Three Minute Squiz with
Jono Liondis
Jono has joined the Squiz as a host and producer, working on some exciting new video projects... watch this space. He describes himself as an extrovert with a glass-half-full outlook and he’s been busy learning some new skills in different editing programs and dabbling in funky animations and graphics.
How and where do you Squiz?
I read the Squiz Today newsletter each morning with my breakfast and coffee, and listen to the episode in two parts on my walk to work. I live a 3 min walk from Squiz HQ, so the first listen is on the walk, and the second at my desk.
What keeps you busy?
Even before I joined The Squiz, I spent a lot of my day reading the news and listening to podcasts about what's going on in the world. On the work front more specifically, I find video editing super creative and I can get lost in certain projects. Currently learning some new skills in different editing programs and in how to make super funky animations and graphics.
What do you like to do in your down time?
I subject myself to being disappointed weekly by either the mighty St George Illawarra Dragons, or the Williams F1 team, spend too much time reading development applications for skyscrapers and other buildings, run and swim, and when I can justify the price of a lift ticket and airfare, ski!
Give us 4 people (living or dead) at your ultimate dinner party?
I am heavily influenced by this image from the 2015 TIME 100 gala dinner so George Lucas, Kanye West, and Elon Musk immediately make it onto the list. Lucas because I'm a huge Star Wars and film fan, and the man is responsible for so much technological advancement in Hollywood. Musk because I think for better or worse he will be one of the most consequential people to have ever lived, and I really enjoyed Kanye's music before he went crazy, and I think he would add an unhinged and unexpected vibe to the dinner. I'd round out the list with either Kevin Rudd or Bob Hawke... and no I don't think I'd get a single word in at this dinner party.
What’s something you’ve seen/read/listened to recently that you’d recommend?
I will never not recommend Andor, the Disney+ Star Wars series. I don't think any other recent film or television piece comes close to making the kind of commentary about where our world is in terms of authoritarianism, freedom, and standing up for what's right. Don't be turned off by the sci-fi trappings, as it's made impeccably well by the people behind Chernobyl, House of Cards, and the Bourne movies.
What’s been in your social feeds lately?
Lambs. Lots of very cute lambs. I may have accidentally started a psyop on myself to turn me into a vegetarian.
What do you consider to be an overrated virtue?
Seriousness, or rather a lack of playfulness. I think we don't encourage people to play or lean into their imagination enough...
What would you say is the most overlooked news story Aussies should pay attention to?
AI is definitely not overlooked per se, but I think our public discussion is lacking around the impact it will have on our economy, society, and geopolitics. If I can sneak in another recommendation, Squizers should definitely listen to Joe Walker's series on Compute in Australia with Andrew Charlton and Janet Egan.
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self?
Say yes to more things.
More Three Minute Squiz
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Kate Watson
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Larissa Huntington
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