You are welcome Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly Q&A series dedicated to finding out more about the people who matter most in the media landscape.
every week Sydney Morning Herald and The era asks key figures in corporate media, business, sports, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news.
This week’s conversation with Darren McMullen, host of Ten’s new show A real love boat.
Darren McMullen, host of The Real Love Boat
How did you get your big break?
I’m still waiting for it. Shout out to Steven Spielberg. I’m ready.
What are the daily media habits?
I try to limit the amount of news I consume. I used to jump online as soon as I woke up, but I think that’s a really negative way to start the day. Now I find that the important news I need to know will find me at some point during the day.
Which living person do you most admire?
Larry David. So funny. I would like to work with him one day…I’m sure everyone would.
Your guilty pleasure of streaming?
Below deck. Couldn’t get enough of it during COVID. I dreamed of all the wonderful places I could go when the world opened up again.
What phrase do you abuse?
I probably respond when someone says “how are you” but is perception reality? The more I started saying it, the more I started to believe it.
What did you want to do when you grew up?
Cosmonaut. I was obsessed with space. Then my teacher told me that I had no chance because I had to be good at math. So I became an actor instead. So maybe I can still live out my fantasy and play an astronaut one day.
What was your first job?
Selling hotcakes at a football match when I first moved to Australia. No one could understand that I was speaking straight from the plane. “Hot Pies” sounds quite strange with a strong Scottish accent.
Facebook or Instagram?
Instagram. Although I would have given up everything if it weren’t for work. I hate social media.
Recommend a podcast… SmartLess it is absolutely brilliant. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes interview some of the biggest names in showbiz and they’re hilarious.
What vice would you like to give up?
My phone. It has become such an integral part of our lives and we want to spend more time being present and “smelling the roses” so to speak.
A song that’s always on high rotation?
Juicy by Biggie. Always creates a good mood.
What are you reading?
Mating in captivity Esther Perel. She is phenomenal.
Favorite movie of the last decade?
Interstellar Christopher Nolan. An absolute belter, as are all things Nolan.
On your to-do list?
A World Cup final would be amazing. It would be even better if the Aussies were involved, but I don’t think I’ll see that in my lifetime.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be the first-rate version of yourself, not the second-rate version of someone else.
What three things could you not live without?
I believe that it would be difficult to live without food and water. The third is dogs. They make the world a better place.
https://www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/be-a-first-rate-version-of-yourself-the-advice-darren-mcmullen-lives-by-20221009-p5bocv.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed
