Born and raised Greek-Australian, Con Damouras has dedicated his life to preserving tradition, building businesses, and shaping Sydney’s café culture. As the visionary behind Bar Italia, one of Leichhardt’s most iconic Italian café-restaurants, he carries forward a legacy of hard work, resilience, and authentic hospitality.
His journey began with humble beginnings. His father arrived in Australia by ship, bringing with him the family’s olive oil business. Growing up in Belmaine, Con was a popular kid at Belmaine High, but life was far from easy. His older brother’s struggles in a psychiatric ward left a deep impact on him, fueling his drive to succeed.
By 22 years old, Con’s passion for luxury and ambition led him to buy a Rolls-Royce, inspired by the dream of driving someone to the Opera House. At 24, he was married, balancing family life with his growing ventures in Sydney’s café scene. From running coffee shops and a pizza shop to managing a wedding car business, Con built a reputation for quality, service, and tradition.
But his biggest mark? Bar Italia. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Sydney, it remains a timeless institution, serving home-style Italian meals, paninos, and legendary gelato. A place where cash is king, service is brisk, and flavors transport you straight to Italy.
In Stories Unlocked, Con dives deep into his Greek heritage, family history, childhood, business ventures, and the lasting impact of Bar Italia.
🍝 Authentic Italian & Greek Culture | ☕ The Sydney Café Scene | 🎙️ Stories of Passion & Legacy
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From Greece to Sydney, from restaurateur to social media star. YiaYia Helen Dedes shares her incredible journey With Stories Unlocked.
Born into a tight-knit Greek family, YiaYia Helen witnessed history firsthand when an invasion changed the course of her life at just nine years old. At 21 years old, she set sail for Australia on a 40-day boat journey, leaving behind her homeland to build a new future.
Married in 1967 in Greece, she and her late husband worked tirelessly to create Dedes Waterfront Group, one of Sydney’s most recognized restaurant chains. From humble beginnings, their dedication to Greek hospitality and flavors left a lasting impact. After years in the industry, she passed the business on to her son, Con, and embraced retirement.
Now, she shares authentic Greek recipes, traditions, and life wisdom through YiaYia’s Kitchen on Facebook and YIAYIA’S GREEK KITCHEN on Instagram. Her mission? To preserve Greek culture, connect generations, and inspire people to think positively.
"Home is where the heart is. Think positive." – YiaYia Helen
In Stories Unlocked, she dives into her childhood, journey to Australia, family, restaurant success, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
🍽️ Greek Cuisine & Tradition | 🇬🇷 Family & Heritage | 🎙️ Wisdom & Life Lessons
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From humble beginnings to building a café empire, Charlie El-Hachem shares his incredible journey in Stories Unlocked.
Born to Lebanese parents who met in Sydney, Charlie grew up in housing commissions, learning the values of family, hard work, and resilience.
As the oldest of three brothers, he navigated culture shock, school, and the challenges of mixed communities, all while working alongside his father and brother in hospitality.
His passion for business led him to study Civil Engineering and Business Economics, while gaining hands-on experience in the CBD’s liquor and restaurant industry.
At 20, he embarked on a life-changing journey, 40 countries in 40 days (Tunketi) expanding his mindset and fueling his ambition. Within just a few years, he built 10 cafés, setting the stage for something even bigger.
Now at 40 years old, Charlie is the founder of Piccolomi, a thriving café brand with 45 locations, a devoted husband of 15 years, and a proud father of four children.
His philosophy? "Surround yourself with the right people. Family. Legacy. When you stop believing, you start breaking up."
With Stories Unlocked, Charlie takes you through his background, struggles, and triumphs, sharing real lessons in business, family, and resilience.
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From stacking pizza boxes at 13 to running a high-performing digital marketing agency, Matthew Mazzotta has built his success from the ground up.
Born into a hardworking family, his father a Telstra technician and DJ, his mother a skilled dressmaker. Matthew learned early that discipline and persistence were the keys to success. Growing up with three younger brothers, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and ambition.
By 16, he was working behind a bar, taking shifts at Qudos Bank Arena, and later studying Business Commerce at Macquarie University. At 20, he discovered his passion for marketing through school case studies, leading him to climb the ranks in management before stepping out on his own.
Now at 28, Matthew is the founder of DNM Digital, a results-driven marketing agency specializing in SEO, Google, and Meta Ads that help online brands scale their profits. His vision for the next five years? To build a reputable, premium, and performance-based business that delivers real results.
In this podcast, Matthew shares his story, his upbringing, early jobs, the lessons learned, and the mindset shifts that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Get insights into business, digital marketing, and the hustle it takes to build something from scratch.
💡 Business & Entrepreneurship | 🚀 Digital Marketing | 🎙️ Real Stories & Lessons
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Join Haris Strangas as he dives into his journey from his Greek-Australian upbringing to his role as a Sutherland Shire Councillor for the Liberals.
Haris is dedicated to giving back to the community, supporting small businesses by cutting red tape, and championing local sustainability, sports, and safety initiatives.
Beyond politics, he is the visionary behind Olympus, Australia’s biggest Greek nightlife event, bringing Greek culture to the global stage.
In this podcast, Haris shares his story, childhood, teenage years, and the balance of living in two worlds. He reveals what led him to politics, his passion for community service, and his present-day life as a leader and cultural influencer.🔵
Politics & Passion | 🎶 Greek Nightlife | 🌍 Community & Culture
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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of a creative force who grew up in an Italian household, where a self-employed father instilled values of hard work and determination. His childhood was spent breakdancing under the Fairfield Bridge, competing in street dance battles inspired by A Set Up DVD, and dreaming of a life that broke boundaries.
At 18, he took his first job as a baker, but by 19-20, he had hit the big stage as a performer with Justice Crew on Australia’s Got Talent. With a fearless "jump first, ask questions later" mindset, he pursued entertainment full-throttle. From captivating audiences at wedding shows to purchasing theatres by age 32, his journey embodies ambition and boldness.
The COVID era marked a pivotal moment, as he diversified his creative endeavors and launched XS Events Australia in 2024. With over 6000 events under their belt, XS Events has become a leader in premium event management, providing top-tier entertainment and seamless production. He is also the visionary behind Dauntless, a high-energy performance brand with over 2000 shows.
This episode covers everything from humble beginnings and family values to building thriving ventures, balancing creativity with business, and lessons learned along the way.
🎤 Tune in for captivating stories, unforgettable insights, and the powerful rise of a leader who continues to break the mold!
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Meet Gassan "Gus" Shamon, a driven entrepreneur with deep roots in family and resilience. The oldest of four siblings, Gus grew up in Mt Druitt with an Assyrian heritage and a father he affectionately calls "octopus hands" for his relentless work ethic and ability to juggle everything. Boxing for eight years in his youth taught Gus discipline and determination, traits he carries into his life and business today. As the founder of Macro Timber Supplies, Gus has built a reputation for delivering top-quality materials at unbeatable prices with unparalleled speed. While he approaches life with a laid-back demeanor, his business ethic is anything but relaxed. Known for his punctuality, professionalism, and hands-on leadership, Gus credits much of his success to the support of his dedicated team, who share his unwavering commitment to excellence. In this Episode, Gus shares inspiring stories about his family, lessons learned from his hardworking father, and the relentless pursuit of his goals. Tune in for insights into how this ambitious entrepreneur balances family, business, and a passion for creating success for his clients.
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Meet Nathan Durkin, better known as "The Rugby League Guru," a passionate voice in the world of rugby league. Growing up as a stock-standard kid with a tennis-playing dad, Nathan overcame a stuttering problem during his public school years and later discovered his calling far from the halls of university, which he openly dislikes.
In 2018, Nathan founded The Rugby League Guru, a platform that has since become a go-to for everything rugby league. From in-depth analysis and predictions to Super Coach tips and exclusive interviews with NRL legends, his weekly podcasts celebrate the greatest game of all. During the COVID phase, his dedication paid off as his following surged to 25,000, allowing him to go full-time into his passion.
Now a prominent content creator, Nathan brings you exclusive insights through memberships, ventures like KempB’s, and even rugby league betting shows. With exciting developments like NRL Las Vegas on the horizon, Nathan continues to redefine how fans experience the sport. Tune in for stories, insights, and unfiltered passion from the man behind the mic.
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Meet Joshua Khoury, a passionate entrepreneur and family man with deep roots in Bankstown and Lebanese heritage, from playing backyard footy with his brother James to co-founding The Rusty Rabbit, a thriving café chain with locations in Sydney and London. Joshua’s journey is a story of grit, determination, and resilience.
The Rusty Rabbit, known for its all-day breakfast, specialty coffee, and modern Australian cuisine, has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Joshua reflects on the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 lockdowns, the importance of family support, and the relentless hard work that brought their vision to life.
As a proud husband, father, and Bulldogs football fan, Joshua shares his insights on the transformative power of hospitality and how belief in yourself can turn dreams into reality. Tune in for inspiring stories of ambition, family, and the journey to international success.
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Meet Dully Sayed, a trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of BareWolf Clinic, the world’s first men’s aesthetics clinic and winner of the 2024 ‘Champion Entrepreneur’ title at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. Dully also pioneered BareousWolfsten, a concept refining human form while taming the inner beast.
Born into a Lebanese family as the eldest of 9 siblings, Dully’s story is one of grit and ambition. From attending Islamic school to a 9-year electrician career, he bought his first home at 18, became a father at 23, and now, at 35, runs two successful business locations.
This Episode of Stories Unlocked dives into his inspiring journey, offering raw insights on life, marriage, and business. Discover how he built a groundbreaking legacy through sacrifice, authenticity, and an unyielding belief in himself. All while inspiring others to embrace their inner wolf and achieve greatness.
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In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Hussein Sheeth, the driving force behind SHEETH, a construction, fit-out, and refurbishment company that has become a trailblazer in the industry. Established in 2017 with his brother Mohammed, SHEETH showcases Hussein’s 15+ years of experience in construction and property, combined with his vision and leadership. With operations spanning ACT, VIC, QLD, and SA, the company is a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Hussein’s story is one of grit and perseverance. While studying full-time at university, he worked full-time at one of Australia’s leading construction companies, rising through the ranks before taking a leap of faith to launch SHEETH GROUP. Inspired by the legacy of his father, Kassem Sheeth—a respected home builder—Hussein embodies the values of integrity, hard work, and family.
In this heartfelt episode, Hussein shares not only his professional triumphs but also the ups and downs he faced along the way. He opens up about his family obligations as one of the older siblings in a large family, stepping up as a role model for his younger siblings and balancing the expectations of being a family pillar with his drive to succeed.
This is a story of overcoming obstacles, building a family-driven business, and inspiring others to achieve their best. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, lessons, and heart.
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Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of George Nittis, the heart and soul behind Sydney’s legendary Ocean Foods. For over 40 years, George has dedicated his life to sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood, making Ocean Foods a staple for locals craving quality and flavor.
In 2024, his hard work was recognized when he, his family, and the Ocean Foods team took home the Most Outstanding Fast Food/Takeaway award at the Inner West Local Business Awards.
But George’s journey doesn’t stop there. He recently launched the new Ocean Foods Pasta Bar, blending his passion for innovation with his commitment to delivering consistently delicious meals. In this episode, he opens up about the struggles of building Ocean Foods from the ground up, the challenges he overcame to achieve success, and how his Greek heritage and family expectations shaped his determination and work ethic.
Oh, and when he’s not in the kitchen, George hits the track as a competitor in the Australian Touring Cars Master series. From seafood to high-speed adventures, this episode is packed with inspiration, passion, and a story that will leave you hungry for more.
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Meet Matthew Georges, a multi-talented entrepreneur who launched his first business at just 13 years old! Now 25, Matthew is the creative force behind thriving ventures like Encore Collective, Matina Inceptive, Zezura Weddings, and more.
Known for his quirky humor and boundless energy, Matthew shares his inspiring journey, invaluable business tips, and insights into balancing his growing empire with his personal life—including his recent engagement to his fiancée.
Packed with inspiration, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a young business powerhouse, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover the story of Matty Georges! 🎧
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In today's episode, we've got the amazing Rosie Elias on the podcast – the force behind All Occasion Cruises. She's not just rocking the business scene; she's also a supermum who knows how to balance the sea and family life. Join us for a chat about Rosie's journey from navigating the maritime world's twists to building a yacht empire that's not just high-class but celebrity-approved!
Rosie Elias, the brain behind All Occasion Cruises, has turned her love for the sea into a multi-million dollar success story. From celebs cruising on her yachts to tackling the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Rosie's journey is a rollercoaster of resilience and grit. So, get ready for a laid-back chat about Rosie's life on the high seas, the hustle behind her yacht empire, and the sweet victories that come with hard work and passion.
On today's episode, we've got the one and only Carlos Coratella in the studio, the genius behind Food4Fitness Meals. Picture this: from whipping up meals for gym buddies to ruling the healthy eating game, Carlos is the real deal. Get ready to ride the waves of his entrepreneurial journey, where he spills the beans on how he turned a simple idea into a full-blown food empire. It's not just about the meals; it's about the hustle, the setbacks, and the sweet victories that come with the territory.
So, let's dive into Carlos's story – he's pulling back the curtain on the crazy ride of turning a small-time gig into a nationwide sensation. So let's tune in for the lowdown on Carlos's journey, the challenges he faced, and the moments that make it all worth the hustle.
On today's episode, we have a truly inspiring individual joining the podcast. He's not just a successful entrepreneur, but someone who has overcome significant challenges to build a multi-million dollar business. We can't wait to share the story of our guest, the founder of SBS Fencing, the incredible Alex Goncalves!
We're going to delve into Alex's journey, exploring the hardships he faced along the way, and how he turned those challenges into opportunities. So, buckle up as we take you on a remarkable journey through resilience, determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Each week hosts, Ari George and Selina Nguyen have open and honest conversations with key personalities, aimed to inspire, educate and entertain listeners acting as a conduit between everyday people and the names of individuals we all aspire to be. Listen to our podcast with an open mind as you prepare to take notes, laugh, cry, and feel inspired to be the best version of yourself.
Each week hosts, Ari George and Selina Nguyen have open and honest conversations with key personalities, aimed to inspire, educate and entertain listeners acting as a conduit between everyday people and the names of individuals we all aspire to be. Listen to our podcast with an open mind as you prepare to take notes, laugh, cry and feel inspired to be the best version of yourself.
Each week hosts, Ari George and Selina Nguyen have open and honest conversations with key personalities, aimed to inspire, educate and entertain listeners acting as a conduit between everyday people and the names of individuals we all aspire to be. Listen to our podcast with an open mind as you prepare to take notes, laugh, cry and feel inspired to be the best version of yourself.
Each week hosts, Ari George and Selina Nguyen have open and honest conversations with key personalities, aimed to inspire, educate and entertain listeners acting as a conduit between everyday people and the names of individuals we all aspire to be. Listen to our podcast with an open mind as you prepare to take notes, laugh, cry and feel inspired to be the best version of yourself.
Each week hosts, Ari George and Selina Nguyen have open and honest conversations with key personalities, aimed to inspire, educate and entertain listeners acting as a conduit between everyday people and the names of individuals we all aspire to be.
Listen to our podcast with an open mind as you prepare to take notes, laugh, cry and feel inspired to be the best version of yourself.
