The Whole Truth

by Jackie O

Jackie Henderson, known to most as ‘Jackie O’, has graced Australia’s airwaves since 1993. Through hard work and openness with her listeners, she rose from minor on-air roles to form one half of the country’s biggest radio programs alongside controversial co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and ‘Ugly Phil’ O’Neil.

Here, for the first time, Jackie speaks candidly about her life in and out of the spotlight. She takes us behind the scenes of the spectacles and scandals of The Kyle and Jackie O Show and shares stories from thirty years spent working with huge celebrities, big egos and legions of both fans and detractors.

Her body. Her relationships. Her parenting. Her salary. Her health. All have been discussed across gossip pages and on social media, but there are parts of her life Jackie has kept private.

In this brave, no-holds-barred memoir, she is finally telling all. Forget everything you think you know about Jackie O. This is the whole truth.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Jess Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay firstly - I inhaled this as an audiobook 👏🏼

Jackie O did such a fantastic job narrating her story - one that I never thought I would be all that intrigued about listening to, however this memoir is SO well written and Jackie had me unexpectedly hooked from chapter one.

The detail and reflections of the career moments she feels ashamed of and proud of, her relationship working with Kyle, history with media, her path down addiction and who knew radio show contract signings would be so fascinating? 😂 I also adored the dedication to her daughter at the end.

This one was very much a pleasant surprise for me and I would absolutely recommend!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went from thinking I was so uninterested in reading this - to giving it 4 stars. So let me try sum up my complicated thoughts.

I do not think Kyle S is a good person and do find it hard to respect someone who lets him behave the way he does BUT this was honest, introspective and refreshing. Im flip flopping back and forth on how much he is her responsibility to shut up. If I try think about this book just in the context of her then I really appreciate the rawness and couldn’t ask for more in a memoir. I’ve been sucked in hook line and sinker but will still not be listening to the Kyle and Jackie O show.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about this book was her honesty. The first step to recovery is admitting it. I loved how she didn't sweep it under the carpet. She was brave in sharing her experiences, and in doing so will help others. I also loved how she wants to help others exactly as she was helped. I loved hearing all about her radio career also. I didn't really know much about her before reading this but now I have so much respect for her.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I was shocked by this one. It was actually really interested to hear Jackie's story and to hear her thoughts on some of the things that have happened over the years. I remember listening to Kyle and Jackie O on the hot 30 countdown when I was 13-15 and would religiously listen for Dolly Doctor on monday nights. It felt different, it felt compelling and so I can understand how and why they have managed to get to where they are now - basically at the very top of breakfast radio. I don't think the way they have conducted themselves has been appropriate in many situations but having some context was interesting and gave me some understanding (some things still remain unforgiveable for me as I think being a 'bystander' to Kyle's awfuless is not an excuse). I found her marriage breakdowns quite sad and I was yearning to hear her 'happy ending', but it does sound like she has learned and found more of herself in the struggles she has overcome the last 10 years - including addiction. I don't listen to them on breakfast radio, so I hope this new found self confidence has made an impact on the way she handles herself on radio and also from stopping people walk all over her - including Kyle.
I have always found Jackie's voice very easy to listen to, so would recommend the audiobook for this one.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew, that was tough. First time I’ve hate-read a book: I only picked up a copy off a friend to read about her drug addiction, but that was discussed right at the end.

Here’s what I liked:

- the rehab part
- the fact that she sped through her childhood (because she’s right, no one wants to read about someone’s childhood)

Here’s what I didn’t like:

- the lack of awareness of her privilege
- the disinterest and apathy in any current affairs or anything other than entertainment (again, a privilege)
- her lack of accountability for Kyle (oh he made an antisemitic joke? Heaps of body shaming jokes? that terrible incident with the 14 year old on air? …just mentioned, acknowledging how awkward and cringe these moments were and how they’ve grown and moved on…yet follow MFW on Instagram and you can see how NOT true this is)

[Billie-Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up.

I'm not a fan of Jackie O's radio show, but I can't deny that her presence in the entertainment I grew up with carries some nostalgic value (hello, Popstars). Moreover, she delivers what mainstream media desires; so in this regard she "has a gift".

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Jackie's rise to fame, controversies, personal struggles and growth made for an engrossing audio experience (narrated by Jackie herself, and solidly done). It was generous of her to share her story, I feel (she's not wanting financially, given her massive salary in radio).

[Tashiedoo Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jackie!

An open, honest confession to herself and the rest of the world. By speaking up you are able to help others. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I felt your heartbreak and struggle. ❤️

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up for a fantastic audiobook. Like Sally, I enjoyed Jackie's honesty, but just can't fully respect someone who defends a guy like Kyle Sandilands. The 'pranks' Jackie talked about are some of the cruelest acts I've ever heard of local celebrities being involved with. Can you imagine your local newsreaders running a competition to give away the money to help an amputee get a new prosthetic, but only if no random member of the public rings in to claim the money in the next 15 minutes? That would never make it past the ethics department, today, but it shouldn't even need to go that far. Any normal person with a conscience would be able to see that as the heartless act it is and put a stop to it. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief and disgust. I have never and will never listen to The Kyle and Jackie O Show, because even if they no longer play these 'pranks' their entire identity is corrupted by what they did in the past.

[Soraya Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always had huge admiration for Jackie O and loved hearing interviews with her, so I found this book fantastic. It's honest and raw, and it was so interesting reading about her career. Highly recommend if you're interested in reading about one of the most powerful Australian women in media!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as an audio book! Hearing the emotion in Jackie’s voice while telling her story gave me goosebumps. Definitely worth a read, or even a listen!

[Belinda Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not on my 2024 “to be read” until genuinely a week ago and it has surprised me beyond belief that I loved it so much. I listened to it, which I think made it better as it’s narrated by Jackie herself. I love that all proceeds from the book are going to charity and she was so open and honest about so many facets of her life. I genuinely couldn’t stop listening! Her struggles with relationships, substance abuse and being a media personality are fascinating and she’s been through so many things. I’d seriously recommend it to anyone, even if you aren’t a massive fan of her because you might just be after this.

[Dalya Jankelowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy to read…. And big font

[Daria Ostrowska · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - this was pretty good. I don't listen to the Kyle and Jackie O show and I don't follow Jackie O's life on the socials but something just drew me to the audiobook specifically, which she narrates.

The title is telling - Jackie O gets real in her memoir and reveals a lot of details about all aspects of her life. From sex and relationships, to self-worth and rehab, she lays it all on the table. I particularly enjoyed her insights about celebrities she's interviewed and the general behind the scenes look at radio life. I did find her to be a pretty slow speaker though so I bumped the speed up to 1.4, which helped.

I think Jackie O fans will lap this up for the inside scoop on her life, but there's wisdom to be found here for all listeners.

[Emily Conaghan 🐛 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Wild Truths, Raw Honesty

- - -
Apparently, January was my month for memoirs from people I don’t actually know much about. Either marketing works really well, or I just can’t resist a celeb tell-all.

I knew Jackie O was a radio presenter, but full disclosure - I don’t listen to the radio. If I’m in the car it’s an audiobook or podcast all the way, so I wasn’t familiar with her show.

While Jackie’s honesty is the real standout here (she names names and spills all the tea around celeb drama, messy marriages, rehab, radio contracts and her chaotic dating life), the whole thing felt overly scripted. The delivery lacked the natural, conversational flow that makes memoirs shine.

Here’s where I’m torn in this review - the reality TV loving, celeb-gossip side of me enjoyed some of these stories but others gave me major icks. Some of the stories she told of stunts her radio show pulled were wildly problematic and stories I don’t believe should ever have been done or rehashed due to the hurt and humiliation it would have caused people, all for the sake of entertainment

One of the biggest takeaways I had was Jackie is an incredibly successful woman but also seems deeply insecure, especially when it comes to the men in her life. The long and possibly unnecessary dating app section of the story had so many red flags. And the way she spoke about her co-host Kyle and other men? Yikes. I found myself feeling more sympathy for her than anything else but also happiness at her finally seeming to find a better path in her life now.

This book could be valuable for anyone struggling with addiction or navigating big love life changes. It’s raw, unfiltered and brutally honest - which is what bumped up my rating. But some of the stories shared, likely for the shock factor, were hard to hear or enjoy.

[Alanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love or hate this book.
Alot of background building like how she grew up and how she got into radio. Not a whole lot about her addiction and such.
I think u would like this book if you follow her quite closely or grew up with her. As for someone that has no idea who she is this book is meh.
I dunno I also felt she tip toes around her addiction and her experience?!?! Like example the brit spears and paris books are so in depth but this one not so much?
Maybe because I grew up with them more and knew them through there ups and downs.
Sorry rambling brain dump

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long term Kyle & Jackie O listener, this has been on my TBR since its launch. I was fortunate enough to have enough credits to listen to this audiobook on Spotify & am so glad I did.

This is an incredibly moving story from start-to-finish. I don’t often cry, but I think hearing Jackie’s story, narrated by herself, makes all of the emotions & experiences all the more real. Stories like this are a perfect reminder that celebrities, like everyone else, are humans.

This is perfect for the long term fan & dare I say even for those with minimal knowledge of Jackie!!

5 ⭐️

[Bianca Stackpole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never a hater of Jackie but actions she did do my conservative community criticised. Reading her book makes me look at her differently with greater respect with what she endured. And it’s also fascinating that the same school we both attended 20 years later some things never changed, bitches we’re still bitches.

[Michael McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kyle and Jackie O show was a staple of my youth. I listened to the audio book format and thoroughly enjoyed hearing Jackie O’s voice again as she shared the highs of her career and the lows of her addiction to prescription medication.

[Sophie Keogh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of Jackie so I have mixed feelings on this book. I appreciate her rawness when talking about her addiction and rehab experience. However, I found it a bit out of touch and strange how she flippantly discussed Kyle’s disgusting comments/behaviours.

[Jordan Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 - Wow, I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. I’m not really an autobiography gal, but something made me want to read this. I think the Aussie-ness of it all really helped. Worth a read if you’re interested.

[Kate McElligott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌟 listened as an audiobook.

What an interesting life story- in particular hearing about Jackie’s experience with addiction and the journey to healing from that ❤️‍🩹

[Isabella Refalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it ! I really loved listening to Jackie’s story, it goes to show not everything is as it is perceived to be

[Nadine McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire Jackie’s honest. Would be so hard to tell this story

[Kurstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and am so glad I got this on audible because having Jackie O read her story to me was awesome and way better than me reading it with my inside voice

[Erika Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t listen to Kyle and Jackie O but appreciate a good celeb story when I see one. This book was so raw and genuine and I absolutely lapped up every word. A great autobiography!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a sucker for a celeb bio! Love that Jackie narrated it herself

[ruby elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love hearing women’s stories in their own voices. in times it felt a little name droppy but overall an important story to tell and to listen to

[Rachel Salom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

This is the first book I’ve listened to entirely as an audiobook - Jackie O did such a great job at narrating it herself

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t think I’d ever be interested in Jackie O or radio in general but I flew through this!