Who is Michael Lindner?
Michael Lindner is a cute pie and a great dancer (according to his partner Greg!). According to me, I’m a very lucky mid 40s guy who gets to spend his working hours being creative in the theatre or as a primary school and special needs teacher. In my spare time I like to try and keep my life calm and peaceful. I attend the galleries, preferring the modern and avant-garde exhibits over the classics, I find the best and most tasty vegan eateries that I can and try to attend as many live music gigs as possible.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Two things spring immediately to mind. 1: be a children’s picture book author. 2: sing in a band. In some of my spare time, I am currently working on both of these projects… so far, they are hobbies.
Who inspires you and why?
My partner Greg, who is able to speak so openly and freely and helps me to be a better person.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Overhaul the school system and replace some subjects with more art and music into the State School curriculum, and use them to influence the teaching of open and constructive communication. Teach children that saying ‘I don’t know’ is more than okay and that those three words are an opportunity to discover more about the world they live in.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere new. I love to travel whether it be local or globally. Just getting away puts me in the mood for adventure and discovery.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take friends on a road trip along The Great Ocean Road. I love driving and I love stopping at towns along the way for little overnight stays. The coast is stunning and the forests beautiful. There is good eating to be had and wonderful walks to burn of the calories!
What are you currently reading?
To be honest I am on a reading break! I am spending my free time playing word games on my phone and iPad, working on my other projects and watching the occasional tv show like Mozart in the Jungle.
What are you currently listening to?
I am binging on podcasts at the moment. Cognitive Dissonance, The Scathing Atheists, Conversations With People Who Hate Me, RuPaul’s What’s the T? and The Thinking Atheist. Music wise I am listening to whatever Greg listens to as well as some 50s and 60s kitsch pop stuff.
Happiness is?
Playing board games. ‘Insert your favourite streaming service here’ and chilling. Travel. Live music. Finding ‘the red shiny thing’ – which I apparently called out in my sleep the other night (I have no idea what that was about). Not having commercial television any more!
What does the future hold for you?
In February I hope to be singing with my band ‘Michael and the Mascs’ as well as auditioning for future acting gigs and being on call as a casual relief teacher. I feel so very happy and lucky in my life at this moment and want to sit in this and enjoy it. I don’t feel the need to make any major shifts right now. Well, perhaps work on my fitness… perhaps!
Michael stars as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta for two performances on 14 & 15 August 2018. For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Michael Lindner (supplied)