Horizons by RAC Podcast

What began as a normal day on the water in Western Australia’s Geographe Bay, quickly became a fight for survival.In this episode, 13-year-old Austin Appelbee relives the terrifying moment he, his mum Joanne and his siblings (aged 12 and 8) became lost at sea - and his gruelling four-hour swim that followed to save his family.
Joanne shares the unimaginable choice no parent should ever have to make, and the overwhelming fear of not knowing if help would arrive in time.
Critical care paramedic Josh Lyons, who was onboard the RAC rescue helicopter, takes us inside the high-stakes search mission to find them against the odds.
This episode is also the first time Austin, Joanne, and Josh have come together since that life-changing day.Host: Myke BartlettGuests: Joanne and Austin Appelbee (mother and son) and Josh Lyons (critical care paramedic)
The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the  Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and sponsored by RAC.Chapters:(0:00) The rescue at sea(1:45) Introducing Austin, Joanne & Josh(2:15) A last paddle before heading home from holiday(5:51) How it all went wrong(11:00) Josh on how fast ocean situations escalate (16:45) Swept further out to sea(19:48) The decision(24:27) Austin sets off (33:30) Knocked off and trapped under the kayak(35:03) The swim(44:45) Joanne keeping the younger kids calm through the night at sea(48:45) Austin reaches the shore (53:51) The triple zero call and the information that guided the rescue(1:06:30) The rescue(1:10:00) Reunited(1:14:30) Called a hero (1:20:24) Lessons in ocean safety, life jackets & human resilience + wrap
Subscribe and share:  If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.    
Find us online:Website: ⁠https://rac.com.au/horizons⁠  
YouTube: ⁠ / @horizonsrac⁠ 
Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/racwa  
Legal disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.  RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.

Thinking about hitting the road in a caravan but not sure where to start - or what you actually need?
In this episode, Myke Bartlett chats with Mike Sandilands (Driver Risk Management & Caravan expert to Horizons by RAC YouTube) to break it all down.
From trying before you buy, to choosing the right vehicle and finding a setup that suits your lifestyle and budget. They also unpack the realities with costs, storage, maintenance and the common mistakes that can catch first-timers out!
Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next upgrade, this is your guide to getting on the road with confidence.
Chapters:
(0:00) Caravan freedom, common mistakes & what to get right from the start
(1:45) Introducing Mike Sandilands: the man to talk to about a van
(2:15) Why caravan life appeals to so many Australians
(3:15) Mike's own journey
(4:15) The post-COVID caravan boom and why parks now need to be booked well ahead
(5:45) Mike's background
(6:45) Step one for beginners: hire before you buy
(9:15) What to focus on when trialling a setup. Comfort, space & family needs
(12:15) How your current vehicle shapes your caravan options
(13:30) The biggest mistake you can make
(14:45) Petrol vs diesel vs EV
(21:15) Choosing the right caravan for your lifestyle
(23:15) On-grid vs off-grid: what's the actual difference?
(27:30) What does a full caravan setup actually cost?
(31:00) Storage: council rules, costs & creative solutions
(36:45) Final advice for those sitting on the fence
(39:15) Why WA is perfect caravan country
Guest: Mike Sandilands https://www.driverrisk.com.au/
Training courses here: Driver Risk Management | Advanced Driver Training & Safety
https://www.driverrisk.com.au/training/
Catch up on your Caravan 'How To': https://www.youtube.com/@UCVqC3suMevCzn-N3VUG1U2w
(95) Caravan How-Tos - YouTube Subscribe and share:  If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.    
Find us online:
Website: ⁠https://rac.com.au/horizons⁠  
YouTube: ⁠ / @horizonsrac⁠ 
Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/racwa  
Legal disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.  RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.

After a life-changing diagnosis, Britt and Wade Williams knew something had to change. So, they sold everything, packed up their lives with their two young boys—Nixon and Thomas—and set off to travel Australia indefinitely in their caravan.
Join Myke Bartlett as they discuss navigating life on the road—working remotely, homeschooling, budgeting, and learning the realities of full-time family van life.
This is the real journey: the highs, the lows, the lessons, and everything in between. For them, it isn’t just about travel—it’s about slowing down, staying connected, and making the most of the life they could have lost.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to the podcast 
(04:45) Wade's brain tumour diagnosis 
(07:30) Decision to sell up and hit the road 
(10:00) The Facebook photo moment 
(12:15) Pre-departure fears 
(15:30) 5-month planning sprint 
(16:15) The #1 travel tip 
(19:45) Funding the trip 
(23:45) What a lap actually costs 
(28:30) Essential gear & first aid 
(31:45) Day in the life. Homeschooling & remote work 
(36:15) Adapting to caravan life 
(46:30) Impact on the relationship 
(54:45) Toughest days on the road 
(1:00:45) Favourite destinations 
(1:03:30) Shifting values 
(1:07:00) Advice & closing reflections 
Follow their journey: https://www.instagram.com/wandering.with.the.willys/

At just 17, Rob Pike’s life changed forever in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of 3 of his friends and left him with catastrophic life-altering injuries.
From tragedy, Rob has now become a powerful voice for road safety, sharing his story to educate and inspire young drivers and audiences everywhere.
On this episode, he talks with Mandy Walsh about the consequences of split-second decisions and how he turned unimaginable loss into a mission to save lives.
Rob's story is raw, real, and unforgettable.
Chapters:(0:00) Introduction to the podcast (2:55) The day of the accident (9:58) What it felt like during the rescue (16:13) Waking from a coma (18:58) Realising the extent of the life changing injuries (23:28) Navigating survivor's guilt and mental recovery (27:28) Finding healing and purpose in wheelchair basketball (30:57) Speaking at RAC’s B Street Smart event (34:28) Bringing road safety education to regional WA (36:43) A message to young drivers on making the right choice (39:43) A proud father moment and the future of advocacy

Subscribe and share: If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.

Find us online:
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/racwa  

Legal disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.

In 2025, RAC proposed a 20-year general insurance partnership with IAG, Australia’s largest general insurance company. The partnership was proposed to keep RAC insurance sustainable, competitive and focused on members for the long haul. So, what led to this decision? What does it mean for members? And what can we expect over coming months? Ruth Callaghan sits down with RAC Group CEO Rob Slocombe to talk about the future of RAC insurance.Guest: Rob Slocombe RAC Group CEOChapters:(0:00) RAC Brand Promise(00:30) Why Partner With IAG(04:32) Scale and Tech Benefits(05:31) Member Experience Changes(06:20) ACCC Decision and Next Steps(09:58) Future Vision and Duty(11:18) Beyond Insurance Services(13:02) Advocacy and Community Work(13:45) Final Message to MembersSubscribe and share: If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family. Find us online: Website: https://rac.com.au/horizonsInstagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa   Facebook:   www.facebook.com/racwa   Legal disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.