Gold Coast travel blogger and 2014 winner of the 'Best Job in the World' competition.
Gold Coast travel blogger and 2014 winner of the 'Best Job in the World' competition.
Think you have the best job in the world? Meet Tyson Mayr. Winner of Jauntaroo’s 2014 Chief World Explorer (which also was dubbed the “Best Job in the World”) Competition. Since he took out the title he’s made a career out of traveling the globe and blogging about it. Cue new ‘dream job’ thoughts. We got to know the worldly Gold Coast local, and some of his favourite things to do in and around our gorgeous part of the world.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been travelling for 10+ years, working as a Travel Presenter (TV), Producer, Photographer & Writer. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in over 100 countries, working with the likes of National Geographic here in AUS, or Bear Grylls abroad. My fave countries are Kyrgyzstan and Brazil, but no matter where in the world I go – Gold Coast will always be home. It’s hard to beat that feeling of walking my dog on the local beach or going for a sunset SUP in the canals, with that beautiful GC weather.
How did you initially get into travel blogging?
I’ve actually never blogged. My career in travel began through photography & video. In the first year of my travels I visited 28 countries across 6 continents on a total budget of $10k and I was seeing and learning so much about the world and myself, that I wanted to find a better way to share my experiences. In more recent years I have been very fortunate to write for a number of publications and I now also have an Escape Magazine column where I get to share all of my adventures in more detail – such as Stand Up Paddleboarding through Antarctica!
Do you consider you still have the Best Job in the World?
Absolutely! But I also believe that anyone who wakes up excited every day about their upcoming work, also has the best job in the world. I get to do what I love, which is more than just travelling – it is meeting and learning from people all over the planet. I am incredibly grateful for the path my career has taken.
You have recently become a Red Paddle Co ambassador, what has been your all-time favourite SUP location and why?
It is impossible to beat Antarctica. To be in the most pristine and serene part of the planet, where giant 100m tall icebergs are floating by and humpback whales are constantly breaching nearby is both thrilling and surreal. I travel regularly with the Red Paddle Co 12’ Compact board, so it also means I am able to add a new dimension to any adventures I do, whether its SUP’ing down the Amazon River of Ecuador, looking out for Anaconda’s or a planned Grand Canyon trip soon, the ability to just throw a sturdy inflatable board, from a backpack into the water always gives you a new perspective of the place you are travelling through.
What are your 5 favourite Gold Coast spots to SUP?
My regular spot is near mine in Miami, paddling north towards Pacific Fair – simply getting out for a sunset paddle. But I also love The Spit and around Currumbin. The Gold Coast is a paradise for SUP’ing because you have unspoiled beaches with plenty of access points to enter and also canals and rivers everywhere.
What has been your most memorable travelling experience and why?
I’m writing these questions from the Arctic where I have just spent two days watching a mother polar bear play with her cub off the coast of Svalbard – so it’s hard for me to skip over that. But my most recent trip to Antarctica is certainly a highlight, as it is unlike anywhere else on this planet. All regular scales of measurement go completely out the window and you quickly realise that there is no reference point for anything you are seeing. It is the only place that gave me the same feeling I had the very first time I stepped foot inside of a new country. The feeling you get when you arrive on a beach with a hundred thousand King Penguins all trumpeting over each other is something difficult to describe with words.
Is there a trick to jet-lag?
The biggest thing to remember for jetlag is setting your watch to the new time zone the second you sit in that airplane seat. So if that means you need to have your evening wine a little earlier, then so be it! I like to get outdoors as soon as I arrive and keep moving until its time so sleep. That could be a walk around the town, a SUP in a river – anything to keep me awake until it’s my new bedtime. I also don’t check any work emails for at least 24 hours – nothing worse than switching back into your old time zone as soon as you arrive – your boss can wait!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’ve been working closely with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) for the past few years on a number of Koala projects (one of which was a documentary on Foxtel & Binge, following Bear, IFAW’s Koala Detection Dog as he rescued Koalas post the bush fire) and I’ve recently come on as an official Ambassador, with a number of very impactful projects coming up both in Australia and abroad, which I’m very excited and proud to help establish ways in which others can join in on the ground. A new Elephant project will begin later this year, so I’ll have updates on social soon about how others can join.
How do you define ‘success’?
Waking up happy and doing what you love every single day. How do you really beat that?
Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
This is a tough question for me as I have learned so much along this journey, from so many different people, that I can’t recall a single greatest piece of advice to share. The most recent gem I heard was from a new friend on this Arctic Adventure, who received a letter from her sick mother with the following quote in it: “Growing old is a privilege, not a given” – hearing words like that can make a difference to small decisions you make each day about seizing each moment – which always seems to compound into greater changes and the best life experiences.
When you’re on the Gold Coast, what are your favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Henchman, Piccolo – but always on the hunt for new spots
Restaurant: Maman in Burleigh – a must for anyone visiting or living here!
Bar or place for a drink: Nobby’s & Burleigh
Beach: Miami is the local, but a quiet day towards The Spit is also nice
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Walking my dog, Willow. Pizzy is our afternoon walk and if I’m back on the Coast, I’ll be down along the esplanade walking her every morning. I’ve been a lot of places around the world, there is nowhere better to live and enjoy life than what we have on the Coast!
For us Gold Coasters, when we heard (at the beginning of this year) that award-winning and renowned Melbourne chef, Michael Lambie had set his sights on opening a Pan-Asian restaurant in Nobbys, we collectively let out a little squeal. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and the lady in red herself, Rubi Red opened to the public and we all couldn’t be more excited to try the cuisine on offer. Fresh from its hotly-anticipated open, we asked Michael a few questions about his new home (on the Goldy) and what are the most popular dishes since opening.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I arrived on the Gold Coast in December and now a full-time local since January and l love living up here. A big change from Melbourne, a completely different lifestyle and you Queenslanders do love getting up early and making the most of the early sunrise each day and the spectacular beaches!
Tell us a bit about you.
Originally from England, I arrived in Australia in 1997. Since then I’ve been based in Melbourne. I have always been a keen foodie and love the hospitality industry. With the pandemic hitting Victoria so bad I decided to launch my restaurant brand in Queensland and started looking for sites on the Gold Coast. I have owned and run a number of iconic restaurants in Melbourne including Stokehouse, Circa the Prince, Taxi Dining Room, The Smith and Lucy Liu.
How does the Gold Coast compare to Melbourne in your eyes?
Very different here more outdoors activities, less population, different eating habits. It’s challenging but also exciting. I’m hoping to make my mark on the Gold Coast by bringing my South-East Asian style here.
Tell us about how the concept of Rubi Red came about.
With Australia being so multicultural and my passion for South-East Asian food, l wanted to deliver a South-East Asian concept to Queensland. Delicious, fresh, locally sourced produce paying homage to Asian cuisine, with unique cocktails, a slick beverage selection and a very vibrant atmosphere. That is Rubi Red. I really believe that the light flavours of Asian food suit the Queensland environment perfectly.
Why did you pick the Gold Coast to launch Rubi Red?
I believe the Gold Coast can be the next big Australian hospitality capital behind Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney. I also fell in love with the iconic Hellenika building and wanted to do something really special to give credit to that building.
What excites you about the hospitality scene on the Gold Coast?
There is so much potential in the hospitality scene here. I believe there is a gap in the market for a place like Rubi Red.
Since opening Rubi Red, what has been the most popular dish on your menu?
Across the board, it would have to be the Ginger Prawn Dumplings, Kingfish Sashimi and Tuna Tataki. However, the whole menu has been very popular. My personal favourite is the Chinese Sichuan Duck… it’s an old dear friend.
What’s the creative process behind the creation of a menu?
Flavour combinations, balance and understanding what people enjoy. I try to create a menu that my customers will enjoy (not just myself) by using the freshest ingredients and locally sourced produce.
What do you consider your greatest career achievement?
Opening my last business, The Smith, this was a gastropub and we nailed it! Also having won the Australian Restaurant of the Year whilst I was at Taxi Dining room.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: BSKT café
Coffee spot: 52 Espresso for my morning coffee
Restaurant: Jimmy Wahs Burleigh
Bar or pub for a drink: Kurrawa Surf Club
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
At the moment I’m working lots, but I love the early morning beach walks!
With us all trying to (somehow) muddle our way through this 21st century we live in, along with being in the midst of a pandemic, we can often forget to ‘stop and smell the roses’, AKA appreciate the little things in life. And sadly that sometimes means the simple act of laughing. So what better time to catch up with long-time Gold Coast local, and worldly ‘Happy Human’, Scott Williams. From humble beginnings, this self-made character now shares his love of life and happiness with people across the world. We get to know his story and his local favourites.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have called the Gold Coast home since 1976. That’s a long time! It is on the GC that I met my wife Angie (the year I arrived, in early 1976) and it’s also where our son Oliver was born. The Gold Coast is where I got my early ‘show business break’ – so I have a lot to thank the GC for.
Tell us a bit about your career to date.
The year my family arrived on the GC I did grade 11 at Keebra Park High School. In the Christmas holidays of that 1976 I met hypnotist Ronricco, a Gold Coast icon. He would tour the world most of the year and always come home to the GC for Christmas, usually doing shows somewhere. In 1976/1977 Christmas season, he was performing at the old Pacific Hotel in Southport. I ended up getting a job with him and never made it back to grade 12! My first newspaper article was in the Gold Coast Bulletin in January of 1977! I was thrilled. It was a picture of Ronricco and myself outside the Celebrity Room at the Broadbeach International Hotel. I toured the world with Ronricco for 5 years, learning my craft. I started as Ronricco’s stage manager and was encouraged by Ronricco to develop a magic act. My girlfriend at the time, and now wife, Angie finished Grade 12 (she’s the smart one in the family!) and joined us as we toured Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK. She made an excellent magic assistant! Meeting Ronricco on the Gold Coast in 1976 fundamentally changed the direction of my life.
Following my time with Ronricco I secured a job at The Magic Castle, Nobbys Beach with another world-famous act and GC icon, International escapologist and magician Arthur Coghlan. Arthur gave me the opportunity to work with large-scale illusions and I performed regularly with Arthur in the magic theatre for a number of years. Later when it became Magic Mountain I was invited back and performed there again until it closed in 1987, the year Oliver, my son, was born. International touring became difficult with a young family so Angie and I decided to stay on the Coast and I moved into the corporate arena, performing magic and then stand-up comedy. I did that for over 30 years. Facilitation of conferences and conventions at home and abroad also became an important part of my career. In my busiest times, I was often doing around 100 flights a year, so it was all go, go, go! In the last few years, the opportunity to be a part of the cruise ship industry opened up to me and I thoroughly enjoyed performing on many unique vessels all over the world. Of course, everything came to a crashing holt when COVID came along. But like others, during COVID, I decided to explore other ways I could continue my craft; which is when I set up a home broadcast studio and emceed some events virtually as well as recording a weekly tip talk on happiness called “A minute on happiness.”
What career achievement are you most proud of?
Probably my ability to evolve to meet new markets and demands. From magic to comedy, to conference facilitation and then into corporate speaking with ‘The Happy Human’. The ability to adapt and change has given me a long and very interesting career that has lasted for 40 years – so I am very thankful for that.
What do you love the most about making people laugh?
It’s a tough world out there sometimes, and the more stressed we become the less we tend to laugh. So to have the ability to make a positive contribution to people’s lives through laughter is truly a blessing. Clean comedy has always been the basis of my shows, and to hear someone say “I can’t believe I have laughed so hard for an hour and not heard a swear word “ is a great return on my investment.
Why is laughing so important?
Laughter releases endorphins, one of the ‘feel good’ chemicals produced naturally in the body. This chemical elevates our mood and gives us a warm glow! We interpret that glow as a sense of happiness. When we feel happy, a perception of hope is created. So laughter effectively becomes a’ hope generator’ for us, and that is really important because, without hope, life just feels like a grind.
If you had to give people some advice, what would that be?
I love to quote Dennis Prager who said: “Don’t let compliments go to your head and don’t let insults go to your heart”. That sums it up nicely. Sometimes we take ourselves and others too seriously and it can backfire on us.
Tell us your best joke!
Are you trying to steal my act? Seriously, there are so many jokes I love and I have probably forgotten more jokes than I can remember now at 61! I love the silly one-liners like: “What do you call a Woolworths Supermarket that’s burnt down?”. . . . “Coles” (coals – get it)!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Cafe: There are so many on the Coast that do a terrific job. It depends where I am on the day. The last cafe I visited was Paddock Bakery at Burleigh and they always use wonderfully fresh ingredients in their creations. A favourite for a late breakfast.
Coffee spot: Anywhere that proudly brandishes a Merlo coffee sign! Usually, I grab a coffee at Merlo Brickworks when I pick up a bag of their ‘private’ blend coffee beans! – I live for coffee!
Restaurant: Indian Empire at Runaway Bay has been a firm favourite for many years and has won numerous awards. Delicious Indian food! Brooklyn Depot in Surfers is also a great stop for a quick lunch. My physio just told me to check out Brazilian Flame Bar and Grill in Surfers Paradise so that will be next on the list to try.
Bar or pub for a drink: Anywhere that serves Los Sundays Tequila!
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I have become a keen baker and love making sourdough loaves and chewy New York-style bagels. Also, I like long walks with Angie around the Paradise Point waterfront and maybe into one of the cafes there for something yummy!
If you haven’t already realised Mother’s Day is fast approaching – which means you better start thinking about how you are going to treat the number one lady in your life. The special day aside, we personally think that you should celebrate mum every day. Not only does she care and cook for you, she often has a long list of other responsibilities herself. Some mums even run a business too! And that is exactly what mum of two, fitness influencer and founder of James Cosmetics, Emily Skye does. No doubt you have seen Emily on Instagram as she has over a whopping 2.5 MILLION followers. Emily squeezed answering a few questions for Inside Gold Coast into her hectic work schedule. Read on to get to know Emily both personally and professionally!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
8 years now!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mother of two beautiful kids, Mia and Izaac, and I also own two businesses, Emily Skye FIT, my fitness app, and James Cosmetics, my beauty company. Through my FIT app I’ve been able to reach and connect with millions of women around the world who are working together as a community to strive for a healthier, happier lifestyle. James Cosmetics are beauty products I truly swear by and use myself! I’ve always had a huge interest in the beauty industry and wanted to share products that I love with everyone! I also have an amazing community of women through my Facebook and Instagram pages who inspire me everyday!
How did both James Cosmetics and the Emily Skye Fit app come about?
I started Emily Skye FIT after a very hard time in my life where I struggled a lot with my body image and an unhealthy lifestyle. I was in a very bad place mentally and physically and wanted to make a change. I made healthy changes in my life and started eating healthy and exercising and it completely changed my life! I wanted to share that feeling with other women and made it my mission to share knowledge I had learned along the way with other women so they can make positive changes just like I did! Over the years, FIT has become such an amazing platform where we are just one big community, constantly encouraging each other and helping each other each day! The app has definitely evolved as well as I have, as a mother I really wanted to include a pregnancy program and post pregnancy, and these have had such a great response!
James Cosmetics is my beauty company and something I am so passionate about! I’ve always been interested in beauty and skincare, I even became a qualified beautician 15 years ago! The products we release with James Cosmetics are genuinely just products that I use and want to incorporate into my routine! We started with just our 24K Gold & Collagen Crystal Eye Mask, and it still remains as one of our best selling products!
Tell us what your proudest entrepreneurial moment is?
A couple of things would definitely be being named Forbes #3 influencer in the world, and featuring on the cover of Women’s Health Magazine in more than 20 countries! They are both definitely pinch me things that I’m very proud of!
As a very busy woman, how do you manage your time to really strike that work/life balance?
I’ve found the best thing you can do is plan ahead and have lots of structure. I was never really any good at structure before having kids, I was quite spontaneous and didn’t like planning anything too far in advance. I’ve had to change that since becoming a mother and having businesses. It’s all about prioritising and having a to do list to get through and sticking to it! I’m still learning of course, but having a routine has much a huge difference to my everyday life and my mental health.
What do you love the most about being a mum?
Being a mum is just amazing in itself. Having these little humans that you and the person you love the most in the world created together and they’re like a mini you but with their own personalities. It’s so cool seeing kids grow up and evolve and watch their personalities come out! I love being able to have an impact on someone the way I can with my kids, teaching them what I’ve learned through life and being a role model to them.
How are you planning on spending this Mother’s Day?
I’m looking forward to just spending time with the kids and being grateful for them and being proud of myself as well for what I’ve done and what my body has done! I’ll also definitely be showing appreciation to my own mother as well for the amazing job she did raising my sister and I on her own!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: BSKT
Coffee spot: Three Beans Cafe
Restaurant: Gemelli
Bar or pub for a drink: The only bar I’m familiar with is a barbell at the gym
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Either outside with the kids playing in the pool or going for a walk along the beach with the kids with a nice coffee. I love spending time outdoors, especially living in a place with such amazing weather!
