A tough childhood. A pair of gloves. A phone call that changed everything. 

Dennis joins us to share a raw, generous story about turning pain into purpose- first through boxing, then through community service and finally through the steady courage of buying a home for his family. He opens up about growing up in public housing, feeling like an outsider, and finding structure at a local gym where uncles and aunties set a standard that kept him clean and focused. Titles and medals followed, but so did a deeper lesson: kids can tell the difference between someone who has walked the road and someone who only studied the map.

We dig into his role as a Community Education Counselor supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families – removing barriers to health, housing and school attendance – and the simple, human tools that work: being present, asking “Do you need a hug?” and showing kids what’s possible through representation. Dennis’ mindset is a masterclass in agency. He shows how tiny choices add up, from inventing games with nothing but socks to navigating IBA seminars, pre-approval and the path from rent stress to keys in hand. The result isn’t just property; it’s dignity, stability and the freedom to plan the next step instead of surviving the next week.

We also sit with men’s mental health: the quiet after the spotlight, the myth that strong men don’t cry and the healing in speaking up, reconnecting with mob, and grounding on country. Dennis shares his next move – teaching Food Tech and HPE while finishing his degree – to reach kids earlier and offer a different arc. He closes with a call to claim culture and ancestors’ stories: you’re not half anything, you’re whole and you have an obligation to know who you come from. 

Come for the boxing yarns, stay for the blueprint on choice, culture and never stopping the dream. If this resonated, follow, share with a mate who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find these modern day yarns.