I’m taking six months off work to explore the world, most especially the watery parts. And, mostly, to write - will edit one book and hopefully write another. I’m so excited to slide into quiet places of art, hope, stillness.
Thankful for long service leave! Came just at the right time.
📷by @dearjacquelinej of course
We’re taking a break! I’m heading off on a few months of long service leave to write a book that has been brewing for some time now – I’m actually bursting with it - and explore the world a little. This Not Stupid pod has been so much fun and we have delighted in the community that has been built around it. Our wonderful producer @madeleinegenner created a three layer vanilla sponge with passionfruit curd and swiss meringue buttercream to mark the occasion.
Conceived by Mads, commissioned by Tanya, produced by Mads and Cinnamon, Jez and I have talked through global events, cultural weirdness and political shenanigans whilst managing a fair few belly laughs.
As Jez put it: “after 133 episodes, we’ve decided to hit pause on our Not Stupid podcast.
We set-out in 2024, to do something different: News for people who find it all a bit tiresome and depressing. It’s a show built on good smarts, empathy, kindness, laughter, and an unabashed love of cake (we even nicknamed our studios after different types of baked goods).” Here’s to the hardworking & outrageously clever women & colleagues who conceived this idea and brought it to life weekly - Tanya, Jules, Mads and Cinnamon [as well as Jez, natch}; the deep friendships we’ve formed; and a truly magnificent band of thoughtful, funny, and loving listeners any host could ever ask for.”
Watch this space.
Don’t let the date fool you, this is a real announcement.
Not Stupid — Hear it now on ABC listen via the link in our bio.
#NotStupid #JuliaBaird #JeremyFernandez
The always generous Ryan Holiday on books he recommends reading during Women’s History Month. If you ever find yourself in Bastrop, Texas, check out his carefully curated bookstore, The Painted Porch ⚡️
Just found some outtakes of one of the days I spent reporting on Bikers Against Child Abuse. Taken by the excellent @brendan.esposito at West Leagues club Campbelltown. Three different chapters in NSW came to meet us and talk about why they signed up to a group that aims to make abused kids feel safe - by being available 24/7, accompanying them to court, even camping outside their house if they are scared … the stories are remarkable. And no, I was only ever a passenger on these Harley beasts, but it’s a truly fascinating culture 🏍️
There were some upsides to reporting the story on Bikers Against Child Abuse for @abcnews_au 🏍️ …. Got some glorious rides in thanks to @lamarra_canine
For the past few months, I’ve been working on a story about Bikers Aganst Child Abuse in Australia. I’ve met with them individually, in large groups - with the Newcastle, Wollongong and NSW chapters all riding to meet me in Campbelltown - and at Christmas parties. It took them ages to agree to talk to me. But I found these gruff, sometimes prickly men (and there are women too) to be open, vulnerable and genuine in their determination to help kids who have been abused feel safe. The kids told me they had saved their lives, or enabled them to take them back. They are not vigilantes, call themselves a bunch of recalcitrants, and abide by struct rules. To become a member you need to go through background and criminal checks, but once a child or young person asks for help, BACA shows up for them, taking them to court, standing (even camping outside their houses if they feel unsafe), helping them deal with the trauma of the legal process and even with bullies.
I’ll put the link up top, do take time to read it if you can, I would love to know your thoughts. In a world which is so often overwhelming with violence, contempt, division and horrors, it’s important to remember that we may not see them on the telly, or up in lights, but all around us, in our communities, are people trying to do good things, to care and lift each other up. If we don’t tell these stories we can forget decency exists in so many pockets of the world.
The photographer who came with me and whose work feature hers is the great Brendan Esposito, one of the best blokes I’ve worked with. We sat in the car after talking to these bikers for hours and he kept saying how striking it was, to see people do good things without expectation of reward or applause.
My editor on this was one of my favourite humans, Hayley Gleeson.
🏍️⚡️💛
Why is Iran being attacked?
The Trump administration has offered several different explanations over the past week, from stopping an “imminent nuclear threat” to limiting Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.
Jeremy Fernandez and Julia Baird examine the conflicting claims and what they might actually mean.
Not Stupid — Hear it now on ABC listen via the link in our bio.
#NotStupid #Trump #Iran #MiddleEast
In the aftermath of Sunday’s tragedy in Bondi, Australians united to help in any way they could.
Not Stupid – Hear it now on ABC listen via the link in our bio.
#NotStupid #Bondi #RedCrossBlood
Have you ever found it impossible to get out of a subscription?
On this week’s Not Stupid, Jez and Jules talk about the government’s move to make it easier for you to cancel unwanted services.
Not Stupid – Hear it now on ABC listen via the link in our bio.
#NotStupid #Unsubscribe #CustomerService
