In this episode of BITE BIG, Jo joins me for a raw and generous conversation about what it really takes to back yourself, build a media business from scratch, and do it in a world that wasn’t exactly built for women like us.
Many Australians know Jo from her years on radio, particularly the record-breaking Matt & Jo Show. But beyond the fame is a woman who knows how to pivot with purpose. These days, she’s the founder of Broad Radio, a digital platform created by women, for women. It exists because Jo couldn’t find what she needed in traditional media, so she built it herself.
That’s Jo’s personal mantra. It’s been her compass through reinvention, loss, and launching a business in the public eye. She describes herself as a naturally fearful person, but this phrase reminds her to lean into the risk anyway. Boldness, as she sees it, is not about blowing up your life. Sometimes it’s as small and powerful as saying no.
It’s also about being visible. Jo is acutely aware of the pressure that comes with leading a new kind of media for women. She’s carrying that weight not just for herself, but for the many voices still missing from mainstream media. That includes women in regional communities, First Nations women, culturally diverse women, gender-diverse voices, women over 45, and women with disabilities. Broad Radio is her way of making space for all of them.
Jo started her career in stand-up comedy. From there, she moved into radio and TV, wrote a children’s book series called Play Like a Girl, and built a personal brand that blends humour with purpose. Broad Radio is her biggest leap yet, and it came after being sacked from commercial radio. While the experience was painful, it became a turning point. A solo trip to Berlin re-ignited her creativity, and the vision for Broad Radio landed soon after. She describes it as an idea that wouldn’t let go.
One of the most powerful ideas Jo shared was a mantra from Deepak Chopra: “Ask, and let go of how it shall come to pass.” It’s about trusting that once you put your intention out into the world, your job is not to control the outcome. It’s to stay open and ready. That openness, she says, is where the magic happens.
She also makes a case for women being more direct about their needs. Too often, we avoid asking for what we want. Jo encourages every woman to practise “the ask” like a muscle. Be intentional. Be specific. Whether you’re asking for investment, mentorship or support, you can’t receive what you don’t articulate.
When we talk about legacy, Jo’s take is refreshingly honest. She doesn’t care about fame. She wants to be remembered as a good human. For her, impact isn’t defined by awards or ratings. It’s about how you make people feel and what you leave behind when the meeting ends or the mic turns off.
That same ethos shows up in her work with Fitted For Work, a charity that helps women and gender-diverse people become job ready and thrive in meaningful work. She believes financial freedom is critical to personal freedom, and that every woman deserves to feel capable and supported.
Boldness is a choice, not a personality trait. Choose it often.
Practise the ask. Be clear and courageous in what you need.
Failure is just a step forward. Don’t overthink it.
Curiosity helps you stay open when fear creeps in.
Your impact is bigger than you think. Just starting something brave can inspire others.
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