Hello there!
If our ancestors walk with us, do we have the power to write our own stories? Co-host of A to Be, Mimi Kwa, explores these questions in her powerful memoir, House of Kwa, and here shares with Jo the fascinating elements of her life that have made her who she is. From the early-childhood trauma of a mother with chronic mental illness, to her father’s court case against her, and stretching back to her great great grandfather in China, the interviewer becomes the interviewed in this vulnerable and moving conversation between two friends.
Resources:
Origin of the first photograph of DNA, by Rosalind Franklin.
Learn more about Mimi and her work.
While we believe conversations around mental health are essential, we do issue a suicide trigger warning for this episode. If you or anyone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lifeline on 13 11 14.
About Mimi Kwa
Mimi Kwa is an Author, TV presenter, mum of four, MC, master facilitator, keynote speaker and former news anchor spanning two decades. Mimi’s journalistic journey propelled her to become the first Asian heritage female on Channel Nine, where she anchored news to 40 countries and interviewed influential figures worldwide. In 2021, Mimi Kwa made her authorial debut with her memoir “House of Kwa”, a work that has been applauded by critics from The Australian to the South China Morning Post and likened to “Wild Swans meets Educated and “Joy Luck Club meets Boy Swallows Universe”.
Find the moment you're seeking
1:35 When the interviewer becomes the interviewee; how writing as a therapeutic outlet transformed into an extraordinary memoir.
5:05 Mimi’s connection to her rich family history- stringing together generations through stories from aunties.
8:05 The dragon and the tiger; unraveling the significance of celestial symbols woven into the narrative of “House of Kwa.”
9:36 Can trauma echo across generations until someone halts the cycle? Delving into the profound question of whether writing “House of Kwa” was Mimi’s destiny.
11:23 The event that turned Mimi’s hair grey overnight- the shocking revelation of her father’s lawsuit in the Supreme Court.
13:55 “You have to crack open for the light to come in”- the trigger for Mimi’s awakening that lead her to shed the layers that were restricting her true being.
16:05 “Quiet on the outside, tigers roar within”- speaking to the inner strength of women and girls and breaking down the conditioning that seeks to minimise us.
20:14 Mimi opens up about the trauma embedding in her earliest memories, and the impact of her mother’s extreme mental ill health has on the woman she is today.
27:23 Mimi’s spiritual journey: the quest for healing, the pain of confronting deep wounds, and the peace that lies beyond.
31:32 Approaching conflict with love- how understanding her father’s A to Be journey lead Mimi down a path of greater compassion and love.
33:57 Experiencing another world in the lap of luxury with Mimi’s incredible Aunt Teresa.
37:57 Jo shared the Origin Story of Well Known Thing- the first photograph of DNA and the overlooked brilliance of Rosalind Franklin.
39:58 Mimi’s courageous stand against discriminatory institutions and her trailblazing efforts that have opened doors for generations to follow.
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