In this episode, we sit down with Wal Collins — the quiet achiever behind Wal’s Fried Chicken and one of the driving forces of our 600 km walk for mental health. A dad of five, a chef, and a bloke who leads through actions, Wal’s story is about loyalty, growth, and the kind of humility that sticks with you.

We dive into:
– The early pub days and how Wal’s Fried Chicken became a Bendigo icon
– Learning to look after himself so he can keep showing up for others
– Smashing the 28-Day Mindset Project (twice) and what it unlocked
– Running marathons, the Four Peaks Festival, and chasing that next challenge
– Facing anxiety, breathwork, and slowing down to find balance
– The 600 km walk — day nine to Shepparton, the final stretch home, and the community moments that made it all worth it
– Fatherhood, leadership, and raising kids who care as much as he does

Quote of the Episode:

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

If this one hits home, share it with someone who leads with actions more than words.

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Luke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s