The Kofkin Bond’s Podcast

257. Refugee To Award - Winning Pharmacist : Sara Murdock's Journey Of Resilience and Empowerment

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, we meet Sara Murdock, an award-winning pharmacist whose journey from war-torn Iraq to Australian community leader is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of education. Hosted by Tony, this deeply moving conversation traces Sara’s early years growing up amid the Iran-Iraq war, the harrowing escape her family made in search of safety, and the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country.

 

Sara shares how her parents’ emphasis on education became the foundation for her success, shaping her determination to make a difference as a pharmacist and advocate for health in her community. She reflects on the frontline challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the vital role pharmacists play beyond dispensing medicine, and how winning national awards reinforced her commitment to service and empowerment.

 

This episode delves into the realities of migration, the ongoing impact of trauma, and the importance of empathy and storytelling to inspire the next generation of refugees and professionals. Sara’s passion for community engagement, wellness education, and the healing power of connection shines throughout her story.

 

Whether you’re interested in stories of overcoming adversity, the immigrant experience, or the future of healthcare and community service, Sara’s journey will leave you inspired and empowered to use your voice.

 

Change begins with sharing our stories. Join us for this powerful episode of Everyday Heroes.

256. Redefining Success: Alex Kain on The Philosophy of Compassion, Community & a New Human Economy

Alex Kain has been passionate about entrepreneurship for as long as he can remember. From a young age, he was inspired by the idea of becoming a successful businessman, much like the success modelled to him in the media. Driven by this ambition, Alex embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, launching several startups, primarily within the rapidly evolving technology space. Amongst all of this, he also took on several ‘careers’ as a dating agency consultant, private investigator and comedian. Over the years, as he honed his skills, Alex’s focus gradually shifted toward helping other businesses achieve greater productivity and efficiency. He became particularly adept at assessing the existing systems and processes within organisations, identifying areas where improvements could be made, and devising strategies for optimisation.

 

However, as his career progressed, Alex began to notice something that sparked a deeper reflection—growing social inequities that seemed to persist around him. Whether it was issues of access to opportunities, unequal resources, or systemic barriers, he became increasingly aware of the ways in which social disparities were impacting people’s lives.

 

This awareness, coupled with his desire to make a positive impact, led Alex to rethink the way he viewed success and progress. Rather than focusing solely on assisting businesses, Alex began considering how he could apply his analytical skills to address these social challenges. He envisioned a movement that sought to inspire a broader shift in perspective—a new way of understanding the world and our roles within it. Drawing on his prior experience, he began developing ideas for a philosophy that would challenge conventional thinking and encourage individuals and organisations to view success through a different lens, one that prioritised equity, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

255. Redefining Recruitment with Nathan Soti

This week, we welcomed Nathan Soti to the Kofkin Bond podcast. Nathan is a true people-person with a natural ability to connect, understand, and support others. With several years of experience in Financial Services and Sales, he has developed not only a deep understanding of the industry but also a strong passion for helping others thrive within it.

Over the years, Nathan noticed a recurring gap in the recruitment experience, both as a candidate and as a client. Frustrated with the transactional nature of traditional agencies, he decided to do something about it. That’s when Ethos360 Recruitment was born.

Nathan founded Ethos360 with a simple but powerful belief: people are a business’s most important asset. His mission is to support growing businesses by connecting them with high-quality talent across Financial Planning, Mortgage Broking, and Insurance, talent that will not only thrive in the role but also align with the values and culture of the organisation.

Under Nathan’s leadership, everything at Ethos360 , from their process and technology to their team’s approach, is purposefully built to find the right people, not just the available ones. For Nathan, recruitment isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating meaningful, long-term matches.

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.