Adam Spencer

A lifelong numbers nerd, Adam flitted between a law degree and a PhD in pure maths before winning—of all things—a stand-up comedy competition run by triple j radio entitled “Raw Comedy”. This national search for undiscovered talent continues today, but as Adam explains: “I entered in its very first year — the standard was appalling — so I went really well.”

Through this, Adam met the good people at triple j and within a couple of years was hosting the breakfast radio show with his good friend Wil Anderson. After six years Adam and Wil called it a day. A year later Adam returned to the grown-up ABC Sydney radio station 702, where for eight years he set ratings records and maintained second place in Australia’s largest and most competitive market.

In December 2013 he ended eight years of news, traffic, weather and chess results on what was undoubtedly the geekiest radio show Sydney had seen in a very long time—if ever.

Adam has complemented his radio career with numerous television roles, hosting everything from the national science show Quantum to poker championships, and appearing on the weekly sports review The Back Page and ABC news and current affairs program The Drum. His Sleek Geeks Science Comedy show with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki was a particular favourite with audiences.

A passionate sports lover, he is an ambassador for the Sydney Swans and coached a women's soccer team at the University of Sydney for over a decade.

He is the University's first ever ambassador for mathematics and science and is aligned with numerous charitable causes. He serves on the board of directors of Redkite, is an ambassador for the Fred Hollows Foundation, and was a co-creator—via his radio show—of Dry July, which has raised over $15 million for adult cancer services in Australian hospitals.