Big Chocky: On Being Called Racist, Assimilation, Extremism & Why Young Boys Need Heroes

In this conversation, Big Chocky and I tackle some of the most difficult and polarising issues facing Australia right now.

Big Chocky opens up about being labelled a racist, his stance against all forms of extremism, and why calls for retaliation after the Bondi attacks were not the right answer. We discuss ASIO, the limits of watchlists, and the reality that many serious threats never make headlines.

The conversation turns to protecting women amid rising attacks, the lack of positive role models for young boys, and how anger can be redirected into communication rather than violence.

He also shares his personal story — being adopted at two months old, never knowing his biological parents, the role his wife has played in his success, and how he grew an audience of more than one million people in just a year.

Karl reflects on his own father’s experience immigrating to Australia, the importance of assimilation, and what it means to join a country by embracing its values — not just living within its borders.

A confronting, personal and timely conversation.