Making Docos, Crazy Chefs and Searching for Simplicity
Human Planet's Dale Templar on the secret to creating award-winning docos
Hello dear friends,
Spring is here in Aus - you can smell it and the sun is out. Despite the chaos, (and there’s a whole lot of chaos!!) life is good. I hope it is for you too.
Great news! I have two new podcast episodes to tell you about.
Firstly, BBC’s Human Planet is one of the most spectacular documentary series ever made. It won an Emmy, two BAFTAs, took four years to make and was filmed in more than 40 countries - many of the most remote on the globe.
And our guest, Dale Templar, was the series producer - the creative brains behind it all. She talks us through the secret to producing and directing award-winning docos + her experience of working with Bear Grylls and other celebs in the jungles of Costa Rica. Pop this ep in your ears and enjoy an easy escape…
Secondly, if you’re into the trendy food and wine scene, especially in Melbourne, there’s a good chance you’ve met or heard of Jess Ho. Either whilst you're trying to get into a fancy restaurant… or being looked after inside.
Jess lifts the lid on the hospitality industry - the ‘weird’ celebrity chef culture, dealing with rude customers with ridiculous requests and the super crazy food trends. Jess also talks about their own childhood - being Cantonese in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, winning the legal right to live on their own at 15 - and why Jess would rather forget the experience of being a judge on a primetime TV food show. (It didn’t go so well. At all.)
BONUS:
I also have two more episodes almost ready for you. I’ve just finished interviewing wonder woman Turia Pitt who gave me a masterclass in overhauling my mindset (in a hilarious, no B.S., down-to-earth way - without all the guilt!) and taught me easy ways to find more time for myself. Turia also told me I need to write more… and to keep running. So I’m going to.
PLUS I sat down with mum of four and author Jodi Wilson and chatted about her book ‘Practising Simplicity: small steps and brave choices for a life less distracted.’ It’s such a soothing read and a nice little reminder that we don’t need stuff to make us happy (again, without the preachy/nagging!). Jodi also talks about sitting at a crammed school concert, in the middle of Witching Hour, disillusioned with the crazy cost of living and sick of the rush and the race, realising she was going to follow through on her life-changing decision to sell up everything and travel around Australia with her family in a caravan. You’re going to love it!
The episodes will be live soon - hang tight.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | FAVE THINGS OF THE WEEK
Tom Hanks chatting with Dax Shepard on Armchair Expert.
Author Farrah Storr’s list of the best psychics in town. No idea if they’re any good… but who wants to give them a go with me?
Surviving the first year of… the rest of your life. A quick, on the fly, look at the first year of motherhood. I wrote this whilst sleep deprived and slightly (mostly) delirious.
Get Up In Front Of Everyone And Present Playlist: Do you have to do a speech or presentation at work and you’re really just NOT feeling it? I’ve made us a shared Spotify playlist to help. Let me know if there are more songs we should add!!
So my fabulous people, I hope this newsletter makes your week that little bit better.
Feel free to forward this email to a friend/fam who might enjoy it. And as always, hit reply and say hi or ask a question.
Chat soon.
Love,
Steph. xx