05. STEPH TISDELL
// brightest star in australian comedy
On today’s episode I chat with one of the brightest stars in Australian comedy! The very talented and hilarious comedian, Steph Tisdell. Steph is a proud Indigenous woman who is taking the comedy world by storm. Ever since she won the 2014 Deadly Funny National Grand Final, Steph has been a hit with audiences and critics alike and is now a regular on Australian mainstream TV shows such as The Project and Hughesy We Have A Problem. She was a part of the Aboriginal Comedy All Stars line-up, who sold out during their festival run at Edinburgh Fringe, before heading to London’s Soho Theatre. Steph’s 2019 spot on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala went viral and she was invited to host the gala in 2020.
In our chat we discuss Steph’s childhood in Brisbane with her mixed-race family, her pivot from studying Law/Journalism to a career in comedy and its power to address social justice issues, the importance of BIPOC representation in the arts and the pressures Steph has faced with the unrealistic expectation and responsibility to represent the entire Aboriginal community. We also discuss mental health challenges and Steph’s career highlights including the Edinburgh Comedy Gala and filming her first feature film “Love You Like That.”
Sharing this chat with Steph was like talking to an old friend. I loved her as soon as I started chatting with her and was struck by her warmth and authenticity throughout our conversation. She has this amazing hearty laugh that comes from the depths of her soul and fills the whole room with a golden happy glow, and every time she laughs it just makes me want to laugh! She is honest, brave, intelligent and a whole lot of fun. There is so much to take from this episode and I hope you enjoy the listen!
STEPH’S WEBSITE
FOLLOW STEPH
@stephtisdellcomedy
