When Micah Kickett introduces himself, he often gets the same reaction: surprise – and then admiration. “I’m a lawyer, a stand‑up comedian and a reporter … I enjoy doing many things,” he says. And if his career looks eclectic from the outside, that’s exactly the point. For Micah, having multiple passions isn’t a contradiction – it’s who he is.
Born in Brisbane and raised in Broken Hill, Micah is deeply connected to his community and culture. But after completing a double degree in Communications and Law at the University of Western Australia – “almost a decade of my life wasted at university,” he jokes – his professional path initially followed the legal route.
Even then, creativity was never far from the surface: “I’ve always had a love for the creative arts and always knew I had this creative ability … I enjoyed film and television, making little films, drama, music. I didn’t want to lose sight of my creativity because that’s what makes me who I am.”
A welcome fork in the road
Years later, back in Broken Hill and practising law, Micah reached a crossroad. “I just felt like I was missing out on my creativity … this uncertainty came over me.” So he followed his instinct – by not going to work.
“I didn’t go into work that day. I drove straight to the ABC and said, ‘Hey, is there any way I could get some experience?’ They gave me a microphone and I was on my way!”
That same day, he heard a call‑out on the radio for trainee broadcasters at the Broken Hill community radio station 2DFRYFM . Within weeks, Micah was also volunteering as a radio announcer.
“I’d be a lawyer during the day, then go straight into volunteer broadcasting in the evenings, he says, reflecting on how he rediscovered the joy of storytelling.
That experience led him to a major career leap: a First Nations Affairs Correspondent role in Canberra.
Finding AFTRS
While working as a national reporter, Micah met members of the AFTRS teaching team at a CBAA conference. He immediately recognised an opportunity to deepen his skills.
“I thought this could only benefit me … to get experience in broadcasting and podcasting.”
But studying while juggling full‑time legal work, comedy gigs and reporting? Impossible – unless the course was online.
“If the radio and podcasting course at AFTRS wasn’t available online, I just wouldn’t be able to do it,” he says.
The Graduate Diploma of Radio and Podcasting offered exactly the flexibility he needed, allowing him to learn at night after court, or between stories in the field.
“You can still do your full‑time job … then by the evening time, you’re like, ‘Alright, let’s log into class.’”
The AFTRS experience: creative, supportive and real
Despite studying remotely, Micah felt immediately welcomed by his cohort and lecturers.
“It is isolating at times when you’re not physically on campus … but the lecturers make themselves available. They’ve been very compassionate and very understanding.”
He also values how culturally safe the environment feels.
“They understand things about the importance of family and sorry business … you feel very supported from that cultural sense.”
What he enjoys most, though, is the creative challenge:
“The assignments are fun and exciting … you’re always doing creative work. Radio packages, editing audio, producing stories; you learn the obstacles you’re likely to face in the real world, and how to overcome them.”
And with guest lectures from industry professionals – including First Nations journalists and performers – he’s been inspired by others who also blend multiple passions.
“A lot of them had the same experience … not really knowing what they wanted to do. That’s what I loved.”
Combining careers
Micah laughs at the idea of having to pick a single profession.
“People tell me all the time you have to pick one thing … but I don’t want to do that. I enjoy doing many things.”
And AFTRS, he says, doesn’t force him to choose – it helps him combine everything he is.
“Being a lawyer, being a reporter, being a comedian, they all complement each other,” he explains.
“When I’m in court, I’m telling stories. When I’m reporting, I’m thinking about comedy. When I’m doing comedy, that’s me being myself.”
Now, with the GDRP giving him the technical grounding to match his natural talent, Micah feels he’s building a future that is a true reflection of who he is.
Possibilities
Micah is honest about the juggle.
“At times it can be difficult … but if you can make it work, make it work. The reward is worth it.”
It’s the same message he wants other people to hear, especially those worried they might be “too busy” or already committed to another career: “You don’t have to box yourself into one thing. Allow yourself to explore other opportunities. If this is something you love, you can do it.”
For Micah, AFTRS hasn’t provided a pathway to his career, but it has been a big and enjoyable part of the journey.
