Me doing the Good News Week thang
Not sure if you saw it… I was on Good News Week on the Ten Network on Monday night. It was a bit of an election wrap-up. I had a lung infection. And stupidly took a “night” cold and flu tablet. So I was strung-out-dopey all night. Who does that?? I actually don’t remember much of the night. Apart from being stupified by Akmal and getting choc chips down my bra.
Here’s the links (I like how this first one paused on my “Yeah, right, as if elephants fly” expression):
TBH, it was one of the most terrifying things I’ve done. I live in fear of being asked to 1. dance 2. sing 3. do a Theatre Sports-like performance in public. I ran a very real risk of this happening. I ran to the loo all day.
Also – I’m not funny. I mean, I roll with punches and have a good sense of humour, I reckon. But I don’t do gags. In my head I do. And often they’re really bloody funny. But I think my outward awkwardness means the execution will always be dorky. The timing is not syncopated.
It was incredible to watch the others, though. Claire Hooper and Tom Gleeson (whose website I have to link to here cos he’s just joined the interweb world) are beautiful to watch. They seem to just slip into a space where they roll over the gags like egg being folded into batter. It’s a dance. It was brilliant to watch, because it was a very earnest, highly aware (but not quite agitated) space they started from. But once they got going, this alertness swooped into graceful motion.
Paul and Mikey are geniuses with big hearts. They seem to burn with a desire to entertain. It bursts out of Mikey, and bubbles with elan from Paul. Akmal is a dead-set ratbag. I think he’d have to be scraped down from the ceiling after a stand-up night on his own. And Ella Hooper is the sweetest kid around.
Monday night I watched it and cringed. And then put it under a big brick and said, well that’s done. I never worry about things when they’re done. I just put them under a brick. And move on. You?
Sarah – the perfectionist in you “cringed”. No need to – you did really well – a good foil between Mikey & Tom, comedians need good foils, makes them funnier, but that doesn’t diminish your role, rather good team work. And you were true to yourself, and that’s important, rather than putting on an act.
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Sarah, we posted Is pushing out of our comfort zone always a good thing? yesterday. You were living it on Monday night you legend (a room full of very talented comedians). So I’m how was it to pushing outside your comfort zone?
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Sarah I really enjoy watching you on “live” tv – GNW, Sunrise, etc. I think the fact that you are genuine, good-humored, well-read as well as intelligent shines through. Your authentic-ness is apparent and more than makes up for you being frequently drowned out by Mikey and Tom.
Nobody who watched you would have cringed! Be proud to have that experience under your belt I reckon.
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I agree with Ian, Sarah. Sometimes the comedic antics of the boys are too much, they go too far and to see such a genuine person on screen was refreshing. Be proud of your achievement, it certainly wasn’t cringeworthy and you pushed out the barrier yet again. Well done.
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Sarah
I thought you were really good on Monday night. My writing to you though is two-fold. I actually wanted to write to you about tummy issues and to thank you for brightening my day yesterday. I hadn’t browsed your website for a while and then something made me check it out on Monday. Then I saw you on Monday night on GNW. Thinking this might be synchronicity in action I had a more thorough look at your website yesterday and gained lots of useful info. While I don’t have thyroid issues I do have IBS and Leaky Gut and have been going around in a bit of circle for a while now. You’ve strengthened my resolve look after myself with good (and healing) foods and practice my meditation more. In your eyes you may have been off key on GNW but you managed to do something special for me. Thank you.
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Sarah I truly enjoyed watching you on GNW- I must admit I was surprised to see you there, because I’d never seen you do comedy (mind you, nor Ella) but it was great. I agree, not everyone on the show needs to be a comedian- there’s not enough air space for that
I think it’s a sign that what you do and who you are is valued by many, to be invited onto such a popular show. Another string to your bow I say 
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Enjoyed the show Sarah. Good work.
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Sarah, I did the same thing on the weekend. I’m a professional singer / performer, and due to nerves, had one glass of wine too many. I felt drunk, slury, out of control, and unprofessional.
Interestingly the client loved the show, and didn’t seem to notice.
I think we are often much harder on ourselves, than anybody else is. Well done on the show!
Rosie
xx
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I wouldn’t have guessed that you had a lung infection – or that you had taken the night tablet instead of the day! And now you have a good story to tell. I think you did a brilliant job.
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Sarah,
I could say lots here. But why are you even worried what people think? You’re you and being that you are where you are today. Why be a duck when youre a swan? (I dont read those GNWer’s blogs)
PS Id happily meet someone like you. Even if you don’t make me laugh a drink through my nose.
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PPS Why didnt you mention on here your appearance? I only stumbled upon it.
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I really enjoyed your appearance on Monday night’s episode of GNW, Sarah. At times, you did resemble an owl flanked by galahs on a perch, but as others above have commented, it brought a seldom-seen dimension to that particular program.
I would certainly find “outward awkwardness” more interesting than the quizzical utterances of the regular GNW line-up.
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Sarah, I thought you were a refreshing addition to the panel, and you should be proud of the way you came across – smart, quick-witted and beautiful (it has to be said!)
I know exactly what you mean about not being funny… I can appreciate a good joke – I love comedy and I am attracted to funny people like a magnet, but when it comes to telling or repeating a joke, it always falls flat. I am just too awkward to get the timing and delivery right. It’s okay, we can’t be good at everything, lol.
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P.S. I didn’t mean to say that you’re not funny, you did make me laugh when you were on the show! I can just empathise with what you wrote in your post : ) xx
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Sarah, I thought you were fab! I too share in your fear of audience participation. It’s my worst nightmare – being at a show and suddenly being hauled up on stage to dance on stage or say something witty. I’ve been checking out the Integrative Nutrition course (judging by your blog, you and I eat identical diets), but I’m wondering if everything I want to learn might just be in that book of yours when it comes out?
pip xx
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I always worry about things after they’re done. I passed on a speaking opp and beat myself around the head with the decision for months after. Even though it was the right decision. Oi.
Meanwhile, I saw Mia Freedman speak at a Business Chicks event last Fri, her entire message was basically – why are we so hard on ourselves?
The point of this rant is – you did great
Love these behind the scenes look at things. Makes it even more meaningful knowing that you pushed through your comfort zone.
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[...] moment, given the value of the Aussie dollar against the Euro). The peep-toe desert boots I wore on Good News Week (see yesterday’s post) are also from All Saints (a few of you [...]
Hey Sarah,
I thought you were fab and I don’t usually watch GNW cos I do find it a bit too OTT in the trying to outdo each other with the silliness. You were very cool indeed and came across as “authentic” as others have said.
I loved your little moment with Old Man River in particular.
And, to be all girly, I loved your outfit.
Cat.
x
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Any chance you could post the video on youtube or in a different format for your overseas fans and follwers? Thanks Sarah! – Sarah from New York City x
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I think it’s really sweet and refreshing to read your post – and agree with all the above – you were you and you were great!!
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You are far too hard and critical of yourself; you pulled it off very well! I had a few friends call me to say ‘quick, quick..turn on the tv.that lady who does that blog you like is on GNW!”
I enjoyed the show.
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[...] While listening to the news, preparing for filming Good News Week for Monday. I’m on with Akmal again and hope he lays off the red cordial this time. Here’s me doing it last time… [...]