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Dave O'Neil: Rise from Working Class to Comedy Success
In this episode of 'Not a Rich Kid,' host Kath Dolheguy is joined by Australian comedian Dave O'Neil. Dave shares his journey from growing up in a working-class family in Mitchum with aspirational parents to his successful career in comedy. He discusses his father's multiple jobs, including in the Air Force and as a TAFE teacher, and how his own career evolved through teachers college, bands, and eventually comedy. Dave sheds light on his political and class awareness, his path into media, and the influence of his working-class background on his comedic career. The discussion also touches on the class divide in the comedy industry and the importance of visibility and representation. Kath and Dave examine the cultural impact of shows like 'The Castle' and 'Kath and Kim,' highlighting the need for more working-class representation in media.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:24 Meet Dave O'Neil
01:52 Dave's Upbringing and Family Background
04:23 Education and Early Career
07:50 Discovering Comedy
15:45 Navigating the Comedy Industry
18:27 The Role of Class in Comedy
24:03 Balancing Comedy and Other Jobs
27:28 Adjusting to Life After Radio
27:51 Challenges in Commercial Radio
28:36 The Reality of Radio Management
29:13 Community and Commercial Radio Experiences
30:27 Class and Comedy
32:27 Politics and Class Awareness
38:16 The Struggles of Working Class Artists
41:29 Reflections on Working Class Representation in Media
45:32 Favorite Working Class Artists and Music
47:46 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations
Get in touch:
Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice.
Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know!
The Not a Rich Kid Team:
- Kath Dolheguy
- Frankie Kanatas
- Sarah Ryan-Linstrom
Post audio - Mike Tillbrook
Theme song:
‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.
Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:
- VCA who provided studio space
- City of Melbourne Arts Grants
Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants
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