
BROAD RADIO: STORIES BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
Jo Stanley
Episode #52: May 1st, 2025
in THIS EPISODE
Are you playing small because what you want feels too big? Jo Stanley, broadcaster and founder of Broad Radio, shares why leaning into your passion, seeing opportunity in every experience, and sharing your story, are the ultimate antidotes to fear.
Jo shares what it was like growing up in a missionary family and how storytelling and performance became her way of breaking free of others’ expectations and blazing her own trail.
We track her course from being constantly terrified to making fun of herself through stand-up comedy to becoming one of Australia's most beloved radio personalities, with two number-one hit breakfast shows.
Jo gets candid about getting fired at the height of her career, and how that unexpected blow was the impetus to embrace her true purpose and revolution—to champion equity and inclusion, and drive societal change. She built Broad Radio as a broadcast and online platform to elevate women’s and gender-diverse voices.
This episode will inspire you to claim the largest version of yourself, use your voice, and champion your story to be the change you want to see in the world.
TESS'S TAKEAWAYS
Diversity in media is essential for an accurate narrative of society.
Women sharing their stories drives gender equity and societal change.
Don’t wait for somebody else to do it. Decide that you’re the person to do it.
Embrace the largest version of yourself and avoid playing small.
Sharing your story and listening to the stories of others is vital for growth.
Let go of persona/construction and follow your heart.
Laugh at yourself and the world to combat fear and anxiety.
Let love and connection drive creativity for the greatest impact.
ABOUT JO STANLEY & BROAD RADIO
TV and radio broadcaster, writer, podcaster, speaker, and founder of Broad Radio, Jo Stanley is on a mission to amplify women’s voices and stories. Since being discovered doing stand-up comedy in a dingy pub in Melbourne, Jo’s had a 20-year career in radio with two record-breaking, number-one breakfast shows – The Matt and Jo Show on Fox FM, and Jo and Lehmo on Gold 104.3.
Podcast credits include Best of You for the House of Wellness, Pod of the 3rd Age for Ryman Health, and A to Be with Mimi Kwa. Jo also writes a regular column for the Sunday Life Magazine in Australia, and is author of the Play Like A Girl kids’ book series.
A fierce advocate for womens’ rights and gender equality, Jo is a patron of the Lighthouse Foundation and Wellsprings for Women, and an ambassador for Left Write Hook and for Fitted for Work.
Broad Radio is Australia’s first radio network led by women for women. Its live talkback radio and on-demand podcasts, music, and other digital content elevate diverse women’s voices and champion the fearless pursuit of equity and inclusion.