THE UNMASKING OF ‘THE 28 YEAR OLD MALE’ AND BIRTH OF ‘QUARTER LIFE CRISIS PODCAST’
Two of Melbourne’s biggest and brightest personalities are excited to announce the launch of Quarter Life Crisis Podcast, a fresh and engaging Australian podcast hosted by two mates, James Kennedy and Richard Hughes. This new weekly show is set to capture the essence of navigating life between 18 and 40 with a blend of humour, honesty and relatability.
Kennedy, widely recognised as the voice behind the hugely popular social media account The 28 Year Old Male has unmasked himself as one of the co-hosts of this groundbreaking podcast. Since its inception six years ago, Kennedy’s account has amassed a whopping 170,000 followers, creating a vibrant community grounded in relatability and humour. His Instagram page has become a source of camaraderie and support for many, offering a much-needed laugh and a sense of friendship.
Kennedy first connected with Hughes through this Instagram page, discovering a shared vision to expand their community into something even more meaningful. Their collaboration has given rise to Quarter Life Crisis Podcast, a podcast (produced by Rolln Media and Brayden Cocks) that aims to engage listeners with stories, laughter and candid discussions about the challenges faced during these transformative years.
Hughes, a writer and director, has garnered acclaim for his work across commercials, short films and fashion campaigns. His notable achievement came in 2015 with the creation, direction and co-production of "The Viral Experiment", a series of eight videos that captivated global audiences and mainstream media, amassing over 280 million views and earning him prestigious awards. In 2022, Hughes expanded his repertoire with his debut feature film, "The Enforcer", which stars Antonio Banderas, Kate Bosworth and 2 Chainz.
“I’m just bloody excited and relieved to finally, after six years of avoiding therapy by posting my every shortcoming on the internet to strangers, be able to continue to avoid therapy by speaking them into a microphone without a mask on.
“We’re at a flashpoint where we’re surrounded by the increasingly negative elements and impacts social media is having on people, of all ages. But this six-year rollercoaster has been an unexpectedly positive experience for both myself, and a lot of the people who follow the page and reach out for a yarn. Having spent my professional life as a social worker in youth homelessness, sport and mental health, the two worlds just inevitably merged and turned into this place people can go to be themselves without fear judgement and shame for their mishaps.
“To be going down this path with a heavyweight like Rich and just an absolute privilege. He’s a creative genius and a ball of energy waiting to explode on the mic,” said Kennedy.
Quarter Life Crisis Podcast will focus on fostering engaging conversations by inviting listeners to share their personal experiences, meet new people and explore diverse perspectives. The podcast will also emphasise mental health awareness, addressing the challenges associated with mental wellbeing through a lighthearted yet honest approach, offering both support and encouragement. The show aims to build a strong sense of community, continuing the legacy of Kennedy’s social media account by creating a space where listeners feel a deep connection and understanding.
The podcast is designed to resonate with men and women aged 18-40, though its content is relevant to anyone navigating similar life stages. Through a combination of humour, heartfelt discussions and a genuine connection with their audience, Kennedy and Hughes aim to create a space where listeners feel heard, share their personal stories, are supported and entertained.
Tune in to Quarter Life Crisis Podcast for an honest and engaging look at the ups and downs of life’s twenties and thirties. Listen wherever you find your podcasts or follow on Instagram.
