Dr Michael McKernan has written extensively on Australian social history with a particular focus on charting the effects of war on Australian society.
A former deputy director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr McKernan is author of many books, including 'Gallipoli a short history', has worked on history documentaries for ABC television and is a regular commentator for ABC radio.
With a strong and confident radio presence, Dr McKernan is known for his ability to recount history with depth and enthusiasm.
He's also got a fantastic memory of his own childhood, which he was happy to share with 666 listeners on Canberra Close Up.
With the request to select four meaningful songs, Dr McKernan asked for 'Cheer, cheer the Red and the White' to celebrate his unwavering support for the Sydney Swans.
"I was very fortunate...and a couple of the songs we're going to play relate to my father. My father was a very important figure in my life," Dr McKernan told Alex.
Dr McKernan grew up in Brighton in Melbourne and told Alex his was a very happy childhood.
Recalling childhood memories, Dr McKernan described his early experiences at school.
"So here we were in Brighton...there were only two hundred and fifty boys from grade one to grade eight. It was run by the society of Jesus- Jesuits. The first four years were taught by lovely maternal cuddly women. The first love of my life was Ms Suitor. I cannot tell you the passion I developed for Ms Suitor," Dr McKernan joked.
"And then nasty Mr...I'd better not mention his name...fell in love with her and so she left the school because, well, you know, it wasn't really appropriate."
If you missed the conversation, you can listen online in full here.
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