Marty Sheargold's surprise comeback: Unveiling the secret behind his sudden break
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After a sudden and unexplained hiatus, Triple M's popular radio host Marty Sheargold has made a triumphant return to the airwaves.
His absence, which sparked a flurry of speculation and concern among his loyal listeners, was finally addressed in his first show on Monday, January 15.
Sheargold, a veteran presenter who broadcasts The Marty Sheargold Show in Melbourne, candidly opened up about the reasons behind his abrupt departure last October.
He confessed to his co-hosts and listeners that he had been grappling with mental exhaustion and had reached a point of burnout due to his extensive commitments across TV, radio, and live shows.
'I just realised I'd absolutely burned myself out over the last couple of years,' Sheargold admitted, adding that he had been inspired by the decisions of two high-profile AFL coaches who had publicly acknowledged their need for a break.
'I was actually inspired by Alistair Clarkson and Damien Hardwick, two men last year who put their hands up and said, “I need a break”. And I thought, “You know, I need a break.”’
Sheargold's sudden disappearance in October sparked a whirlwind of speculation and concern among his fans.
In response, he released a written statement explaining his need for an extended break to his listeners.
'I just wanted to let people know that I'll be taking an extended break from work, with the very kind and compassionate permission of my employers, who have been generous in their understanding of my need for a break,' Sheargold said then.
The presenter further shared that he had been feeling 'mentally exhausted' and was in desperate need of time away to recuperate.
He emphasised the importance of public figures like himself acknowledging their struggles with mental health to break down the stigma surrounding it.
'I think it's important for people like myself who have a public voice to admit that I am exhausted mentally from my range of commitments across TV, radio and live shows in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health,' he continued.
Sheargold's statement followed reports that he was kicked out of the AFL Grand Final in late September due to poor behaviour—a claim that his employer, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), vehemently denied.
The company supported Sheargold and his decision to take personal leave.
'We will continue to support Marty's request for personal leave to spend time with his family, and we look forward to having him back on air soon,' the SCA spokesperson said.
Despite his recent return to The Marty Sheargold Show, there's speculation about its longevity.
Late last year, Media Week suggested that Christian O'Connell might replace him, as Australian Radio Network (ARN) is set to acquire Triple M.
The takeover, if successful, could potentially shift the Gold 104.3 host to Sheargold's prime breakfast spot.
‘ARN is in the midst of an ambitious takeover of SCA which, if successful, would mean ARN takes control of the Triple M network and sells its Gold and WSFM stations in Melbourne and Sydney,’ Media Week speculated.
‘That would also mean that ARN would presumably take The Christian O’Connell Show to Triple M. If that happened, it would mean no more Marty Sheargold on Triple M Breakfast,’ they said in the report.
The morning show has since been cancelled.
Have you listened to Marty Sheargold’s first show since his return, members? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
His absence, which sparked a flurry of speculation and concern among his loyal listeners, was finally addressed in his first show on Monday, January 15.
Sheargold, a veteran presenter who broadcasts The Marty Sheargold Show in Melbourne, candidly opened up about the reasons behind his abrupt departure last October.
He confessed to his co-hosts and listeners that he had been grappling with mental exhaustion and had reached a point of burnout due to his extensive commitments across TV, radio, and live shows.
Marty Sheargold revealed the reason behind his abrupt break. Source: @rob_mcknight/X (Twitter)
'I just realised I'd absolutely burned myself out over the last couple of years,' Sheargold admitted, adding that he had been inspired by the decisions of two high-profile AFL coaches who had publicly acknowledged their need for a break.
'I was actually inspired by Alistair Clarkson and Damien Hardwick, two men last year who put their hands up and said, “I need a break”. And I thought, “You know, I need a break.”’
Sheargold's sudden disappearance in October sparked a whirlwind of speculation and concern among his fans.
In response, he released a written statement explaining his need for an extended break to his listeners.
'I just wanted to let people know that I'll be taking an extended break from work, with the very kind and compassionate permission of my employers, who have been generous in their understanding of my need for a break,' Sheargold said then.
The presenter further shared that he had been feeling 'mentally exhausted' and was in desperate need of time away to recuperate.
He emphasised the importance of public figures like himself acknowledging their struggles with mental health to break down the stigma surrounding it.
'I think it's important for people like myself who have a public voice to admit that I am exhausted mentally from my range of commitments across TV, radio and live shows in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health,' he continued.
Sheargold's statement followed reports that he was kicked out of the AFL Grand Final in late September due to poor behaviour—a claim that his employer, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), vehemently denied.
The company supported Sheargold and his decision to take personal leave.
'We will continue to support Marty's request for personal leave to spend time with his family, and we look forward to having him back on air soon,' the SCA spokesperson said.
Despite his recent return to The Marty Sheargold Show, there's speculation about its longevity.
Late last year, Media Week suggested that Christian O'Connell might replace him, as Australian Radio Network (ARN) is set to acquire Triple M.
The takeover, if successful, could potentially shift the Gold 104.3 host to Sheargold's prime breakfast spot.
‘ARN is in the midst of an ambitious takeover of SCA which, if successful, would mean ARN takes control of the Triple M network and sells its Gold and WSFM stations in Melbourne and Sydney,’ Media Week speculated.
‘That would also mean that ARN would presumably take The Christian O’Connell Show to Triple M. If that happened, it would mean no more Marty Sheargold on Triple M Breakfast,’ they said in the report.
The morning show has since been cancelled.
Have you listened to Marty Sheargold’s first show since his return, members? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
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