Match-day sports announcer Jarrod Walsh, who will host the Breakthrough Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner at Adelaide Oval in June, tells SALIFE about meeting LeBron James, being a dad, and the best advice he’s received for navigating a fast-paced career.
Describe the best day of your life.
Well, it would be cliché, predictable, and accurate to talk about my wedding and the birth of my two beautiful daughters. But to be honest, I’m a huge basketball fan, and I love — probably too much — LeBron James. I had the opportunity to meet him in 2012, and I’ll always remember my wife’s words following that chance meeting: “He knows you exist”. I’ll never forget that day.
What brings you joy in life?
I honestly spend every day of my life trying to make moments and experiences for other people. To see the impact that I can have on the world — to make someone else’s day better — gives me genuine hope and love.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
There’s lots. And trust me, when you have a public job, you get lots of advice from people — sometimes wanted, other times a bit too direct. The best advice has been to stop and breathe. That’s been important because I live in such a fast-paced world. Sometimes I forget to do that, and I lose track of being grateful and thankful for everything around me.
What is your most treasured photograph and why?
I’d love to say there’s one photo, but genuinely, every time I have a photo with my two daughters, I make it my phone wallpaper. I just stare constantly at it because they are so different, but so similar, and I’m just so grateful that they’re mine.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
Oh, there are so many. I have two. I love heading into the city in Adelaide and having a wonderful Argentinian steak. And I love going up to my favourite winery in the Barossa — First Drop Wines — and having all the food they offer. It’s a tapas-style meal, and it’s amazing, paired with some beautiful wines.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
I love humility. I love someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I love someone who’s always wanting to improve. And I love someone who appreciates and accepts me for being me.
What are the best 5 songs on your Spotify playlist?
- Whispers in the Dark – Mumford & Sons
- Love Somebody – Morgan Wallen
- Us – Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift
- All These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers
- From Now On – Zac Brown Band (from The Greatest Showman reimagined soundtrack)
Subscribe for updates
What was your best purchase?
I’ve purchased a lot of sports jerseys … but I’d have to say my family home. It’s exactly what I’ve dreamed of, and I love spending time here.
The sold-out Breakthrough Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner will be held at Adelaide Oval on June 13. Those who didn’t secure a ticket can still support mental health research by purchasing a $50 ticket for the Breakthrough statewide car lottery.
