The Soda Room

Sam Powell-Pepper is loved by Port Adelaide fans for his passion and uncompromising approach to his footy. He’s about to return from a second knee reconstruction and shares the mental and physical battles he’s fought to get himself ready.Despite his tough exterior, Sam is a big softie behind closed doors, who is dedicated to his family and friends.Through gratitude, vulnerability and surrounding himself with good people, Sam has dealt with some enormous challenges he faced from childhood and is loving life as a dad of three girls.

Reuben Kaye is a cabaret marvel armed with a powerhouse voice, razor-sharp wit and enough sequins to light up the MCG.Reuben is a comedic raconteur and brilliant artist who leaves his audiences laughing, gasping and screaming for more. As he prepares to launch this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival in his role as creative director, Reuben joined us for a revealing chat that showcases his genius, courage and plenty of vulnerability. 💪❤️

Sam Jacobs is a Crows fan favourite, he’s a triple Showdown medallist and made the all Australian squad three times.The big ruckman started his footy journey with Carlton and finished it off with the Giants, and in between he played 184 games for Adelaide.The country boy from Ardrossan is now coaching Woodville-West Torrens the SANFL and they’re sitting on top of the ladder five and zip, but he’s much more than just a footballer.Big Sam has faced enormous adversity throughout his life, and he opens up to share with us how he’s been able to deal with so such trauma, yet still be able to thrive as a father, as a husband and as a fantastic human being.

Gary Window is one of footy’s great characters… a super player, with a larger-than-life persona.Gaz was captain of Central District’s first ever SANFL game, its first state representative and first Magarey Medalist in 1965.His passion and enthusiasm was infectious when he became a great media performer, and at 85 years young, Gaz is still a regular at Elizabeth Oval watching his beloved Bulldogs.It’s a real honour having such a brilliant storyteller, who is a true pioneer of the SANFL, share his story with us.

A football prodigy signed to Carlton as a school boy and made captain of Central District at just 21, Steven Trigg has just about done it all in our great game.After finishing his playing days at North Adelaide, Triggy coached Sturt, worked in the media, and made his mark as an administrator leading both the Crows and Carlton as CEO.A move to overseeing Australia's largest luxury vineyard groups as boss of Randall Wine Group has rounded out a super impressive CV. Now, Triggy’s back involved in the game he loves, recently appointed chairman of the South Australian Football Commission.In this chat, Triggy generously opens up about the highs and lows of running footy clubs, the successes and challenges, and the lessons he’s learnt along the way. All this, while balancing a great family life too.

Anna Liptak is the poster girl for creating a business that allows her to do what she loves… travelling the world running marathons.Although, it hasn’t all been smooth running, Anna was one of the first South Australians to get covid. The pandemic didn’t just damage her health, it also destroyed her business.However, through persistence, passion, courage and genuine grit, Anna not only rebuilt her body, she resurrected Adventure Time Travel, turning it into a world class travel company that has enabled thousands of people turn their dreams into reality.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience in the Garden of Unearthly Delights at the 2026 Adelaide Fringe festival.The guest line up is incredible, featuring You Am I frontman Tim Rogers, and comedy stars Tom Gleeson, Pete Rowsthorn and Georgie Carroll.

Kevin Kropinyeri is a much loved and highly respected comedian, artist and speaker. He’s the father of AFL star Kozzy Kropinyeri-Pickett.Kev’s childhood was marred by domestic violence, alcoholism and cruelty. As a young man he was locked up in three different states and struggled to find his way .Through enormous courage and self-reflection, Kev turned his life around and his powerful story of how he did it is truly as remarkable as it is transformational.I’m extremely grateful to Kev for sharing his story with such honesty and vulnerability.

Nathan Bassett played footy with a passion and desperation that was clearly evident to everyone who saw him terrorise AFL forwards.A fan favourite of the Crows faithful, Bass turned his hand to coaching after playing 210 games, and quickly transformed Norwood into a SANFL powerhouse with back to back flags in 2012 and 2013.After more than a decade as an assistant coach with Essendon, Port Adelaide and Melbourne, Bass has jumped back into leading his own outfit at West Adelaide.Bass is really honest and vulnerable in this chat, opening up on everything from balancing diabetes with elite sport, being rocked by injuries, spotting future footy stars and having the tough conversations.

Orazio Fantasia was one of the AFL’s most exciting and dynamic small forwards.Watching him pounce on the ball and snap a major with his uncanny goal sense was an absolute delight for many Essendon, Port and Carlton lovers.Raz played in a SANFL flag for Norwood in just his 4th senior game. Now, he is heading back to have a kick with local footy side Adelaide University.His humility, selflessness and care for his team mates was evident to everyone who lined up alongside him. Everytime Raz got hit with an injury setback, his ability to deal with adversity enabled him to do all he could to get back on the park and do what he did best.

Tim Rogers is one of Australian music’s most charismatic and influential artists.The ‘You Am I’ frontman not only writes and sings timeless classics, he’s an accomplished actor and author, pulls a great beer behind the bar and still bowls off a long run at the Snake Pit for the Taradale Taipans.Tim’s wit, honesty and intelligence makes for a fascinating chat. Enjoy!

Fire, flavour and ferocious passion!Duncan Welgemoed shares his extraordinary story. He grew up in a violent and transformative South Africa, honed his craft in hostile kitchens in the UK, before finding love and a new home in Adelaide. Duncan's award-winning restaurant Africola is the culmination of his creativity and remarkable experiences.As Festival Curator of Tasting Australia, Duncan's bringing a host of unique culinary opportunities to the table for us all.

After being born without one of the two bones in his lower left leg, Cooper endured countless painful operations and procedures throughout his first 12 years.As it became harder and harder for him to keep playing basketball, the sport he loves, Cooper stunned parents Renee and Matt when he told them he wanted to have the leg amputated. It was a decision he didn't make lightly. Cooper's maturity, courage and tenacity is remarkable, and before he had become a teenager, he became an amputee.Now, at 18 years of age, Cooper is living a great life. He's taken the wheelchair basketball world by storm and is well on the way to achieving his dream of becoming a Paralympian.

Phil Smyth is a bone fide Australian sporting legend. The basketball great has a super impressive CV that boasts more than 350 games with the Boomers, appearances at 4 Olympics and 5 World Champs, plus 6 NBL titles as a player and coach. However, his influence goes well beyond the court, ‘The General’ is now an invaluable mentor and confidant to some amazingly successful coaches, including Brisbane’s dual AFL premiership boss Chris Fagan, and two-time SANFL premiership coach turned Port Adelaide AFL assistant Darren Reeves.

Phil Smyth is a bone fide Australian sporting legend. The basketball great has a super impressive CV that boasts more than 350 games with the Boomers, appearances at 4 Olympics and 5 World Champs, plus 6 NBL titles as a player and coach. However, his influence goes well beyond the court, ‘The General’ is now an invaluable mentor and confidant to some amazingly successful coaches, including Brisbane’s dual AFL premiership boss Chris Fagan, and two-time SANFL premiership coach turned Port Adelaide AFL assistant Darren Reeves.

Coming from a long line of academics, professionals and general all-round ground breakers, Michelle Buxton is living a remarkable life. Starting out as an accountant and stockbroker, Michelle searched for something more fulfilling and pivoted into entertainment and the arts. Along with husband Andrew Walker, Michelle worked with Australian music royalty, taking Men At Work and The Black Sorrows to the world. On top of all that, Michelle created the iconic Garden of Unearthly Delights at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Since 2000, the Garden has become the heartbeat of the festival, bringing some of the world’s best comedians and performers to a whole new audience.

From NSW-born international cricket hopeful to Port Adelaide assistant coach in Australia's highest profile sporting competition, Darren Reeves is leading a remarkable life.He smashed international bowlers around the park in India and then turned his focus to coaching Aussie Rules football where he took Glenelg to back-to-back premierships in the SANFL, the best state league competition in the country.'Reeva' opens up on his coaching philosophies and how he made his super successful switch from cricket to footy.

From making dresses out of wrapping paper at the age of three to showcasing his magnificent collections on the world stage, Paul Vasileff's journey so far is nothing short of remarkable.His label, Paulo Sebastian, is worn by some of the biggest stars on the planet, yet Australia's king of couture remains humble, down-to-earth, and true to the people who have supported him as he chased his dream.Paul's story is one of persistence, resilience, creativity and passion. He is an absolute inspiration to so many and there are many more chapters still to be written.

From making dresses out of wrapping paper at the age of three to showcasing his magnificent collections on the world stage, Paul Vasileff's journey so far is nothing short of remarkable.His label, Paulo Sebastian, is worn by some of the biggest stars on the planet, yet Australia's king of couture remains humble, down-to-earth, and true to the people who have supported him as he chased his dream.Paul's story is one of persistence, resilience, creativity and passion. He is an absolute inspiration to so many and there are many more chapters still to be written.

Ian & Seb SteelIan Steel is the founder of ‘Kickstart for Kids’. A charity he created more than a decade ago to provide breakfast at schools for children doing it tough. It has since evolved into a host of fantastic programs and services that give kids the support they need to get a great start on life. More than 60,000 breakfasts are provided in schools across South Australia each week.You’d think Ian would have a truckloads of good karma coming his way, but life doesn’t always work like that.18 months ago, Ian’s son Seb, then 19 years old, suffered a horrific accident that caused enormous physical and emotional damage to not just Seb, but the whole Steel family.Over the ensuing year and a half, the Steels have endured a rollercoaster of emotions that have pushed them to their absolute limits. I am so grateful to Ian and Seb for courageously sharing their story with us for the very first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a 13 year old, Jess Stenson and her family sat in the stands at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. At that moment, Jess decided that she wanted to represent Australia. Twelve years on, she lined up in green and gold on the start line of the marathon at the London Olympics.Jess has since added a pair of Commonwealth Games bronze medals to her CV. Then last year she struck gold in Birmingham with an inspirational run on a tough and technical course.In this chat, Jess reveals what it takes physically, emotionally and mentally to push your body to the limit for 42.195 kilometres at a ridiculously fast pace and also shares some wonderful personal news for the very first time.Web: www.thesodaroom.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXgFacebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcastemail: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kellie Gardner is one of the most courageous and selfless people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. Less than 18 months ago, Kellie and her fiancé, Port Adelaide footballer Jeremy Finlayson had the world at their feet. They’d just become parents to little Sophia and relocated from Sydney to Adelaide to be closer to family.   Their lives were rocked when, at just 25 years young, Kellie was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She bravely battled surgery, chemo and radiotherapy and finally the family thought they were through the worst of it.   Recently however, Kellie has been told the cancer is back and it has moved to her lung. As she prepares for another bout of chemo, along with wonderful support from Jeremy, Kellie isn’t wallowing in self pity. She is an absolute fighter and is now on a selfless mission to help as many people as she can Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis great Mark Woodforde is part of Aussie folklore. Alongside Todd Woodbridge, ‘The Woodies’ formed one of the most enduring and iconic partnerships in the sport’s history.  Beyond that, Mark was also a world class singles player, reaching a top 20 ranking and chalked many wins against legends such as John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl. ‘Pecker’ as he is affectionately known, has won 17 grand slams in doubles and mixed, 4 singles titles and a Davis Cup championship.  In this chat, he opens up about his now fractured relationship with Woodbridge and provides a fascinating insight into major-winning partnerships with McEnroe and Martina Navratilova. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Azarenka has a great affinity with Australia. She's won a pair of grand slam singles titles at Melbourne Park, mixed doubles crowns at the French and US Opens and Olympic gold in London. In this chat, Vichka generously opens up about motherhood, inspiring a generation of youngsters, becoming world number 1 and going undercover in Paris to restore her mental health. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Andy Murray is a bona fide tennis superstar. His impressive CV includes 3 grand slam titles, a pair of Olympic gold medals and a drought-breaking Davis Cup title alongside brother Jamie.  He bravely overcame a debilitating hip injury to return to the ATP tour. In fact it's near a miracle that he's still playing at the top level given the extensive surgery he has undergone. Andy is open and honest in this chat about the challenging road he's courageously travelled to return to the court. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanasi Kokkinakis not only has one of the great names in world sport, he is also a very funny, authentic and engaging young man.   He had a rapid rise to fame as a tennis teen then was rocked by a heap of injuries.  Thanasi braverly opens up about his battles with anxiety and how he has found peace and great success.   Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Dale Smedley and Shaun Trevillian aka the Golf Gods. A couple of Aussie tradies (a glazier and a plumber) who threw in their day jobs to realise a dream. The self-confessed 'hackers' have created a multi-million dollar company by celebrating the fun side of golf. Their edgy range of apparel, products and merchandise has become a huge hit right across the globe. It hasn't all been smooth sailing, there's also been a few legal touches along the way. In this episode the boys reveal how they took a simple idea to the world and how they're now living their very best lives. A true story of inspiration! Web: www.golfgods.com Instagram: @golf_gods Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zak Butters and Connor Rozee are a couple of young Port Adelaide FC stars that are making their marks on the national stage. At 22 years old, they’ve each had 4 years in the AFL system. Classy Connor picked up his first All-Australian nod this year and claimed Port’s best and fairest award. While Zak plays with a ferocity and intensity that inspires his team mates. Both are immensely important to Port’s culture and show enormous courage by talking openly and sharing their stories. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson is a national treasure. She became Australia's first female Olympic gold medalist when she blitzed the field in the 100metre sprint at the 1952 Helsinki games. Marjorie is a humble champion and on the 70th anniversary of her dual gold medal feats she shares her remarkable story. Beyond the track, Marj served as South Australian Governor and has raised millions of dollars and created research opportunities in honour of her late husband Peter Nelson through his Leukemia Research Fellowship Fund.  Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Charlie Teo is renowned for performing intricate and complex brain surgeries that others have called inoperable.He is a pioneer in one of the most demanding and challenging jobs on the planet - neurosurgery. In this chat Charlie is raw, unfiltered and vulnerable as he talks about what it takes to be given the privilege to operate on the human brain.He has ruffled feathers amongst the medical profession and he reveals the impact the ongoing investigation by the NSW medical regulator is having on him. Web: www.thesodaroom.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXgFacebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcastemail: [email protected] @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Platten, aka the Rat, is one of footy’s greatest and most decorated players. One of 9 kids, he grew up in Adelaide’s tough north, dominated for Central District FC then headed across the border to become a superstar with the dominant Hawks.  The Rat played with enormous courage and sustained more than 30 concussions across his career. He bravely opens up about living with the consequences of those brain injuries, while always maintaining his positive and fun-loving nature. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes enormous courage to show vulnerability and Kyle Chalmers is bloody courageous. This is an honest and open chat from the Olympic gold medalist who took the world by storm as an 18 year old when he won 100 freestyle in Rio. He has battled a heart condition and a pair of dodgy shoulders and yet he still gets behind the blocks and turns it on every time against the odds. Kyle bravely reveals the toll the tabloid saga targeting his private life has had on his mental health this year. I'm very grateful Kyle has trusted us to share his inspirational story with us.  Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Just 20 years of age Jack Trengove was named captain of the Melbourne Football Club, the youngest skipper in history.  A highly skilled and dynamic player, he was quickly struck down by a foot injury that would play havoc with his career. Courageously, he took the adversity within his stride and has flourished in the business world. His story is one of resilience and persistence, and even now, he still manages to run around and dominate local footy just for fun.  Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Head has fast become a key member of the Australian test cricket team. He was named player of the series in the Ashes after belting a couple of swashbuckling tons.  Fatherhood is his next challenge now that he and Jess are celebrating the recent arrival of little Milla.  Travis has overcome some huge challenges and opens up about the frightening car accident that put him in hospital and the impact of losing great mate and mentor Phil Hughes.  Web: www.thesodaroom.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mickan was the Brisbane Bears first skipper and also won the Crows inaugural club champion award. He coached West Adelaide to a SANFL premiership 32 years after he missed out on a flag with the same club through injury. Mark is now fighting Parkinson's disease with enormous courage and humility.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris McDermott was the Crows inspirational inaugural skipper and also an absolute superstar for Glenelg in the SANFL. His courage and leadership on field was legendary and since hanging up the boots he has raised millions of dollars to help kids through his charity, Little Heroes.  'Bone' as he is affectionally known is a true footy icon and a wonderful bloke to match.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/  Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast  email: [email protected]  Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea Randall has quickly become one of the trailblazers of the AFLW. The triple premiership Crows skipper has been voted the League's Most Courageous player a remarkable four times. She's not only a brilliant footballer, she is an authentic and inspiring human being. Chels demonstrates enormous bravery and honesty as she shares her moving and powerful story. Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] Recorded @ PodBooth Studios Adelaide www.podbooth.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Boak is the heart and soul of the Port Adelaide football club. His level of consistency over 300-plus games is remarkable and there's still plenty of footy left in the humble superstar.  He has overcome enormous adversity throughout his life and his vulnerability and honesty during this episode is inspiration Web: www.thesodaroom.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesodaroompodcast/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCStGGKtqNrAW-NlLyAYjXXg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesodaroompodcast email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.