gwunspoken - Beyond the Plan

Garry

 gwunspoken: Beyond the Plan Hear the person beyond the plan. This podcast is where NDIS participants, families, and supporters reclaim their narrative. We dive into life beyond the diagnosis, beyond the reports, and beyond the plans—exploring identity, strength, and voice.  Whether you're a parent seeking connection, a support worker craving understanding, or someone walking their own NDIS journey, this space is for you.  Because labels don’t define people—stories do. 

  1. 1D AGO

    A Card Without A Candy Cane Can Ruin A Twelve-Year-Old’s Christmas

    A missing candy cane should not be enough to derail Christmas, and yet here we are: two mates unpacking why small details matter when the stakes feel big. We start with the joy of holidays and the unfiltered bliss of sleeping till midday, then wander into year eight nerves, quiet wishes for fewer crowds and the strange comfort of a lazy summer day. The conversation is fast, funny and a little too honest, the kind of back-and-forth that makes you remember the texture of being twelve and the humour it takes to be fifty. Our fishing adventure is a comedy of errors: a shiny new rod without a reel, a breezy bridge session with zero bites, and the eternal question of who actually knows what they’re doing. Between the teasing and tall tales, we dig into real gear advice for beginners, why a combo can beat fancy parts, and how ego sneaks into simple hobbies. Food becomes personality as we fight it out over onions, tomatoes and the rightful throne of sour worms. It’s messy, specific and wonderfully human. Then a curveball: life expectancy numbers on a phone screen and a blunt reckoning with time. The ten-year thought experiment opens a quiet space for dreams that don’t involve passports or fireworks. Instead we hear about choosing solitude over noise, finding comfort in routine and learning how small rituals carry the season. We close with the school reality few adults see—vapes in bathrooms, pressure cooking early—and the joke that holds the heart of the episode: if you’re going to give a card at Christmas, put the candy cane in. Hit play for laughs, a few gentle gut checks and a reminder that the best gifts are thoughtful, simple and complete. If you enjoyed this, follow the show, share it with a friend and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us.

    16 min
  2. 1D AGO

    A Quick Chat Before Laser Tag: Teamwork, Turtles, And Doing The Dishes

    The countdown to laser tag starts the moment Memphis hits the studio, and the energy never lets up. We’re plotting team tactics, laughing about vests that light up, and debating who’s got the better aim when the arena goes dark. What begins as a quick pre-game chat turns into a snapshot of a whole day: a Woolworths dash for patties and sausages, a detour to Gary’s place to meet the dogs, an unexpected moment with Chili the lizard, and a calm pause feeding turtles before the next burst of action. Between the jokes and predictions, we hit on something that sticks—helping out even when it isn’t glamorous. After cooking, Memphis jumps in to load the dishwasher, despite its quirks, and we talk about why pitching in matters. No lectures, just a simple truth: nobody loves the chore, but everyone loves the feeling of being backed up. That small act says as much about teamwork as any game plan. We carry that spirit into a friendly rivalry, setting terms for a Timezone high-score face-off and letting the banter fly. Memphis puts his name on the winner’s board early; I push back and ask the listeners to decide. It’s cheerful, scrappy, and very human—plans that shift, jokes that land, and a shared soundtrack to close it out, possibly in a language Memphis chooses on a whim. If you love quick-hit stories with heart, moments with pets, and the kind of honest humour that comes from real connection, you’ll feel right at home. Hit play, then tell us: Team Memphis or Team Host? Subscribe for more easygoing adventures, share with a friend who needs a smile, and leave a review with your best laser tag or arcade tip.

    7 min
  3. NOV 30

    What Do Kids Value Most? Play, Pets, And The Joy Of Simple Days

    A simple car ride turned into one of those chats you wish you could bottle. We picked up after school, grabbed Subway, wandered through Rebel Sport to inspect every basketball, and then hit the park—where a scrappy run of 18 kicks in a row felt like a trophy. Between laughs and questionable dad jokes, we peeled back what actually matters to a ten-year-old: second break at school, the thrill of PE and swimming, the magnetic pull of Minecraft and YouTube, and a deep love for sea turtles that needs no justification. We talk about how play creates connection—tagging through a shopping centre, testing how long we can keep a ball alive, and turning small wins into big memories. The screen time conversation gets real without getting preachy, as he explains PvP, mobs, and the satisfaction of building worlds block by block. School isn’t just subjects; it’s the ritual of breaks, the joy of soccer, and that precious feeling of independence. There’s space for fears too—spiders, snakes, the vague “everything”—balanced by the security of five lively dogs at home and the kind of family noise that feels like love. You’ll hear favourites that sketch a kid’s inner map—seven, green, chocolate mint ice cream, and Fanta edging out the milkshake. You’ll also hear how curiosity roams: turtles sunbathing on a log, squid and sharks joining the list, and the calm humour that makes scary creatures feel less so. It’s warm, messy, and honest—a reminder that the best conversations happen in the margins between school and home, snacks and dinner, questions and laughter. If this made you smile, tap follow, share it with a mate who needs a wholesome listen, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What was your favourite school break—and why?

    14 min
  4. NOV 18

    Twelve, A Chair, And Big Dreams

    A quiet beach, a long bridge, and a kid with a bigger hit than most adults. We sit with a twelve-year-old Indigenous athlete from Bribie Island who speaks with disarming clarity about life in a wheelchair, the rules and thrills of wheelchair rugby, and why being treated “too nice” misses the point. He rates his day, laughs about PlayStation vs Xbox, and explains how a volleyball becomes a weapon when you’ve got timing, grip, and a ten-second count ticking down. The heart of the conversation beats on court: specialist chairs that cost around 15k, the bounce rule every eight to ten seconds, the no over-and-back line, and the tactical joy of clean contact. He admits the first sessions were nerve-racking, then smiles at the memory of tipping someone over during a comp. The goal isn’t fuzzy—he wants the Paralympics—and he lays out the pathway via junior comps, coaching, and consistent training. Off the court, he’s clear about what he misses—running for the sake of it—and bolder about what he wants from people: normal treatment, not special handling. Between the big ideas, we travel local: dolphins by the bridge, fishing on sandbanks with mullet, prawns, and pilchards, and the agony of a line snapping when a cod runs. School gets a wry assessment—lunch and friends keep it bearable—while home life centres on a hard-working mum and a house where rap beats out country. It’s a portrait of resilience without varnish: funny, sharp, and full of momentum. If you enjoy honest stories about youth sport, disability, and everyday ambition, tap play and share this one with a mate who needs the lift. Subscribe for more candid chats, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: what question would you have asked him?

    33 min
  5. OCT 7

    Two brothers relive a chilly Melbourne holiday and what it taught them about saving, spending, and saying thanks

    Steam, dragons, and sky‑high views—this Melbourne holiday has everything, including the kind of money lessons and family lore that stick. We sit down with brothers Arie and Oscar as they unpack a week that starts on a tram, detours to Puffing Billy’s living history, and climbs to a hotel on the 53rd floor where the pool is warm, the windows are dizzying, and the cold outside bites. Their story is packed with kid‑level courage and cleverness: a matched‑savings deal that turns $100 into $200, split‑second choices at shops, and the satisfaction of bringing home things that last. The zoo becomes its own universe. Between real animals and a How to Train Your Dragon scavenger hunt, they decode clues, collect letters, and turn exhibits into an adventure with “WINGS” as the prize. There’s drama too—a brief, heart‑stopping moment when one brother slips through a staff door and the family rallies with security until he’s found, sheepish and bold in equal measure. We laugh about it now, but the point lands: travel teaches emotional agility, not just geography. And yes, plane landings get scored out of ten—an eight into Melbourne, a five back—because rituals help make big moments feel safe and fun. Money and meaning sit side by side throughout. We talk about saving to unlock matches from family, stretching pocket money, and deciding what’s worth it: figurines with stories, Lego that builds focus, a beanie that beats the cold, a Rubik’s Cube that trains patience. We close on honest ratings—ten and nine out of ten for the trip—plus a playful debate about school, gaming, and how to keep curiosity alive. If you love family travel, Melbourne attractions, kid‑friendly budgeting, and real talk about gratitude, this one’s for you. Listen, share it with a parent who needs a smile, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

    13 min
  6. SEP 16

    From Saving Money to Baking Cookies: Arie's Life Updates Before His Melbourne Adventure

    Excitement bubbles through every moment of this heartwarming conversation as Arie counts down the final days before his Melbourne adventure. With just three and a half days remaining until takeoff, his anticipation is contagious as he shares details about staying at the Hotel, complete with city views and family accommodations. What makes this episode particularly valuable is our candid discussion about travel anxiety. When Arie admits, "I'm a little bit nervous for it. I haven't been on for a while," we explore practical coping strategies that work not just at school or home, but in any challenging situation. From muscle relaxation and box breathing to sensory grounding techniques, these tools provide children and adults alike with ways to manage anxiety anywhere. We even create a fun challenge for Arie to rate his plane landings on a scale of one to ten, transforming a potentially stressful moment into an engaging activity. The conversation takes delightful turns through Arie's recent accomplishments, particularly his baking adventures. His pride in creating nine perfectly arranged chocolate chip cookies and a memorable Lego-shaped cake highlights how everyday activities build confidence and joy. These moments remind us that preparing for adventures involves more than just packing bags – it's about bringing our whole selves, complete with skills, strategies, and curiosity about the world around us. Join us for this genuine glimpse into childhood excitement, practical anxiety management, and the small moments that make life sweet. Have you tried creating rating games to help children navigate potentially stressful experiences? We'd love to hear your stories!

    12 min
  7. SEP 11

    Mindfulness Works: How Arie Manages School and Life

    Ever wondered how children navigate complex emotions and social challenges? In this heartwarming conversation, young Arie shares his excitement about his upcoming Melbourne adventure while demonstrating remarkable emotional intelligence that many adults would envy. The episode opens with charming authenticity as our host admits to forgetting to press the record button initially—a moment that sets the tone for this genuine conversation. Arie's enthusiasm bubbles over as he describes his plans to ride trams through Melbourne's city streets and experience a steam train (complete with protective glasses!). His childlike wonder reminds us all of the simple joys that travel and new experiences can bring. What truly stands out is Ari'es impressive understanding of mindfulness techniques and how he applies them in real-world situations. He articulates three specific strategies—muscle relaxation, sensory grounding, and box breathing—that help him manage challenges at school. When faced with peer pressure, Arie made the mature choice to say "no" instead of following along with inappropriate behaviour. His success with these techniques offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone working with children. The conversation weaves through lightsabers fixed by helpful brothers, remote control cars accidentally driven off verandas, and saving money—everyday aspects of childhood that reveal Arie's developing character. By the end, you'll find yourself smiling at his innocent wisdom and perhaps reflecting on how his straightforward approaches to difficult situations might benefit your own life. Subscribe now to hear more conversations that bridge the gap between childhood insights and adult challenges!

    18 min

About

 gwunspoken: Beyond the Plan Hear the person beyond the plan. This podcast is where NDIS participants, families, and supporters reclaim their narrative. We dive into life beyond the diagnosis, beyond the reports, and beyond the plans—exploring identity, strength, and voice.  Whether you're a parent seeking connection, a support worker craving understanding, or someone walking their own NDIS journey, this space is for you.  Because labels don’t define people—stories do.