At just 17, Kathy Lette co-wrote Puberty Blues — a brutally honest, hilarious and taboo-shattering take on Australian surf culture that shocked a nation, scandalised parents, and became a cult classic. Rather than apologising, she leaned in. From Puberty Blues to How to Kill Your Husband, Mad Cows and The Boy Who Fell to Earth, Kathy has made a career out of turning taboo into comedy and pain into punchlines.
In this episode, Kathy joins Sam Penny to talk about:
It’s cheeky. It’s sharp. And it’s classic Kathy — part stand-up, part masterclass in rebellion, and completely unapologetic.
💬 Key Quotes
“Women are each other’s human wonder bras — uplifting, supportive, and making each other look bigger and better.”“I always write the book I wish I had when I was going through it.”“Humour is my weapon. If you can make someone laugh, you can slip the medicine down more easily.”“There’s ordinary and there’s extraordinary — and people on the spectrum are extraordinary.”“Optimism isn’t an eye disease. Be positive. Never turn down an adventure.”🧩 Themes Explored
🔥 The Brave Moment
When Kathy’s son Jules was diagnosed with autism, she says it was the hardest — and most defining — chapter of her life.
“There’s no owner’s manual for an autistic child. That was when I had to dig deepest for bravery.”📚 Kathy’s Books Mentioned
🧭 Where to Find Kathy
📖 kathylette.com
💡 Takeaway
Bravery doesn’t always mean charging into battle — sometimes it means writing down the truth about your world and refusing to apologise when people tell you to be quiet.
As Kathy says:
“If not now, when? You’ve earned it. Go out there and be fabulous.”