Coffee with Luke series

Hi everyone, and welcome back to  Coffee with Luke  — your favorite corner of the internet where stories are shared, mental health is honored, and the simple moments in life are celebrated with a hot cup of coffee in hand. Today’s post is a bit more reflective. It’s about stillness — not in the sense of doing nothing, but in the power of slowing down and listening to what your body and mind are telling you. ☀️ A Quiet Morning in Brisbane I’m writing this from my small but cozy spot in Brisbane. The sun filtered gently through the blinds this morning, casting a soft golden hue across the kitchen. I brewed a strong long black — my go-to lately — and sat down with my journal. The first thing I wrote was: "Stillness isn’t silence; it’s space." In a world that moves fast, especially with the noise of city life and the constant stream of content online, it’s so easy to get swept away. But I’ve learned — sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is  pause . 📸 Capturing the M...

 Hey friends, Tonight, I did something really simple—but it made a world of difference. I chose to slow down and give my mind a chance to breathe with a 21-minute  Apple Fitness+ sleep meditation  guided by the incredible  JoAnna Hardy . And wow… what a powerful way to end the day. Lately, I’ve been feeling a little tense—thoughts buzzing around at night, a bit of tightness in my shoulders, and that all-too-familiar restlessness when it’s time to wind down. So tonight, instead of pushing through or scrolling my phone, I dimmed the lights, got comfortable, and pressed play. JoAnna’s voice is something special—calm, kind, and steady. Her meditation focused on letting go of the day, reconnecting with the breath, and easing into a deep, peaceful stillness. She reminded me (and all of us) that it’s okay to just  be . We don’t need to be “productive” even in our rest. We don’t need to fix anything. Just breathe. One line really stuck with me: “There’s nowhere to be, n...

Episode:  "It’s That Time Again" Written and hosted by Luke Ransley [Intro music plays: soft lo-fi coffee shop ambiance with light acoustic strumming] Luke (warm, grounded tone): Hey friends. It’s that time again — time to grab your favourite mug, take a deep breath, and join me for another episode of  Coffee with Luke. There’s something comforting about a routine, isn’t there? That quiet moment when the world slows down, the kettle boils, and all the noise fades away just for a little while. That’s what  Coffee with Luke  is all about. Whether you’re listening on your commute, winding down at home, or just stealing a few minutes for yourself — I’m glad you’re here. Let’s take this time together. ☕  The Long Day Feeling You ever have one of those days that just  feels  long? Not necessarily bad — just… full. That’s the kind of day I had this week. It started before the sun came up — that kind of cool Brisbane morning where the air smells like eucalyptu...

There’s something comforting about sitting in my new home office with a hot coffee in hand, surrounded by the quiet hum of the day. The sunlight filters gently through the window, casting a soft glow over my bookshelf — a curated collection of stories, memories, and people who’ve shaped and inspired me in one way or another. As I sip my coffee, I find myself smiling at the memoirs that line the shelf. Each spine holds a voice, a journey. There’s  Jules Robinson , whose strength and style shine through every page.  Jacqui Lambie , a powerhouse of honesty and grit, reminding me that being real and standing up for what matters is always worth it. I see  Anthony Field , the original Blue Wiggle, whose music and energy were part of my childhood soundtrack. Then there's  Harry Garside  — boxer, ballet dancer, and mental health advocate — a bold reminder that we’re all complex and that courage comes in many forms. A few shelves over,  Bree Tomasel  catches my...

Hey friends, Welcome back to another edition of  Coffee with Luke . Grab your favourite brew, find a cosy corner, and let’s catch up. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind—some calm days, some wild weather (literally and emotionally), and some moments that reminded me just how important connection, resilience, and reflection are. Let’s start with the simple stuff: coffee. I’ve been on a bit of a journey trying out different local cafés in Brisbane. My current favourite? A little hidden gem in Bulimba that does an oat flat white so smooth it could win awards. If you’ve got any café recommendations, drop them my way—I’m always keen to discover new spots. Now for the heart stuff. Lately, I’ve been focusing on healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. With the help of my support team (shoutout to George, Travis, Jodi, and the rest of the crew—you know who you are!), I’m learning how to listen to my body and trust that I’m not broken, just rebuilding. There’s also been a lot of ...

Today was a truly memorable day in the  Coffee with Luke  journey. I had the absolute privilege of attending the  7 News Queensland Community Coffee Morning  at  Zarraffa’s Coffee, Mount Gravatt , where I shared a cuppa with some of the most recognisable and respected faces from the 7 News team, along with an incredible mix of professionals and community leaders. This event was more than just a meet-and-greet—it was a real celebration of Queenslanders making a difference. 🌟 Meeting the 7 News Queensland Team As soon as I walked into Zarraffa’s, the energy was buzzing. There was something special about seeing familiar faces from my TV screen right there in person—warm, genuine, and deeply connected to our local community. I had the honour of meeting: Max Futcher  – Calm, collected, and just as charismatic in person as he is on the news desk. Katrina Blowers  – A true professional with a kind and welcoming energy. She took the time to chat and made ever...

May marks  Mental Health Awareness Month , a time to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage honest conversations around mental health. This month, I want to speak openly – not just in recognition of awareness, but to share how I’m really doing. Because awareness starts with honesty. How I'm Coping – The Real Talk To be quite frank, I’m coping – but it’s not always easy. There are days when I feel steady, when the routines I’ve built for myself help me stay grounded. I’m working, staying active, keeping appointments with my support team, and focusing on the things I love – like photography, cooking, and connecting with the people I care about. These things keep me afloat. But beneath the surface, I’m still struggling with stress and anxiety. There are moments when it feels like everything is moving too fast, or like I’m trying to hold too much at once. Sometimes, I overthink small things. Other times, my body feels tense or tired from the ...

Hey friends, welcome back to another delicious edition of  Coffee with Luke —the series where I combine my love of food, people, and great conversations. Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favourite dishes, something that never fails to bring a smile to my face and a growl to my stomach— tacos . 🌮 If you know me well, you’ll know I’m  obsessed  with tacos. There’s just something about the crispy crunch (or soft fold!) of a taco shell packed with savoury meat, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings that hits the spot every single time. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, weekend catch-ups with mates, or just a solo dinner with Netflix, tacos are my go-to comfort food. So today, I thought I’d share a  Classic Tacos Recipe  that’s super easy to make, packed with flavour, and perfect for sharing with the people you care about. Grab a coffee (or maybe a margarita 🍹), and let’s taco ’bout how you can bring a fiesta to your kitchen! 🌮 Classic Tacos Recipe 🛒 Ingredients...

Hey everyone, welcome back to  Coffee with Luke ! Grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and let’s catch up. It’s been a big few months, and I thought it was time to share how I’ve been travelling – both in the day-to-day and on the longer journey of life. Lately, I’ve been focusing a lot on my health – physical, mental, and emotional. With the support of my amazing team, I’ve been working hard on building strength, managing pain, and improving my independence. Shoutout to George, Travis, Amelia, Eddie, Monique, and everyone else who’s helping me show up for myself every single day. There have been ups and downs – like anyone’s journey – but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to let go of what I can’t control, and to focus on what truly matters: good people, meaningful connections, and staying true to myself. My cousin Jacqui has also been a massive support, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time we spend together. Whether it's coffee catchups, chat...