From milking cows to Good News Week: How Wil Anderson got his start

Welcome to Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly series dedicated to finding out more about the personalities that matter most in the media landscape.

Each week, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age ask figures across corporate media, business, sport, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news habits.

This week’s conversation is with comedian, podcaster and television presenter, Wil Anderson.

How did you get your big break?
Good News Week.

What are your daily news media habits?
I read a variety of online newspapers most mornings. Tend to avoid TV news.

Which living person do you most admire?
Billy Connolly.

Your guilty streaming pleasure?
Gogglebox UK.

Which phrase do you overuse?
I use the word “like” like a teenage girl.

What did you want to do when you grew up?
Professional footballer.

What was your first job?
Milking cows.

Facebook or Instagram?
Neither.

Recommend a podcast...
Never Not Funny.

What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
It was biting my fingernails but I gave it up as a NY resolution this year.

The song that’s always on high rotation?
All My Friends, LCD Sound System.

What are you reading?
The Circle, Dave Eggers.

Favourite movie of the past decade?
Fury Road.

Top of your sporting bucket list?
Ashes at Lords.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s everyone’s day at work. How they talk about their day can depend on how you interact with them.

What are the three things you couldn’t live without?
Air, water, sleep. Does everyone say that?

Wil Anderson is touring his new show Wiluminate nationally. Go to comedy.com.au for details.