Jon Coghill & Tim Reid
This homeless grandfather story will warm your heart. Living in his car for years, Paul dreads lonely nights – but he’s buzzing because his daughter and grandkids are driving up from Port Macquarie for his grandson’s birthday at Bluey’s World. His raw chat on love, loneliness, and making magic on a budget is strangely uplifting – hit play and smile.
Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia, microphone in hand, chatting to strangers.
It’s conversations… with everyday people.
Episode Summary
A Homeless Grandfather Story Begins at Starbucks
Jon spots Paul charging his phone and laptop at Starbucks. Paul lives in his car, travels for excavator work. Been doing it years. He’s from everywhere and nowhere – stays where the jobs are.
Planning the Perfect Grandson’s Birthday
His daughter and grandkids are coming from Port Macquarie. First stop: Bluey’s World across the river. Homeless granddad is buzzing – it’s all about making the day magic for his grandson. He’s googled everything, knows exactly where to go.
Life Living in His Car
Nights are the hardest. Rolls the seat back, pulls a mattress down, curls up. Comfortable enough, but lonely. That’s why he hangs around people during the day – fights the isolation.
The Bet That Changed Everything
Years ago a $2 coin bet won him $10k. Bought a rundown house, flipped it. Kept going. Homeless granddad turned that into millions through property. Financially free, but still chooses the car life for work freedom.
Helping Strangers & Keeping Positive
One night he calmed a drunk harassing a young couple fishing. Sat and yarned all night. Homeless granddad with a heart of gold – lovely smile, positive vibe. Says he’s got nothing to tell… then tells everything.
A Strangely Uplifting Chat
This homeless granddad’s energy is contagious. Family first, no complaints, making magic for his grandson. One of those chats that leaves you smiling at humanity.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro and meeting Paul at Starbucks
00:55 – Lives in car, travels for excavator jobs
01:35 – Dreads lonely nights, curls up in back seat
02:55 – Daughter & grandkids coming for Bluey’s World birthday
04:10 – $2 coin bet won $10k – flipped into millions
05:30 – Helps drunk stranger harassing fishers
07:32 – Positive vibe, lovely smile – farewell
00:55 – Lives in car, travels for excavator jobs
01:35 – Dreads lonely nights, curls up in back seat
02:55 – Daughter & grandkids coming for Bluey’s World birthday
04:10 – $2 coin bet won $10k – flipped into millions
05:30 – Helps drunk stranger harassing fishers
07:32 – Positive vibe, lovely smile – farewell
Key Moments
- Lives in car – comfortable but dreads lonely nights
- Grandkids coming for Bluey’s World – buzzing for grandson’s birthday
- $2 coin bet won $10k – turned into property millions
- Calmed drunk harassing young couple – yarned all night
- Homeless granddad with heart of gold – lovely smile
- Family first, no complaints, making magic on a budget
- Strangely uplifting – proves humanity is good
Listen to the Full Conversation
Homeless granddad plans perfect day for grandson – raw, warm, uplifting.Listen now on your favourite platform
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Made & Hosted by Tim Reid & Jon Coghill
Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto
Photography by Will Reid & Andy McColl
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