Freak Power
Can your child run faster Usain Bolt or swim faster than Michael Phelps? How do you know if your child possesses skills beyond the norm? Jamie and Ian speak to Mark Dobson, Performance Coach, on how to look for the tell-tale signs of an up-and-coming sporting legend.
Bligh with Breakfast
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh joins 4BC Breakfast Jamie and Ian live on location with 4BC’s Walk of Life. Jamie and the team have so far raised $54,000. Listen and comment now.
NASA Astronaut joins 4BC Breakfast
4BC Breakfast talks with NASA Astronaut Andy Thomas about a secret mission visit to Brisbane. Listen and comment now.
More bans on way?
Are more fishing bans on the way? 4BC fishing expert Dave Downie thinks so, he joins 4BC Breakfast talking about the current and proposed bans on the way for Queensland anglers.
Mount Isa lead poisoning
A new study claims a child develops lead poisoning in Mount Isa every nine days. Breakfast talks with Macquarie University Associate Professor, Mark Taylor about the study.
Force forced to work elsewhere
Breakfast talks to Queensland Police Union General President Ian Leavers about a recent report outlining the minimum pay for Queensland Police Force is $43,000, with two thirds of officers forced to work two jobs. Listen and comment now.
Uniform increase
It seems that it's getting harder to kick the rise in obesity in the last twenty years. Cyndi O'Meara, Nutritionalist, joins Jamie and Ian to discuss the fact that Australian Primary School uniforms are having to be made in larger and larger sizes. Cyndi outlines the reasons why.
Tweenage drivers
Do you think that lowering the age of learning to drive would aid road safety? Andrew Papadopoulos, Confederation of Australian Motor Sport President, tells 4BC Breakfast that lowering the learning age to 12 would help in establishing a better attitude to driving.
Callum Hann
Jamie and Ian speak to Callum Hann, one of the Masterchef finalists who will face Adam Liaw at the final challenge. At a sprightly twenty years old, and with a self-effacing attitude, he is the youngest competitor in this year's competition. Who will come out on top?
Dark interest clouds
How will the election campaign suffer, if banks push the interest rate up? Steve Keen, Economist, joins 4BC Breakfast to talk about the country's debts, errs on the side of a rate rise and tells listeners to watch out for the political spin that may accompany this.
Election boring so far
Dr Keith Suter joins 4BC Breakfast commenting on the Federal election 2010, in what Dr Suter claims as a boring start. Listen and comment now.
Alvin Quah
Eight layers of hell, is how MasterChef Alvin Quah described the task that ended his run, being the first eliminated contestant of the competition's final week. Alvin joins 4BC Breakfast talking about the show and the disaster that was.
$18m bill for retiring MPs
With almost two dozen MPs retiring this year, Tax Payers are faced with an $18 million pension bill to support the former federal MPs pension. Breakfast talks with 4BC regular and former Federal Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Gary Hardgrave. Listen and comment now.
Midnight plant heist
It seems some lowlifes around Brisbane are skulking around the depths of night to steal newly planted seedlings from council areas. 4BC Gardening correspondent, Col Campbell, gets on the blower to 4BC Breakfast about this underhanded crime. Listen now.
Licence price hike
What with so many increasing costs on the road these days e.g. petrol, rego, tolls, the public are finally putting their foot down when it comes to a price hike on their licences. Bruce Jones-Walker has started a petition against this cost and 4BC Breakfast speak to about the feedback.
Aaron Harvie
The latest competitor from Masterchef to find themselves back to reality is Brisbane man, Aaron Harvie. Jamie and Ian speak to Aaron over the phone about his expulsion over soggy chips, and what kind of plan he has for his future career. Listen now.
Brian Wenzel
Breakfast talks with Australian character actor Brian Wenzel most famous for his long run as old-fashioned Policeman, Sergeant Frank Gilroy. Wenzel is currently touring the country performing in Fame The Musical.
Post Traumatic Stress
Tragedy can be present in everyone's lives, to one degree or another. These circumstances can leave people with post traumatic stress disorders a lot of the time, without them realising. Jamie and Ian discuss this with Judith Locke, Clinical Psychologist - listen now.
Julia Gillard
4BC Breakfast's Jamie and Ian are joined by Julia Gillard, Prime Minister, for an early morning discussion on her week old position. Julia is quizzed on the worth of her word, and how she is proposing to capture the Australian public's interest to win the upcoming election.
Flag to fly high
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh joins 4BC Breakfast talking about Queensland’s State of Origin clean sweep, the Premier goes on to talk about our state flag flying high above the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Listen now.
Story Bridge celebrates
Breakfast talks with roving reporter Big Phil celebrating the Seventieth birthday of the Story Bridge.
Mining Tax Announcement
4BC Breakfast provides some insight into Julia Gillards's press conference in regards to the mining tax. Chris Adams, 4BC/4BH News Director, gives us his break down of the speech. Listen now and have your say.
EOFY
It's the wrap-up for this financial year, and Scott Pape, The Barefoot Investor, gives his best hints and tips on getting the most out of your money. 4BC Breakfast listens to some great ideas on claiming as much tax back as possible. Listen now.
Julia's quandary
Julia Gillard is wondering how to approach the situation in which she must move into The Lodge with her de-facto partner. She seems to be seeking some kind of public approval. Bettina Arndt, author of The Sex Diaries, talks to 4BC Breakfast about this interesting subject.
Electricity prices rising for years
Householders are under the constant pressure of rising utility costs, with the latest bill to hit us being the hike in electricity. Malcolm Richards, Chief Executive of the Master Electricians, talks to 4BC Breakfast about the average yearly cost rising to $2,300 per year per household.
Tap to lose weight
Dr Peta Stapleton, Griffith Psychologist, has conducted a study which indicates that tapping pressure points can stop food cravings. Test subjects not only stopped their cravings but lost weight. Jamie and Ian are amazed by this and can't stop tapping! Listen now.
Celtic Women
A portion of the 'Celtic Women' group dropped into the 4BC Brekky studio today - a true sight for sore eyes. Jamie and Ian were treated to an a capella snippet from Amazing Grace performed by Lynn Hilary and Lisa Kelly. Watch the video and soak in those dulcet Irish tones.
Keno winners
Daniel Simmons and his two mates put $10 each into a round of Keno...and walked away with $1,982,000. Jamie Dunn speaks to this lucky winner to see his reaction and to find out what this money can do for some average Aussie blokes. Listen now.
Australia's cancer death toll
It's always been a battle, and recent figures support the fact that cancer still has a huge effect on Australian lives. Nicola Roxon, Federal Health Minister, reports the latest figures to 4BC Breakfast, which are standing at 120 deaths per day. Nicola outlines the plans to try and combat this - listen now.
One, two, three, four, five
Queensland State of Origin team has won an unprecedented fifth straight series victory at Suncorp Stadium, with Queensland captain Darren Lockyer receiving man of the match, Final score 34-6. Breakfast celebrates the win.
Harrigan talks origin
As Queensland shoot for a record breaking fifth straight State of Origin series win, Breakfast talks with fan favourite retired referee Bill Harrigan about some of the more special origin moments. Listen now.
Six and a half cents a day
The national budget doesn’t seem to be providing much in the way of help for the average Australian. Providing 45 cents per week to the average Queenslander, there’s not much reason to jump for joy. Ross Guest, Discipline Head of Economics and Business Statistics at Griffith Uni, speaks to 4BC Breakfast about 2010’s budget.
4BC at Raptis
4BC conducted an outside broadcast, live from the 150th Breakfast Dinner Party at the Raptis Seafood Market at Colmslie. Go to the 4BC photo gallery to have a look.
Too young to sail?
A teenage friend of Jessica Watson, Abby Sutherland, is finding herself in trouble during her attempt to complete the youngest ‘around-the-world’ sailing effort. A rescue effort is underway after bad conditions have damaged her vessel. Richard Arnold gives the latest report to 4BC Breakfast.
Lennox Heads disaster zone
Australia has been shocked by the wave of destruction caused by a tornado ripping through Lennox Heads yesterday. 4BC Breakfast is joined by Philip Silver, mayor of Lennox Heads, who reveals that there could be damage amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Paintball for kids?
Jamie's for and Ian's against it, but what do you think about kids, 12 years old and upwards, playing paintball? For as long as we can remember, children, especially boys, would play pretend soldiers, but should we be encouraging this game? Judith Locke, clinical psychologist, weighs up the argument with 4BC Breakfast.
Beautiful one day, expensive the next
A new Queensland announcement of a 13.29 per cent hike in electricity charges is set to push already struggling families to breaking point with an expected $1200 extra rise in fees. Breakfast talks to CEO of National Seniors Australia, Michael O’Neil, about the effects of ever rising household fees.
Lease a beach
Council is set to hit businesses such as outdoor activity operators a public space fee to use parks and beaches that carry out private lessons. Breakfast talks with fourth generation Sunshine Coast surf school instructor Robbie Sherwell about the idea.
QLD - 1: NSW - 0
4BC's own Peter Psaltis joins Jamie and Ian over the phone from Sydney, after a night of success and jubilation as Queensland take the first game of The State of Origin. A washout at the game last night could not extinguish Queensland's fire, as Darren Lockyer carried his team to a win.
Wally Lewis
State of Origin and this man go hand in hand! The boys from 4BC Breakfast track down Wally Lewis, former rugby league great. Wally provides an insight to the game, suggesting that the Queensland team is not as strong as usual. Nevertheless, the support is still strong for the maroons.
The Premier's Origin
It’s been a while, but Anna Bligh joins 4BC Breakfast in the studio to conduct a live hook-up with 2UE who have Kristina Kineally as a guest. The two Premiers discuss the up and coming Origin match, whilst a new tradition is suggested for the team flags on the bridges.
Dental expense
Almost half a million Australian citizens are sitting on public waiting lists for the dentist, up to two years long. Jamie and Ian investigate and talk to Hans Zoellner, Chairman for the Association for the Promotion of Oral Health who advises that private dental fees are too high for the average member of the public.
Panyiri Festival
It’s that time of the year when the smell of authentic Greek dishes waft from the direction of Musgrave Park – that’s right it Brisbane’s Panyiri Greek Festival. Effie, the quintessential Greek Goddess, gives Jamie and Ian a raucous rundown of the exciting events taking place this year – listen now.
Double dipper
A double speed camera on the Sunshine Coast seems to be causing some controversy. 4BC Breakfast is joined by Michael Lane from the National Motorists Association of Australia who reveals that if you speed through both cameras, only 100 metres apart, they will get two speeding tickets.
Surprising uprising
Political correspondent, Michael Pachie, shares the news with 4BC Breakfast, that voters are turning against Kevin Rudd after the budget. In fact it seems that Julia Gillard is building popularity with voters who are starting to consider her as a better candidate for leadership.
A top tip!
Brisbane lord mayor, Campbell Newman, joins Jamie and Ian on the phone to highlight a new shop that has opened in Acacia Ridge – The Tip Shop! Reclaimed treasures from the refuse dump could make their way onto your mantelpiece! Listen now.
Bullriders
Bull fighting - not something your average man or woman might do. Shane "Maddog" Simpson and Rocky McDonald, professional bull fighters join Jamie and Ian in the studio to highlight the Professional Bullrider's Challenge, taking place at Brisbane's Entertainment Centre.
Dominique Rizzo
The legacy of Masterchef has made cooking at home fashionable again. Households around Australia are breaking out their pots and pans in an effort to create and experiment in the kitchen. Celebrity chef, Dominique Rizzo, joins 4BC breakfast to talk about the continuing phenomenon.
Unkindness of strangers
It seems, you can no longer rely of the kindness of strangers, especially if you find yourself dead in your car one day. Well, unbelievably, this happened to a man in a busy city street and Evelyn Field, practicing psychologist, writer and speaker, speaks to 4BC Breakfast about how this could happen.
3DTV
3D TV is here!! Let the world of the future step into your home. Peter Blasina, from gadgetguy.com.au, joins 4BC Breakfast to provide listeners with some hints and tips for buying this new technology as there is no standard quite yet. Listen now.
Quality family time
Half an hour each weekday, and then thirty minutes over the weekend - this is the amount of quality time that fathers are managing to provide to their children. We might be short on time, but it is important that we strike a healthy balance. Dr Jennifer Baxter speaks to 4BC Breakfast about how to do this.
2010 budget
The Federal Government begins its sell of a no frills budget today. The budget is set to keep opinion polls stable after the Government set to reassure voters, rather than go on a spendathon. Breakfast talks with political journalist Latika Bourke about the contents of the 2010 budget.
Trusting Tony Abbott
Tony Abbott has been taking a few blows recently, especially in the media. A couple of interviews have highlighted the fact that we cannot exactly trust what he says, although, does that make him more human than Kevin Rudd? Latika Bourke, 4BC political reporter chats to the boys on 4BC breakfast about what makes a better leader.
Bridge over troubled waters
The community have another opportunity to have a walk to celebrate the opening of the new Gateway Bridge this Sunday. 4BC Breakfast chats to Gary Rites, External Relation General Manager of RACQ, who highlights rising costs on the road which mars Brisbane's improved infrastructure.
Costly words
“Where the bloody hell are you?” – good question. $4 Million of taxpayers money has changed the tourism slogan for Australia again to two simple words – “Australia Unlimited”. Jamie and Ian talk to Barry Urquart from Marketing Focus who tries to justify this staggering cost.
A super fast gift
4BC Breakfast talks with Neil Anderson who has fully restored a shiny red Chrysler Cyclops, a car his uncle received as a present. Mr Anderson has donated the Cribb & Foote car, which is worth a several thousand dollars to the Stunned Mullets, hoping to raise money for a much need charity. Listen now.
Power bills on the rise
Director of the Queensland Council of Social Services, Jill Lang, joins Gary Hardgrave to investigate what can be done against the rise of Queensland’s power bills. The aged sectors of Queensland are the most at risk, who just cannot cope with this rising cost. Listen now.
Out of balance
There’s no caution to the wind since the recession, and people are still being careful with their spending. This caution is further impacted by another quarter percent increase in interest rates. Gary Hardgrave speaks to Juliana Roadley of ComSec and our own Kevin Turner about the rise.
Anna Bligh on daylight savings
Daylight savings could possibly be coming….at least for the South East corner of Queensland! Anna Bligh calls into 4BC Breakfast to discuss the pros and cons of including South East Queensland in the daylight savings zone, and if this is a ploy to take the heat off of the health payroll problem. Listen now.
Ban the traitors
Should Israel Farou be allowed to return to Rugby League after he makes a switch to Rugby Union? Former Test Centre, Tony Currie doesn’t think so, and according to him, any other code defectors should be banned from crossing over also. He joins the 4BC Breakfast team to discuss team loyalty.
Prep test
Do our youngest learners need to be tested – indeed, what do we test them on? The state president of the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens’ Association, Margaret Black, joins 4BC Breakfast to shed some light on whether or not this is necessary.
Rock 'n' Roll George
Iconic Brisbane identity Rock and Roll George, who made famous by driving around Brisbane city on Sundays in his old F.X Holden reliving his Rock and Roll days car goes up for auction with the proceeds going to charity. Breakfast talks with George’s family members, Roze and Pepi.
Smokes to come in plain pack
The world's harshest anti-smoking laws are set to be introduced in 2012 in Australia, with tobacco companies forced to sell cigarettes in plain packaging, Breakfast talks with Barry Urquhart from Marketing Focus about the proposed laws.
Whatever happened?
Frank Sinatra, Pat Boon and Sammy Davis Jr are just a few of the names that Diana Trask, popular country singer in the 1970’s, has worked with. Diana calls into 4BC Breakfast, sounding as energetic as ever, and tells the boys that you have to keep on looking forward.
Can't stop puffing
With the possibility of cigarette prices rising, it looks like a good time to give up, although this may not be as easy as it seems. Dr Raymond Seidler, addiction expert, talks to 4BC Breakfast about the irresistible drive to smoke, and hiking prices may not help some people quit.
Matt Geyer
Ex Melbourne Storm player, Matt Geyer, takes some time out and shares with 4BC Breakfast his disappointment over the Storm’s situation. A time for a call-to-arms, Matt optimistically hopes that the team and fans will rally around and pick themselves up from the ashes.
Wally Lewis
The recent Melbourne Storm scandal has left many stunned into silence. Wally Lewis numbers amongst these people, and he joins Jamie and Ian over the phone to share his opinion on the situation. Wally sheds some light on the changes that have taken place in the game since his match days.
Pedicabs a go go
Fed up having to talk to the taxi driver? Then Brisbane’s Greencabs might just be the thing, and it’s co-founder, David Bergin, talks to 4BC Breakfast about the advantages of an ‘open-air’ taxi. Eco-friendly and fun, David explains the company’s need to exist alongside Brisbane traffic.
He's no goon
Gabe, Hutchinson, an 18 year old with grit and determination, catches up with Jamie and Ian after 5 weeks without consuming any alcohol. In a time where teenage drinking is becoming much too prevalent, Gabe shows us what will power and self control can do.
The Pacific
Senior Military Advisor to The Pacific, Captain Dale Dye, joins Ian and Jamie over the phone. It’s an important job, to provide consistency and authenticity on the show, especially when you’re working in a group that contains Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
Katie Noonan
Joining Jamie Dunn and the breakfast crew in the studio is Katie Noonan and the Captains to share some life and music. With a new record out, she talks about her musical journey and the influences that have shaped her craft. Listen now for a live rendition from the new record.
Webcke for breakfast
Broncos and Australian forward Shane Webcke joins the 4BC Breakfast show talking about his part in the Matty Johns show , a unique and entertaining take on rugby league backed by the game's strongest panel of experts. Listen now.
No pay for health staff
Queensland Nurses Union are very disappointed with continuing pay bungles that have left some Queensland Health staff without pay for over a fortnight, the State Government has apologised for the pay delays and directed unpaid staff to charities for assistance. Breakfast talks with Queensland Nurses’ Union Secretary, Gay Hawksworth about the pay glitch.
Where's that?
The taxi service is under fire at the moment, with public complaints about cabbies not knowing their territory too well. Blair Davies, CEO of the Taxi Council Queensland, talks to the 4BC Breakfast team and encourages people to complain, so that issues can be addressed.
Pay party!
4BC Breakfast speaks to Paul Lucas, Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, about reports that a party was thrown after the new pay system was instigated. Paul condemns the BBQ held by a government development agency, CorpTech and apologises to employees of QLD Health who have been disadvantaged by the faulty system.
Rudd's turnaround
The Rudd government has put a freeze on asylum-seekers from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in a drastic turnaround on the border control policy. Pamela Curr, Campaign Coordinator with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, speaks to 4BC Breakfast about this reversal in policies and its synchronicity with the election year.
Posties disappearing?
The time for the humble postie might be drawing to an end. Suggestions have been put forward that a local 'mail hub' be established in suburbs for people to pick up their own post, due to a dramatic decrease in mail. Talking to 4BC Breakfast are Councillor Paul Tully and Everald Compton.
Close to the stars
Imagine being able to sooth the likes of Elton John, Paris Hilton or Sophie Monk. Speaking to 4BC Breakfast is Philip Rule, masseur to the stars. Originally a coal miner who suffered bad injuries, he fell into the profession after receiving rehabilitation massages himself.
Arthur Coghlan
Remember Magic Mountain at the Gold Coast? Jamie and Ian have tracked down Arthur Coghlan, the resident magician who, at 77 years old, is still performing, particularly for charity with his daughter, Helen. Arthur chats to 4BC Breakfast about the good old days!
Bruno Cullen
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen joins 4BC Breakfast supporting Australian rugby league great Allan Langer who recorded a blood - alcohol reading of three times the legal limit after being stopped by police.
Townsville takes stage
Townsville is locally considered as the unofficial capital of North Queensland, and it seems that Anna Bligh is suggesting that it could rival Brisbane as the second capital. Les Tyrell, mayor of Townsville talks to 4BC Breakfast about what his town has to offer.
It's a Broncos breakfast!
How do Jamie and Ian shape up next to the Broncos? Have a look at the image in the photo gallery and try to spot them - no prizes!
Long thong of the law
4BC Breakfast: It’s time for the Queensland police force to evolve their uniforms to match the climate a little better and who better than Henry Roth to chip in some ideas for this monumental change. Shorts, anklet socks, baseball caps, polo shirts and even mankinis are discussed – listen now.
4BC Breakfast in your backyard
4BC Breakfast are out and about in a suburb near you! So far, the boys have visited Wishart, McDowell and Deagon. Take a look at the photo gallery at a couple of their destinations.
Mortgage stress
Reports tell us that over half of first home owners, in Queensland, who have signed up for their first home loan are expected to experience mortgage stress by the end of the year. Steve Keen, Assoc Prof of Economics and Finance, Western Sydney speaks to 4BC Breakfast and tells us why.
Money Savvy Kids
Even a young child can understand basic financial concepts if you put the right tools in his or her hand, Breakfast talks with Darren Cross from Money Savvy Kids about how to help children from a young age about the basics of money.
PM joins 4BC Breakfast
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joins the 4BC Breakfast show claiming the need for less blame game and more focus on hospital beds, patient care and funding to support local hospitals. The Prime Minister goes on to take questions from 4BC listeners. Listen now.
Queensland police under review
The police force is under review after Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson stated that they need to improve their handling of certain situations, especially when dealing with public who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Commissioner Atkinson speaks to 4BC Breakfast to outline his areas of concern.
Morcombe internet hoax
An inappropriate Facebook group, offering to return missing Sunshine Coast boy Daniel Morcombe if the page could attract up to a million participants has been shut down, with students from two Brisbane schools being suspended over the stunt. 4BC Breakfast talks with Daniels mother, Denise Morcombe about the disgusting hoax.
Lest we shop
RSL groups raise anger levels as leading retailer Kmart has applied for legal permission to open its doors before 1pm on Anzac Day. Breakfast talks with State President of the Queensland RSL, Doug Formby about the trading hours.
Journey for a cure
In July 2006, at just 35 years old, Bret Canham was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Exhausting all avenues in Australia, Bret is now preparing to travel to Germany for innovative stem cell treatment. Bret’s sister, Jodie Tronc, talks to 4BC Breakfast, appealing for sponsorship for the trip.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett
Environment Minister Peter Garrett is defending his handling of the home insulation program, following the death of four installers. Mr Garrett joins 4BC Breakfast with Jamie Dunn. Listen Now.
Jack's ghosts
Chills. Unfathomable rushes of air. A possessed elevator. A judge’s chair that will spin in the depths of night! Jack Sims, historian, gathers the 4BC Breakfast team around the fire to tell stories about alleged occurrences in the Brisbane Supreme & District Court Building.
Pensioner's dental horror
Baxter O’Brien, a 75 year old pensioner from Babinda, took dentistry into his own hands, literally, by using a pair of bent nose pliers to extract a painful tooth. Also speaking to the 4BC breakfast team is Hans Zoellner discussing moving dentistry onto medicare.
*** Important info: for patients whose dental health is impacting on a chronic medical condition, a Medicare benefit up to $2,125 per year is available for their dental treatment in the private sector as referred by a doctor.***
Saving some daylight
It’s been eighteen years since the last referendum, and just when you think it’s all over, Jason Furze, leader of the Daylight Savings for South East Queensland party, talks to 4BC Breakfast to ask the people where they stand on daylight savings.
Blushwood fruit saves lives
Clinical trials of the new cancer treatment derived from the Blushwood shrub, found in North QLD rainforest, could start as early as the end of this year. Progress with the new drug is speeding along, with very positive results in the veterinary trials. Dr Victoria Gordon, CEO of Ecobiotics, joins 4BC Breakfast and sheds some light on this exemplary find.
Mia Wasikowska
Australian actress Mia Wasikowska joins 4BC Breakfast talking about playing the lead role in Tim Burtons, Alice in Wonderland. The 20-year-old from Canberra is being touted as one of the new Hollywood's faces to watch. Listen now.
Abbott to the rescue
Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott has announced his government would fix public hospitals by installing locally managed boards. Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon joins 4BC Breakfast shooting down the suggestion, claiming it will not fix the problem. Listen now.
