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Speakola is the home for great speeches on the web.
Tony Wilson is the founder and curator of Speakola, which now hosts more than 2000 speeches, some famous – think Churchill, Obama, Gandhi - some not so well known.
In each episode, Tony interviews someone who has written, delivered or studied a great speech to reveal the stories behind the scenes, to provide context to the historical moment, or in the case of eulogies, birthdays and other common events, to inspire people to hit new creative highs.
Tony will also play a ‘speech of the week’ to honour great words by great orators. Released fortnightly.
Speakola, for all speeches great and small.
71 Episodes
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On 26th April 2014, Megan Washington delivered a TEDx Talk that immediately trended on Twitter, and has gone on to be viewed nearly three million times. It's a beautiful public declaration about her stutter, and has so many interesting and funny moments about what a stutter is, and how it affects the life of a public performer. In her own words, Meg ends her TED Talk with a TED Sing, and it's absolutely spellbinding, a live performance of her song '‘To Or Not Let Go’. In recent times, Meg has been the voice of Calypso on Bluey, and also the writer of the acclaimed Australian movie, 'How to Make Gravy', adapting the Paul Kelly song of the same name. Her song, 'Fine', won a AACTA Award last year for Best Original Song. Megan's most recent album is GEM. She has gigs coming up in Feb-April 2026 in Tugun, Brunswick Heads, Cleveland, St Kilda and Main Ridge. You can help Speakola library, podcast and newsletter survive by joining Substack, the Patreon, or straight donation. Tony has written stories about taking his son Jack to music gigs on Good one, Wilson (3500 subscribers) Tony has signed picture books for sale, as well as middle grade and sports books for adults. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1In 2010, The Church were reluctant inductees to the ARIA Rock Hall of Fame, and reluctant speakers too. Steve Kilbey says in this interview that they hadn't planned to speak, but felt the pressure to say something as every other inductee spoke beautifully before them. What he eventually delivered was an after dinner classic, a funny, virtually off the cuff speech about Australian music, the other four inductees and tales from the road. In this Speakola episode Steve gives an account of that night, but also a wonderful biographical summary of his life in music, including his first gig in Canberra, his mum and dad, receiving his first bass, playing school shows, forming The Church, and much more. Steve Kilbey's speech transcript is up on Speakola library. The Church's The Singles Tour has announced some new dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in February. You can help Speakola library, podcast and newsletter survive by joining Substack, the Patreon, or straight donation. Tony's 'How To Get on Race Around the World' articles are up at Good one, Wilson. Tony has signed picture books for sale, as well as middle grade and sports books for adults. Grab a signed copy for Christmas! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In March, I chatted to speech collector Dana Rubin for Women's History Month (there have been delays releasing the episode - my apologies, Dana). It's a great chat with a kindred spirit. Dana has created the Speaking While Female speech bank that showcases speeches by women across history and around the world. She also edited the book Speaking While Female: 75 Extraordinary Speeches By American Women The episode is topped and tailed by two speeches in Dana's collection. Emma Watson's HeForShe launch speech at United Nations, 2014 Oprah Winfrey's 'Times Up' speech at the Golden Globes, 2018 To support Speakola, make a straight donation at Speakola website, or become a paid subscriber to newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My mother, Margaret Joan Wilson died on the 20th of April 2025 while I was away in Budapest. It was a big shock and a terrible day. We had a private family ceremony on 7th May and a more public celebration of life on the 8th. This speech was delivered at the second event. The text and video of the eulogy is up at Speakola newsletter and in the Speakola library. My brother Ned did the MCing and was brilliant. My Mum truly was 'Margaret Wilson, Mother of Readers' I'll miss her always. Support Speakola by going paid Make a donation Read about Mum winning Miss Footy 1969. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Author & documentary maker John Safran talks in this episode about his eulogy for 'the People's Priest', Father Bob Maguire at St Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne in May 2023. He also discusses his latest book 'Squat' about his week squatting at Kaye West's LA Mansion and his creative life as Australia's best known 'valid troll' (to use John's own expression) Safran has a live show Squatting at Kanye's and Other Adventures at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival on April 17th, as well as shows in Hobart and Paramatta. He's our first return guest on the podcast. He was also on episode 27, 'Unsmoke the World' Sign up to Speakola newsletter, either as a free subscriber or pay $50 a year to show your support. Tony's film 'Ange & The Boss - Puskas in Australia' is currently showing at Cinema Nova (daily sessions) and Thornbury Picture House. Follow the film's progress and Tony's writing generally at Good one, Wilson! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comedian Sammy J is a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Great Debate regular. He is the interviewee for this first episode of 2025 and the feature speech is his opening argument for the negative team in 2018, 'That we must go to Mars'. Sammy J's currently touring show is 'The Kangaroo Effect' which is on in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth in the next month or so. This years Melbourne International Comedy Festival Great Debate will take place on 12th April at Melbourne Town Hall. Tony's feature documentary 'Ange & The Boss' about Ferenc Puskas and his time at the South Melbourne Hellas is currently in cinemas! He is very excited about this, it has had a great run and stellar reviews. All sessions are up at angeandtheboss.com This week's sessions include the fiollowing Q&A events: BRISBANE Thursday 27th March 6.30 The Barracks Q&A pre-film with Tony Wilson & Cam Fink BRISBANE Thursday 27th March 6.30 Five Star New Farm Q&A with Tony Wilson & Cam Fink plus 1991 Hellas star Daniel Wright ADELAIDE Saturday 29th March 7.00 Picadilly, North Adelaide Q&A with Tony Wilson & Cam Fink MELBOURNE Sunday 30th March 6.15 Thornbury Picture House Q&A with director Tony Wilson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A brief update confirming that the podcast will resume in March 2025. Episodes have already been recorded with Sammy J (on comedy debates), John Safran (eulogy for Father Bob Maguire) and Dana Rubin (speech collector, Speaking While Female). I'm also announcing the release of our documentary 'Ange & The Boss - Puskas in Australia'. After selling out at the Greek Film Festival (second most viewed film there) are in cinemas around the country from 13-16th March. Tickets and session times MelbourneThurs 13/3 - Palace Pentridge Coburg, 6.30pm, guests Gus Tsolakis and Peter KhalilFri 14/3 - Nova Carlton, 6.30pm, guests Paul Trimboli and Francis LeachFri 14, Sat 15, Sun 16/3 - Sun Theatre YarravilleSat 15/3 - Classic Elsternwick, 3pm, co-director Rob Heath joins us;Sat 15, Sun 16/3 - Palace Westgarth, 3pm (Sun only), guest Kimon Taliadoris (pre film)Sat 15, Sun 16 - Palace Pennylane, Moonee PondsSat 15, Sun 16 - Palace BalwynSat 15, Sun 16 - Palace Brighton Church StreetSun 16/3 - Lido Hawthorn, 3pm, guest Kimon Taliadoris and Libbi Gorr;Sat 22/3 - Cameo Belgrave, 3pm, Hungarian community specialSat 22 & Sun 23 and Tues 25/3 - Thornbury Picture House, 6pm, guest David Bridie (Sun only) GeelongSun 22/3 - The Pivotonian, 1pm, with guest Steve Horvat SydneySat 15, Sun 16, Mon 17/3 - Norton Street Leichardt, 6.30pm (film maker introduction to film, Mon only)Mon 17/3 - Ritz Randwick, 7pm, guest Daniel Garb (Q&A post film) BrisbaneSat 15, Sun 16/3 - Palace James St Thurs 27/3 - Palace Barracks, 6.30, (film maker introduction to film)Thurs 27/3 - Five Star cinema, New Farm, 6.30pm (guest Daniel Wright) AdelaideSat 15, Sun 16 - Palace Nova ProspectSat 29/3 - The Picadilly North Adelaide, 7pm, guest John Thompson-Mills CanberraSat 15, Sun 16 - Palace Electric PerthSat 15, Sun 16 - Palace Raine SquareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since 2006, Andrew Moran has been a baritone with Opera Australia in Sydney. When he visited Melbourne as part of a touring production of Puccini's Tosca, Tony spoke to him about a lovely eulogy he delivered for his father, Lawrie Moran, the man who inspired him to sing, in Surrey Hills, Melbourne, on 9 November 2023.
You can read and listen to the eulogy on Speakola.
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Comedy writer Declan Fay is Tony's Speakola guest. Declan was the co-writer of Ronny Chieng International Student and the hilarious Crossbread podcast, about a Christian rap duo who hit the big time, but don't happen to be Christians (stars Megan Washington and Chris Ryan). Declan was head writer for this year's AACTA Awards, and has been part of writers' rooms for Rove, Dirty Laundry Live, Problems and You're Skitting Me. His The Sweetest Plum podcast with Chris Kennett was one of Australia's pioneering comedy podcasts, and ran for many years.
He also speaks regularly in schools via Booked Out Speakers Agency, who also represent Tony for school visits.
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The cohost of ABC breakfast radio in Adelaide, Jules Schiller delivered a beautiful best man speech for his old comedy partner Tony Moclair when he married Kate in 2003. It's a Speakola favourite, and in this episode, Jules comes on in the aftermatch of a Married at First Sight best man speech abomination to talk about what makes a great best man speech, or wedding speech generally.
Opening audio is from Tony Moclair afternoons on 3AW.
I wrote a piece about best man speeches recently for the Speakola podcast.
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For the sixth year running, Tony awards his speeches of the year on Triple R's 'The Grapevine' with Dylan Bird. This year, no Kulya who has moved on from the show after 13 years. Congrats Kulya. Thank you to Triple R for the audio. Dylan will be back in 2024 with a new show called Future Perfect.
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Merry Xmas, Happy holiday, have a great New YearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For 15 seasons and 181 episodes, Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis have been the dual hosts of 'Rockwiz', bringing their wit, charm and performance energy to Australia's legendary music quiz show. In this episode Tony chats to them about what makes a good MC, and they share tips and yarns from several decades of hosting big events.
In the second half, Tony's 12 year old son Jack joins the conversation. He's a big fan of Julia and Brian (and Rockwiz), and fancies himself as a bit of an MC himself. He prepared some questions for his heroes, and it's a lovely and funny end to the episode.
There's some extra Jack questions that will be in the bonus Patreon feed, and on the Speakola newsletter.
To read about Jack's visit to the Rockwiz Good Friday Show.
To read and see video of Jack going to the Bruce Springsteen show at AAMI Park.
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Lahra Carey's husband Ben Cowen died in paragliding accident on 8th of January 2017. A few days later, Lahra spoke at her husband's graveside, paying tribute to 'the Ben effect' and summoning friends and mourners to 'Ben's Army'. The speech is recreated for the episode, and Lahra talks to Tony about love and loss, and the challenge of giving a eulogy in the toughest moments.
Lahra Carey's eulogy for Ben Cowen is one of the most popular speeches on Speakola.
Lahra Carey's speech at time of one year anniversary is also amazing.
Lahra works at Narrative Comms in crisis management
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Donate to the Cowen kids Parachute organisation, to help children who are dealing with death, illness or divorce of a parent, and are under financial hardship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Brendan Nelson was Liberal Party leader and Leader of the Opposition in Australia in 2007-08. After he retired from politics, he became Director of the Australian War Memorial, and has a masterly knack of sharing the stories of this country's military heroes. The feature speech here was delivered in 2014 at a Soldier On charity fundraiser. Tony's cohost for this episode, comedian and Utopia star Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann was MC that night, and watched in awe as Dr Nelson explained the significance of a George Lambert print and its special frame, and watched bidding rocket from $1000 to $40,000 immediately. Lehmo says it is the greatest speech he ever saw live. The original audio is not available but Dr Nelson told the story as part of his 'five most significant artifacts at the Australian War Memorial' section of his Howard Oration in 2021, and that audio is included.
There is also some beautiful singing at the end of this 50th episode of the podcast, by Private Ken Gant who was killed at the Battle of Long Tan, and recorded a song for his mother the day before he was deployed.
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Tell someione; Rate or review us in iTunes, or support me financially. There's no production company for this, just me.
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Brendan Nelson's autobiography 'Of Life and Leadership' is available here. All proceeds to Legacy and Lifeline.
You can book Lehmo for comedy and more, here.
Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clare Wright is an award winning author and documentary maker and a previous guest on this podcast (Ep 46). This very personal speech about depression was delivered at a The Wheeler Centre event called 'Epic Fail' featuring well known authors and artists sharing their stories of failure.
Clare's description of a state of depression is so evocative that Melbourne musician Suzannah Espie wrote a song using the words of the speech as lyrics, 'I'm sorry, I failed'. The episode concludes with that song.
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This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m. Clare's narrates the film, Utopia Girls , which you can stream at Docplay.
Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson!
The number for Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
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Brendan Gale became CEO of Richmond in late 2009, and delivered this speech to the whole of the football club in the rooms in the old Punt Road grandstand in early 2010. it was a vision for the future, and it was mocked in the press at the time. Richmond had not won a final for 30 years and had competed in finals twice in the previous fifteen. Gale outlined a plan to win three premierships in ten years. It's an articulate corporate speech in a sporting environment with brave goal setting. I spoke to Brendan Gale as part of interview process for my Allan Jeans biography (Yabby, Hardie Grant, 2024)
The transcript and audio reenactment of Gale's speech is on Speakola.
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This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m.
Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tomorrow is ANZAC Day in Australia, our most important day for commemorating and recognising the sacrifice of armed servicemen and women. To coincide, here is a re-release of speechwriter Don Watson's interview about the Paul Keating's 'Eulogy to the Unknown Soldier' delivered at the Canberra War Memorial on Remembrance Day 1993.
The occasion was the interment of the remains of one Australian solider, dug up from a battlefield on the Western Front.
It is a revered speech in this country, the words are now chiselled into the Australian War Memorial itself and the phrase 'He is all of them, and he is one of us'; was even at the centre of a political stoush in 2013 over whether it should replace Kipling's 'Known Unto God' on the graves of Unknown Soldiers. (Kipling won the day).
This is a shorter episode than the usual Speakola length. If you are interested in Don Watson and his speechwriitng career, the previous episode is much more detailed, and discusses Watson's somewhat broken relationship with the former Prime Minister.
Watson's most recent books are 'There it is Again' (Collected Writings) and The Bush.
The speech is now up on Speakola for the first time with vision thanks to Rhett Bartlett and Rhettrospective.
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Read analysis of this speech in newsletter
Read the Barry Humphries speech mentioned in the introduction, 'Through the Thin End of an Asparagus Roll', National Press Club, 1978
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Please subscribe to the podcast, visit Speakola, and share any great speeches that are special to you, famous or otherwise. I just need transcript & photo /video embed. Speakola also has Twitter and Facebook feeds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A bonus episode with Walkley winning journalist Andrew Rule recorded when we chatted about his eulogy for his father (episode 44)
This episode is about Andrew's eulogy for Les Carlyon, a fellow legend of Australian journalism and writing. The speech was delivered on March 12th 2019 at Flemington racecourse, the home of Australian racing and the location for some of Carlyon's most beautiful writing. As Andrew says in the speech, he was the poet laureate of the turf.
Andrew Rule has a 'Life and Crimes' podcast and I was a guest talking footy rogues, 'Black sheep in footy boots'.
I read out a list of thank yous in this episode to people who have been 'super subscribers',(Beyond the $5 per month) either as 'founding members' at the newsletter or 'Standing Ovation' donors on Patreon
I'm also very grateful to every person who has helped me over these last two years to provide an income stream for this project.
Thanks also to those who are donors just through Paypal
This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m.
Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've just had the terrible news that Ron Joseph, Speakola's guest for E36 of this podcast, died this week aged 77. He was so accommodating with this interview, and we chatted for nearly two hours about his incredible life in footy administration and in particular the North Melbourne footy club. I'll put up some of the general (non speechy audio) from that day on the Good one, Wilson podcast, which is at my personal newsletter page.
This is a republish of that episode from last year, which featured Ron Joseph's eulogy to Lou Richards, which is one of the great AFL speeches.
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RIP Ron JosephSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vida Goldstein was the first woman to campaign for elected office for a national parliament in the English speaking world. It was the election of 1903, Ms Goldstein ran for the Senate in the Australian parliament, and she lost! Her launch speech was at Portland in Victoria and podcast guest Prof Clare Wright read it aloud for the Sydney Writers Festival's 'Friends, Romans, Countrymen' event in 2022.
In this episode, Clare talks about Vida Goldstein's speech, but also her place in the women's suffrage struggle of the 1880s and 90s. She explains quite brilliantly how that period of women's history unfolded, and how Australian women became leaders on the world stage helping other white women win their struggles in the UK and the USA. Vida was an invitee to the Roosevelt White House, and helped and inspired Emmeline Pankhurst. Clare also explains that the early suffragists did not help indigenous women win or in the case of South Australia, retain the vote. They were products of the White Australia' era they inhabited.
The audio of the speech as read by Clare Wright is courtesy of the Sydney Writers Festival. You can purchase tickets to the 2023 festival here.
Clare's books include the Stella Award winning The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and You Daughters of Freedom.
Join Speakola newsletter here. For IWD, I released Part 1 and Part 2, Great speeches by women, decade by decade, 1910-2023.
It's just $5 a month to be a paid subscriber.
Thanks also to those who are donors or Patreons.
This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m. Clare's narrates the film, Utopia Girls , which you can stream at Docplay.
Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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