The Kofkin Bond's Podcast

254. The Worst Disease You’ve Never Heard Of – Inside EB with Simone Baird

In this week’s episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast,  Dimi and Tony sit down with Simone Baird, the dedicated Family and Support Coordinator at DEBRA Australia, for an emotional and eye-opening conversation about Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare, debilitating, and often life-threatening genetic skin disorder. Commonly referred to as “the worst disease you’ve never heard of.”

Simone courageously shares the deeply personal story of her beloved daughter Eliza, who was born with EB. From the moment of Eliza’s birth, their lives changed forever, and Simone takes listeners through the heartbreaking reality of living with a child affected by this cruel condition

Simone talks about how DEBRA Australia has stood beside Simone’s family like a lifeline, offering critical services including psychological support, in-home nursing care, and financial aid for the overwhelming costs that EB families often face. DEBRA’s support extends beyond just clinical care, they provide hope, community, and a sense of not being alone in the fight. Simone urges listeners to learn more about EB, share the stories of those affected, and support the vital work of DEBRA Australia in their mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with this devastating condition.

253. Brighter Days: Jason Reid's Journey of Hope and Community

In this weeks podcast, Jason Reid discusses his journey and the formation of the Brighter Days Foundation, a charity focused on supporting children with severe illnesses. Jason shares personal anecdotes, including his son's battle with a brain tumor and other health challenges, which inspired him to start the foundation. He highlights the importance of community involvement and the significant impact of their fundraising efforts, which have raised over $5 million since inception. The podcast also touches on the emotional and physical support provided by the foundation, the annual Brighter Days festival, and the collaborative efforts of volunteers and local organizations to make a difference in the lives of affected families. Jason's message emphasizes the power of community and the importance of giving back.

 

252. The Champion’s Mindset: Grant Hackett on Success in Sport and Business

In this week’s Kofkin Bond & Co podcast, Tony sits down with Grant Hackett — CEO of Generation Development Group and former Olympic swimming champion. Grant shares his inspiring journey from world-class athlete to accomplished business leader, revealing how the values of hard work, discipline, and consistency have driven his success in both sport and business.

Hackett reflects on his experiences training alongside top athletes, overcoming major challenges, including a battle with pneumonia before the Athens Olympics, and achieving career-defining moments such as breaking world records and winning Olympic gold. He also opens up about his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability, and empowering others to succeed. The conversation explores his competitive mindset, his upbringing, and the powerful life lessons he’s carried from the pool to the boardroom as CEO of Generation Development Group.

251. From Classroom to Comedy: Tyson Popplestone

In this episode on the Kofkin Bond podcast, Tyson Popplestone sits down with Dimi and Tony to explore Tyson's fascinating journey from being a teacher, pastor, and athlete to becoming a comedian. In this episode, Tyson delves into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning between such diverse careers, sharing hilarious anecdotes and profound insights along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of challenging negative thoughts, embracing change, and finding humor in everyday life. With a perfect blend of laughter and heartfelt moments, this episode promises to inspire, entertain, and leave you with valuable life lessons. 

250. A Mother and Son's Obstacle Through Cancer: Sebastian & Natalie Khoury

In this episode of the Kofkin Bond podcast, host Tony Kofkin welcomes Sebastian Khoury and his mother, Natalie Khoury, to discuss their inspiring journey.

Sebastian, a St Bernard's boy, shares his story of overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma, a battle he faced alongside his mother, who also survived the same cancer. The conversation delves into the emotional and challenging experiences they endured, highlighting the support from their family and the school community. Sebastian's determination and resilience shine through as he talks about his academic achievements and his aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. The episode also touches on the importance of family, the impact of their book, "The Worst/Best Year," and the profound connections they made along the way. This heartfelt and motivational episode is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.

249. Foundations of Success: Illan Samuel’s Rise in Property Development

In this episode, Dimi sits down with Illan Samuel, a Melbourne-based property developer, to explore his journey from childhood to industry success. Illan shares how his upbringing in a family of property professionals shaped his path, leading him from a career in valuation to major property developments worth up to $150 million. He opens up about his first project, innovative strategies, and the importance of taking calculated risks. Beyond business, Illan talks about balancing fatherhood, mentoring, and giving back to the community. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, vision, and building a legacy through passion and hard work.

248. Beyond the Finish Line: Michael Roeger’s Journey to Greatness

Michael Roeger, originally from Langhorne Creek in country South Australia, is a five-time Paralympian and one of Australia’s top middle- and long-distance runners. He has dedicated over half his life to professional running and is a two-time Paralympic medalist, winning silver in the 1500m T46 at the Paris 2024 Games.

Michael holds the T46 world records in the 1500m, 5000m, and Marathon, and is the fastest ambulant Paralympian to complete a marathon with a time of 2:18.51. Known for his grit, discipline, and passion for sport, Michael continues to inspire athletes and fans across the country.

247. Financial Literacy and Life Lessons: A Conversation with Dimi Rokkos

Tony introduces Dimi, a new member of the Kofkin Bond team. In this episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, Dimi dives into the vital topic of financial literacy, sharing personal insights and experiences that highlight its importance, especially for single parents juggling careers and motherhood.

The episode  touches on Dimi's commitment to volunteering and charity work, including coaching youth basketball and supporting organizations like Helping Hoops and Hoops for Health, which mentor underprivileged children.

This episode is packed with valuable advice on how financial literacy can empower individuals to take control of their finances while fostering personal growth and community involvement.

246. Relentless Pursuit: Chris Christofi's Journey from Sales to Philanthropy

In this episode of the Kofkin Bond podcast, Tony Kofkin sits down with Chris Christofi, CEO and founder of Reventon, to explore his remarkable journey from a young sales enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist. Chris shares personal anecdotes about his Greek Cypriot heritage, early work experiences, and the invaluable lessons learned from his father. The conversation delves into the importance of communication skills, resilience in the face of challenges, and the relentless pursuit of success. Chris also discusses his extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly with Vinnies and the CEO Sleepout, highlighting his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on society. Tune in to hear Chris's inspiring story and his insights on personal growth, empathy, and the power of giving.

245. Navigating the Corporate World: Tamara Barr on Leadership and ESG

This weeks episode Tony chats with Tamara Barr, founder of CSB Corporate Services. Tamara shares her journey from Melbourne to London, offering insights into corporate governance, the importance of strong leadership, and the evolving landscape of shareholder interests. Discover the role of ESG reporting and the differences between ASX-listed companies, public companies, and not-for-profits. Tune in for an inspiring conversation blending professional expertise with personal stories.