Tall Tales & True

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/introroom Content warning: This story contains adult themes.

When you're new to sex work there's a lot to learn and there are choices to make. What will your boundaries be, and will you be prepared to cross them? And what name will you use? This storyteller chose the name Betty. These days she works in alternative trauma therapy, but she looks back fondly on her days as a sex worker. 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/introroom Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches on child abuse. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Pris tells the story of the first time a low-key celebrity hired her and her friend for a threesome. It was also the first time a job went horribly – but hilariously – wrong for Pris. 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/introroom Content warning: This story contains strong language and strong adult themes.

Have you ever had to work closely with an ex? Sex worker Tilly Lawless has and it's one of the four bookings she reflects on in this story about processing her personal life through her work. Tilly 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 strong adult themes.

This season, sex worker and author Tilly Lawless (Nothing But My Body) brings you seven stories from sex workers across Australia. You'll hear stories about the job, stories about life, and stories about a community that looks out for its own in the face of stigmatisation. Often funny, sometimes sobering, always candid, Tall Tales & True showcases the best of live storytelling from around Australia.

Tough times never last, but tough people do. This is the best of Australian live storytelling. True stories, from all around the country. This season we’re showcasing resilience. Aussies from all different walks of life share how they got knocked down, both figuratively and literally, and rose again. There's death, sex, and catastrophic injuries to overcome. You'll hear five stories celebrating those who faced the worst of times, and lived to tell the tale... live on stage.

Tall Tales & True returns with a second series of the very best of live storytelling from around Australia. Stories of loss, hope, struggle and joy. We promise to make you laugh, cry and gasp. Subscribe now to have eight brand new episodes land in your feed on Thursday 13 April.

No one cares about your perfect holiday. When things go wrong, that's when the stories get interesting. Bobuq Sayed found themselves stranded, and alone with nowhere to stay on an island in Hawaii. What could have ended badly turned into a lesson for us all: you can always rely on the kindness of strangers. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ live storytelling event and podcast.

Sometimes, it's the small off-the-cuff comment that can have a lasting impact. For Angie Farrugia, this moment has happened twice. And both times, these choice few words have changed the course of her life. This story was first told live on stage in Melbourne at a Generation Women storytelling event.

Footy clubs aren't just about the game, they're community too. And, for Amy Chittick, when a shock accident left her needing support, her footy club were there through her darkest days. This story was first aired on SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to Spun Stories.

Cyclone Tracey changed Darwin forever. Generations have heard about what happened from an adult's perspective, but what was it like for a four-year-old waiting for Santa? Jame Parfitt-Fejo recounts his family's experience of Cyclone Tracey, and how Australians rose up and helped them in their time of need. This story was first aired on SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to spun stories.

Moving to a new city is hard. Making new friends, in a new city, as a lonely adult can be terrifying. Cobey Bartels tells the story of how motorcycles have saved him from loneliness more than once. This story was first told a GOMA, in conjunction with The Motorcycle Design, Art, Desire' exhibition in April 2021. The event was presented by the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, in partnership with Yarn Storytelling.

We're back, with the best of live storytelling from around Australia. This season — hosted by journalist and mental health advocate Cobey Bartels — is a celebration of community. Whether it's at home where you grew, or somewhere new; communities can form when you least expect it. Hear five short stories from Aussies around the country about how community shaped their lives. And with it, the lessons that changed them forever.

Most people aren’t friends with their ex, but Ally Garrett and Stevie Wilder are the exception. Where many relationships crumble and reach the point of no return, Ally and Stevie’s has lived to tell the tale. From young love, to overseas moves, and a gender transition; Ally and Stevie recount how they managed to rebuild their relationship to become something new entirely.

Landing your dream job is never easy, especially when life keeps blowing you off course. Every time Jackson Browne seemed to be on the right track, life and death would get in the way. Many other people would have given up, but Jackson shows us that grit, determination and love can get you to where you want to go.

Gladys got the call from the police that every parent dreads: her daughter Quita had been badly injured. Doctors said that she would never recover from her catastrophic brain injury. But what happened next surprised everyone.

Hooking up at weddings? We've all heard stories. Hooking up at a funeral? Not so much. At the height of another pandemic, Paul Kidd lost his boyfriend Darren. Paul tells the remarkable story of their relationship, from meeting on an overnight train, to going to Darren's last party together. This is not a story about death, it’s about life, love and living hard for those who cannot.

Musician and activist Deena Lynch, aka Jaguar Jonze, gets knocked down literally and figuratively on her motorcycle all the time. She gets back up every time. Deena shares her experiences of hits and runs, and offensive assumptions about her while she’s on her motorcycle.

From the heartbreaking to the hilarious, each episode of Days Like These introduces you to one regular human as they live through something wild. This season, we follow two men, facing off in the Tasmanian wilderness, there’s a shark-hunt through a university campus, and a strange chase down Sydney streets, in the pursuit of a Russian spy. There’s an avalanche, an addiction, and a drive down the east coast of Australia in relentless, flooding rain. Welcome to the days when everything seems to change.

Growing up as a Muslim in Australia, author Amal Awad had some excruciating dating experiences, most with her parents inviting prospective partners and their parents into the living room for awkward chats. Meanwhile, her dreams of hooking up with a celebrity suffered their own setbacks. Then, she decided to take matters into her own hands and leave both doorknock appeal daters and rock god fantasies behind her. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Veteran Northern Territory broadcaster Charlie King is the son of two people from very different worlds and a consummate storyteller. After arriving in Darwin by bicycle, Charlie's 19-year-old father, from a well-to-do Victorian family, became ill and ended up in hospital where he met his bride-to-be, a Gurindji woman. Charlie's Dad was determined their different backgrounds wouldn't keep them apart. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin, hosted by Jess Ong with production by Johanna Bell.

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Working on a boat off an island in the West Australian Kimberley region, Dave Pears learns a lesson about relying on the care of strangers. Stung by a blue-ringed octopus while making his way to the toilet, he manages to get to a house where the occupants and his crew mates must take action to save his life.

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

We all have ways of dealing with grief. As a child, Jessica Ferrari felt so responsible for others feeling sad about the death of her father that she decided to tell them she was "over it". Years later, she discovered it's really okay to feel sad.

Recovering from a particularly nasty skiing accident, Charles Edwards takes up a friend's offer to join her on a Pacific island holiday. Little does he know it will lead to naked sailing and letting go of his dignity while hobbling on crutches, in front of guests, at a Vanuatu beach resort.

Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting. Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

As a Chinese-Australian growing up in Canberra, Kwong Yue Yang felt anything but cool. A maths nerd with a bowl haircut, Kwong struck on a plan to become a cool kid. He'd track down Jackie Chan, his movie star idol, at a local restaurant to get a picture and an autograph. But rustling up the courage to pull it off was entirely another thing.

When nine-year-old Elyse receives a thank you note from a fairy for building a miniature palace, it sparks a pen pal friendship that leads to schoolyard adoration and shared secrets. But then on holidays, the truth is revealed about her new friend, shattering a childhood dream.

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around Australia. This season we're talking about the difficult task of "letting go", in all sorts of ways. Of grief, or the fear of hearing the words "I love you". You'll hear five incredible stories about how getting over long-held habits and stumbling blocks can reveal new ways to see ourselves. The series is out on August 13.

Elliana Lawford is a Wiradjuri and Anaiwan woman from NSW, but people think she’s white because she has pale skin. On her journey to self acceptance, Elliana finds a creative way to consolidate her identity and bury shame forever. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

As a child in Palestine, Bilha Smith was shunned. She learned early on what it was like to look and feel different. Years later, when she looked more ‘normal’, she found that, inside, she still felt ‘different’. Bilha realised that being comfortable in your own skin can be a lifelong journey. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

Can you ever be too helpful? Yes, you can ... Sinead Bevan has the story to prove it. Sinead agrees to be a beauty salon demonstration model for a new technique called 'sugaring'. It involves hot wax, sugar and a Brazilian. As she lies down in front of a large group of students and dutifully ‘butterflies’, she reflects on the cost to her body of being so helpful. This story was first told at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. *WARNING: This episode contains strong language and adult concepts.

Do you remember your first ever haircut? Bali Padda does, but not for the reasons you might expect. The actor and diversity advocate tells us about an unlikely life-changing experience involving scissors and a very big bunch of hair. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast.

We all experience our bodies differently. We have our favourite bits, our less favourite bits and, sometimes, the bits that don’t feel part of us. Cassie Workman, a multi award-winning comedian and storyteller, shares her story of realisation and the journey to acceptance. *WARNING: This episode includes strong language and discussions of suicide. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around our Great Brown Land. This season we’re talking about skin - feeling comfortable, or not so comfortable, in your own skin. And the things we put on our skin, like fake tan ... or sugar mixed with wax on our nether regions! You’ll hear five stories celebrating the things we do to feel closer to who we really are.

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.

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

"I could grow old with you, you know, I could really grow old with you," Tim Bishop's partner said to him. This was in the early days of their relationship, and Tim knew he was in for something. His man was from Cabbage Tree Island and knew his land as the land of his people since time immemorial. But one day it came time for Tim to take a road trip back to his man's family alone. 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.

May 28 was a bit of a blur for Bridget Judd. She remembers her mum's phone call and that she knew when she answered the news wasn't going to be good. She had lost her beloved father. Being a journalist, Bridget is used to finding the language to describe events. But this time she found herself in silence and unable to find the words to speak. Warning: this episode contains references to suicide, which may cause distress. 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

Losing a lover, losing a father or even losing yourself. What happens when your world gets turned upside down? And how often do we actually talk to each other about loss? In this series of Tall Tales & True, five people share personal stories of the transformation that can come from grief and loss. All five episodes will be available on Tuesday, July 23.

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.

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

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.

Sarah Macdonald's childhood memories of Christmas are of her father having to leave to deliver the baby Jesuses.

How a Christmas wrapping (not rapping) competition became an all-out war for the Hobba family.

Just in time for Christmas mayhem, a brand new series of festive-themed stories.

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

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

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

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.

Vanessa O'Neill tells how losing her father to Alzheimer's Disease was just "too sad", and she couldn't cry for seven years.

Tall Tales & True returns with a special series of stories told live at the 2017 Woodford Folk Festival, just in time for the Easter break.

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.

Donna speaks bravely of the hardest time in her life when she attempted to take her own life but miraculously survived.

Jessica Tuckwell is a young woman who's had a bad day, has a lot on her mind and will not under any circumstances give up her seat on the bus...... not today, not for anyone. But the fallout is more than she bargained for. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

A young doctor re-lives assisting his very first birth and the stinging realisation it brings. In story number two, if the prospect of losing your mother isn't bad enough, then a throwaway line from a well-meaning believer about God's plans could be enough to make you snap. Izaak Lim first told his story at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. Alice Fraser first told her story at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

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.

Sophie Townsend, a working mum with two kids, unexpectedly finds herself back in the world of dating. Last time around, there were no devices or swiping involved. How does she navigate the murky travails of hooking up online?

Australian performer and professional shit-stirrer Rob Carlton takes on the toughest role of his career. It turns out to be the best acting he's done in his life, but for all the wrong reasons. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

A tale of one of the worst days of this storyteller's life..... a downward-spiral into a spectacular mess of sickness, dog poo, piles of laundry and a dodgy aura healer. Is there a gift or message in this catastrophe? This story was first told as part of The Full Catastrophe at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney