Moana Hope to host business show Entrepreneur Her on radio station Disrupt

Former AFLW player Moana Hope has questioned how women afford to re-enter the workforce as she prepares to host her own show on Disrupt Radio.

Moana Hope for Disprupt Radio. Picture: Elke Meitzel

Moana Hope says she’s in a “really good place” as a single mum, full-time worker and now with a new radio gig.

It emerged last month the former AFLW star split from wife Isabella Carlstrom after four years of marriage.

They have each given birth to a child — Carlstrom to daughter Svea and Hope to son Ahi — with the help of Monash IVF.

“I’ve had a lot going on but I’m in a really good place,’’ Hope said.

“We’re selling our house, Bella and I, that’s going on the market soon and I’ve moved into a new place five minutes from where Svea lives and as long as I’m around them I’m happy. That’s all that matters.”

Moana Hope and Isabella Carlstrom with their two children.

“It’s OK to have a life outside of raising kids and working 16 hours a day. I’m looking forward to going out more and having me time. With work (in the construction industry), radio and being a single full-time mum to Ahi, I deserve it.”

Hope is joining new radio station Disrupt to host a new business show called Entrepreneur Her.

Launching mid-year, she will have a daily show, on air and digital channels, built on an open discussion of women in business.

“I run my own business with 160 people who work for me and it’s quite large,’’ Hope said.

“I’ve been loving doing pilots. I love learning and it’s cool to see how other women are succeeding and getting back into the workforce. It’s not even just the biggest CEOs, it’s the lady that works down at the fruit and veg shop, that’s got a story too.

“Any woman out there that is giving it a go I’ve got mad respect for.”

Hope said she missed playing football, and was possibly going to pull on the boots again for a local club, but it didn’t pay the bills.

“I started my business eight years ago, people think I just played footy, but that wouldn’t even be enough to buy milk,’’ she said.

Moana Hope and baby Ahi

“I’m so family and career driven. I sacrificed footy because the pay was not enough for me to step back and say I can hire someone to fill my role.

“I’d happily play footy if a club just let me play footy.

“I’m looking to put Ahi in daycare and it’s $188 a day and I was gobsmacked because how do women afford to get back into the workforce? I’m a complete open book for this show and like a kid in a candy shop I’m genuinely excited.”

Disrupt Radio will also feature the likes of Libbi Gorr, Jules Lund and Michelle Guthrie.

The founder and chief executive, Benjamin Roberts, said Hope was a perfect fit.

“Entrepreneur Her is an Australian radio first and promises to deliver raw and unfiltered conversations featuring trailblazing women, industry disrupters and thought leaders,’’ he said.

“It’s also more than just a radio show – it’s a national platform celebrating entrepreneurial spirit, made by women in business, for women in business.

“Moana embodies incredible strength, resilience and drive, making her an inspirational figure and the perfect host to connect to the ambitious, enterprising women of Australia. We know audiences and advertisers will love Moana’s energy, enthusiasm and storytelling.”