Business owner Dave Hughes has used the impacts of COVID-19 to craft the foundation for his passion, positivity and productivity.
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The health and fitness activist created a podcast, Mass Effect, when the pandemic first washed over as he wasn't sure his stores would be able to remain open.
"It's something I've always wanted to do and something I've always been passionate about," Mr Hughes said.
"COVID-19 kind of gave me the motivation to get it started.
"I had to close a few of my shops temporarily which meant that I had some extra time on my hands. I ended up buying all of the equipment in the first week.
"I'm not someone who can sit still for longer than five minutes, so I needed a project."
Mr Hughes said he wasn't sure if people would be interested in listening to the podcast at first, but since starting he has had an impressive response with thousands of listeners checking in.
"I have a lot of athletes on the podcast, it's a huge part of our community, but I didn't just make it about sports, fitness or health," he said,
"We talk about a lot of things and cover a variety of different topics.
"A big one is mental health."
Mr Hughes said one of the most successful episodes featured a young Dubbo woman who talked about her experience struggling with an eating disorder and how she was able to come out on the other side.
"It's something a lot of people go through," he said.
"Another episode features a guest who talks about her experience being sexually abused which lead to hyper-sexuality, depression and trauma. The key factor about talking to these people is that we often touch on where they are now and how they got through it and flipped the lid.
"The more people that tell their story the more people that can relate to those experiences and the more people it can help.
"It also means to show people that they can achieve success and overcome what they have been through.
"Many people think they're alone, that they're weird or 'why am I like this?'
"It's cool to be able to create a platform where they can connect with others who have been through similar situations and know that they're not the only ones feeling a particular way."
Mr Hughes said although he has a plan as to the future of the podcast, he is open to ideas and not opposed to any topic.
"It's important to create local content that's relevant to the community, but I also do have guests from other places on the podcast as well.
"I'm keen to talk to anyone who has a story that they are willing to share and that could impact someone else positively.
"I want the podcast to be a voice for the community and a place where people can open up and be their authentic selves without feeling judgement."a
A new one-hour podcast is released every Sunday. Mass Effect is available on Spotify and Apple music.
Mr Hughes said he would also eventually branch out onto platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
