Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am an aunty to 20 children. I have five older siblings who have made a bunch of babies in their time.
What are you most passionate about?
Animals, definitely. I think they deserve all of our care and compassion. I love how interesting and peculiar their lives can be. I also really love animal feet! I’m a total geek for paws, claws and hooves of all kinds.
What would your last meal be?
A smorgasbord of sour straps, lemon cookies, burgers, mandarins, raisin toast, peanut butter and vegetable stew. You know, the usual.
What was your most memorable moment?
When, as a tiny 19-year-old writer for CargoART Magazine, I interviewed Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob). I have always been such an avid fan of Kevin Smith movies and I had seen Jason on screen dozens of times so it was insane to have a conversation with him.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Literature. I loved reading deeper into books and finding that I ended up loving books I would never have picked up otherwise. In university, I came to really love anthropology. I love learning about different cultures, including my own, and using that knowledge to debunk misinformation that leads to oppressive behaviour.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would have liked to witness the discovery of Homo floresiensis in 2004. I found their history and morphology so intriguing. I bought myself a replica skull of H. floresiensis for my birthday a couple of years ago and it’s one of my favourite things I own.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I would invite anthropologist E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Dexter Holland from The Offspring, Anya Taylor-Joy, Derek Mears (dressed as Jason Voorhees), Alie Ward and my wonderful partner Sean.
What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
I just finished bingeing Orphan Black, which was supremely captivating. I always listen to The Witch B***h Amateur Hour and Ologies podcasts. Right now I’m reading Echolalia by Briohny Doyle.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
At home, I would say super lazy. I’m pretty much always in an over-sized t-shirt and tracksuit pants. I do venture into normal clothes for work though. Usually a comfy sweater, flare pants and combat boots.
Have you ever had a pet that has made an impact on your life?
Have I ever! Last year my Jack Russell Chucky passed away at 15 years old. I’d had him since I was 12, so he was there for all of my adolescent and early adulthood traumas and triumphs. He was my best friend, and the one thing I could count on to make me smile when things were tough. I keep photos of him everywhere and I have a locket with some of his fur in it.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I’m a notoriously useless cook, so I would probably try something easy. Maybe carrot cake, or a toastie with just a thick layer of melted choc-hazelnut spread inside of it.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Scotland. I have ancestors from there, but I’ve never been. I love the idea of skulking among the highland hills, watching the cows, wailing like a banshee and revelling in any ancient celtic lore I can get my hands on.
