What do you think?
Rate this book
I'm Liz Hayes
10 hours and 13 minutes
Liz Hayes has graced our television screens for more than four decades. Millions of Australians kicked off their weeks with Liz co-hosting Channel 9's Today show, and now for over 25 years have settled into their Sunday nights to watch her investigative journalism on 60 Minutes.
From camping in grizzly bear territory to sipping tea with an Afghani warlord in an active warzone, Liz has almost seen it all. She has shared the stories of celebrities and movie stars, leaders and politicians, heroes and villains across the globe, but - after a lifetime of reporting on others - when tragedy struck her own family, Liz discovered that sometimes the hardest story to tell is your own.
Compelling and elegantly written, Liz's long-awaited memoir takes us behind the cameras and back to when Beth Ryan, the dairy farmer's daughter, became seasoned journalist Liz Hayes, and how life in the country gave way to 'controlled' crash-landings on US aircraft carriers.
Synonymous with her iconic 60 Minutes television introduction, I'm Liz Hayes, is a warm and authentic memoir about what's possible, and what it can cost you, when you choose a life of adventure.
Liz Hayes has graced our television screens for more than four decades. Millions of Australians kicked off their weeks with Liz co-hosting Channel 9's Today show, and now for over 25 years have settled into their Sunday nights to watch her investigative journalism on 60 Minutes.
From camping in grizzly bear territory to sipping tea with an Afghani warlord in an active warzone, Liz has almost seen it all. She has shared the stories of celebrities and movie stars, leaders and politicians, heroes and villains across the globe, but - after a lifetime of reporting on others - when tragedy struck her own family, Liz discovered that sometimes the hardest story to tell is your own.
Compelling and elegantly written, Liz's long-awaited memoir takes us behind the cameras and back to when Beth Ryan, the dairy farmer's daughter, became seasoned journalist Liz Hayes, and how life in the country gave way to 'controlled' crash-landings on US aircraft carriers.
Synonymous with her iconic 60 Minutes television introduction, I'm Liz Hayes, is a warm and authentic memoir about what's possible, and what it can cost you, when you choose a life of adventure.
- GenresMemoir
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 22, 2023
16 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 8, 2024
Liz Hayes is a very well-known Australian journalist. She’s been part of our television landscape for over 40 years. My first experience of Liz was watching the Today show on Channel 9 every morning in the 1980s. Morning TV was new and a bit exciting back then – for me anyway, and presumably others.
After many years working on the Today show, Liz then worked for Australia's 60 Minutes, then after many years she had her own Investigative TV show.
I feel she’s always been around, I like her. She’s pleasant, knows her stuff, can do ‘light and fluffy’, but also can make a subject squirm if required.
This memoir covers Liz’s childhood and family life in regional New South Wales and details of her personal life. But most of the memoir covers her work – including the hundreds of people she has interviewed over the decades. From superstar musicians to serial killers. Also, she describes many of the hundreds of locations she has worked throughout the world – she and her various crews have been everywhere.
I loved this and found the whole thing relatable because I've watched much of her work.The writing was wonderfully conversational too.
Great stuff, Liz. I love your work!
5 Stars
After many years working on the Today show, Liz then worked for Australia's 60 Minutes, then after many years she had her own Investigative TV show.
I feel she’s always been around, I like her. She’s pleasant, knows her stuff, can do ‘light and fluffy’, but also can make a subject squirm if required.
This memoir covers Liz’s childhood and family life in regional New South Wales and details of her personal life. But most of the memoir covers her work – including the hundreds of people she has interviewed over the decades. From superstar musicians to serial killers. Also, she describes many of the hundreds of locations she has worked throughout the world – she and her various crews have been everywhere.
I loved this and found the whole thing relatable because I've watched much of her work.The writing was wonderfully conversational too.
Great stuff, Liz. I love your work!
5 Stars
October 31, 2024
I grew up with Liz Hayes' voice every Sunday night while my parents watched 60 Minutes religiously. As I grew older, I joined them. She is familiar. You feel like - after hearing her voice and seeing her on screen for my whole life - you know her.
This memoir was insightful and personal. We start at the beginning and work our way through her life. From her childhood, to her now unorthodox way of becoming a world class journalist (Liz has no formal training or degree in journalism, but what she has got is a hunger for stories and telling them), opportunities that frightened her but she jumped at and some of the stories and encounters that she remembers the most. The hardest part of her career though was investigating and telling the story that ultimately killed her father, and that lead her into an even more intense career on Under Investigation.
Liz narrates the memoir herself and, honestly, I could listen to her soothing and meaningful voice all day. I already had a lot of respect for Liz and the work she's done, but I didn't know I could have anymore. A true class act.
This memoir was insightful and personal. We start at the beginning and work our way through her life. From her childhood, to her now unorthodox way of becoming a world class journalist (Liz has no formal training or degree in journalism, but what she has got is a hunger for stories and telling them), opportunities that frightened her but she jumped at and some of the stories and encounters that she remembers the most. The hardest part of her career though was investigating and telling the story that ultimately killed her father, and that lead her into an even more intense career on Under Investigation.
Liz narrates the memoir herself and, honestly, I could listen to her soothing and meaningful voice all day. I already had a lot of respect for Liz and the work she's done, but I didn't know I could have anymore. A true class act.
Read
February 10, 2024A very insightful memoir- it was highly inspirational to see all the adventures Liz experienced and embarked upon, and the capacity that journalism possesses to initiate real change.
I wished some more of her experiences, especially her time during 60 minutes reporting on the difficult stories, was explored in more depth while her celebrity encounters could have been even further glazed over (although in her defence they were already quite brief).
I wished some more of her experiences, especially her time during 60 minutes reporting on the difficult stories, was explored in more depth while her celebrity encounters could have been even further glazed over (although in her defence they were already quite brief).
April 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book by Liz Hayes. I listened to the audio book narrated by her which made it even more meaningful as it felt like she was right beside me telling me her story over and over cup of tea.
I have soo many questions about topics she only touched on briefly. For example: who was the overseas celebrity who came to stay? Was her house a party house when Richard Wilkins lived there? How did Billy Joel lose all of his weight? What other behind the scene stories does she have? …and my list goes on.
I connected with her as a country girl and as for regional health services, things have really not improved as I am now discovering with my 80 year old mother.
Liz, or should I say Beth, I loved your writing and stories you told. For a country chick you’ve achieved so much, a total success story. I wonder if your old school in Taree has ever had you back for a careers day? If not, they should so you can inspire other country kids to go after their dreams.
I have soo many questions about topics she only touched on briefly. For example: who was the overseas celebrity who came to stay? Was her house a party house when Richard Wilkins lived there? How did Billy Joel lose all of his weight? What other behind the scene stories does she have? …and my list goes on.
I connected with her as a country girl and as for regional health services, things have really not improved as I am now discovering with my 80 year old mother.
Liz, or should I say Beth, I loved your writing and stories you told. For a country chick you’ve achieved so much, a total success story. I wonder if your old school in Taree has ever had you back for a careers day? If not, they should so you can inspire other country kids to go after their dreams.
July 22, 2024
What an incredible read! Made all the more enjoyable as I paired the audiobook read by Liz Hayes with the physical book. I laughed, I cried, I gasped and said oh wow out loud more times than I care to admit. I’ve grown up watching Liz Hayes on TV and to hear the stories behind the scenes was fabulous, entertaining and brought back some wonderful memories. I can only hope there is a part two some day! And easy read, well worth the trip down memory lane. 5⭐️
March 30, 2024
Liz has had a monumental life, covering some of the worlds biggest stories and moments
Putting her life on the line to capture stories on the front of a war zone to interviewing the biggest celebrities.
This memoir shares stories throughout Liz’s career and give insight into the behind the scenes of historic moments.
Putting her life on the line to capture stories on the front of a war zone to interviewing the biggest celebrities.
This memoir shares stories throughout Liz’s career and give insight into the behind the scenes of historic moments.
January 26, 2024
Enjoyed reading about Liz’s early years as well as her progression into journalism. She has had an amazing career. The 60 minutes stories were great. I remembered many of them and it was insightful to gain Liz’s perspective of what happened behind the scenes. I also loved reading about the wonderful relationship Liz had with her Mum, Dad, brothers, and of course Ben. Really lovely. Very well written too. Five stars!!
May 8, 2024
3.75.
As Australians we love Liz Hays. This to me read more of an old fashioned memoir: As in there really wasn't much in here that wasn't known before. I did like the behind the scene stuff, negotiations and about her family.
As Australians we love Liz Hays. This to me read more of an old fashioned memoir: As in there really wasn't much in here that wasn't known before. I did like the behind the scene stuff, negotiations and about her family.
January 6, 2024
Great book
March 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
It feels like Liz Hayes has been around forever and the memoir showed. I was struck by just the amount of experiences and people that Hayes has interviewed and encountered over her time at 60-minutes.
I really enjoyed reading the little snapshots of interviews, from celebrities to set locations. Each chapter was fairly short, conversational in tone and a fun insight into whatever interview Hayes was sharing about.
The two things I wished for more:
1) Perhaps it was simply a matter of too much people and too little time. I often found myself wanting Hayes to share more about a particular interview, to share more about that experience. But I think instead the memoir wants to cover more ground, so we end up with a few hundred words per individual.
2) I felt like by the end - I kind of knew Liz Hayes better...but not really? Did I really get a sense of the person behind the questions or more just the stories shes covered (and I can't even begin to count how many! So many people and stories...). It's a hard balance I guess. She's got so much to share and different people will want to read about people. Perhaps the most raw are the chapters where Hayes shares about her experience with her parents passing. In those chapters I feel like we get more of a glimpse of the person, rather than just the person we see on screen.
It feels like Liz Hayes has been around forever and the memoir showed. I was struck by just the amount of experiences and people that Hayes has interviewed and encountered over her time at 60-minutes.
I really enjoyed reading the little snapshots of interviews, from celebrities to set locations. Each chapter was fairly short, conversational in tone and a fun insight into whatever interview Hayes was sharing about.
The two things I wished for more:
1) Perhaps it was simply a matter of too much people and too little time. I often found myself wanting Hayes to share more about a particular interview, to share more about that experience. But I think instead the memoir wants to cover more ground, so we end up with a few hundred words per individual.
2) I felt like by the end - I kind of knew Liz Hayes better...but not really? Did I really get a sense of the person behind the questions or more just the stories shes covered (and I can't even begin to count how many! So many people and stories...). It's a hard balance I guess. She's got so much to share and different people will want to read about people. Perhaps the most raw are the chapters where Hayes shares about her experience with her parents passing. In those chapters I feel like we get more of a glimpse of the person, rather than just the person we see on screen.
December 4, 2023
I could not recommend this book more highly enough and deserves every star of its 5 star rating. That said, What an insight into one of the most iconic women in Australia. I listened to the audiobook of this, and Liz narrated her story to me with that soothing, modulated and friendly voice we've all come to know watching her on Channel 9 uncover stories on 60 minutes, as well as read the news.
There's a good mix of family, news, friendships, loves and losses and so much more in-between these pages. I especially loved hearing about all the Channel 9 personalities and also Channel 10 where she started in the TV industry (Harry Potter, Katrina Lee) before defecting to 9. Stories about Brian Henderson, Alan Wilkie, John Mangos, Richard Wilkins...the list goes on and then there's snippets of stories from 60 mins which she elaborated on.
As I was listening to Liz talk, I cried with her as she told the story of her Mother's dementia, and the passing of her beloved Dad. There is honesty and warmth in all her stories and retelling.
I haven't given a review for a book this year (I've become a tad lazy unfortunately) but, this book has stirred up a passion inside me that I needed to highlight it as a "bloody good read".
There's a good mix of family, news, friendships, loves and losses and so much more in-between these pages. I especially loved hearing about all the Channel 9 personalities and also Channel 10 where she started in the TV industry (Harry Potter, Katrina Lee) before defecting to 9. Stories about Brian Henderson, Alan Wilkie, John Mangos, Richard Wilkins...the list goes on and then there's snippets of stories from 60 mins which she elaborated on.
As I was listening to Liz talk, I cried with her as she told the story of her Mother's dementia, and the passing of her beloved Dad. There is honesty and warmth in all her stories and retelling.
I haven't given a review for a book this year (I've become a tad lazy unfortunately) but, this book has stirred up a passion inside me that I needed to highlight it as a "bloody good read".
August 23, 2024
I know that this review might be contrary to many others on here, but this memoir was read and then quickly forgotten.
One of its many problems is a core problem, and that core problem is that Liz Hayes speaks of herself as a seasoned journalist yet lacks any tertiary education. In her industry, this quickly puts one in the slot of a presenter, and a member of the school of hard knocks. The school of hard knocks does not necessarily teach you the hallmarks of the craft such as journalism ethics, journalism law, journalism integrity, critical analysis, balanced reporting etc etc.
What is found in the pages is a collage of diary regurgitations, open bias and opinions that lack critical analysis/balance. “2016 took me to country X where I interviewed person Y” You know that’s not even interesting since we already knew that. As for open bias…those on the right just cannot win in Liz’s world, and she wasn’t even subtle about it. She came close to complimenting conservatives Barry Humphries and Russell Brand, but pulled the pin at the last moment to save herself. That was too close, Liz.
Now, critical analysis…You know…to ride along with urban gang members in a dangerous city, like Chicago, must have been exciting and a night to remember. However, in the memoir, she prefaces gang membership with the guise that racism and poverty give one in the environment little choice, and that is entirely incorrect. She would know that if she would have taken the opportunity to step back, leave her personal viewpoints at the door and really had dug deep into street violence comprehensively before getting on the plane. Had she chosen that pathway, her story would have led her from the sketchy streets of Chicago to maybe Chicago City Hall, where she could have asked its plethora of alderman (practically all Democrats) and Mayor (Democrat) why it is happening after decades and decades of single-party rule and what is being done to ensure a better future. After all, the last Republican mayor of Chicago left office way back in 1931, and Illinois, as a state, has had a Democrat in charge for 17 of the past 21 years. Shouldn’t we look at the governmental leadership and even examine some of the negative cultural issues at play in the communities as well? Without doing the hard yards, we are presented with a piecemeal, sensational story that is ultimately lowbrow and lacks context.
The pattern that I just mentioned just repeats itself over and over and over in Liz Hayes’ memoir and reflects a certain culture that she has worked in for several decades. Sure, reporting like this can provide us with plenty of shiny “Oh my gosh!” moments that sell plenty of advertisements, but that does not qualify it for much more than that in the grand scheme.
Maybe the next book out there will be better. 🤞
One of its many problems is a core problem, and that core problem is that Liz Hayes speaks of herself as a seasoned journalist yet lacks any tertiary education. In her industry, this quickly puts one in the slot of a presenter, and a member of the school of hard knocks. The school of hard knocks does not necessarily teach you the hallmarks of the craft such as journalism ethics, journalism law, journalism integrity, critical analysis, balanced reporting etc etc.
What is found in the pages is a collage of diary regurgitations, open bias and opinions that lack critical analysis/balance. “2016 took me to country X where I interviewed person Y” You know that’s not even interesting since we already knew that. As for open bias…those on the right just cannot win in Liz’s world, and she wasn’t even subtle about it. She came close to complimenting conservatives Barry Humphries and Russell Brand, but pulled the pin at the last moment to save herself. That was too close, Liz.
Now, critical analysis…You know…to ride along with urban gang members in a dangerous city, like Chicago, must have been exciting and a night to remember. However, in the memoir, she prefaces gang membership with the guise that racism and poverty give one in the environment little choice, and that is entirely incorrect. She would know that if she would have taken the opportunity to step back, leave her personal viewpoints at the door and really had dug deep into street violence comprehensively before getting on the plane. Had she chosen that pathway, her story would have led her from the sketchy streets of Chicago to maybe Chicago City Hall, where she could have asked its plethora of alderman (practically all Democrats) and Mayor (Democrat) why it is happening after decades and decades of single-party rule and what is being done to ensure a better future. After all, the last Republican mayor of Chicago left office way back in 1931, and Illinois, as a state, has had a Democrat in charge for 17 of the past 21 years. Shouldn’t we look at the governmental leadership and even examine some of the negative cultural issues at play in the communities as well? Without doing the hard yards, we are presented with a piecemeal, sensational story that is ultimately lowbrow and lacks context.
The pattern that I just mentioned just repeats itself over and over and over in Liz Hayes’ memoir and reflects a certain culture that she has worked in for several decades. Sure, reporting like this can provide us with plenty of shiny “Oh my gosh!” moments that sell plenty of advertisements, but that does not qualify it for much more than that in the grand scheme.
Maybe the next book out there will be better. 🤞
February 29, 2024
Anyone that has a television set has had the delightful Liz Hayes inside their loungeroom.
From her days as a reporter for National Nine News, to co-host of the TODAY show and then as a reporter on 60 minutes, Liz has been on my television screen for as long as I can remember.
I really enjoyed this. It opens with a particularly heartfelt story and one I remember well, the illness and preventable death or her father. Liz returns to this story later in the book and I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been for her telling this story. I vividly remember watching “The Greatest Loss” and marveling at her strength whilst being appalled that rural Australians were faced with this issue.
Equally heart wrenching is the telling of her mother's demise.
Throughout the book, Liz talks us through her part in bringing us so many major news stories throughout the years. I found myself nodding along, remembering events that have definitely shaped our lifetime; some happy, some sad and a bit of everything in between.
I love Liz and her natural demeanor as a journalist and now even more as a storyteller.
From her days as a reporter for National Nine News, to co-host of the TODAY show and then as a reporter on 60 minutes, Liz has been on my television screen for as long as I can remember.
I really enjoyed this. It opens with a particularly heartfelt story and one I remember well, the illness and preventable death or her father. Liz returns to this story later in the book and I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been for her telling this story. I vividly remember watching “The Greatest Loss” and marveling at her strength whilst being appalled that rural Australians were faced with this issue.
Equally heart wrenching is the telling of her mother's demise.
Throughout the book, Liz talks us through her part in bringing us so many major news stories throughout the years. I found myself nodding along, remembering events that have definitely shaped our lifetime; some happy, some sad and a bit of everything in between.
I love Liz and her natural demeanor as a journalist and now even more as a storyteller.
July 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book by Liz Hayes. I listened to the audio book narrated by her which made it even more meaningful and personal, it felt like Liz was right beside me telling me her story over a cup of tea.
The 60 minutes stories were great, so many we remember, it was insight to gain Liz’s perspective of what happened behind the scenes. I also loved listening about the wonderful relationship Liz had with her parents, brothers, and of course Ben. Really lovely with a few tears to follow, Liz is so down to earth.
Very easy to listen too.
The 60 minutes stories were great, so many we remember, it was insight to gain Liz’s perspective of what happened behind the scenes. I also loved listening about the wonderful relationship Liz had with her parents, brothers, and of course Ben. Really lovely with a few tears to follow, Liz is so down to earth.
Very easy to listen too.
July 31, 2024
An interesting documentation of Liz Hayes’s life starting as a shy young child with a love of running, through to journalism & television. There are many people & places during a long career in 60 Minutes & other TV ventures. There are personal stories, coverage of many world & local news stories, some very dangerous. A very honest account of feelings, sometimes insecurities etc.
I score this 4.5 🌟
I score this 4.5 🌟
February 13, 2024
I’ve always been a fan of Liz Hayes so it was great to read her story and realise that she is as down to earth as I expected. She tells an interesting story of a life being lived well, of interesting travels, and we get to delve a bit into behind the scenes of her TV career.
March 4, 2024
I loved hearing Liz narrate her story in the audiobook. Thanks for sharing all these life experiences and memories with us Liz; the insight into crazy goings-on from a down-to-earth farm girl was delightful.
March 25, 2024
A captivating account of her journey, featuring insightful interviews with remarkable individuals. From coping with the loss of loved ones to discovering love with the right man. I have always enjoyed Liz on the tv and the book shows what type of hardworking lady she is.
July 23, 2024
I grew up with Liz Hayes on The Today Show playing on the television as I got ready for school. She is a respected journalist and has a calming voice which adds a soothing element to her narration. An interesting listen as Liz recounts her personal and professional experiences.
September 5, 2024
Liz Hayes
Excellent read and interesting. I watch Liz Hayes 60 minute clips on YouTube and find them fascinating. Liz Hayes memoir is a good read, an easy read and quite a look into the life of the journalist, Liz Hayes.
Excellent read and interesting. I watch Liz Hayes 60 minute clips on YouTube and find them fascinating. Liz Hayes memoir is a good read, an easy read and quite a look into the life of the journalist, Liz Hayes.
March 6, 2024
Very good. Totally interesting all the way through.
April 8, 2024
What a life. A really interesting book highlighting all of Liz’s travels and journalistic life.
Read
May 11, 2024Would recommend!
May 25, 2024
A thoroughly entertaining book that I listened to. Liz narrated the book and she had so many stories from her 40+ years in television.
July 1, 2024
Loved every page of this book
September 1, 2024
Great read that I must admit I enjoyed more than I thought I would. I've come away from reading this book, more of a fan than what I was before.
February 3, 2025
I loved this- I found the background story of Liz’s upbringing and early career fascinating. Always loved her on Sunday Night too!
February 9, 2025
What a life Liz has had in investigative journalism ♡ Loved every bit of this memoir (and am very grateful for her time discussing the book online with ConnectedAu last year).
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews