchen Rules and use the prize money to fund their IVF treatments. They proved fairy tales do come true when they won the hearts of the country and the prize money. Shortly after they welcomed their baby girl Emmy into the world. In their chat, Dan & Steph share with Matt an honest behind the scenes look at reality television, why they think they won the series and what they got up to during the filming of their new show 'Travel & Eat with Dan & Step...

Casey Barnes (Country Rock Musician)

June 28, 2021 08:40 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

Casey Barnes moved to the Gold Coast to pursue his music dream after a childhood in a footy-mad Tasmanian household. In fact, at one point he had to decide whether he would follow his natural talent as a footballer or chase his musical dream. His adoring fans are glad he chose the latter. In their chat, Casey shares with Matt the time his wife performed on stage with an international music star and the event that left him shocked after he performed at The Day on the Green.

Matt Day (Actor and Filmmaker)

June 14, 2021 08:39 - 19 minutes - 7.16 MB

Matt Day received his big break on the long-running television soap A Country Practice - when he auditioned for the show he had never even heard of it. Day went on to feature in Muriel's Wedding, Rake, Wolf Creek and many more films and television series. In their chat, Matt shares how he got his big break, what is was like working with Woody Allen and his honest thoughts on the entertainment industry in Australia.

Rosie Batty (Australian of the Year and campaigner against family violence)

June 07, 2021 05:48 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MB

In 2014 Rosie Batty's 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father Greg Anderson. Seven years on and Rosie believes family violence is still a national epidemic. In their chat, Rosie Batty shares with Matt her English upbringing, her relationship with Luke's father and her advice for someone who is the victim of domestic violence.

Julia Zemiro (RockWiz)

May 31, 2021 08:52 - 21 minutes - 40.2 MB

Popular host of RockWiz, Home Delivery and the new series ‘Australia’s Biggest Sing-a-long’, Julia Zemiro has become a much-loved star of Australia’s small screen. Not bad for a girl who moved here from France when she was only two. In their chat, Julia shares with Matt why working in her father’s restaurant gave her the inspiration for presenting, and what was the first album she ever bought.

Jack Jones (Southern Sons)

May 24, 2021 09:09 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

Irwin Thomas (aka Jack Jones) has certainly ridden the ups and downs of a music career spanning four decades. In their chat, he shares with Matt his relationship with his stage persona Jack Jones, why he bought a church and how he thinks he fits in to the group The Fabulous Caprettos with Thirsty Merc's Rai Thistlethwaite, Russell Morriss and Daryl Braithwaite.

Gavin Cooper (Former NRL star)

May 17, 2021 08:53 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

A proud Murgon boy and one of the North Queensland Cowboys’ favourite sons Gavin Cooper enjoyed a stellar NRL career including an integral part of the 2015 Grand Final victory. In their chat Gavin shares with Matt why he owes his start as a professional rugby league to his brother, why he felt at home in North Queensland, and why a police officer followed him onto the roof of the Murgon Mustangs grandstand.

Peter McGuiness (Teen son's crash left five dead)

May 11, 2021 01:59 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MB

In 2012, Peter McGuiness' 18-year-old son Jordan died after he crashed into a packed car on the highway. Four of the five people in the parked car were also killed. Jordan had alcohol and drugs in his system and he was driving 30klms over the speed limit. Peter and his wife Melissa now run a youth road safety awareness program called You Choose. They travel the country presenting to schools spreading the message of road safety for our young drivers.

Fred Brophy (The Last Showman)

May 04, 2021 08:28 - 43 minutes - 40.4 MB

To explain what happens in Fred Brophy's boxing tent is not something you can put into words - it has to be seen to be believed. Fred has been around boxing tents since he was five years old. Now, he has the last travelling boxing tent in the world. With his tent and his loyal boxers, Fred Brophy travels the country taking on all comers, both males and females. In their chat, Fred shares with Matt his concerns about his legacy and why he cut off his finger with an axe.

Lee Carseldine (Former Cricketer and Survivor Star)

April 27, 2021 08:54 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MB

Going through a family tragedy is an emotional time for anyone. But having to navigate your emotions on National television adds an extra unwanted challenge. Former cricketer and Survivor star Lee Carseldine shares with Matt the ups and downs of his cricket career, his numerous business ventures and how he dealt with the news of a family tragedy and his consequent removal from the Survivor Island.

Adam Hills (Spicks and Specks)

April 17, 2021 02:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

The host of Spicks and Specks is back! Alongside Myf and Alan, Adam Hills is back for another season of ABC's Spicks and Specks. In their chat Adam shares with Matt how a politician helped him score the gig on the show all those years ago. He talks about being born without his right foot and the day he spent at Russell Crowe's house. This episode of Coffee Chats is supported by Nanango Star Motel.

Will Connolly (Egg Boy)

April 02, 2021 09:17 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Will Connolly aka Egg Boy made worldwide headlines in 2019 when he cracked an egg on the back of former Senator Fraser Anning's head. Life for the then teenager has never been the same since that infamous day. In their chat, Will shares with Matt the reason behind the egg incident, what he is up to these days and if he has any regrets about the egg attack.

William McInnes (Logie Award-winning Actor & Author)

March 21, 2021 02:03 - 44 minutes - 102 MB

A main stay in popular television series Blue Heelers, Sea Change, The Time of Our Lives and many more, William McInnes has won multple Logie Awards for his acting but he still believes he has 'lucked' his way through every job he has had. In their chat, McInnes shares with Matt why he changed his name and why his father believed he would never make it as an actor. It's a very funny chat with an iconic Aussie personality.

Steady Eddy (Australian comedy legend)

March 08, 2021 08:42 - 16 minutes - 38.5 MB

He has had his fair share of challenges over the years, but stand-up comedian living with cerebral palsy Steady Eddy has had Australia laughing for close to 30 years. In their chat, Christopher Widdows aka Steady Eddy shares with Matt what school life was like, how he got started in stand-up comedy and what fame and celebrity means to him.

Dexter Kruger (Australia's oldest man)

February 20, 2021 01:28 - 32 minutes - 33.6 MB

Dexter Kruger is Australia's oldest man, but to talk to him you wouldn't know it. The vibrant, hard-working and sometimes cheeky 111-year-old has a zest for life not seen in some people half his age. In their chat, Dexter shares with Matt how he met his beautiful wife, why he never officially retired and his ongoing contact from the Queen.

Julia Morris (I'm a celebrity, get me out of here)

January 17, 2021 07:00 - 16 minutes - 36.9 MB

Julia Morris is one of the few female comedians who knows what it takes to stay successful in the industry. But it hasn't been without its challenges. In their chat, Julia shares with Matt how she Was treated in her early days of comedy, what her kids think about seeing their mum on tv and what she really thinks of the celebrities on the show.

Tim McCallum (Quadriplegic, national anthem singer at 2020 AFL Grand Final)

December 19, 2020 04:07 - 39 minutes - 90.8 MB

A beach accident left talented singer Tim McCallum in a wheelchair for life. But if the day he became a quadriplegic was supposed to define his future someone forgot to tell Tim. The AFL tragic proved people power is alive and strong when thousands of Aussies got behind him in his quest to sing the national anthem at the 2020 AFL Grand Final. In their chat, Tim shares with Matt the inspirational story behind his national anthem experience. Tim's Christmas album Let your Heart be Light is ava...

Tim Freedman (The Whitlams)

December 11, 2020 11:32 - 23 minutes - 54.9 MB

Hello music lovers, it's time to 'Blow up the pokies' with an in-depth interview with The Whitlams frontman Tim Freedman. You'll need 'No Aphrodisiac' after listening to this chat. In their chat, Tim shares with Matt his parenting tips, his favourite songs and what he believes the other members of The Whitlams really think about him. Tim Freedman is currently performing around the country with his solo tour launching the Whitlams new single "Ballad of Bertie kidd." Get your tickets at the we...

Ian 'Dicko' Dickson (Music Industry legend)

November 22, 2020 08:38 - 37 minutes - 35 MB

For a former window washer, Ian 'Dicko' Dickson's amazing career in the music industry came as a surprise even to him. The former Australian Idol judge won his fair share of fans and enemies with his honest feedback to young aspiring singers. These days Dicko has donned the cowboy hat as the host of Dicko's Country Spit Roast. In their chat, Dicko shares with Matt if he thinks he ever went over the top with his sometimes harsh assessments on Idol and the future for reality television. Get ...

Ali Oetjen (SAS & Bachelorette)

November 08, 2020 10:14 - 6 minutes - 15.9 MB

The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster of emotions and pain, both physically and mentally, for the 34-year-old reality TV star Ali Oetjen. The fitness influencer signed up for the gruelling SAS Australia series after her relationship with her Bachelorette beau Taite Radley deteriorated. In their chat, Ali shares with Matt what she is doing to "heal" after the break up and what were the most confronting things she had to do on SAS.

Fletch and Hindy (Fox Sports)

November 03, 2020 03:09 - 23 minutes - 53.4 MB

There have been many legendary sporting partnerships throughout the years. Fletch and Hindy are not one of them. Nathan Hindmarsh and Brian Fletcher were fierce competitors on the rugby league field. But the loveable larrikins quickly went from foes on the field to best mates on our screens once their NRL playing days were done. In their chat with Matt, the NSW State of Origin stars share how they first met and who really was the better player out of the two.

James Boggia (Bachelorette)

October 22, 2020 06:01 - 10 minutes - 25.3 MB

Bachelorette contestant and professional wakeboarder James Boggia was keeping his cards close to his chest when he spoke with Matt before the start of this year's season. He has travelled the world on tour and therefore the dating scene hasn't been too high on his list of priorities. Until now. in their chat, James shares with Matt what his "perfect date" looks like. As well as the three words he thinks his ex-partner would use to describe him, and how he thinks he'd fair surrounded by 20 ot...

Bec Cvilikas (The Bachelor)

September 27, 2020 07:21 - 20 minutes - 12.9 MB

She entered the show as an intruder and immediately ruffled Bachelorette's feathers - with one contestant suggesting "she was too pretty to be on the show, surely she can find her own boyfriend in the outside world." In their chat, make up artist Bec Cvilikas shares with Matt why she went on The Bachelor, her honest thoughts on Bachelor Locky Gilbert and she reveals how long she thinks their relationship will last. This is a must listen episode for reality television fans thanks to our spons...

Noni Hazlehurst (TV royalty)

September 20, 2020 07:54 - 23 minutes - 15.4 MB

Only two women have the distinguished honour of receiving a Hall of Fame Logie Award. One is Ruth Cracknell, the other is Noni Hazlehurst. But the Australian actress, director, writer, presenter and broadcaster believes television is not in a good place. After over 20 years on Play School, Noni says there's not a day goes by when she isn't recognised. Noni hosts the second series of Every family has a secret which premieres on Tuesday, September 22 from 7.30pm on SBS.

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