The Journey - brought to you by BMG

Episodes

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  Football Gave Him More Than Premierships | Stuart Hodgson 04.09.2026 40m

  Stuart Hodgson | The Journey PodcastFor more than three decades, Stuart Hodgson has been part of the Albury Tigers - as a player, coach, president and passionate clubman.In this episode, Stuart joins Matt Griffith to reflect on the experiences that shaped his life through football - from moving schools as a child and finding a sense of belonging through the game, to playing in three consecutive premierships and eventually helping lead the club as president.But for Stuart, footy has always been about much more than what happens on the field.He shares stories of the friendships, families and generations of people who have shaped the Albury Tigers, and what it meant for his own family to grow up as part of that community.Stuart also reflects on one of the most challenging periods of his life - his diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the chemotherapy treatment that followed. He speaks openly about the support he received, his gratitude for the care available locally, and how the experience changed his perspective on what matters most.The Journey Podcast: Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.Proudly brought to you by BMG and Radio 2AY.
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  He Retired... Then Bought a Gold Mine | Greg Porter 22.07.2026 40m

  Most people retire. Greg Porter bought a gold mine.After a successful career in engineering and manufacturing, Greg moved from Sydney to the Albury Wodonga region to be closer to family. Looking for his next challenge, he discovered Karr's Reef Gold Mine near Yackandandah - a forgotten piece of Australian history that would become his life's passion.In this episode of The Journey, Greg shares the remarkable story behind restoring the mine, uncovering hidden tunnels, preserving local heritage and proving that retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down. Instead, it can be the beginning of life's greatest adventure.It's an inspiring conversation about curiosity, purpose, family, community and the importance of never stopping learning.
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  Ross Ried: Loyalty, Leadership and the Legacy of the Albury Tigers 04.06.2026 40m

  For nearly five decades, Ross Ried has helped shape community sport in Albury-Wodonga.A Life Member of the Albury Tigers Football Club, Ross joins The Journey to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have defined his remarkable journey through local football, cycling, elite sport and community leadership.From his first job at just 14 years old to mentoring young athletes, managing teams, supporting volunteers and working behind the scenes at the Sydney Olympics, Ross shares an honest and heartfelt perspective on what community sport can teach us about life. He reflects on the importance of volunteering, the friendships forged through football, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the role local clubs play in creating a sense of belonging.As the Albury Tigers celebrates 150 years, Ross also shares his unique perspective on the club's history and the generations of people who have helped build its legacy.This is a warm and authentic conversation about loyalty, resilience and the people who quietly keep regional communities thriving.Proudly brought to you by BMG and 1494 2AY. Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.
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  Father Peter MacLeod Miller: Faith, Doubt & the Meaning of Service 06.05.2026 46m

  What does it look like to build a life around conviction, doubt, and compassion - all at once?In this episode of The Journey, Father Peter MacLeod Miller shares a path that moves from Sydney’s cathedral world, to working with homeless communities across the city and the outback, and eventually to becoming Rector at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury.But this isn’t simply a story about ministry or church leadership. It’s a conversation about questioning institutions from the inside, confronting the realities of human suffering, and continually reshaping what faith and service mean in a modern world.From studying law while being drawn to the beauty of cathedral music, to working in some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities, Father Peter’s journey is anything but conventional.What stands out most is his focus on people over systems - and compassion over certainty.It’s an episode that invites you to reflect on belief, authority, and whether institutions truly serve the people they’re built for.⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share or leave a review - it helps more people discover these stories.Proudly brought to you by BMG & 1494 2AY.
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  From Spotlight to Seafloor | John Garvin on The Journey 31.03.2026 46m

  What does it look like to travel the world… and then choose to slow down?In this episode, John Garvin shares a journey that begins in a small fishing village in England and unfolds across London’s West End, the Caribbean, and the world of underwater filmmaking.From performing nearly 2,000 shows on stage to training actors and working on major film productions, his career has taken some incredible turns.But this isn’t just a story about adventure.It’s about where that journey leads.After years of global travel and high-level work, John made a decision many can relate to - stepping away from the fast pace to build a life grounded in family, community and balance.Now based in Yackandandah in North East Victoria, he reflects on what it really means to feel at home.A thoughtful and deeply human conversation about finding your own path - and choosing the life that matters most.Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners
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  Sandra Moon: The Voice of Breakfast Radio & the Power of Local Stories 11.03.2026 37m

  Sandra Moon didn’t set out to build a career in radio.Born in Wagga and raised in Deniliquin, her early path revolved around theatre, travel and adventure. She spent five years overseas, working as a tour guide and navigating life independently across Europe. But it was a moment of clarity following 9/11 that forced her to pause and ask, “What am I doing?”That question brought her home - and unexpectedly into broadcasting.It’s a warm, grounded conversation about curiosity, community and finding the work that feels right.Real people. Real stories. Regional heart.Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners.
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  Kade Brown - Community, Courage & Knowing When to Change Direction 09.02.2026 37m

  Kade Brown’s journey is one of courage, community and balance. In this episode of The Journey, Kade shares his path from growing up in Albury to owning Adrenaline Gym and bringing Grilled Burger Bar to the border. He speaks candidly about loss, leadership, family, and learning when - and how - to reprioritise life.An honest conversation about backing yourself and knowing when it’s time to change direction.Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.
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  Graeme Simpfendorfer on service, trauma & starting again 05.01.2026 45m

  Former detective. Local leader. Reality TV favourite. A life shaped by service, trauma, resilience and purpose.In this episode, Graeme Simpfendorfer opens up about policing, the emotional toll of trauma, stepping away after 27 years, balancing family life, and finding new identity beyond the badge. A raw, honest and inspiring journey.
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  Belonging, Brotherhood & Backyard Cricket: Robbie Mackinlay’s Journey 03.12.2025 44m

  Local cricket tragic. Holbrook’s favourite son. Proud dad, grandfather, coach, commentator - and beekeeper!In this episode of The Journey, Matt sits down with the endlessly positive and always entertaining Robbie Mackinlay, whose life has been shaped by sport, family and community.Robbie shares stories from growing up on the farm at Mirrabooka, the fiercely competitive backyard cricket battles with his brothers, the values his parents instilled, and the deep connection he still holds with Holbrook. He opens up about premiership highs, heartbreaking losses, the joy of playing alongside his son Andrew, and why local footy and cricket matter more than most people realise.This is the story of a man who has given decades to community sport - and loved every minute of it!Brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.
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  Damian Toohey - Principal, Coach & Proud Dad: On Sport, Community and Raising a Champion 12.11.2025 44m

  Principal, coach, and proud dad - Damian Toohey shares his journey from Bathurst to Albury, raising champion swimmer Sienna Toohey, and why sport, education and community are at the heart of everything he does.At its core, this is a story about community, opportunity and believing in potential - the kind of story that makes our region remarkable.The Journey is proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY, and AlburyCity, celebrating the stories of local legends and unsung heroes from across Albury-Wodonga.Listen now and subscribe for more stories that celebrate our community.
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  Anthony Miles: Life Beyond the AFL – Resilience, Identity & Coming Home 05.10.2025 46m

  From nine AFL seasons with GWS, Richmond and the Gold Coast to playing for the Howlong Spiders back home on the Border, Anthony Miles has lived a life shaped by football. In this episode of The Journey, Anthony opens up about the highs and heartbreaks of elite sport, including Richmond’s 2017 premiership season, and what it was like to rebuild his identity beyond the AFL “stats machine.” He shares the mindset lessons he gained from mentors like Emma Murray, the pull of family, community and country life, and why he’s now passionate about coaching and giving back locally. This is a story of resilience, purpose and perspective - proving that success isn’t just measured by premierships.
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  From Fruit Flies to HotHouse – Rob Scott’s creative journey in the arts. 07.09.2025 41m

  From documentary filmmaker to technical director, builder, woodcarver and mentor, Rob Scott has worn many creative hats. Best known for his decades at HotHouse Theatre - where Bobby’s Bar now bears his name - Rob has quietly shaped the cultural heartbeat of Albury-Wodonga.In this episode of The Journey, Rob reflects on how a six-month film project with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus turned into 35 years in the region. He shares stories of collaboration, creativity, and community, and why the arts remain vital to a healthy society.A warm, insightful conversation with a man whose legacy lives on in the lights, sets, and spirit of the stage.Listen now and discover Rob’s journey.
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  Kay Perry: Family, Resilience & the Legacy of Olive Hills Estate 03.08.2025 38m

  From teacher’s college to bakeries, vineyards, and a thriving family business, Kay Perry’s journey is one of resilience, love, and legacy. In this heartfelt conversation, Kay shares how she and her husband built Olive Hills Estate from the ground up - and the joy of seeing their three children return home to continue the story.🎧 Listen now to hear a true celebration of family, hard work, and following your heart.#TheJourneyPodcast #KayPerry #OliveHillsEstate #FamilyBusiness #MotherhoodJourney #InspiringStories #RegionalAustralia #Rutherglen #WomenInBusiness #FamilyLegacy #BMGPartners
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  Jenny Parrett is rethinking education from the ground up 07.07.2025 43m

  What does it take to lead a school - and a shift in mindset - in regional Australia? In this episode of The Journey, Matt Griffith sits down with Jenny Parrett, Principal of James Fallon High School, to explore her remarkable path through education, leadership, and reform.From moving schools seven times as a child to introducing a radical new model of learning at James Fallon, Jenny shares how personalised, project-based education is changing lives. She discusses the “school within a school” approach and the Big Picture learning model, where students take ownership of their learning and demonstrate their progress through exhibitions rather than exams. Jenny also reflects on her own parenting experience, her belief that schools should nurture potential rather than rank it, and why she remains a strong advocate for public education.This is a conversation about courage, care, and what it means to prepare kids for a future we can’t yet imagine.
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  Turning Tragedy Into Purpose – Michelle Hensel’s Journey 01.06.2025 43m

  Michelle Hensel’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A cancer survivor, mother, and community advocate, Michelle shares her journey from personal heartbreak to purposeful change. After losing her son Braden to a rare cancer, she has spent nearly a decade working to improve regional cancer care. This powerful episode explores grief, legacy, and the power of community to turn tragedy into hope.
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  Guru Ghuman: From kitchen hand to hospitality hero 13.05.2025 38m

  From kitchen hand to hospitality heavyweight, Guru Ghuman’s journey is one of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of happiness. In this episode, Guru shares how he built some of Albury-Wodonga’s most loved venues, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why true success comes down to community and mindset.
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  Inside The Albury Club with GM Dee Healey 14.04.2025 36m

  Dee Healey, General Manager of The Albury Club, shares how one of the region's oldest institutions is staying relevant in modern times. From five-star resorts across Australia to leading this iconic venue, Dee’s hospitality journey is full of passion, purpose, and connection to the Albury-Wodonga region.A BMG Partners & 1494 2AY collaboration.#TheJourneyPodcast #AlburyClub #DeeHealey #RegionalStories
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  Blair French: A New Chapter at MAMA 06.03.2025 42m

  In this episode of The Journey, we talk with Blair French, CEO of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), who made the move to Albury-Wodonga just over a year ago. With a distinguished career in the arts, Blair shares his vision for MAMA, the impact of regional galleries, and why he chose to call our community home.Listen now and explore the stories shaping Albury-Wodonga.The Journey is a collaboration between BMG Partners and 1494 2AY, celebrating the people who live, work, and thrive in our region.
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  Celebrating Albury’s Landscape with Artist Nat Ward 04.02.2025 29m

  In this episode of The Journey, we sit down with artist Nat Ward, whose breathtaking oil paintings capture the landscapes of Albury, the Murray River, and beyond. Nat shares her passion for the region and her latest project, the Noreuil exhibition at MAMA, which explores the deep historical connection between Albury’s Noreuil Park and the French village of the same name. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about art, history, and the beauty of our local environment.
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  New Year, New Season: Celebrating 50 Years with Ross Black 31.12.2024 38m

  Welcome to Season 9 of The Journey! This special episode marks BMG Partners' 50th anniversary as we sit down with founder Ross Black to reflect on his incredible story. From his early days as a solo accountant to creating a business built on family, community, and care, Ross shares the values and relationships that defined his journey - and what he believes true success looks like. Celebrate the unsung heroes of Albury-Wodonga with The Journey, where every story inspires us to live, grow, and thrive. Tune in now to kick off the new year with this heartfelt episode!