This week on And The Year Was 1985, we’re joined by author, podcaster, comedian, screenwriter, and producer Courtney Kocak.

Courtney’s debut memoir Girl Gone Wild drops April 1, 2026. The book traces her journey from rural Minnesota to Los Angeles, detailing her early creative ambitions, her time working on the Girls Gone Wild tour in the late 90s, and the experiences that shaped her voice as a journalist and storyteller.

We talk about:
• Growing up in Minnesota and chasing creative ambition
• Moving to LA and breaking into media
• The reality behind the Girls Gone Wild era
• Building a career in podcasting
• Writing and publishing Girl Gone Wild
• Reporting on sex, psychedelics, and reproductive rights

Courtney hosts Private Parts Unknown, The Bleeders, and Podcast Bestie, and has produced major podcasts including The Bellas Podcast and Never Stand Still.

Pre-order or learn more about Girl Gone Wild:
https://www.courtneykocak.com

Follow Courtney:
Website: https://www.courtneykocak.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneykocak
X: https://x.com/courtneykocak
Private Parts Unknown: https://www.privatepartsunknown.com
Podcast Bestie: https://www.podcastbestie.com

Follow And The Year Was 1985:
All links: https://linktr.ee/theyearwas1985

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