Get Frank with Mitch McPherson
We've teamed up with the Get Frank podcast to show the true impact of road trauma as host Mitch McPherson talks to real people with real stories, told in their own words.
Famous for his work with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, Mitch McPherson is a passionate mental health advocate who's worked closely with school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs from across the country.
Mitch is dedicated to spreading the message that nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it, and that sentiment drives this entire series.
Listen to each episode by clicking the links below, or by searching for Get Frank wherever you find your podcasts. By subscribing through your chosen platform you'll get early notification when new episodes are released.
Episode 8 - Melissa & Peter McGuinness
In 2012, Melissa and Peter McGuinness’ son Jordan was involved in a vehicle incident that resulted in his death and the death of four others. He was speeding and under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
Since then, Melissa and Peter have gone on to establish YOU CHOOSE, a program centred around youth road safety that advocates for changed driving behaviours.
Episode 7 - Callan Hume
While riding his motorbike through a traffic light intersection 15 years ago, Callan Hume’s life changed in an instant when a driver ran a red light and crashed into him.
In this episode Callan speaks openly about his emotions, including his feelings around the driver that crashed into him. He also speaks to the countless surgeries and lengthy physical and emotional path to recovery he’s endured.
Episode 6 - Paul Allen
Paul Allen would never have known that riding unsecured in a trailer could change his life, but it did when it lost control and crashed.
In this episode we’ll get frank with Paul, as he speaks about his life with an acquired brain injury, and the physical and emotional challenges he’s faced through the journey to recovery.
Episode 5 - Katrina Ostrenski
In this episode we’ll get frank with Katrina Ostrenski, an experienced paramedic who recently became Director of Education for Ambulance Tasmania.
Providing incredible insight and speaking to the realities of being a paramedic, in this episode 'Kat’ shares first-hand experience as someone who’s regularly tasked with the role of saving lives at vehicle accidents.
Episode 4 - Nicho Baily
After having a few 'knockoff' drinks, Nicho Baily's life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a single-vehicle motor accident.
Living with an acquired brain injury, in this episode you’ll hear how the impacts of his accident continue to affect Nicho’s everyday life, 20 years on.
Episode 3 - Maggie Veness
Thirty years ago, Maggie Veness lost her daughter Mandy in a single-vehicle accident.
Since then, she’s channelled her grief into helping others, dedicating herself to volunteer work while raising her grandson, Tim.
In this powerful episode, Maggie shares her heartfelt journey of loss, resilience, and her passionate fight for road safety.
Episode 2 - Andrew Bovill & Drummond Williamson
With their combined experience of close to four decades in emergency services, Andrew Bovill from Tasmania Police and Drummond Williamson from Tasmania Fire Service speak from the perspective of those that go to work each day with the intention of helping others.
They recount lived experiences and share the simple things we can all do to be safer on the road.
Episode 1 - Kirby Barker
Kirby Barker's life drastically changed almost 20 years ago when she fell asleep behind the wheel.
With an infectious and positive attitude, Kirby shares with us the realities of what it's like to survive a major car accident, and the lifelong effects this has had on her and her family.
Her honesty is raw, and her outlook is inspirational.
We'll be regularly releasing new episodes, so keep an eye out for them here.
