The Soda Room

Kevin Kropinyeri is a much loved and highly respected comedian, artist and speaker. He’s the father of AFL star Kozzy Kropinyeri-Pickett.

Kev’s childhood was marred by domestic violence, alcoholism and cruelty. As a young man he was locked up in three different states and struggled to find his way .

Through enormous courage and self-reflection, Kev turned his life around and his powerful story of how he did it is truly as remarkable as it is transformational.

I’m extremely grateful to Kev for sharing his story with such honesty and vulnerability.

Nathan Bassett played footy with a passion and desperation that was clearly evident to everyone who saw him terrorise AFL forwards.

A fan favourite of the Crows faithful, Bass turned his hand to coaching after playing 210 games, and quickly transformed Norwood into a SANFL powerhouse with back to back flags in 2012 and 2013.

After more than a decade as an assistant coach with Essendon, Port Adelaide and Melbourne, Bass has jumped back into leading his own outfit at West Adelaide.

Bass is really honest and vulnerable in this chat, opening up on everything from balancing diabetes with elite sport, being rocked by injuries, spotting future footy stars and having the tough conversations.

Orazio Fantasia was one of the AFL’s most exciting and dynamic small forwards.

Watching him pounce on the ball and snap a major with his uncanny goal sense was an absolute delight for many Essendon, Port and Carlton lovers.

Raz played in a SANFL flag for Norwood in just his 4th senior game. Now, he is heading back to have a kick with local footy side Adelaide University.

His humility, selflessness and care for his team mates was evident to everyone who lined up alongside him. Everytime Raz got hit with an injury setback, his ability to deal with adversity enabled him to do all he could to get back on the park and do what he did best.

Tim Rogers is one of Australian music’s most charismatic and influential artists.

The ‘You Am I’ frontman not only writes and sings timeless classics, he’s an accomplished actor and author, pulls a great beer behind the bar and still bowls off a long run at the Snake Pit for the Taradale Taipans.
Tim’s wit, honesty and intelligence makes for a fascinating chat. Enjoy!

Fire, flavour and ferocious passion!
Duncan Welgemoed shares his extraordinary story. He grew up in a violent and transformative South Africa, honed his craft in hostile kitchens in the UK, before finding love and a new home in Adelaide. Duncan's award-winning restaurant Africola is the culmination of his creativity and remarkable experiences.
As Festival Curator of Tasting Australia, Duncan's bringing a host of unique culinary opportunities to the table for us all.