The Final Word with Paul Kelly

This show has given us the chance to do some absurdly fun things, and this is right up there. An hour sitting down with one of the musical greats to talk about the game. 

Season 11, Ep 19: "His voice - sly and warm, laconic and sometimes frail - may be the closest thing we have to a national one." According to Robert Forster, that is Paul Kelly, whose music is well into its fifth decade of capturing audiences. He is associated with a complex national identity in a way that few can manage, through tales ranging from Vincent Lingiari's land protests to adolescent stupidity to the trials of the Melbourne-Sydney bus route. Paul Kelly also loves cricket, having sung about Don Bradman, Usman Khawaja and Shane Warne. After a summer steeped in the Ashes, we're warmed in the heart to welcome Paul to The Final Word. Audio is here. 

Your Nerd Pledge number this week:
2.02 - Ian Colvin

A fun coincidence: the photo above was taken by Geoff at Falls Festival in 2010. Researching this episode we watched the documentary Stories of Me, which filmed that same performance. And in the credits? Have a look under the text "Caledonia Foundation". 

Story Time 81 - The only good NFT is a No Frank Team

This time, a low-profile figure on the bold frontier of New Zealand cricket. The new middle initial granted to one Francis Ward. The greatest day on record in Albury, the most lopsided partnership in Sydney, the most impactful career per match anywhere near St Kitts and Nevis, and some good days for an unmatched sports betting enthusiast.

Audio is here. 

Your Nerd Pledge numbers this week:
3.82 - Matthew Lincoln
6.32 - Sean Tolich
2.19 - William Jordan & Matt Near the Gabba
2.64 - Dorwin Dsouza and Jack Firth
9.02 - Charlie Ryan
5.24 - Paul Reeve, Bernie Prins & Brad Truter

Some more photos

...from that festival because why not, Public Enemy were there, and Megan Washington, and a bunch of happy punters.