Pip Russell, creator, Juiced
If you feel a pull to do something and know it’s right with all of your heart, go with it!
You may daydream about quitting your job and chasing that dream, but when standing on the cusp of a life-changing decision, the familiar behind you and the great unknown looming ahead, even a brave soul may retreat. But Pip Russell, much-loved local host of national children’s TV shows Toasted TV and Totally Wild, found the heart pull too strong, and broke a nine-year stint with Network Ten to launch a new project that could benefit the little patients of the Royal Children’s Hospital Brisbane. Juiced aims to be the first ever television show made by kids in hospital, for kids in hospital. Patients will not only steer the content but also feature in episodes, which may see them being granted special wishes such as swimming with dolphins or meeting their heroes. Encompassing an interactive website and weekly TV show broadcast internally throughout the hospital, Juiced will provide a social platform where sick kids and their families and friends can connect and support each other. But in order to get the project off the ground, Pip is now calling on kind-hearted locals to help raise awareness and funds. Before the Juiced crowdfunding campaign draws to a close on Friday September 26, The Weekend Edition caught up with Pip to talk charities, wisdom and happiness.
You’ve given up your day job to pursue your dream of helping kids – what have been some of the most interesting responses you’ve received to your decision?
A lot of people think it’s crazy that I’ve given up a job ‘being on TV’, but I just had a moment where I was totally sure this was what I wanted to do, and that it was going to be a success and make a real difference, so I took the jump! Now that I’ve left and have been championing the cause, the reactions from everyone have been nothing but positive and I’ve had so many offers of help!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Learning so many new things and holding all of the responsibility! I was with Network Ten for nine years so I was very comfortable in my role and always had a producer ticking everything off. Now that I’ve jumped out on my own, I’m looking at things I haven’t dealt with before. I need to get up to scratch on all aspects of pre-production, business development, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, while having a casual job to make ends meet. I do my best to have fun while taking so many things on board.
What do you imagine the benefits might be for precious little patients?
I think primarily Juiced will change the way kids experience hospital. It will bring back some normality of what it’s like to be and act like a kid – as they’re the ones creating and hosting the show. It will create a unique way for the patients, families and staff to communicate and reduce the alienation of a new environment. Can you imagine being admitted to hospital and scared about what’s ahead, then turning on the TV to see your doctor doing a dare decided by another kid in your ward? By including segments that showcase the hospital setting and procedures in an entertaining way and breaking down perceived barriers between hospital staff and patients, it will create more positive experiences and therefore increase the health and wellbeing of the little legends. Plus these kids get to be stars of their own TV show – the smiles during the filming experience and then when they see themselves on TV will be magic!
And what have been the greatest rewards?
The encouragement and reactions from current and past patients and families, as well as everyone I mention the project to! They can’t wait for the project to get off the ground. I’m really looking forward to recreating a strong sense of community to help these families in need and to create experiences that can in some way give these kids back some of the most important years of their life. To know that my family, friends, past co-workers and even people I’ve only just must also believe in the cause is very encouraging.
If we armed you with a heavy-duty megaphone at the top of City Hall, what’s one key message you’d like to get across to Brisbane residents about your crowd-funding campaign?
The success of this project, and the positive impact that can be made to the lives of these sick kids and their families, depends on our community. The more awareness and donations we have, the bigger and better Juiced can be, and the more experiences can be offered to the kids.
You were a presenter on national children’s shows like Toasted TV and Totally Wild for almost a decade, what do you love about working with kids?
Their honesty and their will to dive in to anything head first, always expecting a positive outcome!
The Children’s Hospital Foundation has already given your project the tick of approval, what’s your connection to the organisation?
I started volunteering for them with ‘Working Wonders’, playing with the patients and siblings in the Wonder Factory and up in the wards. Once I got my full-time role hosting Toasted TV, I wasn’t able to commit to the hours for volunteering, but I was determined to still make a difference so I started organising ‘parties’ for the kids that I could co-ordinate around my work hours. The staff at the Foundation were always very supportive of these events and helped organise them. So I didn’t really need to think twice about who I was going to approach first to roll out Juiced!
What are some other child-oriented charities we should know about?
I love the work that Camp Quality does, as well as a local organisation called s.p.a.c.e (Specialised Programs and Community Endeavours) who does a fantastic job of creating an inclusive community, especially for those with special needs. Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia is another organisation doing amazing things for people with a disability.
What’s the last thing that made you smile?
This morning I saw a little boy jumping in puddles at my local cafe. He was out in the rain, getting so muddy, but it seemed he didn’t have a care in the world!
What do you think the childhood version of Pip would think of the adult version of you?
She’d be pretty pleased that I’m out there doing what it takes to work on something I’m so passionate about, and that it involves making fun.
What’s one mistake that taught you a valuable lesson?
Saying yes! I get so excited about the possibilities out there and easily get caught up in ‘the big picture’, but I’ve now learnt the importance of really thinking through the pros and cons of opportunities to make a well-calculated decision, and to make sure that decision is in line with the core values of Juiced.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Fake it ’til you make it! It came from Natalie Cook when she visited my high school. It’s not about being fake as a person, but about doing what you need to do to get where you want to go. It’s a good way to give yourself a smile and lighten a situation when you feel a little out of your depth.
What are your essentials for happiness?
Time out, power naps, play, yoga and catch ups with family and friends over delicious food and coffee.
What are your words of wisdom?
If you feel a pull to do something and know it’s right with all of your heart, go with it! Everything will always fall into place, and teachers and helpers will always appear to help. And if you feel like you make a ‘wrong’ decision, just make another decision!
Only a local would know … you can do takeaway orders at Kotobuki in East Brisbane and save a long wait in line!
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Relax … New Farm Park.
Dine … Brown Dog Cafe, Woolloongabba.
Indulge … Kabuki at Stamford Plaza, Brisbane City.
Shop … Country Road – there’s something about the new Indooroopilly store that makes me want to buy everything!
Catch up … James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Be inspired … getting out into nature – walking Mount Coot-tha or heading to the beach.