Alison Brahe-Daddo will be in Griffith this Thursday. Photo: Carlotta Moye.
Former model and host of the 1990s hit kids’ shows Here’s Humphrey and Guess What?, Alison Brahe-Daddo, will visit the Riverina this Thursday (13 April) for the first time to give a presentation at Griffith City Library on overcoming the challenges of menopause.
Ms Brahe-Daddo, the wife of actor Cameron Daddo, will take the audience through key learnings from her book Queen Menopause: Finding your majesty in the mayhem.
“[I want Griffith women] to speak up, to be open about their experience and seek help and support if they are struggling first and foremost and then to also have a possible different outlook on menopause,” she said.
“It’s challenging to not see the way culture sees you as a woman over a certain age and yet women my age are incredible and living amazing lives. Post-menopausal women are often the most happy and healthy they have ever been. We need more messaging about the pros of menopause, not the negativity.”
Her debut book, which has a 4.7 out of 5 average rating on Audible, is described as “a friendly, frank, compassionate and comprehensive companion for any woman experiencing menopause, or anyone wondering what to expect”.
The new author started her working career as a model at age 16 before becoming a regular on afternoon TV shows such as Guess What?, when she teamed up with Hey Hey It’s Saturday cartoonist Andrew Fyfe, who quickly drew pictures while child contestants had to guess their meaning.
“I loved everything about Guess What? Me, Andrew Fyfe and the producer would spend a day coming up with the jokes and drawings for the show, so it was very collaborative, and for me as a young model, being asked to contribute in that way was exciting. The kids were wonderful. As someone whose goal in life was to be an early childhood teacher, mixing the entertainment industry and children was a dream come true. Everyone was super kind and supportive of me as a young host. We laughed a lot.”
She laments that fact there aren’t too many shows like it still on today.
“I’d love to say it would work today, though I don’t know how much kids are watching TV, it all seems to be computer-driven and short loud videos. It was a wholesome show that was cute. Maybe it would appeal to the kids that are a bit old-school.”
In her book, she speaks candidly about her own transition from a glamorous model and TV star to a menopausal woman aged 53.
“What if this potato shape is permanent? What if this is my final resting body shape?” she writes. “Can I love this shape just as it is? How can we accept our bodies exactly as they are, in all their different and ever-changing forms? How do I love my body when I hold the comparison to my 21-year-old self?
”Feeling sexy is an inside job. I’ve recognised this as I have grown older. I’m not entirely comfortable with this realisation, I must admit, though I understand it from this perspective. When I asked myself when was the last time I felt sexy, I couldn’t remember. It’s been a very long time. Then I thought, ‘Have I ever felt sexy?'”
It will be the first time an audience in the Riverina will hear her story directly.
“I am so excited to see [the region for the first time], so much so I’m bringing my 88-year-old mum with me as she also has not been to the area. It’s a special trip for us both.”
Ms Brahe-Daddo’s talk will be at 6 pm on Thursday at Griffith City Library. You can book your free spot through EventBrite.
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