Podcast appearances and mentions of Kaz Cooke

On World menopause day The Shit Myfs - Michala and Marieke get their wish to receive a cake and then punch it..We're joined by Menopause experts - author Kaz Cooke, and from Jean Hailes, Dr Sonia Davison to talk women's health, HRT and all things menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The very funny Judith Lucy called Clairsy & Lisa to tell them about her new show with fellow comedian Kaz Cooke. It's called Kaz & Jude's Menopausal Night which is at The Regal Theatre in a couple of weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer Suzy had an incident last weekend where she accidentally burned off her eyebrows so Clairsy & Lisa opened the phones to ask how did you set your hair on fire. Clairsy & Lisa had a chat with comedian Adam Hills as the new series of Spicks and Specks returns on Sunday Night. In The Shaw Report, Alec Baldwin's family are set to star is a reality TV show, Cillian Murphy has officially confirmed he is about to start filming the Peaky Blinders movie and Snoop Dogg is selling off some interesting memorabilia. Lisa has all the details. The Fremantle Dockers have a bye this weekend, so Clairsy & Lisa asked midfielder Hayden Young what he's up to in his week off plus they chatted about the team's huge win against Melbourne last weekend. Clairsy & Lisa paid tribute to the late football legend John Todd who we lost yesterday at the age of 86. Judith Lucy is coming back to town with Kaz Cooke for Kaz & Jude's Menopausal Night Out, she told Clairsy & Lisa all about the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Smith, Founder and Executive Director of JCP Youth, shares his thoughts on what needs to be done to address anti-social behaviour from Tasmanian youth. And, Kaz Cooke & Judith Lucy preview their Menopausal Night Out show coming to the Theatre Royal in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaz Cooke: I am more interested in being happy than with someone!Award winning author and journalist Kaz Cooke joins us to talk about being single after a series of duds in her younger years and coping with the end of a long-term relationship. We do a deep-dive into menopause and how it can affect sex, dating and relationships. We talk about developing a sense of worthiness as we age and how friends provide sustenance. We take a listener call on what it's like to have a facial difference and be in the dating pool and we get an update on the "travel with them stress-test"... Kaz and I have some thoughts.A wonderful episode with a powerhouse of Australian publishing.Kaz's Books and other info HERESUSBRCIBE TO DEAR NELLY VIA PATREONSign up HERE for bonus content and to support the podcast! DEAR NELLY PLUSSubscribe to NELLY+ HERE to support the podcast and to get a Bonus Episode a Month. SEND NELLY A MESSAGE:Send Nelly a Voicemail HERE if you have a question or comment. Nelly's website HEREFahey's website HERELove yas,Nelly xxx If you love the podcast, please rate, review and spread the word. This stuff works best by word-of-mouth so please share, share and share some more. We can't do this without you!Nelly, Producer Fahey and Producer Sammy xxx https://plus.acast.com/s/dear-nelly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're planning to have your first baby, this podcast is for you! Dr. Nick and Miss Diagnosis speak to Dr.Alison, a genetic counsellor and researcher about the Genetic Carrier Screening, a test that is done before pregnancy. They also talk to Kaz Cooke, an Australian author and cartoonist about menopause in her new book, 'It's the Menopause' for important tips and facts about the symptoms.

Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-related. Kaz also challenges the traditional narrative around menopause, as we venture beyond hot flushes and libido changes.As the conversation progresses, we delve into the uncharted realms of menopause. Kaz passionately emphasizes the importance of getting accurate information and understanding the unique differences in symptoms between individuals. We also explore the emotional labour dynamics in multi-generational households, a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Diving into the domain of menopause treatments, we discuss the commercialisation and ensuing confusion for women, with Kaz stressing the need for comprehensive discussions with doctors to find the right treatment options.Our conversation also highlights the importance of protecting women from misleading marketing and false promises of 'wellness products'. Resources:Book - It's The MenopauseKaz's websiteThank you for listening to my show! Join the fun on InstagramTake the Midlife QuizStellar Women Website

Kaz Cooke is set to release her brand new book It's The Menopause, a deep dive into managing Menopause and Peri Menopause. Kaz set out to learn as much as... LEARN MORE The post Let's talk the Menopause with Kaz Cooke appeared first on JOY Breakfast.

BE Better: Better Reading's Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Kaz Cooke talks to Jane Tara about the highs and lows of perimenopause and menopause. Her book, It's The Menopause, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This bonus episode gives you access to something special from our podcast subscription service, Emsolation Extra. Recently Em sat down with one of her favourite people on the planet, the one and only Kaz Cooke. Kaz is famous the world over for creating the kind of books we all need to navigate life, having researched and written books like ‘Up The Duff', ‘Babies & Toddlers', ‘Girl Stuff 8-12 & 13+' and her latest offering ‘It's The Menopause', which is in stores now. Together Em and Kaz will talk all things menopause, from sneaky wee's to heavy flows, oestrogen levels and hair migration, hot flushes and the more than 30 signs that you might be experiencing menopause. So strap yourself in for a wild, hilarious and occasionally infuriating conversation about the ‘pause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaz Cooke joins Jonesy & Amanda to chat about her brand new book, 'It's The Menopause'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist and author Kaz Cooke surveyed more than 8000 women about menopause and their frank, fearless responses inform Kaz' new book It's The Menopause. Told with candour, amusing illustrations and practical advice, the book is an essential guide for every woman navigating midlife. In this episode Kaz discusses some of the highlights. Grab a copy of Kaz' book at the Prevention Book Club on Booktopia booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e4Rx1zSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaz Cooke's "Up the Duff" is an informative and humorous guide to pregnancy, covering everything from conception to childbirth and beyond.With its relatable anecdotes and practical advice, I highly recommend reading it alongside your partner.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Danny McGinlay returns to Pop Queers to take on Shakespeare Aliens co-star Seon Williams with special guest scorekeeper Kaz Cooke! Shakespeare Aliens is running from the 28th of Feb to... LEARN MORE The post Pop Queers: Ep 103: Seon Williams vs Danny McGinlay appeared first on Pop Queers.

Lucy Clayton is joined by guest Kaz Cooke, bestselling author of “You're Doing it Wrong: A History of Bad & Bonkers Advice to Women” for a fresh, funny and furious look at the terrible advice women have been told for centuries. Recorded while wearing a fur bra and a frilly apron. Please support our micro donation campaign for the charity Beauty Banks. Text BEAUTY to 70490. Links Visit our website Kaz Cooke “You're Doing it Wrong” – Kaz's book Beauty Banks Follow @dressfancypodcast on Instagram Follow @reallykazcooke on Instagram and @reallykazcooke on Twitter Follow @mslucyclayton on Instagram and @mslucyclayton on Twitter Follow @thebeautybanks on Instagram

Got a daughter? Kaz Cooke, Author of Girl Stuff 8-12 years (and many other amazing life-stage books) shares her tips about how to guide your tween girl through body changes, periods as well as inappropriate comments from relatives. Throughout the episode, she emphasises the importance of normalising puberty, and that the experience and timing is different for all girls. And it's all normal. Kaz says: "Do not let anyone in the family comment on your child's body changes. Do not let brothers and sisters tease each other. You need to have a very strong hard rule. Often family members who feel like they have a right to comment of girls bodies - Uncles, Aunts and often grandparents. They'll say 'oh you've put on weight', or there's a judgement built into "Oh you've shot up". It's astonishing that people in extended families might make comments like 'Oh, you're growing out the front now'. "About Kaz CookeKaz is your friend for life, her books helping generations of girls and women with their health and life stages. She constantly updates her books which have become classics, reassuring and entertaining more than two generations of Australians.She began her career as a cadet journalist at The Age newspaper, and soon lurched into other areas, producing her cartoon strip Hermoine the Modern Girl; and the first of many columns and books. She still writes things, and talks in public and on the radio. And on the phone.Kaz lives in Melbourne and often works in her pyjamas (usually without leaving the house). Her hobbies include reading, sewing in a straight line and shouting at the television news.Kaz recommendsIn this episode, Kaz recommends the following documentary about body image:Embrace is a social impact documentary by Taryn Brumfitt that explores the serious issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies.#theparentingcouch #theparentingcouchpodcast #parenting #northshoremums

Jo Stanley, Proud Coastrek ambassador and founder of Broad Radio, is thrilled to bring you the Broad Radio Coastrek Collection. In this episode, we're talking to one of Australia's most-loved writers, while we keep you company on your trek. Over the years, so many Australian women have benefited from Kaz Cooke's ability to demystify pregnancy, childbirth, toddlers and puberty with her books spanning all of these parts of life. Now she shares what she's found when she went and did a deep dive into the history of what women have been told and why! (spoiler alert, most of it is utter bullsh%t!)Kaz's new book is called 'You're Doing It Wrong A History of Bad & Bonkers Advice to Women' and in this episode of the Broad Radio Coastrek Collection, when she chats with Jo Stanley and Bianca Chatfield, we find out just some of the absurd things she discovered and why we still have to battle to debunk so much of it.Have you listened to Broad Radio yet?☎️ Join the conversation live each Tuesday morning 9-10am AEST through Facebook, Youtube and Twitch and on the phones on 1300 8 BROADAND... join us live by commenting on the FB or Youtube live stream .. you know we love to hear what you have to say!.. Oh and feel free to tell your friends about us!Find out more at www.broadradio.com.auFollow us on FB and watch live www.facebook.com/BroadRadioAusOr Subscribe at Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOjourcDAVPhXcGBoEKxPDQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than 30 years, Kaz Cooke has been the author-equivalent of Australia’s big sister; writing the words we’ve wanted – and needed – to hear with her trademark wit, smarts, and hilarious cartoons. Now, the latest must-read from Kaz is out - You’re Doing it Wrong: a history of bad and bonkers advice to women, which deep-dives into the centuries of outrageous expectations placed upon the female sex. According to Kaz, it's often during our middle years when women begin to sift through the societal lies and nonsense absorbed over time, with robust conversations around how the term ‘cellulite’ was invented by a bloke to sell cream, feeling unloveable unless we look a certain way, and boycotting the idea women are not allowed to show emotion on their faces. (It's an absolute cracker of a FORTY episode!) Every woman has a story to tell. This is Kaz’s. CREDITS: Hosts: Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills Guest: Emily Jade O'Keeffe @emilyjadeokeeffe CONTACT: Email: hello@thosetwogirls.com.auInstagram: @liseandsarahFacebook: Those Two GirlsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wonderful Kaz Cooke joined Jonesy & Amanda to chat about her new book!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wonderful Kaz Cooke joined Jonesy & Amanda to chat about her new book!

As worker shortages bite across Australia, is a boost to immigration the answer? Kaz Cooke on the history of bad and bonkers advice to women, and we meet the creator of the world's biggest plant compendium.

Mick Molloy Relationship Guru, Kaz Cooke, Song Whisperer & Merrick Watts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting Wilosophical with Kaz Cooke.Kaz Cooke is an author and cartoonist from Australia known for her advice and self-help books for girls and women, such as 'The Modern Girl's Guide to Safe Sex,' and 'Girl Stuff.' Her new book, 'You're Doing It Wrong,' discusses the substantial amount of bad advice that has been given out to women throughout time!YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:WILOSOPHY with Clare BowditchWILOSOPHY with Clementine Ford

Bickmore's Booty drop  Million Dollar Alphabucks Same Same But Backwards  Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak  Steve Waugh  Best TV Theme Song Kaz Cooke  Rapt or Raw  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever had a niggling doubt that you're doing 'it' wrong- whether 'it' is parenting, partnering or any other kind of activity, if you've had that doubt and you're a woman, chances are your doubt has history. And I'm talking a of what author and journalist Kaz Cooke calls "bad and bonkers advice to women". Her new book You're Doing it Wrongoutlines all of the bad advice that has been given to women over the centuries.lot Kaz talks about how concepts like a 'wandering uterus' and concepts of female beauty have been keeping women down for years, and why the sisterhood is our way to smash through the terrible advice we've been hearing for years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, so many Australian women have benefited from Kaz Cooke's ability to de-mystify pregnancy, childbirth, toddlers and puberty with her books spanning all of these parts of life.Now she shares what she's found when she went and did a deep dive into the history of what women have been told and why! (spoiler alert, most of it is utter bullsh%t!)Kaz's new book is called 'You're Doing It Wrong A History of Bad & Bonkers Advice to Women' and when she chats with Jo and Bianca we find out just some of the absurd things she discovered and why we still have to battle to debunk so much of it.https://kazcooke.com.au/book/youre-doing-it-wrong/If you're not across our crowd funding campaign which is running over October and November check it out here and help us to create the Broad Radio app!https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/broad-radio#Don't forget to ☎️ Join the conversation live each Tuesday morning 9-10am AEST on the phones too on 1300 8 BROADAND...Find out more at www.broadradio.com.auFollow us on FB and watch live www.facebook.com/BroadRadioAusOr Subscribe at Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOjourcDAVPhXcGBoEKxPDQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes! This episode sounds so sweet with Jo and Bianca BOTH in the new studio, doesn't Broad Radio sound good?This week was a big talk fest with lots to absorb so we have chopped it into 2 episodes of podcast listening for you. In Episode 44A - listen in to out chat with Mary Spillaine, Psychologist at Headspace, who talks up through the feelings of coming out of lockdown, as many of us on the eastern seaboard struggle with how to get back into life, and we talk about Jo's favourite app and how mindfulness can really help with the feelings of overwhelm and anxiety that many of us have.And then we have a frank discussion with Julia Fox, National Assistant Secretary, of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association, about the stress and difficulty that many retail staff have had to endure over the pandemic as our vital frontline workers, and how the conditions of their employment often fall short of fairness.Then, once you have finished, head over to the second part, an eye opening discussion about many things that women have been told over the years that are just flat out wrong, when we chat with author Kaz Cooke about her new book 'You're Doing It Wrong- A History of Bad & Bonkers Advice to Women'.If you're not across our crowd funding campaign which is running over October and November check it out here and help us to create the Broad Radio app!https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/broad-radio#Don't forget to ☎️ Join the conversation live each Tuesday morning 9-10am AEST on the phones too on 1300 8 BROADAND...Find out more at www.broadradio.com.auFollow us on FB and watch live www.facebook.com/BroadRadioAusOr Subscribe at Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOjourcDAVPhXcGBoEKxPDQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaz Cooke traces the dramatic life of a singular woman (R)

Kaz Cooke traces the dramatic life of a singular woman (R)

Writer, comedian, satirist John Clarke was a legend in his native New Zealand and his adopted Australia. He came to prominence with his character Fred Dagg, but was also the creator of farnarkling, 'The Games', and the Clarke and Dawe satirical political interviews. John Clarke died on 9 April 2017 while hiking in the Grampians. On 2 July that year, there was 'A Celebration of John Clarke' at the Melbourne Town Hall, hosted by The Wheeler Centre and the Clarke family. There were numerous speakers, and the full audio of the event is online and outstanding. One of the speakers was Andrew Denton, a friend of Clarke's and a legend of Australian television himself, as the host of Enough Rope. This episode features Andrew Denton's eulogy on that amazing night, as well as a funny, emotional interview with Denton on the impact Clarke had one his life and career. Denton talks about the wisdom of his mentor and friend, particularly with respect to 'the art of living a life'. To read a transcript of Andrew speech, visit Speakola.  To listen to the speech, listen to the podcast or visit the Wheeler Centre site. You can Andrew Denton's end of life law reform movement, Go Gentle Australia here. The National Press Club speech referred to in the episode is this one. The Clarke family were incredibly supportive with respect to this episode. My sincere thanks to Helen, Lorin and Lucia, and you can support John's chosen charity Trust for Nature here. You can also buy his recording and books at his website, including the clips used with permission in the episode.  Tony's '1989 The Great Grand Final' is available online or directly from Tony, signed as a Fathers Day gift. His other books are available too if you felt like supporting him in lockdown. Episode supported by GreenSkin™ and PurpleSkin™ avocados at http://lovemyavocados.com.au.  Please subscribe to the podcast, visit Speakola,  and share any great speeches that are special to you, famous or otherwise. I just need transcript & photo /video embed. Speakola also has Twitter and Facebook feeds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shannon Crocker is a mum of 3, living on the land in rural Queensland. She and her family live about half an hour from Roma in Muckadilla. Shannon has both birthed in the local, rural maternity unit using GP shared care and at Mater Mothers in Brisbane. Shannon's first birth was at the Roma hospital. She worked with local midwives and a GP throughout her pregnancy. Shannon had prepared for birth/labour through reading, enjoying both Kaz Cooke's ‘Up the Duff' and JuJu Sundin & Sarah Murdoch's ‘Birth Skills'. These books both proved useful. Shannon appreciated Cooke's sharing of her own birth that didn't go to plan and found the pain management strategies from ‘Birth Skills' really accessible, as during this birth Shannon experienced extended transition due to complications. Shannon had a leak in her hind waters and was advised that induction, at 40+5 weeks, could prevent this risk of infection. Shannon was induced, but felt her body wasn't yet ready to birth. She did reach 10 cm dilation, after around 10 hours, but due to a cervical lip and the position of her son pushing was not progressing. This meant that they needed to call in a fly in obstetric specialist from Mount Isa, upon his arrival and through the use of forceps Shannon's son was born. This first birth experience and extended time in transition made Shannon feel very far away from the extra help that can sometimes be needed in emergency situations and so for her second and third pregnancies she sought care through Mater Mothers in Brisbane with a private obstetrician. This ob. supported Shannon through sharing prenatal care appointments with a local GP. Shannon also continued to connect with local services through attending midwifery appointments at Roma hospital – so her care pattern had three branches. Shannon's second and third births were via caesarean section, they cultivated a sense of calm and were healing experiences. In this interview as Shannon shares her story she describes the differences between her births, she delves into postpartum and offers solid advice on how rural women can gain further support through associations like Uniting Care (Rural and Remote Support). https://www.unitingcareqld.com.au/services-and-support/family-support/outback-families Shannon still lives in rural Queensland on the family farm and she also runs a small business. https://acountrymum.com/ You can connect with Shannon via Instagram: @acountrymum

LOOK AT MOI! We’re back with a star studded double celebrity line up! Our first guest this week is prolific author, cartoonist, journalist and woman of many talents Kaz Cooke! Who is currently working on […] http://media.rawvoice.com/joy_archives/p/joy.org.au/popqueers/wp-content/uploads/sites/441/2020/06/PQ-38-Podcast.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:35 — 28.5MB) Subscribe or Follow Us: Android | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS The post Pop Queers: Ep 38: Gina Riley vs Kaz Cooke (Pop Quaranteers Episode 12) appeared first on Pop Queers.

Kaz Cooke's enormously popular Up the Duff, the real guide to pregnancy has turned 20 years old!And while in that time some things have stayed the same, there are many aspects of modern birth that have changed. Kaz talks about the modern aspects of birth that can be confusing, and she explains why Up the Duff remains relevant and unbiased for expecting parents.

I love being a domestic slave! Said no woman ever. Kaz Cooke has just released an updated edition of Up the Duff, 20 years after the original was created. In this edition, she provides a list of things you should talk about with your partner before the baby comes, things that would be difficult to even conceive without guidance from someone who’s been there. Kaz talks about the things we forget to talk about, and why they can make so much difference to household harmony once the baby arrives.

Kaz Cooke talks to us about everything that has changed about raising children in the 20 years since her first pregnancy book was written.

Cartoonist, journalist and writer Kaz Cooke knows there's a wealth of information out there for parents.To help us all out, she's picked up her pen and researched everything from treating nappy rash to the ups and downs of co-sleeping. Her book Babies and Toddlers, aims to present it all, without bias, so you can choose the best option for you. All with a dash of her much-appreciated humour.

Tito Jackson called in ahead of the Jackson's tour, Sarah Wylie who was left stranded on the Glass House mountains when she injured herself and her date left called in to give us an update, we also spoke to the wonderful author Kaz Cooke. We also spoke abut Wayne Bennett, what girls can get away with and heard more of Santa's threatline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Author and cartoonist Kaz Cooke joins the team to discuss her latest parenting book – Babies & Toddlers. All the latest information re crying, sleeping, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, tantrums (theirs &... LEARN MORE The post Babies & Toddlers – latest parenting guide by Kaz Cooke appeared first on Family Matters.

Kaz Cooke is an Australian author, cartoonist and radio broadcaster. Around twenty years ago, she released a book called Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy. Up the Duff went on to become Australia's top-selling, most respected pregnancy book and has continued selling for the past twenty years. In the meantime, Kaz has brought us other must-have guides and now she has brought us a sequel to Up the Duff called Babies & Toddlers. We chat with Kaz about her new book, as well as the changing world, how your baby fits into it and how she keeps up with the times. Books mentioned in this podcast: Babies & Toddlers by Kaz Cooke —> https://bit.ly/2B8yEl8 Up the Duff by Kaz Cooke —> https://bit.ly/2S47odj Girl Stuff by Kaz Cooke —> https://bit.ly/2KbFOrx Hosts: John Purcell and Sarah McDuling Guest: Kaz Cooke

Peri Partum, Panel Beater, Doctor Sharma, and Hawkeye were your radiotherapists today giving you your radio prescription with your RRR subscription. They were joined by author extraordinaire Kaz Cooke to discuss her own parenting tips, what goes into her books and her newly fresh in stores book: 'Babies and Toddlers.' Hawkeye also brought in the topic of the #StayInYourLane on Twitter that brought many social media scrollers the reality surgeons face when dealing with gunshot wounds and fatalities in the US.

Private thoughts turned into music for The Song Company and Syzygy Ensemble by composer Katy Abbott.

Private thoughts turned into music for The Song Company and Syzygy Ensemble by composer Katy Abbott.

Stand-up comedian and author Dave O'Neil talks to host Elizabeth Harris at his office at The Grandview Hotel, Fairfield, against a backdrop of motorcycles revving their engines, doors opening and closing, and phones ringing, about: His latest book, The Summer of '82, a tribute to post-VCE life in the 80s and the shenanigans of his youth How to get started as a stand-up comedian Tips for dealing with hecklers when you're performing His days performing in the band Captain Cocoa, the Devo "Energy Dome" train encounter, and how he feels about being recognized in public His upcoming TV show. Find out more about Dave's work at DaveONeil.com.au. FULL TRANSCRIPT Elizabeth: Welcome to Writers’ Tête-à-Tête with Elizabeth Harris, the show that connects authors, songwriters and poets with their global audience. So I can continue to bring you high-calibre guests, I invite you to go to iTunes or Spotify, click Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with your friends. Today I’m thrilled to introduce one of the funniest and most entertaining men I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet – Dave O’Neil. Dave: Gee, that’s a big introduction. I’ve met funnier. Elizabeth: There’s more Dave. Dave O’Neil has been in the business of comedy for 20 years, and is one of Australia’s most recognizable stand-up comics, having put in 15 Melbourne international comedy festivals and dozens of comedy clubs nationally. On screen you will have seen Dave as Team Captain in the ABC TV comedy quiz show Tractor Monkeys, as well as dishing out life advice in The Agony of Life, The Agony of Modern Manners, The Agony of The Mind, Can of Worms, plus messing about on Adam Hills In GorDave Street Tonight and Good News Week. He is probably most well-known for the honour of being the guest with the most appearances (over 50) on ABC TV’s ever popular Spicks & Specks. Dave O’Neil, welcome to Writers’ Tête-à-Tête with Elizabeth Harris. Dave: Welcome. Thank you. Lovely to be here. Pleasure to be called a writer, as opposed to a comedian. Elizabeth: Well, isn’t this your fifth book? Dave: Yeah yeah, two were kids’ books. My partner and I did them in Australia before we had kids. Elizabeth: When you had more time. Dave: We had more time, that’s right. And one’s called Lies That Parents Tell You, so I wouldn’t write that now. My daughter sits up in bed reading it and quotes it back to me. Elizabeth: How old is she? Dave: Ten. Yes, it’s tough. Elizabeth: I was at Kaz Cooke’s book launch about … Dave: On girl power? Yeah, she’s great. I’ve got to buy that book! Elizabeth: So Dave, you’ve been through so much in your career, but today I want to concentrate on your hilarious book, The Summer of ’82. Dave: Sure. Elizabeth: It’s a real feel-good book, and you cover some intense themes. Discipline. Masculinity. Sexuality. Mateship. Stalking. Dave: Stalking – that’s right. I followed a girl in Mildura. Back then it wasn’t known as “stalking”; it was known as “unrequited love”. Sexuality – there’s not much sexuality going on in there, I can tell you that. There’s a lack of activity in that department, that’s for sure. Elizabeth: You were talking about how you were giving advice to 17-year-old virgins. Dave: That’s right. A little girl at school would ask me for romance advice. I was like, that’s not who you go to for romance advice. You see, I was a nice guy, so the girls talked to me. Elizabeth: We like nice guys. So getting back to this book: What inspired you to write it, and what’s your favourite memory from summer? Dave: I always wanted to write a memoir from the 80s, and I wrote a few chapters and put it aside. I saw that TV show This is England on SBS, about the young guys growing up in the Housing Commission area, and I thought I’ve got to write something like that, because that’s in my era. But their show ended with incest and murder, whereas that never happened to me, so I thought why not write a more positive recollection of that time. So I wrote a few chapters and put it aside. And then my son started high school, and so you go to the local high school and it brought back all these memories from when I was in high school. Elizabeth: At Mitcham High? Dave: I went to Mitcham High, yeah. Back then we had a choice of the tech or the high school, and if you were Catholic, you went to Catholic school. We weren’t Catholic. So now, and I’m talking about the government schools, not the private schools – you can choose from 3 or 4 around here, so you go to this school or that school, and they’re all the same basically. They haven’t changed much since 1982. They look the same. You’ve got the oval, the canteen, big classrooms, kids sitting around, so they haven’t changed at all, so I thought I should write that book again. It brought back all those memories, and so my son started school, and that’s why I did it. That’s why. Elizabeth: Now we know. Dave: It’s just something to do. As comedians, we’ve got to have something to do, apart from studio gigs. Elizabeth: That’s good. So talking a bit about your children, you mentioned your parents Kev and Joyce – “Joyce the Voice”. Dave: Yep, “Joyce the Voice”. Elizabeth: And what I’m wondering now is, are you parenting your children differently from how you were parented then? Dave: Definitely, definitely. We got hit for a start. Elizabeth: What with? Dave: A belt. So Kev would get very angry – it’s in the book – he would get very angry, come running in in a singlet, trying to hide his nether regions, swinging a belt above his head, and whack us in the ... Elizabeth: My dad had a strap up on the fridge. I think we had a very similar upbringing. Dave: I don’t hit my children, but obviously parenting your kids back then was a bit easier, because you’d just say “I’ll hit you”, and that was a full stop to the conversation, whereas all I can do is yell at them. Elizabeth: How about cracking some jokes – does that work? Dave:  Yeah, crack some jokes, try and alleviate the situation, but my daughter in particular doesn’t like that. Elizabeth: Is that because she’s heard them all before? Dave: Yeah, she’s heard them all before. “It’s not funny Dad!” My mum and dad were pretty involved with us. My dad was a Scout leader and staff, so we spent a fair bit of time with him. He was a good role model, and Joyce was introvertly involved in our lives. But he’s even more involved these days – at school pickup and all that. There’s a lot more dads involved now. Elizabeth: That’s fantastic, so you’ve got that support as well. When we met at your book launch, you told me that you only know comedians. Dave: It’s true. I don’t know any writers really. Elizabeth: Well, you know me. Dave: I know you. And I know Arnold ... who lives around here, who wrote Scheherezade Cafe. He's famous! (Ed: Cafe Scheherazade by Arnold Zable) Elizabeth: Maybe you can introduce me to Arnold. Is that like Arnold on Happy Days? Dave: (Laughs) He’s had a book out called Fido – the Box of the Fido. Elizabeth: I can’t believe I made Dave O’Neil laugh. Dave:  So I see him on the street here, in Fairfield, and I talk to him about writing and stuff. Elizabeth: That brings me to something about fame. You’re a very famous star. Dave: Not that famous. Elizabeth: Well, we think you are. So, what we want to know is, do you like being recognized when you’re out and about, or does fame have a downside? Dave: No, my level of fame is pretty small, so people like Dave Hughes or Glenn Robbins, or Carl Barron for instance – they can get hassled all the time. Elizabeth: Well, in my network, I have a number of people who would love to meet you. Dave: Really? Well, tell ’em I’m around. Elizabeth: And they’re going to be really disappointed that here we are, at the Grandview in Fairfield – it’s a stunning place, gorgeous building, lovely people. Dave: They’re nice people here. Elizabeth: Michael? Dave:  Michael and Noah, yep. Elizabeth: Jenny? Dave: Michael, Noah and Jenny – they’re all the higher level management here. Elizabeth: They are, and they made me feel very, very welcome. Made me a coffee. Smiled and when I offered to pay, wouldn’t take my money. It’s fantastic! Dave: Ah that’s good. I didn’t tell them – you tell someone and they pass it on. It’s all on my tab, probably. My level of fame is not that high. Occasionally when you go interstate – the more you go interstate like Queensland – people get excited about you, but certainly around Fairfield Road, no one cares about you. Elizabeth: Well, they could have chimed some…”Captain Cocoa”… Dave:  What, with the band? That’s right. Well when the band broke up, someone did say, “How is Dave O’Neil going to be famous now?” Ambition for fame… Elizabeth: Let’s stop right there. Was it to meet girls? Dave: Probably. Definitely not music. We went and saw bands, and just thought: Why can’t we be in a band? And the guy at high school was … famous 80s band … “hands up in the air”…I didn’t see it. And so we thought, that’s the way to meet girls, get up on stage. Elizabeth: Did it work? Dave: Well, I met Sonia, who…but anyway, definitely does work. Being in a band definitely does give you the attention you want as a teenager. We used to play at Catholic girls’ schools …dances …You didn’t have to be good; we weren’t good musicians. Elizabeth: I want to talk about Sonia. You did invest a lot of time and you write about that in your great book. Then you say you end up having a better relationship with her younger brother. Dave:  Well, that’s right. What happened was that I hitchhiked to Mildura to see her on New Year’s Eve to surprise her. And she was surprised, particularly her dad. And they gave me a lift to the caravan park where I stayed for New Year’s Eve. And the younger brother – I can’t remember his name – he was a great kid, and so we got on really well. He’s probably a year, two years younger than me. Was it Shane – Shane? So we ended up hanging out together. Elizabeth: Was it Malcolm? Dave:  Malcolm, that’s right. And we got on really well, whereas Sonia and me didn’t get on well. Elizabeth: Well, that might have something to do with the boyfriend too. Dave: She had a boyfriend who I also got on well with. Probably married, those guys. So, yeah, good times. Elizabeth: So getting back to that, I just want to know, for all those young men who think they’ll never get a date, much less have a child: you’ve had three, haven’t you? Dave: Yes. Elizabeth: What dating advice can you offer? Dave:  Dating advice? That’s a good one. It’s been so long since I’ve gone on a date…not since the 80s. Surprise question – dating advice. Ask someone out – you know a good thing is to ask someone out for a drink or for something during the day. That’s what I read on some dating websites. Ask someone out during the day where there’s no pressure. At night I think there’s a fair bit of pressure. I reckon ask them out for a drink during the day or late afternoon. Elizabeth: What about a play date? Dave: Well, if you’re parents, definitely. Elizabeth: That seems to work well. Dave: Yeah, I think in our age group - I Dave’t know how old you are, but I’m middle-aged – there’s definitely a bit of that going on with divorce and separated parents. And fair enough. Elizabeth: And there’s a really good place to go in St Kilda called St Kilda Adventure Playground. Dave: Oh, I’ve never been there! Elizabeth: It’s great. Dave: That’s great. Elizabeth: And there’s a fellow who runs it – he’s a youth worker but he’s also a musician. Adrian Thomas. Check him out – he’s fantastic. So what do you like to do in your spare time? Dave: I like to watch TV. Elizabeth: Yourself perhaps? Dave: Not myself. I don’t like watching myself. I did a spot on one of those comedy galas this year. I hadn’t seen it; I watched it, I thought it was pretty good. I’m pretty happy … I was judge of myself. Elizabeth: Of course it’s good. Dave: What happened is…so I spend a lot of time with 3 children. Once I get them to bed at night, or if I’m home during the day, I do like to watch a bit of TV. And I watch a mixture of – I watch a few movies but more serious these days. There’s a mixture of comedies and drama. I do like a good drama, you know like Vikings or something like that. Elizabeth: I’m a fan of Doc Martin myself because I’m a nurse. Dave: Oh ya Doc Martin. Is he Aspergers? Yeah, must be Aspergers. I’ve been watching … the comedy show … it’s quite funny … so I watch that, get some laughs out of that. What else have I been taping…oh yeah…West World on Foxtel. Elizabeth: Oh yes. More fun to watch yourself, you know. Dave: Watch yourself? Yeah, no thanks. Elizabeth: What I’d love you to do is share an excerpt from your great book. Dave: Sure. Do you want me to read it to you or tell you it? Elizabeth: Whatever works for you. Dave: I’ll tell you a story. This is the story of The Bomb, the laying of The Bomb. Basically, what happened was we finished school and we went home. No, we went and registered for the dole, and then we went home. Elizabeth: As we all did. Dave: And my kids said to me, “How did you know how to make bombs before the internet?” Well, we didn’t need the internet. We had this chap called Brian every night, 6 o’clock. He used to tell us everything we needed to know on the Channel 9 news every night. Elizabeth: Can you sing the song? Dave: (Sings) “Brian told me, Brian told me, Brian told me so I know everything I need to know, cos Brian told me so.” Elizabeth: Great tone. Dave: Great tone, yeah, I wasn’t just a comedian; I was a singer. So you can imagine these four teenage boys and Mum and Dad, and we couldn’t see the TV – Dad was the only one who could see the TV – we could hear it. He positioned himself in the chair that sits there. So we could hear it. We heard this Brian guy say: “Two boys were arrested today in suburban Adelaide for making homemade bombs.” We were like, oh my God, you could hear a pin drop in the house. Then he told us how to make it, by using chlorine and brake fuel. We were looking at each other, like, we’ve got chlorine – we’ve got a pool – and we’ve got brake fluid; Dad’s a Trades teacher. “So can we please be excused from the table, Dad?” Within 10 minutes we were making bombs. So the next day we got my mates together and we made – we decided to up the ante and make some really big bombs. And we made this great bomb, but we didn’t want to throw it; we were gutless like any terrorist organization, so we recruited younger, stupider people like Phil, who lived in the house backing here on the paddock. He stuck his head over and said, “What are yous guys doing?” So we got him to throw the bomb, and he threw it. And it bounced – boom, boom – and it sat there, and then it went BANG! Real loud explosion, the biggest one we’d made. It showered us with dirt, and we were all laughing, and the neighbours came out. An old lady said, “It shook the foundations of my chook shed!” And we’re like “It works!” And then the cops turned up. We heard it. The car screeched up, the doors go, a cop pulls out, and we recognized him – he went to our high school, he was one of my Dad’s Scouts from his Scout trips – obviously he was in his twenties now. Darren, his name was. And he gets out, and it was the easiest case he’d ever solved. He looked at the bomb, then he looked at our house, and he was like “Oh yeah, case solved.” And then Dad had rocked up. Dad thought Darren had just dropped in to see his former Scout leader, and Dad goes up to him and goes, “G’day Darren, how are you?” And Darren goes, “Ah, this is no social visit Kevin. Do you recognize these containers?” “Yeah, they are my sons’, sitting in the garage.” And we were like, “Oh no…” So we went to the police station. And the bomb expert from India was on the site, and he couldn’t work out what was in the bombs. And he said, “What’s in the bombs?” “Chlorine and brake fluid.” And he’s like “How’d you know how to do that?” And we went, “Brian told me.” “RIGHT, WHO’S BRIAN?!” So we sang: “Brian told me, Brian told me, Brian told me so”. I love that story. Elizabeth: Such a great tune, isn’t it. Dave: Yeah, it’s a great tune, and they used it in Sydney too, you know. Brian Henderson. Value for money. That’s in the book – lots of detail about the 70s and 80s in The Summer of ’82. Elizabeth: See, that crime history continued because being from a family of four boys … your brother Mark captured my attention. Dave:  Yeah Mark’s quite a character in the book. That’s what my mum said the other day: “You were the worst, and now you’re the best.” He’s very good with Mum and Dad. Elizabeth:  He was a slow starter. Dave: He was a slow starter, classic middle child out of four boys, and he was very naughty. Got in trouble a lot with the police and he got kicked out of school for setting fire to the chemistry lab. He was meant to be getting changed for Oklahoma I think it was, and he set fire to the lab, and got kicked out. Elizabeth: See, I’d actually like to read this – I know you don’t like to, but I do. Dave:  Go on. Elizabeth: Page 88 – you write: “We’re talking about a kid who’s kicked out of school for setting fire to the chemistry lab while he was meant to be getting changed for his part in the school musical. Hmm, there’s young Mark in the lab where he’s supposed to be putting on his farmer’s overalls to sing in Oklahoma. Wait! The chemicals are too tempting, so it’s time for a quick experiment. Va-voom! Up in flames the lab goes.” See, I have a brother who is an illustrator. His name is Bernie Harris, and he’s going to illustrate my second children’s book which will be out next year. But he’s similar to Mark in that he used to enjoy lighting the Bunsen burners in the chemistry lab. Dave:  Ah yeah, they’ve still got Bunsen burners too. Yeah, Mark was very naughty. Elizabeth: So the difference between our brothers was that he wasn’t caught. Dave:  Yeah, right, Mark was caught. Elizabeth: But you had your own way of managing Mark when your parents were away. Do you call it “MYOB Night” or “M.Y.O.B. Night”? Dave: Oh. Make-Your-Own? Make-Your-Own. Elizabeth: You were very inventive Dave, and strategic in managing your brother. Dave: Yeah, he was put in charge of us when Mum and Dad went on holidays, and at that stage he was an apprentice at Telstra. And so he would invite his mates over for a card night. And I was working in a factory and I had to get up early. And he was like … Elizabeth: You get Endangerment, don’t you? Dave: Yeah, I was working in a factory and you look at the pay packet and we got Heat Allowance and Dust Allowance. It wasn’t a great job but it was certainly a wakeup call. If I’d done the job at the start of Year 12, I probably would have studied more, I think. Should have done that. But Mark … Elizabeth: There was something about connectors and fuses, I think. Dave: Ah yeah. He invited his mates over for cards and they were having this big party, and I pulled the fuse out of the fuse box, threw it out on the lawn, and went back to bed. And the music went (mimics sound of music dying out suddenly)… And he blamed the neighbor of course. So I think when he read the book, he found out it was me. Elizabeth: It was brilliant. So that job, crawling through those … crawling through those tunnels. And the hot dog … Dave: Hot dog shop. Elizabeth: With Cindy. Dave: With Cindy. So I got a job in a hot dog shop: Alecto Hot Dogs on Toorak Road. People from Melbourne may remember. Elizabeth: Sorry I don’t remember. Dave: You don’t remember Alecto Hot Dogs ’92? Yum. So I worked at Alecto Hot Dogs with a girl named Cindy, whom I eventually went out with. She was dressed up like Boy George or Hazie Fantazie and she had all these outrageous outfits. Turned out she was from Mitcham where I lived; I’d just never met her. She was a Catholic and I was Protestant. Different sides of the railway track. So that was very exciting. But I eventually got sacked from the hot dog shop because the owner accused me of stealing the rolls and selling them to an opposition shop, when in fact I was just eating them. Elizabeth: Was there proof of that? Dave: Yeah, I was eating them. But then my twin brother was also working there – I have a twin – and he got a full-time job so I just took his job, the part-time job, and kept turning up as him. Elizabeth: Are you identical? Dave: Yeah. And they’d say “Didn’t I sack you?” And I’d say “No, that’s my brother.” He’d probably be 20 kilos lighter than me now. He lives in Switzerland; he works for Red Cross. He’s the good twin; I’m the bad twin. He’s doing good stuff. Elizabeth: The ability to make people laugh is such a gift, and not everybody can do it. Dave: Not everybody can do it. It takes practice. Eizabeth: So tell me about that. Dave: Making people laugh? When I was at school, I was pretty funny, and when I was at uni and stuff, a few girls said “You should be a stand-up comedian – you’re quite funny.” Now when you’re in your twenties and girls say that, that’s a call actually. Elizabeth: Means something, doesn’t it. Dave: Yeah it’s a call actually. You should do it. And so I always wanted to do it; I didn’t know it was a job. I had no idea, especially in the 70s – comedy wasn’t prevalent, it was fringe. There are a few comedy clubs that have started, but maybe one work function with comedians. We’ve seen comedians on Scout camps; we used to have comedians turn up to do gigs on Scout camps. So it was definitely something I wanted to do; I just didn’t know how to do it. I thought it was something too out of my reach, but turned out anyone could do it, if you wanted. Elizabeth: For those that want to launch their comedic careers, is it really the hard slog of gigs and being heckled? And if so, what’s the best way of dealing with the heckling? Dave: Well I don’t get heckled much anymore, but certainly when you start out, and you’ve got to do a lot of bad gigs – they call them “Open Mic Nights “. Anyone can get up and do it – and if you have an inkling, there’s plenty of them around now, more so than when I started. I would advise people to go and have a look first, and then approach the person running the night and ask to go on the next week and just jump up – write some stuff down and jump up and do it. The hecklers? Best thing to do with hecklers: repeat what they say. So they say: “You’re a fat idiot.” And you say “What did you say, mate? I’m a fat idiot?” Which lets everyone in the room hear what they say. Because a lot of hecklers do it so no one else can hear what they say, especially in a big room. “You’re a blah-blah.” “Oh really, mate.” And so you repeat what they say, and then you think of something really quick to say back. It doesn’t even have to be that funny; it just has to be quick. I can’t think of any Elizabeth: On the front cover of this great book, you are pictured wearing a Devo Energy Dome, Dave. Can you explain the impact it had in your life, and what the proclamation “Are We Not Men?” means? Dave: “We are Devo”. I don’t know what it means – just something they say in one of their songs – album name. Elizabeth:What it means more so on the train? Dave: Oh on the train! We went and saw Devo. They had a 9-day tour; they had a few No. 1 hits in Australia. Elizabeth: What were they? Dave:  “Whip It”. “Girl U Want”. Elizabeth: You’re not going to sing to me. Dave:  No. “Whip It cracked that whip…one sat on the greenhouse tree…” Elizabeth: Did you bring your guitar? Dave: No. I play the bass. Anyway, so we went and watched Devo. It was a great night and we were all dressed up in our best; we were slightly alternative kids. Elizabeth: Does that mean you used to wear makeup? Dave: No, I didn’t wear makeup, but I had makeup on that night because I’d been rehearsing for The Game Show, which is a TV show. They’re really cool people…and so we dressed up in our best trendy gear: nice jeans and lemon vintage jumpers. Elizabeth: Lemon. Dave: Lemon vintage; might have had a pink one if someone was in a brave mood. Then we had these homemade Devo hats, these red flower pots Mum had made. Elizabeth: Joyce made them! Dave:  Joyce made them. Crafty. And so we were on the train. We were on a high, singing these Devo songs. Unfortunately for us, The Angels and Rose Tattoo were playing the Myer Music Bowl that night, and all their fans had gone on to Richmond, so this was a classic case of “last train out”. Elizabeth: For those that weren’t kids in the 80s, tell me about The Angels and Rose Tattoo and Henry Anderson. Dave: Yeah, bald-headed guy, tattoos. They’re basically hard rock; they’re a great band. They have fans who are hardcore bogans, so guys from the outer suburbs in mullets, stretch jeans, moccasins – tough guys. Elizabeth: What sort of suburb are we talking about? Dave:  We’re talking about Moroolbark, Lilydale, Ringwood. I grew up in Mitcham – there are plenty of them in Mitcham, so they would get on the train and they would look at us and be like, “What the … who are these guys?” And so we were like their enemy. And so one of them came over and he didn’t know where to start, so he started at the shoes. “Where did you get your shoes from?” And I’m like “The shoe shop.” And he’s like “No, you got them from the op shop.” Like that was an insult. I wanted to ask “Where did you get your language from? Your nan’s wardrobe?” But I didn’t say that. I was hoping my Energy Dome would transform itself and he would get picked up and thrown out of the window. Elizabeth: But it didn’t work. Dave:  It didn’t work. And he’s like “Do you have makeup on?” And I went “Why would I have makeup on?” I did have makeup on. So I had come from The Game Show rehearsal and I did have foundation and lipstick on, and I had forgotten to take it off. And he goes “I’m going to bash you!” And at that point in the book – when I do it live, it’s different – … came through the carriage. He was the tough guy from high school – he’s now a lawyer – and he came through the carriage, and he was a big Greek guy, and he was a big Devo fan so we got on very well. And he was like “What are you…?” and he pushes this guy aside – “What are you doing to him?” And then these guys “Yeah, nah, nah…” and then we pull up at the station. They pull the door open and he fell out on the wrong side of the track - the tough guy. Classic tough guy move – they pull the door when they’re not meant to, and then jump out. He jumped out on the wrong side of the tracks and fell on the tracks so all his mates laughed: “Yer, Gary!” Elizabeth: Oh, his name was Gary. Dave:  Yeah, Gary, classic name. And then everyone was like “Are we not men?” And then we were like “Yeah, we are Devo!” and we were chanting on the train. Good times. Elizabeth: Well, the whole book’s great, cause I’ve read it cover to cover. Dave:  Oh, good on you. You’re the only one. Elizabeth: No, I’m sure many, many people will be reading it, especially after our podcast goes live. Dave: Cool. Elizabeth: No, truly. What’s your next project, Dave? Dave:  I’ve written a TV show that I’m going to film soon. I’m just doing a pilot though; it’s based on my life as a stand-up and dad, so we’re going to film it soon, in December. Elizabeth: Can you talk about the people involved in it? Dave:  Oh yes of course, it’s based on my life as a comic, so I play myself. Glenn Robbins is in the first episode - he plays himself, because I’m always trying to get him to do charity gigs. He plays himself. Brendan Fevola - he plays himself. Well, it’s all based on an incident where I did a football club gig 15 years ago, where I insulted … I didn’t know Lance Whitnall - Carlton legend – came from that club – that was his original … and his mum was there when I made it. So I’m using Brendan Fevola in this. I’m too scared to ring Lance Whitnall, let’s be honest. So I know Brendan Fevola and I rang him, and he’s like “Yeah, yeah, no worries!” So that’s going to be out next year. I’m also working on a comic novel – I’ve written a chapter of a comic novel. I had no plans to do it at all, but I got this idea, so I started writing it, and I think it’s pretty funny. Elizabeth:  Of course it’s funny – it’s you. What else would it be? Dave:  And again it’s a satire based on the entertainment industry. Elizabeth:  That would be interesting, and funny. Dave:  I’ve got to change everyone’s name. Elizabeth: Are these people going to be recognizable? Dave:  Yes. Elizabeth: Of course they are. (Laughter) Dave:   There’s an amalgamation of people in there – part me, and other people, you know. Elizabeth:  Composite characters. Dave: Composite characters, so you don’t get sued. Elizabeth: So do you have a website or blog where my listeners can find out more about your work? Dave: Yes. Just go to my Facebook page. I update my Facebook page a lot. It’s “Dave O’Neil”. But if you just go to my website – dave-o-neil-dot-com-dot-au - there’s a link to my Facebook page. I don’t update my website that much, but I do update Facebook a lot because it’s so easy. I’ve got a public page, like a fan page. I don’t spend any time on my personal page at all. Elizabeth: So Dave, this is a signature question I ask all my guests because of my book, Chantelle’s Wish: What do you wish for, for the world … Dave:  World peace. Elizabeth:  … and most importantly, for yourself? We’ll start with you. Dave:  For the world? Well, as Rodney King once said, why can’t we all just get along? Elizabeth: Good point. Dave: That’ll be good, if everyone got along. I don’t see wars stopping, but if we just looked after the – I saw this great documentary about astronauts, and this astronaut, when he was up in space, he looked at the earth and he said, “It’s like an oasis, and we’re killing it.” So, interesting from an astronaut, ‘cause they’re like military guys, you know what I mean? So if we could look after the planet, that would be good, but I don’t know what I can do, you know. I do the occasional benefit. Elizabeth: I was going to say you mentioned fundraising; let’s talk about that. Dave: More of my benefits are for schools - local schools and kinders, that’s what I do, just because I’m in that world. Elizabeth:  They must love that, though. That really helps them. Dave:  I do benefits, and I’ll tell you what, if the benefit’s no good, I just get up on stage and I say: ‘I’m here to support the cause. See you later!” Some of the people have benefits in bars, and people are talking and not listening, and I think, “What’s the point?” Elizabeth: Well, I’d like to invite you to help us out. Pat Guest – he’s a children’s author, and he has a son, Noah, who has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, and we are creating an event where Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker, will be there. Dave:  Oh wow. Elizabeth: She’s got a book out called There Should Be More Dancing. Aric Yegudkin and his wife Masha will be dancing, so he would like to do a bit of … Dave:  Sure. Elizabeth:  And all the donations will go to Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy to help those kids, because unfortunately that is terminal. Dave: Alright. Elizabeth: And I’ve nursed a couple of those children, so it’s … Dave: Full on. Elizabeth: It is full on. Dave: Yeah, I can help with that. Elizabeth: Thank you. So thank you Dave O’Neil. Dave:  Thank you for having me. Elizabeth:  It’s been an absolute delight. Dave O’Neil, thank you very much for guesting on Writers’ Tête-à-Tête with Elizabeth Harris. Dave:  Thank you. [END OF TRANSCRIPT]

Cartoonist, author and former radio announcer Kaz Cooke raised eyebrows when she penned a book titled 'Up The Duff'. Her latest book 'Girl Stuff For Girls Aged 8-12' is specifically designed to proved pre-teens with advice and answers to questions they may feel too embarrassed to ask. Timeline featuring the main topic change 0 - 1:21 minute mark – Luke and Susie intro and commercial. 1:22 minute mark – regular guest cameraman and tech guy Cameron from Camelot, Luke and Susie talks about disaster selfies, one at the Lisbon's National Museum of Asian Arts where a guy was taking a selfie accidentally fell on the 18th century sculpture of St. Michael the Archangel and broke into pieces and more disaster selfies! 6:08 minute mark – commercial. 6:38 minute mark – guest Australian cartoonist and author of bestselling advice books for girls and women Kaz Cooke talks about her phenomenal book “Up The Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy” . 8:42 minute mark – the secret of Kaz Cooke's success on writing. 10:00 minute mark – each of Kaz books are based on age, to help guide girls and young women on how to plan for their future on a fun and light way. 11:00 minute mark – Kaz books focus on empowering girls/women. 13:00 minute mark – the role of parents and how they should take control of their children. 14:00 minute mark – the importance of freedom and identifying predators. 15:58 minute mark – grown up relationships, fighting and inappropriate reactions. 17:42 minute mark – consulting to psychologists, doctors and experts before writing her books is essential as per Kaz. 18:20 minute mark – Bullying, mean kids, sexist remarks, body changes and fighting for what is right. 21:47 minute mark – writing or cartooning? 22:31 minute mark – Kaz's former media and broadcasting life. 24:40 minute mark – Closing part. Sponsor's link/s: Learn Radio: http://learnradioclub.com/go/learn-radio-com-au/ Guest's link/s: Kaz Cooke: http://www.kazcooke.com.au/

Defiantly avoiding the Melbourne Cup, Crabb and Sales hide themselves away to discuss recent developments in the US Election. Sales is proud to announce that she has had great success growing sweetpeas. New podcasts plus a couple of recent books written by colleagues are discussed. Crabb is horrified to learn Sales' theory that contacts who stick around for many years may well be undercover operatives.Leigh Sales interviews Michelle and Stevie Payne on 7.30 - via ABCLeigh Sales interviews Richie McCaw on 7.30 - via ABCWho is Johnny Eales!? - via WikipediaA handy explainer on the Clinton emails and Anthony Weiner - via New York TimesWeiner - the filmWho's Up, Who's Down (Leigh Sales review of 'Weiner') - The MonthlyEven though Crabb later discovers that Kaz Cooke does not specifically know about research on gardens and satisfaction, she does have a good book with lots of other stuff about what makes women satisfied! Women's Stuff - Kaz CookeThe Smug Bundt (photo)Leigh's Sweetpea photos:- Sweetpeas growing: First, Second, Third- The First Flower- Sweetpea Victory- The First BunchPhoebe's Fall - podcastPatton Oswalt: 'I'll Never Be at 100 Percent Again' by Jason Zimoman - via New York TimesThe Berlin Patient - podcastVictoria - by Julia BairdLight and Shadow - by Mark Colvin

Ella & Anne talk about body image. Kaz Cooke, tattoo nightmares , ink master & Pitch Perfect.

  Kaz Cooke brought us biscuits again! She also told us about Lillie May Bryer, whose profile pic was pretty grouse. Read the rest of Kaz's blog here.   She also mentioned Trove (where you can find newspapers/articles/fascinatery).    Sencha quince from T2 is ridic. Don't have Marie biscuits with butter.   Thanks also to our new Bendigo chiefs, and to all those who have been in touch. We have been inundated - you're excellent.   And final, massive thanks to Carr's label printing. Our sponsors this week. Support us by supporting them and get some stickers made for your trip to Nanna's. In fact, mention Stupidly Big. You never know what might happen.    It's right-side-of-the-bed day. Stay happy!  

    Here’s the First Dog game.   Thanks to the brilliant Kaz Cooke for telling us about this.   And big thanks to this week’s sponsor, The Workers Kitchen which you’re not aloud to go to until next week.   Remember: tell us What’s In Your Phone.

Today we talked briefly about the way the mainstream media and social media covered what’s now being called “the Sydney siege”. There are now whole articles about the extent of the various rumours circulating yesterday.    Also liked a tweet from someone called Dobes that marvelled at the fact that Twitter had managed to accumulate so many experts on sieges.   There was a fascinating flurry of excitement late last night after people on Twitter offered to support people who were nervous about travelling on public transport and they devised the illridewithyou hashtag, which had the interesting result that everything was positive and constructive for about five minutes before people started criticising it for being narcissistic and making a hostage situation all about how great Twitter was.    There was also the question of the flag displayed in the window of the cafe, described almost universally in the early stages as an "islamic" flag. Like a Christian flag. As people on Twitter pretty swiftly pointed out, that's called Arabic.   American gun lobbyists are getting on board with their opinions about gun control as well.   What we do know for certain is that media hysteria is alive and well.   Today’s guest is the excellent Kaz Cooke, who was talking about brooches.   We also talked about VCE results and a kitchen chair that’s floating in space.   Stupidly Bins:     Tuesday - Viewbank, parts of Northcote & Reservoir   Mega thanks to Ceres organic market and shop, this week's amazing sponsors. They're open 7 days. Orright.

Today we speak to our first ever real life guest, the thoroughly excellent... Kaz Cooke!  Kaz dropped in for a new segment called Do Drop In. We brought the tea. She brought the biscuits. Kaz has been doing a Creative Fellowship at the State Library of Victoria, the fascinating discoveries from which can be seen on her Fellow Flockery blog. Today, she tells us about a hairy brooch. Yes. A brooch made of hair. Check it out here. You can also take a stroll over to the State Library to see the exhibition in person. Important questions also covered in this episode: Are The A-Team the Village People of television? What's better than a Top Ten list? (Spoiler: almost anything). Can anybody make Stew Farrell's joke funny? Happy Tuesday everybody and massive thanks again to this week's sponsor Lance Rock Publicity. Legends.

Today's episode contains, as do many other great events in Western history, Winston Churchill. Here are the cranes paying tribute (they come in at about 3:50). Lots of weird ways to be buried.  Apparently it's not good to have a hot shower just before bed so that settles that debate. Churchill might not have liked the selfie but he probably would have been impressed with the best inventions of 2014 (the body carwash sadly not making the cut, presumably for timing reasons). What a world. Also impressive: telepathic communcation is within reach. Woah. Lance Rock Publicity are our brand new sponsor this week - welcome to the Stupidly Team and thanks heaps for your support. See you tomorrow with Kaz Cooke!