Coffee with Luke series

Welcome back to  Coffee with Luke , where I share stories, reflections, and conversations that matter. Today, I want to shine a light on someone who’s been a steady and supportive part of my health journey for the past few years—my physiotherapist, George Campbell. When you live with ongoing physical challenges like arthritis in the spine, DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis), plantar fasciitis, and chronic shoulder and neck pain, finding the right physio can be life-changing. For me, that person has been George. I’ve been seeing him for three years now at Active Care in Capalaba, and his care has been nothing short of exceptional. From day one, George made me feel heard. He didn’t just look at a chart or treat a condition—he saw the person behind the pain. Whether I was walking in with tightness in my back or aching feet, George approached each issue with patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of how the body works. Over time, we built trust. He’s taken the...

There’s something comforting about the first sip of coffee in the morning. It’s not just the caffeine — it’s the ritual. The warmth. The stillness. The moment where the world hasn’t quite rushed in yet. Today, I’m not writing about a guest or an interview. I’m writing about a feeling. One I’ve been chasing for weeks now — peace. Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been on a rollercoaster, not the fun kind, either. The kind where you grip the rail and just hope you come out of it without losing your breath. Stress creeps in quietly sometimes — no reason, no warning — just a weight sitting quietly on your chest. And even when life looks good on paper, your mind plays tricks. So this morning, I took myself out for coffee. No phone. No noise. Just me, my thoughts, and a flat white. I watched the steam curl into the air and imagined it carrying away the worries I couldn’t explain. It didn’t solve everything, but it helped. And maybe that’s the point of these small moments. They don’t fix the big st...

This week, as I sat down with my regular flat white and watched the world pass by, I found myself thinking about how easy it is to hold onto the heavy stuff — stress, pain, frustration — and how hard it can be to remember the small, quiet moments that actually make life worth it. I had some great chats this week with a few important people in my support team, including Jodi, my psychologist, and Emily, my NDIS support coordinator. They reminded me that it's okay to slow down and acknowledge the progress I’ve made. Sometimes you don’t notice how far you’ve come until someone holds up a mirror and says, “Look.” In between those conversations, I also had time to work on my photography. I’ve been diving into my portfolio, and it’s wild to look back at all the photos I’ve taken. They’re more than just images — they’re memories, feelings, proof that I was there. That I saw something worth capturing. I even started thinking about doing a photo wall or digital gallery — something that says...

 There’s something about a warm cup of coffee that makes everything feel just a little more possible. The way it sits in your hands—grounding you. The way the aroma wraps around you—comforting, familiar. The way each sip feels like a tiny reset button. That’s what  Coffee with Luke  is all about. Not just coffee, but moments. Little, everyday victories. Big, bold reflections. The kind of conversations that remind us we’re still here—and that counts for something. Today, I want to talk about the beauty of showing up. Showing Up Isn’t Always Glamorous Let’s be honest. Life can get messy. There are days when even getting out of bed feels like a battle. Days when your body aches in places most people don’t think about. Days when your mind is like a browser with 36 tabs open, and one of them is playing music and you can’t find which one. But here’s the thing: on those days, showing up is a form of courage. I’ve learned this the hard way, through experiences that have challenge...

 “We Can’t Do That” – The Story of Telstra’s Favourite Phrase You know what? I’m furious. I am beyond frustrated, and I’ve had it up to  here  with Telstra. I honestly don’t even know where to start because there’s just  so much  to unpack. I’ve been a loyal Telstra customer for  over 10 years . Not 10 days, not 10 months — a  decade . I’ve stuck by Telstra through thick and thin. I’ve paid my bills, I’ve upgraded my phones, I’ve renewed my plans — and not once did I think I’d end up being treated like  just another problem  to be pushed around and dismissed. Let’s talk about  Upgrade and Protect  — a service I’ve had on my account for YEARS. It gave me peace of mind. If something went wrong with my phone, I knew I’d be taken care of. But now?  Gone.  Just like that. No message. No email. No warning. Nothing. And when I called to ask about it, the response I got was absolutely laughable: “You can only add Upgrade and Prote...

Hey friends, Welcome back to another edition of  Coffee with Luke . This month’s brew comes with a powerful message— June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month , and it’s something that hits close to home for me. As I sip my flat white and look around at the people who’ve supported me through thick and thin—my family, my amazing support team, and my mates—I’m reminded just how important it is that we keep talking about men’s mental health. The Silent Battle Many Face Too often, men are told to "toughen up," "shake it off," or "just deal with it." But that kind of thinking only makes it harder for us to reach out when we need help. We’re human too—life can get overwhelming, and emotions don’t make us weak. They make us real. Over the years, I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Speaking up, asking for support, and working through the tough times with professionals, friends, and family takes  courage . My Journey As someone livin...

Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of  Coffee with Luke —where the coffee is hot, the vibes are calm, and the stories are real. Today, I’m taking you on a little journey to a place that truly lives up to the title of  specialty :  Foster & Black . If you’re a coffee lover (like me!), this is one spot you’ll want to keep on your radar—or in your regular rotation. 🌟 The Foster & Black Experience Foster & Black isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s an  atmosphere . From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with clean, minimalist design, passionate baristas, and that rich, roasted aroma that makes you feel like everything’s going to be okay. They take their coffee seriously—but not in a pretentious way. Their goal is simple: deliver exceptional, consistent coffee with traceable origins. Every cup tells a story—from the farm to your lips. ☕ What I Ordered Today’s brew was their  Batch Brew of the Day —a smooth, filter roast with fruity notes and a si...