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Lech Blaine’s debut book Car Crash, told the gripping story of his life in the aftermath of a horrendous road accident that killed several of his friends. Since then he’s written political essays and thoughtful journalism for The Monthly, the Quarterly Essay and beyond. On this week’s episode of Read This we’re bringing you Michael’s conversation with Lech at Canberra Writers’ Festival, where they discussed his latest book Australian Gospel: A Family Saga. The book details the outrageous true story of the tangled fates of two couples and the children trapped between them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lech Blaine’s debut book Car Crash, told the gripping story of his life in the aftermath of a horrendous road accident that killed several of his friends. Since then he’s written political essays and thoughtful journalism: for The Monthly, for the Quarterly Essay and beyond. This week, we’re bringing you Michael’s conversation with Lech at Canberra Writers’ Festival, where they discussed his latest book Australian Gospel: A Family Saga. The book details the outrageous true story of the tangled fates of two couples and the children trapped between them. Reading list: Car Crash, Lech Blaine 2019 Australian Gospel: A Family Saga, Lech Blaine 2024 Gunnawah, Ronni Salt, 2024 You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter Guest: Lech BlaineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn the gripping true yet stranger-than-fiction tale of Lech Blaine and his family in his newest book, Australian Gospel, and discover the tangled fates of two couples and the foster children trapped between them.
This is part two of our two part episode with author, Lech Blaine. Listen to part one here.You can get your copy of Lech's book, "Australian Gospel" here.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Lech BlaineExecutive Producer: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It's a shortened version of this week's more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.This is part two of our two part episode with author, Lech Blaine. Listen to part one here.You can get your copy of Lech's book, "Australian Gospel" here.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Lech BlaineExecutive Producer: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It's a shortened version of this week's more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.Lech Blaine was ten years old when his family was located by Australia's most notorious stalkers.Religious fanatics, Michael and Mary Shelley had been convicted multiple times by then of harassing politicians, religious figures and private citizens all over the world.They were particularly interested in the Blaine's because they were fostering three of the Shelly's biological children.Lech Blaine is now one of our country's brightest young writing talents, and telling his family's incredible story in a new book called Australian Gospel. In part one of this two part edition of Australian True Crime, we learn about the backgrounds of the families and the beginnings of the Shelley's rampage around the globe.You can get your copy of Lech's book, "Australian Gospel" here.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Lech BlaineExecutive Producer: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lech Blaine was ten years old when his family was located by Australia's most notorious stalkers.Religious fanatics, Michael and Mary Shelley had been convicted multiple times by then of harassing politicians, religious figures and private citizens all over the world.They were particularly interested in the Blaine's because they were fostering three of the Shelly's biological children.Lech Blaine is now one of our country's brightest young writing talents, and telling his family's incredible story in a new book called Australian Gospel. In part one of this two part edition of Australian True Crime, we learn about the backgrounds of the families and the beginnings of the Shelley's rampage around the globe.You can get your copy of Lech's book, "Australian Gospel" here.Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Lech BlaineExecutive Producer: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lech Blaine with the strange true story of his childhood, shaped by love, religious zealotry, and four wildly different parents. CW: descriptions of foster care and child removal.
Lech Blaine grew up in Queensland, the youngest in a busy family of seven, his parents: working class publicans in small country towns.
We made it to 100 episodes! In this celebration of books, reading and creative community, James and Ashley reflect on how the podcast came about, their favourite books and moments from the podcast, and how their lives, health and writing have changed over the four years since episode 1. You'll also hear from a variety of past guests and listeners, and get an update on the newest books from all our incredible range of previous guests. Plus, we announce the winner of our book pack giveaway. Authors and books discussed in this episode: Red River Road by Anna Downes (from ep 5) The Shadow House by Anna Downes The Safe Place by Anna Downes Meshi: A Personal History of Japanese Food by Katherine Tamiko Arguile (from ep 7) The Last Trace by Petronella McGovern (from ep 12) The Good Teacher by Petronella McGovern The Liars by Petronella McGovern The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall (from ep 13) The Silent Listener by Lyn Yeowart (from ep 39) Dirt by David Vann (from ep 23) Bianca Millroy, upcoming curator of Science Write Now Josephine Taylor (from ep 20) Adele Dumont (from ep 93) Little Bit by Heather Taylor Johnson (forthcoming) (from ep 41) Ten Thousand Aftershocks by Michelle Tom (from ep 38) The Vitals by Tracy Sorensen (from ep 96) Fragile Creatures by Khin Myint Madrid: A New Biography by Luke Stegemann (from ep 26) Happy Millionth Birthday by RWR McDonald (from ep 32) Ghost Cities by Siang Liu (from ep 99) The Keepers by Al Campbell (from ep 65) Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell (from ep 33) Smart Ovens for Lonely People by Elizabeth Tan (from ep 14) Love & Autism by Kay Kerr (from ep 37) Australiana by Yumna Kassab (from ep 57) The Lovers by Yumna Kassab Politico by Yumna Kassab Good Dog by Kate Leaver (from ep 8) Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran (from ep 48) Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie (from ep 51) Taken by Dinuka McKenzie The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine (from ep 52) Dying to Know by Rae Cairns (from ep 58) The Good Mother by Rae Cairns Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighbourhood by Darryl Jones (from ep 67) Never Ever Forever by Karina May (from ep 78) Compassion by Julie Janson (from ep 80) Benevolence by Julie Janson Madukka the River Serpent by Julie Janson Love, Dad by Laurie Steed (from ep 87) Greater City Shadows by Laurie Steed Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor (from ep 68) Imbi Neeme (from ep 98) A Real Piece of Work by Erin Riley Sarah Sentilles (from ep 50) Rattled by Ellis Gunn (from ep 56) Jacinta Dietrich, favourite friend of the podcast and co-host of Differently Brained (from ep 45) Ada Palmer (from ep 16) The Writer Laid Bare by Lee Kofman (from ep 76) Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Scary Monsters by Michelle de Krester Upcoming events James is teaching an online creative writing workshop for Laneway Learning on Tuesday 23 July, 6.15pm Ashley is in conversation with Lisa Kenway to launch her debut thriller on Thursday 1 August, 6.30pm Ashley is part of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival, 27-28 September Ashley is teaching Online: Creative Nonfiction for Writing NSW, a six-week online course starting 30 September Ashley is in conversation with Heather Taylor Johnson in celebration of her latest novel, Little Bit, on Thursday 3 October, 6.30pm Ashley is teaching Crafting Memoir for the New England Writers Centre online, Saturday 12 October, 2-3.30pm James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape for Writing NSW, Saturday 26 October, 10am-4pm Learn more about Ashley's bestselling psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson
Journalist Lech Blaine joins us to talk Peter Dutton's Coalition, moving working class voters, and his new essay, Bad Cop. How did Peter Dutton's experiences growing up in Queensland influence his politics and his conservatism? How successful will he be in his strategy to win outer-suburban and regional seats from Labor? And does he have the political judgement needed to pull the strategy off? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, recorded live, journalist Lech Blaine discusses what makes Peter Dutton and his new Quarterly Essay Bad Cop: Peter Dutton's Strongman Politics. This episode was recorded as part of the ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author series. Lech Blaine is an award-winning writer and journalist from Queensland. He was the 2023 Charles Perkins Centre writer in residence. His writing has appeared in Good Weekend, Griffith Review, The Guardian and The Monthly. Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au. This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Writer Lech Blaine on Peter Dutton, the former policeman who became the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia
This week Denise speaks with author and journalist - Lech Blaine. They discuss his latest Quarterly Essay - Bad Cop - about Opposition leader Peter Dutton. Lech tells us not to underestimate his prupose and drive - and makes the point that while 'governing from Opposition' would mean that Peter Dutton doesn't achieve his long held ambition of becoming PM he can still have great impact. They also speak about Peter Dutton's style and tactics suiting the times with the global rise of the populist politician and a media fuelled by conflict and clickbait. A good conversation which is well worth a listen.
Join Lech Blaine as he shares a revelatory portrait of the Opposition leader Peter Dutton in this perceptive and compelling book. This is a story of ambition, race and power, and a politician with a plan.
Peter Dutton is a lot of things: a right-wing firebrand, a former Queensland cop and a champion of what he believes are simple Australian values. But he's also a multi-millionaire who colleagues describe as pleasant, shy, but fiercely ambitious. Lech Blaine spent months studying Peter Dutton's past and political ascendency to discover who the leader of the opposition really is and what's underneath his “bad cop” exterior. Today, the author of the latest Quarterly Essay: Bad Cop, Lech Blaine, on what's driving Peter Dutton's strongman politics. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of the latest Quarterly Essay, Lech Blaine
The new Labor government have just handed down their first budget of this Parliamentary term (boringgg). One thing that is for sure is how much less noise there has been under Albanese - but it's easy to forget the chaotic election that got him here. We speak to Queensland author and political pundit Lech Blaine about the weirdest election campaign, and result in history. Teal? Wtf is thatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Right, we're doing something different this episode. Uber-talented radio/TV/podcast host and contrarian Josh Szeps has me on his Uncomfortable Conversations podcast to chat sugar, cannonau wine, class wars, woke-speak, ethics, the decline of innovation in wealthy countries, how men around the world behave on dating apps and the perils of looking like could be on an insurance ad. For some context: Josh is currently the host of afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney and you might also have heard him hosting a bunch of other TV, radio and podcast shows here and in the US where he was a regular on NBC's Today Show, or the time – earlier this year – when he ‘annihilated' Joe Rogan during a rambling frustrating chat about vaccines. Check out Josh's podcast Uncomfortable ConversationsFollow Josh on Twitter and InstagramThat Harvard study I mention? Check it out hereI also mention my podcast ep with Lech Blaine. You can listen here As well as the Will Macaskill chat on Longtermism…listen here ....If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" page. Subscribe to my Substack newsletter for more such conversation. Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious Life Let's connect on Instagram! It's where I interact the most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The wealthy elite once signalled their status with expensive handbags and super yachts. Now they do it with what Rob Henderson calls “luxury beliefs” - so-called politically correct pronouncements that, in reality, only the rich can afford to live by and thusly differentiate them from the rest of us. We're talking about such wokenesses as “defund the police” and calls for drug legalisation, death to marriage and putting “polyamorous” on your dating profile. Of course, defunding the police is all very well if you can afford to live in a gated community with low crime and security guards. It should be said, Rob, now a moral philosopher at the University of Cambridge, comes at this wild idea from a very unique perspective. He grew up poor, a foster kid who was doing drugs at the age of 9 and who had to learn to decode elite signalling as an outsider once he hit the liberal US university scene. This is a super juicy and confronting thesis, evidence of which I can't stop noticing everywhere and I loved the way Rob applies the wild idea to online dating, cancel culture and conservative politics.Follow Rob on TwitterCheck out Rob's WebsiteAnd you can read the New York Times op-ed we talk about. His book Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class will be published in the European fall of 2023.We chat about Joseph Henrich's WEIRD theory and class myths in Australia from my Lech Blaine chat, both ran a few episodes back. If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" page. Subscribe to my Substack newsletter for more such conversations. Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet's connect on Instagram! It's where I interact the most. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
I have been wanting to talk blokedom for a very long time: How and why it defines so much about Australia; how it excludes and masks the existence of class inequalities; and how it holds us back as a nation. The myth of the larrikin bloke is something writer Lech Blaine has been studying for some time. Hailing from a very working class background in Toowoomba, Queensland, he went on to be the first person in his extended family to go to university. He wrote a Quarterly Essay in September last year titled Top Blokes: The larrikin Myth, Class and Power (which I highly recommend reading). And in this month's Monthly magazine he has written an epic overview of the election, which assesses Scott Morrison's demise as a reflection of the need to move on from the "top bloke" trope. The wild idea on the table this episode: Might it be time to kill off this sexist, racist myth...and move forward to better and fairer and kinder? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the short few weeks since the election of the Albanese Labor government, Australia feels.... different.Changing governments always has an impact on the tone of the times, but with the recent election, it feels somehow more pronounced.Journalist and friend of the pod, Lech Blaine, has written a brilliant essay in the latest edition of The Monthly magazine from the eye of the election campaign trail.He explores the true essence of contemporary Australian attitudes to politics, economics and democracy.And there's no doubt Australians have undergone a major shift in attitudes towards, workers, jobs, wages, climate and what "the fair go" should look like in the 21st Century.Lech joins Francis and Sally on this week's pod. Read Lech Blaine's latest essay Teal and loathing: On the campaign trail _____________________________________________________________ * You can now email us with your comments, story ideas, tip-offs, flip offs, and questions - otjpodcast@protonmail.com *On the Job is made by Australian Unions. More about On The Job podcast Need help with working conditions? Call Australian Union Support Centre - 1300 486 466 About the hosts Sally Rugg - @sallyrugg Francis Leach, ACTU - @SaintFranklySupport the show: https://www.onthejobpodcast.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Writer and journalist Lech Blaine joins Charles and Dom to talk about his recent article in The Monthly 'Teal and Loathing: On The Campaign Trail'. Lech comprehensively unpacks the election past from the perspective of a group that usually goes unheard - the voters. Lech's article can be read here: https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2022/may/lech-blaine/teal-and-loathing-campaign-trail#mtr See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. You can lose the ads and get more content! Become a Chaser Report member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-chaser-report.
Lech Blaine's cover story for The Monthly takes us on the frenetic Australian election campaign ride. And as Britain considers re-introducing imperial measurements, we look at their international history.
Lech Blaine spent five weeks on the campaign trail and met some very interesting people on his journey through Queensland in particular. He introduces us to some of the swinging voters and why some people were changing from voting for One Nation to voting for the Greens. He has written a colourful cover piece for The Monthly which is called "Teal and Loathing".
Lech Blaine is the author of the memoir 'Car Crash' and the Quarterly Essay ‘Top Blokes'. Here, he speaks to James and Ashley about the challenge of writing and releasing these two publications back to back during the pandemic, and the burnout that followed. He also discusses the epiphanies that writing a memoir can bring and the emotional toll of sharing so much vulnerability with readers. His writing has appeared in The Monthly, Guardian Australia, The Best Australian Essays, Griffith Review, Kill Your Darlings and Meanjin. He was an inaugural recipient of a Griffith Review Queensland Writing Fellowship. Learn more about Lech on his website, and buy a copy of 'Car Crash' and 'Top Blokes' from your local bookshop, Booktopia or wherever else books are sold. Books and authors discussed in this episode: Cloudstreet by Tim Winton; Timeline by Michael Crichton; Sphere by Michael Crichton; Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton; State of Fear by Michael Crichton; Lee Child; John Grisham; Know My Name: A Memoir by Channel Miller Specky Magee by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon; Harry Potter by JK Rowling; Glory Gardens by Bob Cattell The Joy of Creative Writing – lunchtime workshop with Ashley: Tuesday 8 March, 12:15-1:15 pm AEDT, online via Zoom, tix $9-14 Whether you haven't written creatively since high school or you're the author of 12 books, this fun class will help you get your creativity flowing. Wherever you're at, this is the class for you. Through a series of short, timed writing exercises, we'll explore different ways to access the creative recesses of our minds and surprise ourselves! Get your ticket here. Get in touch! Ashley's website: ashleykalagianblunt.com Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt Ashley's Instagram: @akalagianblunt James' website: jamesmckenziewatson.com James' Twitter: @JamesMcWatson James' Instagram: @jamesmcwatson
Reading recommendations from writer and critic Beejay Silcox, crime writer Christian White and memoirist Lech Blaine. What are the books they have especially admired this year?
Australia has a larrikin tradition, stretching back to Ned Kelly and Henry Lawson. But, is a lot of what passes for larrikinism, a fabrication? Has it been used as a form of class cover: a disguise for those who aren't genuine larrikins? Has this faux-persona been exploited by political leaders for electoral gain? Paul Barclay asks author Lech Blaine
Australia has a larrikin tradition, stretching back to Ned Kelly and Henry Lawson. But, is a lot of what passes for larrikinism, a fabrication? Has it been used as a form of class cover: a disguise for those who aren't genuine larrikins? Has this faux-persona been exploited by political leaders for electoral gain? Paul Barclay asks author Lech Blaine
As conversations around vulnerability, trauma and healing abound, many men are learning that long-held notions of masculinity and ‘manning up’ are not only limiting, they are causing real harm. Hear from memoirists Lech Blaine and Rick Morton and essayist Matthew Sini, in a discussion about men’s complicated relationship with stoicism, love, and empathy, and its role in grief, trauma and redemption. Blaine’s Car Crash examines Australia’s larrikin brand of toxic masculinity and how to recover from catastrophe when you’ve been taught to stare down heartbreak. Morton’s My Year of Living Vulnerably charts his hard-won healing from childhood neglect and complex PTSD. They speak with moderator Ronnie Scott. Recorded for MWF in 2021. Supported by Maurice BlackburnSupport MWF: https://mwf.com.au/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He likes you to call him ScoMo. He lovehttps://www.quarterlyessay.com.au/s being seen with a beer in hand at a Cronulla Sharks game, or wearing a truckers cap woofing down a sausage at a backyard BBQ.Scott Morrison wants you to think of him as the daggy dad, the top bloke, the bloke down the pub you want to have a beer with.The truth is, he is none of those things. So why does he do it?In his new Quarterly Essay, writer Lech Blaine explores the ScMo myth as a political exercise, a class and power pantomime that speaks to the faultlines in Australia's cultural identity crisis.Lech joins Francis and Sally on this week's edition of the podcast.______________________________________________________________-Quarterly Essay Lech Blaine ______________________________________________________* You can now email us with your comments, story ideas, tip-offs, flip offs, and questions - otjpodcast@protonmail.com *On the Job is made by Australian Unions. More about On The Job podcast Need help with working conditions? Call Australian Union Support Centre - 1300 486 466 About the hosts Sally Rugg - @sallyrugg Francis Leach, ACTU - @SaintFranklySupport the show: https://www.onthejobpodcast.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Politicians don't lead average lives, so why do they portray themselves as average people?
Politicians don't lead average lives, so why do they portray themselves as average people?
Larrikins occupy a revered space in Australian culture. Variously knockabout blokes, outlaws or rebels, larrikins can seemingly get away with anything and do it with a smile. A larrikin is the sort of bloke who'd steal the wool off your sheep and then ask you to knit him a jumper he'd quickly pull over your eyes.Lech Blaine is the author of the new Quarterly Essay 'Top Blokes - The Larrikin Myth, Class and Power'.In this special preview Lech joins Andrew to discuss the evolution of the larrikin and try to pinpoint the moment when larrikinism got co-opted by powerful forces.
In his Quarterly Essay, writer Lech Blaine argues that the elite in Australia have tendency to imitate a working-class culture they generally don't belong to. The political advantages of this “class cross dressing” are far-reaching, but will they hold at the next election?
The UK's early response to Covid has been condemned, but life now under Covid is relatively 'normal'. Lech Blaine's Quarterly Essay looks at elites' misuse of the larrikin identity.
Toowoomba author and journalist Lech Blaine returns to The Betoota Advocate podcast this week. This starts out as a chat about Lech's new memoir “Car Crash” - and ends up being a yarn about how Scott Morrison secretly hates rugby league and has never been pissed. Last time he joined us we were speaking about footy and happy clapping, this time we are talking about the Australian media's perverted interpretation of the “Larrikin”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lech Blaine's essay 'Top Blokes: the Larrikin Myth, Class and Power' (Quarterly Essay) is a gutsy exploration of how Australian politicians concoct a "larrikin" persona (by faking a "true blue" masculinity of footy and beer drinking) in a bid to relate to working class voters. Rachel talks to Lech about his childhood in regional Queensland, about the dichotomy between Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, and about the invention of Scott Morrison's daggy dad "ScoMo'' persona. They finish by discussing what it is that Lech captures about Queensland class and politics that eludes so many politicians and commentators. This podcast is an edited recording of a webinar hosted by the McKell Institute on 21 September 2021. Find out more about: Lech Blaine: @lechblaine Rachel Nolan: @RachelGNolan The McKell Institute: https://mckellinstitute.org.au/ @McKellInstitute Deep North is a politics podcast by the McKell Institute, Queensland. It is produced by Charles Pidgeon.
Author Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his Quarterly Essay 'Top Blokes - The Larrikin Myth, Class and Power', which surveys the changing nature of the Australian larrikin and how Rugby League is bearing witness.
Crabb and Sales perform live on stage for the first time in 16 months in Sales' home town of Brisbane. The event starts respectably enough with a brace of Queensland writers but the pair soon falls to bickering over the pronunciation of a terrible 1980s boy band. (6.00) In the Heights | Trailer (15.00) Who Gets to Be Smart by Bri Lee (17.00) Revisionist History Podcast (20.30) My Year of Living Vulnerably by Rick Morton (23.00) The Betoota Advocate (24.00) Acknowledgements (Stories of Friends, Enemies and Figuring Things Out) by Becky Lucas (28.40) Car Crash by Lech Blaine (31.40) My Rock 'n' Roll Friend by Tracy Thorn (37.00) Wind of Change Podcast | Song by Scorpion (41.40) 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything | Trailer | Apple TV (44.10) The Go Betweens: Right Here | Trailer | iView (47.00) Trashy Divorces - A Good Podcast About Bad Relationships (50.00) Bitch Doctrine by Laurie Penny (52.00) Cabin Pressure Radio Series (54.00) WTF! Marc Maron - Episode 1208 with Hugh Grant (55.30) A Very English Scandal | Trailer | iView (55.45) Paddington 2 | Trailer | (57.00) The Remains of A Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1:00.00) Stevens's Professionalism and Ours by David Luban (1:01:00) How To Fail With Elizabeth Day - S10, Ep8 How to Fail: Kazuo Ishiguro (1:06:20) Night Blue by Angela O'Keeffe Pre-order WELL HELLO - Meanderings from the world of Chat 10 Looks 3 Produced by DM Podcasts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Crabb and Sales perform live on stage for the first time in 16 months in Sales' home town of Brisbane. The event starts respectably enough with a brace of Queensland writers but the pair soon falls to bickering over the pronunciation of a terrible 1980s boy band. (6.00) In the Heights | Trailer (15.00) Who Gets to Be Smart by Bri Lee (17.00) Revisionist History Podcast (20.30) My Year of Living Vulnerably by Rick Morton (23.00) The Betoota Advocate (24.00) Acknowledgements (Stories of Friends, Enemies and Figuring Things Out) by Becky Lucas (28.40) Car Crash by Lech Blaine (31.40) My Rock 'n' Roll Friend by Tracy Thorn (37.00) Wind of Change Podcast | Song by Scorpion (41.40) 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything | Trailer | Apple TV (44.10) The Go Betweens: Right Here | Trailer | iView (47.00) Trashy Divorces - A Good Podcast About Bad Relationships (50.00) Bitch Doctrine by Laurie Penny (52.00) Cabin Pressure Radio Series (54.00) WTF! Marc Maron - Episode 1208 with Hugh Grant (55.30) A Very English Scandal | Trailer | iView (55.45) Paddington 2 | Trailer | (57.00) The Remains of A Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1:00.00) Stevens's Professionalism and Ours by David Luban (1:01:00) How To Fail With Elizabeth Day - S10, Ep8 How to Fail: Kazuo Ishiguro (1:06:20) Night Blue by Angela O'Keeffe Pre-order WELL HELLO - Meanderings from the world of Chat 10 Looks 3 Produced by DM Podcasts
'I wanted to dig into the complexity of an event like that, and allow people to see not just the humanity of the people involved, but also the negative aspects of how these events play out.' Each month we celebrate an Australian debut release of fiction or non-fiction in the Kill Your Darlings First Book Club. For May that debut is Car Crash: A Memoir by Lech Blaine, out now from Black Inc. At seventeen, Lech Blaine walked away unharmed from a car crash that killed three of his friends and left two in comas. In the aftermath, rumours about speed and drink driving erupted. There was intense scrutiny from media and police. Lech used alcohol to numb his grief and social media to show stoicism, while secretly spiralling towards depression and disgrace. This is a riveting account of family, friendship, grief and love after tragedy. Heartbreaking and darkly hilarious, Car Crash is a story for our times. First Book Club host Ellen Cregan spoke with Lech about the book, revisiting past trauma and the power of brutally honest feedback. Editor's Note: This conversation touches on difficult topics such as death, grief and trauma. Our theme song is Broke for Free's ‘Something Elated'. Production assistance from Lloyd Pratt. Further reading: Read Ellen Cregan's review of Car Crash in our May Books Roundup. Lech spoke to Bri Lee in 2017 about the process of writing a memoir in your twenties. Lech recommends Rick Morton's My Year of Living Vulnerably: Rick shares his workspace and writing practice for Show Your Working. Buy a copy of the book from Brunswick Bound. (more…)
Lech Blaine was 17 when he was involved in a head on collision in Queensland that killed three of his friends and left two on life support. He walked away totally unscathed - physically - and into intense media scrutiny and a frenzy on social media. His default setting for dealing with his grief and survivors' guilt was stoicism and alcohol, which lead to depression and breakdown. He has written a stunning memoir simply called Car Crash.
Lech Blaine was 17 when he was involved in a head on collision in Queensland that killed three of his friends and left two on life support. He walked away totally unscathed - physically - and into intense media scrutiny and a frenzy on social media. His default setting for dealing with his grief and survivors' guilt was stoicism and alcohol, which lead to depression and breakdown. He has written a stunning memoir simply called Car Crash.
joins the podcast this week. When it comes to communicating the anxieties and aspirations of the Quiet Australians, Lech Blaine is the thinker, tailor, soldier, spy. He talks to our editors about rugby league, Hillsong and the class warfare dominating Federal politics. From Toowoomba to Bundy, to Canberra - this week's guest offers an insight not often seen in Australian media. For more on Lech Blaine go here. Recorded from the Budgy Smuggler Booth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
joins the podcast this week. When it comes to communicating the anxieties and aspirations of the Quiet Australians, Lech Blaine is the thinker, tailor, soldier, spy. He talks to our editors about rugby league, Hillsong and the class warfare dominating Federal politics. From Toowoomba to Bundy, to Canberra - this week's guest offers an insight not often seen in Australian media. For more on Lech Blaine go here. Recorded from the Budgy Smuggler Booth
Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his latest The Monthly essay, The Art of Class War, which tackles Rugby League's relationship with class in Australia, as well as the rise of Rugby League as a prized voting-bloc and what that means for the code's future.