A-list TV and radio presenters, actors, comedians… not to mention a true rock star. It would be difficult to find a more talented or diverse range of broadcasters than Broad Radio today launches its star-studded lineup of programming.
It’s no wonder the founder of Broad Radio and former Admiral Melbourne Breakfast Radio Co-Host Jo Stanley says he’s feeling an incredible sense of pride right now.
This morning, nearly four years since the debut of Broad Radio’s online broadcast, Stanley will host the first edition of Morning Broads weekly breakfast show alongside the award-winning actor Michala Banas and ex triple j host Marieke Hardy.
Broad Radio was Stanley’s idea and a creative digital producer Darren McFarlane.
But Stanley says Radio today she has always felt more like its guardian than its owner, extremely excited about the caliber of talent that surrounds her.
In his Breakfast Banas co-host, Stanley sees an untapped wealth of interesting stories and perspectives.
“Michala has a sassy energy about her. We’ve seen her be everything from heartwarming to hilarious. What I mean to say, High Medium Bogan …this is one of the most beautiful characters we’ve ever seen on our screens.”
“But behind the characters she plays, she is a deep-thinking, compassionate, empathetic and very intelligent person. I’m really excited for people to hear it in a different way.”
Hardy brings his unique quality to the table.
“Marieke’s intellect is fierce,” says Stanley. “She is skilled at reducing what seems like a really complex issue or narrative into something that is actually palatable and easily digested in a fun and interactive way.”
“I love her brain. I love the way she thinks and the way she sees the world is then funny. I remember that when I heard it on Triple J Breakfast all those years ago.”
“She is very irreverent, but equally kind and compassionate. That’s the essence of who we really are, and we both embody that.”
“I have to remember not to be a ‘fan girl’ around them,” Stanley laughs.
A rotating cast of Breakfast co-hosts will include the singer and Killing Heidi vocalist Ela Hooper, comedian Nelly ThomasTV and radio presenter Shelley Ware, ABC broadcaster Rana Hussain and best-selling author I stop.
TV presenter Brihony Dawson, comedian Bev Killick and actor Madeleine West will also be regular contributors.
The rotating roster was born out of the desire for greater flexibility.
“Radio is very tiring,” says Stanley. “And traditionally, if you can’t commit basically your entire life to a program, you end up being excluded from being able to do that program.”
Stanley arrived at this point of view from a very different point of view.
“I thought, well, why it cannot Do we really have any flexibility? Why it cannot Do we model what women generally need in the workplace? And that is, the ability to share the work or the ability to set aside time to do whatever you need to do, whether it’s being a parent or touring with your comedy show… all the things.”
“So we have the three anchors sharing one chair. Then, in the second chair, are the co-hosts, and we have a beautiful diversity of voices.”
Added to the mix will be Broad Radio’s Friday Drive program Fierce, hosted by Tracee Hutchisoncovering music, politics, sports and pop culture. Leila Guruwiwi will also present an exclusive weekly program, Yapas Yarnin’celebrating and sharing stories of First Nations women – their knowledge, their life lessons and music.
Stanley says putting together such a powerful on-air team at Broad Radio wasn’t difficult at all.
“You just ask, which is extraordinary,” she says.
“I didn’t need to convince anyone. It was literally ‘Will you join me in this beautiful, great honor that I have, which is building Broad Radio? I want you to be a part of this.’”
“They were thrilled to be asked and I was thrilled that they said yes. They all see the value in this and the joy of working with other women.”
Bolstering this Broad Radio lineup is a talented team, including Row Murray, Cecelia Ramsdale, Janella Pash, Martine McMahon, olivia smith …and of course not forgetting Daisy, the radio bitch!
Stanley witnessed firsthand the transformative power of radio.
“I love radio. I think radio is getting stronger and stronger. It’s my favorite medium because it’s interactive, because it reflects people’s lives and because it has a lot of power.”
“But I think there are large sections of the community that don’t get heard, and that’s women over a certain age.”
Stanley says our communities today are diverse and often look and sound very different from what we hear through conventional speakers.
“I’m excited to share stories that better reflect our stage of life.”
“These are women who are juggling children and aging parents and their careers are really demanding. Maybe their relationship is ending and they’re single for the first time in a long time, or maybe they’re getting back together and trying to figure out a blended family. All these things that are incredibly challenging.”
Making a difference can be something as simple as giving women a little moment in their day that cheers them up, providing them with the information they need… or just giving them a much-needed laugh.
As for the playlist, Stanley says Broad Radio offers a happy mix of music, from Aretha Franklin to Helen Reddy – everything from the sixties to today.
Morning Broads can be heard live on Wide Radio App or online from 7am to 9am on weekdays. All programs will also be available to listen to.
Main photo: Broad Radio lineup (clockwise from top left): Shelley Ware, Rana Hussain, Michala Banas, Ella Hooper, Jo Stanley, Tracee Hutchison, Brihony Dawson, Madeleine West, Bev Killick, Mimi Kwa, Leila Gurruwiwi , Marieke Hardy and Nelly Tomás
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