Western Australia's beloved Sunday Times Magazine (STM) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating its 21st birthday with columnist Adrian Barich reflecting on his unique connection with readers across the state.
A Humbling Connection with Readers
For the past several years, Barich has maintained his regular column in STM, often writing on Wednesdays just before deadline for the Sunday publication. The journalist describes it as "a strange and humbling thing" to know his words reach readers' hands within days of being written.
Barich acknowledges the particular dynamic of his readership, noting that wives and partners frequently hand his column to their husbands with instructions to read it. He humorously speculates that on many Sunday mornings, some West Australians might be muttering, "Bloody Barra, I wish he'd keep his ideas to himself."
Unexpected Reading Habits Revealed
In a revealing insight into Australian reading habits, Barich shares that he's been reliably informed many of his male readers consume his column while in the smallest room of the house. Rather than being offended, the columnist embraces this reality, joking that if his words can survive the bright lights and hum of a bathroom fan, they must be compelling content.
Other readers take a more domestic approach, with many pinning his articles to refrigerator doors using magnets for later reference. This practice often serves as a visual reminder when "the old man of the house might be thinking about letting the old man in" - referencing Clint Eastwood's philosophy about resisting the mental limitations of aging.
Beyond the Bathroom: Real Impact on WA Lives
The column's influence extends far beyond unusual reading locations. Barich reveals that readers have shared how his writing has served as a lifeline during teenage family dramas or sparked important conversations about men's health. Somewhere between the toilet and the kitchen, my column seems to have carved out a loyal readership, proving that wisdom can come in small, unlikely doses, he reflects.
Not all feedback has been straightforward, with some readers suggesting his columns occasionally become too "highbrow". Barich references his recent exploration of artificial intelligence, inspired by a Joe Rogan podcast interview with Elon Musk that his son recommended. The piece was described by his editor Katherine as potentially provoking an "existential crisis" among readers.
Family and pets feature prominently in reader responses, with fellow dog lovers sharing stories ranging from the joy of puppies' first beach runs to the quiet grief of saying goodbye to old companions. Parenting teenagers and what Barich terms "Dadvice" also generate significant engagement from STM's audience.
Celebrating STM's Legacy and Local Focus
Barich expresses genuine privilege at contributing to STM's tradition of local storytelling, powerful imagery, and quality journalism established by legends like Dianne Sattler. He specifically mentions his admiration for Martin Saxon, describing the award-winning journalist as someone who "broke more stories than I've had hot dinners."
As STM turns 21, Barich's reflection captures the essence of what makes the magazine special to West Australians - its ability to engage with the life of this great state we all share. While sport remains important to WA readers, Barich notes there's always much more happening beneath the surface that his column explores each week.
The columnist signs off with gratitude for readers who engage with his work, whether by writing responses, sharing columns with loved ones, sticking them on refrigerators, or even reading them in the smallest room of the house. Here's to STM at 21, and to many more stories, smiles and Sunday mornings across Western Australia.
