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The power of nostalgia: why it’s healthy for you to keep returning to your favourite TV series

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anjum-naweed-1644852">Anjum Naweed</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> How often do you find yourself hitting “play” on an old favourite, reliving the same TV episodes you’ve seen before – or even know by heart? I’m a chronic re-watcher. Episodes of sitcoms like Blackadder (1983–89), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–21), Doc Martin (2004–22) and The Office US (2005–13) – a literal lifetime of TV favourites – are usually dependable in times of stress. But recently, ahead of an exceptionally challenging deadline, I found myself switching up my viewing. Instead of the escapist comedy I normally return to, I switched to Breaking Bad (2008–13), a nail-biting thriller with a complex reverse hero narrative – and immediately felt at ease. What do our re-viewing choices tell us about ourselves? And is it OK that we keep returning to old favourites? <h2>Fictional stories, real relationships</h2> Although one-sided, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/neighbours-vs-friends-we-found-out-which-beloved-show-fans-mourned-more-when-it-ended-212843">relationships</a> we form with characters in our favourite TV shows can feel very real. They can increase a sense of belonging, reduce loneliness – and keep pulling us back in. When we rewatch, we feel sadness, wistful joy and longing, all at the same time. We call the sum of these contradictions <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ekaterina-Kalinina-2/publication/313531584_What_Do_We_Talk_About_When_We_Talk_About_Media_and_Nostalgia/links/589d9aa592851c599c9bb12c/What-Do-We-Talk-About-When-We-Talk-About-Media-and-Nostalgia.pdf">nostalgia</a>. Originally coined in the 17th century to describe Swiss soldiers impaired by homesickness, psychologists now understand nostalgic reflection as a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1037/gpr0000109">shield</a> against anxiety and threat, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X2200269X">promoting</a> a sense of wellbeing. We all rely on fiction to transport us from our own lives and realities. Nostalgia viewing extends the experience, taking us somewhere we already know and love. <h2>Bingeing nostalgia</h2> The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of nostalgia viewing. In the United States, audience analyst <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/nielsen-2023-streaming-report-suits-the-office-record-1235890306/">Nielsen</a> found the most streamed show of 2020 was the American version of The Office, seven years after it ended its television run. A <a href="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/watching-tv-and-movies-favourite-lockdown-exclusive/">Radio Times survey</a> found 64% of respondents said they had rewatched a TV series during lockdown, with 43% watching nostalgic shows. We were suddenly thrown into an unfamiliar situation and in a perpetual state of unease. We had more time on our hands, but also wanted to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00221309.2020.1867494">feel safe</a>. Tuning into familiar content on television offered an <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-coronavirus-might-have-changed-tv-viewing-habits-for-good-new-research-146040">escape</a> – a sanctuary from the realities of futures unknown. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g4IQjUpTNVU?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Revisiting connections with TV characters gave us a sense of control. We knew what lay in their futures, and the calm and <a href="https://www.news24.com/life/wellness/body/condition-centres/depression/anxiety-disorders/the-psychology-behind-why-you-like-to-rewatch-your-favourite-movie-or-series-during-the-pandemic-20200814-2">predictability</a> of their arcs balanced the uncertainty in ours. <h2>Nostalgia as a plot point</h2> Nostalgia has been in the DNA of television since some of the earliest programming decisions. Every December, broadcasters scramble to screen one of the many versions of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ much-retold and family-friendly ghost story, which also features nostalgia as a plot device. First screened on live TV in New York City <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptations_of_A_Christmas_Carol">in 1944</a>, on the still-new technology, the broadcast continued a 100-year-old tradition of the classic appearing on stage and cinema screens. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNo-Q0IDJi0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Settling in around the telly for A Christmas Carol connects us to the holiday period and a heartwarming metamorphosis. Ebeneezer Scrooge revisits long-lost versions of himself and turns from villain to hero and our old friend in a single night. For viewers, revisiting this character at the same time every year can also reconnect us with our past selves and create a predictable pattern, even in the frenzy of the silly season. <h2>Real-world (re)connection</h2> The neuroscience of nostalgic experiences is clear. Nostalgia arises when current sensory data – like what you watch on TV – matches past emotions and experiences. It triggers a release of dopamine, a <a href="https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/17/12/1131/6585517">reward-system</a> neurotransmitter involved in emotion and motivation. Encountering nostalgia is like autoloading and hitting play on <a href="https://nwnoggin.org/2023/03/30/the-neuroscience-of-nostalgia/">past positive experiences</a>, elevating desire and regulating mood. So, nostalgia draws on experiences encoded in memory. The TV shows we choose to rewatch reflect our values, our tastes, and the phases of life we have gone through. Perhaps this is a reason why reboots of our favourite shows sometimes fall flat, and ultimately set fans up for disappointment. I still remember the crushing disillusion I felt while watching the reboot of Knight Rider (2008–09). I immediately turned to social media to find a community around my nostalgic setback <h2>Stronger through stress</h2> Going back to my challenging deadline, what was it about the nostalgic experience of watching Breaking Bad that made it different? Breaking Bad evokes a particular phase in my life. I binged the first three seasons when writing up my PhD thesis. Walter White’s rise and fall journey towards redemption is enmeshed in the nostalgia of a difficult time I made it through. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HhesaQXLuRY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> The predictability of Walter White’s arc on second viewing was an unlikely haven. It’s escalating high-stakes drama mirrored my rising stress, while connecting me to who I was when I first enjoyed the show. The result? “Dread mode” switched off – even as my anti-heroes marched again to their dire cinematic comeuppance. Reality, past and present, could be worse.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237753/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anjum-naweed-1644852">Anjum Naweed</a>, Professor of Human Factors, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-power-of-nostalgia-why-its-healthy-for-you-to-keep-returning-to-your-favourite-tv-series-237753">original article</a>. </div>

Want to sleep longer? Adding mini-bursts of exercise to your evening routine can help

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-gale-1548741">Jennifer Gale</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/meredith-peddie-1548807">Meredith Peddie</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> Exercising before bed has <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721815000157">long been discouraged</a> as the body doesn’t have time to wind down before the lights go out. But <a href="https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/3/e001774">new research</a> has found breaking up a quiet, sedentary evening of watching television with short bursts of resistance exercise can lead to longer periods of sleep. Adults spend almost one third of the 24-hour day sleeping. But the quality and length of sleep can affect long-term health. Sleeping too little or waking often in the night is associated with an <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article-lookup/doi/10.5665/sleep.1382">increased risk of heart disease</a> and <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/33/2/414/27149/Quantity-and-Quality-of-Sleep-and-Incidence-of">diabetes</a>. Physical activity during the day can help improve sleep. However, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721815000157">current recommendations</a> discourage intense exercise before going to bed as it can increase a person’s heart rate and core temperature, which can ultimately disrupt sleep. <h2>Nighttime habits</h2> For many, the longest period of uninterrupted sitting happens at home in the evening. People also usually consume their largest meal during this time (or snack throughout the evening). Insulin (the hormone that helps to remove sugar from the blood stream) tends to be at a lower level in the evening than in the morning. Together these factors promote elevated blood sugar levels, which over the long term can be bad for a person’s health. Our <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2023/08000/breaking_up_evening_sitting_with_resistance.14.aspx">previous research</a> found interrupting evening sitting every 30 minutes with three minutes of resistance exercise reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream after eating a meal. But because sleep guidelines currently discourage exercising in the hours before going to sleep, we wanted to know if frequently performing these short bursts of light activity in the evening would affect sleep. <h2>Activity breaks for better sleep</h2> In our latest research, we asked 30 adults to complete two sessions based in a laboratory. During one session the adults sat continuously for a four-hour period while watching streaming services. During the other session, they interrupted sitting by performing three minutes of body-weight resistance exercises (squats, calf raises and hip extensions) every 30 minutes. After these sessions, participants went home to their normal life routines. Their sleep that evening was measured using a wrist monitor. Our research found the quality of sleep (measured by how many times they woke in the night and the length of these awakenings) was the same after the two sessions. But the night after the participants did the exercise “activity breaks” they slept for almost 30 minutes longer. Identifying the biological reasons for the extended sleep in our study requires further research. But regardless of the reason, if activity breaks can extend sleep duration, then getting up and moving at regular intervals in the evening is likely to have clear health benefits. <h2>Time to revisit guidelines</h2> These results add to <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1087079221001209">earlier work</a> suggesting current sleep guidelines, which discourage evening exercise before bed, may need to be reviewed. As the activity breaks were performed in a highly controlled laboratory environment, future research should explore how activity breaks performed in real life affect peoples sleep. We selected simple, body-weight exercises to use in this study as they don’t require people to interrupt the show they may be watching, and don’t require a large space or equipment. If people wanted to incorporate activity breaks in their own evening routines, they could probably get the same benefit from other types of exercise. For example, marching on the spot, walking up and down stairs, or even dancing in the living room. The key is to frequently interrupt evening sitting time, with a little bit of whole-body movement at regular intervals. In the long run, performing activity breaks may improve health by improving sleep and post-meal blood sugar levels. The most important thing is to get up frequently and move the body, in a way the works best for a person’s individual household.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234896/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-gale-1548741">Jennifer Gale</a>, PhD candidate, Department of Human Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/meredith-peddie-1548807">Meredith Peddie</a>, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-to-sleep-longer-adding-mini-bursts-of-exercise-to-your-evening-routine-can-help-new-study-234896">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Kate Ritchie's surprise career announcement

Kate Ritchie has announced she will be returning to Aussie screens to take part in a new reality TV series. The former Home and Away star, who now co-hosts the Nova 96.9FM breakfast show alongside Fitzy and Wippa, will star in the upcoming ABC reality show, The Role Of A Lifetime. Hosted by Amanda Keller, the five-part series will see Ritchie, who is a mother of one, join forces with comedian Nazeem Hussein as they navigate the challenges of parenting. Kate has a nine-year-old daughter, Mae, whom she shares with ex-husband, Stuart Webb. The official synopsis explains, “Beloved actress Kate Ritchie and comedian Nazeem Hussain will be brought together to act out real-life parenting scenarios, propelling them into immersive and unexpected factual explorations to guide us in raising resilient, happy children.” “Parenting author, educator and podcaster, Maggie Dent will provide insightful parental guidance throughout.” The Role of A Lifetime is currently in production and is set to air in 2025. Last year, Ritchie went viral for her parenting discussions, after a clip of her breaking down on air attracted thousands of views. The emotional moment came after Dent detailed “the difference between mums and dads”, explaining that due to “biologically wiring”, women often are carrying a significantly heavier mental load. Ritchie was seen nodding along before starting to cry, with Dent emphasising: “This is the ‘mum brain’ - this is the mental load we carry for the people we love.” Image credits: Instagram / ABC

Huge news for Molly the Magpie

The story of the unlikely friendship between Molly the Magpie and Peggy the Staffordshire terrier is set to be immortalised in an adorable new animated series. The wholesome news was announced on the duo's shared Instagram account on Thursday, revealing the first look at their animated characters. “We are so excited to announce Xentrix studios are going to bring to life a wholesome heartwarming animated series about a kind-hearted, animal loving couple and their beautiful staffy girls, a magpie & their friends,” the post read. “We are so grateful they are bringing to life this special friendship, for people of all ages to enjoy around the world”. The animated series will showcase the “heartwarming tales” and “playful escapades” of pair’s unique friendship short 11 minute episodes tailored for children between aged five and 11. An Instagram account dedicated to the series debuted a first look at the additional characters who will be joining Molly and Peggy on their animated adventures, including a trio of alley cats named Jinx, Rascal and Bandit, twin female border collies, Matilda and Tobi and a "big, fat cat" named Shelly. The series is expected to remain in development for the next year. Molly and Peggy first made headline in March after Molly was surrendered to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation officials following allegations the bird was not being “kept unlawfully”. However, after 42 days in a wildlife reserve and a campaigns led by Premier Steven Miles, Molly was returned to her owners, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, under a series of strict conditions, including that there is no ongoing commercial gain from the bird or its image. Following questions raised about the owners and commercial gain from the series, Xentrix chief executive officer Chelsea Bonner said the Queensland couple have “simply allowed Xentrix to develop an animated series using the pet names of their animals”. “No payments have exchanged hands for this. The series isn’t funded yet and is likely in development for at least another year,” she said. Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Why Ray Martin is planning his own funeral

Ray Martin is planning his own funeral as he prepares for his 'Last Goodbye', as part of an eye-opening new series. The veteran journalist will be planning his memorial service for an upcoming SBS documentary series which explores cultural traditions surrounding death. The three-part series, called Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, will explore various taboos surrounding death with comedic and witty anecdotes. The series will investigate various funeral trends and rituals around the world and will address some deep questions, including why people choose certain ceremonies, songs and resting places, and how geography, religion and social class impacts these choices. At 79 years old, Ray said in a statement that statistically he is only four years away from his own death and wants to explore the topic with a serious yet funny nature. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9QoU-goAtY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9QoU-goAtY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by SBS Australia (@sbs_australia)</a> </div> </blockquote> Martin will also have a range of special guests on the show, including veteran presenter Gretel Killeen, 61, and comedian Alex Lee. SBS Commissioning Editor Bethan Arwel-Lewis said, "At SBS we aren't scared to tackle those subjects that are sometimes provocative or difficult in our programming." "So an exploration of death – one of our last taboos is the perfect subject for us to lift the lid on, and who better to take us into this world and get us talking and even laughing about death, than Ray Martin." Last year, Martin insisted that he still has a lot of life left in him, as he grows older gracefully and continues to work. "I'm never going to retire. David Attenborough is in his 90s and he's my role model. He says you've got to keep doing what you love," he told Woman's Day magazine. Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye will premiere on Wednesday, August 14 at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. Image credits: SBS

Shane Warne’s dad takes aim at Warnie series’ false narrative

Keith Warne, father of the late cricket legend Shane Warne, has offered his take on Channel 9’s Warnie miniseries. A large number of viewers took issue with the first episode, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/rougher-than-sandpaper-gate-warnie-series-a-swing-and-a-miss-with-fans">voicing their displeasure across social media for all to see</a>, and while Keith’s thoughts weren’t quite as vehement, they didn’t shine the most positive light on the series, or paint an accurate picture on Warnie’s behalf. The Warne patriarch shared his thoughts with entertainment reporter Peter Ford ahead of the first episode going to air, and Ford went on to discuss that take with 3AW’s Jimmy Bartel and Mark Allen. “I took a call last night from Keith just before it went to air last night,” Ford told the hosts, before going on to share that the previous week, he’d reported that “Keith and Shane’s brother Jason had gone in for a private screening” and had come out both “pleasantly surprised” and “quite happy with what they had seen.” Ford explained that that was what he’d been “told by people who were there”, but in talking to Keith the night before, he’d learned that that was “not an accurate description of their reaction to it.” “Keith is a very astute man, he knows it’s entertainment, he knows it’s not a documentary, but he feels that they missed out on a few key things,” he continued. “The main thing is he feels they didn’t portray the growth of Shane from the larrikin teenager to the mature adult who wanted to make a difference in the world.” Ford then shared that Keith felt “there were some inaccuracies that didn’t reflect well on Shane”, in particular the cricket great’s relationship with Liz Hurley. Shane’s 10-year marriage to Simone Callahan ended in 2005 when the couple announced their divorce, and he met Liz in 2010 at a horse racing event, with the two revealing their engagement in 2011. They were together for three years, but ultimately called off their engagement - and their relationship - in 2013. And while their romance was “correct”, according to Keith via Ford, “in the show it’s presented that he did that during the time he was still married to Simone and Keith is quite adamant there was a distance between those two things happening. “He’s not angry, he’s just disappointed by the result.” Images: Getty

“Rougher than sandpaper gate”: Warnie series a swing and a miss with fans

Since Channel 9’s Warnie series was first announced, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/let-him-rest-in-peace-viewers-slam-shane-warne-miniseries">Australians have been sceptical</a>, with some dubbing it “embarrassing and disgraceful” after the trailer was revealed as they called for television networks to “let him rest in peace”. And now, the first episode of the two-part miniseries has gone to air, and fans of the late cricket legend Shane Warne have wasted no time in making their thoughts clear. The episode detailed everything from Warne’s 1999 West Indies experience - when he was dropped from the team - to the start of his career, his St Kilda delisting, his rise and fall with the Australian team, the ‘Ball of the Century’, the diuretic scandal and his 2003 ban, and the John Bookmaker scandal. Warne’s personal life wasn’t off the cards, either, with the episode also dipping into his romance with then-wife Simone Callahan. It was enough ‘plot’ for hours of viewing, but while Warnie was a beloved fixture of Australian - and even international - sport, the series missed the mark, and prompted critics on social media to share their take, and warn anyone else from daring a watch. “Shane Warne would be embarrassed!!” a Twitter user announced. “And so should channel 9 and anyone involved in this”. “This is really good if you take out the actors and script and just look at the archive footage,” one allowed. “I am shocked I made it through the first 45 minutes [of] quite possibly the worst tv show produced by @Channel9,” another said, before going on to note that it had been some of the “worst casting, acting and make up of any show ever”. Another was annoyed that while the Warnie series had hit 9’s main channel, the Women’s Ashes had been pushed aside, a move raising eyebrows from the online cricket community. “Just a reminder, the women’s #Ashes Test which is set to go down to the wire is on one of Nine’s secondary channels while #Warnie gets the main channel treatment,” wrote CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy, who also mentioned that the same would never have happened to the Men’s Ashes series. “#Warnie was predictably terrible, and not just because it was hopelessly cheesy. You need distance in the rear view mirror before a thing like this can work. We all know the stories, the moments, the guy's character. 20 years on, it would've been a fantastic trip down memory lane,” author Anthony Sharwood lamented. “I’ve had enough. This is an absolute disgrace and is tarnishing a legend of the game. It should have never seen the light of day. Shame on you @Channel9,” one other user said. One watcher, however, was at least willing to give the second episode a chance, sharing that “This #warnie series on 9 is already highly cringeworthy, poorly directed, and rougher than sandpaper gate. Warnie and Packer sitting somewhere highly bemused. I'll keep watching, see if it improves”. Images: Screentime, Channel 9

Australia's top earners revealed – and it might be you

A new report has found Australians are the third most wealthy citizens in the world, with a surprising way to make the cut as one of the richest. A six figure salary will qualify an Aussie to be among the top 10 per cent richest in the world, while homeowners in Sydney are included among the global elite. The top 10 per cent of earners in Australia make $122,664 or more, with some of the highest paid incomes in the country including miners who earn $124,550 on average, school principals who rake in $130,142 and dentists that receive $131,773. Prestige property company Frank Knight’s report revealed anyone with $1.5 million in assets was classified as a “high-net-worth individual”, which would qualify plenty of Sydney homeowners. Meanwhile, the net worth required to be in the top one per cent of Australia’s rich was the third highest figure globally, behind Monaco and Switzerland. However, to be considered in Australia’s highest percentage of wealth, you must have a total net worth of an eye-watering US%5.5 million ($A8.26 million). Its annual Wealth Populations report as part of its Wealth Report Series found that wealth levels across every country analysed had seen an increase since 2021, despite experiencing a “dip” the following year. Australia has almost doubled its 2021 wealth figure, revealing that the rich got richer during the pandemic. In 2021, Australia was number seven, with $US2.8 million as the baseline. Monaco reportedly has the world’s “densest population of super-rich individuals” which saw it at the top of the list out of 25 countries analysed. To be considered one of the top earners in Monaco, people must have income and assets that equate to US$12.4 million in overall net worth. Switzerland calls for just half of Monacos, coming in at $US6.6 million. New Zealand earned a spot right behind their neighbour at number four, with a $US5.2 million net worth qualifying an individual to be in the country’s top percentile. The US rounded out the top five, at US$5.1 million. Ireland, Singapore, France, Hong Kong and the UK made it into the top 10 on the “One per cent club” respectively. China was number 15 on the list, with US$960,000 marking out the number its top one per cent exceeds. In a staggering comparison, having a net worth of more than US$20,000 in Kenya would make you one of the richest in the African nation, which saw itself last on the list. Despite the remarkable wealth of the people detailed in the report, the authors pointed out that every country still fell “well short” of an “ultra high net individual”. The elite must have a net worth that exceeds US$30 million to earn the title. After a tumultuous financial year, the filthy rich remained unaffected with their number increasing by 2 per cent to almost 70 million nationwide. The report’s authors said the Middle East was “the standout region” regarding adding mega rich individuals to their list, with a 16.9 per cent growth. However, during that time, the number of billionaires dropped by five per cent to 2,629. It is expected over the next five years that another 750,000 people will join the exclusive club of remarkably high net worth individuals. Image credit: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle caught out in another lie

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again had to bite their tongues after being caught out in another lie. At the beginning of their six-part Netflix series Harry and Meghan, a disclaimer hit the screen to say that all interviews were completed by August 2022 and that the royal family declined to comment. “All interviews were completed by August 2022. Members of the royal family declined to comment on the content within this series,” the statement read. However, sources have come out swinging to deny the claims, explaining that the royal family weren’t given an opportunity to comment. “Palace sources confirm Buckingham Palace nor Kensington Palace nor any Members of the Royal Family were approached for comment on the content of the series,” royal editor Robert Jobson tweeted. “Nor will be making any further comment on this or any other aspect of it. “Netflix claimed at the beginning of the series that they were.” Other family members who were targetted in the Netflix series include Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Sussex was describing the first time she met the pair and how her outfit was “jarring” to them. “Even when Will and Kate came over and I met her for the first time. I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot,” Meghan said. “I’m a hugger. I've always been a hugger. I didn’t know that could be jarring for a lot of Brits. “I guess I started to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside, carried through on the inside. “That there is a forward facing way of being then you close the door and you go phew, great we can relax now. “But that formality continues on both sides and that was surprising to me.” Prince Harry also took a dig at his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales saying how it was ideal for the men of the family to marry someone they approved of. “I think for so many people in the family, especially men, there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who would fit the mould as opposed to somebody who you are perhaps are destined to be with,” he said. Harry also then attacked his father, King Charles, after claiming that he has a “second family” following the death of his mother Princess Diana. “I was brought up by friends in Africa,” he said. “I’ve got a second family out there. A group of friends that literally brought me up.” Images: Netflix

Readers Respond: What TV series are you loving right now?

Every few months or so, a new series takes us by surprise and it’s all anyone talks about. In the office we are watching Trailer Park Boys, House of The Dragon, How To Get Away With Murder, Space Force and the new Aussie series Heartbreak High among other things. So we thought we’d ask the OverSixty audience to share with us what they are currently watching. Here’s what some of you said: Shirley Tebbey - We have just found a very funny little British series called 'Ghosts ' on Stan (in Australia). It's a half hour laugh - very harmless British humour. Bronwen Dodson - Yes Mr Mercedes on Netflix. I'm hooked and see as much as I can each day. Patricia Fielding - The Handmaid's Tale. Evelina Richardson Van Deur - I have finished watching Mr Mercedes very, very good. I did not want it to end!!! Barbara Batten - We’re watching the last series of Virgin River, love it. Sanet Meiring - Call the midwife!! Sandra Gail Joffe - Watching Unfaithful on Stan. French with subtitles but very good. Natalie Madsen - I'm not big on TV - prefer a good book any day - but I DO enjoy Midsommer Murders, Murdoch Mysteries and even NCIS sometimes. Susan Panther - I record The Middle. It helps me appreciate my life, plus I have a kiddo on the spectrum, so I can understand Brick. Ethel Smithson - Old Peoples Home for Teenagers. Share your favourite TV shows <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/pfbid02reZvbpbDGdtEnrQqKg55tnsfaSKH6rkWEbJo6W7fMfcDbB8fkceGKYZLgaZgvXZMl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

"They’re making money off tragedy": Netflix’s Dahmer series shows the dangers of fictionalising real horrors

Netflix’s recent series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has stirred <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63088009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">controversy</a> over its apparent glamorisation of a serial killer and perceived insensitivity towards the families of Dahmer’s victims. In contrast to more journalistic true crime entertainment (<a href="https://theconversation.com/true-crime-entertainment-like-the-teachers-pet-can-shine-a-light-on-cold-cases-but-does-it-help-or-hinder-justice-being-served-189787" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which has its own issues</a>), the dramatisation and fictionalisation of real-life crimes, such as Dahmer, has drawn a wave of criticism for re-traumatising victims and their loved ones, and glorifying criminals. <h2>Artistic license or sensationalist schlock?</h2> Whether presenting itself as an accurate retelling or merely “inspired by true events” – there is always going to be some artistic license when transforming a complex true crime story into a movie or TV series. While changes from real life to screen are often relatively minor, such as having multiple police officers represented by one fictionalised detective, others can significantly misrepresent events. Anne Schwartz, the journalist who broke the original Dahmer story, has called the recent Dahmer Netflix series “not a helpful representation”. In an interview with the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/anne-e-schwartz-jeffrey-dahmer-autopsy-polaroids-b2194855.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Independent</a>, Schwartz criticised the caricatured depiction of law enforcement in the series. She also took aim at key plot elements, such as having key witness Glenda Cleveland (played by Niecy Nash) live next door to Dahmer, rather than in the building next door (as in real life). Other dramatisations of real-life crimes have gone much further, adding sensationalist – and even downright supernatural – elements to true events. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7976208/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Haunting of Sharon Tate</a>, written and directed by Daniel Farrands and released in 2019, was universally panned by critics and audiences alike for graphically depicting the real life murder of actress Sharon Tate by the Manson family. In the film, Tate (played by Hilary Duff) has apparent premonitions of her murder in her dreams, with the film ending with a meeting of Manson’s victims in the afterlife. Film critic Owen Gleiberman <a href="https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/the-haunting-of-sharon-tate-review-hilary-duff-1203179977/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> the film “pure, unadulterated cheeseball exploitation” opining that it “goes out of its way to turn the Manson murders into schlock horror”. <h2>Re-traumatising victims and their families</h2> Victims of crime and their loved ones are frequently angered and re-traumatised when their real-life stories become fodder for public consumption. The families of homicide victims are particularly disadvantaged when encountering inaccurate or insulting depictions of their loved ones, given legal protections of reputation, such as claims in defamation, don’t apply if the person defamed is deceased. Some of the families of Dahmer’s victims have expressed outrage at the Netflix series, noting that they were never approached about the show’s release. Rital Isbell, whose brother was murdered by Dahmer, had her heart-breaking victim impact statement dramatised in the series without her knowledge or consent. She called the series “harsh and careless” in a <a href="https://www.insider.com/rita-isbell-sister-jeffrey-dahmer-victim-talks-about-netflix-show-2022-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">piece</a> in Insider expressing that “It’s sad that they’re just making money off of this tragedy”. The question of who benefits from depictions of real-life crimes is an important one, with large studios and streaming platforms earning millions while victims and their families are often left to bear the consequences of increased public attention. Australian films haven’t been immune to this tension between artistic freedom and the wishes of victim’s families. The 1997 Australian film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118735/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blackrock</a>, directed by Steven Vidler and adapted from a play by Nick Enright was clearly <a href="http://www.textjournal.com.au/oct09/brien.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inspired by</a> (although denied by Enright) the real-life rape and murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl <a href="https://7news.com.au/original-fyi/crime-story-investigator/leigh-leigh-remembering-murdered-14-year-old-stockton-girl-30-years-on-c-535209" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leigh Leigh</a> in 1987. Leigh’s family were highly critical upon the film’s release finding the depiction exploitative and accusing the filmmakers of “feasting on an unfortunate situation”. <h2>Making celebrities out of serial killers</h2> The rise of online “fandoms” surrounding real-life killers is an increasingly documented phenomena likely tied to the increased pop culturalisation of true crime. Social media site Tumblr has a variety of dedicated fan accounts for history’s monsters, with everyone from serial killer Richard Ramirez to school shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold getting special treatment. Researcher Andrew Rico sees such fandoms as partially motivated by an urge to <a href="https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/671" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shock and scandalise</a> the public, but notes they also indicate the tabloid depiction of criminals such as schools shooters has led to a form of dark celebrity. This is supported by the work of doctoral student Sasha Artamonova, who views dark fandoms as a kind of “<a href="https://www.academia.edu/32699599/Rebels_with_a_Cause_School_Shooters_Fandom_as_a_Form_of_Counterculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">counter-culture</a>” movement rallying against moral norms. The Dahmer Netflix series has <a href="https://uk.style.yahoo.com/why-hollywood-obsessed-casting-teen-134800169.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">received criticism</a> for casting Evan Peters as Jeffery Dahmer, given his status as a teen heartthrob who rose to fame in creator Ryan Murphy’s far more lighthearted horror series American Horror Story. The Gen Z populated TikTok is full of fan videos of his depiction of Dahmer. Similar criticism was levelled at another Netflix series Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile which cast Highschool Musical star Zac Efron as serial rapist and murderer Ted Bundy. An unhealthy obsession with serial killers is, of course, nothing new – Jeffery Dahmer received <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Dahmer-Letters-Milwaukee-Cannibal/dp/B0B72T273N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many positive letters</a> and even marriage proposals while incarcerated. However, some worry the recent trend of casting attractive celebrities as serial killers could have flow on effects. One writer in Odyssey <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/hollywood-romanticizes-serial-killers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> that “young and impressionable youth of today might find themselves empathising with and falling for people who are actually dangerous”. Whether such concerns are prescient or a textbook example of moral panic remains to be seen. Ultimately, there will always be an audience for stories of the murderous and macabre, with fascination in the darker side of life an incredibly common human impulse. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/theyre-making-money-off-tragedy-netflixs-dahmer-series-shows-the-dangers-of-fictionalising-real-horrors-192006" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Netflix

"I cried, so I'm happy": Frasier is back!

Frasier fans prepare as tossed salad and scrambled eggs are back on the menu, with the long anticipated sequel officially going ahead. Frasier ran for 263 episodes between 1993-2004 and won 37 Emmy awards making it one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. In February 2021 it was announced that a sequel was in the making, with Kelsey Grammar returning to the title role and serving as an executive producer. It was been reported that a single series had been greenlit by US streaming platform Paramount+, rumoured to be 10 episodes long. The new series will see Frasier Crane in the next phase of life, in a new city following up from the final episode of the original, which saw Frasier give up a promising new job in San Francisco to move to Chicago. The rest of the cast will reportedly feature mostly new characters, with members of the original cast (including David Hyde Pierce’s Niles, Jane Leeves’ Daphne and Peri Gilpin’s Roz) making guest appearances. John Mahoney, who played Frasier and Niles’ father Martin, died in 2018 and Moose the dog, who played Eddie, Martin’s pet jack russell, died in 2006. Earlier this year Hyde Pierce (Niles) said he had not yet heard many details about the sequel. Actress Jane Leeves has suggested she will not be part of the revival, revealing that she remains committed to her role in medical drama The Resident. “I have no idea, but I won’t be leaving The Resident to do that if it happens,” she said. However, Grammer has been pursuing the sequel for years. Not much has been revealed, but Grammer has proposed that an older Frasier Crane could be a professor or back in private psychiatry practice. He also suggested the story would be “something that puts him at odds with his brother again” and explore his relationship with his now adult son, Frederick. In July, it was confirmed that they were “in the final stages of the final script for the first episode” for the sequel series, adding: “I’ve had a couple of runs through it, and I cried, so I’m happy.” Image: Getty

MAS*H, 50 years on: the anti-war sitcom was a product of its time, yet its themes are timeless

MASH, stylised as M*A*S*H, is the story of a rag-tag bunch of medical misfits of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital thrown together against the horrors of the Korean war in the 1950s. The series endured for 11 seasons, from September 1972 to the final episode in 1983. Originally it was centred on two army surgeons, the wisecracking but empathetic Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, played by Alan Alda, and the deadpan “Trapper” John McIntyre, played by Wayne Rogers. The show had an ensemble cast and different episodes would often focus on one of the featured characters. There was the meek Corporal “Radar” O'Reilly, cross-dressing Corporal Klinger, the easy-going Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake and pious Father Mulcahy. The antagonists, conniving Major Frank Burns and Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, were foils for Hawkeye and Trapper but occasionally were central characters in some episodes too. <div data-id="17"> </div> Based on the 1970 movie, itself based on a novel, MASH was designed as a “black comedy” set during the Korean War. It was really a thinly veiled critique of the war in Vietnam raging at the time. The creators of the show knew they wouldn’t get away with making a Vietnam war comedy. Uncensored news broadcasts showing the viciousness of Vietnam were transmitted straight to the American public who were, by now, growing jaded of the increasingly brutal war. Setting the series 20 years earlier allowed the creators to mask their criticisms behind a historical perspective – but most viewers realised the true context. <h2>An anti-war sitcom</h2> What started as a criticism of the Vietnam war soon evolved into one for all wars. In many episodes, audiences would be reminded of the horrors of lives lost in the fighting on the line, and the angst and trauma faced by those behind the line. It didn’t matter which war this was, MASH was saying all wars are the same, full of shattered lives. Cloaking this message in comedy was the way the creators were able to make it palatable to a wide audience. The early seasons have a distinctive sitcom feel to them, mostly as a result of the series co-creators, Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, who were from a comedy background. When both creatives left by the end of season five the show took a more dramatic turn. In particular, Alda became more involved in the writing and took it into a more dramatic direction, toning down the comedic elements. This was also reflected in the change of many of the secondary characters. The philandering, practical joker Trapper was replaced by the moral and professional BJ Hunnicutt, the snivelling Frank Burns by the pretentious Charles Winchester, the laconic Henry Blake with the officious Sherman Potter, and the complete absence of Radar after season eight. The voice of the series took on a noticeably Hawkeye focus. As the Vietnam war ended in 1975, the tone of the show also changed. It became less political and focused more on the dilemmas of the individual characters. The laugh track was toned down. But this did not make the show any less popular. Audiences responded strongly to the anarchic anti-authoritarianism of Hawkeye and Trapper/BJ. Almost all the characters are anti-war, reflecting the growing antagonism the American public was feeling towards the Vietnam war and war fatigue in general, post-Vietnam. Even Frank and Hot Lips, the most patriotic characters, sometimes questioned if the war was worth all the suffering and death. And the series reminded people the humour used was not meant to disrespect those fighting but as a coping mechanism of the trauma by those involved. <h2>A timeless classic</h2> That’s not to say there aren’t issues with the show when looked at with modern sensibilities. Contemporary audiences would find problems with some of the representations of characters and issues addressed in the series. Corporal Klinger would today be seen as contentious. His penchant for dressing in women’s clothes was not because he was trans or interested in drag, but because he was trying to get a “Section 8”, or mental health, discharge. Many of the female characters were also relegated to little more than two-dimensional romantic interests or background characters. The only woman who starred with a significant recurring role was “Hot Lips” Houlihan but, as the nickname implies, she was often the butt of sexualised humour. This has not stopped the show maintaining its popularity in the continual re-runs it gets on cable and streaming services. MASH was a product of its time, yet its themes on the absurdity of war are universal. It became more than a TV show: a shared cathartic experience for war-weary audiences. At its heart is the eclectic mix of dysfunctional characters who use humour to laugh in the face of adversity. This is what makes MASH a timeless classic. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/m-a-s-h-50-years-on-the-anti-war-sitcom-was-a-product-of-its-time-yet-its-themes-are-timeless-190422" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: YouTube

Fourth John Wick film longest in the series

The fourth installment of the John Wick series is set to be the longest out of the previous three films. Director Chad Stahelski said the action-thriller featuring favourite Keanu Reeves will run for at least 2 hours and 11 minutes to the 131 minutes (an hour and a half) for John Wick: Parabellum. The news comes just weeks after a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/first-look-of-keanu-reeves-in-fourth-john-wick-installment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaser trailer dropped</a>, giving avid fans a glimpse of what to expect in the new movie. Stahelski has also confirmed that they are well on the way to finishing editing the new film which is due for release on March 24, 2023. "We're on the final stretch for picture lock, and then we have our VFX music. But this is the furthest along I've ever been, this much in post,” he said in an interview with <a href="https://collider.com/john-wick-4-runtime-director-chad-stahelski-comments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collider</a>. “We love the music that we've got so far. We still have Tyler Bates doing the composition on some of the bigger sequences. “VFX are going to be coming in throughout the rest of the year. But we're dangerously close. "In our edit, as far as our picture lock goes, we're within a few minutes of locking. Our sequences are done. The movie is essentially done. “There's probably another few weeks of tweaking overall, then we lock picture, and we're about music, sound and the effects." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> You wanted him back. He’s back. Watch the first sneak peek for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JW4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JW4</a> – in theaters March 2023. <a href="https://t.co/3T0rMxLj5P">pic.twitter.com/3T0rMxLj5P</a> — John Wick (@JohnWickMovie) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWickMovie/status/1550888472134705152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2022</a></blockquote> The fourth installment will see the bounty for Wick’s head soar as he takes his fight against the High Table global. Wick also seeks out some of the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin. John Wick: Chapter 4 will be out in cinemas on March 24, 2023. Images: Twitter

Movies

From a series of recipes by Xali: Smoked Salmon, Spinach and Dill Omelette

This colourful omelette will have everyone satisfied. Create a super thin egg mixture and add plenty of herbs and lots of greens. Spinach is rich in antioxidants and is also considered a ‘cooling food’, which helps to combat inflammation and ease hot flushes. Serves: 2 Prep: 10 mins Cook: 10 mins Ingredients: Eggs - 4 whole Parsley, flat-leaf chopped - 2 tbsp Dill, fresh chopped + a few sprigs dill - 1 tbsp Pinch salt 2 whole Cracked black pepper - 1/2 tsp Olive oil - 2 tsp Smoked salmon - 4 pieces Spinach, fresh - 1 cup Sugar snap peas trimmed - 1/2 cup Asparagus spears sliced in half lengthwise - 8 whole Silverbeet finely shredded - 1/2 cup Method: 1. Whisk eggs with parsley, chopped dill, salt and cracked black pepper. 2. Heat oil in a medium sized skillet or omelette pan. Pour in egg mixture and cook over medium heat to set eggs for 4 minutes, then layer with smoked salmon and spinach. 3. Fold omelette over carefully in the pan and continue to cook for a further 3 minutes until the salmon has cooked and spinach wilted. 4. Meanwhile in a separate saucepan, steam or gently boil the sugar snap peas, asparagus spears and silverbeet for about 3 minutes, strain, pat dry and keep warm. 5. Transfer to a serving plate, add some fresh dill to garnish and serve with steamed greens. Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

From a series of recipes by Xali: Homemade sushi

This is a great meal to get the family involved. Prepare the ingredients and paté ahead of time and get ready for some hands-on fun! Pecans provide an abundance of organic pyridoxine (vitamin B6), essential for serotonin release and nervous-system health. Serves: 3 Prep: 30 mins Ingredients: Nori seaweed, sheet - 3 whole Sprouts, assorted - 1/2 cup Cucumber julienned - 1/8 whole Avocado sliced - 1/8 whole Tamari to serve - 1/8 cup For the paté Pecans - 3/4 cup Capsicum, red chopped - 1/2 whole Spring onion chopped - 1 1/2 whole Coriander, fresh chopped - 1/8 cup Chilli flakes - 1/8 tsp Salt - 1/8 tsp Cracked black pepper - 1/8 tsp Method: For the paté 1. Add pecans to the food processor and blitz until they are reduced to a medium crumb. Add the remaining filling ingredients and blend to a chunky pate. Do not over process. To make 6 rolls 2. Place nori sheet with ribbed-side facing upwards, shiny side facing down, and lines in nori perpendicular to you. 3. Spread the paté evenly over the sheet leaving the edge furthest away from you free from paté for roughly 1cm as you will use this to secure the roll. Make sure to cover each horizontal edge or you might end up with end pieces without much filling. 4. Lay vegetables horizontally in the lower half of the sheet. Start rolling with the edge closest to you. Roll tightly, yet gently away from you. Secure the roll by adding a bit of water to the free edge furthest from you. 5. With a sharp knife, cut the roll in half. Slice each half into three or four bite-sized piece. 6. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients. Slice into rounds and serve with a side of tamari. Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

From a series of recipes by Xali: Cream of mushroom soup

A simple and ultra-creamy soup that is full of flavour and will leave you satisfied. This recipe is not only great for winter but it’s also medicinal - eating at least 1 clove of garlic a day can help balance your hormones, prevent the effects of hot flushes, and enhance the body’s immunity. Serves: 2 Prep: 20 mins Cook: 45 mins Ingredients: Olive oil - 2 tbsp Onion, brown diced - 1/4 whole Garlic clove minced x 3 Thyme, fresh leaves - 1 1/2 tsp Mushrooms, brown or white sliced - 4 cup Mushrooms, Portobello or specialty, sliced - 2 whole Tamari - 1/8 cup Mustard, seeded - 1 1/2 tsp Coconut milk full fat - 200 ml Tofu, silken cut into about 12 cubes *it will be soft to handle - 150 gm Spinach, fresh - 2 cup Chives, fresh snipped - 1/8 cup Parsley, flat leaf chopped - 1/8 cup Salt to taste - 1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper to taste - 1/8 tsp Method: 1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat olive oil, add onion, garlic and thyme until translucent and fragrant, about 12 minutes. 2. Add half of the chopped mushrooms and tamari and cook down on medium-high heat, covered for about 10 minutes. This will allow the mushrooms to release their water. 3. Add the remaining mushrooms and cook covered for another 10 minutes. 4. Remove the lid and add coconut milk, vegetable stock, cook for another 10 minutes uncovered to reduce liquid. 5. Drain the tofu while still in the pack, then cut into 12 cubes. Gently add to mushrooms and heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavours to combine. 6. Just before serving, fold in the spinach gently until wilted. Ladle into serving bowls. 7. Serve with chives and parsley, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve hot. Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

From a series of recipes by Xali: Easy Cheesey Egg muffins

Xali is Australia’s first training, dietary and wellness program to cater to women going through biological changes with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. Created by Northern Rivers resident Naz de Bono, Xali is a daily personalised program that provides workouts, recipes, education and support to women based on the 4 pillars of Move, Eat, Learn & Connect. Xali’s in-house Clinical Nutritionist, Samantha Gowling has shared some recipes to fight the winter blues that are available through the Xali platform. Easy Cheesy Egg Muffins Prepare these muffins ahead of time and enjoy a quick and easy breakfast for the week! Eggs are rich in iron and Vitamin D, are a great source of protein and have been linked to reducing cholesterol levels during menopause. Serves: 4 Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Ingredients: For the basil pesto Basil, fresh - 2/3 cup Pine nuts - 1/3 cup Garlic clove minced x 2 Olive oil - 1 1/3 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated - 1/3 cup Lemon juice of - 2/3 whole Salt - 1/8 tsp Cracked black pepper - 1/8 tsp For the muffins Spinach, frozen thawed - 166 2/3 gm Eggs - 4 whole Olives pitted, chopped - 1/3 cup Sundried tomatoes diced - 1/8 cup Thyme, fresh, sprigs leaves only - 1 1/3 whole Salt - 1/8 tsp Cracked black pepper - 1/8 tsp Goat cheese crumbled - 1/8 cup Pesto see recipe - 1/8 cup Thyme, fresh leaves to serve - 1/8 tsp Method: For the muffins 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Set frozen spinach aside to defrost about 1-2 hours before. 2. Grease a 12 hole muffin pan with oil or butter or you can use cupcake patty pans to line the muffin pan if you have them. 3. Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach and set aside. 4. In a food processor, add eggs, olives, sun dried tomatoes, thyme, salt and pepper and blitz for a few seconds to combine. 5. Divide the drained spinach and goat cheese, evenly in the prepared muffin pan and pour in the egg mixture. Top with a small dollop of pesto. 6. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and serve or let them cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the basil pesto 7. In a food processor or blender combine basil with pine nuts and garlic. 8. Add lemon juice and then the oil slowly and process into a paste. 9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 10. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

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From a series of recipes by Xali: Flax and Chia with Nuts, Yoghurt & Berries

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Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

The power of nostalgia: why it’s healthy for you to keep returning to your favourite TV series

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Kate Ritchie's surprise career announcement

Huge news for Molly the Magpie

Why Ray Martin is planning his own funeral

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MAS*H, 50 years on: the anti-war sitcom was a product of its time, yet its themes are timeless