Unscript
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley September 17, 2026
Author Christian O’Connell
Distributor: Wiley
ISBN: 978-1394419364
Publisher: Wiley
Release Date: 29 July 2026
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The Radical Act of Being Yourself
Unscript from Christian O”Connell is a relatively small book that contains a story of love, gratitude, life, learning and understanding from a man who has spent his entire working life listening to people and is an absolute joy to read.
Christian O’Connell for those who until this moment have never heard of him is a Broadcaster, a man who has had a talk back radio show in two countries, the UK and Australia, achieving a hit #1 radio show in both countries.
He has spent his life, listening too, talking to and entertaining live, people who needed to share an aspect of their life, have someone to talk to, were looking for advice, or a little compassion and understanding.
Unscript opens with the death of his mother-in-law, unexpected and to their small family settling in a new country, absolutely shattering. The paramedic attending the family recognised Cameron and said it was a broadcast of his on the Imperfects Podcast that had made a big difference in his life. He realised he was not alone!
From then on Christian understood that by being himself, by showing up, by sharing the things in life which are the hardest to share, are often the things that make a difference, help make reality acceptable and allow people to understand that behind the face we all present to the world is a person who is simply trying, in the best way they can, to get through their day.
Each chapter is an absolute gem, filled with warmth and understanding. Illustrating to perfection the underlying ethos of Unscript is the story of Peter Logan in Chapter two, which is one that will resonate with so many.
Peter realised far too late that if he had taken the free Bowel Screening test, his cancer would have been picked up and treated. He told his story on air, encouraged everyone to use the free screening kits and write on the back, ‘Pete sent me’: the pickup rate was 600%. Words are powerful, sharing more so.
The appalling and tragic shooting at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, draws the book to a close. Both tragic events, both events in so many ways bringing a clarity to who we as people are, who we want to be and how we can change to be a better person.
Christian O’Connell has talked his way through tears, tragedy, fun, laughter and so much more, faced his own demons, suffered through lack of faith in his ability, and learned, not just from his own experiences but those of his listeners, that life is simply about showing up being yourself and travelling with kindness down the pathway as you learn to ‘come home to yourself’.
Unscript is a must read, a book to dip into in times of stress and uncertainty and a book that asks you, at the end of each chapter, to answer three simple questions that will make a difference in your life.