Deborah Frances-White, 'The Guilty Feminist', is returning to Australia this month.
The live version of the blockbuster podcast, 'The Guilty Feminist' will travel the country with a different line-up of guests and comedian co-hosts at every stop, and music from singer-songwriter Grace Petrie.
The podcast sees comedian Deborah Frances-White discussing topics “all 21st century feminists agree on”, while confessing their insecurities, hypocrisies and fears. It has had 100 million downloads in 8 years.
Deborah is familiar with Australian crowds, having enjoyed several successful tours here. Some of the guests set to join Deborah in her travels include Geraldine Hickey, Claire Hooper, Celia Pacquola, Alice Fraser, and Kirsty Webeck.
Before she gets back with her Antipodean 'Guilty Feminist' crew, we took a moment to chat with Deborah about what she'll be bringing down under.
For those new to 'The Guilty Feminist'. . . What’s this podcast all about?
It’s about our noble goals as 21st century feminists, and our hypocrisies and insecurities which undermine those goals. It’s comedy but also involves activists, artists and authors who understand we don’t have to be perfect to be a force for meaningful change.
Why is the subject matter of your podcast/show something you think people need to see?
Right now, many things in the world are bleak. It’s easy to feel powerless to change them. 'The Guilty Feminist' is a joyful, entertaining, thoughtful place where we can reignite our energy and inspiration and also find out what we can do to make a difference. It’s easy to feel like anything we do is a drop in the ocean but ten thousand drops together is the only thing that can make a wave. (Love a beach metaphor! I’m an Aussie girl at heart!)
You’ve toured Aus before. What are you looking forward to about returning?
I love the enthusiasm of our Australian guilty feminists! The shows are always gangbusters because the audience are on fire. I say it every year but – Australians know how to bring a rock concert to a podcast recording.
What sorts of views/opinions do you have about Australia, if any, when it comes to our collective perspective on feminism?
I feel like Australian feminists are hopeful and forward looking. They don’t take themselves too seriously in the best possible way and they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. The Australian government is certainly more progressive than the British one right now!
How are you hoping Aus audiences respond to what you’re presenting?
I know the Australians will come out in droves and bring energy and joy. We have some incredible Australian comedians and some brilliant local guests. We are bringing Grace Petrie from the UK – who’s an incredibly funny protest folk singer. She really gets the crowd going. It’s always a riotous night. Lots of laughs, some deep conversation and some rocking music. We will all leave on a high.
Do you have a particularly memorable/stand-out moment from a previous visit to Aus?
When Julia Gillard guested in Sydney, we didn’t tell the audience ahead of time. Before I announced her name, I trailed her achievements. The audience caught on as to who it was and were so loud, the guy recording the sound said he couldn’t even hear me say her name. That show was glorious. Julia was so interesting and incredibly funny. I co-hosted that show with the magnificent Cal Wilson who sadly we lost last year, far, far too young. I’m so glad our audience got to share that with her. One of the greatest nights of my life. I’ll never forget it.
Emma Thompson has said that ’The Guilty Feminist’ is, quote, “essential for the planet”! Wow. What does praise like this mean to you?
I feel so lucky to know Emma and have her support. That is the most wonderful thing she said about 'The Guilty Feminist' and I’ll treasure it always and never take it for granted.
Grace Petrie will also be playing some music! Tell us a bit about where Grace fits in with the themes and overall vibes of your show.
Grace feels like the antidote to all that’s wrong with the world. She sings our pain, hope, joy and determination but with really good choruses and jokes. We all need more Grace. When we close with 'I Will Survive' it always give me joy and power. I love to share the feeling with the audience. I still call Australia my feminist home.
'The Guilty Feminist' 2024 Australia Tour Dates
18 May – Norwood Concert Hall (Adelaide)20 May – Astor Theatre (Perth)
23 May – Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
25 May – Hamer Hall (Melbourne)
27 May – Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)
28 May – Canberra Theatre
