The Christian O’Connell Show

Some festive favourites from the show as we head into 2026. Today, we look back at the moment Christian and the team paused for a deceptively simple challenge: tell the story of your life so far in exactly six words. What follows is funny, honest, moving, and occasionally chaotic as Christian, the team, and listeners across Melbourne attempt to distil decades of love, mistakes, family, career twists, and survival… into just six words. Big laughs, unexpected emotion, and a reminder that everyone is carrying a whole novel behind a short sentence. The Christian O’Connell Show returns in 2026. Until then, thanks for listening and happy holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some festive favourite moments from the show

Christian and the team share stories of hope, resilience, and the power of community. We talk about the extraordinary GoFundMe for Ahmed, a hero who saved lives in Bondi, and the overwhelming support that followed. There are personal stories of kindness and generosity, including Christian’s very funny mistake of accidentally leaving the Airbnb and his wife’s response, plus chats about cricket movies, favourite songs for Sydney, and a $500 voucher giveaway to Harvey Norman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for something to occupy you this weekend?Here it is. The team’s final Double Thumbs Up of 2025. One last round of recommendations to send you into the weekend properly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian and the team reflect on a week shaped by resilience, community, and unexpected kindness. From heartfelt moments with first responders to stories that remind us how small gestures can mean everything, this episode captures a city pulling together. Along the way, Christian shares personal highlights, surprising encounters, and a few classic cultural oddities, from hidden historic pubs to panthers that may or may not exist. There’s humour, humanity, and a genuine sense of connection as the team gets to know Sydney beyond the postcard version.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a plan to welcome Sydney with festive hams quickly shifts in response to a difficult week, with the team deciding to pass those small gifts on to first responders instead. Josh heads to Bondi to personally thank surf lifesavers and police, hearing firsthand stories of bravery, quiet resilience, and compassion in the aftermath of recent events. From silent beaches to unexpected moments of kindness, it’s a moving reminder of the people who show up when it matters most. If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we continue getting to know Sydney, the city they’re temporarily calling home. Sharing powerful stories of kindness and resilience in the wake of tragedy, including a moving email from listener Brad about people lining up for hours to donate blood. There’s also room for lighter moments as the team dives into some of Sydney’s quirks, from the mythical panther to the ongoing seagull problem, and even a visit from a listener who claims to remember Saga World, the short lived theme park of the 90s. It’s a thoughtful mix of heart, humour, and discovery. This episode contains discussion of violence, terrorism, and loss, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an extraordinary moment during an already devastating week, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese interrupted the show live to speak directly to the nation. He shared words of unity and resolve following the anti-Semitic terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration, reflecting on the meaning of light over darkness and the strength of Australians coming together in grief and defiance. The Prime Minister also provided an update on Ahmed, the Australian Hero whose bravery saved lives, and honoured other everyday heroes who ran toward danger. We spoke about national unity, community support, blood donations, candlelight vigils, public safety, gun laws, and how Australians move forward without letting fear win. A powerful, emotional conversation about leadership, courage, and the values that define Australia at its best. This episode contains discussion of violence, terrorism, and loss, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re still in our first week of breakfast in Sydney, and today is all about saying thank you and getting to know you. We share some of the incredibly kind messages and surprise gifts we’ve received so far, including a Bakewell tart and a cake that made our day. We chat with listeners about the things that matter to them, from pesky seagulls to the legendary Sydney panther, and throw around a fun idea to celebrate HSC students with a billboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day two in Sydney and Christian’s already replacing Jonesy & Amanda (don’t worry, they’ve been sent to a comfy “radio retirement home” with bingo and a nightly meat raffle). The team chats the weirdest things they’ve noticed around town, hands Sydney the keys to the billboards again, gets you texting in peak nonsense for Time Wasters, and “What’s The Year?” featuring Austin Powers and the cinematic masterpiece Big Momma’s House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting live from Sydney for the very first time, today we opened the phones to hear from listeners about what Sydney means to them. We also shared messages of support and solidarity, acknowledging how moments like this can shake a city while also bringing people together. Sydney, we’re thinking of you. We love you. If you have a message for Sydney you’d like to share, email us at christian@christianoconnell.com.au #SydneyStrongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartwarming episode, Christian shares a special Christmas gift with a deserving listener, Jenny, whose daughter, Ali received a life-saving kidney transplant from her mum. Christian surprises Jenny with a spa day at the Langham, showing the true meaning of kindness and generosity. They also discuss the importance of kidney health, encouraging others to ask their doctors for a kidney panel test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final show of the year, and the Christian O’Connell Show is emptying the tank. Christian fires off his favourite picks of 2025, from the “sensational” Wicked to the gut punch power of The Handmaid’s Tale. Alex wades in with his own obsessions: The Mushroom Daily and Ian McEwan’s What Can We Know. The team trade their best books, TV shows and music of the year, share a few surprises, and wrap it all with a massive washer dryer giveaway. Last show of the year, zero coasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

t’s the final show of the year, and we’re wrapping 2025 with our favourite picks. Want more recommendations? Dive into more of our Double Thumbs Up episodes and if you’ve got one of your own, email us at christian@christianoconnell.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian opens the phones to hear where listeners found love, and the stories are wild: traffic controllers flagged down by future wives, cricket balls smashing windscreens into marriage proposals, and an argument over Doritos somehow becoming romance. The team also spirals into talk of hidden Christmas presents, bone jacks, and the art of escaping your own house. Plus the penultimate Timewaster for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we start to wrap up for the year, Christian asks listeners to sum up their entire year in just six words.. and the answers cut deep. He opens up about his own “leaving year and growing year,” from selling the family home to big changes on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we unwrap the strange universe of Christmas movies, from the classics everyone loves to the truly unhinged festive favourites, and listeners jump in with big opinions, hot takes, and the “correct” way to eat a sweet potato.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team dives into their all time favourite Christmas movies, sparking a festive debate full of nostalgia, strong opinions and a few unexpected choicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unleash a chaotic mix of break ins, break outs and sheer stupidity. Listeners confess to climbing through windows, sneaking into their own homes and generally proving locks are their mortal enemy. Then things get even weirder with a parade of brilliantly named pets: from Professor Fluffy Pants to a cat called VB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the team dives into a festive round of What’s The Year, My Friend? with nothing but Christmas classics to go on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Clause returns with a huge Christmas giveaway, Christian kicks things off by admitting he once locked himself out and smashed a window with his own weights, and listeners quickly one up him with their own disasters.. from a rock climber to a DIY car break in gone wrong. Pure Christmas chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we dive into the greatest live shows we've ever witnessed, from Lady Gaga blowing the roof off Melbourne to Michael Jackson arriving at the MCG in a rocket ship. From Ben Folds turning the Sydney Opera House into a one man symphony to the time Christian nearly talked Elton John into playing at an RSL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas chaos hits early as Christian unveils the true identity of “Barry Claus”… and nobody sees it coming. The team spirals into a festive tangent, swaps TV obsessions (yes, Stranger Things comes up), and fires off their weekly recommendations. We also give away a wine fridge and open the phones for listeners’ wildest apple stories... which go off the rails fast. It’s loose, funny, and very, very on brand for the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for something to occupy you this weekend? Hear the team's Double Thumbs Up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Christian O'Connell show, and we've got a slight situation on our hands. Yesterday, we were chatting with Barry Clause, but it turns out we might've gotten our names mixed up. It's a bit of a Christmas cracker, and we're not sure what's real and what's not. Tune in to find out what's going on with Barry, Gary, and the North Pole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne’s hay fever is back and trying to kill us, so Christian exposes the shocking truth about pollen counts… which somehow makes it worse. The team also plays the “Foreign Title Movie Game,” where perfectly normal films turn into unhinged international fever dreams. Plus, everyone decides what makes a good business card, despite none of them actually knowing. Christian also launches “Business Person of the Day,” because why not? Send your business card in and you might get five seconds of fame and zero useful exposure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life can feel overwhelming, but joy still hides in the smallest corners. Small Thing, Big Joy is the weekly reminder to slow down, notice the good, and celebrate the tiny moments that make everything feel lighter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Are The Odds, What's The Year My Friend, Late To The Party, E&SMas, Partner Patrol and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on What Are the Odds? We're reliving the infamous Apple Sticker story, where Caitlin and producer Teena search for an apple sticker under a table, only to find one in a spot that's got everyone wondering - what are the odds? You'll have to tune in to hear the ridiculous details and decide for yourself if this one's a winner or a loser or if you have something better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we dive into a fresh batch of Monday chaos, from Patsy discovering a mysterious dent in her car, to Rio realising his new house has basically become a hotel for his partner’s entire social circle. Christian reflects on downsizing and even gives away the family couch, all while the team unleashes their pettiest “Things That Make You Go Grrr” frustrations and takes on a wildly creative Curry Songs timewasterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian, Rio, Patsy and Alex unpack the dumb little things that absolutely ruin a mood: people driving tanks with mirrors the size of solar panels, colleagues who arrive late holding a takeaway coffee (for themselves!), cats who wait until the exact second you step over them to suddenly remember they have legs, and the ongoing cricket collar crisis that clearly threatens the integrity of the entire sport. Alex also delivers a MasterClass on how to brew tea properly.. complete with ceremonial stirring instructions while the rest of the team slowly loses their minds. Basically, it’s everyone being irrationally furious… and now you realise you are, too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Melbourne AFLW Premiers, Rio's Finally Moved, Patsy's proud parent moment, TV and Movie Extras, The Misheard Lyrics and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patsy beams as she shares the big weekend her daughter Audie had performing in Xanadu at the beautiful St Kilda theatre. The team unpacks the joy of stage school productions: kids flying around on roller skates, stunning costumes, nerves, teamwork, and that unmistakable buzz when a child finds their thing. Christian jumps in with his own memories of his daughters’ theatre days.. the pride, the emotional punch, and the brutal modern rules: one photo only, no hugs, no kisses, and absolutely no “making it weird.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Double Thumbs Up, Weekend Plans, Our Regretcation Winner, Extras, People's Playlist, Zanzibar Half Hour, Caller Of The Week and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for something to occupy you this weekend? Hear the team's Double Thumbs Up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team survives a chaotic day of filming, Small Thing Big Joy delivers the goods, Christian declares undying love for his new mouse, and Josh the receptionist officially joins the show. Producer Teena also breaks into Christian’s house (yes, really), and we squeeze in another Regretcation disaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh isn’t just the happiest man in the building, he’s now officially joining the show! To mark his last day on reception, Christian gets him to deliver one final PA announcement… live on air. Cue chaos: heartfelt speeches, poppers going off, a red carpet, and Josh sprinting the wrong direction on his way to the studio. It’s loud, it’s silly, it’s joyful and it’s the perfect send off for the most beloved receptionist in radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the team headed to Sydney to film a TV commercial, everything went sideways.. Meanwhile, back in Melbourne, producer Teena had to break into Christian’s house to feed his dog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another day, another Regretcation disaster story. All week we’re celebrating the trips that went so wrong they became iconic.Each morning, one “holiday from hell” wins $500, and on Friday one of those heroic disasters scores a $10,000 dream getaway, thanks to RACV Travel & Experiences. It’s pure chaos, pure comedy, and pure catharsis.If you’ve ever had a trip implode in spectacular fashion… this is your moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show is away today, so we’re taking a look back at one of our favourite chaotic moments.. a segment fuelled by Ashes tension and the kind of energy that makes everyone a little too brave with their opinions. Christian opened the floor and lit the fuse, declaring that anyone over the age of ten saying “two more sleeps” needs to grow up immediately. Rio fired back with his own beautifully unhinged take: rock concerts should have an intermission, just like musicals. What follows is peak team chaos bold, petty, passionate, and utterly unnecessary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show, we’re launching Christian O'Connell's Regretcation the competition that celebrates the holidays that went completely off the rails. Missed flights, dodgy hotels, food poisoning, broken bones, crocodiles, lost luggage, disastrous family trips… if it ruined your getaway, we want the story. Every day, the best “holiday from hell” wins $500, and on Friday one of those stories will score a massive $10,000 dream holiday, thanks to RACV Travel & Experiences. It’s equal parts chaos and comedy. If you’ve ever had a trip go so bad it became legendary, this is your moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show’s off today, but we couldn’t leave without revisiting yesterday’s incredible story. On Monday, Christian shared a real life hero moment: an Uber driver who went from a routine trip to a full-scale emergency rescue. After spotting that his Greyhound bus driver was having a heart attack, he stepped up, took control, and even drove the entire coach himself including a 13 point turn to meet paramedics halfway and help save a man’s life. It’s one of the most extraordinary acts of quick thinking and courage we’ve ever heard on the show. Christian takes you through every twist, shock and jaw dropping detail, as we reflect on just how remarkable everyday heroes can be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian wakes from his “Ashes coma” only to discover England’s record breaking collapse, and we relive every dramatic ball, headline, meltdown and burn. Rio tries to settle on a house that apparently doesn’t exist in any database, sparking a full show investigation into NMI numbers, electricity meters and the mysteries of adulting. And “Regretcation” week with your holiday from hell stories, including cruises gone wrong, crocodile close calls, flooded bookings, and the most chaotic family trip we’ve ever heard. Plus: mouth ulcer radio, Patsy’s thermal patch disaster, free eggplant, F1 confusion, and an everyday Aussie hero who saved a Greyhound bus driver’s life. It’s chaos, capitulation and comedy.. from the Ashes to the electricity box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England were cruising… until they weren’t. In one of the most outrageous opening Tests in Ashes history, the team manages to go from “unbeatable position” to “full scale capitulation” in just 99 balls. Christian emerges from a metaphorical coma, absolutely convinced England must have won, and the we break the truth to him gently. We relive the drama, the headlines, the meltdowns, and the Barmy Army grief spiral. The shock, the panic, the disbelief and the hilarity that only Ashes chaos can deliver. If you missed the carnage, keep listening to hear our take England’s most spectacular collapse in years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Double Thumbs Up, The Ashes, Regretcations, Body Names, People's Playlist and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The anticipation is palpable with "Ashes Fever" at a perfect ten. What started as positive anticipation has transformed into terror for our lone Englishman, who suddenly feels "behind enemy lines" in Australia during this intense five test cricket battle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for something to occupy you this weekend? Hear the team's Double Thumbs Up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afl Draft, The Lottery, People With Body Names, Name Game and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian learnt about the staggering $911 million lottery jackpot in the US, find out what he'd do with the money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Back It Up Cup, What Are The Odds, Controversial Opinions, Food Injuries, Humiliated at the chemist, and The Timewaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After days of talk, tension and bold claims, the Back It Up Cup finally arrived. Listeners from across Melbourne stepped up to prove they were true “one and done” reverse parkers, including 4WD champions, date night show offs and everyday heroes who swore they could nail it under pressure. Patsy put her reputation on the line, and the Gold car park turned into the most dramatic showdown it’s ever seen. Who backed it up? Who buckled? And who took home the inaugural Back It Up Cup? Here’s how it all played out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.