Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar.
00:00 Introduction 02:41 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Write what you want to write 07:57 WIN! You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego 09:55 Word of the week: ‘Tintinnabulation’ 12:41 Re-release conversation: Beau Donelly 18:50 Beau’s first connection with the scandal 22:55 Initial research on Belle’s story 26:00 Fundraising fraud 27:25 Archiving social media 30:30 Categorising the information 32:49 Turning the story into a book 35:11 Dividing the workload between two authors 40:25 Exposing the ‘wellness’ influencer phenomenon 41:42 Painting a picture of Belle’s parents 46:20 The biggest challenge of writing the book 54:20 Belle Gibson’s lack of remorse 55:34 Final thoughts
Beau Donelly is a multi-award-winning journalist who covered social affairs for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. His news-breaking and investigative skills have been recognised by the United Nations and the Melbourne Press Club. Donelly has been awarded for an exposé on illegal brothels, coverage of clergy sex-abuse trials, and reporting on disability issues. He has also been a finalist for Australian journalism’s highest honour, the Walkley Award. Donelly has a Bachelor of Journalism from Monash University, and is based in Europe.
