‘I learnt we all essentially do the same job’
WHY DID TRIPLE J BECOME YOUR IDENTITY?
I have the personality type that likes to hang my hat on one thing. In that social situation when someone says, “What do you do?”, you have to sum up your entire life but it doesn’t necessarily represent who you are.
My mistake with Triple J was to let it represent who I was so when it got stripped away, that’s why it took so long to build it back up.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
I am a freelancer, working in podcasting, comedy and the arts.
EVER CONSIDERED A COMPLETE CHANGE?
Before getting into radio, I had always considered architecture. I like designing stuff. But if you do a quick search for “years spent studying to be architect”, it comes up with a number that is really high for someone who is entering their 30s.
I daydream of moving to the country and joining the rural fire service.
I have always wanted to open a bar. Something I learnt while making SEEK Alternate Route is that skills really are transferable. It’s not just a corporate catchphrase. In radio, it’s about understanding audiences … which is also what journalists do, what cafe owners do, what everyone does. We all essentially do the same job and that was a revelation for me.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST WHILE MAKING THE PODCAST?
How committed my mum and best mate were to not what job I have but that I am happy in what I am doing.
We all think “Is my mum going to be proud of me?”, “What does my best mate think of my job?” but then when you think of your own friends and you don’t care what they are doing but whether they are happy doing it.