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{{short description|Australian mathematician, comedian and radio presenter}}
{{for|the curler|Adam Spencer (curler)}}
{{about||the Canadian curler|Adam Spencer (curler)|the Australian runner|Adam Spencer (runner)}}
{{Overly detailed|date=March 2022}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox presenter
{{Infobox presenter
| name = Adam Spencer
| name = Adam Spencer
| image = Adam Spencer 255.JPG
| image = Adam Spencer 255.JPG
| caption = Spencer in 2014
| caption = Spencer in 2014
| birth_name = Adam Barrington Spencer
| birth_name = Adam Barrington Spencer
| birth_date = {{Birth-date and age|df=yes|29 January 1969}}<ref>"On air commentary, 29-30/01/13"</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|1|29|df=yes}}<ref>"On air commentary, 29-30/01/13"</ref>
| birth_place = [[Sydney]], Australia
| birth_place = [[Sydney]], Australia
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| show =
| show =
Line 18: Line 20:
| station2 =
| station2 =
| network2 =
| network2 =
| timeslot2 =
| style =
| style =
| country = Australia
| country = Australia
| prevshow = [[702 ABC Sydney]] (2006–2013)<br>Triple J Breakfast (1999–2004)
| prevshow = [[702 ABC Sydney]] (2006–2013)<br />Triple J Breakfast (1999–2004)
| parents =
| parents =
| spouse(s) = Mel Spencer (m. 2006-2016)
| partner = Melanie Mossman Spencer <br/>(m. 2006–2016)<br/>
Leah Boonthanom <br/>(m. 2022–present)
| children = 2
| children = 2
| website = {{URL|http://adamspencer.com.au}}
| website = {{URL|http://adamspencer.com.au}}
}}
}}


'''Adam Barrington Spencer''' (born 29 January 1969) is an Australian radio presenter, comedian, and media personality. He first came to fame when he won his round of the comedic talent search ''[[Raw Comedy]]'' in the mid-1990s. Soon thereafter, he began working at [[Triple J]], on mid-dawn and drive shifts before hosting the Triple J ''Breakfast Show'' with [[Wil Anderson]].
'''Adam Barrington Spencer''' (born 29 January 1969{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}) is an Australian comedian, media personality and former radio presenter. He first came to fame when he won his round of the comedic talent search ''[[Raw Comedy]]'' in 1996. Soon thereafter, he began working at [[Triple J]], on mid-dawn and drive shifts before hosting the Triple J ''Breakfast Show'' with [[Wil Anderson]]. He later hosted ''Breakfast'' on [[ABC Radio Sydney|702 ABC Sydney]].


He is a patron of science-related events and programs, including the [[University of Sydney]]'s [[Eureka Prize]], a "lateral-thinking" science prize.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/eureka/index.shtml |title=Sydney University Eureka Prize |publisher=Sydney.edu.au |date= |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref> He is a member of the [[Sleek Geek Week]] tour along with [[Karl Kruszelnicki]], as well as performing his own comedy at events around the country.
He is a patron of science-related events and programs, including the [[University of Sydney]]'s Sleek Geeks Science Prize (category in the [[Eureka Prize]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/eureka/index.shtml |title=Sydney University Eureka Prize |publisher=Sydney.edu.au |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref> He collaborated with [[Karl Kruszelnicki]] for the long-running [[Sleek Geek Week]] tour (as part of [[National Science Week]]). He hosts events and panels, writes mathematical recreation books, and performs his own comedy at events around the country.


In October 2015 he was named as the number one ticket holder for the [[Sydney Swans]] for season 2016, where he is also a regular MC for events and presentations.<ref>url=http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2015-10-13/spencer-named-number-one-ticket-holder</ref>
He is a supporter of the Australian rules football team, the [[Sydney Swans]], and was declared their number one ticket holder for the 2016 season.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2015-10-13/spencer-named-number-one-ticket-holder|title=Spencer named Number One Ticket Holder|last=McManus|first=Luke|date=13 October 2015|website=Sydney Swans official site|access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Born on 29 January 1969, in Sydney, Spencer grew up in the [[Hunters Hill, New South Wales|Hunters Hill]]/[[Gladesville, New South Wales|Gladesville]] area.<ref name="smh">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/rise-and-shine/2006/02/18/1140151849206.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 |title=Rise and shine – TV & Radio – Entertainment |publisher=smh.com.au |date=20 February 2006 |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref>
Born on 29 January 1969, in Sydney, Spencer grew up in the [[Hunters Hill, New South Wales|Hunters Hill]]/[[Gladesville, New South Wales|Gladesville]] area.<ref name="smh">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/rise-and-shine/2006/02/18/1140151849206.html?page=fullpage |title=Rise and shine – TV & Radio – Entertainment |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=20 February 2006 |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref>


A few hours after birth, he had a seizure, and doctors found blood between his brain and scalp. Twice in the first two days of his life, a priest was called to give the last rites.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Javes|first1=Sue|title=Rise and shine|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/rise-and-shine/2006/02/18/1140151849206.html|access-date=4 August 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Group|date=20 February 2006}}</ref> Between the ages of three until about 11, Spencer underwent a series of operations by eye surgeon [[Fred Hollows]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=On trek for a Hollows victory|last=Herd|first=Emma|date=20 February 2015|work=Central Coast|page=22}}</ref> The deadening of the eyelid muscle led to permanent [[Ptosis (eyelid)|ptosis]] (drooping of the upper eyelid) and noticeable facial asymmetry.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|title=In my own words|last=Blake|first=Elissa|date=3 December 2006|work=Sunday Telegraph Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Spencer sets his sights on eye-catching contribution|last=Khalil|first=Shireen|date=7 October 2014|work=Inner West Courier|page=33}}</ref> He later received a transplant from a donor (who had been in a motorcycle accident) in an operation, allowing him to "open" that eye.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
Spencer was born without the muscle [[levator palpebrae superioris]] in his right upper eyelid, leading to permanent [[ptosis (eyelid)|ptosis]] (drooping of the upper eyelid) and noticeable facial asymmetry. He later received a transplant from a donor in an operation performed by eye surgeon [[Fred Hollows]], allowing him to "open" that eye.


His father Larry, died from prostate cancer in 2004.<ref name=":6" /> He has a brother and a sister.<ref name="smh" />
Spencer attended [[St Aloysius' College (Sydney)|St Aloysius' College]] in Sydney, and was a vice-captain of the College and Captain of the Australian Schools Debating Team.


Spencer attended Boronia Park Public School,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/the-ancientness-of-dogs/6899206#transcript|title=The ancientness of dogs|date=2015-10-30|website=Radio National|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref> where his favourite teacher, Ms Russell, encouraged his love of mathematics when he was in second grade, in 1976.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://inspired.sydney.edu.au/stem-academy-to-inspire-teaching-excellence/|title=INSPIRED – STEM Academy to inspire teaching excellence – The University of Sydney|website=inspired.sydney.edu.au|access-date=2017-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226143049/http://inspired.sydney.edu.au/stem-academy-to-inspire-teaching-excellence/|archive-date=26 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The Best Australian Science Writing 2015|last=Nogrady|first=Bianca|publisher=Newsouth|year=2015|isbn=978-1742242231|chapter=Foreword}}</ref> In 1981 he won a scholarship to attend [[St Aloysius' College (Sydney)|St Aloysius' College]] in Sydney,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=A brainiac rises|last=Dumas|first=Daisy|date=1 November 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=34}}</ref> and was a vice-captain of the College and Captain of the Australian Schools Debating Team. He graduated with a score of 200 out of 200 in four-unit maths.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The time of their lives|last=Southward|first=Jane|date=20 December 2009|work=Sun Herald|page=10}}</ref>
He graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Science with [[first class honours]] in [[pure mathematics]] in 1991.<ref name="aust">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/appointments/of-theses-and-of-theatricality/story-e6frgckf-1111114287660 |title=Of theses and of theatricality |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |date=29 August 2007 |accessdate=16 June 2014}}</ref> While at university, he was one of the world's top-ranked debaters, reaching the final round of the [[World Universities Debating Championship]] three times (1990, 1992, 1996) and winning Worlds Best Speaker (1996).<ref name="History of the World Debating Championships">{{cite web |url=http://flynn.debating.net/worhist.htm |title=History of the World Debating Championships |deadurl=no |accessdate=24 January 2013}}</ref> He also won the [[Australasian debating championship]] twice (1988, 1990). He was also President of the [[University of Sydney Union]].<ref name="Tim Elliott">{{cite news |author=Tim Elliott |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/radio-head-20110527-1f72h.html |title=Adam Spencer &#124; the sydney magazine &#124; ABC Radio |publisher=Smh.com.au |date= |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref>


His earliest job was selling newspapers,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Somehow, it still adds up|date=14 May 2007|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> and during university worked as a dishwasher at a pancake restaurant.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Things can only get better|last1=Boyce|first1=Alexandra|date=20 May 2007|work=Sun Herald|last2=Reilly|first2=Natalie}}</ref> He was a member of [[Scouts Australia]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=100 years of scouts is oarsome|last=Khoury|first=Andre|date=7 August 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Spencer - Former Scout and Media Star!|url=http://new.scouts.com.au/about-us/famous-scouts/adam-spencer|website=Scouts Australia|access-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111164940/http://new.scouts.com.au/about-us/famous-scouts/adam-spencer|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Career==


Spencer was the first in his family to attend university, and originally enrolled to study arts-law. This included economics and philosophy, but he dropped out of those, taking up maths to "round it out", but eventually changed to a maths major.<ref name="Tim Elliott" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|title=Radio's good morning man Lunch with the Editor|last=Holt|first=Simon|date=16 August 2011|work=Inner West Courier|page=9}}</ref> He graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Science with [[first class honours]] in [[pure mathematics]] in 1991, residing at [[St Paul's College, University of Sydney|St Paul's College]] during his time there.<ref name="aust">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/appointments/of-theses-and-of-theatricality/story-e6frgckf-1111114287660 |title=Of theses and of theatricality |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |date=29 August 2007 |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref> While at university, he was one of the world's top-ranked debaters, reaching the final round of the [[World Universities Debating Championship]] three times (1990, 1992, 1996) and winning ''World's Best Individual Speaker'' (1996).<ref name="History of the World Debating Y Championships">{{cite web|url=http://flynn.debating.net/worhist.htm |title=History of the World Debating Championships |url-status=dead |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226203854/http://flynn.debating.net/worhist.htm |archive-date=26 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=My souvenir Adam Spencer, radio show host|last=Hood|first=Danielle|date=20 July 2003|work=Sunday Herald Sun}}</ref> He won the [[Australasian debating championship]] twice (1988, 1990). He was President of the [[University of Sydney Union]].<ref name="Tim Elliott">{{cite news |author=Tim Elliott |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/radio-head-20110527-1f72h.html |title=Adam Spencer &#124; ABC Radio |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref>
He won the [[Triple J]] Raw Comedy Championship in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/sleekgeeks/stories/s2965189.htm |title=ABC Sleek Geeks bio |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=2010-06-22 |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref>

==Career==
He was secretly entered into the [[Triple J]] Raw Comedy Championship in 1996 by a former girlfriend,<ref>{{Cite news|title=The face|last=Higson|first=Rosalie|date=16 October 2004|work=The Australian|page=B03}}</ref> and won the NSW championship<ref>{{Cite news|title=My big break|date=30 August 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=59}}</ref> (although this has also been reported as winning the second prize, as he came second in the national competition).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/sleekgeeks/stories/s2965189.htm |title=ABC Sleek Geeks bio |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=2010-06-22 |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Funny business|last=Freeborn|first=Amy|date=25 January 2001|work=Adelaide Advertiser|page=57}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Quantum leap|last=Devlin|first=Rebekah|date=22 April 1999|work=The Age|page=16}}</ref>


===Television===
===Television===
Adam Spencer has been a host of [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] science shows ''[[Quantum (TV series)|Quantum]]'', ''FAQ'' and ''[[Sleek Geeks]]''. In 2005, Spencer hosted Australia's first poker TV show, ''[[Joker Poker]]'', on the [[Ten Network]].
Spencer has been a host of [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] science shows ''[[Quantum (TV series)|Quantum]]'', ''FAQ'' and ''[[Sleek Geeks]]''. He was a regular guest on the O'Loghlin variety comedy show since its first episode in June 1999.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Stand up and be counted|last=Dillon|first=Jenny|date=10 June 1999|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>


In October 2001, he hosted the ''Visions for a Nation'' Federation Forum. This focused on the views of leading Australians about the challenges facing Australia in the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Aparna's part|last=Freeborn|first=Amy|date=20 October 2001|work=Adelaide Advertiser}}</ref> It later screened on the ABC.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Five leading Australians have given their views...|date=31 October 2001|work=Gold Coast Bulletin|page=44}}</ref>
* ''[[Quantum (TV series)|Quantum]]'' (1998–2001) – [[ABC1]]<ref>[http://www.hlamgt.com.au/client/adam-spencer/ Adam Spencer Agents Bio] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411064459/http://www.hlamgt.com.au/client/adam-spencer/ |date=11 April 2013 }} 6 April 2009</ref>

* ''FAQ'' (1998–2001) – [[ABC1]]
In August 2002, he made a guest appearance on ''[[Cheez TV]]'' (Channel Ten), playing a burglar with an aversion to old [[Wham!]] songs.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Holder|first1=Peter|date=5 August 2002|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Casamento|first2=Jo|page=12|last3=Toy|first3=Naomi|last4=Cross|first4=Penelope}}</ref>
* ''Hit & Run'' (2003) – [[The Comedy Channel]]
{| class="wikitable"
* ''Joker Poker'' (2005) – [[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
!Years
* ''[[Sleek Geeks]]'' (2008 and 2010) – [[ABC1]]
!Title
* ''[[Good News Week]]'' (2009) – [[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
!Screening
* ''[[ANZ Championship]] (Festival of the Stars)'' (2009) – [[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
!Summary
|-
|1998–2001
|''[[Quantum (TV series)|Quantum]]''
|[[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]]<ref>[http://www.hlamgt.com.au/client/adam-spencer/ Adam Spencer Agents Bio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411064459/http://www.hlamgt.com.au/client/adam-spencer/|date=11 April 2013}} 6 April 2009</ref>
|
|-
|1998-2001
|''FAQ''
|[[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]]
|As host, Spencer posed themed frequently asked questions to a panel of scientists.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cosmetic Surgeons Want To Do More Than Demi's Breasts Now That's A Sign of Maturity|last=Anderson|first=Doug|date=18 January 2001|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=23}}</ref>
|-
|2003
|''The Hit & Run''
|[[The Comedy Channel]] (Granada productions)<ref>{{Cite news|title=Comics just like fish out of water|last1=Edmonds|first1=Mike|date=29 May 2003|work=Herald Sun|last2=Dennehy|first2=Luke|page=20|last3=Danaher|first3=Carla}}</ref>
|Spencer hosted the 8 episode-series,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Broadcast news...|last=Lewes|first=Jacqueline Lee|date=6 February 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> in which he would create challenges for other comedians. The comedians were placed at an unexpected venue outside their comfort zone, and then had less than a day<ref>{{Cite news|title=Red faces|last=Dudley|first=Jennifer|date=5 June 2003|work=Courier-Mail|page=7}}</ref> to create new stand-up routines based on the experience.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Movie|last1=Partridge|first1=Des|date=31 July 2003|work=Courier-Mail|last2=Englund|first2=Vicki|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Comics left red-faced|date=29 June 2003|work=Sunday Mail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Switch on - switch off|last=Murphy|first=Kerrie|date=5 June 2003|work=The Australian}}</ref>
|-
|2005
|''[[Joker Poker]]''
|[[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
|Spencer hosted Australia's first free-to-air poker TV show.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Joker packs in the laughs|last1=Mathewson|first1=Catriona|date=16 October 2005|work=Sunday Mail|last2=Casey|first2=Marcus|page=G20}}</ref>
|-
|2008 and 2010
|''[[Sleek Geeks]]''
|[[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]]
|
|-
|2009
|''[[Good News Week]]''
|[[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
|
|-
|2009–2011
|''[[Netball's Festival of Stars]]''
|[[Network Ten|Channel Ten]]
|Played in three celebrity netball matches, representing [[National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia)|Team NBCF]].<ref name="anz2009">{{cite news|url=http://www.anz-championship.com/extra_id_8079_OrgID_2344.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525091744/http://www.anz-championship.com/extra.asp?id=8079&OrgID=2344|title=Netball's Festival of Stars|publisher=www.anz-championship.com|archive-date=25 May 2010|access-date=21 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="asn040610">{{cite news|url=http://www.netball.asn.au/newsItem.asp?orgID=1&ID=17529|title=Herald Sun snaps Netball's Festival of Stars training session|publisher=www.netball.asn.au|date=4 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127023104/http://www.netball.asn.au/newsItem.asp?orgID=1&ID=17529|access-date=21 February 2021|archive-date=27 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="netballnz210311">{{cite news|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/stars-raise-13800-in-anz-championships-annual-celebrity-charity-netball-match|title=Stars raise $13,800 in ANZ Championship's annual celebrity charity netball match|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|date=21 March 2011|access-date=21 February 2021}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
|2018–present
|''[[The Drum (TV program)|Summer Drum]]''
|[[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]]
|Spencer hosts the 'Summer' series of the ABC's nightly news panel show, ''The Drum''. The program is broadcast every year throughout January.
|
|}


===Radio===
===Radio===
Spencer was spotted by radio station Triple J's senior broadcaster, [[Helen Razer]], at the 1996 Raw Comedy Finals, when he provided a live impromptu weather segment involving mathematical equations.<ref name=":7" /> This approach to presenting maths via the weather has been noted by other mathematicians.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sanders|first=Sue|date=March 2003|title=Tales from the Mathematical Classroom. The Presidential Address, 2002|journal=The Mathematical Gazette|volume= 87| issue = 508|pages=13}}</ref>
From 1999, and joined in 2000 by [[Wil Anderson]], Spencer hosted Triple J's breakfast show, before they both retired from the show in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bio |url=https://adamspencer.com.au/bio/ |website=Adam Spencer – The Big Book of Numbers |publisher=Adam Spencer |accessdate=26 January 2015 |date=2015}}</ref> On 20 February 2006, he began presenting ''Breakfast'' on [[702 ABC Sydney]], replacing [[Angela Catterns]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/back-to-breakfast-for-spencer/2005/11/29/1133026454564.html |title=Back to breakfast for Spencer – TV & Radio – Entertainment |publisher=smh.com.au |date=2005-11-29 |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref> Spencer previously hosted the "Smile High Club" radio show programme on Qantas Airlines radio channel, ''Q''.


He was invited to do occasional work at Triple J, and then hosted segments during the midnight-to-dawn shifts.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Seriousness not in the scripts|last=Anderson|first=Megan|date=19 October 1998|work=The West Australian|page=4}}</ref> He did guest spots entitled "Bloking up"<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cook|first=Lackie|date=1 May 1999|title=Razer's Edge: Styling Vocality for Youth Radio|journal=Media International Australia|volume= 91|issue=1|pages=74|doi=10.1177/1329878X9909100109|s2cid=147300795|via=Sage}}</ref> on Razer and [[Judith Lucy]]'s ''Ladies Lounge'' afternoon show. When Lucy left Triple J for Melbourne's [[Fox FM (Melbourne)|FOX-FM]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sounds of a creature of the morning|last=Farrant|first=Darrin|date=15 January 1998|work=The Age|page=4}}</ref> he joined as co-host of the ''Departure Lounge''. Helen Razer left in 1998. In 1999,<ref>{{Cite news|title=DJ wins brekkie slot|date=24 November 1998|work=The Australian|page=4}}</ref> Spencer was later promoted to solo hosting<ref>{{Cite news|title=JJJ's youth lineup|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|date=31 January 1999|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=165}}</ref> of the breakfast show<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title=Having the last laugh|date=14 November 2004|work=The Canberra Times|page=4}}</ref> for approximately 18 months.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|title=In his prime|last=Molitorisz|first=Sacha|date=30 August 2000|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=32}}</ref>
On 6 December 2013, Spencer hosted his last breakfast radio program for ABC 702.<ref>{{cite news |title=Adam Spencer's amazing, sings Alex Lloyd on final ABC broadcast |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/adam-spencers-amazing-sings-alex-lloyd-on-final-abc-broadcast-20131206-2yv38.html |accessdate=6 December 2013 |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |date=6 December 2013}}</ref>


[[Wil Anderson]] joined Triple J in April 1999, beginning their co-hosting of the breakfast show.<ref name=":2" /> The highest-number of mathematical references made by Spencer on an episode the show was 32 instances on 7 March 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|title=100 years of radio|last=Carbone|first=Suzanne|date=6 December 2001|work=The Age|page=3}}</ref> In 2002, Anderson and Spencer created a fictional metal band, [[Salmon Hater]], with a single ''6.66 - One Hundredth of the Number of the Beast''. It was rated as number 26 in [[Triple J Hottest 100|Triple J's Hottest 100]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Shake it off, J listeners|last=Connell|first=Tim|date=26 January 2015|work=Newcastle Herald|page=13}}</ref>
===Controversy===
In July 2011 Spencer interviewed [[climate change sceptic]] [[Christopher Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley|Christopher Monckton]]. During a heated interview Spencer hung up on Monckton.<ref name="Sydney Morning Herald">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/spencer-clashes-with-monckton-live-on-air-20110707-1h3gr.html |title=Adam Spencer Hangs Up On Lord Monckton During ABC Radio Interview |publisher=Smh.com.au |date=2011-07-07 |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref>


Both Anderson and Spencer chose to retire from the breakfast show in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Anderson laughs at the suggestion the breakfast show has been successful,...|date=14 November 2004|work=The Canberra Times|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bio |url=https://adamspencer.com.au/bio/ |website=Adam Spencer – The Big Book of Numbers |publisher=Adam Spencer |access-date=26 January 2015 |year=2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226200858/https://adamspencer.com.au/bio/ |archive-date=26 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> They hosted a comedic tribute show, ''The Last Time'', which toured around Australia and focused on their six years in co-hosting the show.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Weekender: this weekend|date=13 November 2004|work=The Newcastle Herald|page=30}}</ref> The tribute show's title was a mocking take on [[John Farnham|John Farnham's]] farewell tour, which was not actually his last tour.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Fast-paced fun on run|last=Gadd|first=Michael|date=11 November 2004|work=The Newcastle Herald|page=35}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=First tour to mark end|last=Humphries|first=Glen|date=28 October 2004|work=Illawarra Mercury|page=26}}</ref>
===Book===

In 2014, Spencer published the mathematics book Adam Spencer's Big Book of Numbers ISBN 9781921134869.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/adam-spencer-revenge-of-the-nerds-20141031-11dh6j.html |title=Adam Spencer: Revenge of the nerds |date=1 November 2014 |first=Daisy |last=Dumas}}</ref> It focuses on facts, mathematical equations and statistics for each number from one to 100.<ref>{{cite web |title=The joys of number-crunching |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/the-joys-of-numbercrunching/story-e6frgcjx-1227097754025?nk=b51f8b132d674749aa84b025e290c99e |newspaper=The Australian |date=2014-10-22 |accessdate=2015-01-07}}</ref>
On 20 February 2006, he began presenting ''Breakfast'' on [[702 ABC Sydney]], replacing [[Angela Catterns]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/back-to-breakfast-for-spencer/2005/11/29/1133026454564.html |title=Back to breakfast for Spencer – TV & Radio – Entertainment |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=2005-11-29 |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref> His hosting was described as having transformed ABC 702 into a "...science and maths, women's sports and soft rock loving place to be..."<ref>{{Cite news|title=The characters who intrigued us this past year|last1=Domjen|first1=Briana|date=21 December 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Halliwell|first2=Elle|page=84|last3=Reines|first3=Ros}}</ref> On 6 December 2013, Spencer hosted his last breakfast radio program for ABC 702,<ref>{{cite news |title=Adam Spencer's amazing, sings Alex Lloyd on final ABC broadcast |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/adam-spencers-amazing-sings-alex-lloyd-on-final-abc-broadcast-20131206-2yv38.html |access-date=6 December 2013 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> concluding 14 years of radio broadcasting at the age of 44.<ref name=":0" /> His farewell live show included [[Alex Lloyd]] performing a rewritten version of his song [[Amazing (Alex Lloyd song)|Amazing]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Lonely knights for Spencer as he bids farewell to ABC|last=Galvin|first=Nick|date=7 December 2013|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=13}}</ref> For his final radio survey, Spencer was ranked second in the breakfast slot.<ref>{{Cite news|title=All talk in radio ratings action|last1=Sharp|first1=Annette|date=11 December 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Halliwell|first2=Elle|page=25|last3=Reines|first3=Ros}}</ref> He was replaced on ABC 702 by fellow Triple J alumni, [[Robbie Buck]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://theconversation.com/controversial-kyle-steals-the-day-but-dont-blame-new-radio-ratings-24192|title=Controversial Kyle steals the day, but don't blame new radio ratings|last=Withnall|first=Melanie|work=The Conversation|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref>

Spencer hosted the ''Smile High Club'' radio show programme on [[Qantas|Qantas Airlines]] radio channel, Q, circa 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Considerate cabin staff make it a special journey - ABOUT MY LAST FLIGHT|last=Kurosawa|first=Susan|date=20 November 2010|work=The Australian|page=6}}</ref>

===Presentations and hosting===
[[File:Adam Spencer -Aus Skeptics convention 2017.jpg|thumb|Adam Spencer, speaking at the [[Australian Skeptics]] National Convention 2017. Presentation title: The Number Games.]]
Spencer has hosted science-related events and held guest spots at a wide range of festivals and conferences, and has been described as "the Eddie McGuire of edgy cultural events."<ref>{{Cite news|title=News and features|last=Alexander|first=Harriet|date=8 November 2005|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=15}}</ref>

Spencer was interviewed about issues affecting teens, for [[George Negus]]' New Dimensions' special screenings during Youth Week in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Spilling beans|last1=Williams|first1=Nadine|date=8 April 2003|work=Adelaide Advertiser|last2=Hurt|first2=Jessica|page=22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The Guide - TV previews|last=Idato|first=Michael|date=7 April 2003|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Negus hosts four|date=28 March 2003|work=Gold Coast Bulletin|page=71}}</ref>

He went through Channel 7's [[Wheel of Fortune (Australian game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]'s formal audition process in April 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Nice one|date=22 June 2004|work=MX|page=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Toy|first1=Naomi|date=7 May 2004|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Connolly|first2=Fiona|page=30|last3=Tsavdaridis|first3=Dora}}</ref> He then played on the show in June 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Taking the spin|last1=Devlin|first1=Rebekah|date=23 June 2004|work=The Advertiser|location=Adelaide|last2=Rowe|first2=Elizabeth|page=20|last3=Leslie-Allen|first3=Gretta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Brekkie host on high rotation|last1=Gadd|first1=Michael|date=23 June 2004|work=The Newcastle Herald|last2=Edwards|first2=Amy|page=20}}</ref> He became a carry-over champion and won a telescope.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Toy|first1=Naomi|date=23 June 2004|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Connolly|first2=Fiona|page=30|last3=Tsavdaridis|first3=Dora|last4=Wheeler|first4=Simon}}</ref>

For several years, Spencer has hosted both the Eureka awards and the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science award ceremonies. The Eureka awards have included a sponsored namesake award: the online ''Adam Spencer/University of Sydney Eureka Schools Prize for Lateral Thinking''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Thinking brings rich rewards|date=8 April 2002|work=The Australian|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=New prizes for science|date=23 March 2002|work=The Canberra Times|page=11}}</ref> The namesake award was issued in 2003 and 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka-past|title=Past Winners & Finalists (Eureka Prizes) - Australian Museum|website=australianmuseum.net.au|access-date=2017-08-29}}</ref>

Spencer has presented televised coverage of [[Tropfest]] for a number of years, including 2006 and 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Short cut to movies fame|date=23 February 2006|work=MX (Australia)|page=26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Straight shooter tells it her way|last=Fenton|first=Andrew|date=6 December 2013|work=Hobart Mercury|page=41}}</ref>

He interviewed [[Breaking Bad]] scriptwriter [[Vince Gilligan]] during the [[Sydney Writers' Festival]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Showcase of words|last=Clement|first=Jessica|date=30 April 2014|work=Wentworth Courier|page=36}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Vince Gilligan on 'Breaking Bad|date=2014-04-29|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksplus/vince-gilligan/5418046|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Hosting and speaking roles
|-
|2002
|He MCd the Air Guitar Championships at the Hobart Summer Festival in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tassie set for festival of fun|last=Rish|first=Gabrielle|date=23 December 2002|work=Hobart Mercury|page=26}}</ref>
|-
|2003
|Spencer spoke at the Planning Institute of Australia's national congress on "Leading with diversity" in 2003,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Benefits gained at planning congress|date=10 April 2003|work=Townsville Bulletin|page=24}}</ref> presented on the "Comedy of Maths" at the FPA annual convention in October 2003,<ref>{{Cite news|title=It all adds up, even when it doesn't|date=14 October 2003|work=Money Management}}</ref> was a guest speaker at the 15th annual Innovative Technology Schools Conference in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Teachers tackling technology|last=Sewell|first=Lisa|date=25 November 2003|work=Illawarra Mercury|page=12}}</ref>
|-
|2004
|Fronted a Sydney concert for [[World Environment Day]] in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Barnes' tree plea|date=6 June 2004|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=11}}</ref>
|-
|2005
|He MCd the Spirit of Youth Awards in 2005, and was guest speaker at the 2005 Country Public Libraries Association conference.<ref>{{Cite news|title=People spotting: libraries conference|date=27 July 2005|work=Central Coast Express|page=40}}</ref> Spencer and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki co-hosted "Class of a Million", a concurrent interactive science lesson for one million students, using [[Access Grid]] technology. It was held during the Australian Science Festival in August 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cyber science pulls a million students|date=14 September 2005|work=South East Advertiser|page=21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Virtual classroom|date=13 August 2005|work=The Cairns Post|page=7}}</ref>
|-
|2006
|Hosted a forum on "Green is the New Black" for the City of Sydney in 2006,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Forum has green focus|date=7 February 2006|work=Sydney MX|page=6}}</ref> and hosted ''Travel Weekly''{{'}}s 2006 trivia night, Travel Pursuit.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=13 October 2006|title=Comic genius as quizmaster|journal=Travel Weekly Australia|pages=15|via=EBSCOhost}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|Hosted the 14th annual AIMIA Awards ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|title=News Digital Media, Telstra and ABC win AIMIA digital industry awards|date=9 March 2008|work=MediaWeek}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|Presented at The Big Skills Conference Sydney 2009.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Big Skills Conference Sydney Australia 09 : conference proceedings|last=Apthorpe|first=Lisa|publisher=Big Skills Conference|year=2009|location=Sydney}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|Hosted the 2010 Shonkies for [[Choice (Australian magazine)|Choice]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=The Diary|last=Overington|first=Caroline|date=25 October 2010|page=31}}</ref>
|-
|2011
|Hosted the Publishers Australia Awards.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=14 November 2011|title=Marie Claire named Magazine of the Year|journal=B & T Weekly|via=ProQuest}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|Chaired a panel on "Smashing silos, building bridges..." at the Sydney Cancer Conference 2014,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Reid|first1=Glen|last2=Yip|first2=Sonia|date=2014-11-01|title=Welcome Message from Conference Co-Convenors|journal=Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology|volume=10|pages=1|doi=10.1111/ajco.12275|pmid=25370997|issn=1743-7563|doi-access=free}}</ref> and facilitated sessions for the Engineers Australian Convention 2014.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=October 2014|title=Meet the game changers at Convention 2014|journal=Manufacturers' Monthly|via=ProQuest}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|Facilitated a panel about algae for biofuels at the 5th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology,<ref>{{Cite journal|date=October 2015|title=The 5th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology: strengthening algal industries for the future (Sydney, Australia)|journal=Journal of Applied Phycology|volume=27|issue=5|pages=1739–1741|doi=10.1007/s10811-015-0711-5 | last1 = Winberg | first1 = Pia C.|bibcode=2015JAPco..27.1739W |doi-access=free}}</ref> and hosted the 2015 Construction Skills Queensland Excellence Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|title=U on camera|last=Rossi|first=Damien Anthony|date=22 November 2015|work=Courier Mail|page=29}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|Spencer was part of the Byron Bay Writers festival in August 2017,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.echonews.com.au/news/writers-festival-unveils-celebrity-filled-line-up/3189586/|title=Writers Festival unveils celebrity-filled line up|last=Encalada|first=Javier|work=Lismore Echo|access-date=2017-07-09|archive-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731103846/https://www.echonews.com.au/news/writers-festival-unveils-celebrity-filled-line-up/3189586/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://byronwritersfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BWF_Program-2017_Full-Draft_FINAL-AW-FOR-ONLINE.pdf|title=Byron Writers Festival Program|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> with events: ''A conversation with Lex Hirst'', chairing the panel on ''Science, Philosophy and Ideas'', and a panel member of ''Night of the Nerds.''
He hosted the Sneaks showcase at the Adobe Symposium (2017),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.adobe.com/digitaldialogue/digital-marketing/adobe-symposium-sydney-recap-2017/|title=Adobe Symposium Sydney Recap 2017 {{!}} Adobe Digital Dialogue|date=2017-06-06|work=Adobe Digital Dialogue|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref> opened the 2017 Grain Growers' annual Innovation Generation conference,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stockjournal.com.au/story/4768506/selling-ags-story/?cs=5373|title=Selling ag's story|last=Heard|first=Gregor|date=2017-07-03|work=Stock Journal|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Adam Spencer|last=Neagle|first=Moira|date=10 August 2017|work=Stock Journal|page=26}}</ref> and was a keynote speaker at the Australia Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2017).<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|date=November 2016|title=Events|journal=The Australian Journal of Pharmacy|volume=97|issue=1156|pages=10|via=Informit}}</ref>
|}

===Controversies and criticism===
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Occurrence
|-
|1998
|Spencer conducted an irreverent interview with Dr James "Dolly" Watson and received public criticism.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Channelling|last=Freedman|first=Jane|date=17 August 1998|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Critical mass for Spencer|last=Conway|first=Andrew|date=25 May 1998|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2}}</ref> Spencer interviewed [[Tim Freedman]] (lead singer of the [[The Whitlams|Whitlams]]) about how a number of Australian bands agreed that Australia should get rid of the Liberal Government,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kroger to vent Libs' ire at ABC|last=Gordon|first=Michael|date=19 September 1998|work=The Age|page=1}}</ref> and a linked "anti-coalition" concert called "Howard's End".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Libs step up attack on ABC|last=Rollins|first=Adrian|date=19 September 1998|work=The Age|page=16}}</ref> Triple J was later required to publicly apologise for the concert's promotion.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ABC's dramatic shift in election coverage|date=24 September 1998|work=The Canberra Times|page=9}}</ref>

Ian Layne noted that many Triple J presenters, including Spencer, were post-youth, rather than appealing to the youth demographic.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Oldspeak on young airwaves|last=Layne|first=Ian|date=1 December 1998|work=The Australian|page=16}}</ref>
|-
|1999
|Spencer celebrated [[April Fools' Day|April Fool's Day]] by joking that Sydney might lose the [[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Olympics]], reporting that [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] officials were making a decision during a nine-hour meeting.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Falling for a joke - hook, line and sinker|last=Reidy|first=Alison|date=2 April 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=20}}</ref> The show included fake excerpts from a pretend Lausanne press conference in which an IOC representative, "Francois Curard" [sic] advised reporter "Carlton Roberts" of grave allegations against Sydney. Premier [[Bob Carr]] provided further commentary. The incident was further reported by [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]] on the [[Today (1982 TV program)|Today]] show, resulting in an on-air apology from [[Steve Liebmann]]. Spencer bought flowers for the switchboard operators, to make up for the hundreds of phone calls about the jape.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Stay in touch|last=Hill|first=Kendall|date=2 April 1999|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=20}}</ref>
|-
|2000
|Spencer stated that [[Macy Gray]] was a boring interviewee, because of her on-air presence being that of a "professional recording person."<ref name=":7" />
|-
|2001
|Spencer hosted the Tropfest festival, which was disrupted by [[Peter Hore (prankster)|Peter Hore]], who reached the stage area. Spencer ejected him and reminded him of his intrusion during Australia's qualifying match for the 1998 soccer World Cup, saying: "Thanks for losing us the World Cup, you prick," as he left the stage.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Olympic flame film winsTropfest before record crowds|last=Stavrinos|first=Anthony|date=26 February 2001|work=Australian Associated Press Information Services}}</ref> In May 2001, Spencer was criticised in an opinion piece by Sara Phillips,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Come Out of the Closet And Dare To Be Daggy|last=Phillips|first=Sara|date=17 May 2001|work=The Canberra Times|page=12}}</ref> and later on an email listserv, for his approach to science communication in marketing science as "sexy" rather than interesting on its own terms.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Spooked by science spruiker|last=Brooke|first=Stephen|date=14 June 2001|work=The Australian}}</ref> Phillips summarised the ensuing debate in a July article,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Phillips|first=Sara|date=July 2001|title=Science communication, warts-and-all|journal=Australasian Science|volume=22|issue=6|pages=42–43|via=ProQuest}}</ref> with editor Guy Nolch noting that Spencer and other science broadcasters, all appeal to different segments of the community.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nolch|first=Guy|date=July 2001|title=Editorial|journal=Australasian Science|volume=22|issue=6|pages=2|via=ProQuest}}</ref> Spencer has denied that he's setting out to make science sexy.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Why Triple J is a science|last=Coutts|first=Donna|date=2 May 2001|work=Herald-Sun}}</ref> Other commentators have highlighted that reaching predisposed-to-science audiences through science communication with "geekification" outreach is an easy approach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theconversation.com/fruits-of-labor-whats-wrong-with-the-governments-science-outreach-drive-4971|title=Fruits of Labor: what's wrong with the government's science outreach drive?|last=Dean|first=Tim|work=The Conversation|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref> Others state that "One-off extravaganzas by celebrity mathematicians such as Adam Spencer..." are not enough to make mathematics an attractive career path for students.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Excitement part of the equation|last=Watson|first=Jane|date=16 April 2008|work=The Australian|page=31}}</ref>
|-
|2002
|A listener complained that the phrase "a blowjob in a toilet" was being used to promote Spencer and Anderson's breakfast program on Triple J.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The right to offend|last=Corbett|first=Jeff|date=2 July 2002|work=The Newcastle Herald|page=8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Earful of obscenities|last=Corbett|first=Jeff|date=14 March 2002|work=Newcastle Herald|page=8}}</ref>
|-
|2003
|Spencer was at the [[ARIA Music Awards]] in October, presenting the award for [[ARIA Award for Best Independent Release|Best Independent Release]]. He joked that the then-recently deceased [[Slim Dusty]] was the winner. The joke caused many in the audience to groan and spurred many complaints to radio and was denounced as being in poor taste.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Toy|first1=Naomi|date=23 October 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Connolly|first2=Fiona|page=12|last3=Tsavdaridis|first3=Dora|last4=Gosnell|first4=Peter}}</ref> He later wrote an apology to Dusty's wife, [[Joy McKean]], saying that he had wished to highlight Dusty's accomplishments, which she accepted.<ref>{{Cite news|title=DJ tries to make amends|last=Holmes|first=Peter|date=26 October 2003|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=11}}</ref> The actual winners were the folk rock band [[The Waifs]].
While hosting the Motorola Dance Music Awards in November, Spencer chastised Australian Idol judge [[Ian Dickson (TV personality)|Ian "Dicko" Dickson]] about his choice of outfit: "If you're gonna wear that shirt in public, then you'll have to lose some weight."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Things you need to know|last=Carne|first=Lucy|date=16 November 2003|work=Sunday Mail|page=87}}</ref> The comment mirrored Dickson's criticism to contestant [[Paulini]] on [[Australian Idol]].
|-
|2004
|In November, during their co-hosted breakfast show, Wil Anderson joked about [[Mark Philippoussis|Mark Phillippoussis]] leaving [[Delta Goodrem]] for [[Paris Hilton]]. Anderson made derogatory remarks about Hilton, which were later found to be inappropriate, in a complaint upheld with the ABC.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Connolly|first1=Fiona|date=21 May 2005|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Frilingos|first2=Matt|page=26|last3=Clark|first3=Chelsea}}</ref>
|-
|2006
|Soon after joining ABC 702, listeners gave feedback on the ABC Guestbook on his voice<ref>{{Cite news|title=Good head for radio|last=Stevenson|first=Andrew|date=3 December 2005|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=29}}</ref> and that his rapid pace<ref>{{Cite news|title=Stay in touch|last1=Dick|first1=Tim|date=20 February 2006|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Gibson|first2=Joel|page=20}}</ref> and speedy pronunciation of the word "Australian", made it sound like "strine".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Connolly|first1=Fiona|date=22 February 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Grant|first2=Sarah|page=34|last3=Barrett|first3=Chris}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Stay in touch|last1=Dick|first1=Tim|date=21 February 2006|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Gibson|first2=Joel|page=18}}</ref> Similar feedback was noted in letters to the ''Sydney Morning Herald'' in 2011, regarding his tone of voice.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Letters|date=30 June 2011|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=14}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|[[Alex Mitchell (Australian journalist)|Alex Mitchell]] noted that [[Walt Secord]] encouraged ministers to make policy announcements on Spencer's show as a method for disseminating political messages to ABC radio listeners.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Naked eye|last=Mitchell|first=Alex|date=11 February 2007}}</ref>[[Media Watch (TV program)|Media Watch]] criticised<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s1998088.htm|title=Media Watch: Money For Jam (06/08/2007)|date=6 August 2007 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref> Australian Traffic Network's (ATN) association with the ABC when one of its reporters accidentally included a UBD advertisement in a report airing on Adam Spencer's show on ABC 702.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2012/06/12/back-scratching-and-bullying-inside-traffic-watchers-atn/|title=Back-scratching and bullying: inside traffic watchers ATN|date=2012-06-12|website=Crikey|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|An autocue glitch caused Spencer to read the incorrect award category at the [[Australian Interactive Media Industry Association|AIMIA]] awards.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=14 March 2008|title=Diary|journal=B&T Magazine|pages=32|via=EBSCOhost}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|[[Joe Hockey]] claimed that Spencer (as a fellow St Aloysius alumnus), had spread a rumour that Hockey was the legendary champion eater of [[bogong moth]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|title=It was a week for bodgie batts, busy bees and bogong moths|last=Irvine|first=Miranda|date=26 February 2010|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=5}}</ref> This was mentioned in Parliament by [[Wayne Swan]], who attributed the shadow Treasurer's erratic behaviour to an overconsumption of moths, as mentioned in Spencer's radio segment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22chamber/hansardr/2010-02-25/0053%22|title=ParlInfo - QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE : Economy|website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Wayne's spruiking looks moth-eaten|last=Silmalis|first=Linda|date=7 March 2010|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=42}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Obscure link between bogongs and economics|last=Woolford|first=Don|date=25 February 2010|work=Australian Associated Press General News}}</ref> While the topic had been raised on the program, the claim was raised by a listener identified as "Helen". Swan's statement of "I think we know why he [Hockey] is so erratic. He has been eating too many bogong moths." was awarded Quote of the Day by ''The Courier Mail''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=About the House|date=26 February 2010|work=The Courier-Mail|page=11}}</ref>
|-
|2011
|In June, questions were raised about Spencer's perceived promotion of the [[The Australian Financial Review|Australian Financial Review]] (AFR) on his radio segment.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ABC plug 'like an ad' for Fairfax|last=Canning|first=Simon|date=4 June 2011|work=The Australian|page=3}}</ref> In July, Spencer interviewed [[climate change sceptic]] [[Christopher Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley|Christopher Monckton]]. The interview became heated as Spencer asked Monckton about his status as a member of the House of Lords, or if he was a Nobel Laureate, or academic credentials. Monckton told Spencer to "shut up and listen",<ref>{{Cite news|title=My apologies for hanging up on you, but I stand by my decision to terminate the interview|date=8 July 2011|work=The Australian|page=13}}</ref> and then Spencer hung up on him,<ref name="Sydney Morning Herald">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/spencer-clashes-with-monckton-live-on-air-20110707-1h3gr.html|title=Adam Spencer Hangs Up on Lord Monckton During ABC Radio Interview|date=2011-07-07|access-date=2013-10-13|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> and later called back to resume the discussion. Both Spencer and the producer later apologised to Monckton.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Carbon pricing means 'bye bye Oz': sceptic|last=Hayes|first=Isabel|work=AAP Australian National News Wire}}</ref> The House of Lords later published an open letter, clarifying that Monckton is not a member of the Upper House. [[David Beamish]] (Clerk of the Parliaments) wrote the letter, clarifying that Monckton is a peer, which is a separate issue to House membership. Monckton challenged the letter during a presentation at the [[National Press Club (Australia)|National Press Club]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-19/monckton-letter/2799750|title=House of Lords takes Monckton to task|date=2011-07-19|work=ABC News|access-date=2017-07-27}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|Former BBC journalist Andrea Wills conducted an audit of the ABC radio's federal election coverage. It was noted that it was unfortunate that Spencer wished [[Kevin Rudd]] "best of luck in the rest of the campaign" ahead of the election.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Four asylum-seeker stories in the spotlight as ABC cleared of systemic bias|last1=Body|first1=Michael|date=13 March 2014|work=The Australian|last2=Markson|first2=Sharri|page=4}}</ref>
|}

===Publications===
====Books====
Spencer has written several mathematical recreation books.
{| class="wikitable"
!Title
!Publication date
!ISBN
!Publisher
!Notes
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Book of Numbers''
|2000
|{{ISBN|9781567317008}} (1567317006, 0140287817)
|Penguin
|Also published in 2004 (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, {{ISBN|1568582897}}).
It has also been published as a German translation (2002).<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/23849|title=Das Buch der Zahlen / Adam Spencer; aus dem Englischen von Regina Karp|last=Spencer|first=Adam|date=2002|publisher=Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag|isbn=978-3423204897|series=DTV; 20849|location=Munchen}}</ref>

A book review by Art Johnson noted that it contains "rather strong language," rendering it inappropriate for students.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Johnson|first=Art|date=December 2004 – January 2005|title=Adam Spencer's Book of Numbers: A Bizarre and Hilarious Journey from 1 to 100 by Adam Spencer|journal=The Mathematics Teacher|volume=98|issue=5|pages=360}}</ref>
|-
|''Laugh Even Louder!''
|2007
|{{ISBN|978-1-74169-022-4}}
|[[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic Australia Pty Limited]]
|As contributor.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Laugh Even Louder!|author=[[Camp Quality]]|date=2007|publisher=[[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic Australia Pty Limited]]|isbn=978-1-74169-022-4|location=Gosford, New South Wales|page=10}}</ref>
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Big Book of Numbers''
|2014
|{{ISBN|9781921134333}} (192113433X, 9781921134326)
|Brio Books
|It focuses on facts, mathematical equations and statistics for each number from one to 100.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/adam-spencer-revenge-of-the-nerds-20141031-11dh6j.html|title=Adam Spencer: Revenge of the nerds|last=Dumas|first=Daisy|date=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/the-joys-of-numbercrunching/story-e6frgcjx-1227097754025?nk=b51f8b132d674749aa84b025e290c99e|title=The joys of number-crunching|date=2014-10-22|access-date=2015-01-07|newspaper=The Australian}}</ref> It sold 20,000 copies and finished at 105 on the bestseller charts.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rogers|first=Keiran|date=April 2015|title=Why small is good|journal=Books+Publishing|volume=94|issue=4|pages=9|via=Informit}}</ref>
|-
|''Adam Spencer's World of Numbers''
|2015
|{{ISBN|9781921134869}} (1921134860)
|Brio Books
|Over 30,000 copies have been sold.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Binks|first=Danielle|date=October 2016|title=The smaller picture|journal=Books+Publishing|volume=96|issue=2|pages=20|via=Informit}}</ref>
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Enormous Book of Numbers''
|2015
|{{ISBN|9781921134883}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Time Machine''
|2016
|{{ISBN|9781925143188}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Number Crunchers''
|2016
|{{ISBN|9781925143201}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's The Number Games''
|2017
|{{ISBN|9781925143881}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's 12 Days of Christmas!''
|2017
|{{ISBN|9781925143874}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Top 100''
|2018
|{{ISBN|9781925589597}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's The Number Detective''
|2018
|{{ISBN|9781925589580}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Numberland''
|2019
|{{ISBN|9781925589924}}
|Brio Books
|
|-
|''Adam Spencer's Maths 101''
|2021
|{{ISBN|9781743797617}}
|Hardie Grant Books
|
|}

====Articles====
In August 2002, Spencer provided commentary in an ABC online article<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s647647.htm|title=News in Science - A prime result - 14/08/2002|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2017-07-22}}</ref> about the interpretation of the [[AKS primality test|AKS algorithm]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Miller|first=Boaz|date=April 2009|title=What Does it Mean that PRIMES is in P? Popularization and Distortion Revisited|jstor=27793291|journal=Social Studies of Science|volume=39|issue=2|pages=257–288|doi=10.1177/0306312708101131|citeseerx=10.1.1.592.9977|s2cid=53560932}}</ref>

====Compilation CD trilogy====
The ABC published a trilogy of compilation CDs of ''Adam Spencer's breakfast music''. The CD series was issued under the Mytunes series name (distinct from the [[MyTunes|MyTunes program]] used to circumvent [[iTunes]] restrictions). They included ''Mytunes''<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an48382503 ''Mytunes'']</ref> (2011), ''Mytunes 2''<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an50277367 ''Mytunes 2'']</ref> (2012) and ''Mytunes 3''<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an52182072 ''Mytunes 3'']</ref> (2013).

====Interviews====
=====Guest book chapters=====
Spencer was interviewed about how to have a safe and happy sex life, for [[Julie McCrossin]]'s book, ''Love, Lust and Latex''<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/45871372 ''Love, Lust and Latex'']</ref> (2000).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Good news! It's back to basics|date=26 March 2000|work=Sunday Mail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sex and rubbery figures|last=Simmonds|first=Diana|date=20 February 2000|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=112}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sex success|last=McCrossin|first=Julie|date=11 February 2000|work=Courier Mail|page=16}}</ref>

He was interviewed for a chapter on prelabour in Lucy Perry's book,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Blokes raising a glass to childbirth|last=Gorman|first=Alice|date=17 February 2011|work=The Gold Coast Bulletin|page=25}}</ref> ''Cheers to childbirth: a dad's guide to childbirth support''<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/48723438 ''Cheers to childbirth: a dad's guide to childbirth support'']</ref> (2010)<ref>{{Cite book|title=Cheers to childbirth : a dad's guide to childbirth support|last=Perry|first=Lucy|publisher=Pure Publishing|year=2010|isbn=9780980413212|location=Turramurra, N.S.W.}}</ref>

=====Television episode=====
Spencer and producer Jo Chichester were interviewed for episode nine<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abccommercial.com/librarysales/program/artzone|title=Artzone|date=2015-03-10|work=Library Sales - ABC Commercial|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref> of ABC's television series ''Artzone'' in 1999.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Spencer|first1=Adam|title=JJJ Breakfast Show|year=1999|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/44012200|publisher=Sydney : ABC Videos|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Spencer was prompted to lose 25 kilograms in 2000, at the behest of his then-girlfriend.<ref name="Tim Elliott" />
On the final day of his breakfast show in 2004, he announced that his partner Mel was pregnant and that the next year he would be leaving his media career to become a full-time dad. He returned within two years to present another breakfast radio show. He married Mel on 28 January 2006.<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet the real Adam Spencer |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/meet-the-real-adam-spencer-20110527-1f72h.html |accessdate=6 December 2013 |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |date=27 May 2011}}</ref> He coaches the [[University of Sydney]] second grade [[women's football (soccer)|women's football]] team.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABC Radio 702's Adam Spencer |url=http://www.volunteering.com.au/latest_news/volunteer_life/html/edition4/volunteers_from_celebrities_to_ceos.html |work=In between presenting the 702 Breakfast program every day, Adam fits in about 10–12 hours a week coaching the Sydney University women's soccer team. "I've been coaching the girls for seven years now and absolutely love it," said Adam. |publisher=The Centre for Volunteering |accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref> Since December 2001, he has been a Fellow of the University Senate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fellows of Senate |url=http://sydney.edu.au/senate/spencer.shtml |work=Mr Adam Spencer was first a Fellow of Senate elected by and from the postgraduate students of the University of Sydney for 3 years (three terms) from 1 December 1992 to 30 November 1995 and then an elected graduate Fellow for 8 years (two terms) from 1 December 2001 to 30 November 2009. |publisher=The University of Sydney |accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref> He had also served a term from 1992 to 1995. He is a member of the NSW Premier's Advisory Committee on Greenhouse and Global Warming and the NSW Health Department's Clinical Ethics Review Committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=NSW Climate Change Council members' biographies |url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climateChange/climatechngcncl.htm |work=The NSW Climate Change Council was established by the Minister on 10 March 2008 to provide independent, expert advice on climate change related issues from range of sectors including business, industry, science and research, environment and regional communities. |publisher=Office of Environment and Heritage |accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref>

He met his now ex-wife Melanie Mossman at a pub trivia night, telling her an answer in the quiz ("The actor is George Clooney and the film is Solaris.").<ref name="smh" />

On the final day of his breakfast show in November 2004,<ref>{{Cite news|title=The diary|last=Sharp|first=Annette|date=5 February 2006|work=Sun Herald|page=2}}</ref> he announced that his partner Melanie Mossman was pregnant and that the next year he would be leaving his media career to become a full-time dad. He returned within two years to present another breakfast radio show. He married Mel on 28 January 2006<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet the real Adam Spencer |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/meet-the-real-adam-spencer-20110527-1f72h.html |access-date=6 December 2013 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=27 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Wedded bliss for charities|last=Mitternacht|first=Manuel|date=21 May 2006|work=Sun Herald|page=47}}</ref> in the Great Hall at Sydney University,<ref>{{Cite news|title=It was a big day and night|last=Meegan|first=Genevieve|date=5 February 2006|work=Sunday Mail|page=118}}</ref> where guests were asked to donate to charities in lieu of gifts.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|title='I think music is such a beautiful thing, it shouldn't just be an afterthought'|last=O'Dwyer|first=Erin|date=25 June 2006|work=Sun Herald|page=79}}</ref> They have two daughters.<ref>{{Cite news|title=One sleek geek|last=Connolly|first=Paul|date=27 September 2009|work=Sun Herald|page=2}}</ref> When his oldest daughter was six months old, Spencer donated money for a fly to be named after her, Fijian fly ''A. Amblypsilopus elaquarae'' (''Elaquare's [[Amblypsilopus]]'').<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bickel|first=Daniel J.|year=2009|title=Amblypsilopus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Sciapodinae) from the Southwest Pacific, with a Focus on the Radiation in Fiji and Vanuatu|journal=Bishop Museum Occasional Papers|volume=103|pages=3–61}}</ref> This was through the [[Australian Museum|Australian Museum's]] project to seek funding by giving new animal species namesakes for a donation.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Baby's a fly on the wall|date=4 September 2005|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=17}}</ref>

In 2014, thieves broke into Spencer's family home in [[Newtown, New South Wales|Newtown]], taking valuables including a laptop containing photos of his daughter.<ref name=":1" /> His car was also stolen, and was later found crashed into a power pole in Victoria Street, [[Marrickville, New South Wales|Marrickville]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Thieves tune in to Spencer|date=1 February 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=7}}</ref> In 2015 Spencer, Mossman and their children moved to Copacabana, and listed the Newtown property for auction in August 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/jonathan-chancellor-brekkie-presenter-adam-spencer-sells-terrace--complete-with-dunny-out-the-back/news-story/6e32a5d8a42a127594ae4f21c993c661|title=Brekkie presenter Adam Spencer sells terrace - complete with dunny out the back|last=Chancellor|first=Jonathan|date=17 July 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.realestate.com.au/news/radio-star-adam-spencer-lists-newtown-terrace/|title=Radio Star and Super Geek Adam Spencer Lists Newtown Terrace|date=2016-07-19|work=realestate.com.au|access-date=2017-07-23}}</ref>

In August 2017, Spencer confirmed he and Mossman had separated in early 2015 and been divorced for some time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/adam-spencer-after-my-marriage-ended-i-learnt-to-appreciate-my-mum-even-more-20180201-h0rnuz.html|title=Adam Spencer: After my marriage ended, I learnt to appreciate my Mum even more|last=Cassimatis|first=Georgia|date=2018-02-02|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2018-07-16}}</ref>


While Spencer attended St. Aloysius' College and was brought up a Catholic, he describes himself an atheist.<ref name="Tim Elliott" />
While Spencer attended St. Aloysius' College and was brought up a Catholic, he describes himself an atheist.<ref name="Tim Elliott" />


===Charity===
===Cycling===
Spencer has participated in cycling events in Sydney for charity. In March 2001, he led the cyclist portion of Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's [[Walk Against Want]] Victoria Park Fundraiser.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Putting best feet forward|date=20 February 2001|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=39}}</ref> He gave a presentation on the importance of planning for cyclists at the [[Planning Institute Australia|PIA]] 2003 National Congress.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Spencer|first=Adam|date=2003-01-01|title=Reflections on planning from the world's most unplanned man|journal=Australian Planner|volume=40|issue=2|pages=119|doi=10.1080/07293682.2003.9995265|s2cid=111097982|issn=0729-3682}}</ref> In November 2003, he took part in the cycling [[City2Surf (Sydney)|City to Surf]], which fundraised for people in NSW with [[multiple sclerosis]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Forty Eight Hours|last1=Dunne|first1=Stephen|date=1 November 2003|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Low|first2=Lenny Ann|page=12|last3=Elder|first3=Bruce|last4=Dick|first4=Tim|last5=Idato|first5=Michael|last6=Saxby|first6=John|last7=Zuel|first7=Bernard}}</ref> In February 2004, he launched the new Central Sydney Bicycle map, which shares information on the easiest ways to cycle around Sydney.<ref>{{Cite news|title=New map for pedallers|last=Smith|first=Emily|date=26 February 2004|work=Glebe and Inner Western Weekly|page=15}}</ref> In May 2005, as part of the Greenhouse Advisory Panel, he advocated for car registration fees to link with engine size, to help people focus on their greenhouse impact and environmental footprint.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Rego rebate plan to reward small-car owners|last=Dick|first=Tim|date=4 May 2005|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3}}</ref> He agrees with Danish urban planner's blueprint for a better Sydney, commenting in 2007 that pedestrian access should be improved in the heart of Sydney, including marked lanes for cyclists.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The cars that ate Sydney|last=Nixon|first=Sherrill|date=2 January 2008|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=21}}</ref> He had made similar cycle lane commentary in April 2003 for an article about what he would institute if he were City of Sydney's Lord Mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|title=If I ran Sydney...|last1=Adamson|first1=Judy|date=12 April 2003|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Davis|first2=Tony|page=1|last3=Delaney|first3=Brigid|last4=Dick|first4=Tim|last5=Keenan|first5=Catherine}}</ref> For the first day of hosting breakfast for ABC 702, he cycled 4 kilometres to work for his 5:30am shift.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Strewth|date=21 February 2006|work=The Australian|page=13}}</ref> He is often spotted around Sydney, pedalling or wearing his bike helmet and cycling clothes.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Lowy's hawk guns for Uncle Sam|last=Winestock|first=Geoff|date=26 July 2014|work=The Australian Financial Review|page=54}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Toy|first1=Naomi|date=26 June 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Connolly|first2=Fiona|page=12}}</ref>
Spencer promotes the work of [[Redkite]], [[Unifem]], [[Kids For Life]] and [http://www.unicef.org.au/ UNICEF], and is an ambassador for [[The Fred Hollows Foundation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollows.org/|title=The Fred Hollows Foundation|publisher=The Fred Hollows Foundation|accessdate=17 June 2016}}</ref> and Dymocks Children's Charities. He is the national Patron for [[Dry July]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Supporters |url=http://au.dryjuly.com/supporters/ |publisher=Dry July |accessdate=2 August 2013}}</ref> Spencer has made appearances at the [[Wave Aid]] concert in Sydney in 2004, the [[Live Earth concert, Sydney|Australian leg]] of [[Live Earth]] in 2007 and the [[Sound Relief]] concert in Sydney in 2009.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

===Football===
Spencer took part in a celebrity game of football in June 2003,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Spike|last1=Hornery|first1=Andrew|date=13 June 2003|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Pearlman|first2=Jonathan|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Holder|first1=Peter|date=5 June 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Toy|first2=Naomi|page=14|last3=Connolly|first3=Fiona}}</ref> May 2004,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Naked City|last1=Mitchell|first1=Alex|date=30 May 2004|work=Sun Herald|last2=Sutton|first2=Candace|page=25}}</ref> and May 2005,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Gossip|last=Reines|first=Ros|date=15 May 2005|work=The Sunday Telegraph|page=126}}</ref> to fundraise for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children (now [[Redkite (organisation)|Redkite]]).

====Sydney Swans====
In April 2006, he was master of ceremonies during a corporate function held before the Sydney Swans versus Geelong match.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Strewth|last=Fraser|first=Jane|date=1 May 2006|work=The Australian|page=8}}</ref> In March 2009, he MC'd a cocktail party for the Swans Foundation, which offers a scholarship scheme.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Scene|last1=Reines|first1=Ros|date=8 March 2009|work=The Sunday Telegraph|last2=Battersby|first2=Shandelle|page=130|last3=Lollo|first3=Michelle|last4=Harney|first4=Benja|last5=Halliwell|first5=Elle}}</ref> In May 2012, he was master of ceremonies for the Swans Ladies Lunch.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Parties|last1=Reines|first1=Ros|date=6 May 2012|work=The Sunday Telegraph|last2=Traill-Nash|first2=Glynis|page=138}}</ref>

In June 2012, to commemorate the Swans' 30 years in Sydney, he wrote for the Daily Telegraph about his ideal Swans team list.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Roosy, Goodesy, Dunks, and me|last=Spencer|first=Adam|date=26 June 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=60}}</ref>

In October 2015 he was named as the number one ticket holder for the [[Sydney Swans]] for the 2016 season.<ref name=":8" />

In July 2017, as master of ceremonies, Spencer launched the Sydney Swans' Diversity Action Plan<ref>[http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/SydneySwans/Images/Sydney%20Swans%20DAP.pdf Sydney Swans' Diversity Action Plan]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/07/18/swans-expand-pride-game-wider-diversity-plan|title=Swans expand on Pride Game with wider diversity plan|work=News|access-date=2017-07-23}}</ref> The plan is focused on disability empowerment, LGBTIQ pride, multicultural inclusion, and advancement of women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/SydneySwans/Images/Sydney%20Swans%20DAP.pdf|title=Sydney Swans Diversity Action Plan July 2017-July 2020|date=July 2017|publisher=Sydney Swans}}</ref>

===Political views and activities===
In 1992, Spencer spoke at the constitutional monarchists' attack on the [[Australian Republic Movement|Australian Republican Movement]], at the University.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Pro-monarchy sentiments warm hearts better than Winter woolies|last=Voumard|first=Sonya|date=5 June 1992|work=The Age|page=5}}</ref>

In the 1996 by-election, while he was a student and part-time mathematics teacher at Sydney University, Spencer ran as an independent candidate. He was with the Anti-Super League Party (ASLeeP)<ref>{{Cite news|title=Boofy bloke punts on making the big league|last=Huxley|first=John|date=15 June 1996|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=5}}</ref> or Australians Against Further Super League party, competing for [[Paul Keating]]'s seat of [[Blaxland, New South Wales|Blaxland]]. The party received 499 votes.<ref>{{Cite news|title=What's the frequency, Adam?|last=Spencer|first=Matthew|date=14 February 1998|work=The Australian}}</ref>

In November 2000, an article in the satirical ''[[The Chaser (newspaper)|Chaser]]'' newspaper alleged that Spencer refused to play a song by Little Johnny (pseudonym of [[Pauline Pantsdown]]), because of his "conservative leanings".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200472728|title=Political hacks at the ABC?|date=6 November 2000|work=The Chaser|page=18}}</ref>

In 2014, Spencer spoke out against the government's proposed funding cuts to the ABC, and accused politicians of hiding loathing for the broadcaster behind arguments around inefficiencies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/03/abc-funding-protesters-call-on-abbott-government-not-to-cut-money|title=ABC funding: Protesters call on Abbott government not to cut money|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=2014-05-02|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-07-09|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In 2015, he was one of 61 prominent Australians who signed an open letter urging the Prime Minister to call a moratorium on new coal mines as part of a global climate change agreement.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Pm repels anti-mines push with coal hard facts|last=Hodge|first=Amanda|date=28 October 2015|work=The Australian|page=6}}</ref>

===Community, charity and advocacy work===
====Representative roles====
Spencer is an ambassador for [[The Fred Hollows Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollows.org/|title=The Fred Hollows Foundation|publisher=The Fred Hollows Foundation|access-date=17 June 2016}}</ref>

He is the national Patron for [[Dry July]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.dryjuly.com/supporters/|title=Supporters|publisher=Dry July|access-date=2 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804094043/http://au.dryjuly.com/supporters|archive-date=4 August 2013}}</ref> having supported the cause ever since it began, prompted by a phone call to his breakfast radio show in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-01/adam-spencer-dry-july-raising-cancer-funds-for-10th-year/8667178|title=Here's cheers to 10 years of Dry July|date=2017-07-01|work=ABC News|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref>

He is on the board of directors of [[Redkite (organisation)|Redkite]]<ref name=":3" /> (formerly The Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for kids).<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|title=Starry Night|last=Grant-Taylor|first=Tony|date=6 August 2005|work=The Courier-Mail|page=37}}</ref>

====General contributions====
He coached the [[University of Sydney]] second grade [[women's football (soccer)|women's football]] team.<ref>{{cite web|title=ABC Radio 702's Adam Spencer |url=http://www.volunteering.com.au/latest_news/volunteer_life/html/edition4/volunteers_from_celebrities_to_ceos.html |work=In between presenting the 702 Breakfast program every day, Adam fits in about 10–12 hours a week coaching the Sydney University women's soccer team. "I've been coaching the girls for seven years now and absolutely love it," said Adam. |publisher=The Centre for Volunteering |access-date=6 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413031806/http://www.volunteering.com.au/latest_news/volunteer_life/html/edition4/volunteers_from_celebrities_to_ceos.html |archive-date=13 April 2014 }}</ref> Since December 2001, he has been a Fellow of the University Senate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fellows of Senate |url=http://sydney.edu.au/senate/spencer.shtml |work=Mr Adam Spencer was first a Fellow of Senate elected by and from the postgraduate students of the University of Sydney for 3 years (three terms) from 1 December 1992 to 30 November 1995 and then an elected graduate Fellow for 8 years (two terms) from 1 December 2001 to 30 November 2009. |publisher=The University of Sydney |access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref> He had also served a term from 1992 to 1995. He is a member of the NSW Premier's Advisory Committee on Greenhouse and Global Warming and the NSW Health Department's Clinical Ethics Review Committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=NSW Climate Change Council members' biographies |url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climateChange/climatechngcncl.htm |work=The NSW Climate Change Council was established by the Minister on 10 March 2008 to provide independent, expert advice on climate change related issues from range of sectors including business, industry, science and research, environment and regional communities. |publisher=Office of Environment and Heritage |access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref> He was part of the assessment panel for the NSW Medical Devices Fund in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/news-analysis/local/applications-open-for-new-south-wales-medical-devices-fund/|title=$7.7 million available for medical start-ups from the NSW Medical Devices Fund - SmartCompany|date=2014-01-20|work=SmartCompany|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref>

In June 1999, he supported senator [[Natasha Stott Despoja]]'s stand against the [[Goods and services tax (Australia)|GST]] package, providing a poem to be read out at a function at Adelaide's Stag Hotel.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Faithful cheer on the 'Femo-Demo babe'|last=McGarry|first=Andrew|date=14 June 1999|work=The Australian|page=4}}</ref>

He sought corporate sponsorship to help the Australian Chess Team, issuing a national plea in 2002. The request was a success, and the team were able to attend the 35th Chess Olympiad in [[Bled]], [[Slovenia]], with financial help from condom maker [[Ansell]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Holder|first1=Peter|date=24 October 2002|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Casamento|first2=Jo|page=14|last3=Toy|first3=Naomi|last4=Cross|first4=Penelope}}</ref>

Spencer took part in the Starlight Cup in October 2002 (sponsored by [[Hewlett-Packard]])<ref>{{Cite news|title=The funday telegraph|last=Frilingos|first=Matthew|date=27 October 2002|work=The Sunday Telegraph}}</ref> and December 2003 (sponsored by Qantas),<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Toy|first1=Naomi|date=12 September 2003|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Connolly|first2=Fiona|page=14|last3=Tsavdaridis|first3=Dora}}</ref> wherein former tennis greats competing against celebrities.

In 2004, Spencer was on the judging panel for the ''Out of Sight - Tactile Art'' exhibition, run by Object Gallery and the Royal Blind Society.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Uncommon sense|last=Cummings|first=Pip|date=23 September 2004|page=20}}</ref>

He promoted pharmacy careers in an advertising campaign for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The 2002 campaign was linked with the Rural and Remote Pharmacy Workforce Development Program.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bid for more pharmacists|last=McKenzie|first=David|date=23 October 2002|work=The Weekly Times|page=10}}</ref> The 2003 campaign aimed to encourage young indigenous people to consider a career in pharmacy through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Undergraduate Pharmacy scholarships.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Advertising campaign encourages indigenous students into pharmacy|date=15 October 2003|work=Pharmacy News}}</ref> The 2004 campaign aimed to attract young people from rural and regional centres to enrol in pharmacy university courses.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Rural pharmacist shortage severe|last=Dennis|first=Jenny|date=27 September 2004|work=Illawarra Mercury|page=10}}</ref> He promoted the campaign in a television commercial in around 2006.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Brooker|first=Chris|date=28 September 2006|title=New rural game plan|journal=Pharmacy News|pages=1|via=ProQuest}}</ref>

In August 2005, he hosted a corporate quiz fundraiser for [[Redkite (organisation)|Redkite]] in [[Brisbane]].<ref name=":5" />

In November 2005, he was one of the celebrity judges rating moustaches for the [[Movember]] Gala Party in Sydney. The campaign raised funds for the [[Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Party of the week|last=Cooper|first=Amy|date=4 December 2005|work=The Sun Herald|page=5}}</ref> He grew a moustache for Movember in 2006.<ref name=":6" />

Spencer was part of the language expert panel for the Australian subsidiary developing the 2007 [[Microsoft Office|Microsoft Office System]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Dinky-di Aussie slang to spruce up Microsoft Office 2007|date=15 May 2006|work=AAP General News Wire|page=1}}</ref>

He was the [[Australia Day]] Ambassador in 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Journey ends in becoming an Aussie|last=McInerney|first=Sarah|date=31 January 2008|work=The Glebe|page=9}}</ref>

In 2010, he featured in advertisements for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The campaign focused on providing men with advice on prostate cancer and encouraged them to investigate testing options.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cuddle warms the house|date=25 May 2010|work=The Canberra Times|page=10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Stars turn out for prostate cancer|last=Rose|first=Danny|work=AAP Australian National News Wire}}</ref>

In 2010, Spencer signed up as one of the Ambassadors for [[White Ribbon Campaign|White Ribbon]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Identities nominated for award|last=O'Keeffe|first=Louise|date=15 September 2010|work=The Chronicle (Toowoomba)|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22media/pressrel/O5LH6%22|title=ParlInfo - What is the biggest health risk to women?|website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref> taking part in a swearing-in ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Men asked to swear never to commit violence against women|date=25 November 2009|work=AAP General News Wire}}</ref> In 2011, his show promoted the White Ribbon campaign against violence towards women. This contrasted with the coverage on [[2Day FM]] of [[Kyle Sandilands]] lambasting the appearance of entertainment writer Alison Stephenson. Spencer told his radio audience that he regarded Sandilands' remarks as "heinous".<ref>{{Cite news|title=King Kyle's outburst rocks the empire|last=Snow|first=Deborah|date=26 November 2011|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=11}}</ref>

He hosted the Pink Stumps cricket day in support of the Jane McGrath Foundation in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Caught in pink out-fit|last=Lentini|first=Rosemarie|date=6 January 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=3}}</ref> That same year, he was team captain of the Sydney Sailors in the Community Cup in Sydney, who won the match.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sydney Confidential|last1=Sharp|first1=Annette|date=20 March 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|last2=Christie|first2=Joel|page=22|last3=Harris|first3=Amy}}</ref> The annual day raises funds for Reclink Australia.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ruck'n'roll with a cause heads north|last=Mihelakos|first=Mary|date=17 February 2012|page=4}}</ref>

In 2014, he participated in a video for [[ReachOut.com|Reach Out]], focusing on combating stress during exams). He highlighted his change in studies (from law to mathematics), and eventual radio role, as examples of changing direction and life path.<ref>{{Citation|last=ReachOut.com Australia|title=Adam Spencer #thereslifeafter Year 12 Exams|date=2014-10-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3VJnvcvHCI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Y3VJnvcvHCI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2017-07-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/2612193/celebrities-reach-out-to-say-theres-life-after-the-hsc/|title=Celebrities reach out to say: there's life after the HSC|last=Media|first=Australian Community Media - Fairfax|date=2014-10-08|work=Forbes Advocate|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref>

Spencer was one of the celebrities credited with promoting the #SPCsunday hashtag on Twitter in 2014, which helped to increase exposure for struggling food processor [[SPC Ardmona]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/twitter-campaigner-welcomes-70m-spc-deal/news-story/3ecc89b529c48a10906b6303088d2af0|title=Twitter campaigner welcomes $70m SPC deal|work=NewsComAu|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Social media lit up yesterday with pictures of peaches and bowls of baked beans|last=Whittaker|first=J|date=10 February 2014|work=Shepparton News|page=M004}}</ref>

=====Science, literacy and educational reforms=====
Spencer has advocated for better science literacy through educational reforms and improved resourcing for science teachers and laboratories in Australian primary schools.<ref>{{Cite news|title=A simple solution to sliding education results|last=Eastman|first=Cres|date=6 December 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Transform science with dedicated pros|last=Spencer|first=Adam|date=1 December 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=18}}</ref> He has also urged high school students to do mathematics subjects to improve university outcomes and Australia's development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2015/s4335898.htm|title=Scientists warn of dearth of mathematicians as subject declines in popularity|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=2015-10-21|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref> Spencer has highlighted the perceived failings of the [[Australian Tertiary Admission Rank|Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank]] (ATAR), in terms of how subjects are weighted, and impact the final rankings for students.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Shortcomings of ATAR have gone on for too long|last=Spencer|first=Adam|date=14 April 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=19}}</ref> He has supported ''National Literacy and Numeracy Week'' by being a surprise visiting mathematics teacher. [[Lurnea High School]] was the winning school for his guest teaching spot in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Adam is a DJ with aptitude|date=6 October 2004|work=Liverpool Leader|page=23}}</ref>

In 2002, he was one of the suspects in the scientific whodunnit, "Who stole the Minister's malibu?", a forensic science program held across schools nationally.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Luntz|first=Stephen|date=April 2002|title=The surfing scientist|journal=Australasian Science|volume=23|issue=3|pages=46|via=ProQuest}}</ref>

In 2010 Spencer donated $10,000 worth of books through the Dymocks Literacy Foundation to encourage children from non-English speaking backgrounds to learn to read and write in English. The donation was for students at Blaxcell Street Public School (Granville), where he had been "Principal for a Day" in 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Literacy rewards|date=12 March 2008|work=Parramatta Advertiser|page=13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Back to school|date=7 June 2006|work=Parramatta Advertiser|page=32}}</ref>

In 2012, Spencer gave a book to each student at La Perouse Public School. This was to launch ''The Book Bank Project'' (partly funded by Spencer) and the National Year of Reading.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Adam brings kids to book|last=Freymark|first=Susanna|date=28 February 2012|work=Southern Courier|page=33}}</ref> In 2013, he was listed as an ambassador for ''The Book Bank program''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Harriman|first=Susan|year=2013|title=The book bank program|journal=Scan: The Journal for Educators|volume=32|issue=3|pages=43|via=Informit}}</ref>

In 2013, he signed<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kapitany|first=Rohan|date=Summer 2013|title=Science in the news: The way the media reports on science needs improving|journal=The Australian Rationalist|number=91|pages=24|via=Informit}}</ref> the "And in Science..." petition, which called for a science section during Australian television and radio news broadcasts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/going-in-to-bat-for-science-and-weather-20130726-2qq49.html|title=Going in to bat for science and weather|last=Hull|first=Crispin|date=2013-07-27|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2017-07-22}}</ref> The campaign was organised by Rohan Kapitany, and gathered over 2300 signatures, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://rohankapitany.com/?page_id=63|title=And in Science|last=rohankapitany|date=2013-04-29|work=Rohan Kapitany|access-date=2017-07-22|archive-date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027100726/http://rohankapitany.com/?page_id=63|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2016, he was a Numeracy Ambassador for National Literacy and Numeracy Week. He hosted a maths workshop at [[Gosford High School]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=November 2016|title=National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2016|journal=Access|volume= 30| issue = 4|pages=14|via=Informit}}</ref>

On the eve of the global [[March for Science]] (April 2017), Spencer, along with 44 other public figures and members of the scientific community, signed a letter in support of international scientific endeavour.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Leading thinkers call for celebration of science|last=Strom|first=Marcus|date=22 April 2017|page=7}}</ref>


==Recognition==
==Recognition==
[[Main-belt]] asteroid [[(18413) 1993 LD1|18413 Adamspencer]] has been named after him.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alan Chamberlin |url=http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=18413 |title=JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 18413 Adamspencer (1993 LD1) |publisher=Ssd.jpl.nasa.gov |date= |accessdate=2013-10-13}}</ref>
In 2012, [[Main-belt]] asteroid [[(18413) 1993 LD1|18413 Adamspencer]] was named after him.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alan Chamberlin |url=http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=18413 |title=JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 18413 Adamspencer (1993 LD1) |publisher=Ssd.jpl.nasa.gov |access-date=2013-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Of Kim K's butt and comets|date=29 November 2014|work=Gold Coast Bulletin|page=7}}</ref>

In 2012, he was ranked 49th in the ''[[The Australian|Weekend Australian]]''{{'}}s list of "Top 50 most influential in higher education".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/top50/2012/looking-back-to-go-forwards/news-story/d8a0ffacc514e3f9bb3f6c63734f8403|title=Looking back to go forwards: The top 50 most influential in higher education|last=Hare|first=Julie|date=8 February 2012|work=Weekend Australian}}</ref>

On 3 February 2018, Spencer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science honoris causa award by Edith Cowan University.<ref>{{cite web|work=ECU|url=http://www.ecu.edu.au/news/latest-news/2018/01/comedian,-shipbuilder,-author-and-dancer-set-for-honorary-awards|title=Comedian, shipbuilder, author and dancer set for honorary awards|date=2018-02-02}}</ref>

===Portraits===
In 2002, photographer Lisa Giles included Spencer in a collection of 50 portraits in the exhibition ''Schools of Thought'', focused on people associated with the University of Sydney.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Metropolitan - Spotlight|last1=Pryor|first1=Lisa|date=23 October 2002|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|last2=Zuel|first2=Bernard|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Metro - High Life|last=Thomas|first=Brett|date=6 October 2002|work=Sun Herald|page=2}}</ref> In the same year, artist Nafisa Naomi painted a portrait of Spencer,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nafisa.com.au/gallery-/#/portrait-painting/|title=gallery|website=NAFISA|access-date=2017-07-27}}</ref> which featured in the exhibition ''A Lingering Doubt'' at the [[Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts|ArtHouse Hotel]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Metro - High Life|last=Thomas|first=Brett|date=10 November 2002|work=Sun Herald|page=2}}</ref>

In 2005, National Library of Australia staff member Greg Power photographed Spencer at the fundraising [[WaveAid|Wave Aid: the tsunami relief concert]]. The image has been included in the National Library's collection.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Power|first1=Greg|title=Comedian and media personality, Adam Spencer, at the Wave Aid relief concert for victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Sydney Cricket Ground, 2005 [picture] / Greg Power|date=29 January 2005|url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3645087|last2=Power|first2=Greg|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref>

In 2010, artist [[Melissa Beowulf]] entered her portrait of Spencer in the [[Portia Geach Memorial Award]], which reached the finals.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Portia Geach awards|last=Streak|first=Diana|date=23 September 2010|work=The Canberra Times|page=9}}</ref> Spencer has commented on his "stern pose" in the painting.<ref>{{Cite news|title=They said...|date=19 September 2010|work=Sun Herald|page=30}}</ref>

In 2014, photographer David Stefanoff selected Spencer as one of a selection of famous faces projected onto trees and landscapes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/leyla-mckinnon-and-andrew-denton-beamed-onto-trees-and-landscape-as-part-of-sydney-photographers-inspirational-project/news-story/626a34662df98a5f7fca444d114368ef|title=Leyla, she's projected onto a tree, Leyla|access-date=2017-07-09}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Adam Spencer}}
{{Commons category|Adam Spencer}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060821052949/http://www.adamspencer.com.au/web/cms/front_content.php Adam Spencer's website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060821052949/http://www.adamspencer.com.au/web/cms/front_content.php Spencer's website]
* [http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/content/s1855282.htm?site=sydney Spencer's profile on ABC]
* {{AusStage|contributor/6336|Profile of comedic performances}}
* {{TED speaker}}
* {{TED speaker}}
** [http://www.ted.com/talks/adam_spencer_why_i_fell_in_love_with_monster_prime_numbers "Why I fell in love with monster prime numbers" (TED2013)]
** [http://www.ted.com/talks/adam_spencer_why_i_fell_in_love_with_monster_prime_numbers "Why I fell in love with monster prime numbers" (TED2013)]


{{702 ABC Sydney}}
{{702 ABC Sydney}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Spencer, Adam}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spencer, Adam}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from New South Wales]]
[[Category:Australian male comedians]]
[[Category:Australian male comedians]]
[[Category:Australian mathematicians]]
[[Category:Mathematics education]]
[[Category:Australian DJs]]
[[Category:Australian DJs]]
[[Category:Triple J announcers]]
[[Category:Triple J announcers]]
[[Category:Australian radio personalities]]
[[Category:Radio in Sydney]]
[[Category:Radio in Sydney]]
[[Category:Australian soccer coaches]]
[[Category:Australian soccer managers]]
[[Category:Date of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Australian people with disabilities]]
[[Category:Australian people with disabilities]]
[[Category:Television personalities with disabilities]]
[[Category:University of Sydney alumni]]
[[Category:University of Sydney alumni]]
[[Category:People educated at St Aloysius' College (Sydney)]]
[[Category:People educated at St Aloysius' College (Sydney)]]
[[Category:Australian television personalities]]
[[Category:Australian radio presenters]]
[[Category:Chatswood, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Comedians from Sydney]]

Latest revision as of 09:12, 3 August 2024

For the Canadian curler, see Adam Spencer (curler). For the Australian runner, see Adam Spencer (runner).

Adam Spencer
Spencer in 2014
Born
Adam Barrington Spencer

(1969-01-29) 29 January 1969 (age 55)[1]
Sydney, Australia
Partner(s)Melanie Mossman Spencer
(m. 2006–2016)
Leah Boonthanom
(m. 2022–present)
Children2
Career
Station702 ABC Sydney
NetworkABC Local Radio
CountryAustralia
Previous show(s)702 ABC Sydney (2006–2013)
Triple J Breakfast (1999–2004)
Websiteadamspencer.com.au

Adam Barrington Spencer (born 29 January 1969[citation needed]) is an Australian comedian, media personality and former radio presenter. He first came to fame when he won his round of the comedic talent search Raw Comedy in 1996. Soon thereafter, he began working at Triple J, on mid-dawn and drive shifts before hosting the Triple J Breakfast Show with Wil Anderson. He later hosted Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney.

He is a patron of science-related events and programs, including the University of Sydney's Sleek Geeks Science Prize (category in the Eureka Prize).[2] He collaborated with Karl Kruszelnicki for the long-running Sleek Geek Week tour (as part of National Science Week). He hosts events and panels, writes mathematical recreation books, and performs his own comedy at events around the country.

He is a supporter of the Australian rules football team, the Sydney Swans, and was declared their number one ticket holder for the 2016 season.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Born on 29 January 1969, in Sydney, Spencer grew up in the Hunters Hill/Gladesville area.[4]

A few hours after birth, he had a seizure, and doctors found blood between his brain and scalp. Twice in the first two days of his life, a priest was called to give the last rites.[5] Between the ages of three until about 11, Spencer underwent a series of operations by eye surgeon Fred Hollows.[6] The deadening of the eyelid muscle led to permanent ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) and noticeable facial asymmetry.[7][8] He later received a transplant from a donor (who had been in a motorcycle accident) in an operation, allowing him to "open" that eye.[citation needed]

His father Larry, died from prostate cancer in 2004.[7] He has a brother and a sister.[4]

Spencer attended Boronia Park Public School,[9] where his favourite teacher, Ms Russell, encouraged his love of mathematics when he was in second grade, in 1976.[10][11] In 1981 he won a scholarship to attend St Aloysius' College in Sydney,[12] and was a vice-captain of the College and Captain of the Australian Schools Debating Team. He graduated with a score of 200 out of 200 in four-unit maths.[13]

His earliest job was selling newspapers,[14] and during university worked as a dishwasher at a pancake restaurant.[15] He was a member of Scouts Australia.[16][17]

Spencer was the first in his family to attend university, and originally enrolled to study arts-law. This included economics and philosophy, but he dropped out of those, taking up maths to "round it out", but eventually changed to a maths major.[18][19] He graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Science with first class honours in pure mathematics in 1991, residing at St Paul's College during his time there.[20] While at university, he was one of the world's top-ranked debaters, reaching the final round of the World Universities Debating Championship three times (1990, 1992, 1996) and winning World's Best Individual Speaker (1996).[21][22] He won the Australasian debating championship twice (1988, 1990). He was President of the University of Sydney Union.[18]

Career

[edit]

He was secretly entered into the Triple J Raw Comedy Championship in 1996 by a former girlfriend,[23] and won the NSW championship[24] (although this has also been reported as winning the second prize, as he came second in the national competition).[25][26][27]

Television

[edit]

Spencer has been a host of ABC science shows Quantum, FAQ and Sleek Geeks. He was a regular guest on the O'Loghlin variety comedy show since its first episode in June 1999.[28]

In October 2001, he hosted the Visions for a Nation Federation Forum. This focused on the views of leading Australians about the challenges facing Australia in the 21st century.[29] It later screened on the ABC.[30]

In August 2002, he made a guest appearance on Cheez TV (Channel Ten), playing a burglar with an aversion to old Wham! songs.[31]

Years Title Screening Summary
1998–2001 Quantum ABC TV[32]
1998-2001 FAQ ABC TV As host, Spencer posed themed frequently asked questions to a panel of scientists.[33]
2003 The Hit & Run The Comedy Channel (Granada productions)[34] Spencer hosted the 8 episode-series,[35] in which he would create challenges for other comedians. The comedians were placed at an unexpected venue outside their comfort zone, and then had less than a day[36] to create new stand-up routines based on the experience.[37][38][39]
2005 Joker Poker Channel Ten Spencer hosted Australia's first free-to-air poker TV show.[40]
2008 and 2010 Sleek Geeks ABC TV
2009 Good News Week Channel Ten
2009–2011 Netball's Festival of Stars Channel Ten Played in three celebrity netball matches, representing Team NBCF.[41][42][43]
2018–present Summer Drum ABC TV Spencer hosts the 'Summer' series of the ABC's nightly news panel show, The Drum. The program is broadcast every year throughout January.

Radio

[edit]

Spencer was spotted by radio station Triple J's senior broadcaster, Helen Razer, at the 1996 Raw Comedy Finals, when he provided a live impromptu weather segment involving mathematical equations.[44] This approach to presenting maths via the weather has been noted by other mathematicians.[45]

He was invited to do occasional work at Triple J, and then hosted segments during the midnight-to-dawn shifts.[46] He did guest spots entitled "Bloking up"[47] on Razer and Judith Lucy's Ladies Lounge afternoon show. When Lucy left Triple J for Melbourne's FOX-FM,[48] he joined as co-host of the Departure Lounge. Helen Razer left in 1998. In 1999,[49] Spencer was later promoted to solo hosting[50] of the breakfast show[51] for approximately 18 months.[44]

Wil Anderson joined Triple J in April 1999, beginning their co-hosting of the breakfast show.[51] The highest-number of mathematical references made by Spencer on an episode the show was 32 instances on 7 March 2001.[52] In 2002, Anderson and Spencer created a fictional metal band, Salmon Hater, with a single 6.66 - One Hundredth of the Number of the Beast. It was rated as number 26 in Triple J's Hottest 100.[53]

Both Anderson and Spencer chose to retire from the breakfast show in 2004.[54][55] They hosted a comedic tribute show, The Last Time, which toured around Australia and focused on their six years in co-hosting the show.[56] The tribute show's title was a mocking take on John Farnham's farewell tour, which was not actually his last tour.[57][58]

On 20 February 2006, he began presenting Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney, replacing Angela Catterns.[59] His hosting was described as having transformed ABC 702 into a "...science and maths, women's sports and soft rock loving place to be..."[60] On 6 December 2013, Spencer hosted his last breakfast radio program for ABC 702,[61] concluding 14 years of radio broadcasting at the age of 44.[12] His farewell live show included Alex Lloyd performing a rewritten version of his song Amazing.[62] For his final radio survey, Spencer was ranked second in the breakfast slot.[63] He was replaced on ABC 702 by fellow Triple J alumni, Robbie Buck.[64]

Spencer hosted the Smile High Club radio show programme on Qantas Airlines radio channel, Q, circa 2010.[65]

Presentations and hosting

[edit]
Adam Spencer, speaking at the Australian Skeptics National Convention 2017. Presentation title: The Number Games.

Spencer has hosted science-related events and held guest spots at a wide range of festivals and conferences, and has been described as "the Eddie McGuire of edgy cultural events."[66]

Spencer was interviewed about issues affecting teens, for George Negus' New Dimensions' special screenings during Youth Week in 2003.[67][68][69]

He went through Channel 7's Wheel of Fortune's formal audition process in April 2004.[70][71] He then played on the show in June 2004.[72][73] He became a carry-over champion and won a telescope.[74]

For several years, Spencer has hosted both the Eureka awards and the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science award ceremonies. The Eureka awards have included a sponsored namesake award: the online Adam Spencer/University of Sydney Eureka Schools Prize for Lateral Thinking.[75][76] The namesake award was issued in 2003 and 2004.[77]

Spencer has presented televised coverage of Tropfest for a number of years, including 2006 and 2013.[78][79]

He interviewed Breaking Bad scriptwriter Vince Gilligan during the Sydney Writers' Festival in 2014.[80][81]

Year Hosting and speaking roles
2002 He MCd the Air Guitar Championships at the Hobart Summer Festival in 2002.[82]
2003 Spencer spoke at the Planning Institute of Australia's national congress on "Leading with diversity" in 2003,[83] presented on the "Comedy of Maths" at the FPA annual convention in October 2003,[84] was a guest speaker at the 15th annual Innovative Technology Schools Conference in 2003.[85]
2004 Fronted a Sydney concert for World Environment Day in 2004.[86]
2005 He MCd the Spirit of Youth Awards in 2005, and was guest speaker at the 2005 Country Public Libraries Association conference.[87] Spencer and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki co-hosted "Class of a Million", a concurrent interactive science lesson for one million students, using Access Grid technology. It was held during the Australian Science Festival in August 2005.[88][89]
2006 Hosted a forum on "Green is the New Black" for the City of Sydney in 2006,[90] and hosted Travel Weekly's 2006 trivia night, Travel Pursuit.[91]
2008 Hosted the 14th annual AIMIA Awards ceremony.[92]
2009 Presented at The Big Skills Conference Sydney 2009.[93]
2010 Hosted the 2010 Shonkies for Choice.[94]
2011 Hosted the Publishers Australia Awards.[95]
2014 Chaired a panel on "Smashing silos, building bridges..." at the Sydney Cancer Conference 2014,[96] and facilitated sessions for the Engineers Australian Convention 2014.[97]
2015 Facilitated a panel about algae for biofuels at the 5th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology,[98] and hosted the 2015 Construction Skills Queensland Excellence Awards.[99]
2017 Spencer was part of the Byron Bay Writers festival in August 2017,[100][101] with events: A conversation with Lex Hirst, chairing the panel on Science, Philosophy and Ideas, and a panel member of Night of the Nerds.

He hosted the Sneaks showcase at the Adobe Symposium (2017),[102] opened the 2017 Grain Growers' annual Innovation Generation conference,[103][104] and was a keynote speaker at the Australia Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2017).[105]

Controversies and criticism

[edit]
Date Occurrence
1998 Spencer conducted an irreverent interview with Dr James "Dolly" Watson and received public criticism.[106][107] Spencer interviewed Tim Freedman (lead singer of the Whitlams) about how a number of Australian bands agreed that Australia should get rid of the Liberal Government,[108] and a linked "anti-coalition" concert called "Howard's End".[109] Triple J was later required to publicly apologise for the concert's promotion.[110]

Ian Layne noted that many Triple J presenters, including Spencer, were post-youth, rather than appealing to the youth demographic.[111]

1999 Spencer celebrated April Fool's Day by joking that Sydney might lose the 2000 Olympics, reporting that IOC officials were making a decision during a nine-hour meeting.[112] The show included fake excerpts from a pretend Lausanne press conference in which an IOC representative, "Francois Curard" [sic] advised reporter "Carlton Roberts" of grave allegations against Sydney. Premier Bob Carr provided further commentary. The incident was further reported by Richard Wilkins on the Today show, resulting in an on-air apology from Steve Liebmann. Spencer bought flowers for the switchboard operators, to make up for the hundreds of phone calls about the jape.[113]
2000 Spencer stated that Macy Gray was a boring interviewee, because of her on-air presence being that of a "professional recording person."[44]
2001 Spencer hosted the Tropfest festival, which was disrupted by Peter Hore, who reached the stage area. Spencer ejected him and reminded him of his intrusion during Australia's qualifying match for the 1998 soccer World Cup, saying: "Thanks for losing us the World Cup, you prick," as he left the stage.[114] In May 2001, Spencer was criticised in an opinion piece by Sara Phillips,[115] and later on an email listserv, for his approach to science communication in marketing science as "sexy" rather than interesting on its own terms.[116] Phillips summarised the ensuing debate in a July article,[117] with editor Guy Nolch noting that Spencer and other science broadcasters, all appeal to different segments of the community.[118] Spencer has denied that he's setting out to make science sexy.[119] Other commentators have highlighted that reaching predisposed-to-science audiences through science communication with "geekification" outreach is an easy approach.[120] Others state that "One-off extravaganzas by celebrity mathematicians such as Adam Spencer..." are not enough to make mathematics an attractive career path for students.[121]
2002 A listener complained that the phrase "a blowjob in a toilet" was being used to promote Spencer and Anderson's breakfast program on Triple J.[122][123]
2003 Spencer was at the ARIA Music Awards in October, presenting the award for Best Independent Release. He joked that the then-recently deceased Slim Dusty was the winner. The joke caused many in the audience to groan and spurred many complaints to radio and was denounced as being in poor taste.[124] He later wrote an apology to Dusty's wife, Joy McKean, saying that he had wished to highlight Dusty's accomplishments, which she accepted.[125] The actual winners were the folk rock band The Waifs.

While hosting the Motorola Dance Music Awards in November, Spencer chastised Australian Idol judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson about his choice of outfit: "If you're gonna wear that shirt in public, then you'll have to lose some weight."[126] The comment mirrored Dickson's criticism to contestant Paulini on Australian Idol.

2004 In November, during their co-hosted breakfast show, Wil Anderson joked about Mark Phillippoussis leaving Delta Goodrem for Paris Hilton. Anderson made derogatory remarks about Hilton, which were later found to be inappropriate, in a complaint upheld with the ABC.[127]
2006 Soon after joining ABC 702, listeners gave feedback on the ABC Guestbook on his voice[128] and that his rapid pace[129] and speedy pronunciation of the word "Australian", made it sound like "strine".[130][131] Similar feedback was noted in letters to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2011, regarding his tone of voice.[132]
2007 Alex Mitchell noted that Walt Secord encouraged ministers to make policy announcements on Spencer's show as a method for disseminating political messages to ABC radio listeners.[133]Media Watch criticised[134] Australian Traffic Network's (ATN) association with the ABC when one of its reporters accidentally included a UBD advertisement in a report airing on Adam Spencer's show on ABC 702.[135]
2008 An autocue glitch caused Spencer to read the incorrect award category at the AIMIA awards.[136]
2010 Joe Hockey claimed that Spencer (as a fellow St Aloysius alumnus), had spread a rumour that Hockey was the legendary champion eater of bogong moths.[137] This was mentioned in Parliament by Wayne Swan, who attributed the shadow Treasurer's erratic behaviour to an overconsumption of moths, as mentioned in Spencer's radio segment.[138][139][140] While the topic had been raised on the program, the claim was raised by a listener identified as "Helen". Swan's statement of "I think we know why he [Hockey] is so erratic. He has been eating too many bogong moths." was awarded Quote of the Day by The Courier Mail.[141]
2011 In June, questions were raised about Spencer's perceived promotion of the Australian Financial Review (AFR) on his radio segment.[142] In July, Spencer interviewed climate change sceptic Christopher Monckton. The interview became heated as Spencer asked Monckton about his status as a member of the House of Lords, or if he was a Nobel Laureate, or academic credentials. Monckton told Spencer to "shut up and listen",[143] and then Spencer hung up on him,[144] and later called back to resume the discussion. Both Spencer and the producer later apologised to Monckton.[145] The House of Lords later published an open letter, clarifying that Monckton is not a member of the Upper House. David Beamish (Clerk of the Parliaments) wrote the letter, clarifying that Monckton is a peer, which is a separate issue to House membership. Monckton challenged the letter during a presentation at the National Press Club.[146]
2013 Former BBC journalist Andrea Wills conducted an audit of the ABC radio's federal election coverage. It was noted that it was unfortunate that Spencer wished Kevin Rudd "best of luck in the rest of the campaign" ahead of the election.[147]

Publications

[edit]

Books

[edit]

Spencer has written several mathematical recreation books.

Title Publication date ISBN Publisher Notes
Adam Spencer's Book of Numbers 2000 ISBN 9781567317008 (1567317006, 0140287817) Penguin Also published in 2004 (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, ISBN 1568582897).

It has also been published as a German translation (2002).[148]

A book review by Art Johnson noted that it contains "rather strong language," rendering it inappropriate for students.[149]

Laugh Even Louder! 2007 ISBN 978-1-74169-022-4 Scholastic Australia Pty Limited As contributor.[150]
Adam Spencer's Big Book of Numbers 2014 ISBN 9781921134333 (192113433X, 9781921134326) Brio Books It focuses on facts, mathematical equations and statistics for each number from one to 100.[151][152] It sold 20,000 copies and finished at 105 on the bestseller charts.[153]
Adam Spencer's World of Numbers 2015 ISBN 9781921134869 (1921134860) Brio Books Over 30,000 copies have been sold.[154]
Adam Spencer's Enormous Book of Numbers 2015 ISBN 9781921134883 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's Time Machine 2016 ISBN 9781925143188 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's Number Crunchers 2016 ISBN 9781925143201 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's The Number Games 2017 ISBN 9781925143881 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's 12 Days of Christmas! 2017 ISBN 9781925143874 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's Top 100 2018 ISBN 9781925589597 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's The Number Detective 2018 ISBN 9781925589580 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's Numberland 2019 ISBN 9781925589924 Brio Books
Adam Spencer's Maths 101 2021 ISBN 9781743797617 Hardie Grant Books

Articles

[edit]

In August 2002, Spencer provided commentary in an ABC online article[155] about the interpretation of the AKS algorithm.[156]

Compilation CD trilogy

[edit]

The ABC published a trilogy of compilation CDs of Adam Spencer's breakfast music. The CD series was issued under the Mytunes series name (distinct from the MyTunes program used to circumvent iTunes restrictions). They included Mytunes[157] (2011), Mytunes 2[158] (2012) and Mytunes 3[159] (2013).

Interviews

[edit]
Guest book chapters
[edit]

Spencer was interviewed about how to have a safe and happy sex life, for Julie McCrossin's book, Love, Lust and Latex[160] (2000).[161][162][163]

He was interviewed for a chapter on prelabour in Lucy Perry's book,[164] Cheers to childbirth: a dad's guide to childbirth support[165] (2010)[166]

Television episode
[edit]

Spencer and producer Jo Chichester were interviewed for episode nine[167] of ABC's television series Artzone in 1999.[168]

Personal life

[edit]

Spencer was prompted to lose 25 kilograms in 2000, at the behest of his then-girlfriend.[18]

He met his now ex-wife Melanie Mossman at a pub trivia night, telling her an answer in the quiz ("The actor is George Clooney and the film is Solaris.").[4]

On the final day of his breakfast show in November 2004,[169] he announced that his partner Melanie Mossman was pregnant and that the next year he would be leaving his media career to become a full-time dad. He returned within two years to present another breakfast radio show. He married Mel on 28 January 2006[170][171] in the Great Hall at Sydney University,[172] where guests were asked to donate to charities in lieu of gifts.[173] They have two daughters.[174] When his oldest daughter was six months old, Spencer donated money for a fly to be named after her, Fijian fly A. Amblypsilopus elaquarae (Elaquare's Amblypsilopus).[175] This was through the Australian Museum's project to seek funding by giving new animal species namesakes for a donation.[176]

In 2014, thieves broke into Spencer's family home in Newtown, taking valuables including a laptop containing photos of his daughter.[173] His car was also stolen, and was later found crashed into a power pole in Victoria Street, Marrickville.[177] In 2015 Spencer, Mossman and their children moved to Copacabana, and listed the Newtown property for auction in August 2016.[178][179]

In August 2017, Spencer confirmed he and Mossman had separated in early 2015 and been divorced for some time.[180]

While Spencer attended St. Aloysius' College and was brought up a Catholic, he describes himself an atheist.[18]

Cycling

[edit]

Spencer has participated in cycling events in Sydney for charity. In March 2001, he led the cyclist portion of Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's Walk Against Want Victoria Park Fundraiser.[181] He gave a presentation on the importance of planning for cyclists at the PIA 2003 National Congress.[182] In November 2003, he took part in the cycling City to Surf, which fundraised for people in NSW with multiple sclerosis.[183] In February 2004, he launched the new Central Sydney Bicycle map, which shares information on the easiest ways to cycle around Sydney.[184] In May 2005, as part of the Greenhouse Advisory Panel, he advocated for car registration fees to link with engine size, to help people focus on their greenhouse impact and environmental footprint.[185] He agrees with Danish urban planner's blueprint for a better Sydney, commenting in 2007 that pedestrian access should be improved in the heart of Sydney, including marked lanes for cyclists.[186] He had made similar cycle lane commentary in April 2003 for an article about what he would institute if he were City of Sydney's Lord Mayor.[187] For the first day of hosting breakfast for ABC 702, he cycled 4 kilometres to work for his 5:30am shift.[188] He is often spotted around Sydney, pedalling or wearing his bike helmet and cycling clothes.[189][19][190]

Football

[edit]

Spencer took part in a celebrity game of football in June 2003,[191][192] May 2004,[193] and May 2005,[194] to fundraise for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children (now Redkite).

Sydney Swans

[edit]

In April 2006, he was master of ceremonies during a corporate function held before the Sydney Swans versus Geelong match.[195] In March 2009, he MC'd a cocktail party for the Swans Foundation, which offers a scholarship scheme.[196] In May 2012, he was master of ceremonies for the Swans Ladies Lunch.[197]

In June 2012, to commemorate the Swans' 30 years in Sydney, he wrote for the Daily Telegraph about his ideal Swans team list.[198]

In October 2015 he was named as the number one ticket holder for the Sydney Swans for the 2016 season.[3]

In July 2017, as master of ceremonies, Spencer launched the Sydney Swans' Diversity Action Plan[199][200] The plan is focused on disability empowerment, LGBTIQ pride, multicultural inclusion, and advancement of women.[201]

Political views and activities

[edit]

In 1992, Spencer spoke at the constitutional monarchists' attack on the Australian Republican Movement, at the University.[202]

In the 1996 by-election, while he was a student and part-time mathematics teacher at Sydney University, Spencer ran as an independent candidate. He was with the Anti-Super League Party (ASLeeP)[203] or Australians Against Further Super League party, competing for Paul Keating's seat of Blaxland. The party received 499 votes.[204]

In November 2000, an article in the satirical Chaser newspaper alleged that Spencer refused to play a song by Little Johnny (pseudonym of Pauline Pantsdown), because of his "conservative leanings".[205]

In 2014, Spencer spoke out against the government's proposed funding cuts to the ABC, and accused politicians of hiding loathing for the broadcaster behind arguments around inefficiencies.[206]

In 2015, he was one of 61 prominent Australians who signed an open letter urging the Prime Minister to call a moratorium on new coal mines as part of a global climate change agreement.[207]

Community, charity and advocacy work

[edit]

Representative roles

[edit]

Spencer is an ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation.[208]

He is the national Patron for Dry July,[209] having supported the cause ever since it began, prompted by a phone call to his breakfast radio show in 2007.[210]

He is on the board of directors of Redkite[105] (formerly The Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for kids).[211]

General contributions

[edit]

He coached the University of Sydney second grade women's football team.[212] Since December 2001, he has been a Fellow of the University Senate.[213] He had also served a term from 1992 to 1995. He is a member of the NSW Premier's Advisory Committee on Greenhouse and Global Warming and the NSW Health Department's Clinical Ethics Review Committee.[214] He was part of the assessment panel for the NSW Medical Devices Fund in 2014.[215]

In June 1999, he supported senator Natasha Stott Despoja's stand against the GST package, providing a poem to be read out at a function at Adelaide's Stag Hotel.[216]

He sought corporate sponsorship to help the Australian Chess Team, issuing a national plea in 2002. The request was a success, and the team were able to attend the 35th Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia, with financial help from condom maker Ansell.[217]

Spencer took part in the Starlight Cup in October 2002 (sponsored by Hewlett-Packard)[218] and December 2003 (sponsored by Qantas),[219] wherein former tennis greats competing against celebrities.

In 2004, Spencer was on the judging panel for the Out of Sight - Tactile Art exhibition, run by Object Gallery and the Royal Blind Society.[220]

He promoted pharmacy careers in an advertising campaign for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The 2002 campaign was linked with the Rural and Remote Pharmacy Workforce Development Program.[221] The 2003 campaign aimed to encourage young indigenous people to consider a career in pharmacy through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Undergraduate Pharmacy scholarships.[222] The 2004 campaign aimed to attract young people from rural and regional centres to enrol in pharmacy university courses.[223] He promoted the campaign in a television commercial in around 2006.[224]

In August 2005, he hosted a corporate quiz fundraiser for Redkite in Brisbane.[211]

In November 2005, he was one of the celebrity judges rating moustaches for the Movember Gala Party in Sydney. The campaign raised funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.[225] He grew a moustache for Movember in 2006.[7]

Spencer was part of the language expert panel for the Australian subsidiary developing the 2007 Microsoft Office System.[226]

He was the Australia Day Ambassador in 2008.[227]

In 2010, he featured in advertisements for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The campaign focused on providing men with advice on prostate cancer and encouraged them to investigate testing options.[228][229]

In 2010, Spencer signed up as one of the Ambassadors for White Ribbon,[230][231] taking part in a swearing-in ceremony.[232] In 2011, his show promoted the White Ribbon campaign against violence towards women. This contrasted with the coverage on 2Day FM of Kyle Sandilands lambasting the appearance of entertainment writer Alison Stephenson. Spencer told his radio audience that he regarded Sandilands' remarks as "heinous".[233]

He hosted the Pink Stumps cricket day in support of the Jane McGrath Foundation in 2012.[234] That same year, he was team captain of the Sydney Sailors in the Community Cup in Sydney, who won the match.[235] The annual day raises funds for Reclink Australia.[236]

In 2014, he participated in a video for Reach Out, focusing on combating stress during exams). He highlighted his change in studies (from law to mathematics), and eventual radio role, as examples of changing direction and life path.[237][238]

Spencer was one of the celebrities credited with promoting the #SPCsunday hashtag on Twitter in 2014, which helped to increase exposure for struggling food processor SPC Ardmona.[239][240]

Science, literacy and educational reforms
[edit]

Spencer has advocated for better science literacy through educational reforms and improved resourcing for science teachers and laboratories in Australian primary schools.[241][242] He has also urged high school students to do mathematics subjects to improve university outcomes and Australia's development.[243] Spencer has highlighted the perceived failings of the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), in terms of how subjects are weighted, and impact the final rankings for students.[244] He has supported National Literacy and Numeracy Week by being a surprise visiting mathematics teacher. Lurnea High School was the winning school for his guest teaching spot in 2004.[245]

In 2002, he was one of the suspects in the scientific whodunnit, "Who stole the Minister's malibu?", a forensic science program held across schools nationally.[246]

In 2010 Spencer donated $10,000 worth of books through the Dymocks Literacy Foundation to encourage children from non-English speaking backgrounds to learn to read and write in English. The donation was for students at Blaxcell Street Public School (Granville), where he had been "Principal for a Day" in 2006.[247][248]

In 2012, Spencer gave a book to each student at La Perouse Public School. This was to launch The Book Bank Project (partly funded by Spencer) and the National Year of Reading.[249] In 2013, he was listed as an ambassador for The Book Bank program.[250]

In 2013, he signed[251] the "And in Science..." petition, which called for a science section during Australian television and radio news broadcasts.[252] The campaign was organised by Rohan Kapitany, and gathered over 2300 signatures, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.[253]

In 2016, he was a Numeracy Ambassador for National Literacy and Numeracy Week. He hosted a maths workshop at Gosford High School.[254]

On the eve of the global March for Science (April 2017), Spencer, along with 44 other public figures and members of the scientific community, signed a letter in support of international scientific endeavour.[255]

Recognition

[edit]

In 2012, Main-belt asteroid 18413 Adamspencer was named after him.[256][257]

In 2012, he was ranked 49th in the Weekend Australian's list of "Top 50 most influential in higher education".[258]

On 3 February 2018, Spencer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science honoris causa award by Edith Cowan University.[259]

Portraits

[edit]

In 2002, photographer Lisa Giles included Spencer in a collection of 50 portraits in the exhibition Schools of Thought, focused on people associated with the University of Sydney.[260][261] In the same year, artist Nafisa Naomi painted a portrait of Spencer,[262] which featured in the exhibition A Lingering Doubt at the ArtHouse Hotel.[263]

In 2005, National Library of Australia staff member Greg Power photographed Spencer at the fundraising Wave Aid: the tsunami relief concert. The image has been included in the National Library's collection.[264]

In 2010, artist Melissa Beowulf entered her portrait of Spencer in the Portia Geach Memorial Award, which reached the finals.[265] Spencer has commented on his "stern pose" in the painting.[266]

In 2014, photographer David Stefanoff selected Spencer as one of a selection of famous faces projected onto trees and landscapes.[267]

References

[edit]
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