Mahmood Fazal

Before Mahmood Fazal was a writer and journalist, he was part of an outlaw motorcycle club, abusing drugs and running wild. He saw plenty of destruction and death, but when his best mate was killed everything changed. Mahmood shared this story for Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead. Better Off Said is a spoken-word event celebrating stories and human experiences. Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy. For more information check out their website: betteroffsaid.com.au

Before Mahmood Fazal was a writer and journalist, he was part of an outlaw motorcycle club, abusing drugs and running wild. He saw plenty of destruction and death, but when his best mate was killed everything changed. Mahmood shared this story for Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead. Better Off Said is a spoken-word event celebrating stories and human experiences. Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy. For more information check out their website: <a href="http://betteroffsaid.com.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">betteroffsaid.com.au</a>

Mahmood Fazal — 'When death comes you wake up'

Jen Cloher

Adelaide in the 1980s was not the easiest place for a kid to figure out their gender. Jen Cloher's stint as "John" the Galaga-playing champ at the local takeaway was short-lived and ended ingloriously. Jen first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Jen Cloher — John

Cadance Bell

Three years before she transitioned genders, Cadance was a fat, depressed guy buying weed from bikie gangs and nursing a near-killer blood clot. Then came a surprising chat in the most unlikely place. Cadance first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on suicide. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Three years before she transitioned genders, Cadance was a fat, depressed guy buying weed from bikie gangs and nursing a near-killer blood clot. Then came a surprising chat in the most unlikely place. Cadance first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book. Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on suicide. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Cadance Bell — Small talk

Growing up can be pretty hard work and there's not a lot of room to think about anyone else, especially your parents. Rebecca Day has some fond memories from her days as an angsty, rebellious teen, but she does regret the trouble she caused for her poor old dad.This story was first told for SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to spun stories.

Growing up can be pretty hard work and there's not a lot of room to think about anyone else, especially your parents. Rebecca Day has some fond memories from her days as an angsty, rebellious teen, but she does regret the trouble she caused for her poor old dad. This story was first told for SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to spun stories.

Rebecca Day – The good, the dad, and the angsty

Jordan Shea

When your community has lost the plot and is driven to riot after racist goading by powerful voices, who can you turn to for warmth and safety? Jordan Shea reflects on his bond with his Grandmother – his 'Lola' – during an ugly chapter of Australian history. Jordan first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Jordan Shea — Lola

From a rebelling teen who lands her dad in a world of hot water, to a kid named Jennifer, with a secret identity, this season host and curator Mahmood Fazal brings you five frank, funny and fearless stories of rebellion. You’ll hear from people finding themselves through their rebellion and another who found himself in the wrong place during a rebellion. Tall Tales and True finds the best of live storytelling from around Australia.

INTRODUCING – Tall Tales & True Season 13 | Rebellion  

When Leah Potter was at uni, her topless-barmaid girlfriend asked her to join her for a private gig. All she had to do was wear a corset and g-string and whip a few blokes. So began her career as a dominatrix. This story was first told for SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to SPUN Stories.Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on child abuse. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

When Leah Potter was at uni, her topless-barmaid girlfriend asked her to join her for a private gig. All she had to do was wear a corset and g-string and whip a few blokes. So began her career as a dominatrix. This story was first told for SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to SPUN Stories. Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on child abuse. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Leah Potter – Surviving the dungeon

Gala Vanting is a sex worker. But that's not something she can tell her stepdaughter. This story is a touching collection of moments as Gala navigates her role as stepmother in her blended family. This story was first told as part of the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Gala Vanting – Stumbling through step-motherhood

Chantell Martin

As a trans woman in a small town 30 years ago, Chantell Martin saw the desperation to be "genetically born female" lead others to self-harm, even suicide. So, she made a choice to be proud to be trans. That choice changed everything for her. This story was first told as part of national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on the concept of suicide. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

As a trans woman in a small town 30 years ago, Chantell Martin saw the desperation to be "genetically born female" lead others to self-harm, even suicide. So, she made a choice to be proud to be trans. That choice changed everything for her. This story was first told as part of national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book. Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on the concept of suicide. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Chantell Martin – Becoming herself

Jane Whatshername

What risks do sex workers face when their profession is criminalised? And what measures do they take to avoid being busted? "Jane Whatshername" tells a story about working in a South Australian brothel and what happened when the police inevitably turned up. This story was first published on The Intro Room, an online sex worker storytelling night organised during the pandemic by Debby Doesn't Do It for Free, an Australian sex workers art collective celebrating sex worker stories and culture.  For more stories from the Intro Room visit https://omny.fm/shows/introroomContent warning: This story contains adult themes.

What risks do sex workers face when their profession is criminalised? And what measures do they take to avoid being busted? "Jane Whatshername" tells a story about working in a South Australian brothel and what happened when the police inevitably turned up. This story was first published on The Intro Room, an online sex worker storytelling night organised during the pandemic by Debby Doesn't Do It for Free, an Australian sex workers art collective celebrating sex worker stories and culture.   For more stories from the Intro Room visit <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/introroom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://omny.fm/shows/introroom</a> Content warning: This story contains adult themes.

Jane Whatshername – The Raid

Tall Tales &amp; True brings together the very best of live storytelling from across Australia. Courageous storytellers front up to the microphone to bare their soul and share their life-changing moments in front of a live audience. Captivating, jaw-dropping and thought provoking, these pure Australian stories will make you laugh, cry or gasp, or maybe all three at once.

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Tracey Spicer

Tracey Spicer tells how her "Brisbane bogan" upbringing prepared her for the challenges of working in the media.

Tracey Spicer — the fainting weathergirl

Fiona Scott-Norman

Fiona Scott-Norman tells of being raised in the English middle-class, colonial way of emotional detachment and her family lineage of blocked artists.

Fiona Scott-Norman — keeping up appearances

Leah Purcell

Leah Purcell's purpose had always been to look after her mum. And while she had dreams of the big city and becoming an actor, being a Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri girl from the bush made that unlikely. Leah had a baby at 17 with an abusive man which made her acting dreams impossible. That was until her mother's greatest gift, her death. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. This story was first told at The Wheeler Center Gala in Melbourne, in 2018. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

Leah Purcell's purpose had always been to look after her mum. And while she had dreams of the big city and becoming an actor, being a Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri girl from the bush made that unlikely. Leah had a baby at 17 with an abusive man which made her acting dreams impossible. That was until her mother's greatest gift, her death. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. This story was first told at The Wheeler Center Gala in Melbourne, in 2018.  The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

Leah Purcell — mum’s greatest gift

Luke O'Brien survived drugs, crime and jail to lose the most important person in his life.

Luke O'Brien — drugs robbed me

Much-loved comedian Magda Szubanski on the horror of being "papped" (photographed by paparazzi) while swimming at Bondi Beach and how her Polish heritage helped her hit back at the haters. This story was first told at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

No pain no gain

Comedian Dan Ilic makes a play about an Australian disaster and is savaged by the media and public. Comfort comes from an unexpected source. This story was first told at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

Too soon?

Sally Sara

The least "Christmasy" member of the Sara family finds joy after deciding to get the most out of life at the behest of a loved one.

Sally Sara — making Christmas "Christmasy"

Gus Fitzgerald

Gus Fitzgerald was just 10 when he was swept out to sea in rough and wild surf conditions. His father calmly followed, walking down the beach. Then Gus realised, his dad wasn't going to save him. It was up to him. When he lost his father to cancer, Gus had to learn another lesson, how to stay afloat without him altogether. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are also advised it includes the name of someone who has died. This story was first told at SPUN Stories a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.If you or anyone you know needs help or advice there is support available:Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527

Gus Fitzgerald was just 10 when he was swept out to sea in rough and wild surf conditions. His father calmly followed, walking down the beach. Then Gus realised, his dad wasn't going to save him. It was up to him. When he lost his father to cancer, Gus had to learn another lesson, how to stay afloat without him altogether. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are also advised it includes the name of someone who has died. This story was first told at SPUN Stories a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs. If you or anyone you know needs help or advice there is support available: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527

Gus Fitzgerald – how to survive in open water

Jamie Cook

Jamie Cook's Scottish family test family dynamics with a board game that involves the matriarch using really crass words. This story was first told at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast.

Jamie Cook — grandma said a bad word

David Marr

It was while he was high on LSD on the day of his wedding to Jenny that David Marr had a realisation: he was gay. David knew what he’d done was wrong, marrying was a mistake. Despite this devastating insight, he felt an absolute calm, almost relief. While he was a passionate advocate for the 2017 marriage equality plebiscite, David wasn’t sure he wanted to get married again.Warning: there is some swearing in this episode. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

It was while he was high on LSD on the day of his wedding to Jenny that David Marr had a realisation: he was gay. David knew what he’d done was wrong, marrying was a mistake. Despite this devastating insight, he felt an absolute calm, almost relief. While he was a passionate advocate for the 2017 marriage equality plebiscite, David wasn’t sure he wanted to get married again. Warning: there is some swearing in this episode.  This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

David Marr — his most bizarre day

Darren Percival

Darren Percival embarks on a road-trip to make sense of his life and the world and to find the truth he needs to speak.

Darren Percival — the voice within

Sophie Townsend

Sophie Townsend totally owns being a really crap driver but strangely misses the disharmony it could cause.

Sophie Townsend — the things you miss

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