4BC Breakfast - Highlights

Hear all this week's best bits from 4BC Breakfast with Dean Miller and Sofie Formica 

With the 2026 NRL season kicking off, psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Blackwood joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to explain why joining a footy tipping competition is actually great for your mental health. Whether with family or coworkers, these low-stakes games foster a powerful sense of belonging, break down social barriers, and provide excellent cognitive stimulation.

Brisbane City Council has opened public consultation for proposed housing density changes in suburban renewal precincts to combat the region's severe housing shortage. Councillor Adam Allan joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to explain how the two-stage consultation process aims to balance population growth with preserving suburban character and ensuring adequate infrastructure.

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Nine's Europe Correspondent Josh Bavas joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the shock arrest of former Prince Andrew on his 66th birthday at the Sandringham Estate. Thy covered the morning police raid, the King's response, and how the arrest relates to misconduct allegations stemming from the Epstein files.

Following the release of exclusive footage showing a couple allegedly scamming a refund point in Upper Mount Gravatt, Containers for Change Interim CEO Trevor Evans joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to address security concerns. He reassured that despite this rare incident, strict CCTV monitoring and law enforcement partnerships are in place to protect the non-profit scheme.

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Following significant water main breaks in Tingalpa and Morningside that left hundreds without water, David Brooker from Urban Utilities joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to determine if the events are connected. He explained that while investigations are underway to rule out systemic issues, such bursts are often coincidental results of seasonal ground movement.

Lord Mayor Jon Raven joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to launch "Logan Legends," a new community initiative designed to uncover and celebrate the unsung heroes of the city.  While acknowledging famous exports like Cameron Smith and Savage Garden, the campaign focuses on recognising everyday volunteers, business owners, and mentors who quietly make a difference.

ASIC has launched a major review into predatory lead generation services that use social media ads to trick Australians into shifting their superannuation into high-risk schemes. Commissioner Alan Kirkland joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to warn consumers to be wary of 'friendly' offers for free super reviews, advising people to simply hang up if pressured.

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Broncos Star Ben Hunt joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the team's preparation for the World Club Challenge against Hull Kingston Rovers, highlighting the team's serious intent to win the trophy despite the harsh weather. He also shared behind-the-scenes details about his "freight train" roommate Pat Carrigan and confirmed his desire to continue playing rugby league beyond this season.

Fresh off her historic gold medal win in Italy, mogul skier Jakara Anthony joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss Australia's most successful Winter Olympics performance to date. She opened up about overcoming the disappointment of the single moguls to claim victory and revealed the intense physical preparation required to compete at the highest level.

There's alarming new research suggesting that Gen Z is the first generation in history to score lower on standardised tests than their predecessors. Futurist Mark McCrindle joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to explain that while traditional IQ metrics like memory and numeracy are declining due to technology, this generation possesses unrivalled digital literacy.

Olympian Sally Pearson joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to confirm she is pivoting from sports presenting to acting, debuting as a "mob wife" in the new short film The Closest Call. She discussed her training with a Gold Coast acting school and her hopes for the film to be selected for the Gold Coast Film Festival.

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Movie expert Shane Bassett joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to break the sad news of actor Robert Duvall’s passing at age 95, discussing his most iconic roles. In addition to honouring his life, the team discussed the modern movie-going experience, specifically the rising trend of bringing hot food into cinemas to combat high prices.

The ACCC has launched a major legal battle against Coles and Woolworths, alleging that famous discount campaigns are based on misleading price hikes rather than genuine savings. Retail expert Graham Hughes joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to warn this "case of the century" could force a massive overhaul in how all Australian businesses display sales and historical pricing.

Following a brazen but amateurish heist at the Abbey Museum in Caboolture, a 52-year-old man has been arrested and the stolen Egyptian artifacts recovered. Museum Chair Edith Cuff joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast she hopes the global publicity will attract new visitors to their unique collection.

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Australian sprinting prodigy Gout Gout joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC breakfast after he officially signed on as the newest brand ambassador for Vegemite, following in the footsteps of Ash Barty. Despite admitting he has only been eating the spread for a year or two, he sees the partnership as a perfect fit for his burgeoning career.

Thomas Mittendorfer from Higgins Storm Chasing joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss a significant weather system lingering over South East Queensland this weekend. While much of the region will receive beneficial rain, residents are urged to remain alert for unpredictable coastal "problem spots" that could receive heavy deluges and flash flooding.

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Former Rowing Queensland CEO Murray Stewart joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to push back against Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie's ultimatum that Olympic rowing must be held in Rockhampton. He argued that while Rockhampton can host the Games in winter, the course is prone to flooding during the summer wet season, making it unusable for local athletes year-round.

Creative Director Alane Lane joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast from Suncorp Stadium to confirm that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is ready for opening night. Despite the threat of rain, the 1,100-strong international cast is prepared to perform a spectacular show for the Brisbane audience.

Despite being financially profitable and boasting high member participation, the 97-year-old Coorparoo Bowls Club faces a rumoured sale by land-owner Bowls Queensland. Community advocate Paul Keynes joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the "wall of silence" from the owners, prompting locals and radio hosts to demand transparency regarding the site's future.

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A proposed crackdown on Airbnb properties in Brisbane aims to return homes to the long-term rental market. Julia Creek resident Belinda Murphy joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to argue that Brisbane City Council’s strict new short-term rental laws will prevent remote families from maintaining essential city bases for school and medical visits.  

Richard Deery joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the recent report suggesting the Australian tradition of "shouting" drinks is fading due to the rising cost of living and changing social habits. With the average round of drinks now costing over $50, fewer Australians are engaging in the reciprocal buying of drinks known as "the shout."

Damien Long, CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to testify that the state may have lost between $13 billion and $38 billion in productivity due to government policies. These costs have spiraled beyond major projects, creating a "domino effect" that inflated prices for residential housing and local council maintenance.

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Queensland Reds CEO Dave Hanham joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC on 4BC Breakfast to outline ambitious plans to redevelop the aging Eastern Stand at Ballymore into a high-performance centre and boutique stadium. The project aims to secure a home for national rugby programs while serving as a vital multi-sport community asset ahead of the Olympics.

Government Minister Chris Bowen accrued a staggering $62,000 phone bill during a two-week trip to Azerbaijan, primarily due to excessive data roaming charges. Founder & Editor at Pickr.com.au Leigh Stark joined Dean & Sofie to explain that a simple $96 unlimited data SIM could have prevented the expense, sparking outrage over the waste of taxpayer money.

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Buckingham Palace has taken the extraordinary step of issuing a statement pledging to work openly with police regarding new allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential trade information with Jeffrey Epstein. Nine's Europe Correspondent, Josh Bavas, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the core issues.

Former AFL player Michael Dickson is preparing to represent the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, aiming to become only the second Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team. Pro Kick founder Nathan Chapman joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss Dickson's journey, the immense difficulty of securing one of the 32 NFL punting roster spots, and the multi-million dollar contracts that come with the territory.

The Liberal and National parties have formally reunited in a "marriage of convenience" driven by plummeting poll numbers and a surge in support for One Nation. Griffith University Political Analyst, Paul Williams, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to argue that the Coalition's reunion is a desperate attempt to regain stability after falling to their lowest polling position since 1944.

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The very best from 4BC Breakfast with Dean Miller and Sofie Formica this week.

As the number of Australians with tattoos rises to 30%, the tattoo removal industry is seeing explosive growth, projected to reach $90 million by 2033. Tattoo removalist Elliot Booth joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to reveal that 90% of his clients are women aged 20 to 40 who feel they have simply "outgrown" who they were when they got inked.

Managing Director of Gnech and Associates, Calvin Gnech, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to unpack the controversial court ruling regarding the death of Arnie the German Shepherd. Despite the public’s call for a prison sentence, Nathan McKeown received 240 hours of community service and no recorded conviction, sparking a debate on whether the justice system met community expectations.

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The Federal Government’s decision to sell the historic Victoria Barracks offers Brisbane a once-in-a-generation chance to transform a closed military site into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct. Urban strategist Peter Edwards joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to describe the development as the essential "connective tissue" that will finally link Suncorp Stadium, Roma Street Parklands, and Victoria Park into a seamless pedestrian corridor.

Cr Rob Chandler joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to invite city dwellers to experience the "Long Paddock" first-hand in a massive cattle drive spanning over 500 kilometres. The event aims to bridge the rural-urban divide while targeting the delivery of one million meals to Queenslanders in need.

Andrew Corbett of the Corbett Group joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the impending government submission for a new motorsport park in Moreton Bay designed to replace lost venues like Archerfield and Coolum. The 1,000-acre project aims to provide a safe, legal environment for racing enthusiasts and has already generated significant interest on social media.

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A theatrical social media announcement by the State Government to transform a vacant Banyo industrial site into 400 new homes has drawn sharp criticism from locals. Local Banyo Resident Keith joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to claim the site has a history of contamination and that the area is ill-equipped for high-density living. 

Owner of Entice Me Catering in Newstead, Kim Carson, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to describe the worsening "sunny day flooding" where King tides push water up through drains and into her business. She attributed the issue to aging infrastructure struggling against high-density development, noting that passing cars create waves that damage her property even when it isn't raining.

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Sarah Moran, co-founder of Girl Geek Academy, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to launch a petition and lobby effort to relocate the South by Southwest (SXSW) spin-off from Sydney to South East Queensland. She argued that Queensland’s growing tech and arts sectors, combined with the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics, make it the ideal international stage for the festival.