Gabe Hogan

What do you do in your day-to-day life?
I’m a comedian and volunteer at JOY 94.9. Some days I’m getting up at 4:30am for breakfast radio, other days I’m going to bed at the same time. Every day’s different, today I patted five dogs, but that’s rare, usually I only get to pat one to two dogs a day. More often than not I’m in my car, I travel a lot for work so if you ever need a lift, give me call, chances are I’ll be driving past.

Why do you do it?
I’ve been asking my therapist the same thing. I love to make people laugh, and I love attention. My earliest memories are making my family laugh, it's always made me happy. Laughter is like a drug, a cheap one that’s good for you. Wait, does that make me a dealer? I think I’m having my 'Breaking Bad' moment.

What do you love about the city you live in right now?
All my stuff is here. I love the live scene in Melbourne. Every night there’s something happening, be it stand-up, live music, drag, theatre, burlesque, whatever you desire, Melbourne has it tucked away in some bar or laneway. Get out of the house, go see a live show, support the arts and have fun with friends.

What's the best thing about being a part of the LGBT+ community?
The people obviously. I think we’ve all had do a lot of soul-searching, and self-exploration to understand who we are and where we fit in the world. When you know who you are, even if the journey is rough, there comes a freedom that can’t be taken from you. I like to be around people who have insight and empathy, who are proud and joyful, that’s us to a LGB-T. Oh, and glitter... And Janelle Monae.

Do you have an LGBT+ icon/spokesperson that you look up to and if so, what do you love about them?
Yes! Anne Hamilton. She is the Operations Support at JOY and has been volunteering for almost 18 years. She selflessly dedicates so much of her time to make JOY what it is and she is the heart and soul of the place. She’s always smiling and so warm to everyone she meets. She doesn’t need fanfare or to be on air, she’s just quietly making the world a better place. She’s an absolute delight and never rolls her eyes at me when I ask her stupid questions or tell her I’ve forgotten my password again. By now she should have called me a moron a dozen times, but she hasn’t, not once.

How do you define happiness?
Did someone tell you I have a degree in philosophy? I’m having an existential crisis just thinking about it this. Happiness is a labrador, a big goofy, dopey labrador. if you can free your mind like that of a lab, be excited by the smallest crumb on the floor, freely love the people in your life and receive belly pats daily, then you will know happiness.

Are you happy with your work life balance?
Absolutely not, I have way too much time on my hands. Yesterday, I started a 2,000-piece puzzle. Two THOUSAND pieces! Who has time for that? Me… I have time for that. Please send work. Will wash cars. I work with friends a lot and it gives me the false impression that I have a social life. In reality, everything I do is about work. I don’t do much that doesn’t involve being creative, stand-up or producing podcasts or videos. Thankfully I love it, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Gross, I’m one of those people who loves their job, I hate those people.

Best lesson you’ve ever learned?
Always remember where you park your car. The police get a bit sh.tty when you tell them it’s been stolen and then find it where you left it three days later.

If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Yesterday, so I could remember where I parked my car.

What is your spirit animal?
I’d love to say something exotic like a jaguar or an Amazon parrot, but it’s a dog. I’m a plain-old bitsa, excited by the little things, a bad memory for people who mistreat me and will eat from the bin.