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From Struggling Teen to Parliament: The Journey of Victorian MP Rachel Payne

In this episode of 'Not a Rich Kid,' host Kath Dolheguy engages in a compelling conversation with Victorian MP Rachel Payne of the Legalise Cannabis party. Raised in a working-class family, Rachel left home at 16 and supported herself through high school and university. Despite challenges, she found her path through diverse experiences including working at Centrelink and the Family Court of Australia. Rachel also explored the art of Burlesque, performing professionally under the name ‘Freckles Blue’ in Australia and internationally. Her story highlights the complexity of navigating political and social systems as someone deeply connected to real-world struggles. Rachel shares insights about her journey from enduring systemic challenges to advocating for cannabis legalisation, all while maintaining authenticity in a political landscape often detached from common realities.

00:00 Introduction to Not a Rich Kid Podcast

00:24 Meet Rachel Payne: From Working Class to Parliament

01:55 Rachel's Early Life and School Challenges

05:48 Navigating Independence and Family Struggles

11:46 University Life and Early Career

19:30 Discovering Burlesque and Moving to Paris

25:05 Returning to Melbourne and Pursuing a Masters

27:41 Advocating for the Adult Industry

33:07 Ethics and Censorship in the Adult Industry

37:30 Navigating Boundaries and Taboo Topics

38:23 Queer Experiences and Pornography Insights

39:39 Political Environment and Class Dynamics

41:09 Challenges and Imposter Syndrome in Politics

44:33 Voting System and Political Representation

48:49 Cannabis Legalisation and Personal Stories

01:01:00 Media Interactions and Political Realities

01:05:41 Reflections on Career and Personal Growth

01:08:05 Art, Politics, and Personal Connections

01:12:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch:

Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice.

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The Not a Rich Kid Team:

• Kath Dolheguy
• Frankie Kanatas
• Sarah Ryan-Linstrom

Post audio - Mike Tillbrook

Theme song:

‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.

Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:

• VCA who provided studio space
• City of Melbourne Arts Grants

Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants