January 31, 2025 • 30 mins
Can a single choice alter the trajectory of your life? We reflect on the unexpected journeys that arise from seemingly insignificant decisions, inspired by Steve Jobs' famous commencement speech. This episode of the Travel Australia Podcast takes you on a nostalgic ride through childhood road trips, soundtracked by the iconic hits of Michael Jackson and Prince, while sharing the serendipitous story of Katie's career shift from law to working with Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo, where she met her partner. Dive into how these experiences set the stage for a life of adventure on the road, blending personal and professional pursuits.
Feel the thrill of embracing risk as we explore the transformative power of stepping out of comfort zones. From life-altering lifestyle changes, like moving into a caravan, to the essential matter of safety on the road, we address the growing concern of lithium-ion battery fires in the RV community. Our practical tips are designed to boost preparedness and ensure your travels are both exhilarating and secure. Along the way, we share a heartfelt story of young Jasperoo's generosity, showing how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
Finally, our episode introduces the RV First Aid online course, a project three years in the making, launching this March. We also highlight Lake Maraboon Holiday Village in Queensland, a new Big 4 location, perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. With exciting updates and guest speakers lined up for the year ahead, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and inspiration. Dream big, take care, and happy trails from all of us at the Travel Australia Podcast.
And as a massive thank you to our podcast listeners we’re offering a 25% off discount code on our best-selling eBook bundle! That’s over $200 in value, for only $60! Use discount code PODCAST25 to take advantage of this awesome offer -https://shopthefeelgoodfamily.com/products/eofy-e-book-bundle
Check out Steve Job’s Commencement Speech here - https://youtu.be/UF8uR6Z6KLc?si=2EKlWfP14DsjtgkK
Be sure to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and join us for all of the road trip adventures! Check out the footage from our latest episode on our YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/vy1-3hY41uY?si=j23G1nfc6TC1r3Ax
Check out the Gear we love on our website - https://thefeelgoodfamily.com/gear-and-discounts/
This episode is proudly brought to you by our mates at Stratus Outdoors, Protect The Adventure. Keeping plastic bottles out of landfill by turning them into quality camp gear. Take advantage of our 15% Discount - https://www.stratusoutdoors.com.au (ENTER FEELGOOD DISCOUNT CODE)
Subscribe to Jasperoo - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCceGx3esRSQBYZfWvf4KVtw
Our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/thefeelgoodfamily has a new destination video every Tuesday night at 7.30pm (AEST). We would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram and our website www.thefeelgoodfamily.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome to the Travel Australia podcast.
We are Paul, Katie and Jasperfrom the Feel Good family.
Join us as we explore thisgreat country, Australia, its
people, places and cultures.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yes, that's right, it's the Travel Australia
podcast, where we share thelatest in RV industry news road
trip travel, caravanning andcamping, product reviews, guest
speakers, where to go, what todo, and so much more.
Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Oh yeah, no, Katie, this is awesome.
This week we discuss a recentspate of caravan and motorhome
fires.
Oh no, who is at fault?
Plus free Red Claw and theamazing Lake Maraboon Holiday
Park.
We are back baby Woohoo.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Better and bigger not in our tummies, of course, than
ever.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Look, it has been a huge Christmas and New Year's
and welcome to 2025 and happyNew Year to everyone out there.
Look, we have had six, almostseven weeks, I think, away from
our podcast and we've beenreceiving the messages and the
notes like are you guys okay?
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Haha, yes, we're still here, we're alive, we're
all good.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
And we definitely haven't been on a holiday.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
No, although we did take a couple of weeks off at
Christmas time, Paulie, to spendwith our families, which was
lovely.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Yeah, that was a magic time for us and, look, why
we haven't been here is becausewe have been overwhelmed with a
major project.
It's been three years in themaking and, look, I can tell you
it is called RV First Aid.
It is a digital online coursethat covers off everything you
would need to know if you wereplanning to tour Australia and,
again, three years in the making, it will be launching in March,
(01:45):
so we'll leave it there.
Lots of details to come on thatand you'll be the first to know
.
But, yeah, thanks for stickingwith us and hopefully you have
missed our dulcet tones.
Oh, we've missed you, that'sfor sure.
We have.
Indeed Now, as I mentioned, youknow, new Year.
Look, you would have noticedsome new music for the podcast
intro.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Yes, I like that, Paulie, good choice.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Thank you.
Some new title?
Look, it still sounds the same,doesn't it?
It's called Travel AustraliaPodcast.
Now, it was called the FamilyTravel Australia Podcast, but
we're now listened to in over130 countries, and that includes
people who are traveling herejust for a few weeks, a few
months, a few years, in alldifferent types of travellers,
whether you're backpacking,swagging, vanning, motorhoming,
(02:27):
you name it.
And so we realised that thefamily can maybe give people a
misrepresentation of what thepodcast is about.
Yes, but well, look, we'redefinitely still a family and
Jasper's still our priority andmain focus and our why of why we
actually decided to hit theroad.
But yeah, we're broadening ourhorizons a little bit and we're
(02:50):
also going to be tightening up alittle bit of the segments to
give you a lot more clearinformation, not only on those
dream destinations, inspiration,travel inspo, but then also
really relevant RV news and thetopics that matter.
I think that's super important.
Definitely, we're going to haveplenty of guests on the podcast
.
We've got a huge line of guestscoming that can share real-life
stories and these people fromevery walk of life.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Yes, who are out there doing it and their version
of it, and I'm excited aboutthis new inclusion of getting
more guest speakers on thepodcast, because everybody's got
an amazing story and you canlearn something from others.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Look, I have to tell you that I love this segment's
title.
It is Off the Beat and Chat.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, it's a really great one, Paulie.
Again, another little gem fromyou at the start of the year.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Look, thank you, I've been working hard.
As I said, I will also give, asI mentioned, the RV News update
a bit of a feel-good update and, of course, our regular
takeaway.
So that is really the format.
We'll also tighten it up.
Look, this is all going tohappen in 25 minutes, which is
why I'm speaking so quickly.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Yeah well, it's going to be hard for us.
So here we go.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Episode one, let's see what we can do to keep to
this new time format.
Okay, fantastic.
Now the location that we'rebringing you this week.
We have been there before, butwe've come back and there's some
new, improved parts of thisstay, but it's just a ripper of
a location.
It is in Queensland, about 20minutes outside of Emerald, and
(04:19):
it's called Lake MariborneHoliday Village.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
That is right it is.
It's a big four now actually,so changed ownership in between
our previous visit and gettingthere again this time.
And for those of you who don'thave the map of Queensland in
front of you, we are in centralQueensland.
We're located betweenRockhampton and those central
sapphire gem fields which arejust up the road really, when
(04:46):
we're talking about travellingAustralia in the scheme of
kilometres.
Now, the Big Four Lake MariboonHoliday Village.
It is on the shores of FairburnDam out here, just outside of
Emerald, as Paul mentioned, andit is a great stay.
It's one of those little hiddengems.
It is a caravan park, but itdoesn't have a caravan park feel
(05:10):
to it because of that naturalbushland setting that it's in.
And what I particularly loveabout it is the different areas
or zones that you can camp in.
Now they offer, of course,powered and unpowered sites, and
they actually say on theirwebsite no rig is too big.
They can accommodate any sizeof setup that you have, and
(05:34):
we've always, for some reason, Idon't know why been placed down
in or near the naughty cornerat the very back of the park.
It's where the cool cats hang,baby, yeah, it is, look, and
there is a really great vantagepoint from down in that back end
of the park that looks out overthe dam for those spectacular
(05:54):
sunsets that you get out there.
They do have cabins, so ifyou're not coming with your home
on wheels, they've got a greatrange of cabins, actually from
two bedroom villas, familycabins, stunning lake view
cabins, and they have anaccessible cabin as well.
Now the park is completely petfriendly and this is a new
update since our last visit.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
It is.
There was plenty of four-leggedfamily members, little fur
babies, getting around.
Look, they do recommend thatonly well-behaved pets are
welcome.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Yes, definitely, I don't know who decides that,
probably the owner.
I'd say so, Tom.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
But they were.
They were all well-behaved whenwe were there.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
They were.
Now look, they've got a greatpool, Very, very refreshing for
those hot central Queenslandsummer days.
Plenty of camp kitchensscattered around the grounds
with barbecue areas as well.
There's a little kiosk in thereception area that you can pick
up, you know, any of thoseessential last-minute items, and
(06:54):
they have an excellent littlecafe and bar on site, right next
to the swimming pools.
So you wander up of anafternoon grab yourself a glass
of vino or one of their red clawbeers that they have on tap.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I tell you it is good beer too.
Okay, I can vouch for this thered claw beer.
No, red claws were harmed inthe making of this beer, but it
is what they're famous for hereat Lake Mariboon.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
This is a pest really .
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Yeah, that's right, the dam is full of these red
claw.
And if you are like me anddon't have any idea what red
claw is, well, I certainlydidn't the first time we visited
.
They're sort of like a yabby.
Yeah, like a little minicrayfish.
Yeah, they're better than ayabby.
Well, they look like a yabby.
They look like what we used topull out of.
They're better looking than ayabby, you know, as far as
(07:49):
shellfish go, but they areconsidered a pest out here in
the lake and so if you are anavid fisherman, you can get out
there on your boat.
The caravan park actually do aboat and a kayak hire as well.
The caravan park actually do aboat and a kayak hire as well,
so you can get down there,access the amazing lake.
We've seen it in all sorts ofdifferent levels, haven't we,
(08:10):
paul?
From really really low to quiteconsiderably high.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
Look, it was stunning this time because of how much
rainfall they've had out throughcentral and outback Queensland,
so we love that you can sitthere.
They'll deliver a fire pit andfirewood to your campsite.
Look out, watch that sunsetacross Lake.
Oh, stunning.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It is absolutely a beautiful spot, one that we'd
return to, and look, if you loveyour wildlife there's plenty of
it out here, particularly thebird life, because of all of
that natural bushland.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Now, as you mentioned , I think, an hour out to the
gem fields, 20 minutes toEmerald, what we did and this is
a great tip would be click andcollect at the Woolies or
there's Coles as well.
We're generally sort of goingfor the Woolies and you can just
swing through, pick it up onyour way.
Yes, save you some time, saveyou driving back out.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Yeah, and it's actually.
It's a really cool drive in tooif you are coming in through
that way, because you get todrive over the dam, which makes
a pretty cool entry statement.
And look, I must say weoriginally found this campground
as we find the majority of ourcampgrounds as we travel around
Australia by using the WikiCampsapp.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Look, that app, the WikiCamps app, would have to be
the best $10 you'll spend if youare planning to travel
Australia in any format.
No matter what type of travelyou are, it is known as the app
for knowing where you're going.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Yeah, no, look it is great.
I mean, everything is on there,whether you're looking for a
campground, whether you'relooking for a rest stop a water
fill point.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
A bit of a giggle from the comments from users.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Yes, you know, like you are always going to get that
element to it when an app hasthe ability for people to share
their thoughts and the majorityof the time, thoughts are around
everything but the actualcampground that you want to know
the details on, but it doesgive you a good giggle.
But, yeah, great app forfinding everything that you need
as you travel around Australia.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Yeah, it's your one-stop shop.
We love it.
Thank you, wikicamps.
Now we're going to get into theguest interview.
Ooh.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
But because we're just starting out in this new
format, we thought it'd bereally great to share a little
bit of our backstory.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Excellent.
Yes, so particularly for ournew listeners as well.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yes, so, katie, you are guest number one.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Oh hello, why?
Thank you, I feel very honouredto be here as guest number one.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Now, I love the name of this segment Off the Beat and
Chat, and I'd like to thank oursponsor for this podcast, and
here's a little bit about them.
This podcast is brought to youby our great mates Stratus
Outdoors, creators of thetoughest and eco-friendly
outdoor equipment designed tolast a lifetime.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Oh, I love their camp gear, especially the all-day
chairs.
They're not only comfy, theyare lightweight, super stylish
and they're made from recycledmaterials.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
So good, all right.
Their entire range is made forAustralia's environment, and the
best part is that you arehelping protect the environment
with every purchase.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
These are people that actually really do care about
the environment.
And to take advantage of your10% feel-good discount code with
Stratus Outdoors, head over toour website on the gear page.
Stratus Outdoors protect theadventure.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Boom, there you go.
Thank you, Stratus.
Gotta love their gear.
I do love their gear.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Oh look, they're bloody awesome people as well.
We are very honoured to knowthe Stratus crew personally, and
they are just absolutebeautiful people.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Legends.
Okay, off the beaten chat, herewe go.
Guest number one Okay, I'mgoing to have a few questions
and I'm going to always ask ourguests on our podcast, but for
you, katie.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Go easy on me, don't throw me any surprises.
It's a couple, all right.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
For those who would like to know where were you born
and bred, katie?
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Oh look, I don't often admit it, but I was born
in New South Wales.
Oh, I didn't know that, so I amofficially a Blues.
However, have spent themajority of my life.
I grew up in Queensland.
My family moved me up here whenI was about three, so
technically a Queenslander,hence why I go for the Mighty
Maroons.
I grew up in the Sunshine Coasthinterland, actually.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Yes, look, had you been a.
You told me you were a Bluessupporter when we met.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
Yeah, it could have been all over it.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Hello, it never happened, no, just kidding, all
right, talking about your familyNow, road trips, you know,
synonymous with being anAustralian.
You know we were doing roadtrips, you know, when we were
first born, all the way throughwith my family.
For you, what about your roadtrips, or a family tradition
around camping?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Yeah, look, we weren't big campers at all.
In fact I don't have anymemories of you know us going
out and doing the tenting stylecamping as a family.
But something that we did dowas our annual road trips,
because the majority of both mymum and dad's family was still
in New South Wales.
(13:13):
So each year we would do one ortwo road trips, that classic
road trip down either thePacific Highway or the New
England Highway betweenQueensland and New South Wales,
and I absolutely loved thosedays and that feeling of freedom
.
You know that we always talkabout Paul when we're out there
(13:33):
in these, particularly thesereally remote places.
You know, when we're towingdown a dirt track and we've got
the windows open and the breezeblowing in, that's the exact
feeling that I used to get inthese road trips as a kid.
Mind you, we were doing it in,you know, like a Lancer or a
Bluebird you know it was not afancy four-wheel drive Sitting
(13:53):
in the back seat with mycassette player I tell you what
and my headphones.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Were you listening to singles or full cassettes?
What was your favourite tune?
Full cassettes.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
What was your favourite tune?
Full cassettes I absolutelyloved.
For Christmas I got MichaelJackson's new cassette.
It was the Bad cassette and Ilistened to that thing, I reckon
, until the tape fell out of it.
And my sister, who's three anda half years older than me, she
(14:24):
was gifted Prince's new cassette.
I can't remember the name ofthe album.
Yeah, it might have been thatone.
It was purple.
I remember that.
Anyway, we just thought it wasthe best thing ever.
And so those road trips, whilethey felt like they went forever
and literally we probably didit in a couple of days, if that
we might have even drivenstraight through.
I can't remember, they werejust awesome.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Yeah, Look, same for me.
The family road trip andgetting out there with my family
and music was always a hugepart of that as well.
Love it All right.
Look, you've got these kind ofdots in life.
We always talk about you know,and actually we got this from
Steve Jobs.
Yes, Not personally.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
It would have been amazing if we did.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
But he has this really fantastic moment, a
commencement speech for StanfordUniversity, I think back in
2006 or thereabouts.
Oh, it's worth a Google, it is,and he talks about staying
hungry, but he also talks aboutjoining the dots.
And that's something that youmight be doing.
Doing now might not make allthat much sense, but then all of
a sudden you know, way down thetrack, you look back and you go
well, had I not done that dotthen I wouldn't have got to this
(15:28):
point and then this point andhave now introduced that.
But I won't give away his story.
It's really worth a Googlethere.
Steve Jobs commencement speech,stanford 2006, I think from
memory.
But you'll find it.
And for you joining the dotsyou know like, give us a little
bit of those dots.
How did you get from there?
Speaker 2 (15:47):
to here Like where did you come from, katie?
Yeah, well, look, there's lotsof dots and probably a lot of
them aren't really worthmentioning.
But I started off my earlycareer in the legal field, which
you know was interesting, hadits ups and downs, I certainly
learned a lot, but quicklyrealized that I wasn't really
(16:07):
the personality type cut out to.
You know, stay in law and soYou're very good at arguing, but
no, seriously.
I learned the skills in mycareer Del.
What else can I say?
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Can't win.
I cannot win a point with herwhen it comes to argument.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
I was really lucky, actually, and just by chance you
know, thank you universe howthe dots work.
But the law firm that I wasworking for, and had been for a
long time, was the firm thatrepresented Stephen Terry Owen
at Australia Zoo, and so, bydefault, I got to do a lot of
(16:45):
work with them and would oftengo down to the zoo for meetings
concerning their legal matters.
And it just so happened that onthis one particular day after
you know probably the 50th timethat I'd been at the zoo for
legal meetings the meetingfinished and the general manager
said to me you know, I reallyneed a personal assistant.
(17:07):
And I said okay, thinking is hegoing to ask me if I know
anybody, or can I help him writean advert?
I really didn't know where hewas going and he offered me a
job and two days later Iresigned from my law firm, and
with the blessing, of course, ofthe team there who said to me
it's too good an opportunity topass up on and so you really
(17:31):
need to go and do that.
And that started off an amazingsix and a half years working
with Steve and Terry Irwin thereat Australia Zoo and having
some pretty incredibleexperiences.
And, of course, darl, if Ihadn't have taken that step on
that dot, then I would neverhave met you, yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
I was.
I was like a wiggle.
I was in a yellow skivvysinging and dancing about
wildlife with Bindi Irwin andyou somehow thought this guy's
attractive.
I don't know Might have beenwhen I was doing that elephant
song.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Oh, look, I tell you what it was before the elephant
song.
I mean, that definitely justcemented the idea in my brain.
But, it was one of those reallycliche moments where I just saw
you and thought I'm going tomarry that man.
I didn't even know your name.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Love it and I'm sure I can share some of that story
next week.
No, amazing really.
Again, you know how sometimesyou just have no idea what's
ahead of you, dee, and you landon these dots, as you say.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
No, you don't Look.
Can I just say that dot wasamazing and that dot, as in my
time with Steve in particularthere at Australia Zoo, has
spawned off so many otherincredible opportunities for me
personally, but also in mycareer, and now, of course, you
know in our business togetherand what we're doing as a family
(18:52):
and just so forever gratefulfor that opportunity and that
chance conversation.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
Look, there's only a real handful of people that you
know spring to mind when I thinkabout absolute Australian
larrikins that have takenAustralia to the world better
than any tourism ad, you know,and that is probably Paul Hogan
Crocodile.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Dundee yes, and Steve Irwin yeah, absolutely yeah,
absolute legend and incredibletimes there.
Anyway, we should move along,because I'm watching the time
tick, thinking, oh, I don't knowif we're going to make our
25-minute cutoff.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
No, look, it's all good.
Now listen, the favouritelocation that you would have?
You know, we've been on theroad now five and a bit years,
or have you got a dream location?
Maybe we haven't been to.
Where would you if you had amagic land?
Yeah, take me there right now.
Right now, yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Yeah, sure it's.
I mean hard question and it'sone that everybody asks us
actually where is your favouriteplace around Australia?
We just, you know, give them 50places because we can't pick
one.
But a dream destination for mesomewhere we haven't been yet,
but I know it's coming up on anitinerary at some point in the
next few years is the southcoast of Western Australia.
(20:03):
I cannot wait to get over thereto see those incredible beaches
and the landmarks and of course, the wine regions, all of it.
I'm really looking forward tothat.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Yeah, that's, esperance.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Well, yes, around down there, anywhere in that
southern coast area, because webasically, you know, cut across
to Kalgoorlie and thenhightailed it out over the
Nullarbor.
So there's a whole fair chunkthat we've missed.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Massive country, margaret River.
Oh, actually, I've been to theMargaret River once, yeah,
without me.
It took me three days to leave.
What?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
were you doing there without?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
me, I was drinking wine.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Oh, that's a question for next week when we have Paul
as the guest.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
All right, look best life advice.
What can you give us?
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh look, so many things spring to mind, but I
think the one thing that reallyhas impacted on me the most you
know outside of if you've been alistener of our podcast or
watching any of our content youknow that we love the saying if
you're a parent, you only have18 summers with your kids, and
to make the most of that timewhile you've got them to really
(21:07):
just soak it up, because it goesso quick.
And I'm looking at Jasper andhe's eight and a half already
and I can't believe how quicklythat's gone.
But that's not actually theadvice that I would give.
It would be that you actuallycan step outside your comfort
zone and live an incredible lifeif you're willing to take the
(21:27):
risk.
And this is only a lesson that Ilearned really late in life,
paul, when we decided to go allin and thought we were taking
the biggest risk of our livesand change our lifestyle and
move into a caravan and do thisthing that I'd never done as a
kid and it was just a majorthing for me.
And now it's just our normallife and it's awesome, but the
(21:50):
knowing like I wish somebody hadsaid to me when I was in my
early 20s or even before thatlife is about taking risks.
You know, it's that beautiful.
Life is a daring adventure ornothing at all.
Yeah, you know.
And getting that advice earlyto think well, okay, I've got
one shot at this and reallyunderstanding what that means.
And do you know?
Speaker 1 (22:10):
what If you get that advice late?
Grab it.
It doesn't matter, you still,yeah, Even more so grab it.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Get out of your comfort zone.
It's where the juice of life is.
It's where you'll feel likeyou're alive, you'll start
living and it doesn't have to bethe craziest thing.
But just do something that's alittle bit uncomfortable,
because then that becomes yournorm, and then do something else
to get you out of that comfortzone.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Yeah, we got her all worked up.
Now she's going.
Woo-woo, what a great firstguest.
Oh, thank you, del.
Now listen, if you were anormal guest I'd say socials.
How can we find you if we wantto follow you?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Kate.
Oh, look at all the W's offeelgoodfamilycom, all the
socials.
Of course you guys know how tofind us.
You're awesome.
Thanks, honey, yeah, no, you'reamazing.
What a privilege to be thefirst guest.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
So much more to the story too, but no, it's some
incredible parts of our lifethat we've been able to really
share and learn from together aswell so awesome.
Absolutely, it's getting betterand better darling, it is
indeed learn from together aswell.
So awesome, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
It's getting better and better doll.
It is indeed All right.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Now off the beaten chat.
We'll cut it off there.
Rv news update yes, Seriousstuff now it is a little bit,
look, and it won't always be,but there's been so much news
around RV travel in Australiaand unfortunately there's been
quite a lot around lithium ionbatteries.
And this one actually camethrough from let's Go
(23:35):
Caravanning Australia theproblems and a little bit of
prevention, really covering offthe top 12 courses for what have
been a spate of fires incaravans and campgrounds and
motorhomes.
Now look, with so many deviceswe've got iPhones, portable
power tools, drones, toys,scooters, e-bikes you know, my
dad's got that e-scooter.
It's awesome, but a lot ofthese are lithium-ion batteries.
And look, statistically it isan incredibly safe technology.
(24:01):
And look, one of the takeawaysI got from this article was from
the Queensland Fire SafetyExecutive.
He said most lithium-ionbattery fires are human error
and most relate to chargingdevices and most are preventable
.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Look, if you get one of these fires happening, it's
2,000 degrees Celsiusthereabouts.
I don't know who measured this.
No Hot, you cannot put it outwith an extinguisher.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
It's basically what this article was saying.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
You know, um, but look, there's the 12 main causes
.
I won't go into all of them,but most of them were
overheating, improper charging,using the wrong charger, mm.
You know, again you can't.
What?
Can I borrow your charger, mate, and this might be different
amperage.
Sure Um charging like scootersand e-bikes in direct sunlight
Again, overheating seem to be alot of the problem.
(24:52):
Charging hot batteries Right,You've got to let them cool
Again.
Water is another problem.
If there's water ingress, itcan actually cause a fire.
Amazing, Amazing.
Never leave them unattended.
Never leave them unattended,even when you're sleeping.
We never.
When we set off, we got thisadvice.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Yes, we did.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
And we took it on.
We never charge our mobilephones or anything when we are
asleep, yeah, and that's such acommon thing that you do in a
normal household, yeah, but yeah, look the advice and again,
from all of these experts outthere that were part of this
article and bringing theirknowledge together these were
the main causes and they'repreventable, all right.
And then, of course, there'ssome others in there, but they
(25:33):
all relate to, pretty well,overheating and charging.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
Wow, Isn't that incredible.
I mean such a scary scenariothat can be avoided just by
taking some simple steps andarming yourself with the right
education, definitely, and alsohaving some safety gear.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
But look, if you were in that horrendous situation
where there was a lithiumbattery, fire your best to get
everyone well away.
Do not try and extinguish it.
Ring 000 here in Australia andget the guys there and explain
to them as much as you knowabout what it is and what sort
of device it is and what thefire is and that they'll come
(26:08):
prepared Wow.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
They'll sort it out.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Okay, All right Again .
Prevention is key.
Pretty easy standards to setfor yourself in this info,
really to keep you and yourfamily safe.
Excellent, All right Now, feelgood.
Update.
You might have seen on oursocials there little Jasper Roo.
He gave away his $10 bike.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
Oh my gosh, I love this story so much.
It just it warms the depths ofmy heart.
This entire process of himgetting this bike and then the
evolution of it being gifted on.
That's right.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
It was his birthday last year, His eighth birthday,
and we promised him a bike.
And look, we were up in Darwinand I didn't want to just go get
him any bike.
And anyway some friends of ourssaid go to the tip, mate.
And so we took him down.
They said, look, we're going tothe tip, you know.
But anyway, there was 250 bikesand there was this one bike.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
Doesn't that make you feel better about buying the
bike from the tip when you getdown there and there's 250?
Speaker 1 (26:59):
bikes.
I could not believe it.
I mean, and this is not ahugely populated capital city,
oh my gosh.
And anyway, so he finds thisone bike and he calls it Bikey
Bikey.
He loved this bike, yes, anyway, the other day I said to him
mate, it's a belated birthdaypresent, but let's get you a
bike.
And he goes oh well, it's verybelated, it's 2025.
(27:22):
Yeah, thanks, taz.
He's up, mate, I haven't paidfor it yet.
So, anyway, so he's got abeautiful new bike, but, yeah,
that will warm your heart if youwant to check out that on our
socials.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
Jasper's giving away of his yeah, paying it forward.
It's, I mean, an amazing lessonas well, right, all of us
should do a little bit more ofthat every day, I think.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Look, our other news is that we are sitting in a
brand new van.
Now, we're not going to go intodetail Spoiler alert.
Now we're not going to go intodetail, spoiler alert.
But next week we will bring youa little bit of the shakedown.
Shakedown and some of thelocations that we're going to be
camping at.
Some great news, and, of course, I will be the guest.
But the takeaway for this weekI love, and it is camping, is
(28:06):
the answer.
Who cares what the question is?
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Oh yeah, yeah.
I mean, don't you want to seethat on a Monday morning, when
you're off to work and you checkin Facebook and that pops up, I
mean, I don't know, I thinkit'd be enough to make you go.
You know what?
I'm feeling?
A bit croaky.
Camping's cheaper than therapy,Katie, yeah Well don't they say
a bad day camping is betterthan a good day at work.
(28:31):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
These are all shirts or coffee maker things, aren't
they?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I know we need to get onto that.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
We will All right.
Look, five years.
Okay, we've been doing ourpodcast.
In fact, I think we've done 260podcasts.
So, besides the last six weeksor seven weeks that we haven't
been here, we've done a podcastevery week for five years.
Speaker 2 (28:52):
Yeah.
So thank you to all of you whotune in each and every week,
from those of you who have beenwith us from the very start.
We absolutely appreciate you somuch.
We love running into you, outthere in that beautiful, great
unknown, beautiful, greatunknown.
And because you've been with usand because you're listening to
(29:13):
our podcast, we want to say amassive thank you by giving you
a 25% discount code off ourebook bundle.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
Yeah, look, and why this is?
You're probably like, oh,they're trying to sell us
something.
Why this is a big deal isbecause it's a couple of hundred
dollars of all of our ebooks,our best-selling ebooks and,
yeah, to be able to get them for$60 because they actually are
special at the moment for $80,but we've offered a 25% thank
you code there.
It's PODCAST25, only forpodcast listeners.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
Absolutely so.
Just jump onto our website,which is all the Ws
thefeelgoodfamilycom and youwill find our shop and go
shopping.
It's an awesome bundle.
Actually, it's all of oure-books that we've done over the
years rolled into one.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Okay, absolutely love it Now.
This is an exciting year ahead.
We can't wait to bring you moreof the news of what's coming to
you across the airwaves shortly.
But for now we'll say dream bigand look after yourself and
look after your family and happytrails.
See you next week.
Welcome to the Travel Australia podcast.
We are Paul, Katie and Jasperfrom the Feel Good family.
Join us as we explore thisgreat country, Australia, its
people, places and cultures.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yes, that's right, it's the Travel Australia
podcast, where we share thelatest in RV industry news road
trip travel, caravanning andcamping, product reviews, guest
speakers, where to go, what todo, and so much more.
Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Oh yeah, no, Katie, this is awesome.
This week we discuss a recentspate of caravan and motorhome
fires.
Oh no, who is at fault?
Plus free Red Claw and theamazing Lake Maraboon Holiday
Park.
We are back baby Woohoo.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Better and bigger not in our tummies, of course, than
ever.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Look, it has been a huge Christmas and New Year's
and welcome to 2025 and happyNew Year to everyone out there.
Look, we have had six, almostseven weeks, I think, away from
our podcast and we've beenreceiving the messages and the
notes like are you guys okay?
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Haha, yes, we're still here, we're alive, we're
all good.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
And we definitely haven't been on a holiday.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
No, although we did take a couple of weeks off at
Christmas time, Paulie, to spendwith our families, which was
lovely.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Yeah, that was a magic time for us and, look, why
we haven't been here is becausewe have been overwhelmed with a
major project.
It's been three years in themaking and, look, I can tell you
it is called RV First Aid.
It is a digital online coursethat covers off everything you
would need to know if you wereplanning to tour Australia and,
again, three years in the making, it will be launching in March,
(01:45):
so we'll leave it there.
Lots of details to come on thatand you'll be the first to know
.
But, yeah, thanks for stickingwith us and hopefully you have
missed our dulcet tones.
Oh, we've missed you, that'sfor sure.
We have.
Indeed Now, as I mentioned, youknow, new Year.
Look, you would have noticedsome new music for the podcast
intro.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Yes, I like that, Paulie, good choice.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Thank you.
Some new title?
Look, it still sounds the same,doesn't it?
It's called Travel AustraliaPodcast.
Now, it was called the FamilyTravel Australia Podcast, but
we're now listened to in over130 countries, and that includes
people who are traveling herejust for a few weeks, a few
months, a few years, in alldifferent types of travellers,
whether you're backpacking,swagging, vanning, motorhoming,
(02:27):
you name it.
And so we realised that thefamily can maybe give people a
misrepresentation of what thepodcast is about.
Yes, but well, look, we'redefinitely still a family and
Jasper's still our priority andmain focus and our why of why we
actually decided to hit theroad.
But yeah, we're broadening ourhorizons a little bit and we're
(02:50):
also going to be tightening up alittle bit of the segments to
give you a lot more clearinformation, not only on those
dream destinations, inspiration,travel inspo, but then also
really relevant RV news and thetopics that matter.
I think that's super important.
Definitely, we're going to haveplenty of guests on the podcast
.
We've got a huge line of guestscoming that can share real-life
stories and these people fromevery walk of life.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Yes, who are out there doing it and their version
of it, and I'm excited aboutthis new inclusion of getting
more guest speakers on thepodcast, because everybody's got
an amazing story and you canlearn something from others.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Look, I have to tell you that I love this segment's
title.
It is Off the Beat and Chat.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, it's a really great one, Paulie.
Again, another little gem fromyou at the start of the year.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Look, thank you, I've been working hard.
As I said, I will also give, asI mentioned, the RV News update
a bit of a feel-good update and, of course, our regular
takeaway.
So that is really the format.
We'll also tighten it up.
Look, this is all going tohappen in 25 minutes, which is
why I'm speaking so quickly.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Yeah well, it's going to be hard for us.
So here we go.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Episode one, let's see what we can do to keep to
this new time format.
Okay, fantastic.
Now the location that we'rebringing you this week.
We have been there before, butwe've come back and there's some
new, improved parts of thisstay, but it's just a ripper of
a location.
It is in Queensland, about 20minutes outside of Emerald, and
(04:19):
it's called Lake MariborneHoliday Village.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
That is right it is.
It's a big four now actually,so changed ownership in between
our previous visit and gettingthere again this time.
And for those of you who don'thave the map of Queensland in
front of you, we are in centralQueensland.
We're located betweenRockhampton and those central
sapphire gem fields which arejust up the road really, when
(04:46):
we're talking about travellingAustralia in the scheme of
kilometres.
Now, the Big Four Lake MariboonHoliday Village.
It is on the shores of FairburnDam out here, just outside of
Emerald, as Paul mentioned, andit is a great stay.
It's one of those little hiddengems.
It is a caravan park, but itdoesn't have a caravan park feel
(05:10):
to it because of that naturalbushland setting that it's in.
And what I particularly loveabout it is the different areas
or zones that you can camp in.
Now they offer, of course,powered and unpowered sites, and
they actually say on theirwebsite no rig is too big.
They can accommodate any sizeof setup that you have, and
(05:34):
we've always, for some reason, Idon't know why been placed down
in or near the naughty cornerat the very back of the park.
It's where the cool cats hang,baby, yeah, it is, look, and
there is a really great vantagepoint from down in that back end
of the park that looks out overthe dam for those spectacular
(05:54):
sunsets that you get out there.
They do have cabins, so ifyou're not coming with your home
on wheels, they've got a greatrange of cabins, actually from
two bedroom villas, familycabins, stunning lake view
cabins, and they have anaccessible cabin as well.
Now the park is completely petfriendly and this is a new
update since our last visit.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
It is.
There was plenty of four-leggedfamily members, little fur
babies, getting around.
Look, they do recommend thatonly well-behaved pets are
welcome.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Yes, definitely, I don't know who decides that,
probably the owner.
I'd say so, Tom.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
But they were.
They were all well-behaved whenwe were there.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
They were.
Now look, they've got a greatpool, Very, very refreshing for
those hot central Queenslandsummer days.
Plenty of camp kitchensscattered around the grounds
with barbecue areas as well.
There's a little kiosk in thereception area that you can pick
up, you know, any of thoseessential last-minute items, and
(06:54):
they have an excellent littlecafe and bar on site, right next
to the swimming pools.
So you wander up of anafternoon grab yourself a glass
of vino or one of their red clawbeers that they have on tap.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I tell you it is good beer too.
Okay, I can vouch for this thered claw beer.
No, red claws were harmed inthe making of this beer, but it
is what they're famous for hereat Lake Mariboon.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
This is a pest really .
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Yeah, that's right, the dam is full of these red
claw.
And if you are like me anddon't have any idea what red
claw is, well, I certainlydidn't the first time we visited
.
They're sort of like a yabby.
Yeah, like a little minicrayfish.
Yeah, they're better than ayabby.
Well, they look like a yabby.
They look like what we used topull out of.
They're better looking than ayabby, you know, as far as
(07:49):
shellfish go, but they areconsidered a pest out here in
the lake and so if you are anavid fisherman, you can get out
there on your boat.
The caravan park actually do aboat and a kayak hire as well.
The caravan park actually do aboat and a kayak hire as well,
so you can get down there,access the amazing lake.
We've seen it in all sorts ofdifferent levels, haven't we,
(08:10):
paul?
From really really low to quiteconsiderably high.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
Look, it was stunning this time because of how much
rainfall they've had out throughcentral and outback Queensland,
so we love that you can sitthere.
They'll deliver a fire pit andfirewood to your campsite.
Look out, watch that sunsetacross Lake.
Oh, stunning.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It is absolutely a beautiful spot, one that we'd
return to, and look, if you loveyour wildlife there's plenty of
it out here, particularly thebird life, because of all of
that natural bushland.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Now, as you mentioned , I think, an hour out to the
gem fields, 20 minutes toEmerald, what we did and this is
a great tip would be click andcollect at the Woolies or
there's Coles as well.
We're generally sort of goingfor the Woolies and you can just
swing through, pick it up onyour way.
Yes, save you some time, saveyou driving back out.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Yeah, and it's actually.
It's a really cool drive in tooif you are coming in through
that way, because you get todrive over the dam, which makes
a pretty cool entry statement.
And look, I must say weoriginally found this campground
as we find the majority of ourcampgrounds as we travel around
Australia by using the WikiCampsapp.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Look, that app, the WikiCamps app, would have to be
the best $10 you'll spend if youare planning to travel
Australia in any format.
No matter what type of travelyou are, it is known as the app
for knowing where you're going.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Yeah, no, look it is great.
I mean, everything is on there,whether you're looking for a
campground, whether you'relooking for a rest stop a water
fill point.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
A bit of a giggle from the comments from users.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Yes, you know, like you are always going to get that
element to it when an app hasthe ability for people to share
their thoughts and the majorityof the time, thoughts are around
everything but the actualcampground that you want to know
the details on, but it doesgive you a good giggle.
But, yeah, great app forfinding everything that you need
as you travel around Australia.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Yeah, it's your one-stop shop.
We love it.
Thank you, wikicamps.
Now we're going to get into theguest interview.
Ooh.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
But because we're just starting out in this new
format, we thought it'd bereally great to share a little
bit of our backstory.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Excellent.
Yes, so particularly for ournew listeners as well.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yes, so, katie, you are guest number one.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Oh hello, why?
Thank you, I feel very honouredto be here as guest number one.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Now, I love the name of this segment Off the Beat and
Chat, and I'd like to thank oursponsor for this podcast, and
here's a little bit about them.
This podcast is brought to youby our great mates Stratus
Outdoors, creators of thetoughest and eco-friendly
outdoor equipment designed tolast a lifetime.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Oh, I love their camp gear, especially the all-day
chairs.
They're not only comfy, theyare lightweight, super stylish
and they're made from recycledmaterials.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
So good, all right.
Their entire range is made forAustralia's environment, and the
best part is that you arehelping protect the environment
with every purchase.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
These are people that actually really do care about
the environment.
And to take advantage of your10% feel-good discount code with
Stratus Outdoors, head over toour website on the gear page.
Stratus Outdoors protect theadventure.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Boom, there you go.
Thank you, Stratus.
Gotta love their gear.
I do love their gear.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Oh look, they're bloody awesome people as well.
We are very honoured to knowthe Stratus crew personally, and
they are just absolutebeautiful people.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Legends.
Okay, off the beaten chat, herewe go.
Guest number one Okay, I'mgoing to have a few questions
and I'm going to always ask ourguests on our podcast, but for
you, katie.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Go easy on me, don't throw me any surprises.
It's a couple, all right.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
For those who would like to know where were you born
and bred, katie?
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Oh look, I don't often admit it, but I was born
in New South Wales.
Oh, I didn't know that, so I amofficially a Blues.
However, have spent themajority of my life.
I grew up in Queensland.
My family moved me up here whenI was about three, so
technically a Queenslander,hence why I go for the Mighty
Maroons.
I grew up in the Sunshine Coasthinterland, actually.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Yes, look, had you been a.
You told me you were a Bluessupporter when we met.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
Yeah, it could have been all over it.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Hello, it never happened, no, just kidding, all
right, talking about your familyNow, road trips, you know,
synonymous with being anAustralian.
You know we were doing roadtrips, you know, when we were
first born, all the way throughwith my family.
For you, what about your roadtrips, or a family tradition
around camping?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Yeah, look, we weren't big campers at all.
In fact I don't have anymemories of you know us going
out and doing the tenting stylecamping as a family.
But something that we did dowas our annual road trips,
because the majority of both mymum and dad's family was still
in New South Wales.
(13:13):
So each year we would do one ortwo road trips, that classic
road trip down either thePacific Highway or the New
England Highway betweenQueensland and New South Wales,
and I absolutely loved thosedays and that feeling of freedom
.
You know that we always talkabout Paul when we're out there
(13:33):
in these, particularly thesereally remote places.
You know, when we're towingdown a dirt track and we've got
the windows open and the breezeblowing in, that's the exact
feeling that I used to get inthese road trips as a kid.
Mind you, we were doing it in,you know, like a Lancer or a
Bluebird you know it was not afancy four-wheel drive Sitting
(13:53):
in the back seat with mycassette player I tell you what
and my headphones.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Were you listening to singles or full cassettes?
What was your favourite tune?
Full cassettes.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
What was your favourite tune?
Full cassettes I absolutelyloved.
For Christmas I got MichaelJackson's new cassette.
It was the Bad cassette and Ilistened to that thing, I reckon
, until the tape fell out of it.
And my sister, who's three anda half years older than me, she
(14:24):
was gifted Prince's new cassette.
I can't remember the name ofthe album.
Yeah, it might have been thatone.
It was purple.
I remember that.
Anyway, we just thought it wasthe best thing ever.
And so those road trips, whilethey felt like they went forever
and literally we probably didit in a couple of days, if that
we might have even drivenstraight through.
I can't remember, they werejust awesome.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Yeah, Look, same for me.
The family road trip andgetting out there with my family
and music was always a hugepart of that as well.
Love it All right.
Look, you've got these kind ofdots in life.
We always talk about you know,and actually we got this from
Steve Jobs.
Yes, Not personally.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
It would have been amazing if we did.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
But he has this really fantastic moment, a
commencement speech for StanfordUniversity, I think back in
2006 or thereabouts.
Oh, it's worth a Google, it is,and he talks about staying
hungry, but he also talks aboutjoining the dots.
And that's something that youmight be doing.
Doing now might not make allthat much sense, but then all of
a sudden you know, way down thetrack, you look back and you go
well, had I not done that dotthen I wouldn't have got to this
(15:28):
point and then this point andhave now introduced that.
But I won't give away his story.
It's really worth a Googlethere.
Steve Jobs commencement speech,stanford 2006, I think from
memory.
But you'll find it.
And for you joining the dotsyou know like, give us a little
bit of those dots.
How did you get from there?
Speaker 2 (15:47):
to here Like where did you come from, katie?
Yeah, well, look, there's lotsof dots and probably a lot of
them aren't really worthmentioning.
But I started off my earlycareer in the legal field, which
you know was interesting, hadits ups and downs, I certainly
learned a lot, but quicklyrealized that I wasn't really
(16:07):
the personality type cut out to.
You know, stay in law and soYou're very good at arguing, but
no, seriously.
I learned the skills in mycareer Del.
What else can I say?
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Can't win.
I cannot win a point with herwhen it comes to argument.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
I was really lucky, actually, and just by chance you
know, thank you universe howthe dots work.
But the law firm that I wasworking for, and had been for a
long time, was the firm thatrepresented Stephen Terry Owen
at Australia Zoo, and so, bydefault, I got to do a lot of
(16:45):
work with them and would oftengo down to the zoo for meetings
concerning their legal matters.
And it just so happened that onthis one particular day after
you know probably the 50th timethat I'd been at the zoo for
legal meetings the meetingfinished and the general manager
said to me you know, I reallyneed a personal assistant.
(17:07):
And I said okay, thinking is hegoing to ask me if I know
anybody, or can I help him writean advert?
I really didn't know where hewas going and he offered me a
job and two days later Iresigned from my law firm, and
with the blessing, of course, ofthe team there who said to me
it's too good an opportunity topass up on and so you really
(17:31):
need to go and do that.
And that started off an amazingsix and a half years working
with Steve and Terry Irwin thereat Australia Zoo and having
some pretty incredibleexperiences.
And, of course, darl, if Ihadn't have taken that step on
that dot, then I would neverhave met you, yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
I was.
I was like a wiggle.
I was in a yellow skivvysinging and dancing about
wildlife with Bindi Irwin andyou somehow thought this guy's
attractive.
I don't know Might have beenwhen I was doing that elephant
song.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Oh, look, I tell you what it was before the elephant
song.
I mean, that definitely justcemented the idea in my brain.
But, it was one of those reallycliche moments where I just saw
you and thought I'm going tomarry that man.
I didn't even know your name.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Love it and I'm sure I can share some of that story
next week.
No, amazing really.
Again, you know how sometimesyou just have no idea what's
ahead of you, dee, and you landon these dots, as you say.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
No, you don't Look.
Can I just say that dot wasamazing and that dot, as in my
time with Steve in particularthere at Australia Zoo, has
spawned off so many otherincredible opportunities for me
personally, but also in mycareer, and now, of course, you
know in our business togetherand what we're doing as a family
(18:52):
and just so forever gratefulfor that opportunity and that
chance conversation.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
Look, there's only a real handful of people that you
know spring to mind when I thinkabout absolute Australian
larrikins that have takenAustralia to the world better
than any tourism ad, you know,and that is probably Paul Hogan
Crocodile.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Dundee yes, and Steve Irwin yeah, absolutely yeah,
absolute legend and incredibletimes there.
Anyway, we should move along,because I'm watching the time
tick, thinking, oh, I don't knowif we're going to make our
25-minute cutoff.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
No, look, it's all good.
Now listen, the favouritelocation that you would have?
You know, we've been on theroad now five and a bit years,
or have you got a dream location?
Maybe we haven't been to.
Where would you if you had amagic land?
Yeah, take me there right now.
Right now, yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Yeah, sure it's.
I mean hard question and it'sone that everybody asks us
actually where is your favouriteplace around Australia?
We just, you know, give them 50places because we can't pick
one.
But a dream destination for mesomewhere we haven't been yet,
but I know it's coming up on anitinerary at some point in the
next few years is the southcoast of Western Australia.
(20:03):
I cannot wait to get over thereto see those incredible beaches
and the landmarks and of course, the wine regions, all of it.
I'm really looking forward tothat.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Yeah, that's, esperance.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Well, yes, around down there, anywhere in that
southern coast area, because webasically, you know, cut across
to Kalgoorlie and thenhightailed it out over the
Nullarbor.
So there's a whole fair chunkthat we've missed.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Massive country, margaret River.
Oh, actually, I've been to theMargaret River once, yeah,
without me.
It took me three days to leave.
What?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
were you doing there without?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
me, I was drinking wine.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Oh, that's a question for next week when we have Paul
as the guest.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
All right, look best life advice.
What can you give us?
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh look, so many things spring to mind, but I
think the one thing that reallyhas impacted on me the most you
know outside of if you've been alistener of our podcast or
watching any of our content youknow that we love the saying if
you're a parent, you only have18 summers with your kids, and
to make the most of that timewhile you've got them to really
(21:07):
just soak it up, because it goesso quick.
And I'm looking at Jasper andhe's eight and a half already
and I can't believe how quicklythat's gone.
But that's not actually theadvice that I would give.
It would be that you actuallycan step outside your comfort
zone and live an incredible lifeif you're willing to take the
(21:27):
risk.
And this is only a lesson that Ilearned really late in life,
paul, when we decided to go allin and thought we were taking
the biggest risk of our livesand change our lifestyle and
move into a caravan and do thisthing that I'd never done as a
kid and it was just a majorthing for me.
And now it's just our normallife and it's awesome, but the
(21:50):
knowing like I wish somebody hadsaid to me when I was in my
early 20s or even before thatlife is about taking risks.
You know, it's that beautiful.
Life is a daring adventure ornothing at all.
Yeah, you know.
And getting that advice earlyto think well, okay, I've got
one shot at this and reallyunderstanding what that means.
And do you know?
Speaker 1 (22:10):
what If you get that advice late?
Grab it.
It doesn't matter, you still,yeah, Even more so grab it.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Get out of your comfort zone.
It's where the juice of life is.
It's where you'll feel likeyou're alive, you'll start
living and it doesn't have to bethe craziest thing.
But just do something that's alittle bit uncomfortable,
because then that becomes yournorm, and then do something else
to get you out of that comfortzone.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Yeah, we got her all worked up.
Now she's going.
Woo-woo, what a great firstguest.
Oh, thank you, del.
Now listen, if you were anormal guest I'd say socials.
How can we find you if we wantto follow you?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Kate.
Oh, look at all the W's offeelgoodfamilycom, all the
socials.
Of course you guys know how tofind us.
You're awesome.
Thanks, honey, yeah, no, you'reamazing.
What a privilege to be thefirst guest.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
So much more to the story too, but no, it's some
incredible parts of our lifethat we've been able to really
share and learn from together aswell so awesome.
Absolutely, it's getting betterand better darling, it is
indeed learn from together aswell.
So awesome, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
It's getting better and better doll.
It is indeed All right.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Now off the beaten chat.
We'll cut it off there.
Rv news update yes, Seriousstuff now it is a little bit,
look, and it won't always be,but there's been so much news
around RV travel in Australiaand unfortunately there's been
quite a lot around lithium ionbatteries.
And this one actually camethrough from let's Go
(23:35):
Caravanning Australia theproblems and a little bit of
prevention, really covering offthe top 12 courses for what have
been a spate of fires incaravans and campgrounds and
motorhomes.
Now look, with so many deviceswe've got iPhones, portable
power tools, drones, toys,scooters, e-bikes you know, my
dad's got that e-scooter.
It's awesome, but a lot ofthese are lithium-ion batteries.
And look, statistically it isan incredibly safe technology.
(24:01):
And look, one of the takeawaysI got from this article was from
the Queensland Fire SafetyExecutive.
He said most lithium-ionbattery fires are human error
and most relate to chargingdevices and most are preventable
.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Look, if you get one of these fires happening, it's
2,000 degrees Celsiusthereabouts.
I don't know who measured this.
No Hot, you cannot put it outwith an extinguisher.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
It's basically what this article was saying.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
You know, um, but look, there's the 12 main causes
.
I won't go into all of them,but most of them were
overheating, improper charging,using the wrong charger, mm.
You know, again you can't.
What?
Can I borrow your charger, mate, and this might be different
amperage.
Sure Um charging like scootersand e-bikes in direct sunlight
Again, overheating seem to be alot of the problem.
(24:52):
Charging hot batteries Right,You've got to let them cool
Again.
Water is another problem.
If there's water ingress, itcan actually cause a fire.
Amazing, Amazing.
Never leave them unattended.
Never leave them unattended,even when you're sleeping.
We never.
When we set off, we got thisadvice.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Yes, we did.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
And we took it on.
We never charge our mobilephones or anything when we are
asleep, yeah, and that's such acommon thing that you do in a
normal household, yeah, but yeah, look the advice and again,
from all of these experts outthere that were part of this
article and bringing theirknowledge together these were
the main causes and they'repreventable, all right.
And then, of course, there'ssome others in there, but they
(25:33):
all relate to, pretty well,overheating and charging.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
Wow, Isn't that incredible.
I mean such a scary scenariothat can be avoided just by
taking some simple steps andarming yourself with the right
education, definitely, and alsohaving some safety gear.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
But look, if you were in that horrendous situation
where there was a lithiumbattery, fire your best to get
everyone well away.
Do not try and extinguish it.
Ring 000 here in Australia andget the guys there and explain
to them as much as you knowabout what it is and what sort
of device it is and what thefire is and that they'll come
(26:08):
prepared Wow.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
They'll sort it out.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Okay, All right Again .
Prevention is key.
Pretty easy standards to setfor yourself in this info,
really to keep you and yourfamily safe.
Excellent, All right Now, feelgood.
Update.
You might have seen on oursocials there little Jasper Roo.
He gave away his $10 bike.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
Oh my gosh, I love this story so much.
It just it warms the depths ofmy heart.
This entire process of himgetting this bike and then the
evolution of it being gifted on.
That's right.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
It was his birthday last year, His eighth birthday,
and we promised him a bike.
And look, we were up in Darwinand I didn't want to just go get
him any bike.
And anyway some friends of ourssaid go to the tip, mate.
And so we took him down.
They said, look, we're going tothe tip, you know.
But anyway, there was 250 bikesand there was this one bike.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
Doesn't that make you feel better about buying the
bike from the tip when you getdown there and there's 250?
Speaker 1 (26:59):
bikes.
I could not believe it.
I mean, and this is not ahugely populated capital city,
oh my gosh.
And anyway, so he finds thisone bike and he calls it Bikey
Bikey.
He loved this bike, yes, anyway, the other day I said to him
mate, it's a belated birthdaypresent, but let's get you a
bike.
And he goes oh well, it's verybelated, it's 2025.
(27:22):
Yeah, thanks, taz.
He's up, mate, I haven't paidfor it yet.
So, anyway, so he's got abeautiful new bike, but, yeah,
that will warm your heart if youwant to check out that on our
socials.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
Jasper's giving away of his yeah, paying it forward.
It's, I mean, an amazing lessonas well, right, all of us
should do a little bit more ofthat every day, I think.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Look, our other news is that we are sitting in a
brand new van.
Now, we're not going to go intodetail Spoiler alert.
Now we're not going to go intodetail, spoiler alert.
But next week we will bring youa little bit of the shakedown.
Shakedown and some of thelocations that we're going to be
camping at.
Some great news, and, of course, I will be the guest.
But the takeaway for this weekI love, and it is camping, is
(28:06):
the answer.
Who cares what the question is?
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Oh yeah, yeah.
I mean, don't you want to seethat on a Monday morning, when
you're off to work and you checkin Facebook and that pops up, I
mean, I don't know, I thinkit'd be enough to make you go.
You know what?
I'm feeling?
A bit croaky.
Camping's cheaper than therapy,Katie, yeah Well don't they say
a bad day camping is betterthan a good day at work.
(28:31):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
These are all shirts or coffee maker things, aren't
they?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I know we need to get onto that.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
We will All right.
Look, five years.
Okay, we've been doing ourpodcast.
In fact, I think we've done 260podcasts.
So, besides the last six weeksor seven weeks that we haven't
been here, we've done a podcastevery week for five years.
Speaker 2 (28:52):
Yeah.
So thank you to all of you whotune in each and every week,
from those of you who have beenwith us from the very start.
We absolutely appreciate you somuch.
We love running into you, outthere in that beautiful, great
unknown, beautiful, greatunknown.
And because you've been with usand because you're listening to
(29:13):
our podcast, we want to say amassive thank you by giving you
a 25% discount code off ourebook bundle.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
Yeah, look, and why this is?
You're probably like, oh,they're trying to sell us
something.
Why this is a big deal isbecause it's a couple of hundred
dollars of all of our ebooks,our best-selling ebooks and,
yeah, to be able to get them for$60 because they actually are
special at the moment for $80,but we've offered a 25% thank
you code there.
It's PODCAST25, only forpodcast listeners.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
Absolutely so.
Just jump onto our website,which is all the Ws
thefeelgoodfamilycom and youwill find our shop and go
shopping.
It's an awesome bundle.
Actually, it's all of oure-books that we've done over the
years rolled into one.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Okay, absolutely love it Now.
This is an exciting year ahead.
We can't wait to bring you moreof the news of what's coming to
you across the airwaves shortly.
But for now we'll say dream bigand look after yourself and
look after your family and happytrails.
See you next week.
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