Who Magazine
I first met the staff of 'Who' in 2000 when I was covering the Summer Olympics in Sydney. Back then, it seemed like such a fantastic, exotic thing — working at a magazine like 'People' or 'Entertainment Weekly' and living in Australia. I started freelancing there in 2012 and came on board full-time in 2016. By July 2018, I ended my journey as a senior writer and content editor. Below are some of the longer pieces I've had the pleasure of writing and/or reporting. For WHO stories or some other pieces not attached here, check out the On Right Now blog. NOTE: If you can't see images right away, click on the left and right arrows where available on page images to see more. To read the text, zoom in on the pages. I've also included boxes and shorter stories — to see those, please scroll to the bottom of this page. Thanks!
2023 Rising Stars: Ones to Watch
November 27, 2023 issue of WHO.
Delta Goodrem: Love is in the Air
October 9, 2023 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes With… Adrian Scarborough
October 2, 2023 issue of WHO.
Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount: Down to Earth
August 28, 2023 issue of WHO.
Shaynna Blaze: Restoring Hope
June 5, 2023 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes With… Alexandra Daddario
April 17, 2023 issue of WHO.
Jacqui Purvis: In Focus
April 3, 2023 issue of WHO.
Mojean Aria: Finding His Way Back Home
January 16, 2023 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes with… Sara Zwangobani
December 2, 2022 issue of WHO.
Matilda Brown: Role of a Lifetime
October 27, 2022 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes with… Dominic Monaghan
September 1, 2022 issue of WHO.
Catherine Hill: Changing the View
August 25, 2022 issue of WHO.
Ann Jones: Call of the Wild
August 18, 2022 issue of WHO.
Bryan Brown & Greta Scacchi: Our Special Bond
August 4, 2022 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes with… Dan Hong
July 28, 2022 issue of WHO.
Bonnie Piesse: A Renewed Hope
June 16, 2022 issue of WHO.
Vance Joy: A Message of Love
June 9, 2022 issue of WHO.
Five Minutes with… Sally Phillips
May 19, 2022 issue of WHO.
Silvia Colloca: Recipe for Success
May 12, 2022 issue of WHO.
Jennifer Peedom: Reaching New Heights
March 31, 2022 issue of WHO.
Deborah Mailman: She’s In Control
November 4, 2021 issue of WHO.
Lucy Lawless: Detecting Joy
August 26, 2021 issue of WHO.
Latifa’s Escape
August 12, 2021 issue of WHO.
Miranda Tapsell: Telling stories
September 28, 2020 issue of WHO.
My first story for WHO under new management (Are Media!) Fortunately it’s with a dear favourite human, Miranda Tapsell. The lovely photo was taken by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis.
Nicky Whelan: Living in the moment
May 18, 2020 issue of WHO.
My first profile during the COVID-19 lockdown, Australian actress Nicky Whelan talks about her experience in in isolation in Los Angeles, teases her upcoming film The Binge, and reviews her life and career. She is candid and funny, maintaining a positive air.
Sophie McNeill and Nicki Weisensee Egan: Women for justice
April 6 and 20 issues of WHO.
It was nice to take a time out from entertainment and delve into human interest and news once more, focusing on two remarkable reporters. ABC investigative journalist Sophie McNeill’s first book, We Can’t Say We Didn’t Know, details the people caught in the crossfire of conflict. Nicki Weisensee Egan’s podcast Chasing Cosby, based on her book of the same title, shines a spotlight on the women who spoke out about their experiences with Bill Cosby.
Luke Toki: King of the (media) jungle
March 30, 2020 issue of WHO.
Perth miner Luke Toki had humour and charisma to spare the first time he played Australian Survivor. When he was invited back for another season, he wore his heart on his sleeve and endeared himself to Australia. It was a pleasure to tell his story for Who.
Nazeem Hussain: Trust in the Funny
March 2, 2020 issue of WHO.
Starting 2020 as a freelance writer, I was welcomed back into the pages of WHO via a terrific interview with comedian Nazeem Hussain. We expanded on themes we talked about in previous chats now that we had the proper space to explore them.
Kristin Cavallari: My New Reality
July 23, 2018 issue of WHO.
I had a brief but terrific chat with Kristin Cavallari ready to go for the Back Chat section of WHO timed for the launch of her new show, Very Cavallari. Apparently People had a short piece planned as well, with Aili Nahas' interview in their Scoop section. What better than to combine our efforts to produce a fuller, more satisfying spread? The results are below!
Tim Chappel: Having a Costume Ball
July 16, 2018 issue of WHO.
The Oscar-winning costume designer updated his designs, and added several more, to the latest tour of the musical Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. Here is my chat with him on those lovely works of functional art.
The 2018 Logie Awards: Golden Glamour
July 16, 2018 issue of WHO.
Grant Denyer did it! The TV and radio personality, whom I spoke with a week before the July 1 ceremony, had finally won TV's highest honour in Australia—the Gold Logie for most popular presenter. I recap his night, and the fashion of the awards show, in the feature below.
Tanya Hennessy: The Joys of Adulting
July 9, 2018 issue of WHO.
Radio presenter, comedienne and viral video sensation spoke to me on her book tour for Am I Doing This Right? If you have not seen her videos before, they are on her YouTube channel and Facebook page, and they are insightful about millennial life. The one that got her 9 million views on FB? Her Everyday Makeup Tutorial.
Grant Denyer: 'I'm Enjoying Life More'
July 9, 2018 issue of WHO.
The TV host known for Family Feud in Australia has been nominated for a Gold Logie, which is like a People's Choice award for favourite TV personality but presented at the Golden Globes. He speaks to me on the eve of the July 1 ceremony.
Johnny Depp: A Dark Double Life
July 9, 2018 issue of WHO.
All credit to Rolling Stone for Stephen Rodrick's incredible interview with Johnny Depp, the main gist of this catch-up piece on the actor's current life. How to sum it up for a good read while also steering people to the RS story was the challenge here.
Todd Sampson: Raising Brave Girls
July 2, 2018 issue of WHO.
After speaking to the Gruen panellist for the second season of his Ten series Body Hack, I recalled we had not run my chat last year with Todd Sampson's wife Neomie, which I thought was an interesting look at parenting in this day and age. I put it together for a feature and am happy with the way it came out.
Amy and Emma Sheppard: A Style of Our Own
July 2, 2018 issue of WHO.
The women in Sheppard break down the band's latest album and their burgeoning style following.
Brad Pitt: My Fight For My Kids
July 2, 2018 issue of WHO.
Court papers were leaked, bits and pieces of People reporting were put together, and all fused into this summary of the legal state of play for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
The World Cup 2018: A Field Guide to the Players
June 25, 2018 issue of WHO.
SBS host Lucy Zelic knows her stuff, so it was a pleasure to have her break down the World Cup in our pages.
Anthony Bourdain 1956-2018: A Tribute
June 25, 2018 issue of WHO.
I really wish I had the editing guidance of my former colleagues Helen Martin and Karina Machado before I wrote this on deadline. I see its flaws and had wanted to do better for Anthony Bourdain. This contains some beautiful reporting by People staff. RIP, Anthony.
Donald Glover: The Man of the Moment
June 18, 2018 issue of WHO.
I combined parts of roundtable interviews by outstanding HFPA reporter Jenny Cooney Carrillo with research and caps and voila! A piece I really wanted to get into WHO.
Mystery Road: A Revolutionary Road
June 11, 2018 issue of WHO.
Beautifully shot, intriguingly told, Mystery Road is director Rachel Perkins'TV series adaptation of Ivan Sen's films, which focused on contemporary indigenous protagonist Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen), an outback detective trying to solve crimes and get his family life in order out in the wild lands of the Kimberley. Reported by me and Clare Rigden with some of the best production photos I've seen (thank you, ABC!)
Kylie Turns 50! A Disco Birthday in London
June 11, 2018 issue of WHO.
After our retrospective, here are the news images of the fabulous guests who turned out to mark Kylie Minogue's 50th birthday.
A Royal Wedding for Meghan and Harry
June 4, 2018 issue of WHO.
The Duchess of Sussex is a Wildcat. Go Cats! We couldn't wait for People's copy to come through since we were on deadline, so I got to write my first Royals stories—a highlights package and a dissection of royal wedding attire. Most of the reporting comes from People's fantastic team, headed by Simon Perry. In the middle, check out the WHO cover!
Kylie Turns 50! Kylie Minogue's Life in Pictures
June 4, 2018 issue of WHO.
The "Can't Get You Out of My Head" singer, Neighbours star and Australian bright light reflected on her big birthday to WHO's Toni Hynes; I got to write it up with a fun look down memory lane.
Sam Frost: 'I'm Comfortable in My Own Skin'
June 4, 2018 issue of WHO.
If you think this piece was designed around new photos of Sam Frost on the set of Home and Away, I wouldn't dissuade you from your train of thought. Even so, Sam has successfully transitioned from reality star to actress and that is very cool.
Delta Goodrem: My Secret Love
May 21, 2018 issue of WHO.
From styling to shooting, interviewing to writing, laying out and editing, this cover story with Delta Goodrem was turned around in less than 24 hours. Hats off to everyone involved and the gracious Delta for making it possible. Photos by Peter Brew-Bevan.
Eurovision 2018: Jessica Mauboy: My True Love
May 14, 2018 issue of WHO.
A star in Australia, Jessica Mauboy shines no matter where she goes. Although her Eurovision journey did not end up as exhilarating as we hoped, she still did us proud. Here is my interview with Jess on her year to come.
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Alex and Emily
May 7, 2018 issue of WHO.
For the whole season of MKR, Alex and Emily have been achieving great heights and suffering terrible lows. But on the cusp of the Grand Final, they are peaking at the right time. Here is the magazine profile of the pair and a link to the online story after they won!
Michelle Law: Making Myself Visible
April 30, 2018 issue of WHO.
This story was very, very important to me. The Law family have made vital strides on behalf of Asian Australia to get the community's stories heard and I really wanted to feature them, in particular Michelle. I was particularly grateful when she posted an image of the article on Instagram and wrote, "I'd like to thank @jennypcphang for subscribing to @whomagazine when we were young Asian kids on the Sunshine Coast with nothing but dreams and scoliosis. It actually means a lot to be featured in a mainstream mag that people like our family would have read growing up because that's how you learn ENGRISH BINCH!!! Thanks to @tammy_lawsfor the official photos and @mrbenjaminlawfor the Insta ones. HAI MUM. And to have the article written by an Asian person!!! Thanks @wangbrand 💛" No, thank YOU, Michelle! Below is the piece, followed by a chat from the week before with Law's co-star Liv Hewson and my review of Homecoming Queens.
The Voice Australia: Joe Jonas
April 23, 2018 issue of WHO.
The DNCE frontman is as nice as everyone says he is! I speak to him as he joins Delta Goodrem, Kelly Rowland and Boy George as a coach on the seventh season of The Voice Australia.
Bachelor in Paradise star Laurina Fleure: My Tragic Secret
April 23, 2018 issue of WHO.
The reality-show veteran thought an appearance on frothy Bachelor in Paradise could help her recover from a difficult year; instead, it gave her the means to cope with it out of sight of the cameras. Here is my profile on Laurina Fleure, also recounted in two online stories, one pointing back to the article and another expanding on how she has been moving on.
WHO's Most Beautiful People 2018: Casts
April 9, 2018 issue of WHO.
Aside from other gallery items throughout the issue, I focused on the section about show casts. There was also a page for the young ensemble of Riverdale, but the ones below were shows for which I did reporting as well as writing.
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Sonya and Hadil
March 26, 2018 issue of WHO.
Sonya Mefaddi is a self-made fashion entrepreneur competing with childhood friend Hadil Sadeq on My Kitchen Rules. Although they would later be mired in controversy, I took another angle with these contestants.
Bachelor in Paradise 2018: Osher's Preview
March 26, 2018 issue of WHO.
Bachelor in Paradise may not be new in the US, but Australia finally has enough former contestants to start this up. Host Osher Gunsberg gives us a taste of what's to come in Fiji.
Oscars 2018: On With the Show
March 19, 2018 issue of WHO.
Gowns and parties were handled by other writers this year, leaving me with the show to narrate.
Vance Joy: 'I'm Living My Dream'
March 12 2018 issue of WHO.
I was flattered to hear Vance Joy really enjoyed our interview. We talked about his life after 'Riptide' and all that went into his latest album.
Edwina Bartholomew: My Dream Wedding
March 12, 2018 issue of WHO.
This year, I have written more with copy reported by others, a role reversal from my training at People. It's nice to come into my own as a writer and editor. Here, I get the pleasure of writing from copy reported by Jenny Brown.
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Georgie and Alicia
March 5, 2018 issue of WHO.
Although sisters Georgie and Alicia Chau are a unit in the kitchen, this profile focuses on Alicia and her message about mental health.
Matty J and Laura's South African Holiday
Feb 26, 2018 issue of WHO.
I check in with erstwhile Bachelor Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson and Laura Byrne on how they've been in the months since the end of their reality experience. It doesn't hurt that they've returned from a dreamy holiday abroad, complete with photos.
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Olga and Valeria
Feb 26, 2018 issue of WHO.
Excellent cooks and bakers, Sydney pals Olga and Valeria want to popularise Russian cuisine.
Super Bowl 2018
Feb 12, 2018 issue of WHO.
I think it had been a given that I would be the one in the office to write about the Super Bowl. I am happy to live up to my American stereotype.
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Henry and Anna
Feb 19, 2018 issue of WHO.
This Tasmanian brother and sister team, Henry and Anna Terry, are so nice and fun to talk to. They are also truffle farmers. Fabulous!
Winter Olympics 2018 Preview: Australian Athletes to Watch
Feb 12, 2018 issue of WHO.
SO happy to do this story. I am in my element (see what I did there?) interviewing and writing about Olympic athletes. So fun to do this with another country's superstars (and to tell Lydia Lassila I saw her in Salt Lake City!)
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Kim and Suong
Feb 12, 2018 issue of WHO.
Melbourne mums Kim and Suong are united by their Vietnamese culture, but their refugee stories are distinct.
Behind the Scenes: I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!
Feb 12, 2018 issue of WHO.
Hosts Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown give us a tour of their very glamp-orous accommodations in South Africa.
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2018
Feb 5, 2018 issue of WHO.
Yes, there were three spreads of gowns that accompanied this recap of the SAGs, but here is the meaty part!
My Kitchen Rules 2018: Drama is Served!
Feb 5 2018 issue of WHO.
It's our annual pre-MKR chat with judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel.
Ones to Watch 2018
Jan 22, 2018 issue of WHO.
Continuing a tradition of introducing Australia to its young talent, I put together this piece interviewing most of the stars here and got reporting and writing assistance from Jenny Brown.
Golden Globe Awards 2018
Jan 22, 2018 issue of WHO.
The red carpet turned black in the wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements for the 2018 Golden Globe ceremonies. Jennie Noonan and I worked long hours across two days on the following pages.
Australia Says Yes!
Dec 4, 2017 issue of WHO.
Marianne Bilkey wrote our news story for the historic "yes" vote that paved the way for same-sex marriage legalisation in Australia. Even so, I had to get in on the reporting for it! I called up Tim Dormer and Ash Toweel for their thoughts. So happy to be a part of this.
Seal: Swinging and Single
Nov 20, 2017 issue of WHO.
I met Seal when The Voice launched in Australia but had not seen him for a couple years. Yet when I spoke to him and Kelly Rowland for The Voice at the start of the year, we picked up where we left off. For this interview about his album Standards, Seal FaceTime-called me directly and we chatted for more than a half hour. So fun.
WHO's Sexiest People 2017: Cover Star Sophie Monk
Nov 13, 2017 issue of WHO.
The week after Sophie Monk's Bachelorette finale, we hit the stands with the star on the cover of our annual Sexiest People issue. She talks about final rose recipient Stu Laundy and her hopes for the future. Photographs by Georges Antoni.
Jimmy Barnes: Inside My Darkest Days
Nov 6, 2017 issue of WHO.
Perhaps I can achieve citizenship simply by saying I had the privilege of interviewing Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes? An incredible raconteur, Barnes, the frontman for Cold Chisel, has written two ripping good memoirs, Working Class Boy and now Working Class Man. Here is my chat with him about the latter and more in the online story. Photos by Peter Brew-Bevan.
Sam Frost: New Body, New Life
Oct 30, 2017 issue of WHO.
The former Bachelorette's new career as an actress is underway. With images emerging from the set of Seven's soap Home and Away, I mined past chats with Sam for material to accompany the photos.
Sophie Monk: 'Why I'm Running Away'
Oct 16, 2017 issue of WHO.
Sophie Monk's season of The Bachelorette has revived the franchise and as she gets down to the last remaining bachelors, she's left the country for a Thai holiday, afraid that if she stays, she will spoil the ending. This is the second cover on Sophie this year.
Sophie Monk: 'I've Made Mistakes'
Sept 25, 2017 issue of WHO.
On the eve of the season premiere of season 3 of The Bachelorette, star Sophie Monk sat down for a heart-to-heart in this exclusive interview, which landed on the cover.
The Bachelor Finale Preview: 'I'm Happy with His Choice'
Sept 25, 2017 issue of WHO.
Here is a fun way to lead up to the finale of The Bachelor: engage in a double-talk interview with Matty J and his mum Ellie! The two were as candid as they could be before Matty would reveal the following week that Laura Byrne would get his final rose.
The Bachelor Top 4: 'Finding the One'
Sept 18, 2017 issue of WHO.
As Matty J gets to the finale of the fifth season of The Bachelor Australia, I speak with the four women remaining on the series.
Sam Frost: The Glamour Issue
Sept 4, 2017 issue of WHO.
She came into prominence as a Bachelor contestant, then as Australia's first Bachelorette. She then had a radio gig, went on another reality show, and started acting. Although Sam Frost would be the first to say she prefers jeans to couture, she made for a very good Glamour Issue cover subject. Scroll through for her cover image, or click on this link.
Amandla Stenberg: Life Lessons
Aug 28, 2017 issue of WHO.
We're lucky at WHO to license terrific content from Entertainment Weekly and People. Sometimes both magazines have interviews we want to combine. Here, I am able to take some of Melody Chiu's reporting from People's 'Most Beautiful' issue and meld that with Anthony Breznican's movie-focused EW piece into something appropriate for the Australian audience. It doesn't hurt that I have been colleagues and friends with Amandla's lovely mum, Karen Brailsford. Enjoy.
Bachelor Matty J: 'I've Finally Found Love'
July 31, 2017 issue of WHO.
I remember when Mike Fleiss started the 'Bachelor' franchise in 2002. Who knew that it would not only thrive and produce more couples than most would expect, but that I would still work on stories about it all these years later? I enjoyed getting to know Matthew Johnson and have now met the recipient of his final rose. You will see her in features above. Forgive the patchwork first spread—for some reason, there were issues in getting a proper PDF. Phoos by Peter Brew-Bevan.
Paris Fashion Week: Best in Show
July 24, 2017 issue of WHO.
All hail Celine Dion! Who doesn't love a good Fashion Week roundup?
Naomi Simson: The House of Our Dreams
July 10, 2017 issue of WHO.
Australia's version of Shark Tank is in its third season. To kick it off, I visited the home of RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson, known for her marketing acumen. Her home, a heritage building whose exterior was restored, is completely modern on the inside in a renovation that has been the pet project of Simson's husband Stuart King. The house itself is lovely, as was getting to know Simson. More of our interview can be found online here. Photos by Peter Brew-Bevan for WHO, and archival pics were provided by King.
A Cool Change at Glastonbury 2017
July 10, 2017 issue of WHO.
A recap of England's big music festival.
Nicole Kidman Turns 50
July 3, 2017 issue of WHO.
Who and sister magazine People have had the benefit of a good relationship with actor Nicole Kidman, which helped in researching quotes to accompany this look at her life and career.
Plastic Surgery Special: What They've Had Done
July 3, 2017 issue of WHO.
Top plastic surgeons and facial specialists from Beverly Hills, New York and Sydney contributed to this look at some recent work.
Rebecca Gibney: One Badass Mum
June 12, 2017 issue of WHO.
I really enjoyed meeting one of Australia's most loved actresses to talk about the second season of Wanted, a show she created with her husband and featuring two women as lead characters in a chase thriller. How cool is that? More from the interview ran online here.
Spinning Yarns with Hamish and Andy
June 12, 2017 issue of WHO.
Australia's favourite radio duo, who have won numerous honours for their semi-Jackass style reality-documentaries in the past, are premiering a new show where they hear regular Australians tell their craziest stories and then have actors and comedians re-enact them.
Cannes Film Festival 2017
June 5, 2017 issue of WHO.
It's basically an elaborate red-carpet-fest for those of us who cannot see the films, right? At the very end is the Hot Topics spread of the amfAR Gala, which ran in the June 12 issue.
Casey Donovan: My Life Now
May 29, 2017 issue of WHO.
Casey was just a teen when she won the second season of Australian Idol but she has grown up in so many ways since. She took a chance on appearing in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and ended up winning the popular vote on that show as well. Now she's kicking up her music career once more. To read more about her online, click here.
Eurovision 2017: Isaiah Firebrace's Photo Diary
May 29, 2017 issue of WHO.
While the whole of Eurovision underwhelmed this year, young Isaiah Firebrace earned a respectable top-10 finish for decidedly non-European Australia. He was kind enough to send along some pics of his experience that did not appear on Instagram. For more exclusive pics, click here.
Twin Peaks 2017: A Visitor's Guide
May 22, 2017 issue of WHO.
The geek in me really geeked out when given a chance to write this guide and look through archival photos from the original series.
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2017
May 22, 2017 issue of WHO.
MTV added TV to its annual movie awards and eliminated gender-specific acting categories (something that the Television Critics Association has been doing at its awards, FYI).
Met Gala 2017
May 15, 2017 issue of WHO.
The adrenaline gets pumping to right about the fabulous frocks of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Gala, especially when it's a non-televised event happening right on closing day. I enjoy it nonetheless, with the help of a crack art and photo team and editing guidance from Jennie Noonan.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: And then there were two
May 8, 2017 issue of WHO.
The reality show has been going strong since January, sometimes airing three or four episodes a week. At the beginning, it seemed like it would never end, but on the eve of the finale, it's all gone by so quickly. Here is a quick preview of the final two teams, with more online here.
The Voice Australia's Seal and Kelly Rowland: 'We Are Family'
May 1, 2017 issue of WHO.
I got to sit across from two Grammy-winning singers and chat all about their kids. Yes, this is a cool job. Read more from the pair here.
Melanie 'Mel B' Brown: 'The Fight for Her Family'
May 1, 2017 issue of WHO.
This was a story that needed editing simply because of the volume of information contained within court papers. While People serialised the contents online, I and editor Karina Machado condensed it into a four-page feature. The saga will continue in Hot Topics to come.
Coachella 2017 and Stars on Holiday
May 1, 2017 issue of WHO.
At least with the first weekend of Coachella, you have reporting from People, Instagram quotes and stylist interviews from which to draw. For a round-up of celebrity holiday pictures, there may or may not be much to say. Yet you don't want to use up caption space to merely describe pictures. So you try your best.
Isaiah Firebrace: 'I've Gone Global'
April 3, 2017 issue of WHO.
Since moving to Australia, I've embraced the nation's love for Eurovision, that head-scratching, massive song contest in Europe. For the past two years, Australia has sent a competitor and this year decided to choose Isaiah Firebrace, judge Adam Lambert's winner on The X Factor Australia. Here is a piece with some background about the young singer, more of which can be found online here.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: Court and Duncan
April 3, 2017 issue of WHO.
Breaking news from a pre-taped reality show? Why, yes! As My Kitchen Rules aired, contestants Courtney and Duncan Hall-Eastey could no longer hide their good fortune. The funny thing was that I had already interviewed them a month earlier about their love story for an online piece. Here is more about their baby news and Court's comments about a blow-up that aired on TV.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: Mark and Chris
March 27, 2017 issue of WHO.
Speaking to the buddies from Melbourne earlier in the competition, especially on their friendship with the fun-loving duo of Caitie and Demi, did not prepare me for the profound story Mark would later want to convey. It was not easy for Mark to relive some of his dark times, but he said he wanted to do so to help other people, especially guys, who may shy away from treatment for depression. Here is more of the interview online.
Ian Thorpe: 'Fighting the Bullies'
March 20, 2017 issue of WHO.
On the flip side of my years covering Michael Phelps at the Olympics was Ian Thorpe, the Australian swimming legend. I met him in person to talk about his hosting efforts for a series against bullying. After our interview, I got to show him the photo I took at the Athens Games of him at the starting blocks for his 200m free race against Phelps. I was nervous about doing something like that, but I needn't have been. Ian smiled when he saw the photo, impressed with the seat I had, and then told the ABC rep with us about the 'Race of the Century' and his memories of it. That encounter, in turn, is something I will never forget. To read more from the interview, click here.
Oscars 2017: The Red Carpet and the Parties
March 13, 2017 issue of WHO.
While I worked on descriptions for the gowns on the red carpet, I wanted to focus the 2017 representation of Oscars coverage here on the red carpet and the parties. I love doing this along with Melbourne writer extraordinaire Kate Halfpenny and hopefully our enthusiasm comes through.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: Valerie and Courtney
March 13, 2017 issue of WHO.
This mother and daughter team delighted the judges with their Anglo-Indian cooking, derived from a family book of recipes compiled by Valerie for 40 years and featuring the culinary creations of her father. It's a classic immigration story and I wish I had more pages to tell it. The Ferdinands are the friendliest people. Click on the hyperlinks for the companion online story and the finale preview.
Vashti Whitfield: Being Here Now
Feb. 20, 2017 issue of WHO.
Brave and honest, life coach Vashti Whitfield poured her heart into a memoir that encapsulated the time she spent with Spartacus star Andy Whitfield and what life is like now for her to be a widow and single mother. I am grateful to have gotten to know her. A link to the online story, which includes a testimonial about Vashti from her friend and Andy's agent Sam Maydew, can be found here.
Super Bowl 2017: It's All About Gaga
Feb. 20, 2017 issue of WHO.
I would love to go full-NFL-crazy with Super Bowl stories but I can't, mostly because WHO's audience would not care nor understand. That's OK. There's spectacle to be had!
My Kitchen Rules 2017: Tim and Kyle
Feb. 20, 2017 issue of WHO.
The Adelaide best mates were great interviews but I couldn't tell a lot of their story because I had to address the narrative fans of the show would see on the air, which a flirtation between Kyle and contestant Bek that lead to a kiss. The online companion story to this piece can be accessed here, a specific recounting of the kiss and the aftermath can be found here, and the story on their final placing in the competition can be found here.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: David and Betty
Feb. 13, 2017 issue of WHO.
i further got to connect with this team at the Championship Races at Randwick in April, but here I hope to provide a piece that shows the lives of contestants prior to the craziness of national television attention. The online companion story to this piece can be accessed here, and the story on their final placing in the competition can be found here.
My Kitchen Rules 2017: Meet the Teams
Jan. 30, 2017 issue of WHO.
This year, the Fox Network in the US tried to adapt super-popular Australian reality show My Kitchen Rules into a format that works for American audiences, one that was more a dinner party at a celeb's house than what charms viewers here, which is a dinner party at an average person's house in which noted celeb chefs come to critique the food. Although I had done a couple pieces about MKR teams for previous WHO editors, this was my first year fully taking on the series. In the process, I got to know some rather incredible people, as you will see in further examples to come.
2017 WHO TV Preview
Jan. 30, 2017 issue of WHO.
Deb Grunfeld and Nicholas Fonseca edited the collection of programming we would feature for WHO's TV preview and I helped write and report it. In particular, I wrote the whole Brain Food page and a lot of other entries, including Big Little Lies, which included some of my interview with Liane Moriarty. For American TV lovers, it's a fun glimpse into what people in Oz were getting excited about.
Robin Thicke and Paula Patton: Inside Their Bitter Custody Battle
Jan. 30, 2017 issue of WHO.
Marital and post-marital discord gets particularly ugly when children are involved. For this breaking news story, I integrated court documents with reporting from People.
Homes Under the Hammer
Jan. 16, 2017 issue of WHO.
Ogling at celebrity real estate is all about the pictures but details do give a bit of extra oomph. The tough part in researching these pieces is coming up with wording not completely taken from a real estate agent's listing and also converting figures to metric/prices to AUD. But it's fun, for sure.
The Best and Worst of 2016
Jan. 2, 2017 issue of WHO.
In looking back at 2016, I got a chance to write about superheroes, an animated octopus, Australia's National Treasures and James Corden. Not bad.
The 2016 AACTA Awards
Jan. 2, 2017 issue of WHO.
There are TV and film categories at the AACTAs, making it like Australia's version of the Emmys and Oscars combined, or a less boozy Golden Globes. Well, maybe not less boozy. In any case, here the wrap-up of the ceremony that ran in the magazine, and here are links to online pieces on the night itself, Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen's date night, a Kerri-Anne Kennerley update, and star-spotting with the Bachelor's Richie and Alex.
Saroo Brierley on the film Lion
Jan. 2, 2017 issue of WHO.
Alexis Loinaz did the main interview with Saroo and his family in the US and wrote the framework for the this piece — I interviewed Saroo's mum Sue for more details about the adoption process and tailored the story more for Australian audiences.
Tim Dormer: 'I finally found love'
Dec. 19, 2016 issue of WHO.
For popular reality star Tim Dormer, who won Australian Big Brother in 2013 and came just outside the final two of Canadian Big Brother in 2016, being bold, brash and big was part of his personality. But Dormer came to WHO to talk about his love for Ash Toweel and in the process revealed a softer side. The revelation was big news in gossip circles, but I found Tim and Ash sincere and kind guys who looked relieved they could live large publicly without any doubts. Photos by Paul Leonardo. The online story that complements the article can be found here.
The 2016 ARIAs
Dec. 12, 2016 issue of WHO.
I tried very hard to get an interview with Crowded House for their Hall of Fame honour at the ARIAs in 2016, but I had to settle for listening to their media-room interview and watching their concert on the steps of the Opera House the next night. I think that's fair. For a bonus, I've added photos from the red carpet and the press room after the article.
The 2016 American Music Awards
Dec. 5, 2016 issue of WHO.
Very low-key performances marked the content of the AMAs, but rock stars in their finery always makes for a colourful series of spreads. As a bonus, the Hot Topic I wrote about the week in celebrity romance is at the very end.
A tribute to Leonard Cohen
Nov. 28, 2016 issue of WHO.
Leonard Cohen was/is one of my mother-in-law's favourite artists. I was thinking of her when I wrote this tribute.
Australia's Next Top Model Final Two
Nov. 28, 2016 issue of WHO.
Each time I start to write the title of this show, I type "America" first. It can't be helped! Here is a final two piece to preview the finale, and here is the winner interview with Aleyna FitzGerald.
WHO's Sexiest People Party 2016
Nov. 14, 2016 issue of WHO.
I guess you know you've arrived when you are reporting on, writing about, and present at Who's super-cool Sexiest People party in Rushcutter's Bay. As a bonus, at the end of the article is the Back Chat spread from the same issue, where I got to round up some celebrity snack people and Chrissy Teigen's cute Halloween costume shots with Luna. And for more, here are online stories from the party with Bonnie Sveen, Havana Brown, Miranda Tapsell, and the stars from the Bachelor/Bachelorette.
Our Fight for Marriage Equality
Oct. 31, 2016 issue of WHO.
Like its sister publication, People, WHO is invested in human interest stories. I got to work with reporter and writer Louise Talbot on her interview with politician Tim Wilson, the equivalent of a Republican in the US, and his efforts to marry his partner Ryan Bolger. Louise had so much great stuff, we added more in an online piece here. I must thank Louise for letting me write up her file — most of my career at People was spent having my reporting crafted by others, so I know what it means to entrust your reporting to someone else. Photos by Martina Gemmola.
Man Up with Gus Worland
Oct. 17, 2016 issue of WHO.
Books editor Karina Machado pitched this story about radio personality Gus Worland's fight to lower the rate of male suicide in Australia. I was privileged enough to work on it and get to know Gus in the process. Below is the story as it first ran in WHO. You can also read the Oct 7 online interview with Gus here and then his heartening Dec 2 follow-up here. Photos by Paul Leonardo.
A big breakup: Naomi and Liev call it quits
Oct. 10, 2016 issue of WHO.
Summing up a split on closing day can be daunting, but here is my take for WHO on the end of a very Hollywood romance. Or is it? The beauty of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber is that the pair make a smart, engaging couple working to parent their sons together. May the odds be ever in their favour.
Rock Out! iHeartMusic Awards 2016 Festival
Oct. 10, 2016 issue of WHO.
Not only does the iHeartRadio empire have an awards show, it also has a festival, and later in the year, the Jingle Ball. So this is coverage from the series of Vegas concerts.
Emmy Awards 2016
Oct 3, 2016 issue of WHO.
Back on familiar TV territory covering the Emmys! Sorry for the strange black box on the front spread here — I'm getting better at generating copies of my stories but I'm not quite there yet!
Who's 2016 Glamour Issue
September 19, 2016 issue of WHO.
Aside from writing about the Met Gala and award shows, creating copy for the Glamour Issue is as close as I get to fashion-magazine writing. For the A to Z act here, we used some material from People Magazine's A to Z but had to add and re-write for Australian audiences. The rest were fun pieces to create. I've also added a Quick Chat in our Back Chat section that I did with style bloggers Elle and Tash.
Australian Olympic Champions: Where Are They Now?
July 25, 2016 issue of WHO.
On the eve of the Summer Games in Rio, I got a chance to speak to some legends of Australian Olympic sport including Tatiana Grigorieva, and Natalie Cook. Alas, I did not write all of the blocks here and both I and my editor missed the wrong last name for Sally Robertson. Now I will never forget! I've also added a Quick Chat with diving champ Matthew Mitcham, the WHO coverage of athletes in action from weeks 2 and 3 in Rio, and a cute pic act on Olympic look-alikes!
Play School Turns 50
July 11, 2016 issue of WHO.
One great way of immersing myself into Australian culture is taking on assignments like this one, where I got to speak to many people who were a part of this enduring children's show. Play School is very much a pre-school show in the vein of Romper Room, Reading Rainbow and Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. I'm grateful to all the presenters who took time to speak with me for this piece. NOTE: It's not your eyes! I hope to get a better copy of this story with clearer photos.
MTV Video Music Awards 2016
July 6, 2016 issue of WHO.
Billboard Music Awards 2016
June 6, 2016 issue of WHO.
Breaking My Silence: Crissy Ashcroft on The Voice Australia
May 30, 2016 issue of WHO.
There are so many great stories for contestants on shows such as The Voice. What motivates people to brave the stage for a chance at stardom and if not stardom, a career, or recognition? Crissy Ashcroft used singing as a way to heal from her daily struggle with PTSD. Fortunately many across Australia got to learn about her and the condition through her blind audition. Photos by Paul Leonardo.
Mourning a Pop Genius: Prince 1958-2016
May 9, 2016 issue of WHO.
I was able to help Michael Crooks when he wrote Who's tribute to David Bowie earlier this year; now it was my turn to take on the daunting task of writing about a man whose work meant a great deal to me personally and to a whole generation. While handling the main text and the news captions, I brainstormed the photo acts with Nicholas Fonseca, who wrote all of those parts while Lainie Shean and Amy Reedy gathered all of the images. Cleo Munns laid out the design and Michael Crooks and Cassie Kang edited the package.
Girl Power! Delta and Jessie J Talk The Voice Season 5
May 9, 2016 issue of WHO.
Coaches Delta Goodrem and Jessie J have different approaches to mentoring and with just a day to get to know each other last season, they learned that fact the hard way — on the air. Now things seem different between the two and Jessie J says new coach Ronan Keating has helped a lot. Here's my double-talk with the ladies and a quick chat with Ronan.
Festival Fun! Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2016
May 2, 2016 issue of WHO.
Fun photos. That's really all you need to know! I culled together People.com's reporting into a feature act.
Sarah Paulson: 'Living My Dream'
May 2, 2016 issue of WHO.
This piece incorporates original elements of Patrick Gomez's piece from People magazine with more text to fill a spread, a new box, and new caps.
The Wiggles' Emma and Lachlan: Dream Day
April 25, 2016 issue of WHO.
Who doesn't love a good wedding? Two current members of children's entertainment group The Wiggles — Emma Watkins and Lachlan Gillespie — wed on April 9, and I was fortunate enough to speak with them about their dream day. For more on their wedding, read my Who.com piece here.
Rockin' the Radio: iHeartMusic Awards
April 18, 2016 issue of WHO.
Taylor Swift continues to be the focus of any music awards show. She not only won her own trophies at the iHeartRadio Awards in LA, she celebrated wins by her boyfriend Calvin Harris and by her squad BFF Selena Gomez, too.
Mahtob Mahmoody: 'My Escape From Hell'
March 7, 2016 issue of WHO.
In 1991, Sally Field starred in the film Not Without My Daughter: The Story of Betty Mahmoody, which was based on Mahmoody's memoir about her escape from Iran with her daughter in the '80s. Twenty-five years later, I spoke with that daughter, Mahtob Mahmoody, who had written her own memoir. I found her clear-eyed, serene and a real survivor. Here is the story, teased on Who.com here.
Summer TV preview
Feb. 1, 2016 issue of WHO.
In the U.S., networks are quite eager to promote their upcoming shows and have lots of information at the ready. In fact, promos don't usually begin until there is an airdate that can be announced. In Australia? Not so much. Networks keep launches close to the vest. Even so, it's fun to sum up what audiences can prepare for in the weeks, months, or year ahead. While I wrote "From the minds of" and a few other snippets below, I did not write all of the TV preview, which spanned four spreads. I worked for entertainment editor Alicia Neil and writer Nicholas Fonseca, and we had a great time.
Farewell to an Icon: David Bowie
Jan. 25, 2016 issue of WHO.
We were finishing up our Monday with the final touches on the red-carpet coverage for the Golden Globes when we heard the news about David Bowie's death. Why did that seem so out of the realm of reality? From that night through the next day, in 48 hours, the team at WHO and at People produced a tremendous tribute. I am so proud of our work.
Matt Kerr and Jimmy Wright
Jan. 18, 2016 issue of WHO.
Emma Martin reported this wonderful story about model Miranda Kerr's baby brother Matty and the business he's opened in the Hunter Valley with his fiancé Jimmy Wright. During her interview, Emma also had to weave in their desire to get married in Australia and include some insight into Matt's childhood with a famous sibling. I was honoured to work with her in putting together this piece.
Bill Cosby Charged
Jan. 18, 2016 issue of WHO.
My first 10 years at People consisted of filing stories to New York and hoping a writer would use my reporting in combo with others to produce an info-packed piece. Now I'm the writer collating all the parts into a coherent whole. Credit to colleagues Nicki Egan, Diane Herbst and Lizz Leonard for their hard work on this ever-changing and fast-moving news story. I must also mention that Nicki has been covering these developments since People's first story in 2005. Bravo.
The Best and Worst of 2015
Jan. 4, 2016 issue of WHO.
The brief: How do you write a short item answering the questions, "Why this person? Why this year?" I had fun putting together quick hits for Reese Witherspoon and Dakota Johnson. I also had to add captions to the Paris Attacks page, going for a different tone.
The Most Intriguing People of 2015
Nov. 23, 2015 issue of WHO.
Summing up why someone is intriguing could always be, "well, because," or "well, just look at the photo." While I researched what to say about Adam Goodes and Jarryd Hayne, I worked with terrific interviews for Daniel Johns and Mick Fanning. For some reason, I got all guys this issue. Not complaining.
Trista's Advice for Sam
Nov. 2, 2015 issue of WHO.
Sam Frost is Australia's first Bachelorette and on the finale of her season, she chose Sasha Mielczarek. The two are going strong and Sam's become a radio personality, co-hosting the morning drive for 2DayFM with Rove McManus. For this article, which ran the week of the finale but before Sasha was revealed as the "winner," I got a chance to catch up with Trista Sutter, the first Bachelorette ever, whose search for love, and marriage, and babies, I covered for People.
X Factor Launch Party
Oct. 12, 2015 issue of WHO.
A night chatting with Chris Isaak, James Blunt, Guy Sebastian and Dannii Minogue? Indeed!
Ryan Eggold
Aug. 24, 2015 issue of WHO.
I interviewed Ryan Eggold in Sydney in December 2014 for a Q&A pegged to the mid-season return of The Blacklist on the Seven Network. Yet the show didn't air again until July, which was two months after the season finale in the US. When I spoke to Ryan, he hadn't even filmed those scenes and yet we both were tasked with teasing what Australian audiences could expect. Ryan was a great sport and we got to reminisce about the time we invited him to the People SAG after-party when he was such a young lad on 90210.
Billboard Music Awards 2015
June 1, 2015 issue of WHO.
Interpreting the fun the U.S. is having is just part of the job. In this case, People's coverage was just a few Star Tracks photos. Who made it something more.
ARIAs 2014
Dec. 15, 2014 issue of WHO.
Back on the carpet and in the press room for the "Grammys of Australia," I didn't have an Air Supply moment like last year, but Tim Farriss did remember me from the Rock Star: INXS days in L.A, so that was a plus! And I got to be in the same room as Neil Finn and Paul Kelly. I worked the carpet with the incomparable Alicia Neil, who guided the text and caps of the main magazine feature while I did the initial write-up for Who.com, which you can read if you keep scrolling right. You can also see some bonus pics of 5SOS!
Rosario Dawson
Dec. 14, 2014 issue of WHO.
Promoting her film The Captive in Australia, Rosario Dawson proved such a great interview that I couldn't put all of her thoughts into the Backchat space! I hope to amend this post with more from the interview later — it was that good.
American Music Awards 2014
Dec. 8, 2014 issue of WHO
So fun to write about an American event for an Australian magazine. Then again, a lot of the awards went to Aussies, so I guess it wasn't a stretch?
The Veronicas
Dec. 1, 2014 issue of WHO.
Brisbane identical twins Jessica and Lisa Origliasso have returned to the music scene after a four-year absence. They talked to me about their comeback and their eclectic new album. To check out their website, click here.
The Faders DJs
Dec. 1, 2014 issue of WHO.
Milly Gattegno and Sui Lye are smart, savvy and stylish. They also have one of the best side jobs in town!
Jesinta Campbell, The Body Issue
Nov. 17, 2014 issue of WHO.
Jesinta Campbell is a model and TV presenter and a very present interviewee. She's comfortable in her own skin and it shows. I was glad to meet her at the shoot for this issue and if you slide to the end, you will see her on the cover!
X Factor: The Final 3
Oct. 27, 2014 issue of WHO.
By now, having spoken and met contestants, I'm pretty invested. It could go any way depending on the Australian public! But I am guessing the most active voters are going to be young people, so as talented as Dean may be, he may not stand a chance against his teen rivals! Photography by Paul Leonardo.
Last Girls Standing on The X Factor
Oct. 6, 2014 issue of WHO.
This was a tricky one! The show aired on a different day than usual that week, meaning we would not be certain which girl would be eliminated, if any. So the wording is designed to work no matter the outcome. Photography by Paul Leonardo.
On the farm with the Brothers 3
Sept. 29, 2014 issue of WHO.
My first real trip to the country! Photographer Paul Leonardo did the driving honors as we headed toward Mudgee, three hours west of Sydney. We were met by the Fahey-Leighs and had a grand time. For some personal photos of the day, click through the slider.
Cannes Can!
I may not make it to France, but I can share the excitement with Who readers, and that's not bad, right? I wrote the text, head and dek and researched some caption information. Alicia Neil wrote the captions. It's fun to collaborate and bring events to life.
Find the Niña
People editor Nancy Jeffrey assigned me this story, pitched by Nicki Egan. The Wrights are compelling and hopefully they will find closure. To read the People.com piece, click here. For more on the search, click here.
Searching for the Ghost Ship," Who Magazine, Feb. 24, 2014. Photos courtesy Newspix and the Wright family.
Her Kitchen Rules
Anna Lisle may be competing on the hit Aussie cooking show My Kitchen Rules, but her real life is filled with simple joys shared with fiancé Andrew Turner. Here I worked with TV editor Alicia Neil on this fun piece by going to Anna and Andrew's home and getting to know the couple. I've included a couple photos from the shoot at their flat — Anna joked that fans would be appalled to know the condition of her kitchen and that it was the same place they do their laundry!
"My Dream Wedding," Who Magazine, March 17, 2014. Photos by Peter Brew-Bevan.
Passing the torch
After interviewing Greg Page for my first People feature after moving to Sydney, I saw in quick order a changing of the guard within Australia's cultural icons — the Wiggles. Being trusted to tell Anthony Field's story was an honor.
"Last Wiggle Standing," Who Magazine, June 4, 2012. Photos courtesy The Wiggles.
Talking to a royal
She can be down to earth and real even on the phone. Glad to have a moment's chat with Ella Yelich-O'Connor on her phenomenal year.
"Lorde: Teenage Dream," Best and Worst of 2013, Who Magazine, Jan. 6, 2014
The ARIAs
My first Australian award show red carpet! Luckily I got to work with Alyssa Braithwaite, who gave me the lay of the land. Could not be more giddy to speak with Air Supply. Yes, of course they made it in to my story.
"Jessica Mauboy and the ARIA Awards," Who.com, Dec. 3, 2013
A star at the Star
That was the assignment — talk to Brad Pitt. Thankfully, it happened! Paramount Pictures ran a great carpet and a story was born.
"Brad Pitt Shines at the Star," Who.com, June 9, 2013.
Sartorial Scribe
When award season comes around, I love to look at red carpet fashions as much as the next person. What I also love is writing up brief little passages on the gowns and glamor for Who. The trick is to be accurate and informative but not repeat a lot of descriptions that may already be out there. Here is the opening to the 2015 Met Gala and a sample spread from the 2014 Oscars.
