The Truth About OZ FISH TV (full audiobook)
Entertainment
Introduction
Preface
As the author of this booklet, I believe it's essential to introduce myself in the context of the events that follow. At 40 years old, I was in the midst of my gender transition from being born male to living full-time as a woman. It may sound surprising that I’d go on to create a television show that spanned more than ten seasons, beginning on Community TV at Channel 31 in Melbourne and transitioning nationally via Channel 7. Life accumulates a lot of baggage, and as I grew older, I sought peaceful hobbies, leading me to rekindle an interest I had as a child.
I’m sharing my journey not as an act of revenge but to inform fans of any television show that reality often diverges sharply from the on-screen portrayal. I harbor no ill will against anyone mentioned here but aim for authenticity, sharing my truth with its warts and all.
The Beginning
Closer to my 40th birthday, I pursued activities that allowed me to enjoy solitude and calm. This included cooking and fishing—interests I hadn’t explored since childhood trips to Lake Eldon. Inspired by my brother's stories of catching Snapper and gummy sharks, I purchased a fishing rod and embarked on a journey to catch and cook fish such as Flathead and Whiting.
I wanted to create accessible and affordable fishing content for everyday anglers. I bonded with Glenn Kooper, a charismatic local fishing identity, and after brainstorming, I settled on the name "OZ FISH TV," inspired by my desire to make fishing relatable.
Using my father’s Sony Handycam, we began filming at Mornington Pier. Buddying with Glenn and humorist Chris Monia, we developed engaging content. With the guidance of musician Brett Garrett, the show had a unique identity.
Tragedy and Transition
Our filming journey was abruptly interrupted by personal tragedy. My sister-in-law's brother, Julian, took his own life at a young age. This shattered my family and affirmed my struggles with mental health. After some uplifting fishing trips with friends, I opened up about my gender dysphoria, which was met with compassion.
As we shaped the show’s pilot for Channel 31, I hoped to create a positive community around fishing. Yet, as the show gained traction, underlying tensions within our team began to surface. A tipping point arrived when Chris and Mick decided they no longer wanted to work with Glenn, leading to a painful confrontation that ultimately tore apart our friendship.
Legal Battles and Breakdowns
After stepping away from OZ FISH TV, tensions escalated into a flurry of accusations and intervention orders against me. I felt betrayed by colleagues I had trusted and was overwhelmed by the distress of distancing myself from the show I created.
The legal system's procedures frustrated me, and many of my endeavors felt thwarted. I couldn't comprehend friends suddenly turning against me, even in times when I desperately needed support.
As I navigated my mental health challenges, I experienced episodes of extreme anxiety and self-harm. It was a taxing period, and I battled feelings of inadequacy and despair. However, through the kindness of others, I slowly began to rebuild my life, demonstrating the healing power of friendship and fishing.
A New Journey
After a long, painful stretch, I found the courage to create a new project with Glenn, focusing on using fishing as a mechanism for mental health therapy. We developed a fresh approach, utilizing my production skills in ways that expanded beyond conventional fishing shows.
Although I suffered hardships, including battling legal challenges and personal demons, I discovered renewed purpose in my creativity, reinforcing the idea that resilience can come from shared experiences and community support.
Conclusion
Life is a complicated tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, love, and anguish. My experience with OZ FISH TV symbolizes not only my passion for fishing but also for acceptance and healing. It stands as a reminder that the journey matters more than the destination, and everyone deserves kindness and understanding.
Keywords
- OZ FISH TV
- Gender transition
- Mental health
- Fishing community
- Personal tragedy
- Resilience
- Friendship
- Healing
FAQ
Q1: What is OZ FISH TV about?
A1: OZ FISH TV is a fishing show that was created to make fishing accessible and relatable for everyday anglers.
Q2: Who is the main creator of OZ FISH TV?
A2: The main creator of OZ FISH TV is Ash Jackson, who went through a gender transition during the show's production.
Q3: What challenges did the creator face while producing the show?
A3: The creator faced personal tragedies, struggles with mental health, and conflicts with co-hosts that led to legal battles and emotional distress.
Q4: How did the creator's experiences influence the show's direction?
A4: The creator's experiences, especially around mental health, shifted the focus of the show towards using fishing as a therapeutic activity.
Q5: What is the current status of the creator's involvement with fishing shows?
A5: The creator has embarked on new projects focusing on mental health and fishing, emphasizing community support and awareness.