Published in 1992, This is John Smith is a collection of radio spots recorded across a decade and collated into this collection of insights on a range of issues.
John Smith has been no stranger to media exposure. His involvement in the bike scene with God’s Squad and his passion for issues made ‘good press’ – and various media were quick to pick him up.
In 1984, with the help of a friend, and then manager, Steve Drury, John started writing and broadcasting brief spots on radio – on all sorts of issues – on a regular basis.
In 1992, John Smith was heard on close to 120 commercial stations around Australia – as well as being a regular guest in talk back and live broadcast situations.
This is John Smith is a collection of a number of spots recorded during that time – on various issues. On air, each radio spot concluded with the line …this is John Smith. Hence the title.
Perfect Match
TVs ‘Perfect Match’ had a surprisingly long run of good ratings given how utterly dehumanising and pathetic most of the questions and answers were. But then, looking for Mr Right or Miss Right is life’s greatest challenge or agony, or even game for many Australians.
Someone said, ‘it’s not finding the right mate but being the right mate which really matters.’ The packaged fantasy of the tv show is far from the reality of life. Read the rest
What Really Matters?
Two songs come to mind which talk about giving your whole life to a relationship. Bad English sing:
When I see your smile,
I can face the world;
You know I can do anything. 1
Michael Bolton sings:
How am I supposed to live without you…
When all that I’ve been living or is gone? 2
Most people agree: we need love and friendship more than anything else. Read the rest
The Ultimate in Life
The Herald Sun ran an article about Rod Stewart’s wives and lovers; of how they perceived him during the good times and what they had to say about him when it was all over. Among the positive comments were: ‘Our affair will last forever’ ; ‘He’s the most fantastic man I know’ ; and ‘He’s a wonderful man – bright, sensitive and kind’. Read the rest
Try Before You Buy
Journalist, Ruth Ostrow, has questioned the wisdom of the ‘Try Before You Buy’ approach to sexual relationships. Quoting a friend she makes the point that ‘living together is like letting a buyer over-examine your second-hand car. If you let him take it for six days instead of an hour, he’s bound to turn up trouble.’ Ruth asks, ‘could it be our grandparents were right in hanging out for the wedding night? Read the rest
De Factos
The majority of young women in Australia between 25-29 are living in a de facto relationship. 1 What does this say about love and relationships? Admittedly, there do exist de facto relationships which have more tenderness and care than many marriages, but statistics show they are short lived and experimental. According to Dr Joyce Brothers, they are frequently shallow and damaging to both parties. Read the rest
I Won’t Make It on My Own
In the song, ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ (Polygram), the Fine Young Cannibals sing:
I won’t make it on my own,
No one likes to be alone.
How true it is that no human beings can reach their full potential or inner satisfaction on their own.
Dr Edgar of the Institute for Family Studies, recently stated that rampant individualism is doing enormous damage to our country. Read the rest