Barker admitted that it sounded like he was breaking up with Australia, but the US-born comedian said it was just the right title for a show that shines a light on humanity.

“It’s a serious chat about humanity,” Barker explained. “About what we’re doing here and where we’re going. Are we going in the right direction with technology? That sort of thing.”

We Need To Talk looks at how the world has changed in the last 20 years as a result of the internet and smart phones.

But in Barker’s classic stand-up style, the comedian infuses it with his funnier observations about life.

In particular, Barker talks about what he has learned from married life, which he is “fairly new at”.

The other topic Barker discusses in We Need To Talk is children.

“One of the funnest parts of the show is when I talk about raising children because I don’t have any,” Barker said.

“It’s a little tongue in cheek. I don’t have any children so what would I know about raising them? I talk about my philosophy in raising children, which is being honest with them.

“I’m quite happy with this one,” Barker said of the new show. “I think as jokes go it’s some of my best writing. I think audiences to this show can expect better than ever Arj.

“When I look back at my first DVD, Live [2006], to now I’m a much better performer and writer, more refined. Come along and catch me at my best.”

Barker will perform his new stand-up show at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday, September 7.

Tickets to see We Need To Talk, available from the club or online at westsnewcastle.com.au, cost $44 for club members of $49 for non-members.

The Examiner has one double pass to give away to the Nelson Bay performance.

For your chance to win, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Talk” to portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

The winner of the tickets will be notified by Wednesday, August 29.