Episode 3 of Beers, Bullshit & Bonfires, the official podcast of Auswide Adventures, takes us onto the tarmac with businessman, pilot and Auswide crew member Michael Baulch.
Michael is a fourth-generation passenger transport operator and Director of Emerald Coaches Queensland. He has spent more than 30 years working across the transport industry, building businesses and keeping people moving throughout regional Australia.
But when the business phone is switched off, Michael is a family man, footballer, adventurer and the bloke trusted to fly the Auswide crew into some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular destinations.
From Coaches to the Cockpit
Michael shares how he first entered the family transport industry after working as a jackaroo in South Australia and Western Australia.
He talks openly about the risks involved in purchasing Emerald Coaches, building the business alongside his wife Rachael and creating a workplace culture focused on people, teamwork and gratitude.
Michael also explains how aviation has been part of his family for generations and why having a plane has become essential to operating his business across Queensland.
Of course, flying the Auswide boys presents its own unique challenges—especially when passenger weight, fishing gear, motorbikes, luggage and questionable planning are involved.
More Than Just a Group of Mates
Michael first met members of the Auswide crew through Australian Masters football.
What began as footy trips and friendships eventually became something much bigger—a brotherhood built around adventure, trust and supporting each other through life’s challenges.
Michael describes the Auswide crew as fulfilling.
They are mates who can talk honestly about business, finances, health, family and the struggles men often keep to themselves.
Behind the jokes, campfire stories and constant bullshit is a group of blokes who genuinely look after one another and fill each other’s cups.
Average Blokes, Big Adventures
Michael perfectly captures what Auswide Adventures is all about.
The crew does not pretend to be the best riders, fishermen, navigators or outdoorsmen in Australia.
They are simply average blokes who are willing to get off the couch, have a crack and experience everything this incredible country has to offer.
In this episode, Michael shares stories from the Gibb River Road, the Bungle Bungles, Cape York, Lake Eyre and some unforgettable flights across remote Australia.
He also reveals which crew member falls asleep in the plane, who causes the most trouble and how thousands of dollars once went flying down the tarmac at Tennant Creek.
A Powerful Message About Gratitude
One of the strongest messages from this conversation is the importance of gratitude.
Michael explains how gratitude has become one of the key pillars guiding his family and business.
Being grateful for your family, your health, your opportunities and the mates standing beside you can completely change the way you look at life.
This episode is a reminder that success is not only about building businesses or reaching destinations.
It is about who shares the journey with you.
In This Episode
We discuss:
- Michael’s fourth-generation transport background
- Building Emerald Coaches with his wife Rachael
- His lifelong passion for aviation
- Planning flights through remote Australia
- Meeting the Auswide crew through Masters football
- The Gibb River Road and Bungle Bungles
- Mateship, vulnerability and men supporting men
- Why everyone needs adventure in their life
- The importance of gratitude
- The future of Auswide Adventures
Listen Now
Episode 3 of Beers, Bullshit & Bonfires is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.
Follow Auswide Adventures and join a growing community built around mateship, travel and having a crack.
Average blokes. Big adventures. One unforgettable brotherhood.
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Coming Up Next
In Episode 4, Pmac takes the microphone to share his version of events inside the Auswide brotherhood.
We have heard from Jags, Damo and Michael.
Now it is Pmac’s chance to correct the record—or add even more bullshit to the fire.