In this episode of Stories of Us, Sarah Grynberg sits down with Mitchell Coombs, a vibrant personality from Bogan Gate, a small town in New South Wales.

Growing up in Bogan Gate, Mitchell initially found life there stifling and dreamt of the hustle and bustle of Sydney. He recounts how his perspective has changed, now appreciating the peacefulness and tight-knit community of his hometown.

Mitchell shares his journey from Bogan Gate to Sydney, where he became a producer on the fast-paced Kyle and Jackie O Show. Despite the demanding nature of breakfast radio, he thrived and developed a strong work ethic. Mitchell humorously recalls his initial shyness and how he earned the nickname "Meek Mitch" from Kyle Sandilands.

His rise to public attention began with a viral video tour of Bogan Gate, which led to national recognition and an appearance on Sunrise. This unexpected fame encouraged him to pursue content creation on YouTube and later TikTok, where he continues to engage and entertain audiences.

Mitchell also opens up about the challenges of being openly gay in different environments. Surprisingly, he found more acceptance in Bogan Gate than in certain parts of Sydney, sharing a recent distressing incident in a Manly bar. Despite such challenges, Mitchell remains optimistic and committed to his work.

Join Sarah and Mitchell as they explore his unique story, from a small-town boy with big city dreams to a successful content creator who embraces his roots and identity.

if you’ve enjoyed hearing Mitchell’s story and would like to hear about another hilarious comedian from regional New South Wales - check out our episode with Cameron James here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/cameron-james-on-strumming-strings-to-striking-jok?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B3eb8c0c0-2def-4d14-9789-b1290000293a

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Join host Sarah Grynberg in a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, Geraldine Hickey, on Stories of Us. Hailing from Albury, New South Wales, Geraldine takes us on her journey from the charming regional town where she grew up to the bustling comedy scene of Melbourne.

In this episode, Geraldine shares her humble beginnings, reflecting on the supportive yet identity-challenged atmosphere of Albury, where she first discovered her love for drama. She recounts the pivotal moments that led her to comedy, including a life-changing encounter with comedian Peter Helliar and a nudge from her mother that pushed her to enter the RAW Comedy competition.

The conversation delves into the profound grief experienced when a loved one passes from dementia, describing it as a "long goodbye." Geraldine reflects on her father's final days, the solace of knowing he was at peace, and the mixed emotions of relief and sorrow that come with the end of such a challenging journey.

Geraldine also touches on the recent loss of her close friend and fellow comedian, Cal Wilson. She shares the emotional process of dealing with sudden illness and the support system of friends that helped her through the grieving period.

Geraldine talks about her comedy show "Don't Tease Me About My Gloves," inspired by her diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. She humorously explains the trials of living with this condition, from the initial shock to the practical adjustments she had to make. The show serves as a broader commentary on grief, both for the small daily losses and the monumental life changes.

You can find Geraldine’s Tour Dates at: https://linktr.ee/GeraldineHickey

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Geraldine’s story today and would like to listen to another Aussie comedy legend - check out our episode with Newcastle’s own Rhys Nicholson here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/rhys-nicholson-on-having-a-bad-gig-in-front-of-the?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B381713c1-8315-4b13-ad76-b0d7017d4794

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In this episode, Julie Goodwin, shares her candid journey of triumphs and setbacks. From the excitement of winning the show to the challenges of coping with personal losses and struggles with alcohol, Julie's story is one of resilience and redemption.

Julie opens up about the overwhelming experience of sudden fame and the unexpected pressures that came with it. She reflects on the difficult period following her win, marked by the passing of her Nan and mother-in-law, as well as her own battles with depression and addiction.

During the conversation, Julie speaks honestly about her DUI incident, acknowledging the shame and humiliation she felt as her personal struggles became public. She recounts the challenges of seeking help and the long road to recovery, emphasizing the importance of confronting trauma and making positive changes.

Despite the hardships, Julie's story is one of hope and perseverance. She shares practical insights into managing emotions, coping with depression, and finding strength in difficult times. Her message resonates with listeners as she encourages them to seek support, make positive choices, and believe in their ability to overcome adversity.

As Julie reflects on her journey and the release of her book, "Your Time Starts Now," she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and connect with others. Her honesty and resilience inspire listeners to embrace hope, seek help when needed, and believe in their capacity for growth and healing.

This episode of Stories Of Us focuses on subjects around mental health and depression and includes references of sexual assault and self-harm. If anything in this podcast brings up difficult feelings for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to someone you trust for support. Alternatively, you can call Lifeline anytime at 13 11 14 for assistance.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing from Julie today and would like to hear the story of another Australian Icon - check out our episode with Murray Cook from the Wiggles. A link to his episode of Stories of Us is here… https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/murray-cook-on-the-young-wiggles-fan-who-left-a-la?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B8e74707c-a9d2-4116-be05-b0f0017e81b4

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