1 00:00:15,060 --> 00:00:16,500 Hello. 2 00:00:16,500 --> 00:00:16,740 One of the most precarious career choices you could make in life Hello. 3 00:00:16,740 --> 00:00:20,260 One of the most precarious career choices you could make in life 4 00:00:20,260 --> 00:00:20,500 One of the most precarious career has to be, not just stand-up comedy, 5 00:00:20,500 --> 00:00:22,500 has to be, not just stand-up comedy, 6 00:00:22,500 --> 00:00:22,700 has to be, not just stand-up comedy, try stand-up musical comedy. 7 00:00:22,700 --> 00:00:24,940 try stand-up musical comedy. 8 00:00:24,940 --> 00:00:26,820 It's a fantastic calling, 9 00:00:26,820 --> 00:00:31,340 but it doesn't exactly scream "steady employment" or "reliable income". 10 00:00:31,340 --> 00:00:33,380 Well, Michelle Brasier is somebody 11 00:00:33,380 --> 00:00:35,940 who's fully embracing that uncertainty, 12 00:00:35,940 --> 00:00:36,180 who's fully embracing which maybe, for her, makes sense, 13 00:00:36,180 --> 00:00:38,180 which maybe, for her, makes sense, 14 00:00:38,180 --> 00:00:40,660 because her life is anything but certain. 15 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:49,900 WOMAN: It was at my dad's funeral 16 00:00:49,900 --> 00:00:53,260 that I realised funerals are so absurd. 17 00:00:54,420 --> 00:00:56,980 We expect people to get up and give a speech 18 00:00:56,980 --> 00:00:57,220 We expect people to get up they were in no fit state to write, 19 00:00:57,220 --> 00:01:00,540 they were in no fit state to write, 20 00:01:00,540 --> 00:01:02,860 they're wearing something uncomfortable, 21 00:01:02,860 --> 00:01:05,900 the weather's always bad, 22 00:01:05,900 --> 00:01:07,340 something always goes wrong, 23 00:01:07,340 --> 00:01:09,580 it's never a good show. 24 00:01:11,380 --> 00:01:15,980 I think my whole family laughing together at Dad's funeral 25 00:01:15,980 --> 00:01:19,340 was one of the most important moments in my life. 26 00:01:19,340 --> 00:01:19,580 was one of the most important I mean, it was very cathartic. 27 00:01:19,580 --> 00:01:21,100 I mean, it was very cathartic. 28 00:01:32,380 --> 00:01:35,140 (LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE) 29 00:01:35,140 --> 00:01:38,620 I think comedy is a pretty good cure for grief, 30 00:01:38,620 --> 00:01:38,860 I think comedy is a pretty or just a good friend to grief. 31 00:01:38,860 --> 00:01:40,220 or just a good friend to grief. 32 00:01:40,220 --> 00:01:40,460 If somebody near you was or just a good friend to grief. 33 00:01:40,460 --> 00:01:41,980 If somebody near you was laughing quite a bit, 34 00:01:41,980 --> 00:01:43,700 I want you to turn to them and I want you to say, 35 00:01:43,700 --> 00:01:43,940 I want you to turn to them "Sorry for your loss". 36 00:01:43,940 --> 00:01:44,740 "Sorry for your loss". 37 00:01:44,740 --> 00:01:46,500 (LAUGHTER) 38 00:01:46,500 --> 00:01:50,500 She's willing to sort of take her heart out of her chest and go, 39 00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:53,740 "Here it is. This is what has happened to me. 40 00:01:53,740 --> 00:01:57,180 "This is my life, and I hope that when I tell you this, 41 00:01:57,180 --> 00:01:57,420 "This is my life, and I hope "it gives you something." 42 00:01:57,420 --> 00:01:58,820 "it gives you something." 43 00:01:58,820 --> 00:01:59,660 You can come closer! 44 00:01:59,660 --> 00:02:02,140 And I think it does touch people quite deeply. 45 00:02:02,140 --> 00:02:04,220 Yeah, you can give me a hug. No, thank you so much. 46 00:02:04,220 --> 00:02:06,820 After the show, there's always, always a line of people 47 00:02:06,820 --> 00:02:07,060 After the show, there's always, to talk to her. 48 00:02:07,060 --> 00:02:07,980 to talk to her. 49 00:02:07,980 --> 00:02:11,460 I think it's a way that people can process their own grief. 50 00:02:11,460 --> 00:02:13,700 How's she doing? She OK? She's alright, but it was... 51 00:02:13,700 --> 00:02:13,940 How's she doing? She OK? Physiologically, laughing, 52 00:02:13,940 --> 00:02:15,300 Physiologically, laughing, 53 00:02:15,300 --> 00:02:15,540 crying and singing Physiologically, laughing, 54 00:02:15,540 --> 00:02:18,420 crying and singing are all really close, 55 00:02:18,420 --> 00:02:22,980 and so I'm always on the edge of one of them 56 00:02:22,980 --> 00:02:24,620 and I like it. 57 00:02:24,620 --> 00:02:25,660 I like that. 58 00:02:26,740 --> 00:02:29,060 Do you want a hug? Come here. (SOBS) 59 00:02:29,060 --> 00:02:29,300 Do you want a hug? Come here. It'll be OK. 60 00:02:29,300 --> 00:02:30,620 It'll be OK. 61 00:02:33,740 --> 00:02:35,500 Come here. No, more! More. 62 00:02:35,500 --> 00:02:37,420 Still crying. It's OK. 63 00:02:37,420 --> 00:02:38,220 Thank you. 64 00:02:47,540 --> 00:02:49,460 We're off to New York City 65 00:02:49,460 --> 00:02:49,700 to do the show Off-Broadway, We're off to New York City 66 00:02:49,700 --> 00:02:53,420 to do the show Off-Broadway, which is quite mad. 67 00:02:53,420 --> 00:02:56,900 Um, but, you know, obviously really exciting, 68 00:02:56,900 --> 00:03:00,300 and then we are going back to the UK. 69 00:03:02,260 --> 00:03:04,500 MAN: So Average Bear is a show that Michelle and I 70 00:03:04,500 --> 00:03:09,060 have been performing across the world for the past three years now. 71 00:03:09,060 --> 00:03:11,780 It's essentially the telling of Michelle's life, 72 00:03:11,780 --> 00:03:12,060 and potentially having less time on Earth It's essentially the telling of Michelle's life, 73 00:03:12,060 --> 00:03:15,340 and potentially having less time on Earth 74 00:03:15,340 --> 00:03:16,340 than the average bear. 75 00:03:17,020 --> 00:03:21,300 # Sometimes in a young girl's life... # 76 00:03:21,300 --> 00:03:23,740 Average Bear is a show about hope, I think. 77 00:03:23,740 --> 00:03:23,980 Average Bear is a show about hope, I hope! (LAUGHS) 78 00:03:23,980 --> 00:03:26,660 I hope! (LAUGHS) 79 00:03:26,660 --> 00:03:26,900 It's the story of losing my brother and my dad, and then, I hope! (LAUGHS) 80 00:03:26,900 --> 00:03:29,580 It's the story of losing my brother and my dad, and then, 81 00:03:29,580 --> 00:03:33,260 you know, being told by doctors that I didn't have a very great outlook, 82 00:03:33,260 --> 00:03:33,500 you know, being told by doctors that I didn't have a very great outlook, in terms of my genes. 83 00:03:33,500 --> 00:03:35,020 in terms of my genes. 84 00:03:35,020 --> 00:03:37,860 # At Kooringal High... # 85 00:03:37,860 --> 00:03:39,860 So it's about limited time 86 00:03:39,860 --> 00:03:42,260 and how I'm going to spend it. 87 00:03:42,260 --> 00:03:44,020 # At Kooringal High... # 88 00:03:44,020 --> 00:03:47,580 I think I started comedy, because it was, at the time, 89 00:03:47,580 --> 00:03:50,100 one of the scariest things I could think of to do. 90 00:03:50,100 --> 00:03:51,220 I like to do scary things. 91 00:03:51,220 --> 00:03:54,780 I'm afraid that I will die young, 92 00:03:54,780 --> 00:03:58,020 and so, with my health, like, if I'm going to end up 93 00:03:58,020 --> 00:04:00,020 having to fight for myself, I want to, 94 00:04:00,020 --> 00:04:02,060 I want to get some training hours up in the ring, you know? 95 00:04:02,060 --> 00:04:04,580 And comedy is pretty good for that stuff. 96 00:04:21,900 --> 00:04:24,740 I thought it was just going to be, like, you know, 97 00:04:24,740 --> 00:04:26,620 silly sketches and stuff, 98 00:04:26,620 --> 00:04:26,860 silly sketches and stuff, and then she had the audacity to break my heart. 99 00:04:26,860 --> 00:04:29,460 and then she had the audacity to break my heart. 100 00:04:29,460 --> 00:04:32,060 My mum, my Catholic mum, is so impressed that she says, 101 00:04:32,060 --> 00:04:35,020 "Well, if he can't get it then I'll bloody well grow it myself. 102 00:04:35,020 --> 00:04:37,020 "No, I will, Chel. I'll go down to Bunnings 103 00:04:37,020 --> 00:04:38,460 "And I'll figure out how to grow it and I will. 104 00:04:38,460 --> 00:04:40,180 "No, I'll grow it my bloody well self. I will." 105 00:04:41,780 --> 00:04:43,820 We don't tell Mum it's easy to get weed. 106 00:04:43,820 --> 00:04:44,060 We don't tell Mum (LAUGHTER) 107 00:04:44,060 --> 00:04:45,780 (LAUGHTER) 108 00:04:45,780 --> 00:04:46,020 TIM: I absolutely worry that (LAUGHTER) 109 00:04:46,020 --> 00:04:48,260 TIM: I absolutely worry that I might lose her. 110 00:04:48,260 --> 00:04:51,980 To look at her family history and her genetic disposition 111 00:04:51,980 --> 00:04:52,220 To look at her family history is terrifying. 112 00:04:52,220 --> 00:04:53,740 is terrifying. 113 00:04:53,740 --> 00:04:53,980 I've been told by a doctor that I have a 97% chance is terrifying. 114 00:04:53,980 --> 00:04:56,300 I've been told by a doctor that I have a 97% chance 115 00:04:56,300 --> 00:04:56,540 of developing cancer, as well... that I have a 97% chance 116 00:04:56,540 --> 00:04:57,940 of developing cancer, as well... 117 00:04:57,940 --> 00:05:01,860 For her, every lump, bump, change is absolutely terrifying, 118 00:05:01,860 --> 00:05:03,780 because she thinks that maybe it's the day that 119 00:05:03,780 --> 00:05:04,020 that 97% has turned into 100%. maybe it's the day that 120 00:05:04,020 --> 00:05:05,740 that 97% has turned into 100%. 121 00:05:05,740 --> 00:05:08,260 ..and there are tests that I can do to find out exactly 122 00:05:08,260 --> 00:05:10,580 what is going on for me, and things that I can do, 123 00:05:10,580 --> 00:05:13,780 lifesaving measures that I can take once I have those results. 124 00:05:13,780 --> 00:05:16,220 But once I do that test, 125 00:05:16,220 --> 00:05:19,500 a life insurance company can take those results 126 00:05:19,500 --> 00:05:22,180 and use them against me, and they can do that to you as well. 127 00:05:23,140 --> 00:05:25,540 Life insurance can be denied to you, 128 00:05:25,540 --> 00:05:28,540 based on any genetic test that you have, 129 00:05:28,540 --> 00:05:30,780 which is quite mad. 130 00:05:30,780 --> 00:05:34,220 So that's something I've become really passionate about recently. 131 00:05:34,220 --> 00:05:37,460 WOMAN: Michelle has never been afraid to voice her opinions. 132 00:05:37,460 --> 00:05:37,740 Growing up, she would always challenge anything, WOMAN: Michelle has never been afraid to voice her opinions. 133 00:05:37,740 --> 00:05:41,220 Growing up, she would always challenge anything, 134 00:05:41,220 --> 00:05:41,460 and fought for what she believed in, challenge anything, 135 00:05:41,460 --> 00:05:43,660 and fought for what she believed in, 136 00:05:43,660 --> 00:05:46,100 and she never backed down, 137 00:05:46,100 --> 00:05:47,460 and still doesn't. (CHUCKLES) 138 00:05:51,220 --> 00:05:53,140 Here you go. This is your baby one. 139 00:05:53,140 --> 00:05:55,300 That's my baby one? This is your baby one. 140 00:05:55,300 --> 00:05:55,540 That's my baby one? That's Dad. 141 00:05:55,540 --> 00:05:56,660 That's Dad. 142 00:05:56,660 --> 00:05:57,620 That's you with your dad, 143 00:05:57,620 --> 00:05:58,820 and that's Susie. 144 00:05:58,820 --> 00:06:03,380 We mostly grew up in Wagga, in the Riverina. 145 00:06:03,380 --> 00:06:06,660 Mum and Dad were both teachers in the local community. 146 00:06:06,660 --> 00:06:06,900 Mum and Dad were both teachers We were a pretty tight-knit family. 147 00:06:06,900 --> 00:06:09,100 We were a pretty tight-knit family. 148 00:06:09,100 --> 00:06:11,060 Yeah! Look at this! It's so good. 149 00:06:11,060 --> 00:06:11,300 We had two children, a boy and a girl. Yeah! Look at this! It's so good. 150 00:06:11,300 --> 00:06:13,820 We had two children, a boy and a girl. 151 00:06:13,820 --> 00:06:14,060 Wow. We thought we were done. a boy and a girl. 152 00:06:14,060 --> 00:06:17,100 Wow. We thought we were done. 153 00:06:17,100 --> 00:06:17,340 Wow. We thought we were done. But, 11 years later, along came Michelle, 154 00:06:17,340 --> 00:06:20,020 But, 11 years later, along came Michelle, 155 00:06:20,020 --> 00:06:20,260 But, 11 years later, our little surprise packet. 156 00:06:20,260 --> 00:06:22,460 our little surprise packet. 157 00:06:22,460 --> 00:06:24,500 Best mistake you ever made. 158 00:06:24,500 --> 00:06:25,860 Your father said that. 159 00:06:25,860 --> 00:06:27,540 She was spoilt. 160 00:06:27,540 --> 00:06:29,420 I'll be honest, she was spoilt. 161 00:06:29,420 --> 00:06:30,820 That's Paul, there. 162 00:06:30,820 --> 00:06:31,900 That one. 163 00:06:31,900 --> 00:06:34,540 He was a grown man when I was a tiny baby. 164 00:06:34,540 --> 00:06:34,780 He was a grown man He was 15. 165 00:06:34,780 --> 00:06:35,620 He was 15. 166 00:06:35,620 --> 00:06:35,860 A lot of the time, He was 15. 167 00:06:35,860 --> 00:06:38,100 A lot of the time, she grew up like an only child, 168 00:06:38,100 --> 00:06:39,940 because she was so much younger, 169 00:06:39,940 --> 00:06:42,860 she was sort of doing different things. 170 00:06:42,860 --> 00:06:44,140 Don't do that to my piano. 171 00:06:44,140 --> 00:06:45,220 This is MY piano. 172 00:06:45,220 --> 00:06:47,300 Well, it's mine. That's mine. 173 00:06:47,300 --> 00:06:50,020 Paul and I were more of the sporty type, 174 00:06:50,020 --> 00:06:53,900 where she sort of took the music path, after mum. 175 00:06:53,900 --> 00:06:55,500 She was very dramatic. 176 00:06:59,060 --> 00:07:00,540 I was the worst child. 177 00:07:00,540 --> 00:07:01,700 I was so annoying. 178 00:07:01,700 --> 00:07:07,220 I would put on plays for anyone who would look, at the supermarket, 179 00:07:07,220 --> 00:07:07,460 I would put on plays for anyone and I was always singing. 180 00:07:07,460 --> 00:07:09,700 and I was always singing. 181 00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:13,500 # An angel brought me here... # 182 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:15,980 But my parents never told me to shut up. 183 00:07:15,980 --> 00:07:19,460 They were very, like, supportive of all of my delusions. 184 00:07:19,460 --> 00:07:23,140 # And get your kicks on Route 66... # 185 00:07:25,380 --> 00:07:27,980 We're at Kooringal High School, which is my high school, 186 00:07:27,980 --> 00:07:28,220 We're at Kooringal High School, where I learned to sing and dance. 187 00:07:28,220 --> 00:07:30,740 where I learned to sing and dance. 188 00:07:30,740 --> 00:07:34,260 We had a huge performing arts culture, 189 00:07:34,260 --> 00:07:35,420 which was really, really nice here, 190 00:07:35,420 --> 00:07:36,780 which I'm really proud of. 191 00:07:38,020 --> 00:07:39,180 Wagga Wagga, 192 00:07:39,180 --> 00:07:43,380 it felt like a safe place to, like, learn how to become, I guess, a, 193 00:07:43,380 --> 00:07:43,620 it felt like a safe place to, like, yeah, a weird little horny teen. 194 00:07:43,620 --> 00:07:45,900 yeah, a weird little horny teen. 195 00:07:51,940 --> 00:07:53,420 # I don't want him to know but 196 00:07:54,620 --> 00:07:56,100 # Takes me by the hand, says 197 00:07:59,340 --> 00:08:05,140 (LAUGHTER) 198 00:08:05,140 --> 00:08:06,420 Who me? (GASPS) 199 00:08:06,420 --> 00:08:06,660 I did not know there was Who me? (GASPS) 200 00:08:06,660 --> 00:08:09,020 I did not know there was a fingering shed, 201 00:08:09,020 --> 00:08:12,620 but the interesting thing was, once the song came out, 202 00:08:12,620 --> 00:08:15,740 there were a couple of ex-teachers who said, "Oh, we knew about it." 203 00:08:15,740 --> 00:08:15,980 there were a couple of ex-teachers (CHUCKLES) 204 00:08:15,980 --> 00:08:17,180 (CHUCKLES) 205 00:08:17,180 --> 00:08:20,700 Somebody went on Google Maps and put it, like, 206 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:22,660 put it as a little pin, so you can Google 207 00:08:22,660 --> 00:08:22,900 put it as a little pin, where's the fingering shed. 208 00:08:22,900 --> 00:08:24,340 where's the fingering shed. 209 00:08:24,340 --> 00:08:25,820 Every school has one. 210 00:08:27,060 --> 00:08:30,300 # The fingering shed is no more 211 00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:33,620 # Ave Maria... 212 00:08:33,620 --> 00:08:36,060 (LAUGHTER) 213 00:08:39,300 --> 00:08:44,380 # Ave Mari-i-i-i 214 00:08:44,380 --> 00:08:45,700 # Mwa! 215 00:08:45,700 --> 00:08:47,860 (LAUGHTER) 216 00:08:47,860 --> 00:08:48,100 # No, I'll never, (LAUGHTER) 217 00:08:48,100 --> 00:08:50,660 # No, I'll never, I'll never forget you. # 218 00:08:50,660 --> 00:08:50,900 # No, I'll never, (LAUGHTER) 219 00:08:50,900 --> 00:08:52,020 (LAUGHTER) 220 00:08:54,460 --> 00:08:56,100 I left home when I was 18. 221 00:08:56,100 --> 00:08:58,580 I moved out of Wagga and moved to Melbourne, 222 00:08:58,580 --> 00:09:01,740 because I got into the Victorian College of the Arts, 223 00:09:01,740 --> 00:09:03,620 which was really cool, to study musical theatre. 224 00:09:05,620 --> 00:09:09,540 But I was also 18, and from an acting perspective, 225 00:09:09,540 --> 00:09:12,260 they were like, "You haven't had any life experience, 226 00:09:12,260 --> 00:09:14,220 "Go and get some more life experience 227 00:09:14,220 --> 00:09:15,220 "and then you can come back," 228 00:09:15,220 --> 00:09:19,180 and so I just, I went and I got so much life experience! 229 00:09:21,580 --> 00:09:25,060 I was living in this share house on St Kilda Road. 230 00:09:25,060 --> 00:09:25,300 I was living in this share house It was old and run-down. 231 00:09:25,300 --> 00:09:26,900 It was old and run-down. 232 00:09:26,900 --> 00:09:29,100 It was really draughty. 233 00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:31,020 Dad bought me a heater 234 00:09:31,020 --> 00:09:33,220 so that it wouldn't be quite so cold. 235 00:09:34,300 --> 00:09:37,260 ELLEN: She was sitting in front of the heater 236 00:09:37,260 --> 00:09:37,500 ELLEN: She was sitting in front and her clothing caught fire. 237 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:40,220 and her clothing caught fire. 238 00:09:40,220 --> 00:09:40,460 She had stockings on, and she could smell something burning, and her clothing caught fire. 239 00:09:40,460 --> 00:09:44,380 She had stockings on, and she could smell something burning, 240 00:09:44,380 --> 00:09:44,620 She had stockings on, and she could and her legs were actually alight. 241 00:09:44,620 --> 00:09:47,020 and her legs were actually alight. 242 00:09:47,020 --> 00:09:47,260 and her legs were actually alight. The stockings had melted onto her legs. 243 00:09:47,260 --> 00:09:49,820 The stockings had melted onto her legs. 244 00:09:51,380 --> 00:09:53,860 I had third degree burns, 245 00:09:53,860 --> 00:09:56,060 so I had to have a few skin grafts, 246 00:09:56,060 --> 00:10:00,340 and the recovery from that takes a really long time, 247 00:10:00,340 --> 00:10:00,580 and the recovery from that and is really painful. 248 00:10:00,580 --> 00:10:02,300 and is really painful. 249 00:10:03,580 --> 00:10:06,940 She had to turn round then and learn to walk again 250 00:10:06,940 --> 00:10:09,900 and all of that. It was just a horrendous time for her. 251 00:10:13,060 --> 00:10:17,580 I remember being like, well, VCA is gonna love all this life experience 252 00:10:17,580 --> 00:10:19,340 that I'm going to come back with. 253 00:10:19,340 --> 00:10:21,420 But I left the hospital 254 00:10:21,420 --> 00:10:23,500 and just walked into a whole, 255 00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:23,740 just a completely changed world, and just walked into a whole, 256 00:10:23,740 --> 00:10:25,260 just a completely changed world, really. 257 00:10:28,620 --> 00:10:31,900 When John got sick, 258 00:10:31,900 --> 00:10:33,540 Michelle was 20. 259 00:10:34,860 --> 00:10:37,780 He went off to the doctor to say he was feeling unwell. 260 00:10:37,780 --> 00:10:42,020 They did some tests and he was diagnosed with cancer. 261 00:10:44,380 --> 00:10:46,580 Dad had pancreatic cancer. 262 00:10:46,580 --> 00:10:48,340 When they diagnosed it, it was stage four, 263 00:10:48,340 --> 00:10:50,460 which is really common for pancreatic cancer. 264 00:10:51,660 --> 00:10:54,260 It was two weeks from the time that I knew he had cancer 265 00:10:54,260 --> 00:10:54,500 It was two weeks from the time until the day he left us. 266 00:10:54,500 --> 00:10:55,780 until the day he left us. 267 00:10:55,780 --> 00:10:57,260 It was two weeks. 268 00:10:57,260 --> 00:11:00,540 The world felt smaller for the first time. 269 00:11:00,540 --> 00:11:01,780 The world had always felt so huge, 270 00:11:01,780 --> 00:11:05,180 because my parents had made it feel so big. 271 00:11:05,180 --> 00:11:08,900 The feeling that I had was like, "There's so much that is gone." 272 00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:15,420 My mum is Catholic, but my dad wasn't. 273 00:11:15,420 --> 00:11:20,020 My brother and my sister and I wanted to make his Catholic funeral 274 00:11:20,020 --> 00:11:21,660 a bit cheeky, I think. 275 00:11:22,860 --> 00:11:27,580 So we put just, like, country music in, 'cause he didn't like hymns. 276 00:11:39,940 --> 00:11:43,900 # I fell in to a burning ring of fire 277 00:11:43,900 --> 00:11:45,780 # It went down, down, down 278 00:11:45,780 --> 00:11:47,980 # And the flames went higher 279 00:11:47,980 --> 00:11:50,940 # And it burned, burned, burned 280 00:11:50,940 --> 00:11:52,980 # The ring of fire... # Bye, Dad! 281 00:11:52,980 --> 00:11:55,140 # Ring of fire. # (LAUGHTER) 282 00:11:55,140 --> 00:11:57,020 My family and I are in fits of hysterics. 283 00:11:57,020 --> 00:11:57,260 My family and I are in fits It is the best funeral ever. 284 00:11:57,260 --> 00:11:58,140 It is the best funeral ever. 285 00:11:58,140 --> 00:11:59,780 No offence to all of your funerals, 286 00:11:59,780 --> 00:12:01,220 which I'm sure will be a hoot. 287 00:12:01,220 --> 00:12:02,740 (LAUGHTER) 288 00:12:04,260 --> 00:12:07,580 After losing Dad, and nearly losing my leg, 289 00:12:07,580 --> 00:12:07,820 After losing Dad, I couldn't go back to VCA. 290 00:12:07,820 --> 00:12:10,940 I couldn't go back to VCA. 291 00:12:10,940 --> 00:12:11,180 I wanted something new, I couldn't go back to VCA. 292 00:12:11,180 --> 00:12:13,860 I wanted something new, because I felt new, 293 00:12:13,860 --> 00:12:14,100 I wanted something new, and the world felt different. 294 00:12:14,100 --> 00:12:15,460 and the world felt different. 295 00:12:16,900 --> 00:12:19,460 I auditioned for the Arts Academy in Ballarat, 296 00:12:19,460 --> 00:12:19,700 I auditioned for the Arts Academy and then I got in. 297 00:12:19,700 --> 00:12:21,700 and then I got in. 298 00:12:21,700 --> 00:12:24,780 I didn't know that I was going to do comedy. 299 00:12:24,780 --> 00:12:25,020 Oh, my God, no, I won't do a song. I didn't know that I was going to do comedy. 300 00:12:25,020 --> 00:12:27,540 Oh, my God, no, I won't do a song. 301 00:12:27,540 --> 00:12:29,220 I can't, I'm too shy. 302 00:12:29,220 --> 00:12:30,700 (LAUGHTER) 303 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:32,380 I'd seen little comedy cabarets, 304 00:12:32,380 --> 00:12:32,580 and so I was like, "Alright", I'd seen little comedy cabarets, 305 00:12:32,580 --> 00:12:34,020 and so I was like, "Alright", 306 00:12:34,020 --> 00:12:37,060 and I wrote ten minutes about 307 00:12:37,060 --> 00:12:38,940 being in love with Aladdin. 308 00:12:38,940 --> 00:12:39,140 being in love with Aladdin. # 'Cause mostly I wanted to 309 00:12:39,140 --> 00:12:41,020 # 'Cause mostly I wanted to 310 00:12:42,020 --> 00:12:45,060 # Fuck Aladdin... # 311 00:12:45,060 --> 00:12:47,980 And then that was the thing that 312 00:12:47,980 --> 00:12:50,380 people gave me attention for, 313 00:12:50,380 --> 00:12:50,580 people gave me attention for, which is what I so crave. 314 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:52,620 which is what I so crave. 315 00:12:52,620 --> 00:12:52,820 # Yeah, mostly I wanted to which is what I so crave. 316 00:12:52,820 --> 00:12:54,540 # Yeah, mostly I wanted to 317 00:12:54,540 --> 00:12:57,300 # Have sex with a fictional character 318 00:12:57,300 --> 00:12:57,540 # Have sex with # Oh, Aladdin. # 319 00:12:57,540 --> 00:13:01,460 # Oh, Aladdin. # 320 00:13:04,780 --> 00:13:07,860 MAN: I went to see her at a cabaret venue. 321 00:13:07,860 --> 00:13:08,100 MAN: I went to see her at a cabaret venue. She was so high energy. 322 00:13:08,100 --> 00:13:09,860 She was so high energy. 323 00:13:09,860 --> 00:13:10,100 I remember just, in that moment, being, like, She was so high energy. 324 00:13:10,100 --> 00:13:12,060 I remember just, in that moment, being, like, 325 00:13:12,060 --> 00:13:14,660 "This is someone really exciting and I want to work with her." 326 00:13:14,660 --> 00:13:14,900 "This is someone really exciting and I want to work with her." Boys! 327 00:13:14,900 --> 00:13:16,020 Boys! 328 00:13:16,020 --> 00:13:18,100 ALL: Oh! 329 00:13:18,100 --> 00:13:20,580 She's one of the boys. She's just one of the boys! 330 00:13:20,580 --> 00:13:21,820 Yes! 331 00:13:21,820 --> 00:13:23,980 She met up with the Aunty Donna boys 332 00:13:23,980 --> 00:13:25,700 and she became part of their act. 333 00:13:25,700 --> 00:13:28,420 (ROCK MUSIC PLAYS) 334 00:13:28,420 --> 00:13:31,180 She's one of the boys. She's, like, one of the fuckin'... 335 00:13:31,180 --> 00:13:32,940 We like to describe ourselves as, uh, 336 00:13:32,940 --> 00:13:33,180 We like to describe ourselves as, we're like, um, Monty Python, 337 00:13:33,180 --> 00:13:34,980 we're like, um, Monty Python, 338 00:13:34,980 --> 00:13:38,260 if they weren't as good. (LAUGHS) 339 00:13:38,260 --> 00:13:39,700 How did you get that through there? 340 00:13:39,700 --> 00:13:41,700 I was at home... Uh-huh... 341 00:13:41,700 --> 00:13:43,940 ..I had breakfast, 342 00:13:43,940 --> 00:13:45,620 I jammed a stick through my hand, then I... 343 00:13:45,620 --> 00:13:47,540 Just stop for a second. ..then I did maths class. 344 00:13:47,540 --> 00:13:49,100 So somewhere in between 345 00:13:49,100 --> 00:13:50,180 those events. 346 00:13:50,180 --> 00:13:51,380 BOTH: Parkour! 347 00:13:53,140 --> 00:13:56,420 Michelle and I, we both went to the Ballarat Arts Academy, 348 00:13:56,420 --> 00:13:56,660 Musical Theatre course. to the Ballarat Arts Academy, 349 00:13:56,660 --> 00:13:57,620 Musical Theatre course. 350 00:14:00,220 --> 00:14:03,540 Starting in comedy at a similar time, 351 00:14:03,540 --> 00:14:05,260 we learnt a lot from each other. 352 00:14:07,540 --> 00:14:11,220 So we were both in this cabaret comedy, called Backwards Anoraks. 353 00:14:11,220 --> 00:14:12,740 ALL: # Let's go, HBO 354 00:14:12,740 --> 00:14:14,020 # Here we go! 355 00:14:14,020 --> 00:14:15,260 # Let's go... # 356 00:14:15,260 --> 00:14:15,500 We were performing # Let's go... # 357 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:18,860 We were performing at Melbourne Comedy Festival 358 00:14:18,860 --> 00:14:21,540 and in walks Karen Koren, who's the head of Gilded Balloon, 359 00:14:21,540 --> 00:14:24,940 one of the big venues in Edinburgh, sees the show and says, 360 00:14:24,940 --> 00:14:25,180 one of the big venues in Edinburgh, "You've got the gig. 361 00:14:25,180 --> 00:14:26,060 "You've got the gig. 362 00:14:26,060 --> 00:14:28,620 "We're going to Edinburgh in two months. Sort it out." 363 00:14:28,620 --> 00:14:28,860 (BAGPIPES PLAY) "We're going to Edinburgh in two months. Sort it out." 364 00:14:28,860 --> 00:14:32,940 (BAGPIPES PLAY) 365 00:14:32,940 --> 00:14:33,180 (BAGPIPES PLAY) WOMAN: Finding new talent is what we do 366 00:14:33,180 --> 00:14:35,780 WOMAN: Finding new talent is what we do 367 00:14:35,780 --> 00:14:39,300 and Michelle is one of a really great talent. 368 00:14:40,900 --> 00:14:43,340 It was the voice that attracted me to going to see her 369 00:14:43,340 --> 00:14:43,580 It was the voice that attracted me in the first place. 370 00:14:43,580 --> 00:14:45,420 in the first place. 371 00:14:45,420 --> 00:14:49,060 I had no idea she had funny bones. 372 00:14:49,060 --> 00:14:49,260 I had no idea she had funny bones. # We are Starks 373 00:14:49,260 --> 00:14:50,340 # We are Starks 374 00:14:50,340 --> 00:14:51,940 # Starks are we 375 00:14:51,940 --> 00:14:53,540 # Starks of Winterfell 376 00:14:53,540 --> 00:14:55,260 # Chilly Winterfell... # 377 00:14:55,260 --> 00:14:55,500 MAN: I saw these guys # Chilly Winterfell... # 378 00:14:55,500 --> 00:14:58,300 MAN: I saw these guys and it was just so much fun. 379 00:14:58,300 --> 00:14:58,580 I thought Michelle was just so talented, to be that funny, MAN: I saw these guys and it was just so much fun. 380 00:14:58,580 --> 00:15:01,940 I thought Michelle was just so talented, to be that funny, 381 00:15:01,940 --> 00:15:02,180 and her voice is incredible. talented, to be that funny, 382 00:15:02,180 --> 00:15:04,620 and her voice is incredible. 383 00:15:08,900 --> 00:15:13,740 TIM: That was really the start of things blowing up for Michelle. 384 00:15:13,740 --> 00:15:14,020 She's loved going back over to Edinburgh every year. TIM: That was really the start of things blowing up for Michelle. 385 00:15:14,020 --> 00:15:16,540 She's loved going back over to Edinburgh every year. 386 00:15:16,540 --> 00:15:18,380 BOTH: Double denim, double denim, double denim! 387 00:15:18,380 --> 00:15:18,620 High five! Uh! double denim! 388 00:15:18,620 --> 00:15:19,500 High five! Uh! 389 00:15:19,500 --> 00:15:20,660 Uh! Yeah! 390 00:15:20,660 --> 00:15:22,900 Who wants to see some art? Not me! 391 00:15:22,900 --> 00:15:24,820 SHAUN MICALLEF: Wasn't it just something that Barnaby Joyce, 392 00:15:24,820 --> 00:15:25,100 SHAUN MICALLEF: Wasn't it just something that Barnaby Joyce, Peter Dutton and Craig Kelly made up? 393 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,780 Peter Dutton and Craig Kelly made up? 394 00:15:26,780 --> 00:15:29,300 Well, where there's a smoking ceremony, there's fire, Shaun. 395 00:15:29,300 --> 00:15:31,820 # I'd even settle for a bride a bit Mediterranean 396 00:15:31,820 --> 00:15:34,980 # But, Frederick, my dear, you didn't say she was Tasmanian... # 397 00:15:34,980 --> 00:15:35,220 # But, Frederick, my dear, you MALE ANNOUNCER: Michelle Brazier! 398 00:15:35,220 --> 00:15:36,980 MALE ANNOUNCER: Michelle Brazier! 399 00:15:36,980 --> 00:15:38,020 (CHEERING) 400 00:15:38,020 --> 00:15:40,500 MAN: There was definitely an evolution in the way Michelle 401 00:15:40,500 --> 00:15:41,660 wrote her comedy. 402 00:15:41,660 --> 00:15:42,820 # Dai, dai, dah... # 403 00:15:42,820 --> 00:15:43,060 There was a moment where she really started to engage with who she was # Dai, dai, dah... # 404 00:15:43,060 --> 00:15:45,340 There was a moment where she really started to engage with who she was 405 00:15:45,340 --> 00:15:46,860 and where she's from. 406 00:15:46,860 --> 00:15:49,860 That was genuinely where you felt her career kind of take a step up, 407 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:50,100 That was genuinely where you felt her career kind of take a step up, I think. 408 00:15:50,100 --> 00:15:51,420 I think. 409 00:15:51,420 --> 00:15:53,460 # When I was young 410 00:15:53,460 --> 00:15:57,620 # I learned that I 411 00:15:57,620 --> 00:15:59,100 # Was a girl. # 412 00:15:59,100 --> 00:16:00,260 (SOFTLY) What? Oh, my God. 413 00:16:00,260 --> 00:16:02,460 She now is loved and sells out all around the world, 414 00:16:02,460 --> 00:16:04,220 is on every telly show and is dominating, 415 00:16:04,220 --> 00:16:04,460 is on every telly show and she's done it her own way. 416 00:16:04,460 --> 00:16:06,260 and she's done it her own way. 417 00:16:06,260 --> 00:16:08,740 Thank you so much. I've been Michelle Brasier. Good night! 418 00:16:08,740 --> 00:16:11,540 (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 419 00:16:11,540 --> 00:16:14,700 # Dai, dai, dah... # 420 00:16:16,180 --> 00:16:17,900 LAURA: At the second Edinburgh Fringe, 421 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:20,980 we went back hoping it was going to be just as good as the first one, 422 00:16:20,980 --> 00:16:23,780 but unfortunately, just before we left, 423 00:16:23,780 --> 00:16:26,420 Michelle's brother had received a cancer diagnosis. 424 00:16:26,420 --> 00:16:26,660 Michelle's brother had received (RECORDED VOICE PLAYS BACK) 425 00:16:26,660 --> 00:16:28,580 (RECORDED VOICE PLAYS BACK) 426 00:16:28,580 --> 00:16:32,140 MICHELLE: My brother and I, we were always really close. 427 00:16:32,140 --> 00:16:34,260 Paul, or Braze, as everyone called him, 428 00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:34,500 Paul, or Braze, he was 15 when I was born, 429 00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:37,860 he was 15 when I was born, 430 00:16:37,860 --> 00:16:38,100 and he carried me around he was 15 when I was born, 431 00:16:38,100 --> 00:16:40,700 and he carried me around all the time. 432 00:16:40,700 --> 00:16:40,940 and he carried me around He took me to his Year 10 formal. 433 00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:44,100 He took me to his Year 10 formal. 434 00:16:44,100 --> 00:16:46,060 People called me Braze's baby. 435 00:16:46,060 --> 00:16:51,260 # Things don't go your way... # 436 00:16:51,260 --> 00:16:53,820 # But, baby, things don't go your way... # 437 00:16:53,820 --> 00:16:56,620 He loved music and he would always sing with me. 438 00:16:56,620 --> 00:16:56,860 He loved music Yeah, he was my biggest champion. 439 00:16:56,860 --> 00:16:58,540 Yeah, he was my biggest champion. 440 00:16:58,540 --> 00:17:01,620 (SINGING CONTINUES) 441 00:17:01,620 --> 00:17:04,380 Paul was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 42, 442 00:17:04,380 --> 00:17:07,500 and, you know, it was stage four, so it was a real shock. 443 00:17:09,100 --> 00:17:13,060 Paul had made it very clear to Michelle that she was to go 444 00:17:13,060 --> 00:17:13,300 and do her performance in Edinburgh, Paul had made it very clear to Michelle that she was to go 445 00:17:13,300 --> 00:17:16,580 and do her performance in Edinburgh, 446 00:17:16,580 --> 00:17:17,900 because that's what he wanted. 447 00:17:19,260 --> 00:17:21,940 I thought that I had more time, 448 00:17:21,940 --> 00:17:25,300 but he went while I was there. 449 00:17:25,300 --> 00:17:28,180 He died while I was in Edinburgh. 450 00:17:28,180 --> 00:17:30,780 And just before he slips away, 451 00:17:30,780 --> 00:17:32,860 he requests a song, 452 00:17:32,860 --> 00:17:36,620 so I find a room with a piano 453 00:17:36,620 --> 00:17:37,900 and I record it for him. 454 00:17:40,060 --> 00:17:44,020 # Of all the money 455 00:17:44,020 --> 00:17:46,900 # That e'er I had 456 00:17:46,900 --> 00:17:51,740 # I spent it in good company 457 00:17:53,900 --> 00:17:59,740 # Oh, and all the harm I've ever done 458 00:17:59,740 --> 00:17:59,980 # Oh, and all the harm # Alas, it was to none but me... # 459 00:17:59,980 --> 00:18:05,340 # Alas, it was to none but me... # 460 00:18:05,340 --> 00:18:08,980 I remember being in our apartment, 461 00:18:08,980 --> 00:18:11,740 and the call coming through, and just hearing her, 462 00:18:11,740 --> 00:18:11,980 and the call coming through, uh, 463 00:18:11,980 --> 00:18:13,540 uh, 464 00:18:13,540 --> 00:18:14,460 cry. 465 00:18:14,460 --> 00:18:16,420 I haven't heard that sound before, 466 00:18:16,420 --> 00:18:19,380 and it was, yeah, it was heartbreaking. 467 00:18:19,380 --> 00:18:20,180 Mm. 468 00:18:22,180 --> 00:18:24,300 Hm. 469 00:18:24,300 --> 00:18:25,140 So this is... 470 00:18:26,340 --> 00:18:28,740 ..this is where my brother currently lives, 471 00:18:28,740 --> 00:18:32,580 because I don't know what I'm supposed to do with him. 472 00:18:32,580 --> 00:18:32,820 because I don't know what If I take him out of the box, 473 00:18:32,820 --> 00:18:34,300 If I take him out of the box, 474 00:18:34,300 --> 00:18:34,540 then I have to pick where If I take him out of the box, 475 00:18:34,540 --> 00:18:36,580 then I have to pick where to put him, 476 00:18:36,580 --> 00:18:36,820 then I have to pick where and making decisions is... 477 00:18:36,820 --> 00:18:39,700 and making decisions is... 478 00:18:39,700 --> 00:18:42,260 ..is hard. I feel, you know, um, quite paralysed 479 00:18:42,260 --> 00:18:44,460 when I have to make a big decision, 480 00:18:44,460 --> 00:18:44,700 when I have to make one that feels like it has meaning. 481 00:18:44,700 --> 00:18:46,340 one that feels like it has meaning. 482 00:18:50,380 --> 00:18:52,220 A week after my brother's funeral, 483 00:18:52,220 --> 00:18:56,380 I was in rehearsals for Legally Blonde: The Musical. 484 00:18:56,380 --> 00:18:56,620 I was in rehearsals It's this funny woman, 485 00:18:56,620 --> 00:18:57,940 It's this funny woman, 486 00:18:57,940 --> 00:18:58,180 who gets to sing her absolute arse off and dance for three hours, It's this funny woman, 487 00:18:58,180 --> 00:19:02,900 who gets to sing her absolute arse off and dance for three hours, 488 00:19:02,900 --> 00:19:05,300 and I think that's the best way to be grieving, 489 00:19:05,300 --> 00:19:05,540 and I think that's the best way to be grieving, to be completely honest. 490 00:19:05,540 --> 00:19:07,380 to be completely honest. 491 00:19:07,380 --> 00:19:08,740 And that's where I met Tim. 492 00:19:10,580 --> 00:19:11,780 TIM: I played the role of Warner, 493 00:19:11,780 --> 00:19:15,660 who is Elle's boyfriend at the start of the show, 494 00:19:15,660 --> 00:19:18,340 so I had to break up with her every night for 15 nights, 495 00:19:18,340 --> 00:19:22,300 or something like that, and eight years later, we're still together. 496 00:19:22,300 --> 00:19:24,300 New York. Yeah, New York. 497 00:19:24,300 --> 00:19:24,540 New York. So we get in Sunday and then... 498 00:19:24,540 --> 00:19:26,580 So we get in Sunday and then... 499 00:19:26,580 --> 00:19:29,420 In Michelle's shows, Tim plays accompaniment. 500 00:19:30,700 --> 00:19:32,580 # When I was young... # 501 00:19:33,700 --> 00:19:36,940 He's very selfless with the way he performs. 502 00:19:36,940 --> 00:19:37,220 He is facilitating something that's bigger than him, He's very selfless with the way he performs. 503 00:19:37,220 --> 00:19:40,500 He is facilitating something that's bigger than him, 504 00:19:40,500 --> 00:19:42,660 and bigger than, I guess, the both of them. 505 00:19:42,660 --> 00:19:42,940 and bigger than, I guess, the both of them. # ..drives into town in her convertible 506 00:19:42,940 --> 00:19:45,900 # ..drives into town in her convertible 507 00:19:45,900 --> 00:19:48,180 # It's time for mimosas with the girls... # 508 00:19:48,180 --> 00:19:51,220 I think at first Tim was really unsure about what he'd gotten 509 00:19:51,220 --> 00:19:55,940 himself into, because he came into my life properly at the time 510 00:19:55,940 --> 00:20:00,820 when I was, you know, seeing genetic counsellors for the first time. 511 00:20:02,780 --> 00:20:07,060 She was starting to look into her family history, 512 00:20:07,060 --> 00:20:11,020 'cause she was starting to, you know, put the puzzle pieces together 513 00:20:11,020 --> 00:20:11,980 and join the dots, 514 00:20:11,980 --> 00:20:12,180 and join the dots, and see that there is a chance 515 00:20:12,180 --> 00:20:13,460 and see that there is a chance 516 00:20:13,460 --> 00:20:17,860 that she has some genetic history of something. 517 00:20:17,860 --> 00:20:21,540 I was texting Mum yesterday, and she was like, 518 00:20:21,540 --> 00:20:21,780 I was texting Mum yesterday, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Yeah. 519 00:20:21,780 --> 00:20:23,580 "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Yeah. 520 00:20:23,580 --> 00:20:27,540 "No, um, your dad's dad's brother also died of pancreatic cancer." 521 00:20:27,540 --> 00:20:27,780 "No, um, your dad's dad's brother So it's my dad, 522 00:20:27,780 --> 00:20:31,100 So it's my dad, 523 00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:34,260 his mother, 524 00:20:34,260 --> 00:20:36,460 and his dad's brother. 525 00:20:36,460 --> 00:20:38,980 So it's on both sides of my dad's family. 526 00:20:38,980 --> 00:20:42,700 Doctors have told her that there's about a 97% chance that she will 527 00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:46,260 develop some form of cancer in her life. 528 00:20:46,260 --> 00:20:46,500 develop some form of cancer There's talk about Lynch Syndrome. 529 00:20:46,500 --> 00:20:48,940 There's talk about Lynch Syndrome. 530 00:20:50,380 --> 00:20:55,340 Lynch Syndrome is a predisposition to bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, 531 00:20:55,340 --> 00:20:55,580 Lynch Syndrome is a predisposition ovarian cancers, things like that. 532 00:20:55,580 --> 00:20:57,820 ovarian cancers, things like that. 533 00:20:57,820 --> 00:21:02,700 It just means, you know, whenever there's a lump or anything, 534 00:21:02,700 --> 00:21:02,940 It just means, you know, I get quite fast-tracked. 535 00:21:02,940 --> 00:21:05,180 I get quite fast-tracked. 536 00:21:05,180 --> 00:21:07,380 But... 537 00:21:07,380 --> 00:21:10,180 ..I also, my stress gets really fast-tracked, too. 538 00:21:21,060 --> 00:21:25,820 I think everyone gets weird lumps and things, but I notice them more. 539 00:21:30,100 --> 00:21:32,300 I went to a psychologist, and I was like, 540 00:21:32,300 --> 00:21:34,140 "I'm afraid of dying. 541 00:21:34,140 --> 00:21:37,260 "Every time there's like a pimple that's bigger than it should be, 542 00:21:37,260 --> 00:21:37,500 "Every time there's like a pimple "I think I am dying." 543 00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:39,060 "I think I am dying." 544 00:21:39,060 --> 00:21:41,300 And he was like, "Your response is rational. 545 00:21:41,300 --> 00:21:44,380 "You're being rational." And I was like, "Don't tell me that. 546 00:21:44,380 --> 00:21:46,340 "Tell me I'm being crazy, and then teach me 547 00:21:46,340 --> 00:21:46,580 "Tell me I'm being crazy, "how to stop being crazy." 548 00:21:46,580 --> 00:21:47,420 "how to stop being crazy." 549 00:21:47,420 --> 00:21:49,900 But he was like, "This is just, this is what your life is." 550 00:21:58,620 --> 00:21:59,900 Whoo! 551 00:21:59,900 --> 00:22:03,380 She's had scare after scare after scare. 552 00:22:03,380 --> 00:22:05,980 We've had ultrasounds, we've had biopsies. 553 00:22:05,980 --> 00:22:06,220 We've had ultrasounds, We've had every, 554 00:22:06,220 --> 00:22:07,500 We've had every, 555 00:22:07,500 --> 00:22:10,460 every test that you could think, almost. 556 00:22:12,420 --> 00:22:16,340 So far, they've all come back the way that we want them to, 557 00:22:16,340 --> 00:22:18,900 with negative health impacts. 558 00:22:24,260 --> 00:22:27,020 MAN: Has anyone in your family had a genetic test yet? 559 00:22:27,020 --> 00:22:27,820 No. 560 00:22:27,820 --> 00:22:30,020 We didn't really put it together until it was like, "Oh, hang on." 561 00:22:30,020 --> 00:22:33,060 Like, "What did Dad's mum die from again? Oh..." 562 00:22:33,060 --> 00:22:33,340 Michelle's had someone tell her about this potential 97% chance Like, "What did Dad's mum die from again? Oh..." 563 00:22:33,340 --> 00:22:36,780 Michelle's had someone tell her about this potential 97% chance 564 00:22:36,780 --> 00:22:37,020 of cancer in her lifetime. about this potential 97% chance 565 00:22:37,020 --> 00:22:38,380 of cancer in her lifetime. 566 00:22:38,380 --> 00:22:39,820 Now, that's very high. 567 00:22:39,820 --> 00:22:40,060 Now, that's very high. I can understand why it would be worrying. 568 00:22:40,060 --> 00:22:42,100 I can understand why it would be worrying. 569 00:22:42,100 --> 00:22:42,340 I can understand Investigating it is reasonable... 570 00:22:42,340 --> 00:22:44,060 Investigating it is reasonable... 571 00:22:44,060 --> 00:22:44,300 But current Australian guidelines Investigating it is reasonable... 572 00:22:44,300 --> 00:22:48,580 But current Australian guidelines for carriers of Lynch Syndrome 573 00:22:48,580 --> 00:22:51,500 give lower risks for cancer than 97%. 574 00:22:51,500 --> 00:22:54,380 I want to do everything preventative as much as I can... 575 00:22:54,380 --> 00:22:58,180 The decision before Michelle is, "Do I carry on as things are going, 576 00:22:58,180 --> 00:23:01,460 "without knowing, or do I try to find out more information 577 00:23:01,460 --> 00:23:02,740 "through a genetic test?" 578 00:23:02,740 --> 00:23:06,140 To me, it's actually about making a decision that sits right with you. 579 00:23:06,140 --> 00:23:09,060 The first time I was presented with the idea of genetic testing, 580 00:23:09,060 --> 00:23:09,300 The first time I was presented I was in my early 20s. 581 00:23:09,300 --> 00:23:10,580 I was in my early 20s. 582 00:23:10,580 --> 00:23:12,820 It was like, 583 00:23:12,820 --> 00:23:13,060 "This sounds like a problem It was like, 584 00:23:13,060 --> 00:23:14,940 "This sounds like a problem for grown-up me." 585 00:23:16,260 --> 00:23:20,540 Now I'm getting closer to how old my brother was when he died. 586 00:23:20,540 --> 00:23:23,980 This is a real choice I need to make, 587 00:23:23,980 --> 00:23:26,300 and so I'm looking more and more into this idea 588 00:23:26,300 --> 00:23:26,540 and so I'm looking more and more of getting the testing, 589 00:23:26,540 --> 00:23:27,980 of getting the testing, 590 00:23:27,980 --> 00:23:28,220 and then I discovered something of getting the testing, 591 00:23:28,220 --> 00:23:32,820 and then I discovered something I hadn't even thought about before. 592 00:23:33,980 --> 00:23:36,300 MAN: Genetic testing is becoming more common, 593 00:23:36,300 --> 00:23:39,220 but some people aren't getting tested because they're worried 594 00:23:39,220 --> 00:23:39,460 but some people aren't getting about life insurance. 595 00:23:39,460 --> 00:23:40,580 about life insurance. 596 00:23:40,580 --> 00:23:40,820 In some circumstances, life about life insurance. 597 00:23:40,820 --> 00:23:44,020 In some circumstances, life insurance providers are restricting 598 00:23:44,020 --> 00:23:47,580 access to cover if a person is found to be high-risk. 599 00:23:49,220 --> 00:23:51,860 WOMAN: For a lot of people like Michelle, 600 00:23:51,860 --> 00:23:54,020 when they go to see a genetic counsellor, 601 00:23:54,020 --> 00:23:54,300 we have to tell them that the life insurer can use your genetic risk when they go to see a genetic counsellor, 602 00:23:54,300 --> 00:23:59,380 we have to tell them that the life insurer can use your genetic risk 603 00:23:59,380 --> 00:24:02,900 to deny you cover, increase the cost of your premiums, 604 00:24:02,900 --> 00:24:03,180 to deny you cover, increase the cost of your premiums, and that's even if you haven't had any disease or cancer yourself. 605 00:24:03,180 --> 00:24:06,940 and that's even if you haven't had any disease or cancer yourself. 606 00:24:06,940 --> 00:24:10,020 I would always advocate for more conversations with genetics, 607 00:24:10,020 --> 00:24:10,260 I would always advocate for more especially as... 608 00:24:10,260 --> 00:24:11,180 especially as... 609 00:24:11,180 --> 00:24:16,220 Jane Tiller is an academic leading the charge against this kind 610 00:24:16,220 --> 00:24:18,500 of genetic discrimination. 611 00:24:18,500 --> 00:24:21,300 It's an awful choice that people have to make, 612 00:24:21,300 --> 00:24:24,420 deciding whether to look after their preventive health, 613 00:24:24,420 --> 00:24:25,940 or look after their financial future. 614 00:24:25,940 --> 00:24:29,380 We know, especially with cancer, if we treat it at an early stage, 615 00:24:29,380 --> 00:24:29,620 We know, especially with cancer, and we find out about it, 616 00:24:29,620 --> 00:24:30,900 and we find out about it, 617 00:24:30,900 --> 00:24:31,140 people are much more likely and we find out about it, 618 00:24:31,140 --> 00:24:32,940 people are much more likely to survive. 619 00:24:34,180 --> 00:24:36,500 If we don't know about our genetic risk, we can't. 620 00:24:36,500 --> 00:24:36,780 My husband and my dad died of pancreatic cancer, If we don't know about our genetic risk, we can't. 621 00:24:36,780 --> 00:24:39,300 My husband and my dad died of pancreatic cancer, 622 00:24:39,300 --> 00:24:39,540 four months apart. of pancreatic cancer, 623 00:24:39,540 --> 00:24:40,940 four months apart. 624 00:24:40,940 --> 00:24:42,660 Oh. Come here. I'm so sorry. 625 00:24:42,660 --> 00:24:42,900 Oh. Come here. I'm so sorry. Jane introduced me to two other women who are really active 626 00:24:42,900 --> 00:24:46,500 Jane introduced me to two other women who are really active 627 00:24:46,500 --> 00:24:49,020 in the fight against genetic discrimination. 628 00:24:49,020 --> 00:24:50,340 I haven't had the test done... Right... 629 00:24:50,340 --> 00:24:52,860 ..because of the insurance. You don't... 630 00:24:52,860 --> 00:24:54,220 I do want to know. Yes. 631 00:24:54,220 --> 00:24:57,900 The federal government is currently considering making 632 00:24:57,900 --> 00:24:58,140 The federal government is currently genetic discrimination illegal, 633 00:24:58,140 --> 00:25:00,060 genetic discrimination illegal, 634 00:25:00,060 --> 00:25:01,780 and, 635 00:25:01,780 --> 00:25:03,380 I think we just need them to know 636 00:25:03,380 --> 00:25:03,620 that this isn't going to be I think we just need them to know 637 00:25:03,620 --> 00:25:05,220 that this isn't going to be something that goes away. 638 00:25:05,220 --> 00:25:06,860 We're not going to back down until they do. 639 00:25:06,860 --> 00:25:09,060 And I don't want to have this conversation with my kids, 640 00:25:09,060 --> 00:25:09,340 and then be like, "Don't get tested because, you know, And I don't want to have this conversation with my kids, 641 00:25:09,340 --> 00:25:11,940 and then be like, "Don't get tested because, you know, 642 00:25:11,940 --> 00:25:13,820 "if you're supporting your family, 643 00:25:13,820 --> 00:25:14,100 "if you're supporting your family, "um, it's going to have implications." 644 00:25:14,100 --> 00:25:16,420 "um, it's going to have implications." 645 00:25:16,420 --> 00:25:19,660 If government needs to muscle up and make it impossible 646 00:25:19,660 --> 00:25:22,980 for life insurance companies to discriminate against people, 647 00:25:22,980 --> 00:25:23,220 for life insurance companies to discriminate against people, well, then that's what we should do. 648 00:25:23,220 --> 00:25:24,620 well, then that's what we should do. 649 00:25:27,740 --> 00:25:31,460 LYNDON: There's definitely a common perception that genetic tests 650 00:25:31,460 --> 00:25:34,220 will give you a black-and-white answer, 651 00:25:34,220 --> 00:25:36,820 but if Michelle goes through genetic testing 652 00:25:36,820 --> 00:25:37,060 but if Michelle goes through and we don't find anything, 653 00:25:37,060 --> 00:25:38,340 and we don't find anything, 654 00:25:38,340 --> 00:25:38,580 we do not say, "Now you're free to go." and we don't find anything, 655 00:25:38,580 --> 00:25:40,860 we do not say, "Now you're free to go." 656 00:25:40,860 --> 00:25:42,900 We actually say, "We want you to continue 657 00:25:42,900 --> 00:25:43,140 "with all of the screening measures "We want you to continue 658 00:25:43,140 --> 00:25:44,900 "with all of the screening measures 659 00:25:44,900 --> 00:25:45,140 "with all of the screening measures "and health checks that you are already having, 660 00:25:45,140 --> 00:25:47,020 "and health checks that you are already having, 661 00:25:47,020 --> 00:25:49,540 "because we're worried we might have missed something." 662 00:25:49,540 --> 00:25:51,940 I hate that. I hate that! 663 00:25:52,980 --> 00:25:56,180 The idea that they can be like, "Yeah, no, it's... 664 00:25:56,180 --> 00:25:57,060 "Who knows?" 665 00:25:57,060 --> 00:25:59,660 It just becomes harder and harder to make any decisions. 666 00:26:02,900 --> 00:26:04,460 Are you feeling nervous about the show? 667 00:26:04,460 --> 00:26:04,700 Are you feeling nervous I sort of don't know what to expect. 668 00:26:04,700 --> 00:26:07,180 I sort of don't know what to expect. 669 00:26:07,180 --> 00:26:08,620 Nothing bad. 670 00:26:08,620 --> 00:26:08,860 Performing the show in my home town, Nothing bad. 671 00:26:08,860 --> 00:26:12,100 Performing the show in my home town, to my mum and my sister, 672 00:26:12,100 --> 00:26:12,340 Performing the show in my home town, felt like an out-of-body experience. 673 00:26:12,340 --> 00:26:14,020 felt like an out-of-body experience. 674 00:26:14,020 --> 00:26:15,140 Box of tissues! 675 00:26:15,140 --> 00:26:16,380 Broadway isn't scary. 676 00:26:16,380 --> 00:26:18,020 Wagga Wagga is scary. 677 00:26:18,020 --> 00:26:18,260 Everyone's seen, it except for you, Wagga Wagga is scary. 678 00:26:18,260 --> 00:26:20,860 Everyone's seen, it except for you, and the boys, 679 00:26:20,860 --> 00:26:21,100 Everyone's seen, it except for you, 'cause they are... 680 00:26:21,100 --> 00:26:22,340 'cause they are... 681 00:26:22,340 --> 00:26:23,340 ..dead. 682 00:26:23,340 --> 00:26:24,660 So they haven't seen it. 683 00:26:25,660 --> 00:26:26,780 Which boys? 684 00:26:26,780 --> 00:26:30,820 The boys that are in our family that have died! 685 00:26:30,820 --> 00:26:31,060 The boys that are in our family Oh! 686 00:26:31,060 --> 00:26:31,820 Oh! 687 00:26:31,820 --> 00:26:33,220 (LAUGHS) 688 00:26:33,220 --> 00:26:33,460 Because Michelle is so frank and so open, (LAUGHS) 689 00:26:33,460 --> 00:26:38,340 Because Michelle is so frank and so open, 690 00:26:38,340 --> 00:26:42,180 yes, I was a little bit worried about what she might say. 691 00:26:43,260 --> 00:26:45,380 But I'm going to walk out there and see my mum. 692 00:26:45,380 --> 00:26:49,660 Um, I have to look her in the eyes and make jokes about her, 693 00:26:49,660 --> 00:26:52,100 um, but also remind her of the hardest part of her life. 694 00:26:52,100 --> 00:26:55,220 And so I sing for my brother, I sing for my father, 695 00:26:55,220 --> 00:26:57,660 and I sing for my mother, who has lost too much. 696 00:26:57,660 --> 00:26:57,900 and I sing for my mother, It was amazing. 697 00:26:57,900 --> 00:26:58,900 It was amazing. 698 00:26:58,900 --> 00:27:02,180 She's got you crying one minute and the next minute you're rolling 699 00:27:02,180 --> 00:27:02,420 She's got you crying one minute in the aisles, laughing. 700 00:27:02,420 --> 00:27:04,180 in the aisles, laughing. 701 00:27:04,180 --> 00:27:05,220 How are you? 702 00:27:06,460 --> 00:27:10,100 Such clever use of tragedy and comedy. 703 00:27:14,620 --> 00:27:16,900 You liked it? Yeah. 704 00:27:20,300 --> 00:27:21,900 Yeah. Very proud of her. 705 00:27:26,580 --> 00:27:28,820 Off we go again. I don't know how many times we've been 706 00:27:28,820 --> 00:27:30,460 at the international airport this year. 707 00:27:30,460 --> 00:27:30,700 at the international Possibly 400. 708 00:27:30,700 --> 00:27:31,740 Possibly 400. 709 00:27:31,740 --> 00:27:33,660 But let's go. 710 00:27:33,660 --> 00:27:34,900 And where are you guys off to today? 711 00:27:34,900 --> 00:27:36,460 London. London. 712 00:27:36,460 --> 00:27:40,020 LAURA: I don't know Michelle before cancer in her life, 713 00:27:40,020 --> 00:27:42,420 but I know that it drives her. 714 00:27:43,860 --> 00:27:49,580 She is nonstop and she goes after every opportunity 715 00:27:49,580 --> 00:27:52,540 and it's because she's not sure how long she's going to be here 716 00:27:52,540 --> 00:27:52,780 and it's because she's not sure to get to do it all. 717 00:27:52,780 --> 00:27:53,700 to get to do it all. 718 00:27:53,700 --> 00:27:56,260 They say that I'm young, I have a head start, 719 00:27:56,260 --> 00:27:58,380 and so my body is a temple and I go to yoga, 720 00:27:58,380 --> 00:28:00,620 and they say that I will die young, 721 00:28:00,620 --> 00:28:02,340 and so I party and I do this for a job, 722 00:28:02,340 --> 00:28:02,580 and so I party and I do this and I haven't consolidated my super, 723 00:28:02,580 --> 00:28:05,260 and I haven't consolidated my super, 724 00:28:05,260 --> 00:28:07,460 and maybe everyone should live like me - 725 00:28:07,460 --> 00:28:09,500 yoga in the morning, whiskey in the evening, 726 00:28:09,500 --> 00:28:09,740 yoga in the morning, never miss a sunset... 727 00:28:09,740 --> 00:28:10,780 never miss a sunset... 728 00:28:10,780 --> 00:28:14,660 I've made peace, I guess, with the fact that I can't 729 00:28:14,660 --> 00:28:16,060 control my health. 730 00:28:16,060 --> 00:28:18,180 I can do everything I can 731 00:28:18,180 --> 00:28:20,260 and then I have to take a step away, 732 00:28:20,260 --> 00:28:22,540 and so the next best thing that I can do 733 00:28:22,540 --> 00:28:22,780 and so the next best thing is just to enjoy my time. 734 00:28:22,780 --> 00:28:24,340 is just to enjoy my time. 735 00:28:24,340 --> 00:28:24,580 # Sorry about the bit is just to enjoy my time. 736 00:28:24,580 --> 00:28:26,980 # Sorry about the bit where people die 737 00:28:26,980 --> 00:28:27,220 # Sorry about the bit # But hopefully you're feeling fine 738 00:28:27,220 --> 00:28:28,980 # But hopefully you're feeling fine 739 00:28:28,980 --> 00:28:31,100 # I've got you if you need to cry 740 00:28:31,100 --> 00:28:32,860 # If you felt nothing, fuck you 741 00:28:32,860 --> 00:28:35,100 # You feel your feelings, I'll feel mine 742 00:28:35,100 --> 00:28:37,180 # And now we've reached the finish line 743 00:28:37,180 --> 00:28:39,180 # My favourite apple type is pine 744 00:28:39,180 --> 00:28:41,780 # I'll be downstairs, come have a wine. # 745 00:28:43,180 --> 00:28:46,300 (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 746 00:28:55,580 --> 00:28:57,220 ABC Australian Story, shot break. 747 00:28:58,620 --> 00:28:59,860 Eva! Here! Here! 748 00:28:59,860 --> 00:29:00,100 I don't think enough's Eva! Here! Here! 749 00:29:00,100 --> 00:29:02,460 I don't think enough's been spoken about the dog. 750 00:29:02,460 --> 00:29:02,700 I don't think enough's We are the parents of dogs. 751 00:29:02,700 --> 00:29:04,740 We are the parents of dogs. 752 00:29:04,740 --> 00:29:07,820 Eva is best friends with my dogs. 753 00:29:07,820 --> 00:29:10,740 They like, do full French kisses. 754 00:29:10,740 --> 00:29:14,460 Eva came over to my house for a New Year's Eve party. 755 00:29:14,460 --> 00:29:17,580 Did a poo, and it made everyone leave. 756 00:29:17,580 --> 00:29:17,820 Did a poo, and it made everyone And then the smell came. 757 00:29:17,820 --> 00:29:18,980 And then the smell came. 758 00:29:18,980 --> 00:29:22,140 I said to Michelle, I'm going to do a one-man cabaret 759 00:29:22,140 --> 00:29:25,500 about me overcoming the time that your dog shit in my lounge room. 760 00:29:25,500 --> 00:29:25,740 about me overcoming the time that That could be the Australian story! 761 00:29:25,740 --> 00:29:26,980 That could be the Australian story! 762 00:29:26,980 --> 00:29:28,860 Yeah, maybe that could be the Australian Story! 763 00:29:28,860 --> 00:29:29,100 (LAUGHS) Yeah, maybe that could be the Australian Story! 764 00:29:29,100 --> 00:29:29,900 (LAUGHS) 765 00:29:29,900 --> 00:29:32,180 Eva, I promise there's a treat coming.