Deborah Frances-White

Comedian, Writer

Deborah Frances-White’s podcast – The Guilty Feminist – has 90 million downloads and a fan base – celebrites and lesser mortals - that just keeps on growing. The Oxford scholar has cut a career in stand-up comedy, writing, public speaking and podcasting.

She has been described by The Guardian newspaper as, “Hilarious, irreverent, eternally surprising, classy as hell, genius.” So it’s been quite a journey for a girl from suburban Brisbane.

Deborah’s husband, Tom Salinsky, who produces the podcast, is the one who takes centre stage in the family kitchen. But it was Deborah, whose role in the kitchen is more “bit part”, won Tom’s heart by sleight of hand. The crispy-crusted pies in ceramic pots she served when she invited him to dinner were a winner. But it was only later she revealed that they came from the local deli famed for its mouth-watering offerings guaranteed to please. Definitely a food lover, Deborah has been known to set out on an adventure trail to satisfy a craving – including two-and-a-half hours for a pizza. This particular offering has no toppings – just pizza dough and sauce. But what a mama mia! “It’s like angels are crying on my tongue,” she says.

But away from the laughter and fabulous food, there is an important cause that has her devotion. Choose Love is a global organisation that does whatever it can to provide essential support for refugees and displaced people, chooselove.org. It provides everything from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice – and Deborah, who is set to tour Australia and New Zealand in July – hopes you will support it, too.