“I Just Want To Create & Not Have A Discussion About How I Look!” Tanya Hennessy On Being A Woman In The Media

Tanya Hennessy is one of those people that is hard not to like.
She built her career in radio and won over even more Australians during her time on 10’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and now her audience has followed her to the world of podcasting.
Hennessy has amassed a substantial social media following of over 200,000 thousand followers. She is candid about her life, sharing everything from her fertility struggles to the kind of eyeliner she uses.
View this post on Instagram
She feels like your friend and so it makes sense that she doesn’t need a major radio show to grab listeners. Her new podcast, Hennessy’s Hotline, where she’s created an interactive helpline podcast, is a place for people to call up and tell stories, like an old-fashioned radio format – but with swearing and no strict time limits.
For Hennessy, the move to podcasting from radio has been a complete joy, “I love the freedom of podcasting. It’s still a novelty to me that I can swear or have darker chats,” Hennessy told B&T.
The podcast is also lots of fun and covers everything from what it’s like to have been in prison to being struck by lightning. It’s funny, interesting and at times incredibly moving, bounced along by Hennessy’s undeniable warmth.
Hennessy said: “The stories you hear are better than any book you read, which is what I missed about radio – hearing people’s stories.
“I also love that it can be niche and I can vent for a longer time. I get really cranky because I’ve been a victim of fatphobia recently and now I can rant about that for 15 minutes.”
And there we have it. Despite Hennessy’s enthusiasm for what she makes and creates, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy being a woman in the public eye. This is something Hennessy constantly has to endure.
Hennessy explained: “I’ve gained weight in the public eye, so it’s new to me. I didn’t realise it was harder to make stuff; people don’t want you to photograph for launches and stuff.
“We should have more diversity on our screens, and I need for people to see me because so many people look like me! And they need to see me!”
Naturally, the emphasis on looks is something women only have to contend with; male comedians don’t need to have a stock standard reply to if they are body positive or not. Despite Hennessy being one of Australia’s most successful comedic talents, it’s a question she’s constantly fielding.
Of course, it goes a bit deeper than just the surface level issues that come with being a non-thin woman in the public eye; Hennessy is also just fed up with always having to talk about her body and her looks, she has much more exciting things to discuss! Did you know she’s currently writing a show alongside Rosie Waterland?
Hennessy explained: “Am I body confident? I’m actually pretty body neutral. I actually am more of just like a content person, and I make comedy, and I’d rather you see that!
“I have a really creative brain and let’s talk about that! I just want to create and not have a discussion about how I look!”
So yes, let’s talk about that. Would Hennessy go back to radio, for instance? “Never say never. I’d love to do drive! If national drive came up, it’d be very hard to say no to!”
It’d be hard not to assume there will be big things in the funny girls’ future, but one thing is certain, Hennessy’s work will always speak for itself!
Please login with linkedin to comment
Tanya HennessyLatest News

Sunday TV Ratings: Tommy Little Makes X-Rated Joke On The Hundred With Andy Lee Christmas Special
If there was ever a time to give up on life & revert solely to the couch, it has to be the coming six weeks of summer.

The Clock Is Ticking On Cannes In Cairns Super Early Bird Tickets
As we know, the early bird gets the worm. That said, had the worm stayed in bed, he wouldn't have become breakfast.

B&T’s Campaign Of The Month November 2023 – Innocean’s Powerful White Ribbon Work
The B&T brains trust has got together to award November's ad of the month. And trust us, there ain't a heap of brains.

X Adds 10 Million Users In A Week & Reinstates Conspiracy Theorist Account
In possibly further confirmation that there's no such thing as bad press comes news of Twitter's audience booty.

Samsonite Proves Its “Seriously Tough” In New Campaign From TRP
Why does B&T feel that Schapelle Corby would be the perfect brand ambassador for Samsonite travel luggage.

Industry Endorses New Nielsen Solution To Total TV & Cross-Platform Measurement Delivery
Are TV numbers your thing? Then mark this a must-read. However, B&T's not excluding radio or outdoor people either.

“Not Often I See One Of These In The Wild” – Adam Ferrier Praises Amazon’s Christmassy OOH
Here's a fun bus stop activation from the guys at Amazon. B&T can confirm that Jeff didn't catch said bus.

Greenpeace Mauls Unilever’s Dove Over Terrifying Use Of Plastics
Global soap brand asked to clean up its act. Yes, that's about the best play on words you're going to get today.

Reports: Police DID Receive Allegations Against Alan Jones
You can now add Alan Jones to both Bruce Lehrmann & Ben Roberts-Smith for dreadful stories that just won't go away.

UNE Launches School Leaver Campaign Via Engine Group
Is 2024 the year of the "brilliant new you"? This uni ad could resonate, as could a pack of Schwarzkopf hair dye.

Morgan Stanley: Retail Media Will Steal $1.1b From Aussie Media Owners
Work in traditional media? Had a really shit 2023? Feel the knife twist a little more with this latest ad spend data.

Yes, It’s Ronan Keating! Yes, It’s A Funny Christmas Beer Ad!
Yes, we're breaking B&T's editorial charter today as we overrule "rule four, chapter 13 - never let Ronan Keating sing."

Eagle Eye’s Jonathan Reeve On How Retail Marketers Can Use Technology To Transform Christmas
Hoping to squeeze that extra dollar out of your Christmas customer? Put the wring into the cha-ching with this news.

Gumtree Appoints G Squared To Drive Search
Gumtree appoints G Squared to drive search. And that's despite the "no hawkers or canvassers" sign on the front door.

“Maybe Stop Having More Kids With People You Just Met” – Tammy Hembrow Roasted By Followers After Announcing Engagement
Think the daily news cycle is slowing down pre-Christmas? Confirm it with this D-grade celeb rubbish.

New Business Wins For We Scout
Indie comms agency We Scout announces new business wins. Well, you'd hardly announce new business losses, would you?

Dentsu Forecasts 2024 Global Ad Spend To Grow By 4.6%
Latest dentsu report looks promising for global ad spends overall. It's looking far less promising for Alan Jones.

JOLT Partners With Polestar On New Campaign Debunking “Range Anxiety”
EV charging station JOLT unveils "range anxiety" campaign. Yet, nothing on EV owners boring everyone to death.

Zenith Wins Superloop’s Media
The Zenith Christmas party set to be a wholly more bawdy, jolly soirée after agency nabs end-of-year win.

Acast Total Payout To Podcasters Surpasses $30M
Yes, AI's been grabbing all the headlines over the past 12 months, but read on as podcasting says "hold my beer".

Doritos Champions Infamous Orange Dust In New Campaign Via VaynerMedia, TRIO & Mango Communications
There's three absolute givens at any B&T bash - the Jatz, the Dorito and the fruity lexia.

Alan Jones Threatens To Sue Nine Papers Over Indecent Assault Allegations
Why does B&T get the feeling that Alan might actually enjoy a stint in an all-male prison?

Adobe: Calming Rhythms, Nostalgia & Wonder & Joy Set To Dominate Creativity
Be first to read the Adobe Creative Trends 2024 Report here. And there's sparse news for fans of the knickerbocker.

Archibald Williams Wins NBA Digital, Activation & Fan Engagement Accounts For APAC
Independent brand and digital agency, Archibald Williams (AW) has been appointed to lead the NBA account across the APAC region. The NBA is one of the most prestigious sporting leagues in the world and basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia. Effective immediately, AW said it was “excited” to work across all digital, […]

Tennis Bad Boy Nick Kyrgios To Create New Athlete Content On OnlyFans
Tennis brat takes time off from embarrassing the nation to reveal new social media initiative.

Before Adland: The Media Store’s Sam Cousin’s Journey From Parisienne Nanny To Chief Strategy Officer
B&T's shining a light on industry folk prior to adland. Preference given to anyone purporting actual UFO abduction.

Thursday TV Ratings: Seven’s Big Bash Debuts To Sluggish 318K
The fact that it's December, meteorologically confirms summer is officially here. Cricket just gives it a nudge along.

Spotify CFO Walks As Problems Grow For Streaming Giant
Spotify CFO heads for the Spotify exits. Has requested "Don't You Forget About Me" as preferred leaving song.

TV Reporter Gives Withering Takedown After Being Fat Shamed Live On Air
Haven't yelled "you go, girl" for some time now? Clear the throat and ready the fist pumps with this overnight news.

BBC Presenter Left Red-Faced After Sticking Middle Finger Up LIVE-ON-AIR!
B&T warns this article contains gesticulations readers may find offensive. Yet, nothing you don't see driving every day.

QMS Champions Creativity As First Most Contagious APAC 2023 Sponsor
Leading digital outdoor company QMS has announced it is the first-ever inaugural partner for Most Contagious APAC, the landmark London event by creative and strategic intelligence company Contagious, which will be showcased in Australia on Tuesday, 12 December in Sydney and Wednesday, 13 December in Melbourne. Most Contagious is an event that delivers key advertising […]

OMG’s Annalect First To Get Meta’s Advanced Analytics
Omnicom’s data and analytics division Annalect has partnered with Meta, giving it access to Advanced Analytics (AA) – one of Meta’s privacy-focused measurement solutions – to provide Omnicom’s clients with future-proof, next-level measurement. Omnicom is the first holding company to have access to AA. AA allows advertisers to combine their first-party data with Meta’s ads […]

Foxtel Wins Exclusive Multi-Year Rights Extension With International Cricket Boards
Are you such a weird cricket tragic you even watch games when NOT played in Australia? Foxtel has exciting news for you.

News Corp Launches One-Off Taylor Swift Mag Ahead Of Aussie Tour
Thought we'd reached peak Tay Tay overload? News Corp declares "f@ck that" with a new print iteration.

It’s Quiz Time: Team B&T Got 100% – Can You?
Take B&T's Friday trivia, outrageously cheat, & go into the draw to win a $100 booze voucher! Alcohol & con artistry!

AKQA Launches Eco-Conscious AI DIY Assistant Encouraging People To Gift More Sustainably
WPP’s AKQA has launched Fixmas.gift, an environmentally conscious AI-powered DIY assistant, affectionately known as Fixie, for a one-stop solution for all things repair. Fixmas.gift hosts an array of guides and inspiration to empower people to prolong the lives of their belongings or purchase pre-owned items that need a little love and care. Fixie can: Help […]