Jess McGuire was born in London, spent her early years in Indonesia, and grew up in Sydney before moving to Melbourne in her early twenties to pursue her two great loves - writing and talking.
For many years she was the editor of pop culture website Defamer Australia, and penned many freelance pieces for the likes of Meanjin, assorted Fairfax papers, the Lifted Brow, The Drum, and Time Out (among other periodicals of varying quality). She also featured in the ‘Women of Letters’ anthology, a collection published by Penguin Australia.
As for the talking part? She spent many years broadcasting at Melbourne’s beloved community radio station RRR, as well as appearing regularly on ABC Darwin, ABC Perth, and Triple J. She presented Doco Club on Myf Warhurst’s Double J show, and delivered her verdicts on social etiquette and moral dilemmas as Judge Jess on ABC Melbourne.
In between all that she worked as a wedding DJ, a pub trivia host, and even a removalist for a stint (hit her up if you need a hand lifting a fridge).
After getting stuck on the other side of the VIC/NSW border for 3.5 months during the 2020 Melbourne lockdown, she lived in a van with her beloved dog Rufus exploring as much of regional NSW as possible, and fell madly in love with the Western Plains. So when the opportunity came up to head there permanently to host breakfast radio on the ABC, she made the easiest decision of her life and moved to Dubbo within the month.
She’s keen to learn all the best hiking routes, and wants to know ALL your favourite top secret locals-only swimming holes.