Hello there!
Kaz Cooke has been a lifelong friend to many of us, acting as a guiding light to generations of women figure out life and health. From decoding the mysteries of girlhood in the Girl Stuff Books to the essential Up The Duff and her latest gem, It’s The Menopause, she’s spent years empowering us. A constant in our journeys, now it’s time for us to explore hers. From a young bold cadet journalist to finding her iconic style and deciphering the facts from the bonkers, in true Kaz Cooke form, part one of this conversation ventures to the profound, the relatable and the downright hilarious.
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Learn more about Kaz Cooke
About Kaz Cooke
Kaz Cooke is a renowned Australian author, whose words have been a guiding light for generations of girls and women navigating the twists and turns of health and life stages. Kaz’s impact on Australian literature is immeasurable, as her books, serving as timeless classics, have not only reassured but also entertained multiple generations.
Kaz’s journey began as a cadet journalist at The Age newspaper, setting the stage for a career that would redefine women’s literature. Her cartoon strip, Hermoine the Modern Girl, marked the inception of her creative endeavours, leading to a prolific output of columns and books that resonated with readers nationwide. Notably, Kaz Cooke’s writing includes iconic works such as “Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy” and “Girl Stuff”, “Babies and Toddlers” and recently “It’s the Menopause.”
Beyond the written word, Kaz is a dynamic presence in various media, from public speaking engagements to radio appearances, which reinforces her position as a true literary luminary and a friend for life to countless Australians.
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2:03 She’s been a guiding light for generations of women navigating life and health, welcome Kaz Cooke!
3:27 Menopause is a hot topic right now, but the conversation has become overwhelming. Kaz Cooke is here to bring clarity amid the noise.
5:21 Mimi couldn’t say the word menopause on TV, Kaz still gets annoying questions- We’ve come a long way but the stigma still exists.
9:10 “Can women not just be themselves and do a bit of macrame and go on a road trip?” The Whale theory that makes Kaz mad.
11:35 “I’ve changed my priorities. I don’t care that I’m invisible now to some people.”- Feeling free, seen and validated through the quotes of women in ‘It’s The Menopause’.
12:32 Kaz shares her fear of getting facts wrong, a fear ingrained in her early journalism days.
15:13 Navigating the delicate conversations with young girls—approaching topics like sex with care and consideration.
19:56 Exposing the ridiculous and dangerous ‘Mona Lisa Touch,’ Kaz unveils the scam of vaginal laser treatments.
22:00 Kaz’s journey to writing started with newspapers and a house full of mince- How Kaz found her inspiration in satire and cartoons.
27:00 “I didn’t know enough to be as intimidated as I should’ve been.” When naivety works in your favour and the cheeky charm that landed Kaz her first writing gig at the Age.
31:42 Tracing the feminist heartbeat in Kaz’s work and how sexual politics has come a long way across generations.
35:21 Leave it to Kaz Cooke to get to the bottom of life’s biggest questions… what on earth does a pelvic floor look like?
37:03 The power of Girl Stuff, opening up important conversations and empowering our girls to keep them safe.
Meet Jo
Jo Stanley is Founder and CEO at Broad Radio – radio for women, by women. Comedian, author, MC, speaker. Co-host of The House of Wellness TV and Radio. Hope messenger. Equality warrior. Mother, wife, awesome friend.
Broad Radio Insta • Broad Generation Insta • Broad Radio Web
Say hi to Mimi
Mimi is the Author of House of Kwa, Journalist, MC, Facilitator, Keynote, Mum of four, studying to become a mindfulness mediation teacher, also did architecture at university and didn’t become an architect. Quite a good friend.
BUY House of Kwa • Mimi Kwa Web