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Unscript: The Radical Act of Being Yourself
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Christian O'Connell
8 books10 followersChristian O’Connell is a multi-award winning broadcaster who hosts commercial radio’s biggest breakfast show, on Absolute Radio. He is also a touring stand up comedian with several sold out National tours and three critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival shows. He has presented TV shows on Sky1, ITV and C5.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 13, 2026
*Review of advanced reading copy*
In Unscript, O’Connell explores the importance of vulnerability, enjoyment and embracing uncertainty in life. By sharing his personal hardships in life, such as moving to Australia to start a new radio show, O’Connell demonstrates how stepping out of your comfort zone is beneficial for personal growth. His use of personal anecdotes helps reinforce the book’s central message of “unscripting” oneself and being open to new perspectives and opportunities.
Although I found some areas of the book inspiring and relatable, it did not particularly appeal to me, as it was the first self-help book that I’ve read, because the genre did not overly resonate with me.
Nevertheless, O’Connell’s use of personal experiences helps give readers insight into how challenges can shape one’s perspective on life.
September 1, 2026
Unscript
Christian O’Connell
Unscript from Christian O”Connell is a relatively small book that contains a story of love, gratitude, life, learning and understanding from a man who has spent his entire working life listening to people and is an absolute joy to read.
Christian O’Connell for those who until this moment have never heard of him is a Broadcaster, a man who has had a talk back radio show in two countries, the UK and Australia, achieving a hit #1 radio show in both countries.
He has spent his life, listing too, talking to and entertaining live, people who needed to share an aspect of their life, have someone to talk to, were looking for advice, or a little compassion and understanding.
Unscript opens with the death of his mother-in-law, unexpected and to their small family settling in a new country, absolutely shattering. The paramedic attending the family recognised Cameron and said it was a broadcast of his on the Imperfects Podcast that had made a big difference in his life. He realised he was not alone!
From then on Christian understood that by being himself, by showing up, by sharing the things in life which are the hardest to share, are often the things that make a difference, help make reality acceptable and allow people to understand that behind the face we all present to the world is a person who is simply trying, in the best way they can, to get through their day.
Each chapter is an absolute gem, filled with warmth and understanding. Illustrating to perfection the underlying ethos of Unscript is the story of Peter Logan in Chapter two, which is one that will resonate with so many.
Peter realised far too late that if he had taken the free Bowel Screening test, his cancer would have been picked up and treated. He told his story on air, encouraged everyone to use the free screening kits and write on the back, ‘Pete sent me’: the pickup rate was 600%. Words are powerful, sharing more so.
The appalling and tragic shooting at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, draws the book to a close. Both tragic events, both events in so many ways bringing a clarity to who we as people are, who we want to be and how we can change to be a better person.
Christian O’Connell has talked his way through tears, tragedy, fun, laughter and so much more, faced his own demons, suffered through lack of faith in his ability, and learned, not just from his own experiences but those of his listeners, that life is simply about showing up, being yourself and travelling with kindness down the pathway as you learn to ‘come home to yourself’.
Unscript is a must read, a book to dip into in times of stress and uncertainty and a book that asks you, at the end of each chapter to answer three simple questions that will make a difference in your life.
Christian O’Connell
Unscript from Christian O”Connell is a relatively small book that contains a story of love, gratitude, life, learning and understanding from a man who has spent his entire working life listening to people and is an absolute joy to read.
Christian O’Connell for those who until this moment have never heard of him is a Broadcaster, a man who has had a talk back radio show in two countries, the UK and Australia, achieving a hit #1 radio show in both countries.
He has spent his life, listing too, talking to and entertaining live, people who needed to share an aspect of their life, have someone to talk to, were looking for advice, or a little compassion and understanding.
Unscript opens with the death of his mother-in-law, unexpected and to their small family settling in a new country, absolutely shattering. The paramedic attending the family recognised Cameron and said it was a broadcast of his on the Imperfects Podcast that had made a big difference in his life. He realised he was not alone!
From then on Christian understood that by being himself, by showing up, by sharing the things in life which are the hardest to share, are often the things that make a difference, help make reality acceptable and allow people to understand that behind the face we all present to the world is a person who is simply trying, in the best way they can, to get through their day.
Each chapter is an absolute gem, filled with warmth and understanding. Illustrating to perfection the underlying ethos of Unscript is the story of Peter Logan in Chapter two, which is one that will resonate with so many.
Peter realised far too late that if he had taken the free Bowel Screening test, his cancer would have been picked up and treated. He told his story on air, encouraged everyone to use the free screening kits and write on the back, ‘Pete sent me’: the pickup rate was 600%. Words are powerful, sharing more so.
The appalling and tragic shooting at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, draws the book to a close. Both tragic events, both events in so many ways bringing a clarity to who we as people are, who we want to be and how we can change to be a better person.
Christian O’Connell has talked his way through tears, tragedy, fun, laughter and so much more, faced his own demons, suffered through lack of faith in his ability, and learned, not just from his own experiences but those of his listeners, that life is simply about showing up, being yourself and travelling with kindness down the pathway as you learn to ‘come home to yourself’.
Unscript is a must read, a book to dip into in times of stress and uncertainty and a book that asks you, at the end of each chapter to answer three simple questions that will make a difference in your life.
Review of advance copy
A book to keep coming back to.
I purchased Unscript at the Melbourne book launch and I was happy to discover that this is one of those books that makes you stop, think and look at life a little differently.
Christian O’Connell shares plenty of wisdom, but in a way that feels genuine, funny and like an old friend. At times, it really does feel like you are part of the conversation.
There were moments of sadness, happiness and everything in between, exactly what a good book should be like.
Christian talks a lot about connection, stories, perspective and staying grounded, and I found myself wanting to underline parts or dog tag pages throughout the book. There are so many little pieces of advice and observations that I know I’ll come back to again and again.
What I loved most is that it feels like Christian is having a conversation with you rather than simply telling you how to live your life. Unscript is thoughtful, honest and from the heart.
In short, it is real.
I finished the book feeling a little more grounded and a little more grateful, and I was reminded of how important the people and animals we connect with can be.
A genuinely lovely book that I’ll be referring back to often
I purchased Unscript at the Melbourne book launch and I was happy to discover that this is one of those books that makes you stop, think and look at life a little differently.
Christian O’Connell shares plenty of wisdom, but in a way that feels genuine, funny and like an old friend. At times, it really does feel like you are part of the conversation.
There were moments of sadness, happiness and everything in between, exactly what a good book should be like.
Christian talks a lot about connection, stories, perspective and staying grounded, and I found myself wanting to underline parts or dog tag pages throughout the book. There are so many little pieces of advice and observations that I know I’ll come back to again and again.
What I loved most is that it feels like Christian is having a conversation with you rather than simply telling you how to live your life. Unscript is thoughtful, honest and from the heart.
In short, it is real.
I finished the book feeling a little more grounded and a little more grateful, and I was reminded of how important the people and animals we connect with can be.
A genuinely lovely book that I’ll be referring back to often
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Unscript. This didn't feel like another self-help book, it genuinely felt like sitting down for a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend.
Christian has a beautiful way of blending humour, vulnerability and wisdom into his words. The stories made me laugh, reflect and, at times, brought tears to my eyes. The message that our "magic is in the mess" has really stayed with me and is something that I will strive to embrace in my life from now on.
Christian has a beautiful way of blending humour, vulnerability and wisdom into his words. The stories made me laugh, reflect and, at times, brought tears to my eyes. The message that our "magic is in the mess" has really stayed with me and is something that I will strive to embrace in my life from now on.
October 9, 2026
Exquisite ❤️
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews