Sometimes getting exactly what you want leaves you crippled with anxiety on the floor of a hotel shower.
At least, that’s what happened to Mel Buttle when she landed her first gig at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A cripplingly shy child, Mel found solace in high school drama, regaling her classmates with impersonations of sheep shearers and her dad. She later earned her comedy stripes, yelling dirty jokes over boozed-up footy fans and finally found her voice in front of a ramshackle crowd at the Newmarket Hotel. It would be a while yet until she scored her dream gig, and even then, she couldn’t believe it.
You can listen to the podcast episode below or download the transcript here.
About Mel Buttle
About Wendy Love
WENDY LOVE (host + producer) is a journalist, audio producer, and storyteller who has worked in Australia and the United States. Born in California, Wendy was a reporter and producer for NPR affiliate Houston Public Radio (USA). Her work also aired on American Public Media’s Marketplace. She first came to Australia in 2003 and, in recent years, produced The Art Show for ABC’s Radio National and a blog relating stories of non-profit and social enterprises. Wendy lives in inner Brisbane, the longest place she’s ever called home.