This week Nicola and Di chatted with the award-winning journalist, Michael Usher. Michael has spent more than three decades at the centre of some of the biggest stories in Australia and around the world, and in this episode he takes us right into the thick of it. Now the chief network anchor at 7 News and host of Spotlight, Michael has covered war zones, 9/11, the Iraq War, royal weddings, the Queen's funeral, and so much more. We could have listened to his stories for hours!

We chat to Michael about how a defining moment as a teenager, watching Australian correspondents reporting from the other side of the world, set him on the path to journalism. He shares the wild, wonderful chaos of cutting his teeth as a young reporter in Kalgoorlie, before landing his big break in Sydney at just 23, and the extraordinary twist of fate that saw him report live from New York on the morning of September 11.

We also talk about some of the most memorable moments of his career, including an unforgettable, switch-flicking interview with the Duchess of York, and the circus of covering the Rose Porteous and Gina Rinehart saga early in his career. Michael opens up about the toll that years of travel and war reporting took on his family life, the guilt that comes with missing milestones, and how humour, a good curry, and a glass of red have helped him process some of the hardest things he's witnessed.

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Michael's account of covering the Abdallah and Sakr families' extraordinary story of forgiveness after the death of four children in a car crash, and the powerful impact that story had on families watching at home. We also get his take on covering the Bondi tragedy with care and calm, why he said yes to Dancing with the Stars despite being terrified, and the wisdom he'd offer his 20-year-old self after three decades in the industry.

We loved getting to know the man behind the calm, familiar voice we've all grown up watching. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Michael on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/michaelusher/

Follow Channel 7 News on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia

Follow Spotlight on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsspotlight

Vote for Michael in the Logies here - https://tvweeklogies.com.au/

Get the latest from Channel 7 News here - https://7news.com.au/

Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chatted with the award-winning journalist, Michael Usher. Michael has spent more than three decades at the centre of some of the biggest stories in Australia and around the world, and in this episode he takes us right into the thick of it. Now the chief network anchor at 7 News and host of Spotlight, Michael has covered war zones, 9/11, the Iraq War, royal weddings, the Queen's funeral, and so much more. We could have listened to his stories for hours!
We chat to Michael about how a defining moment as a teenager, watching Australian correspondents reporting from the other side of the world, set him on the path to journalism. He shares the wild, wonderful chaos of cutting his teeth as a young reporter in Kalgoorlie, before landing his big break in Sydney at just 23, and the extraordinary twist of fate that saw him report live from New York on the morning of September 11.
We also talk about some of the most memorable moments of his career, including an unforgettable, switch-flicking interview with the Duchess of York, and the circus of covering the Rose Porteous and Gina Rinehart saga early in his career. Michael opens up about the toll that years of travel and war reporting took on his family life, the guilt that comes with missing milestones, and how humour, a good curry, and a glass of red have helped him process some of the hardest things he's witnessed.
One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Michael's account of covering the Abdallah and Sakr families' extraordinary story of forgiveness after the death of four children in a car crash, and the powerful impact that story had on families watching at home. We also get his take on covering the Bondi tragedy with care and calm, why he said yes to Dancing with the Stars despite being terrified, and the wisdom he'd offer his 20-year-old self after three decades in the industry.
We loved getting to know the man behind the calm, familiar voice we've all grown up watching. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelusher/">Follow Michael on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/michaelusher/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia">Follow Channel 7 News on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/7newsspotlight">Follow Spotlight on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsspotlight</a>
<a href="https://tvweeklogies.com.au/">Vote for Michael in the Logies here - https://tvweeklogies.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://7news.com.au/">Get the latest from Channel 7 News here - https://7news.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f">Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades & they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney! 
They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 

“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades &amp; they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney!  They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 
“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Over the Back Fence

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.

Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 

Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 

Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.
Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 
Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 
Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.