Sandi Sieger chats to broadcaster, television and media personality, columnist and co-founder of Show and Tell, Monty Dimond. Monty is also Team Captain in new comedy quiz show, Tractor Monkeys, airing on ABC1 at 8.30pm on Wednesdays, alongside Dave O’Neill and host Merrick Watts.
I absolutely love, love, love your new website, Show and Tell. What inspired you to launch it?
The Circle had just finished on Channel 10, which Brooke was a Producer on, and I was feeling a little uninspired work-wise so we got together and had a bit of a brainstorm. We knew we wanted to do something that would compliment both our skill sets and be something really fun to work on. We decided we should create a website where we can write and talk about all the things we love. We also wanted to be able to create a platform where we could hear from fabulous Australian women in a relaxed, raw style. There was nothing really out there doing this so we decided we should give it a crack. Then we gave birth to Show and Tell (well at least it felt like we gave birth to it).
Monty Dimond, right, with Show and Tell co-founder, Brooke Campbell
The video interviews you’ve published so far, including those with Michala Banas, Chrissie Swan, Sam Lane and Kate Holden, are so raw and honest. Did you feel that there was the opportunity to contribute something positive and real in the online space?
Definitely. There are a lot of American talk shows where women can have a voice and share their stories, but nothing really here in Australia. There are some amazing women with really great and very relatable stories that we wanted everyone to be able to hear. We wanted to make it a very relaxed chat, the type of conversations you would have with your friends. We film all the interviews on our own couches, this really helps to make it a very raw, honest and relaxed interview.
Do you have a set plan for Show and Tell, or are you taking each week as it comes?
Brooke and I are both pretty organised aka control freaks, so we like to be well planned. We look after different parts of the site which our skill sets naturally led us to. My best friend Stacey has also come on board. She has helped enormously with fabulous content as well the business side of the website.
You’ve worked for some time on national radio, and are currently filling in for Chrissie Swan on the Chrissie and Jane show. What is it about radio that you love?
I have always loved radio. I get a real buzz when the microphone goes on and you don’t know where the conversation is going to end up. You get to meet so many amazing people as well as really connect with the audience. It’s a pretty special thing knowing you may get to make people have a laugh or feel some connection. I have always been an over sharer and you basically need to be like that to be on air, so it was a perfect career choice for me.
How did you break into the entertainment industry? Was it something you were determined to achieve or something that evolved naturally?
I got a job at Fox FM’s street team when I was 21. After a couple of years being there and seeing how a radio station worked, I realised I really wanted to be on air. I moved from the street team to behind the scenes on a few shows like Mick Molloy’s ‘Tough Love’ and Tony Martin’s ‘Get This.’ Once I decided that I wanted my own show, I put all my energy into getting it. From there one opportunity lead to another; I worked really hard but also made great connections along the way.
What’s on the agenda for you this year, work-wise?
I’d like to dabble in a little more radio. I’m loving being a a part of the Mix family. Tractor Monkeys is on at the moment which is great fun and my first real crack at TV. My main focus is Show and Tell this year. It’s my new baby so I better nurture it.
I love the stories you share on air, and online, about being a mum and parenting. Is it a challenge juggling work and home life?
I am so lucky to have a big family. Brothers, sisters and grandparents everywhere. My boyfriend Sam is super hands on as well and we make it work. We always have someone to call on.
What does being Australian mean to you?
We are so lucky to live in this seriously rad country. I don’t think you realise how lucky you are to be an Australian until you actually leave and see other parts of the world. Then it really makes you appreciate everything from its beautiful beaches to the health system we have here. I’m an Aussie Boag and I’m pretty proud.
Where are your favourite places to travel and explore in Australia?
I love Port Douglas. Having the reef at your fingertips is pretty amazing. I also love Daylesford. My grandparents met there and we go for a family trip there every year.
