“You have silly ideas when you’re drunk”: Beers with Hamish & Andy prompted Christian O’Connell’s Aussie move

Former Assistant Editor
Image: Hamish & Andy

Christian O’Connell started his new show at Gold FM Melbourne just weeks ago, but the British broadcaster has told Radio Today that the seed for his Aussie move was planted several years ago.

The idea to come to Australia first stemmed from a drunk conversation Christian had with Hamish Blake and Andy Lee after they simulcast a show internationally together in 2012.

“We went out after that simulcast and had a few beers, and they were like ‘you should come to Australia!’ You know you have silly ideas up when you’re drunk.”

“A few years later and my show starts to get bigger and bigger. I’m looking at 12 years on that show. I’m thinking ‘I need a new challenge, I’m getting into a comfort zone here.'”

Years later the seed had grown into an idea, and Christian called Andy to ask for his honest opinion on whether a move to Australia could actually work.

“Part of me wanted him to say ‘no, sorry mate. It’s a stupid idea, it’s an awful midlife crisis. Go and have an affair, get yourself a Harley Davidson if that’s what you need to do’.

“Unfortunately for Melbourne, or fortunately depending on how you see it, [Andy] said ‘look there’s no one doing your kind of radio here'”

That led to a conversation with old friend Duncan Campbell, and the rest is history.

“I’ve been here now six weeks in Melbourne, and I can honestly say it’s been the biggest challenge of my life.”

More to come from Radio Today‘s chat with Christian O’Connell.

Comment Form

Your email address will not be published.

Recent comments (3)
Post new comment
BILKO
26 Jun 2018 - 2:40 pm

I have to say Christian that ever since that Hamish & Andy show I kept in tune with what you did on Absolute Radio UK and have followed you to GOLD. I can only grab the daily podcast but you are killing it dude! Getting to listen to a dedicated radio pro start with a new audience is a very rare thing and I’m going to enjoy the ride as a listener. Melbourne will come to love you bloke.

Sam Menhennet
26 Jun 2018 - 4:55 pm

What BLIKO said. Ever since I heard the Citizen Swap show. I’ve listened to Christian and Richies antics via Podcast never would I ever thought I get to hear him Live and be apart of the show here in Melbourne!

Rick
27 Jun 2018 - 6:05 am

Ah well you said it Christian good luck.

Jobs

See all