MICK Birtles, a regular reporter for News Of The Area and a familiar voice on 2NVR Nambucca Valley Radio, has launched a new podcast celebrating the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things.
Titled ‘Life Worth Listening’, the podcast features heartfelt, insightful, and often surprising conversations with locals who are living with passion, purpose, and a dash of adventure.
The first series will feature 10 episodes and is now streaming globally.
“This isn’t about celebrities or headline-makers,” said Mick, from Nambucca Heads.
“It’s about grassroots people, most from right here in the Nambucca Valley, who are living lives that deserve to be heard about.
“Everyone’s life is a journey, and in this podcast, I try to share as many of those journeys as I can.”
Far from a commercial venture, Life Worth Listening is a personal project Mick has self-funded and created as part of his own journey.
“It costs me a little bit to produce and share, but this is something I’m doing out of a desire to share stories that inspire,” Mick explains.
Among the guests in this inaugural season are Jill Ashley, co-founder of ShoreTrack, whose inspiring work with local youth is changing lives; David Jones, former mayor of one of Australia’s largest inland cities and now a councillor in the Nambucca Valley, reflecting on a lifetime of public service; and Rob McRea, who carved out a unique career impersonating Elvis Presley.
The podcasts often take you to unexpected and fascinating places, such as Mick’s chat with Nambucca Heads-based historian, author and playwright Carrolline Rhodes, in which listeners hear vivid descriptions of post-blitz London and the reality of life for Ten Pound Poms.
With natural curiosity and a love of good conversation, Mick brings out the richness in his guests’ stories; stories that might otherwise go untold.
“I’m fascinated by people who inject energy and enthusiasm into doing things that are outside the mainstream, of value to others, or just for the joy of it and that’s what makes these conversations so special,” Mick said.
Life Worth Listening is available now and can be streamed globally across all major podcast platforms such as Spotify, I heart Radio, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.
Whether you’re a local looking to celebrate the stories of your neighbours, or a curious listener from afar, this is one podcast that delivers genuine voices, real stories, and a powerful reminder that every life has a story worth hearing.
