Amanda Lucas and Celeste Friedman Music

NOTICE: Ben was delayed on the water traveling back to make this interview. I have been in contact with his handlers to re-schedule his interview for late August. Check back often to Talk Radio Portal for updates! After a worldwide search, Ben Southall was chosen as Tourism Queensland’s Islands Caretaker, or what we like to call the ‘Best Job in the World’. The role is a newly created position designed to help promote the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the world. Ben was selected from more than 34,000 people from around the globe who applied for the Best Job in the World. He will work for six months exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report on his travels through regular blog posts. Applications for the job opened in January 2008, with would-be caretakers sending in 60-second videos showing their creativity and skills. From a shortlist of 50 applicants, Ben was amongst the final 16 applicants who traveled to Queensland in early May for the final selection process. Ben has immersed himself in life above and below the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. A keen diver and sailor, he’s experiencing the full wonder and ecological diversity of the reef and islands.