The Christian O’Connell Show

Christian and the team reflect on a week shaped by resilience, community, and unexpected kindness. From heartfelt moments with first responders to stories that remind us how small gestures can mean everything, this episode captures a city pulling together. Along the way, Christian shares personal highlights, surprising encounters, and a few classic cultural oddities, from hidden historic pubs to panthers that may or may not exist. There’s humour, humanity, and a genuine sense of connection as the team gets to know Sydney beyond the postcard version.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a plan to welcome Sydney with festive hams quickly shifts in response to a difficult week, with the team deciding to pass those small gifts on to first responders instead. Josh heads to Bondi to personally thank surf lifesavers and police, hearing firsthand stories of bravery, quiet resilience, and compassion in the aftermath of recent events. From silent beaches to unexpected moments of kindness, it’s a moving reminder of the people who show up when it matters most.   If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we continue getting to know Sydney, the city they’re temporarily calling home. Sharing powerful stories of kindness and resilience in the wake of tragedy, including a moving email from listener Brad about people lining up for hours to donate blood. There’s also room for lighter moments as the team dives into some of Sydney’s quirks, from the mythical panther to the ongoing seagull problem, and even a visit from a listener who claims to remember Saga World, the short lived theme park of the 90s. It’s a thoughtful mix of heart, humour, and discovery.   This episode contains discussion of violence, terrorism, and loss, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an extraordinary moment during an already devastating week, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese interrupted the show live to speak directly to the nation. He shared words of unity and resolve following the anti-Semitic terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration, reflecting on the meaning of light over darkness and the strength of Australians coming together in grief and defiance. The Prime Minister also provided an update on Ahmed, the Australian Hero whose bravery saved lives, and honoured other everyday heroes who ran toward danger. We spoke about national unity, community support, blood donations, candlelight vigils, public safety, gun laws, and how Australians move forward without letting fear win. A powerful, emotional conversation about leadership, courage, and the values that define Australia at its best.     This episode contains discussion of violence, terrorism, and loss, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support, or visit lifeline.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re still in our first week of breakfast in Sydney, and today is all about saying thank you and getting to know you. We share some of the incredibly kind messages and surprise gifts we’ve received so far, including a Bakewell tart and a cake that made our day. We chat with listeners about the things that matter to them, from pesky seagulls to the legendary Sydney panther, and throw around a fun idea to celebrate HSC students with a billboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day two in Sydney and Christian’s already replacing Jonesy & Amanda (don’t worry, they’ve been sent to a comfy “radio retirement home” with bingo and a nightly meat raffle). The team chats the weirdest things they’ve noticed around town, hands Sydney the keys to the billboards again, gets you texting in peak nonsense for Time Wasters, and “What’s The Year?” featuring Austin Powers and the cinematic masterpiece Big Momma’s House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting live from Sydney for the very first time, today we opened the phones to hear from listeners about what Sydney means to them. We also shared messages of support and solidarity, acknowledging how moments like this can shake a city while also bringing people together. Sydney, we’re thinking of you. We love you. If you have a message for Sydney you’d like to share, email us at christian@christianoconnell.com.au #SydneyStrongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final show of the year, and the Christian O’Connell Show is emptying the tank. Christian fires off his favourite picks of 2025, from the “sensational” Wicked to the gut punch power of The Handmaid’s Tale. Alex wades in with his own obsessions: The Mushroom Daily and Ian McEwan’s What Can We Know. The team trade their best books, TV shows and music of the year, share a few surprises, and wrap it all with a massive washer dryer giveaway. Last show of the year, zero coasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

t’s the final show of the year, and we’re wrapping 2025 with our favourite picks. Want more recommendations? Dive into more of our Double Thumbs Up episodes and if you’ve got one of your own, email us at christian@christianoconnell.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian opens the phones to hear where listeners found love, and the stories are wild: traffic controllers flagged down by future wives, cricket balls smashing windscreens into marriage proposals, and an argument over Doritos somehow becoming romance. The team also spirals into talk of hidden Christmas presents, bone jacks, and the art of escaping your own house. Plus the penultimate Timewaster for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we start to wrap up for the year, Christian asks listeners to sum up their entire year in just six words.. and the answers cut deep. He opens up about his own “leaving year and growing year,” from selling the family home to big changes on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we unwrap the strange universe of Christmas movies, from the classics everyone loves to the truly unhinged festive favourites, and listeners jump in with big opinions, hot takes, and the “correct” way to eat a sweet potato.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team dives into their all time favourite Christmas movies, sparking a festive debate full of nostalgia, strong opinions and a few unexpected choicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unleash a chaotic mix of break ins, break outs and sheer stupidity. Listeners confess to climbing through windows, sneaking into their own homes and generally proving locks are their mortal enemy. Then things get even weirder with a parade of brilliantly named pets: from Professor Fluffy Pants to a cat called VB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the team dives into a festive round of What’s The Year, My Friend? with nothing but Christmas classics to go on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.