Tall Tales & True

This season, sex worker and author Tilly Lawless (Nothing But My Body) brings you seven stories from sex workers across Australia. You'll hear stories about the job, stories about life, and stories about a community that looks out for its own in the face of stigmatisation. Often funny, sometimes sobering, always candid, Tall Tales & True showcases the best of live storytelling from around Australia.

Pack your bags! Come with us on a journey of the mind…to destinations both near and far-flung, the familiar and the unexpected… in search of what the tourist never sees. An armchair travel show that scratches the surface of the world around us.

No one cares about your perfect holiday. When things go wrong, that's when the stories get interesting. Bobuq Sayed found themselves stranded, and alone with nowhere to stay on an island in Hawaii. What could have ended badly turned into a lesson for us all: you can always rely on the kindness of strangers. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ live storytelling event and podcast.

Sometimes, it's the small off-the-cuff comment that can have a lasting impact. For Angie Farrugia, this moment has happened twice. And both times, these choice few words have changed the course of her life. This story was first told live on stage in Sydney at a Generation Women storytelling event.

Footy clubs aren't just about the game, they're community too. And, for Amy Chittick, when a shock accident left her needing support, her footy club were there through her darkest days. This story was first aired on SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to Spun Stories.

Cyclone Tracey changed Darwin forever. Generations have heard about what happened from an adult's perspective, but what was it like for a four-year-old waiting for Santa? Jame Parfitt-Fejo recounts his family's experience of Cyclone Tracey, and how Australians rose up and helped them in their time of need. This story was first aired on SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to spun stories.

Moving to a new city is hard. Making new friends, in a new city, as a lonely adult can be terrifying. Cobey Bartels tells the story of how motorcycles have saved him from loneliness more than once. This story was first told a GOMA, in conjunction with The Motorcycle Design, Art, Desire' exhibition in April 2021. The event was presented by the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, in partnership with Yarn Storytelling.

We're back, with the best of live storytelling from around Australia. This season — hosted by journalist and mental health advocate Cobey Bartels — is a celebration of community. Whether it's at home where you grew, or somewhere new; communities can form when you least expect it. Hear five short stories from Aussies around the country about how community shaped their lives. And with it, the lessons that changed them forever.

Most people aren't friends with their ex, but Ally Garrett and Stevie Wilder are the exception. Where many relationships crumble and reach the point of no return, Ally and Stevie's has lived to tell the tale. From young love, to overseas moves, and a gender transition; Ally and Stevie recount how they managed to rebuild their relationship to become something new entirely.

Landing your dream job is never easy, especially when life keeps blowing you off course. Every time Jackson Browne seemed to be on the right track, life and death would get in the way. Many other people would have given up, but Jackson shows us that grit, determination and love can get you to where you want to go.

Gladys got the call from the police that every parent dreads: her daughter Quita had been badly injured. Doctors said that she would never recover from her catastrophic brain injury. But what happened next surprised everyone.

Hooking up at weddings? We've all heard stories. Hooking up at a funeral? Not so much. At the height of another pandemic, Paul Kidd lost his boyfriend Darren. Paul tells the remarkable story of their relationship, from meeting on an overnight train, to going to Darren's last party together. This is not a story about death, it's about life, love and living hard for those who cannot.

Musician and activist Deena Lynch, aka Jaguar Jonze, gets knocked down literally and figuratively on her motorcycle all the time. She gets back up every time. Deena shares her experiences of hits and runs, and offensive assumptions about her while she's on her motorcycle. 

Tough times never last, but tough people do. This is the best of Australian live storytelling. True stories, from all around the country. This season we're showcasing resilience. Aussies from all different walks of life share how they got knocked down, both figuratively and literally, and rose again. There's death, sex, and catastrophic injuries to overcome. You'll hear five stories celebrating those who faced the worst of times, and lived to tell the tale... live on stage.

From the heartbreaking to the hilarious, each episode of Days Like These introduces you to one regular human as they live through something wild. This season, we follow two men, facing off in the Tasmanian wilderness, there's a shark-hunt through a university campus, and a strange chase down Sydney streets, in the pursuit of a Russian spy. There's an avalanche, an addiction, and a drive down the east coast of Australia in relentless, flooding rain. Welcome to the days when everything seems to change.

Growing up as a Muslim in Australia, author Amal Awad had some excruciating dating experiences, most with her parents inviting prospective partners and their parents into the living room for awkward chats. Meanwhile, her dreams of hooking up with a celebrity suffered their own setbacks. Then, she decided to take matters into her own hands and leave both doorknock appeal daters and rock god fantasies behind her. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

Veteran Northern Territory broadcaster Charlie King is the son of two people from very different worlds and a consummate storyteller. After arriving in Darwin by bicycle, Charlie's 19-year-old father, from a well-to-do Victorian family, became ill and ended up in hospital where he met his bride-to-be, a Gurindji woman. Charlie's Dad was determined their different backgrounds wouldn't keep them apart. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin, hosted by Jess Ong with production by Johanna Bell.

Veteran Northern Territory broadcaster Charlie King is the son of two people from very different worlds and a consummate storyteller. After arriving in Darwin by bicycle, Charlie's 19-year-old father, from a well-to-do Victorian family, became ill and ended up in hospital where he met his bride-to-be, a Gurindji woman. Charlie's Dad was determined their different backgrounds wouldn't keep them apart. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin, hosted by Jess Ong with production by Johanna Bell.

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Working on a boat off an island in the West Australian Kimberley region, Dave Pears learns a lesson about relying on the care of strangers. Stung by a blue-ringed octopus while making his way to the toilet, he manages to get to a house where the occupants and his crew mates must take action to save his life.

Working on a boat off an island in the West Australian Kimberley region, Dave Pears learns a lesson about relying on the care of strangers. Stung by a blue-ringed octopus while making his way to the toilet, he manages to get to a house where the occupants and his crew mates must take action to save his life.

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

We all have ways of dealing with grief. As a child, Jessica Ferrari felt so responsible for others feeling sad about the death of her father that she decided to tell them she was "over it". Years later, she discovered it's really okay to feel sad.

We all have ways of dealing with grief. As a child, Jessica Ferrari felt so responsible for others feeling sad about the death of her father that she decided to tell them she was "over it". Years later, she discovered it's really okay to feel sad.

Recovering from a particularly nasty skiing accident, Charles Edwards takes up a friend's offer to join her on a Pacific island holiday. Little does he know it will lead to naked sailing and letting go of his dignity while hobbling on crutches, in front of guests, at a Vanuatu beach resort.

Recovering from a particularly nasty skiing accident, Charles Edwards takes up a friend's offer to join her on a Pacific island holiday. Little does he know it will lead to naked sailing and letting go of his dignity while hobbling on crutches, in front of guests, at a Vanuatu beach resort.

Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting. Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting. Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

As a Chinese-Australian growing up in Canberra, Kwong Yue Yang felt anything but cool. A maths nerd with a bowl haircut, Kwong struck on a plan to become a cool kid. He'd track down Jackie Chan, his movie star idol, at a local restaurant to get a picture and an autograph. But rustling up the courage to pull it off was entirely another thing.

As a Chinese-Australian growing up in Canberra, Kwong Yue Yang felt anything but cool. A maths nerd with a bowl haircut, Kwong struck on a plan to become a cool kid. He'd track down Jackie Chan, his movie star idol, at a local restaurant to get a picture and an autograph. But rustling up the courage to pull it off was entirely another thing.

When nine-year-old Elyse receives a thank you note from a fairy for building a miniature palace, it sparks a pen pal friendship that leads to schoolyard adoration and shared secrets. But then on holidays, the truth is revealed about her new friend, shattering a childhood dream.

When nine-year-old Elyse receives a thank you note from a fairy for building a miniature palace, it sparks a pen pal friendship that leads to schoolyard adoration and shared secrets. But then on holidays, the truth is revealed about her new friend, shattering a childhood dream.

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around Australia. This season we're talking about the difficult task of "letting go", in all sorts of ways. Of grief, or the fear of hearing the words "I love you". You'll hear five incredible stories about how getting over long-held habits and stumbling blocks can reveal new ways to see ourselves. The series is out on August 13.

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around Australia. This season we're talking about the difficult task of "letting go", in all sorts of ways. Of grief, or the fear of hearing the words "I love you". You'll hear five incredible stories about how getting over long-held habits and stumbling blocks can reveal new ways to see ourselves. The series is out on August 13.

Elliana Lawford is a Wiradjuri and Anaiwan woman from NSW, but people think she’s white because she has pale skin. On her journey to self acceptance, Elliana finds a creative way to consolidate her identity and bury shame forever. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

As a child in Palestine, Bilha Smith was shunned. She learned early on what it was like to look and feel different. Years later, when she looked more ‘normal’, she found that, inside, she still felt ‘different’. Bilha realised that being comfortable in your own skin can be a lifelong journey. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

Can you ever be too helpful? Yes, you can ... Sinead Bevan has the story to prove it. Sinead agrees to be a beauty salon demonstration model for a new technique called 'sugaring'. It involves hot wax, sugar and a Brazilian. As she lies down in front of a large group of students and dutifully ‘butterflies’, she reflects on the cost to her body of being so helpful. This story was first told at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. *WARNING: This episode contains strong language and adult concepts.