Dave’s Stories
Dave’s Stories
Just like that slightly tipsy uncle who corners you at family gatherings, I’ve got a head full of stories I’m itching to share. Over the years, I’ve collected experiences, adventures, and the occasional misadventure that I think are worth telling.
Now, if you’ve ever heard me tell a story in person, you’ll know they can sometimes take the scenic route, plenty of side tracks, a few detours, and maybe even an unscheduled stop or two. That’s part of the fun, but it also means they can go on for a while.
So, for your sake (and mine), I’ve trimmed them down here. Think of these as the highlight reels: the essence of each story without quite as many rabbit holes. They’re shorter, sharper, and hopefully just as entertaining. And if you ever want the full uncut version, tangents, rambling, and all, you’ll just have to grab me in person.
Some of the stories
-
Daverunner origin story
In 2020, lockdown killed my real estate career and I stumbled into gaming. A Yeezy nickname, a cheeky community push, and a killer design later, the Daverunner became Aglet’s biggest digital sneaker success — eventually spawning 28 shoes and even a real-world release. From joke to global sneaker meme.
-
John Birmingham and the Dave Hooper Trilogy
In 2011, Aussie author John Birmingham asked fans for character names. I threw mine in as a joke. By 2014, Dave Hooper wasn’t just in his books, he was the hero of an entire trilogy, a demon-fighting fireman. My proudest (and strangest) brush with literary fame.
-
The protest that changed my life
I grew up privileged, blinkered, and a proud Liberal voter. Then in 2012, I stumbled into the Tecoma McDonald’s protest. What I saw: corporate bullying, police thuggery, and community resistance, shattered everything I thought I knew. That protest didn’t stop a burger joint. But it changed me forever.
-
Dave and the Christmas Light
When thieves rammed Camberwell Junction Cellars and stole thousands in booze, council red tape stalled our plans for better lighting. Enter a cheeky young sparkie in a boom truck, who offered to fix it in fifteen minutes — in exchange for a slab. Brightest bargain I ever made.
-
Dave and The Tennis Centre
In 1988 I blagged my way into a job at the brand-new Tennis Centre without ever applying. While my mate Johnny sweated behind the bar, I spent two weeks watching tennis and cricket, pocketing free booze, and getting paid three grand. The greatest scam of my youth.
-
Dave and the Magic Mushie Guy
Back in ’86, Tom and I lived in a fibro shack in Olinda, partying hard and rally-driving a Datsun. Then we discovered Thommo — a bloke who’d fried his brain on magic mushrooms and quietly moved into our backyard shed. The strangest, quietest housemate we never really had.
-
Dave and the Sheep
In 1986, our fibro shack in Olinda came with mouldy walls, endless grass, and zero motivation to mow it. Enter Mal, a mate with more bongs than sense, who decided the best solution was to nick us a sheep. “Spit” ate the lawn, partied with us, then mysteriously vanished.
-
The Dust Storm
On February 8, 1983, I watched a massive dust storm roll across Melbourne from my school library window. The city turned red, the sky disappeared, and it felt like the end of the world. That moment stuck with me — a reminder of nature’s power and fragility.