Gone, But Not Forgotten #9 - Kobe Bryant

Ep.72 - Ashley Smith - School Teacher, Mental Health Advocate, Public Speaker

Ashley Smith grew up around Essendon in Victoria, where life was simple and much of his younger years were spent on the water. He developed a passion for water skiing, where he met his best mate Brett — a man Ashley would come to see as the brother he never had. Tragically, Brett lost his life in a car accident, and for Ashley, it felt as though a part of him died that night too. The loss changed him, and for a long time, those closest to him knew he wasn’t quite the same person he had once been. As life moved forward, Ashley completed university and became a teacher. After relocating, he immersed himself in the community, joining the local cricket club and volunteering with the fire brigade. Along the way, he also became a proud father of four children across different chapters of his life. Around a decade ago, Ashley faced another devastating loss when his mother passed away from cancer. Through the grief, however, came a reconnection with his family, particularly his two sisters, who began to feel like they finally had their brother back again. Then, in March 2026, Ashley’s world was shattered when he lost his son, Zaron, to suicide following his struggles with mental health. Faced with unimaginable grief, Ashley made the decision to speak rather than stay silent. He began exploring mental health more deeply, sharing his experiences and raising awareness around men’s mental health, grief, loss and the importance of having difficult conversations. Today, Ashley is a dedicated school teacher, a fire brigade captain and a father determined to use his story to help others. Through everything life has thrown his way, his message is simple — talk, check in on your mates, and never underestimate the importance of being there for one another.

Ep.71 - Will Stock - Will Power Breath, Functional Breathwork Coach

Growing up just over an hour north of London, Will Stock enjoyed a laid-back childhood and never really found himself interested in school. Like many teenagers, he began experimenting with recreational drugs—not out of addiction, but simply because he enjoyed the feeling they gave him. While it never took over his life or stopped him from functioning day to day, Will eventually made the decision in his early adulthood to walk away from that lifestyle and look for something that could genuinely improve his wellbeing. That search led him to the world of breathwork. Curious about the impact it could have on both his physical and mental health, Will immersed himself in learning everything he could about the power of conscious breathing—a journey that would ultimately change the direction of his life. With a desire to explore the world, Will set off for Australia after his siblings had already made the trip before him, stopping through Southeast Asia along the way. He landed in Melbourne before finding work on a solar panel farm in Albury. Chasing new opportunities, he later headed north to Gympie to continue working in the renewable energy industry before eventually settling on the Gold Coast. Today, Will calls the Gold Coast home, where he runs Willpower breathwork workshops, helping others discover the same life-changing benefits that transformed his own journey. Alongside building his breathwork business, he’s also studying carpentry—continuing to prove that personal growth is a lifelong pursuit. This episode is proudly brought to you by Peak Productions https://linktr.ee/roadswalkedpodcast

Ep.70 - Ollie Molinari - Cooking With Maddog, Molinari’s Deli, Food Connoisseur

Born in Brisbane but raised in Innisfail, Ollie Molinari was never someone who found his place in the classroom. School wasn’t where he thrived, but creativity was. From a young age, he developed a passion for cooking and art, finding joy in creating something with his own hands. After leaving school, Ollie entered the workforce without a clear direction. Then, during his early adult years, everything changed when he lost his best mate in a tragic accident. It was a heartbreaking chapter that forced him to look at life differently and ultimately inspired him to take a chance on something new. When an opportunity came to move to London with friends, Ollie embraced it. Living overseas gave him the chance to travel, experience different cultures and build a career in recruitment, but despite everything he achieved, his passion for cooking never left him. After returning to Australia, Ollie continued working in recruitment before making the biggest gamble of his life—walking away from the security of a steady career to back himself completely. That leap of faith became Molinari’s Deli, a business built on authentic fresh pasta, handmade meatballs, lasagnes and quality seasonings. In less than 18 months, the business has already enjoyed incredible early success, but Ollie believes this is only the beginning. Today, he’s a proud partner, father and businessman whose story is a reminder that life’s toughest moments can often become the catalyst for something extraordinary. This episode is proudly brought to you by Peak Productions https://linktr.ee/roadswalkedpodcast

Ep.69 - Danny Mac - Founder & President Of International Brawling Championship

Danny Mac was born and raised in Melbourne, where from a young age he was driven by a desire to build a successful life on his own terms. While school never truly captured his attention, hard work, business, and chasing opportunities did, leading him to work a variety of jobs and own several businesses throughout his early adult years. During the COVID era, Danny made the life-changing decision to relocate his family from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. It was there that he joined a fight gym and discovered a new passion for combat sports. In 2023, while attending the Battle of the Reef boxing event in Townsville, he experienced a moment that would change his future. Walking through the arena and witnessing the lights, atmosphere, and energy of fight night inspired him to create something of his own. That inspiration became the Intentional Brawling Championship (IBC) — an innovative combat sports promotion that blends elements of boxing and MMA into a unique spectator experience. With three successful events already completed, IBC is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting and fast-growing promotions in the country. Today, Danny is a proud husband, father, entrepreneur, and promoter whose journey is a testament to backing yourself, taking risks, and refusing to settle. His story proves that with vision, determination, and relentless effort, success is achievable for those willing to chase it.

Ep.68 - BJ Wallace - Into The Green Podcast, TBL Property Maintenance, LLEE

BJ Wallace grew up in Brisbane’s western suburbs and faced a tough childhood, often finding himself on the wrong path. After leaving school early, he made the decision to return and complete Years 11 and 12, but soon found himself caught up in a lifestyle of partying and drinking. Everything changed when he met his future wife and, at just 21 years old, became a father to a daughter born with a life-threatening diagnosis—a moment that forced him to grow up fast. Following a serious car accident on his way to work, BJ took time to reassess his life and discovered a passion for lawn mowing and landscaping. What began as subcontracting for a mate eventually led to the creation of his own successful business, TBL Property Maintenance. Life would test him again when his daughter sadly passed away at the age of 15, but the overwhelming support from the lawn and landscaping community inspired him to give back by creating the annual Lawn Landscape Equip Expo, bringing people across the industry together. Determined to contribute even more to the industry he loves, BJ launched the Into The Green Podcast, providing a platform for stories, knowledge, and connection within the landscaping community. Now preparing to step into the ring against Zaden Bryant at Podcast Royale 3.0 in what promises to be a heavyweight slobber knocker, BJ continues to embrace every challenge that comes his way. Today, he is a devoted husband and father of two, a successful business owner, podcaster, and community leader. His story is one of resilience, proving that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always get back up, keep fighting, and keep winning. This episode is proudly brought to you by Peak Productions https://linktr.ee/roadswalkedpodcast