When life hits you with wave after wave of challenges, you either start going under, or you learn how to surf.
One of the most recognisable faces in Australian media, Osher Günsberg is a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health, explored in his bestselling book Back, After the Break, and his new graphic novel So What? Now What?
David Stavanger, poet and Artistic Director of Red Room Poetry, approaches the same terrain with a different pen, as co-editor of Admissions: Voices Within Mental Health, and as the author of award-winning collections, Case Notes, The Special and The Drop Off.
These candid and witty writers will be hosted by comedian Jennifer Wong, in a conversation about family, fatherhood, climate anxiety, and how to cope in a changing world.
30 years, four different names and 67 separate haircuts don’t begin to describe how Osher Günsberg became one of the most recognisable people in Australian media, from his radio career in Brisbane, to music television in the 2000s, seven seasons of Australian Idol and the host of The Bachelor and The Masked Singer. Osher is a passionate advocate for positive conversations around climate action and mental health, both explored deeply in his bestselling book Back, After the Break, and his latest work So What? Now What?, a mental health toolkit presented as a graphic novel in collaboration with artist Campbell Walker (aka Struthless).
David Stavanger is a poet, producer, parent and lapsed psychologist living on Wodi Wodi Dharawal land. He is the Artistic Director and producer of MAD Poetry at Red Room Poetry. David co-edited Solid Air: Australian & New Zealand Spoken Word and Admissions: Voices Within Mental Health, and is the author of The Special and Case Notes, which went on to win the 2021 Victorian Premier's Prize for Poetry. His newest collection is The Drop Off.
Jennifer Wong is the co-author and host of Chopsticks or Fork?: Recipes and Stories from Australia’s Regional Chinese Restaurants, and a contributor to Admissions: Voices within Mental Health. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, ABC News, SBS Food, Monocle and The Big Issue. Her comedy in English and Cantonese has been seen by millions online, and her stand-up shows have sold out around Australia. Jennifer has appeared on The Cook Up, Celebrity Letters and Numbers, Thank God Its Friday! and Chat 10 Looks 3.
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This event is part of the Main Program and included as part of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Saturday Bronze Passes.
Subject to availability, a limited number of single tickets may become available 9 September.
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This venue is wheelchair accessible. Please visit our Accessibility page or email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you have any other accessibility requirements.