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In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats to Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster Tom Ballard — a stand-up prodigy who began performing at 14, became a household name as host of Triple J's Breakfast Show, and later fronted the bold, controversial late-night show Tonightly. Tom shares candid reflections on growing up in comedy, surviving the chaos of daily topical TV, and making the leap into acting with roles in Fisk and the hit series Deadloch. He opens up about burnout, the pressure of writing yearly shows for Edinburgh, and why he’s shifting his focus toward slower, more meaningful creative work.
Along the way, Tom and Steve dig into Australian pop culture — from reality TV experiments like First Contact, to the highs and controversies of Chris Lilley’s shows, to why Kitty Flanagan’s Fisk became an unexpected smash hit. They also debate comedy’s evolving role in society, the ethics of international gigs, and the weird world of social media clips reshaping stand-up.
This episode is for fans of fearless comedy, Australian TV, and anyone who loves hearing how a teenage stand-up grew into one of the country’s most thoughtful, risk-taking performers.
Tom Ballard is an award-winning Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster. He rose to prominence as co-host of Triple J Breakfast before fronting the late-night ABC series Tonightly with Tom Ballard. Beyond stand-up, he has acted in acclaimed shows including Deadloch and Fisk. Mixing sharp political commentary with fearless humour, Tom has become one of Australia’s most distinctive comedic voices.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Tom Ballard – Comedian, Actor & Writer
Duration: 49 minutes
Release Date: September 18, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 17
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
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