Phil Brown

Phil Brown is a respected arts journalist and commentator, poet and author who has worked for all the major news outlets in Australia and internationally.

For many years he has also written wry columns about his life and the vagaries of existence with occasional references to Dumb and Dumber.

“As an author I often write about myself,” Phil says. “And, if that sounds self-indulgent, you don't know the half of it. Mind you if you read any of my memoirs - Travels with My Angst, Any Guru Will Do and The Kowloon Kid, all will be revealed. Existential angst reigns in all my work including my two books of poetry - Plastic Parables and An Accident in the Evening. Is that a good thing? You can be the judge of that.”

Phil is a popular presenter at festivals and events of an artistic or literary nature and is available for speaking and writing engagements. In fact, try shutting him up.

BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL

Brisbane Powerhouse - 9th October 2025

Phil Brown in conversation with Sean Sennett

ABOUT THE SHOW
One of Australia’s most esteemed arts journalists and BWF’s favourite raconteur Phil Brown launches his delightful memoir Confessions of a Minor Poet, which showcases his trademark blend of pithy insight and wit.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Phil Brown is editor of InReview, Qld, an independent arts outlet. He is the author of two books of poetry – Plastic Parables (Metro Community Press 1991) and An Accident in the Evening (Interactive Press 2001). His most recent book is The Kowloon Kid: A Hong Kong Childhood published by Transit Lounge in 2019. He has been covering the arts in Australia in the mainstream media for nearly four decades and was for some years Arts Editor for The Courier-Mail in Brisbane.

Sean Sennett is a Brisbane based popular culture writer and songwriter. He has interviewed over 3000 artists from Paul McCartney and David Bowie to unsigned artists. Sean was the editor/owner of Time Off magazine for two decades. His work has been published both in Australia and overseas. He has written songs with Kate Ceberano, Steve Kilbey, Ross Wilson and Rob Hirst and has had them recorded by the likes of Kasey Chambers and John Paul Young. Sean currently hosts a podcast Time To Talk and is a regular voice on 4BC.