

Helen Garner on footy, boys, and growing old
Mar 6, 2025
Helen Garner, a celebrated Australian author known for impactful works like "Monkey Grip" and "The First Stone", shares her insights on life, family, and Australian Rules Football. She humorously reflects on the joys and challenges of being a footy fan while documenting her grandson's growth in the sport. Garner discusses the invisibility of older women in a male-dominated realm and explores the emotional lessons learned through football. Her anecdotes blend the dynamics of family, the complexities of masculinity, and the rich tapestry of community tied together by sport.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 3min
A Journey Through Football and Family Bonds
02:53 • 5min
The Invisibility of Age and Gender in Sports
07:28 • 2min
Reflections on Football and Family
09:20 • 20min
Navigating Vulnerability: Life Lessons from Football
29:01 • 18min
The Art of Observation and Discovery in Writing
47:21 • 3min
Exploring Boredom and Life Lessons Through Connection
50:16 • 4min