Better Off
Said

Eulogies for the Living and the Dead

Better Off
Said

From members of the team behind international literary phenomenon Women of Letters, Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead is a spoken-word art salon celebrating words, stories, and human experiences.

Better Off Said is an afternoon of words it’s time to air; thoughts and reflections for the living and dead. At one time or another, we all find there was something we wish we’d shouted aloud, someone out there in the world waiting to hear an important message, a piece of history we feel our voice could have improved. Better Off Said offers the opportunity to leave no verbal stone unturned. To find closure. To sing truth from the rooftops before it’s too late.

Each show, four guests will speak to the phrase "The words I wish I’d said", and a special guest will deliver a Living Eulogy, to someone or some thing still of this Earth, to celebrate the best in our lives while we're here to hear it. There'll also be a musical performance to help make each salon special.

Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy.

Upcoming dates

Oct 4 Brunswick Ballroom

Welcome

“There are times when we find ourselves caught up in a spiral, overthinking those unsaid comments or responses that scream to be let out. Better Off Said is a platform to release these words in a composed and cathartic way. It may be a comeback line, a confession, revenge or even a compliment.” – Emilie Zoey Baker

“Humans often just accept that everything and everyone dies. We’ve curated a space where we can all reflect on love, loss, healing and letting go together. It’s a privilege to even be able to sit in this realm and ruminate. To listen and learn. I never want to take for granted life’s impermanence.” – Marieke Hardy

Gallery

An album of some of the wonderful speakers and beautiful audiences we've enjoyed to date.

Support

Better Off Said is proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation by donating a portion of profits from our monthly salons. The ILF is a not-for-profit charity that respects the unique place of Australia's first people and draws on the expertise of the Australian book industry.
You can donate directly by clicking here.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation
PO Box 663
Broadway NSW 2007 Australia

(02) 9280 0644
www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Words in Winter

August 24

Nadia Mahjouri

We're excited to be doing a show for the Words in Winter festival, in beautiful Hepburn Shire, Victoria. Featuring visiting authors NADIA MAHJOURI and MO MANN SUDI, and local writers CLAIRE SULLIVAN and MORGAN WILLIAMS, as they read original pieces responding to 'The Words I Wish I'd Said', before IZZY ROBERTS-ORR delivers a 'Living Eulogy'. Also, music from local electro pop duo SQUARE WAVE BOUNCE. Hosted by EMILIE ZOEY BAKER.

Sunday, 24 August 2025,
Show 4 - 6pm
Tickets: $40/$35 conc

Words in Winter
Hotel Bellinzona

77 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs, Daylesford, Victoria

TICKETS from Humantix

Izzy Roberts-Orr

Last Naarm 2025 show

October 4

Rachel Griffiths

Saturday, 4 October 2025,
Show 2 - 4pm
Tickets: $43.96 or $84.76 w/meal

Brunswick Ballroom,
314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

TICKETS from Moshtix

We're thrilled to be returning for our last Naarm show for the year. Featuring actor and artist PALLAVI SHARDA, award-winning novelist ROBBIE ARNOTT, comedian SASHI PERERA and acclaimed actress RACHEL GRIFFITHS, as they read original pieces responding to 'The Words I Wish I'd Said', before writer and comedian SAMI SHAH delivers a 'Living Eulogy'. Also, music from ALEXANDER GOW. Hosted by EMILIE ZOEY BAKER.

Sami Shah