Lockdown Survival Guide for Adland

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Lockdown Survival Guide for Adland

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. http://unltd.org.au/ @unltdaus

Welcome to the Lockdown Survival Guide for Adland!

Whilst we can’t take away the discomfort and uncertainty of the current situation, we hope this guide will make your time in lockdown a little more bearable and entertaining.

In these pages, you’ll find top tips and recommendations on things to watch, listen, read and have a laugh at from like-minded people across the industry.

Our industry is full of smart, talented and creative people with a great taste for good content and we want to thank all our contributors for sharing their tips and lessons. It’s a great collection of recommendations by Melbourne, for Melbourne (and for anyone else in lockdown or in need of some fresh content!).

Enjoy and take care of yourself.

Team UnLtd

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Contributors

Adrian Roeling, Managing Partner, Hatched Media

Alexandra Braybon, Account Director, NOVA Entertainment

Andrew Robertson, VIC State Sales Manager, QMS Media

Anna Hosking, Commercial Director VIC-National Sales, Australian Community Media

Cameron Knight, Victorian Sales Manager, Seven Affiliate Sales

Wade James, Head of Sales Southern, oOh!media and UnLtd MEL Board Member

Chris Pash, Editor, AdNews

Danni Hickox, Group Sales Manager, Seven Network

Darren Morton, Sales Director VIC & SA, Quantcast

Deb Trela, General Manager of Sales VIC, Val Morgan & VMO

Dolly Herbert, Group Business Director, Foxtel Media

Emil Mathias, Commercial Director, MediaMath

Jessica Zavecz, Key Client Relationship Manager - VIC, QMS Media

Jessie Roper, Account Manager, The Monkeys

Jin Subasinghe, Group Sales Manager, Network 10

John O’Brien, Head of Agency Melbourne, Network 10

Jordan Smith, Group Business Director, PHD Melbourne

Jye Hainsworth, Senior Platforms Manager, Fin-services, Google & UnLtd MEL Board Member

Kai Battaglene, Account Director, Spotify

Kerry Field, Managing Director, Mindshare Melbourne & UnLtd Board Member

Lillian Liu, Sales Executive, Nine Entertainment Co.

Luke Burr, Head of Sales Victoria, Verizon Media & UnLtd MEL Board Member

Luke Manley, Media Performance Manager, Bunnings

Luke Smith, Head of Programmatic Sales & Audiences, Seven

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Lyndall Campher, Media Director, L’Oreal Australia and New Zealand

Mark Coad, CEO, IPG Mediabrands

Melanie Cannington, Client Lead, Mindshare Melbourne

Melissa Green, National Agency Lead, Facebook & Instagram Australia

Mia Marasco, Digital Account Manager, Quantcast

Naomi Johnston, General Manager, Havas Media Group

Nick Brignell, National Head of Client Development, Xaxis

Owen Kelly, Sales Executive, Nine

Paul Bates, National Sales Director - Media & Content, REA Group

Peter Butler, Managing Director, SparkFoundry

Rachel Page, National Sales Director, Verizon Media & UnLtd MEL Board Member

Sally Phelps, Director - Digital and Performance Marketing, Koala

Sam Brennan, Director of Sales, Nine

Sam Harris, Melbourne Agency Sales Director, ARN

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, Senior Digital Investment Executive, MediaCom

Sarah James, Managing Director Melbourne, Initiative

Shaun McFarlane, Copywriter, Noisy Beast

Shaun Warry, Partner & Digital Lead, Taska Media & UnLtd MEL Board Member

Sheree Groves, Marketing Manager, Content and Audience Engagement at JCDecaux

Simon Lawson, General Manager, PHD Melbourne & UnLtd MEL Board Member

Stephanie Booth, Account Director, ARN

Stephen Fisher, Managing Partner, Hatched Media

Tiffany Damm, GM Melbourne, UnLtd

Vanya Mariani, GM of Auto OEM & Media Business, Carsales.com

Index

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Lockdown tips What to watch Best podcasts What to read Best industry content Fun stuff Lockdown lessons

08 16 24 32 40 46 52

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Lockdown tips

01

Go for a walk every morning to ensure you’re dressed before your first Zoom call.

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales

Don’t work in the same room as your husband/wife even if that means you’re working in a cupboard! You’ve got to have a chance to miss each other.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd

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Board games in isolation were the shiz for lock down round 1. But if you can’t stomach another 13 hours of Monopoly to find out who is the best at capitalism, the card game is SO MUCH BETTER. And it’s available at Woolies (strangely) - so you know, essential shopping.

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux

Fresh air and sunshine. Mixing it up with where I am working, making calls while going for a walk or sitting outside in the sunshine to punch out a few emails on the phone.

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

Have something to look forward to every weekend. Nigel and I order in in-home fine dining every Friday and Saturday night so it’s a like perpetual date night. But it cannot be Uber Eats.

Lyndall Campher, L'Oréal

have a work topic agenda, just a good platform to check in, help keep everyone upbeat and maintain a sense of team culture.

Anna Hosking, ACM Invest in a jaffle iron. Lockdown is made a million times better when you can indulge in a cheesy, melty, warm toastie everyday. Jaffle Art is now a hobby – get on board people!

Jin Subasinghe, Network 10

This might sound simple but get outside (with your mask on of course) even if it’s just for a phone call, cup of home brewed coffee, a walk, whatever you like just make sure you do it every day.

Darren Morton, Quantcast End of day. Shower. Nothing says I'm done with the day like ripping your clothes off in a proclamation of freedom from your desk. Also... work around the house. Don't stay in one room. Seriously. And if you're working in your bedroom, try to change things up. Your room is your sanctuary don't bring work in there.

Make your virtual team meeting a ‘Get Moving Meeting’... feeling isolated and restricted to a small space, like you are in lockdown, is enough to send anyone a tad crazy.

So exercise, fresh air and simply

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom getting out of the house is healthy for both body and mind. I do daily Have a lunch break. Get some fresh 8.45am Rise and Shine walking air and exercise. meetings with my team. They don’t

Wade James, oOh!media have to be long and they don’t always

Dolly Herbert, Foxtel Media

Get into a good routine. I have joined CorePlus pilates on demand and currently undertaking the Sam Wood 28 day challenge. Buy a good coffee machine, not only will you save $$ it’s a lot of fun and the Breville pro barista (& Inglewood beans) tastes better than the real thing!

Danni Hickox, Seven Network I’m making an effort to wear different outfits and avoid my workspace on the weekend, so that there's some separation between work and home life. Basically trying my best not to kill ‘Independent George’.

Jordan Smith, PHD Start each day with a 30-45min exercise routine, it doesn’t need to be anything strenuous. It could simply be a walk around the block.

Get those endorphins pumping! It will automatically put you in a positive mindset.

John O’Brien, Network 10

Get up early and go for a walk before sunrise. Dawn is the nicest part of the day and with exercise ticked off, you’ll be in front of the curve before 7.30am.

Luke Manley, Bunnings Well homeschooling 2 boys that are 8 and 11, plus working in media is a complete sh*t show, not going to lie! The 11 year old ‘wagged’ a class call the other day because I was on a Teams call! I obviously found out and made him email his teacher to apologise, and then removed all his PS4 privileges which I instantly regretted!! In all seriousness though, my best lockdown tip is getting the kids to the dog park and kicking the footy whether it’s for 20mins or 2hrs, we just love it. Although I consequently have far too many bruises as the 11 year old is 5’6ft and 43kg of pure muscle and plays to win! Not at all sure where he gets his competitive spirit from!!!

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

To minimise trips to ye ol' fridge, I have been prepping my lunches on Sunday night. It stops me from snacking all day long and has also created a daily routine. I grab my meal and head to the garden to eat at 1pm most days- it is time set aside purely for me.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

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Lockdown tips

To make sure you actually switch off from work at the end of your day, try picking a ‘home time’ song to play.

Make sure you use the duration of the song to send that one last email, say good night to your team, and log off. My go to song is Closing Time

by Semisonic.

Put your headphones on and go for a run. Now you just may think you are shit at running but let me tell you there are a lot of first time runners out there who will make you feel like an Olympic Gold Medallist.

I try to ensure that I go to bed and get up at the same time as I would have pre WFH, key to keep a routine. My wife and I, to help separate home/ work, at the end of each day each play 1 song in our living room each, very loud, that describes how we

Peter Butler, SparkFoundry have felt about that day…..a simple If it works for you and you can make it bit of fun but helps to punctuate the end of a working day! work, get a puppy! You’ll never want to leave the house anyway.

Paul Bates, REA

Owen Kelly, Nine Home Schooling tip for those with young kids: Sit with your kids for Have a guilt free extra 15 minutes in 15min each day while they’re learning, bed in the morning then straight out the door for a coffee and walk (10,000 and just take it in – we’re in a oncein-a-century situation, to be given steps/day). Make the bed before the opportunity to sit and watch their starting work. And always put away all work related stuff on the weekends little brains fill up knowledge is the so your house feels like a home again. purest form of “living in the moment” I can think. A great start to the day if My special tip is to burn a candle at you can make it work. your desk. My choice is MOSS ST

fragrances in lemongrass scent. A Sam Brennan, Nine beautiful accessory for the home, they’re really fragrant and fill my home During the working week, I go for a office (my bedroom) with wonderful ride and listen to a podcast during my scent (reminds me of holidays past in lunch break. It's a great way to clear Bali and Thailand). They’re excellent my head, get my body moving and value $29.95 (and cheaper if you stop thinking about homeschooling purchase in bulk!). Extra bonus! and or media planning, albeit for an Apparently lemongrass oil is good in hour or so a day! helping to relieve stress, anxiety and

Shaun Warry, Taska Media depression.

Melissa Green, Facebook

Make your bed as soon as you get up every day - it sets the tone for the day and is a great way to start with an achievement.

Chris Freel, UnLtd

Always pack up the double screens and put them out of site for the evening/ weekend to ensure you

Luke Smith, Seven keep work and home separate and keep the balance. Ensure you have I’m not sure I’m getting through lockdown so well that I’m qualified to one big blow out per lockdown give any tips! For me this period isn’t period - keep your pub self alive and just about “getting through this”. This kicking through social quiz nights is unique and a set of circumstances with friends. Where’s Wally puzzles in which there are so many negatives will blow your iso mind!

and challenges. But there are also Alexandra Braybon, NOVA some amazing opportunities in here too. Finding what your opportunity is You cannot put a price on comfort.... and dedicating time and focus to that well you can.... $129 Mens ugg is the best tip I can give. slippers size 12.

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media Luke Burr, Verizon Media Don’t let meetings trap you indoors. I try to turn my video calls into walking calls wherever possible. Better yet, go for a walk with a colleague if they live right near you: It’s so good to catch up in person.

Simon Lawson, PHD

I aim to do my team calls whilst I power walk around the park. It’s a great way to practice my listening skills because my current fitness level does not allow me to walk and talk at the same time!

Vanya Mariani, carsales.com.au

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Lockdown tips

Walking WIPs. It’s too easy to roll out of bed in the morning and find yourself at your home office desk all day long. Get out there and talk and take the surrounds in – you feel better and I’m sure the person you’re talking to (on the phone) will too.

Consistency is key and trying to wake up at a similar time each work day and also setting little goals such as doing 10k steps a day. I also think it is really important to have something to look forward to each weekend, for us it is generally food haha (we are currently making our way through the Providoor menu).

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

Spice things up and keep it interesting in the kitchen! Given the fairly monotonous routine of #WFHlyf, the easiest way to inject some variety is to eat something different and delicious daily!

If you don't have one, get a whiteboard. $15 from Officeworks, great for your daily to do list, and if you can be bothered sticking it to the wall you get that real home-office nerd street cred.

Stephanie Booth, ARN

Create the nicest workspace you can - adding cool artwork, flowers and coasters for the endless coffee and drinks definitely makes you feel at home, at work, at home…

Sally Phelps, Koala

Keep moving your work space around every few weeks – change is as good as an iso-holiday! You’d be amazed how refreshed you feel just moving a jump to the left!

Naomi Johnston, Havas Media

When I first started WFH in lockdown, I completely underestimated how important it was to get frequent walks and fresh air. On some of those busier days, I’d make excuses for not having enough time to get outside. I quickly realised that getting outside for frequent walks throughout the day, even if just around the block, increased my overall productivity and output. It is so integral to give our mind and body that break.

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

Get out and walk your body and mind every single day .....rain, hail or shine.

For parents, a weekly picnic with the kids set up in the lounge room followed by a movie or board games.

It's something to all look forward to and plan together.

Rachel Page, Verizon Media

Move house; the first and only time I’ve looked forward to packing boxes and tackling the admin of a move.

Andrew Robertson, QMS Media

I make it a rule to make my bed as soon as I get up. A simple, mundane task but within the first 5 minutes of waking up, I have already accomplished one task – tick :) For my mental health I like to exercise in the morning to get those endorphins working first thing. If I need some clarity and balance during the work day, I like a walk at lunch time.

During my walk I set a timer for 5 minutes of controlled breathing; breath in for 5 steps, breathe out for 5 steps. This helps with my

mindfulness; stops the chatter in my head when I need some silence.

Deb Trela, Val Morgan

Jye Hainsworth, Google

Have a laugh at lockdown - When you’re at breaking point, don’t panic buy, try a meme page instead.

Laughing at the very thing that’s freaking you out has a weird way of calming you down.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast

When you hear there is a lockdown coming, jump in the car and head north! I enjoyed the sunshine coast lifestyle for 14 weeks returning home just in time for wave 2! It did however prove that whilst we are WFH, it really can be from anywhere.

Sarah James, Initiative

Get a routine going. I had someone tell me recently that they are not sure anymore whether they are working from home, or sleeping in their office. You have to draw the lines to distinguish between the two and have a routine to move you from

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands

We’ve been cooking twice as much as we need in the evenings so we don’t have to think about making lunches. This means we have time to leave our workspaces and go for a quick walk at lunchtime and eat.

Kerry Field, Mindshare

Playing new games as a family. We have ordered plenty of new games over the past few months, including the brilliant “Exploding Kittens” and “Unstable Unicorns” card games.

Both kids and adults have really enjoyed the hectic and hilarious fun these games gave us. This time we spend together will continue well beyond any Covid-19 restrictions.

Emil Mathias, MediaMath

Social media and the news can be a bit deflating in these tough times. I was recommended this great website

by Jack and Stevo at Hatched – Reasons to be Cheerful, well worth spending some time here each day.

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Sam Harris, ARN

*Some tips were given prior to Stage 4 restrictions, please check latest restrictions here

Lockdown tips

Try and keep some resemblance to your previous ways of working, whether that's waking up at the same time or showering! I've found the days I apply that myself I feel more in-tune to the role and focused on the day.

one to the other. Working from home does not mean you’re on 24 hours. A routine to start work in the morning, and end it later in the day does help.

What to watch

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Utopia…..not for the faint hearted but very interesting in this climate!

Paul Bates, REA

The Review is a review show like no other. It doesn’t review books, food or movies, but life itself. I give this comedy 5 stars and couldn’t recommend it enough.

Owen Kelly, Nine

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Believe it or not, Kath & Kim on Netflix. Watch one ep just before you go to bed….you’ll sleep with a smile on your face!

John O’Brien, Network 10

Groundhog Day. Most importantly, it always makes me laugh! But lots of parallels to our current situation and a great reminder about what’s important in life.

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

Lyndall Campher, L’Oréal

first is, always, the best). Also Cardinal (SBS) - Police detective from Canada.

Tightly plotted. Three series. Free on SBS. Best I’ve come across, apart from Bosche (see Amazon Prime).

Chris Pash, AdNews

Grand Designs – great motivation and lots of renovating ideas. Ozarks (Stan) – need I say more, it’s brilliant.

Danni Hickox, Seven Network

Gossip Girl on Netflix – cult favourite The Heist – A Spanish hilarious thriller that has 6 seasons with at least 20 based on a gang of crooks headed up episodes each so plenty of binge worthy hours of watching privileged by a brilliant statistician who breaks NYC upper East-siders with Motorola into the Mint in Spain and how they flip phones, underage drinking habits keep flummoxing the police and the and questionable choices when it head of the gang has a relationship comes to fashion and flings. It’s so with the chief negotiator. Best show bad, it’s good. XOXO on Netflix.

This one has been around for a while but the Black List on Netflix, 7 seasons, (I was already up to season 5, I didn’t watch all 152 eps in one go… or did I), this got me through 1.0. This covers you for crime, drama, thriller and mystery, something for everyone.

Darren Morton, Quantcast

Ozark (Netflix) - The Idiot’s guide to money laundering, presenting as a drama. Excellent plot and characters.

Binge watch all the series (but the

Jin Subasinghe, Network 10

‘Encore’ on Disney+ - a reality show where they reunite casts of high school musicals, often decades later, to restage the musical they originally performed (but this time with professional directors, sets, backing cast). Sounds like it should be terrible, but the awkward reunions mixed with adults who can’t necessarily sing or dance like they could in their teens is funny, sweet and occasionally really impressive.

Jordan Smith, PHD

Somehow I discovered the official film of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics: Days Of Glory one night on Youtube: It runs for more than 3 hours and is surprisingly addictive viewing. I love the winter Olympics.

Simon Lawson, PHD

Yellowstone – it’s about the largest (Cowboy) land-owner in the USA and the outside forces who are constantly trying to take his land off his family.

Nick Brignell, Xaxis

Rush – Movie on Netflix. Great story about a classic rivalry in Formula One set in the mid-70s. Features Chris Hemsworth, so plenty of entertainment for him and her in this fun watch.

Luke Manley, Bunnings

Lillian Liu, Nine

SBS on demand - Zero, Zero, Zero.... gritty, dark, narcos mexico meets Gomorrah.

Luke Burr, Verizon Media

Girlfriends Guide to Divorce on Stan… obviously because I may have self-identified with the leading character! LOL

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom

Currently re watching all seasons of The Sopranos only on… Foxtel (sorry shameless plug!) There is really nothing like 90’s TV, and I’m also getting back into some of the classics like The Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

Dolly Herbert, Foxtel Media

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What to watch

Hamilton on Disney+ - do yourself a favour! You’ll have work tunes sorted for the rest of iso!

SBS OnDemand is seriously a sleeper hit. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen everything on Netflix and Stan, I know you’ve seen it all. Your friends have seen it. Your family. The dog has seen it. Stop subjecting the dog to your madness by watching bloody re-runs of How I Met Your Mother or Seinfeld for the 100th time and just get on SBS OnDemand. Check out the following - Taboo (Series 1) - It has Tom Hardy in it, and he wrote the thing. Seriously. Good. War of the Worlds (TV Series) - Imagine a world where aliens attacked and Tom Cruise didn’t butcher a classic tale of resilience. Also, fun fact - if you know the ending of War of the Worlds, you know it’s very topical with COVID-19 going on. Fine...Netflix: If you’re going to succumb to re-watching the same stuff you’ve watched over and over again, Queer Eye and Marie Kondo.

Who doesn’t need a makeover in their life while locked in?

George of the Jungle on Disney+. The movie wasn’t my choice, but I really enjoyed watching George swing into those trees…. ! (It was “Saturday Family Movie Night” and I can’t remember the last time we’ve ever done that at home? It’s started a new family tradition, so that’s a positive).

Also Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein Netflix. Oh, the corruption! Get the popcorn out to watch how this story unfolds now Ghislaine Maxwell is in custody…

Melissa Green, Facebook

Before lockdown I never had the time to watch TV. Now I’m slowly starting to catch up but am still a few years behind! Point in case, I’ve just finished season 1 of Homeland and it’s brilliant but I’m sure you all already know this!

Chris Freel, UnLtd Little Fires Everywhere – on the face of it a picture perfect family but when you scratch beneath the service it’s far from perfect. Went in with low expectations but loved it.

Peter Butler, SparkFoundry

Normal People on Stan. T.V shows hardly ever live up to the books they came from, however, this adaptation is very well done.. (+ Connor is pretty dreamy, which always helps).

I’ve revisited an older show, on Stan, called Utopia. A classic Australian comedy showing the ins and outs of office life and culture. Very entertaining.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

Ozark – I know I’m a bit late to the game on this one BUT it’s bingetastic. Definitely takes cues from Breaking Bad. So so good.

Kerry Field, Mindshare

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

Parks & Recreation on ABC iView. The humour in this show is timeless and allows you to truly check out from the worries lockdown life has brought to our lives. (Yes I am very late to the party on this one).

Yellowstone - non stop addictive family Emil Mathias, MediaMath drama, modern day cowboy and indian style! And the escapism of imagining I really like Ray Donovan. It’s a pretty myself in that setting right now. dark and full on series based around a high society Mr Fix It man. He also

Rachel Page, Verizon Media has his own problems along with protecting the Hollywood elite.

Shaun Warry, Taska Media

Luke Smith, Seven

McMillions on Foxtel – the quite unbelievable story about how the McDonalds Monopoly game wasn’t won by a legitimate winner for over 12 years. It really needs to be watched to be believed and keeps getting weirder by the episode. And secondly Fear City: New York vs The Mafia on Netflix. For anyone who likes Goodfellas or The Sopranos, this is the true story behind how the mob ruled NYC in the 1980’s.

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media AFL on Seven now that its back but during lockdown 1.0 any and all of the sports docos including The Test (Prime Amazon), Lance (Foxtel/ESPN) and The Last Dance (Netflix).

For those that don’t have a toddler in their household, BLUEY (an aussie cartoon of a blue heeler family) is the ultimate parents’ guide to entertaining your children 24/7!

Vanya Mariani, carsales.com.au Love me a bit of true crime, doco or foodie show on Netflix: The Fall, Broadchurch, Line Of Duty, Peaky Blinders, Taboo, The Crown, Unorthodox, Russian Doll, Wild, Wild Country. Stan: Outcry, Yellowstone, Killing Eve, Power. The Chef Show, Ugly Delicious, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Chef’s Table.

Stephanie Booth, ARN Reruns of Seinfeld is guaranteed to get you laughing and a little bit nostalgic - feels like having friends in the house.

Sally Phelps, Koala

Russian Doll (Netflix) – a modern groundhog day featuring that girl who was in American Pie, with a whole lot of drugs. On the Sauce (ABC iView) – For someone who doesn’t

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales drink alcohol, Shaun Micallef’s look Initial lockdown COVID me: Tiger King at Australia’s relationship with booze and how it is entrenched in almost Second wave COVID me: Shaun everything we do (Sad? Have a drink.

Micallef On the Sauce. It just started Happy? Have a drink. Celebrating the on the ABC on Tuesday nights and explores Australia’s relationship with lifting of restrictions, eventually? Have a drink) is incredibly insightful. booze. Very interesting watch!

Alexandra Braybon, NOVA

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux

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What to watch

My guilty pleasure has definitely been Big Brother – practice what you preach and all.. but The Test on Amazon Prime has been great. Shows how so much work can boil down to how well you perform on only a few passages of play.

Ugly Delicious. Netflix. High production value food television with legitimate insights and history, and none of the Masterchef sob stories.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

Yellowstone on Stan. Somehow convinced my other half this one was right up her alley. 2nd episode in, it was too late for us to turn back .

Andrew Robertson, QMS Media

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I would have said “The Last Dance�, but to avoid potential duplication I really enjoyed White Lines on netflix.. Cheesy I know! I think it was real escapism, where better else than Ibiza!

Jye Hainsworth, Google

I had the notepad out ready to learn how to diversify my income during a pandemic – “Jeffrey Epstein, Filthy Rich� is nothing like the Barefoot Investor.

Sam Harris, ARN

stories behind the world’s most renowned chefs, their restaurants, and their obsession with food.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast Morning Wars – Reece Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston & Steve Carell – Nominated for 3 Golden Globes and with a cast like that what more can you ask for!

Sarah James, Initiative

Top 3, in order: Upright – I think I found it originally on i-view, but now on Foxtel – features the brilliant Tim Minchin and young actor Milly Alcock on an epic roadtrip. Best Australian series I have seen for a very long time. The Test on Amazon is an amazing look behind the scenes of Aussie cricket (you don’t need to be a cricket fan to get into it). In third spot, Ricky Gervais in Afterlife on Netflix is fantastic – you’ll laugh and cry at the same time.

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands

Netflix – Love on the Spectrum. A fantastic show following people on the autism spectrum as they search for love. Get the tissues handy.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd

We are re-watching The Sopranos.

Always a classic. Only downside is that it makes me want to drink red wine and eat pasta every day.

Chef’s Table - I like listening to people who are obsessed with what they do. Chef’s Table takes a look at the

The last dance.

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

Wade James, oOh!media

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What to watch

Best podcasts

03

Everyday Heroes by Bernie Shakeshaft – a real Aussie legend and Local Australian Hero of the Year who I am proud to call a mate, interviewing some real life heroes in a no-BS way.

Truly inspiring.

Chris Freel, UnLtd

The Daily Talk Show – humorous, light hearted content by local Melbourne dudes who dish up quality banter, daily.

Stephanie Booth, ARN

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Best podcast - content pages: Rabbit Hole – produced by the New York Times and looks at the influence of Youtube’s algorithm and social media channels in leading people into right wing content and how they’ve contributed to the rise of things like QAnon. For something lighter, My Dad Wrote a Porno is very funny.

Hip Hop Saved My Life with Rajesh Raganathan - the most unlikely guests on his show, from Bill Burr, Louis Theroux, Jamie Cullen, all discussing their love of Hip Hop as well as the history behind the genres it has created. Seriously good if you like music. No Such Thing As A Fish - if you love fun facts and interesting snippets from history check out this

Jordan Smith, PHD series by the same guys to run The two on high rotation are Pivot and the show QI.

Hamish and Andy. Pivot which I’m Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom sure many of you listen to, is brilliant to stay up to date with all things Still loving the Joe Rogan Experience. business and tech and H&A to check Just really engaging interviews out and importantly have a laugh. mainly with celebrities, keeps me

entertained!

Darren Morton, Quantcast

Dolly Herbert, Foxtel Media I listen to What the Flux for a bite size business update each morning Naked City – John Silvester. If and Mamamia’s The Quicky for a you’re obsessed with Melbourne’s good opinion piece and quick news underworld like me, you’ll enjoy it. fix. You can knock them both off in

Luke Manley, Bunnings 20 minutes, perfect addition to the morning stroll!

I am not cool enough to listen to podcasts… I wish I was, I want to be!

Danni Hickox, Seven Network Harry Potter At Home Readings – David Beckham & Stephen Fry reading you chapters of Harry Potter – what more could you want?

Lillian Liu, Nine That Peter Crouch Podcast… pass the pod #backstronger

Luke Burr, Verizon Media

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

I’ve been listening to a series called ‘How I Built This.’ Each episode, someone is interviewed that’s built an incredible business empire (Eg. Founder of Dyson, Founder of Airbnb).

It’s completely inspiring.

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

I am currently listening to ‘GQ’s Career Decisions’ - this podcast proves that the journey is far more fascinating than the destination.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

Nick Brignell, Xaxis

Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy – inspiring and provocative interviews. Krishnan Guru-Murthy and his guest of the week explore the big ideas influencing how we think, act and live.

Kerry Field, Mindshare

Sam Brennan, Nine

I really enjoy the Bill Simmons Podcast. It’s about all things sport, with a sprinkling of movies, entertainment, media and technology.

He usually has great guests and he’s not afraid to share his opinion.

Shaun Warry, Taska Media

Better than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg– A great insight into an activist who deals with key mental health issues. A weekly conversation to make today better than yesterday

I always look forward to a new episode of The Rewatchables, a podcast where they re-watch old movies. Favourites eps over the pandemic have included the Karate Kid, Total Recall and The Perfect Storm.

Paul Bates, REA

The Howie Games – Great guests and Mark Howard is a great interviewer.

He puts his guests at ease and asks the questions you would want to ask.

Peter Butler, SparkFoundry

Simon Lawson, PHD

Unfortunately - I’m yet to really embrace the podcast lifestyle. I’ll admit that I have an unusual mix of Spotify music selections which ranges from Power Ballads, Ed Sheeran, Bob Sinclar and surprisingly Snoop Dog of late.

Luke Smith, Seven

27

Best Podcasts

To Live and Die in LA – a missing person case in Hollywood investigated by the guy who co-wrote the Motley Crue book; The Dirt.

“Drive with Peter Attia”, episode 79 (Ric Elias). Ric Elias opens up about the day he nearly died on US Airways Flight 1549, made famous in the movie “Sully”. It taught me to be grateful for what I’ve got, not to take anything for granted, and to “leave the woodpile higher than when I found it”.

No Such Thing As A Fish – an eclectic blend of art, science, history, general knowledge and comedy where the hosts each talk about one weird fact they’ve discovered in the past 7 days and then delve into how it came to be and what’s going on.

Highly entertaining and you learn something too.

The Night Driver - the next big podcast from The Teacher’s Pet host and The Australian’s National Chief Correspondent, Hedley Thomas.

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media

I have never really got into podcasts so you might think that this lockdown life may have changed that. It didn’t really, Podcasts have still not made a big impression within my personal media mix. Honourable mention to AdExchanger Talks, which I dipped into a bit.

Emil Mathias, MediaMath Just started No Merger (ARN) on the failed merger of the Demons and the Hawks back in 1996. Go Dees!

Apart from that I never miss Off The Bench with Hutch and Pickers (SEN Crocmedia).

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales Not really into Podcasts that much but I don’t mind Creepy. It’s a bit random but it explores urban legends etc. probably not the most uplifting in these times!

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

Alexandra Braybon, NOVA

Coronacast - a no-bullsh*t and practical update on what’s happening right now.

Sally Phelps, Koala

Naked City – John Silvester (The Age).

Otherwise known on 3AW as “Sly of the Underworld”. I’m a non-fiction lover when it comes to podcasts and books. After listening to these Australian crime stories, I’ve realised I live a pretty sheltered life. “Take a journey into the dark depths of the Australian criminal underworld with Australia’s most formidable crime reporter - John Silvester”.

Melissa Green, Facebook

‘Parental As Anything With Maggie Dent’ – the absolute best for parents, especially when confronted with lockdown lows – lots of perspective.

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux Bang On – Myf Warhurst & Zan Rowe real-talking current affairs, world events, celebrity gossip, interesting stuff without all the bull$hit.

Naomi Johnston, Havas Media

The Dating Game Killer. All too often these crime stories never come to a conclusion and leave you hanging, this one does not.

Andrew Robertson, QMS Media

Rachel Page, Verizon Media

As a tragic Melbourne Demons supporter, I’m loving the No Merger podcast on iHeartRadio right now – it’s comforting to hear how the Demons were even worse off than we are now….

Sam Harris, ARN

Relistening to “StartUp” – fantastic show that follows Gimlet Media from its inception until it’s sold to….spoiler alert……Spotify.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd

This Past Weekend with Theo Von Theo Von is a comedian out of L.A who spits pure stupidity. There’s no great insight, and you won’t learn much, but it’s the perfect thing to switch on when you want to I don’t listen to enough podcasts to switch off. have a strong opinion here, I think the last one I’ve listened to in full was Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast the Madeleine McCann one on CH9.

It’s morbidly depressing but I just I prefer music – would recommend need to know what happened to her. Housework Hits or DJ D-nice’s homeschool

Jye Hainsworth, Google

29

Sarah James, Initiative

Best Podcasts

I subscribe to ‘The Tim Ferriss Show’ – a business/interview podcast where each episode Tim deconstructs world-class performers from all sorts of areas (sports, business, entertainment etc) to extract routines, tools and tactics that the everyday person can use. Some past guests include Maria Sharapova, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richard Branson and Bob Iger. Very inspiring.

Unlocking Us with Brene Brown – if you are a fan of Brene or want to get comfortable with being uncomfortable about emotions, then you must listen. Insightful and sometimes confronting episodes.

Deb Trela, Val Morgan

Hot off the press, The Michelle Obama Podcast is very topical. She is very down to earth and comes from a place of great experience and perspective.

John Silvester, (or Sly of the Underworld) is Melbourne’s premier crime reporter. My favorite episodes are with David Key (the guy on the end of the wire attached to the emergency chopper that pulled sailors out of the ocean during the 1998 Sydney-Hobart). Second best is his chat with Mick Gatto, one of Melbourne’s most colourful underworld figures.

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands 99% Invisible on Spotify. Interesting well researched info on everything from Design, Pop Culture, Architecture, Sport, Tech and Politics.

Filled with dinner party facts you won’t be telling anyone anytime soon.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

31

Best Podcasts

What to read

04

Mr Pikes - It’s a fascinating biography about life before and after, Tony Pike becoming the king of Ibiza. It’s a great escape from today’s lockdown measures and really made me miss travelling.

Shaun Warry, Taska Media

Halliday Wine Companion – only book I ever read.

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales

33

Tribe of Mentors. Anecdotes from over 100 various entrepreneurs, athletes, artists‌sharing their successes, failures, tips and lessons in life. Varies from some really practical advice to inspiring stories, that you can pick any time and choose your own adventure.

of their people. Written from Michelle Obama’s own perspective, the book is incredibly inspiring and thought provoking – detailing how Michelle went from being a kid from the south side of Chicago to becoming the first African American FLOTUS. Loved every page!

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

The Guest List which is a thriller and a real page turner which kept me up every night till late until I finished the book. Keeps your mind occupied during long hours over the weekends.

Lyndall Campher, L'OrĂŠal

Jin Subasinghe, Network 10

Delicious - downtime at home by Nadine Levy Redzepi, we’ve got nothing but time in Melbourne‌ Great opportunity to try out a few recipes and improve on my shocking culinary skills. My wife loves it!!

John O’Brien, Network 10

Shoe Dog – I’ll be honest and say I’m not much of a reader of books but Phil In complete honesty I haven’t read a Knight's memoir of how he and Bill complete book myself for a few years Bowerman built Nike is great reading. but I do read with my boys every night. Best book by far is the Tiny

Darren Morton, Quantcast Timmy series by Tim Cahill. My 6 year old Patrick is football obsessed and is I downloaded the audible app and already dreaming of being Tim Cahill. have been really enjoying learning Seeing the joy that this gives him, and from Brene Brown. .. in particular him reading it to me is the best feeling ‘Daring To Lead’ and ‘The Power of in the world (apart from him scoring Vulnerability’. at the weekend ).

Danni Hickox, Seven Network

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Chris Freel, UnLtd

Michelle Obama’ Becoming – amidst all the political turmoil in America, this I’ve struggled a bit to concentrate on book delivers a fascinating insight reading in lockdown, so have resorted into one of the most iconic and to trashy novels. respected families in the world who

Jordan Smith, PHD did genuinely care for the betterment

Any Dot to Dot book – you don’t have to be artistic to create pictures with these gems. Mindfulness and connection with your kids at the same time! (previously thought impossible).

Luke Manley, Bunnings

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom

Endurance - Shackleton's incredible voyage. Blew me away and is the ultimate survival and leadership story.

Luke Burr, Verizon Media Where the Crawdads Sing- Delila Owens. It’s a beautiful coming of age story, set in the late 60’s in a small town

by Marsh Swamps in North Carolina.

It’s about girl who is abandoned and how she learns to adapt to life on her own. She becomes more in tune with nature rather than people, as most of the community treat her like an outcast.

There is a murder in the town, and she soon becomes the main suspect. It’s an easy read and has a lot of underlying messages about overcoming adversity.

Good Sunday read!

Dolly Herbert, Foxtel Media Read a book!! This happens on holidays – what are they?! The last one was Celeste Barber Challenge Accepted… bloody hilarious and an easy non thinking poolside read!

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

35

What to Read

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Old mate was 27 and running the entire Roman Empire while spearheading conquests for its expansion. Also his mentor is credited for starting Stoicism, an ENTIRE SCHOOL OF THOUGHT. No pressure to fill those shoes or anything. Having an insight to his train of thought, and the mentality required to not only remain humbled in that position of ultimate power, but cool, calm and collected while under such expectation is truly a marvel. 10 out of 10, would recommend. Also Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. This book should be mandatory to read before you die - the themes are dark, but the story and reflections are real. "There are only two things you can do once your tangible freedoms have been taken away from you - choose how you are going to feel, and choose what you are going to do about how you feel." At the end of the day, you still have control and this is more and more prevalent today.

I’m currently reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi as I want to educate myself to understand what I can do to help change. The book discusses concepts of racism and proposals for anti-racist individual actions and systemic changes.

Kerry Field, Mindshare

101 Things I Learned in Business School – Michael W. Preis with Matthew Frederick. I love this book because I was taught recently at Business School that we all have “Assets & Liabilities”. But even assets depreciate. I believe now we should always keep learning. Have also just started Women and Leadership. Real lives, real lessons by Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. This is a great read because they interview women leaders across the globe – and they’re frank interviews of each woman’s journey in leadership. Their actual life experiences compared to academic research studies to test the theories.

Women interviewed include Hillary Clinton and Jacinda Ardern to name but a few. As a woman in leadership, I still find “gender” remains an issue when I’d much prefer the focus of the conversation be on the contributions of individuals TALENT. This book explores how women leaders have overcome hurdles such as being judged by their looks, their hair to who’s looking after their kids with inspiring stories of their pathways to success.

Melissa Green, Facebook

I know most people are going to come out with some weighty tome or modern day classic here. I have never been a big reader though and

usually only associate it with being on a long plane journey or when I am sat by a pool in the sun on holiday.

Since neither of those things were happening in Iso (or will do for a long time), my reading has been limited to the easy, escapism of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. “The Visitor” was my favourite.

Emil Mathias, MediaMath

Jeff Buckley 'His Own Voice'.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast Shameless self-promotion. I will give away a copy of The Last Whale (Fremantle Press, 2008) to the first three people who email me. First, find my email. The book is narrative non-fiction from two viewpoints. … [Pash] captures the shift in the public mood that made whaling morally unacceptable … Carrying the emotional freight of the story are intriguing characters on both sides, such as the Frenchman known as the Phantom…’ — The Age

Chris Pash, AdNews

Michael Caine auto-biography….. what’s not to love about Michael Caine…..I said keep the bloody doors closed!

Paul Bates, REA

It’s so easy (and other lies) by Duff McKagan. Guns and Roses Bass player’s autobiography. Pretty wild journey. it was like living through a Mojo Christmas party everyday of your life!

Peter Butler, SparkFoundry

I’ve been reading Leadership: Lessons from the Presidents for Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I’ve been really inspired by this book, particularly the leadership of Franklin Roosevelt in helping to guide the US out of the Great Depression.

Simon Lawson, PHD Radical Candour by Kim Scott. I’ve had it sitting on my bedside table for well over a year – tips on having what I find to be uncomfortable conversations, but making sure they’re constructive.

Luke Smith, Seven

Jessica by Bryce Courtney. A piece of cake- Cupcake Brown. This book has it all, I mean everything.

Cupcake Brown tells the story of hitting absolute rock bottom in such a relatable way that it's easy to read.

You see these women raise from the ashes and you are left feeling proud and that you can achieve anything.

Alexandra Braybon, NOVA

On The Plain Of Snakes by Paul Theroux. With international travel seeming a fair way away at the moment, a good travel book is a great escape. This one is about a road trip along in the south of the US and deep into Mexico, one of the places on my bucket list.

Do cookbooks count? I feel like that’s all I’m reading at the moment because #iso. We are on a heavy rotation of ‘Neighbourhood’ and ‘Community’ by Hetty McKinnon.

All veg dishes and they are truly excellent. Try the Roasted Beetroot with Caramelised Turnips, Edamame and Wasabi for epic Japanese vibes.

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux

37

What to Read

I have definitely been getting back into reading and am trying to read 1 book a week. Best book I’ve read recently is ‘Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine’ and I cannot recommend this book highly enough – Eleanor isn’t your typical protagonist and it was refreshing that it wasn’t purely romance driven. The book was honest, tragic, beautiful and hilarious.

I was genuinely sad when I finished reading it.

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

Superman: Red Son - The story of an alternate universe where Superman is on the side of the Russians, not the Americans. Interesting to reflect on the Cold War and some of the similarities in themes to the current situation in America – and well who doesn’t love a book with pictures?

Naomi Johnston, Havas Media

Normal People by Sally Rooney. It's light and entertaining, but exactly the same as the TV show, so you can just watch that.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify Breath by Tim Winton. By far one of the easiest and enjoyable reads, especially if you’re a surfer. Now onto another one by the same author called Dirt Music.

Andrew Robertson, QMS Media

(GEM), and I think it was a very fitting time to discover his book in lockdown – “The Resilience Project”.

His principles on GEM are not only simplistic but are so applicable to work and personal life!

Sam Harris, ARN

“Lady in Waiting” a great behind the scenes look at the Crown by Princess Margaret's Lady in Waiting. I’m a royalist at heart.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd

The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared - by Jonas Jonasson.

The title says it all really. No one wants to grow old, so on his 100th Birthday, Allan decides to make a run from his old folks home. Lighthearted and fun read.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast

As a father with a toddler, The Whole Brain Child has given me some great Where The Crawdads Sing - I’ve tips on how to work through tantrums recommended it to every single (and keep me sane). person I speak to. It’s written so beautifully, the story following two

Jye Hainsworth, Google intriguing timelines that slowly I started reading the New York Times intertwine. Topped the NY time best bestseller “Waking Up” by Sam Harris, sellers for both 2019 and 2020. but quickly remembered that I wasn’t Jessie Roper, The Monkeys the author so I binned it. I went to see Hugh Van Cuylenburg talk last year Neale Daniher – When All Is Said and and was really moved with his POV on Done. The AFL legend behind the Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness MND Big Freeze. He is suffering MND

and shares his life story, and some life tips for the grandchildren he’ll never get to meet. We’re doing it tough in lockdown, but you’ll see what true resilience and determination is all about from this gentleman.

39

What to Read

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands

Not a reader unfortunately. I have only just started really watching movies/tv series with subtitles haha.

Stephanie Booth, ARN

Best industry content

05

Embrace the Fuckery – Vicki Maguire, Chief Creative Officer of Havas London take on the current Covid-19 situation: “We are living through bat-shit crazy times. The only constant in our lives is change”.

Naomi Johnston, Havas Media

AFL Media/Hamish McLachlan produced a series called “Last Time I Cried”. A brilliant series of short form stories showing the vulnerability of (predominantly) men and mental well-being. Topical, great stories, inspiring and very well done.

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands

41

The MFA support program. Great initiative by the MFA to keep people connected to the industry during this downturn, from both a career and mental health perspective.

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

Ok, this is biased but Quantcast’s webinar that saw Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Peter Day, presenting “How to thrive in a post cookie era” was great. For anyone interested, you can view the webinar here.

Darren Morton, Quantcast

I would blend my answers for this and the funniest content and say that the Marketers in Pyjamas (Interview web Roy Morgan social outputs are funny, series by Jules Lund). industry related content.

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

Stephanie Booth, ARN

UnLtd - Big Chat: Raising Resilient Kids - Great presenters that provided practical advice and so many take outs that I have used and applied.

Deb Trela, Val Morgan

Flashtalking run a very ambitious 24 hour around the globe series of webinars which was full of great content. Shout out to Julia Brogan, Georgia Brammer and Adrian Lee, from the Flashtalking Australia team, who presented the sessions for our timezone.

Emil Mathias, MediaMath

Talent Pitch is an AdNews initiative to help industry professionals, during COVID-19, to display their skills and experience. Contact AdNews at adnews@yaffa.com.au if you would like to be included. Also check out our language of the pandemic feature.

Chris Pash, AdNews

I loved our channel Seven’s first webinar for the AFL launch educating the market on all of the virtual implementations, it was the first time we had done one and it was very engaging and successful.

Danni Hickox, Seven Network

Asking For A Friend webinar - Every month, host Andy Wright sits down with an industry leader from Adland and a psychologist to tackle a mental health topic. The discussions are laidback but informative, and the best part is you can watch, comment and submit questions you want answered anonymously. Oh, and it’s free.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

Verizon Media’s Maz Farrely - build your brand..... ‘hope is not a strategy’ and People that mind don’t matter, people that matter don’t mind’ - think that was Dr Zeus.

Luke Burr, Verizon Media

This will sound biased, loved the weekly COVID-19 insights presented

by Facebook. Real time data highlighting changes in consumer behaviour and sentiment. Helped identify impact on verticals and find opportunities for growth.

Melissa Green, Facebook

If you wake up at night and ponder what a ‘cookie-less’ world would resemble, look no further. With no bias, Dr Peter Day hosted a webinar session called, ‘How to Thrive in the Post Cookie era’ and I highly recommend checking it out.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

Nine’s Sales Academy at home sessions have been fantastic – the positive education training touched on topics such as resilience & mindset which are great to develop normally, but even more importantly during a Melbourne lockdown.

Owen Kelly, Nine Webinars – what a find! Select your content and set aside the hour in the day as opposed to an all day conference. You miss the face to face engagement with attendees – but a very effective use of time. I particularly enjoyed the IAB Webinar on CTV.

Luke Smith, Seven Nudgestock. Something that I’d not usually get to attend but open to anyone, anywhere this year. If you watch one session, the keynote from Rory Sutherland is worth a look.

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media Snapchat / Snap Incs GroupM Champions seminar was amazing adapting it to a real high production value, interactive online session that really took you away from your desk and allowed you to indulge in creative ways of engaging with their product and engaging with others around you.

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom

43

Best Industry Content

This is a tricky one as there has been so much great stuff shared. I have to say the Mindshare Hackathon’s have been a personal fave. These are national ideation sessions for whoever needs ideas generated. Mindshare, WPP and or clients. I personally find them a really inspiring start to the day and it kick starts my brain in a creative way.

Anything from Ben Willee (Spinach).

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales

Obviously my husband’s article in Mumbrella about QMS’ DynamiQ platform and how it has been used during COVID times in Australia.

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media Following Tom Goodwin (Publicis Media, based in the US) has been both entertaining and enlightening to follow. Get the popcorn out for the comments.

Sally Phelps, Koala

There’s been a lot of great content but I’m going to be biased and choose the Co-Liv 19 campaign that we ran with 19 Industry leaders. In particular Mark Coad’s daily updates kept me inspired and motivated and made me thankful for the industry and friendships within it. Staying connected and helping each other, especially through tough times, is so important.

Chris Freel, UnLtd

During the first lock down I completed a course on Coursera

by Yale University – The Science of Happiness. Definitely recommend it as it contains theory and actual practical applications proven to increase your happiness: especially

pertinent given the mental impact of COVID lockdowns and our industry as a whole.

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux

Gratuitous plug out of self-interest.

Covered in Mumbrella, Spotify and SEEK teamed up to deliver the SEEK Sleepmix. “Calming the anxieties of Australia’s workforce as it grapples with COVID-19”.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

Jye Hainsworth, Google

I’m currently doing the Mark Ritson mini-MBA on brand management, all the video modules so far have been awesome, would definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed Verizon’s Identity Decoded sessions and also the groupm Foxtel series where we’ve had access to people we wouldn’t normally get to hear from/ask questions.

Kerry Field, Mindshare

I was lucky enough to host our Verizon Media Academy Masterclass Series over the last couple of months. Seven incredibly talented guests qualified in areas such as Neuroscience, Exec Coaching and Psychology joined us to guide us

through some amazing insights and tools so relevant and timely for this challenging period in our lives.

Rachel Page, Verizon Media

Sam Harris, ARN

oOh!media’s Weekly Covid Pulse Reports ;)

Wade James, oOh!media

Best Industry Content

If you’re interested in getting your head around the global podcast industry (the major players and where the money is flowing), here’s a solid 10-minute summary you can listen to here.

45

Fun stuff

06

This US debate on masks Melissa Green, Facebook

The Tik Tok of lockdown 2.0 using StepBrothers – hilarious!

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

47

Too many to list, and most not appropriate for this forum! As a parent working through homeschooling, this WFH Fails resonates with me.

The SportsCenter Instagram trick shot videos… Even without live sports the content was consistently brightening.

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

Owen Kelly, Nine

I love this one as this is possibly the only skill that I will pick up.

As a huge fan of the Back to the Future trilogy this was amazing!!!

Lyndall Campher, L’Oréal

This Andrew & Catherine Club Remix

Danni Hickox, Seven Network This video. I don’t think there’s ever been a more relatable video!

Jin Subasinghe, Network 10 Heath Franklin ‘Chopper moments’

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

This gem from Timeout just about nails it.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

My friends tagging me in Instagram pages dedicated to... “what cat are you”... “what depression meal are you” etc. Clutching for some sort of online fun in isolation, but to be fair, some are pretty funny and it’s a nice way to connect with your mates.

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

Paul Bates, REA

I’ve really enjoyed all the Barry content. If ya know, ya know!

Shaun Warry, Taska Media

I’m not alone in finding Sarah Cooper’s Trump lip syncs hilarious. My favourite is How To Medical.

Simon Lawson, PHD

I love how quickly Australians can take the piss out of a situation. Steve Curry’s recent rendition of Karen from Braaaighton was great.

Luke Smith, Seven

Anything my wife shows me on her phone.

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales

Quite simply, nothing touches this - UnLtd MC Hammer skit although PHD Melbourne’s Wassup ad comes close.

Chris Freel, UnLtd

Not sure if this fits the category – but it’s bloody awesome! Hire a donkey to attend your next Zoom meeting….

Naomi Johnston, Havas Media

It has to be that woman complaining on the news that she’d “walked all of Brighton” - that gave me a good laugh.

This.

“Hang in there Champions!” Far and away the best discovery was the Iso Cooking sensation that was Nat’s What I Reckon. His series of uniquely Aussie and brilliantly funny videos, where he waged war on packet sauce and ready made dishes, had my wife and I in stitches. In case you missed This guy’s Tik Tok is hilarious- the best them, here is the only SFW episode he did, which was in partnership with clip. Also Ben & Liam’s reaction to Cancer Council NSW. panic buying

Alexandra Braybon, NOVA Emil Mathias, MediaMath

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

This isolation explained by Kath & Kim is gold.

Sally Phelps, Koala

If birds had arms (WHAT A THOUGHT, AM I RIGHT?) and also this Behind the Scenes footage of Bambi, by the same creators.

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux

Deb Trela, Val Morgan

Battle of the Karens by Sportsbet.

Luke Burr, Verizon Media

The “Pubs are back!” video of the moment the pubs reopened (with group limits) and everyone racing to get back in.

Jye Hainsworth, Google

There is so much of it but I think anything that makes you laugh out loud when you are on your own is gold. I also like how some brands are getting on board like this Lego post.

Rachel Page, Verizon Media

49

Fun Stuff

Chicken Bears: Someone on Facebook’s marketplace has been sewing together raw chickens into the shape of Teddy Bears and trying to sell them. “1 bear = 2 chickens.

Feeds 4 - 8 people and costs $45.

I supply the chickens raw so your kids can play with them for fun before you cook them. More fun than chicken wings!” This is real.. check out Facebook Marketplace.

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom

Months later this Masterclass video is still making me laugh. My husband signed up immediately.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd Sarah Cooper’s lip-syncing of Donald Trump is just pure genius. Love her!

Kerry Field, Mindshare

This.

Sam Harris, ARN

What’s the most Italian thing to do when in lockdown? Sing opera from your window, duh.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast My Top 3 around life in lockdown: 1. Daffy sums up 2020 2. Lockdown options 3. Homeschooling: fractions

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands

This sound advice from Dr Dianna Strize on returning to the office made me laugh out loud…

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media MasterClass – Tim Schenk presents….The art of not being present (Hilarious).

Wade James, oOh!media

51

Fun Stuff

Lockdown lessons

07

A few beers, a bucket of ping pong balls and a sand wedge in your living room is a legitimate Friday night activity now.

Kai Battaglene, Spotify

I’ve learnt just how adaptable and resilient everyone is. This pandemic feels like it will never end, but we will get there. Also, you can spend too much time with your family.

Simon Lawson, PHD

53

Patience is a virtue…

Adrian Roeling, Hatched Media

You need to invent someone you can blame things on. My pet hate is the kettle not being filled so that when I need a cup of tea, I have to fill the kettle. So we invented Goodness Matwetwe who is blamed for anything that goes wrong and sometimes has to be performance managed. She will keep forgetting to take the dirty cups downstairs!

Lyndall Campher, L'Oréal

The enjoyment of reading books again. I am a constant reader of news, business, and marketing content but to get back to reading a book gives you different perspectives and opportunities to get outside our media bubble.

Darren Morton, Quantcast How important it is to be grateful – grateful to live in a country that has the means to support its people (even if they don’t always get it right)... grateful for my place of work…and grateful for my family and friends.

Jin Subasinghe, Network 10 Virtual drinking sessions make it a lot easier to get home when schtonkered!

Luke Manley, Bunnings

The ability to slow down and work through problems in a more considered manner, I think at times in the media world everything is so fast paced we rush and therefore don’t always make the best decision.

John O’Brien, Network 10

No matter how many times you explain angles to your parents, all video calls will involve you looking straight up their noses.

Jordan Smith, PHD

Life doesn’t always need to be full steam ahead, before lockdown I never had a minute to myself, and felt like relaxing was a waste of time. It’s been so refreshing to just slow down, take time for myself and realise what’s important.

Lillian Liu, Nine

That my kids and I really love the pub and miss it terribly!

Melanie Cannington, Mindshare

To be patient and supportive of everyone around me. Most importantly I have learned how lucky I am and I am very grateful that I have a great job, a roof over my head, a loving partner and entertaining pooch.

Danni Hickox, Seven Network

Melissa Green, Facebook

I need a much bigger apartment!

Mia Marasco, Quantcast

Just reinforces once again that you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. While you are getting yourself worked up by a deadline or presentation people are losing jobs or worse losing family members to this virus.

55

Lockdown Lessons

That in hindsight, life was running too fast. The best thing about lockdown is the much closer relationship we’ve built with our fellow school parents, neighbours and local shopkeepers.

We’ve learnt to enjoy the simple things in life, like cooking, playing games, reading and talking to each other. This pandemic can bring out the worst and best in people. I’ve seen more of the best……Music also brings me pleasure and this is my new theme song for 2020.

Peter Butler, SparkFoundry

Bushfire experts have now become Coronavirus experts.

Shaun Warry, Taska Media

I’m not going to look back on this in 2, 5, 10 years time and wonder why I haven’t made the most of spending so much time with my family and time to enjoy & appreciate my neighbourhood.

Smile, even in trying times there is still a lot to be grateful for.

Air your grievances with your home cohabiters… letting things bubble

Luke Smith, Seven away without a release valve works for no one. And also just because I brew It’s funny how separation has made it at home, does not mean I can have us more connected. I’ve spent so a coffee after 4:00. much more effort, time and energy in reconnecting with people and

Owen Kelly, Nine having a proper conversation during Be kind to yourself. If you haven’t been this period and it’s something I will hugely productive one day don’t’ beat maintain. yourself up, tomorrow is a new day!

Stephen Fisher, Hatched Media

Paul Bates, REA

How fast and hectic my pace of life was before Covid – I am enjoying this ‘new normal’ (sorry for using that expression LOL).

Kerry Field, Mindshare

That you can spend 18 hours a day in your bedroom and get paid for it (Mum and Dad you were wrong!!).

Cameron Knight, Seven Affiliate Sales With more time in your day, don't just fill it with more work if you're already working to a reasonable capacity. Fill your extra time with tasks that better yourself, those around you and your day in general. Your work is not your life. Example: On a conference call that you just need to listen to but don't need to contribute? Vacuum the house and treat it like a podcast.

"Oh but that's not very professional."

Oh please - BBC teamed up with A-Cast and did an engagement study on this in early 2020. Just because you're engaged in a mindless physical task like CLEANING YOUR HOME OFFICE, doesn't mean your mind isn't actively listening. If anything, it's actually more likely to recall key points.

SO! Summary - you've worked your butt off today, and now have time to yourself during work hours? Do something for you within reason. You deserve it. You're stuck in a house and are working at the same capacity as you would in an office - that's a serious accomplishment. Go for a bloody victory lap and smell the roses through your face mask. It's the little things.

Sam Simpson-Rowswell, MediaCom

There is absolutely time for everything.

Alexandra Braybon, NOVA We all have good days, average days and bad days. That’s OK and normal, this is a roller coaster and as your man Ronan Keating famously sang, you just gotta ride it!

Chris Freel, UnLtd One of the biggest things I have learned in lock down is to slow down and take stock of what’s happening.

Personally, I have chronic illness and I live by the mantra “she’ll be right”!

I am often someone who typically mothers others before looking after myself and during this time, I have been able to focus more inward.

Particularly after I was forced to stop and get my appendix removed last month!

Stephanie Booth, ARN I am not skilled in sewing!

Jessica Zavecz, QMS Media

That collaborating on video can be hard- but the comments section really helps! And technology + people = awesome.

Sally Phelps, Koala

Jessie Roper, The Monkeys

How to exercise some level of control that stops me from eating an entire jar of Nutella at 9am. Jokes, have not learnt how to master this. But I have learnt to knit, so that’s a thing now.

And it’s hard. The trick is endless concentration and Youtube tutorials.

Sheree Groves, JCDecaux To check-in more regularly with friends and family. This year has hit many, if not all of us like a tonne of bricks and a friendly conversation or lending an ear has such a positive impact.

Andrew Robertson, QMS Media

We really do work in an incredible industry. Even in these tough times the support for UnLtd and our charity partners blows me away.

Tiff Damm, UnLtd It's the small things in life that give me the greatest reward, gardening, reading, family morning walks and

bike rides. I need to make more time for these when things return to some sort of normal.

Jye Hainsworth, Google It's absolutely ok to miss your pre COVID life, including the material things. We tend to feel guilty because there are so many others doing it tougher but a bit of self empathy is important. Just find a way to reflect, accept what you are missing and then move to a forward mindset.

Rachel Page, Verizon Media The first thing people do when they can’t go out on weekends is make fresh pasta.

Shaun McFarlane, Noisy Beast Whilst there has been great benefits to working from home, it has really highlighted the importance of F2F interaction for me.

Sarah James, Initiative That I can hold my own in the DIY arena.

We renovated our garage and turned it into an extra play for the kids and a home gym for us adults. I only caused myself one small injury with a drill!

Emil Mathias, MediaMath

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Lockdown Lessons

I’ve learnt that it’s okay to feel tired, low on energy, even though you’re working from home. I’ve learnt the importance of listening to my body and allowing it to rest if it needs.

Sometimes mental stress can be just as physically exhausting, and it’s important to let yourself recover in the way it needs.

I've been spending my Tuesday evenings volunteering as an after school tutor with The Mirabel Foundation. It's been a confronting, rewarding and an incredible experience all in one. During lockdown round two it has really helped take my focus away from media and everyday worries and given me a perspective on what is really important during these times... (clue; it's not clicks and impressions).

Luke Burr, Verizon Media We are all more resilient than we think. Before COVID, if our respective companies wanted to move to full Work From Home mode, that would have taken 6 months to plan, and 6 months to roll out – minimum. We all did it in a matter of days, and it works.

Our systems have coped, we continue to deliver for clients and we got on with it. It proves that when you have to do something, it is possible and you just get it done.

Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands Everyone is being tested, potentially in many ways. Being human first, connecting & listening.

Wade James, oOh!media

That we work in the best industry going around – a unique industry like no other. We all know each other,

have healthy rivalries amongst media agencies and media publishers and yet are all still mates. So when times get tough like this, it is so rewarding to see people support each other and stay connected. Our relationship based industry that loves to coffee, lunch, dinner, drink and socialise will become stronger and genuinely more connected as a result of these tougher times.

Sam Harris, ARN

If you’ve got some time on your hands and want to use your skills for good, check out UnLtd’s Good Deeds – a selection of bitesized marketing projects for our charity partners helping kids at risk.

Good Deeds

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