Karratha Chronicles is a podcast dedicated to capturing the real stories of the Pilbara. From local legends and community pioneers to unsung everyday heroes, each episode uncovers the voices that make Australia’s north-west unique. Hosted in Karratha, this series dives into the culture, challenges, and triumphs of life in the Pilbara — told through authentic, unfiltered conversations. 🎧 New episodes weekly.
In this episode, I sit down with Scott from Auto One to unpack the story behind the business.
We dive into how it all started with his dad, the old school mentality that built the foundation, and how a new generational culture still shapes the way they operate today.
Scott shares what it was like growing up around the business, stepping into it himself, and the influence his father has had on the way he thinks about growth, innovation, and doing business properly.
A grounded conversation on legacy, evolution, and staying true to your roots while pushing forward.
23 Feb 2026
Kat - The Big Beard Cartel
Kat moved to Karratha at 19 with no plan and no guarantee.
She did not get the job she travelled 24 hours for
But she stayed. Learned. Built. Risked.
Today she runs The Big Beard Cartel, one of the most respected barbershops in town.
We discuss:
• Why standards matter more than talent
• How she opened with almost no capital
• Hiring barbers who match the culture
• Treating bad feedback as data
• Transitioning from working in the business to running it
• Raising 3 kids while managing growth
This episode is about ownership, resilience, and shaping your environment instead of waiting for the perfect blueprint.
17 Nov 2025
From Banking to Broking: Jordan’s Journey Beyond the Numbers
In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, we sit down with Jordan from Mountway Finance, who shares his journey from over 20 years in the banking industry to building his own mortgage broking business.
Jordan talks about what inspired him to step away from corporate life, how he helps clients make smarter financial decisions, and why for him, it’s never just about the numbers — it’s about people, relationships, and trust.
If you’ve ever thought about buying property, refinancing, or making the leap into business ownership, this episode is packed with insights you’ll want to hear.
Listen to learn
How Jordan transitioned from banking to broking
What makes Mountway Finance different
The human side of finance and lending
Practical advice for anyone buying property or starting a business
👇 Subscribe for more stories of business, mindset, and success across the Pilbara.
#KarrathaChronicles #MountwayFinance #MortgageBroker #FinanceTips #PropertyInvestment #SmallBusiness #RealEstateAustralia #PilbaraBusiness
4 Nov 2025
Soak in Dampier -The Inspiring Story Behind Dampier’s Favourite Café
In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, I sit down with Jade, co-owner of Soak Café in Dampier — a true coastal gem that began with nothing but a credit card, courage, and a leap of faith.
Jade shares how she and her partner Aart moved from Tasmania to the Pilbara, swore off hospitality forever, and somehow ended up building one of Dampier’s most loved local cafés. From starting with a humble coffee van to opening Soak in 2019 — just 11 months before COVID and Cyclone Damien — their story is one of resilience, risk, and raw determination.
We dive into:
The leap from stable jobs to starting a café on a credit card.
Surviving a cyclone and the pandemic as a brand-new business.
Lessons in running a business, managing staff, and staying positive through uncertainty.
The community spirit that helped Soak grow.
Why Dampier feels like home — and why it’s “an Eggs Benedict” kind of town.
If you’re chasing inspiration, love small-business stories, or just want insight into what it takes to turn risk into reward, this episode delivers.
Listen, like, and subscribe to Karratha Chronicles — real stories from the Pilbara, told by the people who live them.
19 Oct 2025
Behind the Lens: Matt’s Journey from Concreter to Creator. KTA Media
In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, I sit down with Matt from KTA Media Group — a creative who made the bold leap from concreting to camera work. Matt shares how his partner’s belief in their vision sparked the launch of their media business, and how they turned raw passion into a thriving creative venture.
We unpack:
The turning point from trade work to media production
How encouragement and partnership fuelled their success
Building a creative business from the ground up in Karratha
Lessons for anyone ready to take a leap into something new
A story about courage, creativity, and backing yourself when opportunity calls.
🎧 Listen now to discover how Matt and his partner transformed hard work into art — and business.
14 Sept 2025
Location, Location, Transformation - Jordan James
Today on Karratha Chronicles, I sat down with Jordan James — a man whose journey is as inspiring as it is real. From growing up in Karratha, overcoming the depths of drug addiction, and starting fresh, Jordan has built one of the Pilbara’s most successful real estate careers.
In this episode, Jordan shares how he rebuilt his life, the mentors who shaped his path, and the lessons he’s learned building Realmark in a changing property market. We also dive into his love for community, the quirks of selling houses in Karratha, and what advice he’d give to anyone chasing their first home — or their second chance at life.
This is a story about resilience, transformation, and laying strong foundations — both in real estate and beyond.
1 Sept 2025
Just Breathe
In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, I sit down with Harlee from Ora Wellness to explore her journey from Perth to Karratha and how breathwork transformed her life.
We discuss:
How slowing down and creating space reshaped her lifestyle
Her first challenging breathwork experience and emotional breakthroughs
Becoming a breathwork facilitator and guiding others safely
Personal growth, vulnerability, and building meaningful connections
How breathwork has enhanced her relationships and overall wellbeing
Whether you’re curious about wellness, breathwork, or life in Karratha, Harlee’s story offers inspiration and practical insights for personal growth.
25 Aug 2025
Will Knott Tap Out
In this episode, I sit down with William Knott — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, coach at Ethos Karratha, and youth officer at the Karratha Youth Shed. With 16 years on the mats, Will has mastered sweeps, submissions, and the art of turning struggle into strength. Off the mats, he’s mentoring young people and helping them find better positions in life.
We talk about:
Will’s journey from Wellington to Karratha via Abu Dhabi and beyond
What Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really is (and why it’s for everyone)
Lessons in humility, ego, and resilience that carry from the mats into life
The challenges and rewards of mentoring Karratha’s youth
Building community through martial arts in a remote town
From “murder yoga” to mentoring, Will’s story shows how discipline and connection can change lives.
🎧 Tune in for an episode full of grit, humour, and heart.
16 Aug 2025
Taco Diving with Scott Ellis
In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, Ben sits down with Scott Ellis—ex-Dampier Sharks footballer, spearfisher, and creator of Dive to Dine. Scott shares how moving to WA sparked his obsession with spearfishing, the lessons learned from chasing dogtooth tuna at Scott Reef, and why he swapped wetsuits for aprons to launch a fish taco food truck in Karratha.
Expect stories of primal first catches, YouTube adventures, local seafood creativity, and the gritty realities of starting a business from scratch. From diving solo rules to the secret behind perfect ceviche, Scott opens up on passion, persistence, and the journey of turning reef-to-plate living into a community food experience
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