Tall Poppies: The Podcast features insightful interviews with exceptional Australians living abroad. Each episode explores their work, their experiences overseas, and the journeys that have led them to international recognition. The series looks beyond the obvious success stories and asks what it really means to build a life and career far from home.
About the Guests
You know the big names – Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson – icons forged in the Hollywood spotlight. But did you know that Australia is a powerhouse of talent making waves worldwide?
Beyond the familiar faces, a vibrant community of Australians – artists, academics, athletes, scientists, and more – are achieving international recognition. Opera director Barrie Kosky, conductor Simone Young, and singer-songwriter Kat Frankie are just a glimpse of the extraordinary individuals featured on Tall Poppies.
As a journalist who has spent decades working internationally, I’m constantly amazed by the compelling lives and careers Australians are building far from home. What truly fascinates me are not just their successes, but the captivating personal journeys behind them.
In each episode of Tall Poppies, I have the privilege of interviewing one of these remarkable Australians. We discuss their work, their lives abroad, and the experiences that have shaped their remarkable paths. We also uncover how their Australian upbringing continues to fuel their creativity and ambition on the global stage.
About the Title
Tall Poppy Syndrome describes the tendency to criticise or “cut down” those seen as successful. The phrase is widely known in Australia.
The opening episode of Tall Poppies reflects on the meaning of the term today. Rather than cutting tall poppies down, this podcast celebrates them — and listens closely to their stories.
Meet Breandáin O’Shea
Based in Berlin, Breandáin O’Shea is an Australian arts journalist, musician, and educator with a passion for compelling stories. He’s a long-time contributor to major outlets like Deutsche Welle and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where he’s crafted award-winning arts programs, documentaries, and radio features. Breandáin has also shared his expertise through lectures across Europe.
In 2018, he founded Tall Poppies, a podcast dedicated to celebrating Australians achieving international success and uncovering the paths that brought them there. Alongside hosting, Breandáin remains an active performer, composer, and a champion for emerging audio storytellers.
Explore his extensive work at: intrepidear.org
Credits
- Producer/Presenter
- Breandáin O’Shea
- Logo
- John Zappia
- Music
- The “Tall Poppies Ditty,” composed by Breandáin O’Shea
- Webmaster
- Enrique Villa
Special thanks to Juergen Kuhn, Sudhir Aggarwal, Ian P. Johnson, and Enrique Villa