Advice on melbourne & australian life.

Why does it feel so natural to make a crisis about yourself?

Tommy observes that treating a wider crisis like COVID as something happening 'to us' personally is a common but somewhat selfish mindset, since the pandemic is affecting everybody, not just those with a personal brush with it.

What should I do about a persistent pimple?

Gemma Watts recommends treating it with something acidic, ideally salicylic acid, and suggests it may be caused by mask-wearing creating a new environment on the skin.

How should you handle coming out of a long lockdown?

Ease back in gradually rather than diving straight into full socializing, pacing decisions and interactions slowly to avoid a bad experience that could make you retreat again.

How do you stop glasses fogging up under a mask?

Use masks that fit tightly against the cheeks so air doesn't escape upward and fog the glasses.

Should you integrate a new partner into your whole friend/work group right away?

Josh suggests it's better to let a couple have a private week together first before meeting the full team, rather than rushing a group introduction, to avoid 'ruining the vibe'.

What's the best way to sell used items online (like on eBay)?

Create a new eBay account to get 10 free listings and avoid the standard ~9-10% selling fee, but be aware that a new account with no feedback history can make buyers wary of a scam; choose between Buy It Now, bidding, or a 'make an offer' option depending on the item.

How much magnesium should you take for back pain without causing side effects?

Magnesium (e.g., as a powder or bath flakes) can help relax muscles and ease back pain, but stick to the recommended daily amount—overdoing it can cause headaches, itching/stinging sprays, or other unwanted side effects.

How should comedians handle Comedy Festival applications before writing their show?

You must submit your show name, blurb, photo and venue application months in advance, so write a blurb general enough that you don't trap yourself into specifics you haven't written yet, but still compelling enough to sell tickets.

How should people help during a bushfire crisis if they have limited funds?

Donate cash rather than goods where possible, since some relief centres already have too many physical donations; even small amounts like $50 help, and donating blood is another low-cost option.

How can a business or individual contribute to disaster relief beyond cash?

Consider what unique skills or resources you have to offer beyond money—for example, using audience reach, content creation, or professional services—especially for longer-term recovery once the immediate crisis passes from the news cycle.

What's a good date night idea if you don't know what to do?

Mason relays advice from his hairdresser Rach: go to the arcade zone near the ice skating rink/time zone area.

Should journalists prioritize speed or accuracy when breaking a story?

Dan Ilic argues you should file smart rather than just fast, ensuring the story is correct before publishing, though he acknowledges there's a place for both quick bite-sized breaking news and longer in-depth reporting.

Should you tip at an Australian restaurant?

Tipping isn't required since hospitality staff are generally paid well under Australian award rates, but leaving even $2-3 is appreciated and adds up for staff if you enjoyed the service.

When should you tip in Australia?

Only tip if you can genuinely afford to and are at an expensive restaurant; if it's a rare treat and you can't afford to tip, don't bother, since hospitality workers in Australia are typically paid $17–$25 an hour already.

How do you build a successful community event without it feeling competitive or exclusive?

Remove ego and competition from the event; when people can't compete physically, they become silly, cavalier, and focused on hanging out and encouraging each other rather than winning.

What are good practical features to prioritize when renting a home?

Tommy recommends prioritizing air conditioning (covers both heating and cooling), a dishwasher to avoid hand-washing dishes, and a place that doesn't feel old or rundown.

How can I get an outstanding person recognised with an Order of Australia honour?

Go online to the Order of Australia website and submit a nomination; nominations are anonymous and anyone can nominate someone they believe deserves recognition.

How do you handle the pressure and nerves of a high-stakes live performance?

Use repeated personal mantras (e.g. 'I'm grounded, I'm free, I'm powerful') combined with meditation practice to center yourself before going on stage, and try to stay present and observe the moment as it happens rather than anticipating what's coming.

How should you think about affording a house in an expensive, desirable suburb?

Tommy argues the 'poor person mindset' is assuming you could never afford to live somewhere nice; instead, you should believe it's achievable and work toward either making enough money or accepting you haven't yet, rather than ruling it out entirely.

If you suddenly had a few million dollars, how much should you spend on a house?

Tommy suggests spending about half of a windfall (e.g., half of $3 million) on a house and keeping the rest to live on, reasoning that the remainder will last a long time.

Should a new creator or business pick a niche audience first?

Starting with a niche is a practical first step because targeting a specific group increases uptake; you can broaden your audience later once established, citing Amazon's initial focus on books before expanding into general retail.

How should you call out someone littering without escalating into conflict?

Approach it politely by pretending you're just being helpful (e.g., 'you dropped your ciggies') rather than being aggressive, since aggression typically only gets met with more aggression or a dismissive apology.

What's the right way to support someone who has cancer or a serious illness?

Follow the sick person's cues rather than projecting your own distress onto them; show you care without over-dramatizing, since they don't want to be defined by the illness or feel like they have to manage your emotions too.

How can I get a cheaper mobile plan without sacrificing data or network quality?

Trevor recommends Kogan Mobile (on the Vodafone network) as fast and cheap, especially if you prepay 12 months in advance, which locks in any future plan improvements retroactively.

How should a startup manage costs when just starting out?

Keep overheads as lean as possible in the early stages (e.g., working from public libraries for free wifi) rather than spending on flashy offices, and only invest in a staff member once you can no longer do everything yourself.