For years Maz Farrelly produced a number of the biggest shows on earth - Big Brother, X factor, Celebrity Apprentice, to name just a few. Discover the real woman behind the fame and success in this surprising and enlightening conversation. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKv…

In this wide ranging conversation Anthony Albanese reveals, amongst other things, his mistakes, genuine passion for music, admiration for the Queen and the similarities between the mafia and politics. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvdkG Follow The Five of My Life on Insta…

Professor Peter Greste spent 400 harrowing days in an Egyptian jail on fabricated terrorism charges. An experience that is the subject of a major new motion picture - The Correspondent - starring Richard Roxborough. Peter is an award winning foreign correspondent with over 25 years experience working for the BBC, Al Jazeera and Reuters. Hear each s…

Lucy Wark is the founder of Normal, a sexual wellness brand giving everyone the tools, information and confidence to explore sexuality without stress or shame. Amongst many other accolades she has a first class honours degree from Cambridge in Social Sciences, a career at McKinsey and runs career skills platform Fuzzy. Quite the CV - but how did sh…

James Weir is a national treasure. One of the country’s finest comedic writers his newspaper columns have been delighting fans, and setting readership records, for over a decade. His sharp observation and irreverent humour is ever present in his other roles , including that as a high profile radio host and successful novelist. Hear each song chosen…

It would have taken a particularly gifted Nostradamus in the 1990s to predict both the demise of the traditional western rock band and the rise and rise of their South Korean replacements. yet that's what happened? But how did it happen? Join me as we take a medium-sized dive into what K Pop is all about and how come it's been such a runaway succes…

Jacinta Tynan has spent over 30 years in the media industry in her varied roles as a TV presenter, journalist, reporter and columnist. Also a successful multi book author Jacinta has recently launched both a coaching business and the world’s #1 Spiritual Book Club. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/pl…

I always politely decline when people ask me what my Five choices would be if I were the guest, not the host, of the show. However when asked by Vinyl Maelstrom to nominate my top ten of other people’s 5ML song choices I couldn’t resist… Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvdk…

The best and worst double albums ever. The 50 greatest cover versions of all time. The 100 greatest British albums of all time. The greatest indie anthems ever. The 100 greatest albums you've never heard. The 50 darkest albums of all time. The 101 albums to hear before you die. Why must we always rank rank rank these records? Let's have a medium-si…

Paul Sinton-Hewitt’s parkrun is truly a global phenomenon. From humble beginnings in 2004 it has grown to be one of the world’s biggest - and most important - sporting events; with millions taking part every week. In this episode meet the man behind the movement that’s making the world healthier and happier one run at a time. Hear each song chosen …

The terminally uncool "pop" programme from the terminally uncool state TV station, BBC1. A recipe for failure, surely. And yet, everyone watched Top of the Pops. Why was that? Take a trip back in time to the culturally hegemonic imperial phase of the programme; to a time when it was great act of subversion to play air guitar as you mimed to your hi…

Pip Courtney is an Australian icon. Her work on ABC’s Landline TV programme for over 30 years has made her a national treasure - her compelling and empathetic weekly storytelling of agricultural issues being enjoyed by city dwellers and country folk alike. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60…

For Jacqui Lambie - Senator for Tasmania - no topic was off limits when she took The Five Of My Life challenge. Nominated by Jan Fran, Jacqui tells Nigel about her suicide attempt, regrets over her education, bonk-buster novels, overcoming the odds and more, all in her trademark forthright style. Check out the 'Five of My Life playlist' on Spotify …

In July 1979 Steve Dahl organised a Disco Demolition Night at a baseball game in Comiskey Park, Chicago. Infuriated by disco music and its chart dominance it was the latest in a growing nationwide "Disco Sucks!" campaign. That night ended in a riot. But some have argued it also ended disco as a genre. But now, is the distrust between a liberal elit…

Leaving the Jehovah Witness church is always difficult, but even more so when you're a Lebanese Lesbian. Stand-up Naomi Mourra has taken her challenging life experiences and turned them into comedy, as revealed in her thoughtful Five Of My Life Choices. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram Contact Nigel here.…

Host Nigel Marsh speaks to Osher Günsberg, one of Australia’s most recognisable and loved media personalities. Currently on our screens as the host of The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise , Osher has recently written a heartfelt and revealing memoir ,‘Back after the break’ ,that shows a very different side to the one on television as does this con…

Sure, we've all got a favourite carol or maybe anthem and words matter with them. Hard to imagine a hymn with la-la-las instead of lyrics halfway through. But you know how people say "I never forget a face, but I'm no good with names." It seems to be a badge of honour for some people to say they can't be bothered with lyrics, almost as if it shows …

Holly Wainwright has had a long career as a journalist and editor, most recently as head of Content at Mamamia - Australia's only women's media company. Author of four best-selling books and host of two of the country's most successful podcasts, Holly's honest, relatable and wise commentary has earned her an army of followers. Follow The Five of My…

The globally renowned neurosurgeon is named as one of Australia’s most trusted people for taking on the cases others class as hopeless and synonymous for speaking his mind. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvdkG Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram: The Five of My Life (@…

Amanda Keller is one of Australia's most successful and most loved media personalities. Whether it be hosting the nation's most listened to radio show or presenting a number of top rated TV programs, Amanda has been at the head of the field for over 30 years. Also a respected author, actress and journalist - this episode beautifully demonstrates he…

Crab fishing with his dad in QLD and a cheating girlfriend. Host Nigel Marsh unlocks the funny stories behind Matt Okine's success in comedy, writing, TV and breakfast radio for Triple J. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvdkG Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram: The Fiv…

Anita Jacoby is a legend in the media industry having enjoyed pivotal roles at every major network. Over her career she has produced a number of iconic shows including 60 Minutes, The Gruen Transfer and Enough Rope with Andrew Denton. As well as orchestrating hundreds of interviews with everyone from Sir David Attenborough to Kevin Costner to Helen…

Knighted for his lifelong service to creative industries Sir John Hegarty has been central to the global advertising scene for over six decades. His passion for the business and belief in Turning Intelligence Into Magic has resulted in work that has influenced millions of consumers around the world - and inspired generations of creative people. htt…

From The Vault: To honour Richard Glover as he hands over the reins to ABC’s Sydney Drive program we are reissuing Episode 11 - his wonderfully entertaining response to the Five Of My Life challenge. Richard has been an intrinsic part of Sydney life for 25 years - a once in generation broadcaster who leaves big shoes to fill. Hear each song chosen …

Nigel Marsh has been hosting the 5 Of My Life podcast for many years now and in that time has interviewed all the great and the good, from prime ministers to rock stars, comedians to novelists, community workers to poets. https://open.spotify.com/show/0SwVzJ5JWezUpuJoKUA1OU?si=af32aa090fd64575 One element of his show is guests picking out a track o…

David Gonski has been called ’The Chairman Of Everything’ - Coca-Cola, Hoyts, Film Australia, NIDA, The Australian Stock Exchange, The Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Grammar, Investec, Morgan Stanley, the Future Fund, University of New South Wales, ANZ bank, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales are just some of the organisations to have benefitte…

La jour de gloire est arrivée. Things can only get better. It's time. Born in the USA. Keep on rockin' in the free world. Can music change anything when it is used in political campaigns? Come with us now as we travel through various countries and multiple songs and anthems which have been devised to sway the voter. Some have been written especiall…

Paige Kennedy is an alternative pop artist who’s breakthrough single ‘Lingerie Model’ saw their online following explode and garnered rave reviews for their entire magnificent body of work. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvdkG Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram: The F…

A few weeks ago Richard Osman on the Rest Is Entertainment podcast pointed out that only 3 bands had had #1s this decade. This was in contrast to the end of the previous century when bands dominated the charts. Why is this? Have all bands disappeared? (Spoiler alert: no.). Why have pop bands fallen off a cliff? On this episode we investigate this n…

Joe Hildebrand is one of Australia’s best known journalists and media presenters. Creator and host of the News Show ’The Real Story with Joe Hildebrand’ he is also the author of a memoir entitled ‘An Average Joe: My horribly Abnormal life Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60PqJQ1rg6fverFMyKvd…

If you're not an Australian it can be hard to identify a distinctive Australian sound or movement. One candidate is the Aussie Pub Rock phenomenon which flourished in the 70s and 80s and out of which bands like AC/DC emerged. One of Australia's leading copywriters joins me in the studio to explain its origins, the secret to its success and its even…

Kerri Sackville is a prolific writer who, on top of her columns in the Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Life and Melbourne Age, has published five bestselling books. Her response to the Five Of My Life challenge was deeply personal, thought provoking and, ultimately, uplifting. Hear each song chosen by every Five of My Life guest at: https://open.spot…

Some people say there's no such thing as guilty pleasures in music. You either like it or you don't. So, own it. Still, would it have a name if it didn't exist? (Well, yes, it might. There are no unicorns, after all.) This episode seeks to understand why some people do feel a sense of guilt when they listen to certain types of music and why that sh…

As CEO of Heaps Normal Andy Miller has helped transform an entire industry: and changed Australian drinking culture. A fascinating , thoughtful character - his belief that those who want to change the world need to throw a better party than those who are destroying it is an inspiration for anyone determined to make a positive difference Hear each s…

Some academic bod has analysed every US presidential election and worked out the Keys To Success. He claims to correctly predict every populist vote. Can we do the same for musical success? We can have a go. This is my equivalent - The Ten Keys To Music Success. It's obligatory to say "You won't believe Number 7!", but in reality it's entirely cred…

This episode is the the second of a double header. Steve Pringle, author of the classic Fall analysis "You Must Get Them All", gave us his thoughts on why the group resonate so strongly for so many in Part One. Here, he suggests to a nominal newcomer to the group's work where to get started on The Fall's vast catalogue. A handful of representative …

If an author writes a book analysing every single, every album, every phase and every lineup change of a band, it might be a decent-sized tome. In the case of The Fall, there's over 50 members, over 30 albums, over 500 songs and over 40 years to process. That is exactly what Steve Pringle undertook to carry out and he achieved his aim magnificently…

Sarah Bailey is an impressive triple threat: successfully managing to combine writing a series of bestselling crime thrillers with running an award winning advertising agency - at the same time as having a baby in her 20s, 30s, and 40s. Insightful and charming it was a pleasure hearing her response to the Five Of My Life challenge. Hear each song c…

Oasis are reforming for a reunion tour. Have you heard? What marks out Oasis as so different from their contemporaries? It's hard to believe it's their musical sophistication or their profound lyrics. But something makes them incredibly popular. We also take a look more broadly at why people get so misty-eyed about the 90s. Is it just harking back …

On our previous show, Paul Burke proposed that punk was unimportant at the time, left no lasting musical legacy and the reason people still bang on about it is because the middle classes act as its gatekeeper in the media that we all read and watch. In this riposte, while not dismissing all of Paul's points, I'll try to put punk in its cultural con…

The glowing global accolades Heather Mitchell received for her performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg came as no surprise to her fans, as Heather has been delighting audiences on screen, stage and paper across 4 decades. It was wonderful to have her turn her irresistible intellect, personality and warmth to the Five Of My Life challenge. Hear each song…

Contrariness - we've got it. "If you were born after 1970 and don’t remember punk, you’ve almost certainly been misled by people who do. You’ve probably been told – through countless paean-to-punk retrospectives, documentaries and newspaper culture pages ­– that it was a glorious, anarchic revolution that swept all before it. I can tell you first-h…

From The Vault: As the media landscape becomes relentlessly ever more simplistic, shouty and siloed I wanted to re-release this thoughtful and moving episode with one of the country’s longest serving , and most respected, newspaper editors. The News never stops, former Editor of The Australian newspaper Chris Mitchell provides insights into an extr…

What even defines indie? It used to mean something way back when. Groups that were on independent labels with a DIY approach and a different take on the world. But in a world where Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish with their billions of listens are indie - even Taylor Swift - does indie mean anything at all any more? How did we get to where we are no…

Jonathan Seidler is the bestselling author of ‘It’s a shame about Ray’ and ‘All the beautiful things you love’. His writing regularly features in The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian. Also a creative director and music critic his columns in Esquire on, among other things, mental health and fatherhood have become required reading f…

That lime green colour. That blurry font. And now BRAT has been picked up by the Kamala Harris campaign (this is August 2024). Is this something worth finding more about or will it all blow over by the autumn, like Gangnam Style and Barbie did? Almost certainly yes. But, it is intriguing and is, I believe, worthy of analysis. If nothing else, you c…

Turn on commercial radio and what time signature are you 95% likely to hear in the first song? 4 beats to the bar, that's what. Is that just the natural pace of music or is something else going on? In fact, if you went to a dance in the nineteenth century, it would most likely be in 3 time, or a waltz. Travel to, say, Burundi, Bulgaria, Bengaluru o…

As a lifelong passionate advocate for , and expert in, the rural sector Mary O’Brien couldn’t stand by and accept the shockingly high rates of depression and suicide amongst men in rural areas. Her charity 'Are You Bogged Mate?’ leads the way in providing tailored help to country blokes that saves countless lives and families. Contact Nigel Marsh a…

Why do sports fans chant? Is it just to support their team or is there more to it than that? (Spoiler alert: there is more to it than that.) Join me, Ian Forth, in a spirited discussion which will take in the Chip Butty Song, organic living folk traditions, secular rituals, the Maori hakka, Sufi whirling dervishes, the Covid effect, Pat Nevin, vari…

Dr Stephen Rashford leads an elite team that is tasked with bringing the emergency room to the crash scene. In his 18 years as Medical Director of Queensland Ambulance Service he has personally attended to thousands of callouts giving him a unique, and fascinating, perspective. Contact Nigel at nigelmarsh.com…