The most talked-about podcast of the minute is, surprisingly, not the independent Karl Stefanovic Show or anything Kyle Sandilands might be planning, but Nova’s Bush Deep offering featuring Queensland’s own Nikki Osborne.
The former Nova 106.9 Breakfast host was granted a sit-down interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at The Lodge — a privelege afforded to few journalists, let alone comedians. (Don’t expect Dave Hughes to turn up at Canberra’s second-best address any time soon.)
And, of course, she asked him “edgy” questions such as whether he would “shag, date or marry” a bunch of female celebs. Albanese ended up indicating he would “shag” Kylie Minogue.
Not his finest moment.
He had to apologise; the whole thing made the news everywhere (including on the BBC); and, I imagine, the people at Nova’s podcast division couldn’t believe their luck.
You can’t buy publicity like that.
Backing for Zach
Regular readers of this newsletter should be familiar with Zach Mander, who has been filling in here and there on 612 ABC Brisbane these past few months.
One of our stories mentioning Mander suggested he was part of the ABC’s succession planning — i.e. in line for a full-time presenter’s position when one became available.
This seems to be the line being pursued by The Australian’s Media Diary, which has just published a piece praising Mander as a “family friendly funnyman” and “all-round radio good guy”.
Noting that Mander is now keeping the seat warm on 612 ABC’s Afternoons program, the column castigates commercial network ARN for cancelling his show on KIIS (which, as the Oz did not note, was co-hosted by Mander’s longtime partner in comedy, Dom Fay).
As it turns out, I was not alone in feeling that the Diary item was leading in a particular direction (something about his father being a politician, perhaps?). So, I was surprised that its big reveal was that Mander had joked “he has already convinced the ABC’s biggest stars, the Bananas in Pyjamas, to sit down with him to break their silence over their banana split”.
The item ends with a gentle suggestion that Mander should be on the radar of ABC radio boss Ben Latimer. Which, of course, he (and Fay) should.
Footnote: There’s some background about Dom and Zach here.
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Thinking about drinking
Looking for a fresh perspective on Aussie drinking culture? Check out the latest lecture in the Explainer Series at the State Library of Queensland on July 30.
Whether you’re a Dry July veteran or just curious about the shifting social landscape, this event tackles some big questions, including: what does the latest science really say about drinking and our health?
The event will be hosted ABC Radio National’s Tegan Taylor and addiction psychologist Professor Nicole Lee. Details here.
P.S.
Joe Jackson is returning to Brisbane, playing the Fortitude Music Hall on February 1 2027. Tickets are on sale from July 13 and the details are here. Book sharp!
Disclaimer: Writing disclaimers is very stressful.
Very stressful.