On the Couch with Danielle Matthews

Danielle-Matthews-AAR-On-the-CouchWho is Danielle Matthews?
Good question. I’m still figuring that out myself. I hope Danielle Matthews is overridingly a good person. An empathic person who others feel they can turn to and be listened to by. To some I’m simply “That really good singer” – but I’m trying to make sure I define myself as more than what I do or what skills I have. It’s hard but I’m getting there.

What would you do differently from what you do now?
Be more present and less caught up in how my actions are effecting people and myself.

Who inspires you and why?
It’s not one particular person. I am inspired by people collectively who speak up and out and call things out when they see injustice. The kind of people who don’t care if they get punished for it or people turn their backs on them for speaking up. I have always been a people pleaser in many ways and scared to offend people. So I have so much respect for people who just put it all on the line despite the consequence. I think it’s really gutsy and brave.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Advocate for people. Give a voice and a sense of worth to people who doesn’t feel they have one / it. I hope I am already doing that through my position leading the Choir of Hard Knocks and the community.

Favorite holiday destination and why?
I don’t think I have a favorite. What I love most is to travelogue places I’ve never been to before. It’s the experiencing everything anew for the first time that I love about travel. However I do love visiting my family in Vanuatu every year. I always come back feeling re-energised, re-connected to my culture (South Sea Islander), and healthy in mind and body. It’s like my recharge.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Depends on the friend and their interests, but in winter I would take them up to the snow. To the mountain I grew up on as a child and spent all my winters at – Mt Baw Baw. There’s nothing like Australian Alpine areas. Snow and gum trees together are a sight to behold and a combination you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

What are you currently reading?
I’m not currently reading a novel at the moment. I should…

What are you currently listening to?
Bach. It has saved my sanity in Lockdown. I listen and practice mindfulness whilst doing Jigsaws.

Happiness is?
Disneyland.

What does the future hold for you?
No idea! I just hope it’s one in which I’m happy. That’s all any of us want in the end I think.


Danielle has found a legion of new fans with her popular bin-themed songs which have been delighting fans throughout lockdown. Checkout her YouTube channel for her latest parodies. For more information about Danielle, visit: www.daniellematthews.net for details.

Image: Danielle Matthews (supplied)