And We’re Rolling – Jess Yates
Interview
Steph Hunt:
Jess Yates, thank you so much. This is so exciting.
Jess Yates:
It is. Thanks for having me. This is a great conversation to have.
Steph:
Now, you are an absolute powerhouse — a super-talented journalist and presenter, especially in the world of rugby league and motor racing. It’s high-octane, full of grunt, and I love it.
And of course, you’ve just had your brand-new little babe, Samuel — baby brother for Isabella.
Tell me, how’s life at the moment?
Jess:
I think you can probably relate exactly to how I’m feeling — running on no more than three hours of consecutive sleep and wondering every morning when you wake up: How am I going to get through today?
But I’m loving every single second of baby Samuel.
Second time around, you know it will end eventually — that you will sleep again.
Someone said to me the other day:
“Your first baby is your pride, and your second baby is your joy.”
And I can totally relate to that.
I’ve really tried to find every minute I can to just sit and be with him, instead of rushing around trying to do everything — which I think you naturally do with your first baby.
Call me crazy, but I’ve already gone back to work.
I took baby Samuel with me to the car racing when he was five weeks old. That’ll be a cool story for his 21st birthday.
He had no idea where he was or what was going on.
I’ve embraced the chaos and the juggle. I think that’s how I function best — when it’s all happening.
So far, so good. He’s an absolute delight.
Steph:
He’s gorgeous.
And there seems to be a growing crèche at Fox Sports HQ.
Jess:
There is!
Tara Rushton, Lara Pitt… welcome to baby number three for me.
It’s lovely because we’re all around the same age, all trying to fit it in where we can.
And being working mums in the job we do — weird hours, weekends — it’s a juggle.
It’s nice having that connection with other women who get it.
We lean on each other, share experiences, tips, nannies, all of it.
On Being a Female Broadcaster in Sport
Steph:
What was it like in the early days compared to now?
Jess:
It’s so different.
When I started, there were barely any women in sports journalism, certainly on TV.
I’d show up to rugby league press conferences, A-League, cricket — whatever it was — and I’d be the only woman there.
There was almost this unspoken rule:
One female per shift.
It was ridiculous.
That’s changed enormously.
Now it’s about merit — the best person for the job.
That’s exactly how it should be.
And I think that visibility matters.
Young women now can actually see it’s possible.
That matters enormously.
On Confidence
Steph:
Is confidence something you’ve always had?
Jess:
I think so.
It’s interesting because I’m watching Isabella work this out for herself now.
She’s eight, full of sass, doing ballet and singing and piano.
I did all of that too.
And funnily enough, my old ballet teacher is now teaching her.
Watching that has made me realise how much performing taught me.
Preparation. Discipline. Commitment.
Those lessons transferred directly into television.
And honestly, I loved pressure as a kid. I thrived on it.
That confidence came naturally to me.
Not everyone feels that way, and that’s okay.
Jess’ Tips for Public Speaking Confidence
1. Prepare properly
If you know your material, nerves lose their power.
If I’m nervous, it’s usually because I know I haven’t done enough preparation.
2. Have fallback options
If things go wrong, have a “buffer.”
On TV, we joke:
If all else fails, talk about the weather.
It buys time.
For speeches, that might mean a note card, a joke, or a familiar anecdote.
3. Find three friendly faces
If you’re speaking to a crowd, don’t look at everyone.
Find three kind-looking faces.
Talk to them.
Suddenly it doesn’t feel like 500 people staring at you.
4. Memorise your first line
This is Jess’ secret weapon.
If she knows exactly how she’ll begin, the rest flows naturally.
Once you’re moving, momentum takes over.
On Her Biggest On-Air Disaster
Jess:
I was hosting the Supercars season launch.
Huge live event.
I was wearing these incredible Christian Louboutin stilettos.
I rocked back slightly and the heel slipped between the stage and riser.
Next thing I know:
I’m flat on my backside. Legs in the air. Live on air. In front of everyone.
Scott McLaughlin just stood there and watched.
Didn’t help.
And in that moment I thought:
Thank God I wore pants.
I got up and said:
“Well… that was embarrassing. Thanks for your help, Scott.”
And kept going.
That’s all you can do.
Laugh and move on.
On Stress and Burnout
Jess:
I’m terrible at looking after myself.
A couple of years ago I got pneumonia while hosting at the Australian Grand Prix.
I ended up in hospital for a week.
That was a huge wake-up call.
I realised:
If I’m not okay, I’m no good to anyone.
That changed everything.
Now I’m learning to say no.
To ask:
Does this make my heart sink? Or does it make me happy?
If it drains me unnecessarily, it’s probably a no.
That’s been a really important lesson.
On What Matters Most
Jess:
I’m in this wonderful place where I feel like I have everything I could ever wish for:
A healthy family.
A job I love.
Two beautiful children.
I just want more meaningful relationships.
Good food. Good wine. Laughter.
Nothing fancy.
Just togetherness.
And after everything the world’s been through, that feels like enough.
Steph (Outro)
Amen.
Darling Jess Yates, you’re fabulous.
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat.
And We’re Rolling is hosted by me, Steph Hunt, produced by Stephanie Hunt Media and Habari Productions.
