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Best of Dicey Topics 2024

Benjamin Law rolled the dice with dozens of people this year. Here are some of the firm reader favourites, from Ross Garnaut and Vincent Namatjira to Celeste Barber and Noni Hazlehurst.

12 stories

‘Very good advice’: At 50, Ross Garnaut received a game-changing tip from his GP

The economist and author on climate change, sexual politics – and keeping fit.

  • Benjamin Law
“Humour is the best equaliser ever. It’s a really important thing, especially when it comes to women and their bodies.”

Some say Celeste Barber’s now too hot to parody beauty standards …

Here’s the comedian and social media star’s blunt reply.

  • Benjamin Law
Noni Hazlehurst: “I don’t act for recognition, fame or love. I do it to connect people and to connect with people.”

‘As you get older, you feel like such a dag when you dance. It’s a shame’

Noni Hazlehurst on the secret of her career longevity, what she likes about her body – and what she doesn’t.

  • Benjamin Law
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“I remember being scared to go under general anaesthetic in case I spoke about maybe finding Madonna hot.”

‘I finally make sense to myself’: Em Rusciano on her late ADHD and autism diagnoses

The stand-up comedian and broadcaster on why she loves “bed-rotting” – and her personal version of hell.

  • Benjamin Law
“Why can’t we talk about that part of the body between the knees and the belly button?”

‘Why can’t we talk about the part between the knees and the belly button?’

Karl Kruszelnicki on bodily functions, the relationship between religion and science, the poorest he’s been – and what awes him.

  • Benjamin Law
“I grew up in the ’80s and it took me decades to realise, ‘Actually, I have great ideas.’

‘It took me decades to realise’: An Australian of the Year’s advice to teen girls

Professor Georgina Long, 2024’s Australian of the Year with fellow melanoma researcher Richard Scolyer, on life, death – and what young women need to know.

  • Benjamin Law

After winning multiple awards, Genesis has gone on his first-ever holiday

The 25-year-old musician Genesis Owusu talks humble beginnings, where his money goes and being comfortable in his skin.

  • Benjamin Law
“I’m quite keen to find ways to not
be attacked and not have my life
threatened – to not have people
offer to kill me.”

Yumi Stynes: ‘I’m quite keen to find ways to not have my life threatened’

The author and broadcaster discusses the impact of her Ben Roberts-Smith, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and teen sex-ed book controversies.

  • Benjamin Law
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“Patty’s just so confident … He’s [never] gotten jealous, and that’s sexy.”

‘Patty’s not allowed to remarry’: Harriet Dyer’s imaginary from-the-grave command

The 35-year-old actor and screenwriter on unusual sex ed, how she’d like to die – and Taylor Swift.

  • Benjamin Law
Rhys Nicholson: “If I could wear a bustle and be full Victorian nanny, I’d be very comfortable.”

A comedian’s advice to their younger self: ‘Get a double bed and be more forward’

Rhys Nicholson discusses sex education, career death and going full Victorian nanny.

  • Benjamin Law
Alison Roman: “Over the arc of history, I think people will look at everyone who decided not to eat meat as having made the correct decision.”

Sex before, not after, a romantic dinner – and other advice from foodie Alison Roman

The New York-based cook and food writer on weighing up expiry dates, dining with political opposites – and how history will judge meat-eaters.

  • Benjamin Law
“That picture of Gina, that was just my way of seeing Australia’s richest person. That’s straight from the heart.”

‘Wow … It touched her’: Vincent Namatjira on that Gina Rinehart portrait

The Archibald Prize-winning painter on Australia’s richest person, his idols and his most valued possession.

  • Benjamin Law

Other editions

The March 21 edition

Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane

  • 11 stories

The March 14 edition

The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend

  • 13 stories