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A Rational Fear
Wendy Harmer — A Rational Conversation
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In this conversation, Dan and Lewis interview Wendy Harmer, a comedy legend and former radio host. They discuss the evolution of comedy and radio, the impact of commercial radio, memorable interactions with radio management, and unconventional radio stunts. Wendy shares stories from her time on The Morning Crew and reflects on the cultural significance of the show. They also discuss the changing media landscape and the success of radio hosts like Kyle and Jackie O. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique and influential role of radio in the comedy industry.
Takeaways
- Radio has played a significant role in the evolution of comedy, providing a platform for comedians to showcase their talent and reach a wide audience.
- Commercial radio has undergone significant changes over the years, with comedians becoming a staple on radio shows and management often lacking experience in the medium.
- Unconventional radio stunts and promotions have been a hallmark of the industry, with hosts often pushing boundaries to engage listeners and boost ratings.
- Wendy Harmer's time on The Morning Crew was culturally significant, as she brought a female perspective to radio and helped redefine the role of women in the industry.
- The media landscape has changed dramatically, with the rise of social media and digital platforms providing new avenues for content creation and consumption.
A Rational Fear is turning 1,000,000 in downloads. Buy a ticket to our 1,000,000th download live show here:
https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/tickets/malthouse-outdoor-stage/a-rational-fear/
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and One Millionth Download Show
02:25
Introducing Wendy Harmer
03:05
The Evolution of Comedy and Radio
05:01
Capturing the Comedy Community
08:07
Finding Your Tribe in Comedy
09:08
The Impact of Commercial Radio
10:10
Memorable Interactions in Radio
12:39
Unconventional Radio Stunts
17:30
The Influence of Radio Management
19:16
The Dash for Cash and Other Stunts
21:53
The Origin of 'Two Strangers and a Wedding'
23:45
The Cultural Significance of The Morning Crew
30:32
The Impact of Wendy Harmer's Radio Career
33:36
The Changing Landscape of Media
36:06
The Success of Kyle and Jackie O
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More episodes
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248. End of (fear) year wrap
45:13||Season 2025, Ep. 248🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/What a great episode to end the year on. It's magic when the guests are good old friends with time under their belts, joy in their hearts and stupidity in their mouths.Kirsten Drysdale's new YouTube show is crushing it, she reviews creators on the internet — The Internet ReviewedSami Shah you can find weekly on Patreon making podcasts and thoughtful posts — News WeaklyThis week we cover a deeply important threat to democracy as we know it; The US State Department calling the Calibri font woke, we cash in on politician entitlements, and we try to decipher who 36 Months are and what they really want. Cam Wilson at Crikey.com.au has done some great work over the last year on the teenage social media ban — and this 36 Months story is developing fast. It's worth a sub to Cam and Crikey to follow it as it unfolds.There's also and end of year quiz, and for some reason we talk about Jimmy Fallon and tech bros.There's a lot going on — but it's a fun 45minutes hanging with funny friends.Couldn't think of a better way to spend a road trip.Happy Christmas to you all — we'll be back after Australia Day with some more A Rational Fear episodes, and perhaps the odd secret gig. To find out more sign up to our Patreon!🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
247. Satan Worshipers. Dental Chairs & Spotify Wrapped
36:29||Season 2025, Ep. 247🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/G'day Fearmongers —We have two of Australia's great brains join us, the brilliant Grace Tame and the editor of The Chaser John Delmenico. This week we sling satirical barbs about Spotify, satanic worshipers with a even less desirable side hobby, the bad essay that tried to start a culture war, and do a quick drive by of the photos release from Epstein's Island.And for new Patreon supporters who sign up this week — you can win yourself a bottle of Evil Ray sunscreen. https://evilray.com/All you have to do is sign up to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearCheersDan🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
246. The Burqas are better at Pauline Hansons?
33:58||Season 2025, Ep. 246🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
245. Australia retreats from Türkiye AGAIN! (COP31 Update)
23:28||Season 2025, Ep. 245🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/We speak with Richie Merzian who was live on the ground in Belem for COP30, he is big climate nerd who is deep in the civil society movement to bring COP31 to Australia.Sadly — we found out this morning that Australia will not be hosting COP31 in Australia. Rather Türkiye will host with COP31 with Minister Chris Bowen as the President of COP with a leaders meeting pre-COP in a Pacific Island nation to be determined.I'm a little disappointed today — it was going to be such a great moment for Australia to promote South Australia's efforts to decarbonise, to put the Pacific front and centre, and have an international spotlight on Australia as a major exporter of emissions, and put pressure on the government to change that.Anyway — sorry Adelaide — we've cancelled our COP live show, but maybe we'll be down for festival season.Cheers,Dan🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
244. Why UK Labour so fugged?
42:09||Season 2025, Ep. 244🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/G’day Fearmongers,Athena Kugblenu joins us this week to help us answer the question of the year “What the hell is wrong with UK Labour?”They shouldn’t be failing, they should be thriving, but somehow, UK Labour is sh*tting the bed.Athena, a long-time connoisseur of cowardice, tells us as quickly and as poetically a she could why UK Labour is sinking faster than carbon fiber submersible.Enjoy this cathartic conversation.Cheers,Dan Ilic🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
243. Don't Mess With The Zohran!
31:31||Season 2025, Ep. 243🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear📨 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/G’day Fearmongers,So much fun this week to have Jenny Yang joins Lewis and I on A Rational Fear.Jenny is a Los Angeles based comedian, writer, director, podcaster and community organiser. She’s spent a huge amount of time in local politics. She painted us a picture of what it was like this week when Zohran Mamdani won City Hall in New York City.We discuss what it means for grassroots politics in the US moving forward.Even thought it’s only a mayoral seat, it felt like a seismic shift in American politics.AND if you’re an AACTA Member — our web series “Long Head” is up for an AACTA nomination, please consider making us your #1 choice.Cheers,Dan Ilic🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFearHere's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.👨🏼⚖️ Make show suggestions.💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261
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241. Dan & Lewis are uncomfortable when not public speaking
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240. Chris Bowen - A Rational Conversation
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