Podcasts by James Valentine Head Room
Further podcasts by ABC Radio
Podcast on the topic Gesellschaft und Kultur
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"Welcome to Afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney. You're with James Valentine" from 2021-10-22T15:59
On the last show James Valentine shares the brilliance of the ABC Radio Sydney Afternoons callers.
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The final blather to end all blathers from 2021-10-21T14:54:11
Jonathan Green and James Valentine have blathered on a Thursday afternoon every week for over a decade.
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The toughest news quiz comes to an end from 2021-10-21T14:42:55
PLUG regular contestants are invited back to play an ultimate, elimination style Plug for the last time with James Valentine.
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A world first true crime live broadcast from 2021-09-24T13:27:04
James Valentine tries his hand in true crime by live broadcasting his investigation into a mysterious violin.
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Callers of the Week on Afternoons with James Valentine from 2021-07-16T15:30:01
What is an essential service and sky rocketing car prices; all this week on Afternoons with James Valentine
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Kids jokes and the first Boomer on this week with James Valentine from 2021-07-09T15:20:26
The best of the best callers ring into ABC Radio Sydney Afternoons with James Valentine and here are a few.
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Snake farts and what stores sell hope; all this week on Afternoons with James Valentine from 2021-06-11T16:02:41
Each week James Valentine looks back over the week and collects some of the greatest calls and moments from our compelling Afternoons listeners.
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What do you do because your family did it that way? from 2021-05-07T14:00
There are habits we form from copying our parents. And it carries from generation to generation. From how you order the cutlery drawer, to whether you stop the microwave before it dings, there are ...
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What are the origins of the phrase'yeah no yeah'? from 2021-03-15T15:00
American actor Melissa McCarthy loves the expression 'yeah no yeah'. Yeah I understand, no I disagree, but yeah thanks for trying. Is it uniquely Australian? And when did it start? James Valentine ...
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What's the point of grandmothers? from 2021-02-03T14:06:36
In this week's Panel for the Ages, president of the National Union of Students, Zoe Ranganathan, says university students have it tougher than previous generations. Wendy McCarthy, board member and...
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Food crimes: pineapple from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
There was a time when adding pineapple to dishes was seen as sophisticated and modern. But today, it’s a food crime. You won’t believe some of the pineappl...
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Blather Mark 2: Spoiled by choice from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
James Valentine and Jonathan Green. Just like Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales, but blokier.
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Home remedies from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
You’ll be amazed at some of the home remedies people use for ailments. Be prepared to hear how leeches, urine and potatoes can cure all manner of ills. ...
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You’re freaking me out from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
As kids, of course we’re scared of spiders and things that go bump in the night. But why are we scared of bridges, pigeons and magic pianos? In this episod...
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Maybe you shouldn’t be missing Richard Simmons from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
James Valentine’s son Roy is a keen podcast listener but he has serious concerns about the current most popular podcast in the world, Missing Richard Simmo...
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You're in the club from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Did you know that ute drivers have an unwritten understanding with other ute drivers in busy traffic? Or that if you’ve had a heart bypass, you become part...
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Endangered names from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Why doesn't anyone call their child Garry or Wendy any more? Names that were popular in the 60's have fallen off the popularity charts in favour of Charlot...
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Merry Christmas from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
As the mercury rises, Head Room is taking a summer recess and off to the beach. But we couldn’t leave without saying goodbye. ...
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The fascinating history of the numbering of Sydney's traffic lights from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The fascinating history of the numbering of Sydney's traffic lights
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This is what I live with from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
You love your partner, but they have intriguing quirks.
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What’s with all the surveys? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
From delivering parcels to buying a car, everyone wants you to rate them in a survey. Why do companies persist even when we hate them so much? ...
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Congratulations! You're top ten! from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Top Ten lists for health and beauty can make you feel frumpy and dissatisfied. But you are a Top Ten person…you just have to figure out at what. ...
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Monopoly, Sydney style from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The makers of the Australian version of Monopoly want to update the next edition to reflect popular landmarks. But why stop there? How about updating the C...
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Olive oil is not a food from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
There was time in Australia when an eggplant was a foreign object. And when olive oil was available only in medicinal quantities. People bought olive oil, ...
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Buying hope from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
There are things we buy where we’re not buying the thing -- we’re buying an emotion. What else explains the domination of cookbooks? ...
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Cats and zen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Brigit the tonkinese cat was caught stealing men’s underwear and socks in the New Zealand town of Hamilton. James Valentine uncovers stories of cats creati...
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How to break into showbusiness: from tap dancing to TikTok from 2021-01-20T14:00:47
On this week's Panel for the Ages, James speaks with legendary actor and comedian, Noeline Brown, Chaser member and screenwriter, Chris Taylor and songwriter and Ratatouille TikTok sensation, Gabbi...
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Panel for the Ages from 2020-11-11T14:31:53
James Valentine kicks off a new segment where people from different age groups gather to talk minor and profound topics. This week the panel discuss dinner party disasters, thoughts on America and ...
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The Killeen Report from 2020-11-09T16:35:25
Gretel Killeen joins James Valentine on Afternoons to discuss the minor and profound topics of the world.
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When families wear matching clothes from 2020-08-27T11:00
Are more families dressing in matching clothes? James was sent photos of a family's christening with Mum, Dad and children teaming with a colour theme. It seems the practice was also popular in the...
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The weekly news quiz PLUG from 2020-08-06T16:15:24
This week James Valentine is joined by comedian, Mark Humphries and comedian, writer, DJ, Andrew McClelland as they attempt to PLUG their gigs.
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Why do we love the 747 jumbo plane? from 2020-07-15T14:00
As Qantas retires the 747 jumbo plane, James Valentine uncovers a warmth and fondness for an aircraft that made overseas travel cheaper, faster and magical.
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The Even Greater Sydney and State Planning Committee from 2020-03-06T16:00
In this week's meeting, the excitement of a nuclear future.
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Even Greater Sydney Planning Committee from 2020-02-07T16:30
In this week's meeting, surf club toilet blocks.
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It's time to update the latte sipper insult from 2019-11-29T12:45:48
A Queensland Senator reckons the ABC only broadcasts to latte-licking inner city types. Firstly, we sip lattes. Secondly, you can pretty much get a latte anywhere in the country. So let's help the ...
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What's in a burger that means it can last for 10 years? from 2019-11-13T13:45
The assumption is that a preserved burger means it's full of nasties, but the truth is rather different, as food technologist, Gary Kennedy, explains.
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The Even Greater Sydney Planning Committee from 2019-11-08T16:15
James Valentine and HG Nelson cast their expert eyes over planning.
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PLUG - the world's funnest quiz from 2019-11-07T16:45
Ange Lavoipierre and Sam McCool tackle this week's questions penned by Matt Bevan and James Valentine.
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How's your sense of smell? from 2019-10-23T14:30
You'll meet people who lost their sense of smell and got it back. Others have a highly attuned sense of smell and can detect all manner of things.
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PLUG the fun quiz from 2019-10-11T16:30
This week, Greta Thunberg Helpline viral sensations, Charles Firth and Ange Lavoipierre go head to head.
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The Committee for Modern Proverbs from 2019-08-30T10:00
It's time to update the proverb to better represent the times we live in. There were many entries, so which ones did the committee endorse?
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What is an overpromoted rubber bath toy? from 2019-08-29T17:00
James Valentine and Jonathan Green go on a blather adventure.
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The camera on your phone is a third eye from 2019-08-16T11:00
You'll be amazed at how people use the cameras on their phone. It's like a third eye.
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Sampling or stealing - you be the judge from 2019-07-19T16:30
Is it OK to take a few sugars home with you after visiting a cafe? Or is that stealing?
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Heidi, some Cointreau and The Boy on the Train from 2019-07-04T16:30
Things work as they should more often than we tell it. In this story, the right people show up and do what needs to be done. The following podcast may induce tears so please ensure an adequate supp...
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I feel your pain from 2019-06-24T16:30
Finally, a podcast you cannot bear. You'll hear real life stories of slicing, dicing, falling and breaking. When people have an accident, we often feel the pain ourselves. Take the challenge to lis...
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Mottos to live by from 2019-06-12T11:30
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This and other mottos are called upon to inspire and console. Who uses mottos?
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PLUG - the best quiz show in the world from 2019-06-06T16:30
Questions are funny and answers even funnier. Enjoy.
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Are you a door denier? from 2019-03-26T17:00
Some people have difficulty closing cupboard doors and drawers. Why? Head Room investigates.
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Blather: post election special from 2019-03-25T16:30
Before an election, posters of candidates - also known as corflutes - decorate poles and fences in electorates. Here's 101 uses for your used corflute.
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Kirsten's curse from 2019-03-21T12:00
Your name is important to you. But what happens when people are confused by your name?
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The conversations NOT to have from 2019-02-22T13:30
It might be fascinating to you but completely boring to others. Here are the topics to avoid.
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The wisdom of sayings about money from 2019-02-12T12:30
With the Royal Commission into banking handed down, James Valentine uncovers the wisdom in proverbs and sayings about money.
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PLUG. The world's most fun news quiz. from 2019-01-31T17:00
Quiz writer Matt Bevan and James Valentine test Ange Lavoipierre and Stephen Smiley.
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2018 Culture Review from 2018-12-21T17:00
ABC arts reporter, Michaela Boland, and critic, Michael Bodey, review trends in Australian culture in 2018.
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Surfing champion Layne Beachley from 2018-12-21T12:00
Surfer Layne Beachley reveals what's in the trophy room, that she's always been competitive and that she's actually won eight World Championships.
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Tom's Night Before Christmas from 2018-12-20T14:30
Gather your children to enjoy this modern Christmas poem by James Valentine.
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Elf on the Shelf from 2018-12-19T17:30
There's a new Christmas tradition sweeping the nation known as Elf on the Shelf. And the kids are loving it. What's it all about?
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Sydney Light Rail: The Musical from 2018-12-18T15:00
There's the Book of Mormon and Hamilton, so why not Sydney Light Rail: The Musical? There's plenty of drama to work with.
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Untitled: a podcast about a crime from 2018-12-13T16:30:20
True crime podcasts are popular across the globe. Don't miss James Valentine's contribution to the form in this searing investigation and revelation.
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The PLUG Quiz with James Valentine from 2018-09-13T16:30
On this week's episode, hear Matt Bevan, Rebecca de Unamuno and Joe Hildebrand.
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The demise of the doorbell from 2018-09-05T12:00
James Valentine charts the changing fortunes of a once indispensable part of every home. The doorbell.
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The story you don't usually tell from 2018-08-27T16:00
This is the story you leave off your CV or don't raise in polite company because it's too weird or shocking.
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Some people don't like to use windscreen wipers in the rain. Fact. from 2018-07-18T13:00
These same people also like to run the fuel gauge on empty.
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Spreadsheets For Life from 2018-07-06T12:45:09
There are people living among us who cannot live without a spreadsheet.
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Going cashless is a big issue from 2018-06-25T13:41:52
The shift to a cashless economy has been swift and mostly painless, except for some.
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Where is the shame in a family secret? from 2018-06-22T11:08:53
From bigamy to discovering your sister is in fact your mother, many families have secrets.
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Tom Gleeson: soft chat, hard read from 2018-05-18T16:35:31
Hard Chat host Tom Gleeson talks to James Valentine for The Books That Made Me.
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The imbecilic invulnerability of youth from 2018-05-16T10:15:29
Many people did wild and crazy things in their twenties. Enjoy this selection.
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Which Looney Tunes character matches what politician? from 2018-05-04T11:30
During his visit to Sydney, a tabloid newspaper compared President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Looney Tunes character, Pepe Le Pew. Why stop the...
When did we start carrying water bottles everywhere? from 2018-04-12T12:20
Many people carry water with them at all times. But this wasn't always the case. When and why did we become obsessed with water? It's a James Valen...
The following contains strong language from 2018-03-27T14:00:09
In print, is an expletive less offensive if disguised with an asterisk? Or does your brain automatically fill in the gap? Why are there so many boo...
Hang on, I’m old! from 2018-03-07T11:00
Forget the significant birthdays. There are other moments in which it’s clear you’re officially old.
The Ballad of Barnaby Joyce from 2018-02-22T10:30
Barnaby Joyce’s life resembles a country song.
The unexamined axiom is not worth putting on the fridge from 2018-02-02T01:20
Judith Lucy and Denise Scott are two of our favourite comedians. What do they make of James Valentine’s collection of inspirational quotes and advi...
Is Australian sand on Hawaii’s Waikiki beach? from 2017-12-21T16:00
There’s a widespread belief that sand from Australia’s beaches was exported to Hawaii to top up dwindling supplies on Waikiki Beach. Truth or myth?...
A very guilty Christmas from 2017-12-15T15:30
If you’re way behind on your Christmas to-do list, get a boost by hearing from those who feel guilty rather than festive at this time of the year.<...
Christmas traditions to reject from 2017-12-11T02:00
If the prospect of an upside down Christmas tree chills you to the core, you're in good company. And how about Alan Rickman? He's the bad guy in tw...
Share bikes and the rise of the dump economy from 2017-11-08T01:50
Wander along a Sydney footpath and you’re likely to see an awkwardly placed share bike. It got James thinking. What else could be left and shared a...
Cruel, unusual yet amusing punishment from 2017-10-24T11:30
There was a time when students were punished, sometimes with cane and strap but sometimes in far more bizarre ways.
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Are you confused? You're not alone from 2017-09-26T16:00
Every day, we’re confronted by practices that confuse us. How does this tap turn on? Are you supposed to remove all your clothes at a Thai massage?...
The adventurous life of Lorna from Yarrawonga from 2017-09-19T16:00
From seeing Elvis perform on the Ed Sullivan show, to being one of the first tourists in China in the 1970s, Lorna has had an incredible life.
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The hijacking of ‘Ms’ from 2017-09-08T13:50
The honorific ‘Ms’ was supposed to be neutral and the equivalent of ‘Mr’. But it hasn’t worked out that way.
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Putin’s puffer from 2017-09-01T11:30
How do you get down from a duck? Unfortunately the answer is no joke.
Tiny issue, big argument from 2017-08-04T13:20
It’s often the small issues that generate the most heated and passionate arguments between people. In this episode, you’ll hear about how thickly v...
This is what I live with, again from 2017-07-17T11:30
If you live with someone who starts a conversation but then walks away making them impossible to hear, you’re not alone. Does your partner hoik the...
Before the device from 2017-07-14T11:30
It’s 10 years since the launch of the iPhone that’s radically changed our behaviour. Enjoy this walk down memory lane before we had the device.
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You are an ex from 2017-06-20T18:37
When you no longer work at a job, you can spill the beans about what really goes on. Hear former real estate agents, legal secretaries and libraria...
Slate Culture Gabfest Oz Special from 2017-05-31T14:45
Slate Culture Gabfest is a weekly podcast in which three commentators discuss every aspect of popular culture. Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf and Da...
Who has the most first world problem? from 2017-05-23T16:30
‘First world problem’ is a phrase that describes minor issues that only afflict the privileged. Given we live in a first world country, there are p...
What advice have you actually followed? from 2017-04-21T14:30
Wherever you turn, there’s advice on health, cooking, cleaning, relationships and finances. But does anyone use this advice? In this investigation,...
Temptation at self-scan checkouts from 2017-04-21T13:00
What’s your behaviour at a self-scan checkout at the supermarket? Do you wrongly enter produce? Or, like James, only discover when you get to the c...