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John Michael Safran, born on August 13, 1972, in Melbourne, Australia, is a journalist, author, radio host, and documentary maker. John Safran is known for using humor to explore topics like religion, politics, and race. His career took off in 1997 when he appeared on the reality show Race Around the World. Since then, John Safran has created several TV documentaries, hosted radio shows, and written books.
Early Life and Education
John Safran was born into a Jewish family. His mother, Gitl, was born in Uzbekistan while her family was fleeing to Australia. John Safran father, Alex, comes from German-Jewish ancestry. He has an older sister named Margaret.
Growing up in Balwyn North, Melbourne, John Safran attended North Balwyn Primary School, Balwyn High School, and later Yeshivah College, an Orthodox Jewish school. John Safran often described himself as "the least religious kid in the most religious school." After high school, John Safran studied journalism at RMIT University but dropped out before finishing his degree. John Safran then worked in advertising, writing jingles for companies like Mazda and Sea World.
Early Career in Music
While still in high school, John Safran formed a hip-hop group called Raspberry Cordial with his friend Chris Lumsden. The group gained some recognition, playing on local radio and in competitions. However, their album did not sell well, and the band eventually broke up.
Television and Documentary Work
In 2004, he created John Safran vs God, a show that explored different religions. The series ended with a dramatic exorcism performed on him by Christian preacher Bob Larson. John Safran later co-hosted Speaking in Tongues with Catholic priest Father Bob Maguire.
In 2009, his series John Safran’s Race Relations explored cultural and racial identity. One of the most talked-about moments was when John Safran participated in a real crucifixion in the Philippines. The show was nominated for a Logie Award.
Writing and Journalism
After hearing about the murder of American white supremacist Richard Barrett, John Safran traveled to Mississippi to investigate. His book about the case, Murder in Mississippi, won a Ned Kelly Award for Best True Crime in 2014. He has also written for newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald and Vice News.
In 2017, John Safran published Depends What You Mean by Extremist, a book about radical groups in Australia. His book Puff Piece (2021) investigated the tobacco industry and was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award. In 2024, John Safran released Squat, based on his experience squatting in a Los Angeles mansion owned by Kanye West.
Personal Life
John Safran loves playing Scrabble and owns many special editions of the game. He has been a subject of artwork in the prestigious Archibald Prize. Though he has some spiritual beliefs, John Safran does not strictly follow any religion. He has publicly supported religious education in schools but is critical of organized religion’s privileges.
John Safran has dated playwright Lally Katz and had a past relationship with a Bolivian girl while at university. John Safran first date was in high school, watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Legacy
John Safran is known for pushing boundaries in his documentaries and books. Whether investigating religion, politics, or social issues, John Safran mixes humor with serious journalism, making complex topics accessible to the public.
Parents & Family
John Safran was born to Jewish parents in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Alex Safran, and his mother, Gitl Obronzka, had strong Jewish roots. John Safran mother was born in Uzbekistan while her family was fleeing their home country for Australia. John Safran father family came from Germany and left before the rise of Nazi Germany.
Siblings
John Safran has one older sister named Margaret.
Wife & Relationship
John Safran has never been married. He has had a few relationships in the past. He dated a Bolivian girl while at university but ended the relationship because he was more focused on his creative work. John Safran also dated Australian playwright Lally Katz.
Children
John Safran does not have any children.
Controversy
John Safran is known for his bold and sometimes shocking stunts. Some of his controversial acts include placing a fatwa on TV host Rove McManus, disguising people as Slipknot band members to sneak them into a club, and running through Jerusalem wearing only a football club scarf. John Safran show John Safran vs God gained attention when he underwent a real exorcism on camera.
Religion
John Safran was raised in a Jewish family and attended a strict Jewish school. However, he describes himself as not very religious. John Safran believes in spirituality and enjoys religious rituals but does not strictly follow any religion.
Books
John Safran has written several books, including:
- Murder in Mississippi (2013) – A true crime book about a white supremacist’s murder.
- Depends What You Mean by Extremist (2017) – A book exploring different extremist groups in Australia.
- Puff Piece (2021) – Investigating the secrets of the tobacco industry.
- Squat (2024) – A story about his experience squatting in Kanye West’s mansion.
FAQs
1. What is John Safran real name?
- John Safran full name is John Michael Safran. His Hebrew name is Yehoshua Safran.
2. How old is John Safran?
- John Safran was born on August 13, 1972, so as of 2025, he is 52 years old.
3. What is John Safran nationality?
- John Safran is Australian.
4. What is John Safran career?
- John Safran is a radio presenter, author, documentary maker, journalist, and satirist. He is known for mixing humor with religion, politics, and social issues.
5. What is John Safran religion?
- John Safran was raised in a Jewish family but describes himself as not very religious. He believes in spirituality and enjoys religious rituals but does not strictly follow any religion.
6. Who are John Safran parents?
- John Safran father is Alex Safran, and his mother was Gitl Obronzka, who passed away in 2003. His mother’s family was Polish Jewish, and his father’s ancestors were German Jews.
7. Does John Safran have any siblings?
- Yes, John Safran has an older sister named Margaret.
8. Is John Safran married?
- No, John Safran is not married.
9. Has John Safran been in any relationships?
- Yes, John Safran has dated in the past. He had a relationship with a Bolivian girl while at university but ended it to focus on his career. He also dated Australian playwright Lally Katz.
10. What books has John Safran written?
- Some of his books include:
> Murder in Mississippi (2013) – True crime story about a white supremacist’s murder.
> Depends What You Mean by Extremist (2017) – About different extremist groups in Australia.
> Puff Piece (2021) – Investigates the tobacco industry.
> Squat (2024) – His experience squatting in Kanye West’s mansion.
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