Movies, TV & Documentaries
149 episodes · 2018–2021 · 67 debates · 26 pieces of advice · 124 stories · 98 quotes
The Daily Talk Show — Australia’s daily podcast, hosted by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen — discussed movies, tv & documentaries across 149 of its 1,022 daily episodes between 2018 and 2021. This page collects what was actually said: 98 verbatim quotes, 26 pieces of advice, 124 stories told on air, 67 on-air debates, each linked to the exact moment in the episode and on YouTube.
Where they stand
Moments where the table disagreed, straight from the transcripts.
References a graph suggesting non-drinkers have higher anxiety than moderate drinkers, and wonders if drinking a little could make him less anxious.
Argues it depends on mindset — some people can use addictive things like alcohol or social media in moderation without issue, while others cross a line into harmful use.
awards shows and boycotts
Ep 10008:46Finds award shows like the Golden Globes naff and old-school, and has avoided entering podcast awards because of the self-congratulatory culture around them.
Believes boycotting awards shows carries little power anymore because viewership has collapsed and 'no one's really watching anyway.'
Initially skeptical, associating Soros with vague 'bad guy'/conspiracy connections (e.g., links to Epstein) before acknowledging the issue is nuanced and hard to judge from media alone.
Presents a more sympathetic, nuanced view based on the documentary, highlighting Soros's Holocaust background, philanthropic work, and the unfair vilification by partisan media.
Feels conflicted: generally opposed to cancel culture as 'toxic,' but after watching the Woody Allen documentary feels he can no longer watch his films, acknowledging the claims may justify being 'cancelled.'
Notes an entertainment value is built into true-crime documentaries and media coverage of flawed/cancelled people, suggesting consumers get a 'hit' of feeling from it before moving on with their day.
Argues it's partly because women statistically experience more violence, making crime content feel relatable.
Isn't sure of the exact reason but suggests it may be about the thrill of the unknown and playing detective.
Thinks it's about the universal appeal of story and problem-solving, and that compelling documentaries can manipulate viewers regardless of genre.
Prefers cancelling subscription services like Stan and buying only the specific content he wants via iTunes, even if pricier, to avoid the 'Netflix rabbit hole.'
Thinks buying individual episodes/seasons is likely more expensive overall and prefers having a library of content available on subscription platforms.
Prefers hanging clothes like t-shirts, jumpers, and jackets.
Prefers folding clothes due to limited apartment storage and because hanging causes garments to lose shape.
Found the show too pantomime and cringey, particularly the FaceTime scene and emu-cutting segment, and only watched about 10 minutes.
Considers himself a huge fan of Bert and got through several episodes despite acknowledging some scenes (like the FaceTime bit) felt staged.
Believes Letterman isn't that great an interviewer or comedian for someone who's been doing it so long, citing awkward moments.
Argues Letterman isn't bad relative to his peers and has earned major respect for building one of the biggest shows of his era, pointing to Dave Chappelle's praise of him.
Dislikes her because she repeatedly bullies other cast members and isn't well dressed, despite being a big character.
Agrees he doesn't understand her fanbase and finds her nasty and tacky.
Loves the show and pushes back when others criticise it.
Watched two episodes, found it unfunny with weird acting, and didn't like it.
Watched the first episode and thought it was bad; resistant to the common advice to 'give it a season.'
whether Jim (Tommy's dad) was right to defy lockdown closures of his mowing/landscaping business
Ep 870▶ 1:55Supportive — argues mowing is an outdoor, low-risk activity and Jim was right to push back and stay open.
More cautious — notes the difficulty of drawing a line once some outdoor activities are allowed, since everyone could claim they can do their activity 'responsibly'.
Advice from the show
all 26pieces →What was actually said, attributed and linked to the moment.
Is a formal business plan necessary when starting a business?
Crystal and the hosts agree that while a business plan can provide some initial direction, it's the ongoing process of testing and learning in practice that matters most, and a rigid plan may not reflect the unpredictable early stages of a new venture.
What should you consider before watching a true-crime or abuse-focused documentary?
Josh suggests being cautious, noting that such documentaries can leave you feeling empathetic but not good, and that consuming real trauma as entertainment can create a generally negative feeling even when the content starts out seeming positive.
How can a creator avoid burning out from checking their own content metrics?
Set a personal boundary by removing yourself from the upload/metrics process entirely — Matt has his brother upload his videos so he doesn't see view counts or analytics.
What's the risk of not having focus in a business?
Spreading attention across too many pillars (podcasts, client video work, multiple shows) without clear focus leads to failure; identify your core strengths and commit resources there before expanding again.
Is it worth reading a screenplay while watching the corresponding film?
Tommy suggests it can work well for dialogue-heavy, theatrical scripts (like Aaron Sorkin's) because you absorb both the craft of the writing and the film itself, even if you eventually lose the thread and just watch.
How can you build a new habit like exercise into your routine?
Pair a new habit (like riding an exercise bike) with an existing enjoyed behavior (like watching documentaries), effectively 'habit stacking' to make the new habit stick.
How can I stay motivated to finish creative projects?
Set a recurring public deadline (like releasing something on the same date every month) to create accountability and self-discipline, since without it you'll likely find excuses not to make things.
How do you manage excessive phone notifications?
Turn on 'Do Not Disturb' mode in the evening (e.g., from 8 or 9pm) to silence calls and notifications and improve phone habits, while still allowing important contacts through if needed.
How should you handle a messy divorce or dispute to avoid financial and emotional damage?
Josh says he's told his partner Bree that if their relationship ever ended, he'd rather just settle quickly and give up whatever is asked rather than go through costly legal admin and conflict.
How do you get high-profile, guarded interview subjects to open up?
Deeply research subjects beforehand to find details the audience hasn't heard, aim to make them forget the cameras are there so it feels like a real conversation, but accept that with politicians and A-list athletes you sometimes just have to admit defeat.
How should creators balance ambition with avoiding burnout or disappointment?
Keep your standards high (do the best work you can and feel good about it) but keep your expectations low about how it will be received or perform, so you can let go of outcomes without falling apart when things don't go as planned.
How should you plan a long-term creative project or business like a 10-year show?
Don't think too far out (e.g., 10 years) as it creates stress; instead look at projects on a yearly or six-month basis, focusing on one or two big projects at a time and letting new opportunities be added incrementally rather than planning everything upfront.
Should you stick to a vegetarian diet even when travel options are limited?
Despite craving a 'real' burger at In-N-Out and almost caving, Josh stuck to the meatless option (a burger without the patty) rather than eating meat.
How can you stop accumulating unread books?
Only buy a new book once you've finished the one you're currently reading; buying one at a time rather than in bulk ends up being cheaper overall.
What should replace meat in a healthier diet, according to the documentary discussed?
Mason argues the key isn't just removing meat but significantly increasing vegetable intake (e.g., multiple servings a day) to reduce inflammation, rather than simply swapping meat for something like pizza.
What's an easy way to put together a resume if you haven't needed one in years?
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and use its export feature, which auto-generates a resume from your entered work history.
What should a TV show pitch document look like?
Keep it to one page because executives won't read more. Open with a single logline-style sentence summarising the show, follow with a few lines suggesting headline-worthy hooks, then outline format basics like episode count and a justified, realistic budget.
How should creators approach asking people for money/investment?
Get comfortable with asking for support (financial, audience, attention) by framing it as selling a product/experience rather than just asking for cash, and take people on the journey with you.
How do you get on PR/media invite lists without an established platform?
Tommy suggests simply reaching out directly to PR contacts and media lists under a professional-sounding title (he used a self-made 'Triple M roving reporter' signature) to build relationships and get added to invite lists, even without official backing.
What's the best way to grow a creative project or make it financially viable?
Find a partner, ideally one who brings an existing audience while you bring the creative/technical skill; combining both lets you release and sell work directly to that audience without needing something like a Netflix deal.
How can you stand out or build confidence at a conference, course, or new group?
Make a conscious decision to 'put your hand up' for every opportunity that requires a response from the group, even if it makes your heart race; doing so repeatedly can make you stand out and build perceived competence over time.
How can you get good tickets to a Broadway show without spending a lot of money?
Arrive about an hour before the performance and enter the venue's ticket lottery; winners can buy some of the best seats in the house for around $36 cash, with ID required.
Does the quality of your camera gear matter when creating content?
Tommy argues it's not about the gear you use but what you do with it, noting he created a successful web series using only a basic point-and-shoot camera.
How can couples avoid wasting their 'switch off' time scrolling through Netflix trying to decide what to watch?
Tommy suggests deciding on the movie or show beforehand (like the old Blockbuster model) and having a reliable, hassle-free streaming setup so time isn't lost fiddling with choices or cables.
Stories told on air
Tommy recalls a documentary about a man who was wrongly convicted and spent 7-8 years in prison, who now visits prisons around the world, including one in a frozen country he found nicer than his own apartment.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh and Tommy recall buying the domain 'When I Drink' around 2017 to make a documentary exploring alcohol and culture, including filming vox pops on Smith Street, but they never finished it, reportedly because they 'got too drunk to finish it.'
told by Josh Janssen and Tommy Jackett
Josh recalls reading only 30 pages of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a kid but bragging to everyone at school that he was reading it before giving up.
told by Josh Janssen
Meeting Cathy Freeman at a conference
Ep 10007:25Tommy recounts running into Olympic runner Cathy Freeman at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conference and joking with her about a Scienceworks exhibit, wondering if she's been asked the same question before.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh recounts watching a documentary about George Soros at the Jewish International Film Festival with Bri, including overhearing a fellow audience member who remained hostile toward Soros even after seeing his philanthropic work detailed.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh recounts a documentary about a 1980s corporate video presenter whose profanity-filled outtakes became an early viral VHS hit; a filmmaker years later tracks the now-reclusive, partially blind man down in the mountains.
told by Josh Janssen
Jess describes chatting on Hinge with a man who claims to have been Will Ferrell's stand-in in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, leading to a discussion of the film and whether they've met up yet.
told by Jess Lucas
Tommy recalls knowing a girl who worked at McDonald's who would pass winning sundae and Quarter Pounder coupons under the till to him and his friends instead of handing them in properly, giving them weeks of free food.
told by Tommy
Tommy notices two young men wearing headphones loitering near the checkout at his local Woolworths across two separate visits in one day. He learns from a staff member they are undercover secret shoppers hired by the supermarket with more authority than security guards, using the headphones as a decoy.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh details a storyline from 'The City' involving characters Olivia, Whitney, and Erin at Elle magazine and People's Revolution PR, expressing genuine anger at Olivia's behavior toward Whitney despite acknowledging how trivial it is.
told by Josh Janssen
Tommy recounts a confusing text exchange with radio host Ben Fordham referencing a joke about bacon (tied to vegans and Kevin Bacon/six degrees of separation), which Tommy misunderstood, leading to Josh teasing him about his pop culture blind spots.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy recalls Jules Lund gifting him an Oculus for his 30th birthday, then borrowing it back and later being publicly thanked for it in a LinkedIn post as if it were still Tommy's generosity on display.
told by Tommy Jackett
Gemma describes bidding on a house via Zoom auction with around 42 attendees, most with cameras off, and how the eventual winning bidder confidently unmuted and won without disruption.
told by Gemma Watts
Josh describes going to the park with Bree in the rain, drinking canned Gordon's gin, ordering Uber Eats chicken and McFlurries to the park, and playing baseball while tipsy.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh recounts stumbling on a documentary about a floating hotel once near the Great Barrier Reef that was later shipped to North Korea, prompting Hamish to joke about 'getting it back' for Tourism Australia.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh recounts waking at 2am to a car speeding up Smith Street with hazard lights on and running a red light, and he and Mason speculate about what might explain it, from a repair technician to someone going into labour.
told by Josh Janssen
Tommy recounts that his father Jim, who runs a landscaping/mowing business, refused to shut down during lockdown restrictions and reportedly took legal action against the government, which Tommy frames sympathetically given mowing is an outdoor activity.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy recounts meeting a producer who once worked as a personal assistant for a US-based comedian (name uncertain, possibly misattributed) who kept exotic pets, including sourcing and importing a pet octopus that required multiple nested containers because octopuses can escape almost anything.
told by Tommy Jackett
In their words
“It was the Russians.”
“If you think that you can change the world, you are tweaked.”
“You want your cake and eat it too. Which doesn't seem like too much to ask.”
“I think we could just put it on the back of the packet or something so we're not chewing the whole time.”
“I'm not the guy to ever do that. I'm the guy to go full on and do a marathon before I've done a single step.”
“You spend 10 years trying to get into the FBI, and the first case you're working on is McDonald's monopoly.”
“It's very hard to get away with anything these days, which is kind of good.”
“Olivia's getting paid to be an asshole. They're making money off that show.”
“Get a haircut, get a real job is what my dad, my friend's dad said to me once.”
“You become more relatable as you become less equipped for the time, for the current time.”
“It's like watermelon. It's not offensive. You can't be offended by Friends.”
“There's probably two trends that have increased over the last 100 years. It's be greedy and think short term.”
“a secret agent embarks on a dangerous time-bending mission to prevent the start of World War III.”
“We are the pseudo-self-help guys here.”
“I wouldn't recommend it, but I mean, it was— I felt like I was in fucking that TV show Gladiator running the gauntlet.”
“Now I feel like I'm 45 with inflammation, you know, just having to have a fucking cold shower just to feel like I'm living, you know.”
“A table read is the ultimate circle jerk, isn't it?”
“No, you know what, it's like I'm having sex but I've got a mirror. That's what it's like.”