In Conversation with Jo Stanley
Jo is a performer, writer, podcaster, broadcaster. Since being discovered performing stand-up comedy in a dingy pub sometime in the early 2000’s, she has become loved for her warm and honest brand of content. Her 20 year career in radio included 2 record breaking, number 1 breakfast shows which makes her one of Australia’s most successful radio hosts.
Jo writes a regular column for the Sunday Life Magazine, and is the creator of the Play Like A Girl kids book series. Her podcast credits include A to Be with Mimi Kwa.
Jo has now launched Broad Radio – Australia’s first radio network for women, and a platform that will amplify the full diversity of women’s voices.
Jo is an advocate for gender equality. In support of these issues, she is a patron for Lighthouse Foundation and Wellsprings for Women, and an ambassador for Left Write Hook and Fitted for Work.
What’s the story behind how you first got started in media and radio ?
I was doing a Melb comedy festival show with my then comedy partner Jodie J Hill. It was the early 2000s before reality TV had taken off, so content directors tended to find new talent in comedy back then. We were lucky the Head of Content came and saw our show and offered us a meeting. I remember we had our pitch all planned, but then my grandpa died that week and I had to go to the meeting straight from his funeral, so I think all plans went out the window. We were brash and bold and full of bravado (mostly false), and I think we said labia about 10 times. When we came out of there he’d offered us a Sunday night trial show. We did that for a year and then they miraculously offered us Mon – Fri, 9am – midday. It was an incredible opportunity.
What’s been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
The best response to any challenge is ‘why not?’ Like every creative I’ve had LOTS of self-doubt and fear. But I’ve learned whatever I’m challenged with, whatever the gig, whatever idea I’ve had that feels way out of my reach, I can do more and be more than I ever could have imagined. Every time I feel any hesitation creep in, I respond with ‘why not?’ It works!
Why did you decide to start your own radio station ?
I love radio, but was unable to find the kind of radio that spoke to my life-stage. I was 48 at the time, and looking for conversation that reflected the joys and mayhem that come with juggling parenting, and aging parents and careers and all the challenges of adjusting to my next phase of life. And then when I looked into it, I discovered that of the voices you hear on commercial radio only 27% are female, and as an audience women (especially those over 35) are overlooked. I could see a clear gap in the market. But also because I’ve seen first hand the transformative power of radio to shift a person’s day for the positive, I could see the opportunity to make a difference for women. I feel very lucky that the idea for Broad Radio came to me.
Looking back, was there a piece of advice you received early in your career that really stuck with you?
Know your voice, and stay true to it. Specifically this was about understanding who I was, so that when I spoke on air, I was always speaking from my authentic self. But broadly this relates to everything I do – my values, passions, origin story. Essentially I was defining my personal brand, and this has stayed with me my whole career.
In the creative field, collaboration is key. What’s your secret to building great relationships with others in the industry?
Conversation is everything. Make time to talk, and be curious. Ask lots of questions and make sure you shut up so you can really listen.
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