The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

How Ex-Journo Talitha Cummins Honestly Disrupted the Diamond Industry 10.06.2026 46p

Being honest has done a lot for Talitha Cummins. It's allowed her to pivot her skills as a prominent television journo into becoming the founder and design director of Australian fine jewelry house The Cut. It's generated sales across the world with zero in paid marketing. It's ruffled the feathers of her competition. It's helped her heal from addiction and it's encouraged countless others to do the same.  In this raw and far-ranging chat, Talitha explains: The myths the diamond industry is based around and the truths they'd rather you didn't hear The true difference between lab grown and natural diamonds and other FAQs Her personal investment history and strategy Her advice for those who run their own business Her story of entering and maintaining sobriety - what it's meant for her and her message for others who are struggling  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating a "Swirling Economy": Westpac CEO Anthony Miller’s Honest Verdict on the Budget, Housing Supply and More 08.06.2026 35p

Australia is caught in a complicated, fast-moving financial landscape—what Westpac CEO Anthony Miller calls a "swirling economy." In this episode, Sylvia sits down with the leader of one of the nation’s Big Four banks for an unfiltered, data-backed assessment of the country's economic future. Anthony shares his candid perspective on the structural hurdles holding Australia back and the massive opportunities waiting to be unlocked, including: The Budget Verdict & Tax Changes: Why Anthony backs the productivity agenda but argues that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) adjustments need a strict carve-out for small businesses and startups. The $1M Housing Reality Check: The stark math behind Australia’s supply crisis— and how regional development and flexible work play a role. Interest Rates & Consumer Stress: Why Westpac is currently forecasting two more rate rises this year, and how Australian mortgage holders are holding up against the pressure. The Truth About AI & Unemployment: Why Anthony completely rejects the scary predictions of a 15% unemployment rate Skilled Migration & Nation Building: A look at why a precise, evidence-based immigration debate is vital  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Private Education Worth It? with Skye Predavec 04.06.2026 19p

It's the question that weighs upon every parent: where do I send my kids to school?But with yearly tuition fees for private schooling reaching truly staggering numbers, another question often follows: is it worth it? In this eye-opening episode, Skye Predavec, researcher behind the Australia Institute's recent report on private schooling unpacks the data and the stark structural realities of our school system, including: Does private schooling equate to better outcomes? How does Australia's school system compare to the other parts of the world? A look at how private fees consistently outpace inflation, and what it will realistically cost to educate a child born today within the private system Why current trends suggest most Australian high school students will be in private systems within a few decades, and what that means for societal inequality  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tips and Techniques to Make Your Kids Rich, with Sarah Megginson 03.06.2026 44p

If you've ever wanted to ensure you're giving your kids the best possible financial start - imparting not just wealth, but the means for them to generate and handle their own wealth throughout their lives, this is the episode for you! Finance expert, mother of three and author of 'How to Raise Rich Kids' Sarah Megginson is here to share her expertise, including: What rich really means  Her top tips for pocket money How to involve your kids in family finances the right way Navigating dangers of frictionless payments and online influences Communicating concepts like saving and investing in a way kids can connect to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Scott Phillips is Optimistic About Your Financial Future 27.05.2026 48p

Between the cost-of-living crisis, a brutal housing market, and the constant "doom-scrolling" of financial news, it’s easy to feel financially disheartened. But today’s guest has a different perspective. In this episode, Sylvia sits down with Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool Australia to explain why (and how) your long-term financial future could be brighter than you think. In this episode, we dive into: The Power of Simplicity: Why the financial industry thrives on making things look hard just to charge you more—and how Scott’s "One-Page Investing Plan" can change your life. The Housing Crisis & "Inherited Inequality": A candid look at the structural failures of the property market and why "inheritocracy" is creating a societal divide. Historical Resilience: How the Australian market has turned $10,000 into $130,000 over 30 years—despite wars, depressions, and recessions. The Future of Work and AI: Why we shouldn't fear the coming changes Connect with Scott Phillips: Look out for his upcoming book, The One Page Investing Plan, and find him across social media and on The Motley Fool Money podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shares vs. Property: Shifting Wealth Strategies Post-Budget with Ben Nash 25.05.2026 19p

Sylvia Jeffreys and financial advisor Ben Nash continue dissecting the latest federal budget, exploring how the proposed property tax and CGT changes will affect young Australians. And if they become law, what are some other investment opportunities for younger Aussies to mull over?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bringing an Athlete Attitude to Business, with Luke Trickett 20.05.2026 47p

What happens when you take the "blinkered" focus of an elite swimmer and apply it to the high-stakes world of stockbroking, fintech and entrepreneurship? The success of Luke Trickett, ex-competitive swimmer and founder of Marmalade and Blue Stamp Company, is the answer. Luke reveals why "satisfaction" is a foreign concept to him, the reality of transitioning from the pool to stockbroking during the GFC, what watching his world-champion wife Libby's own transition out of the pool taught him, and what it’s really like to build a business with 100% conviction while raising five children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Blomfield: Fuel to Food Crisis? 19.05.2026 29p

Are we sleepwalking into a national food crisis? A war in the Middle East, a global shipping bottleneck, blown-up fuel and LNG plants are contributing to a global fuel crisis. But beyond fuel, it's the effect on fertiliser supply that might shock Australians if the crisis isn't solved sometime soon. Farmer and social media star Charlie Blomfield joins Sylvia to talk about the massive geopolitical forces shifting the goalposts out in the bush. Plus, why the government’s latest headline-grabbing supply deals are just a "drop in the ocean".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading Through the Unthinkable: Kellie Sloane at Bondi and After 13.05.2026 44p

On December 14 2025, an evening of Hanukkah celebration in Dover Heights rapidly became something very different for NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Kellie recounts the moments she jumped into a Hatzolah ambulance to race toward the danger of Bondi beach, arriving at the scene as the final shots were being fired. Kellie provides a visceral, first-hand account of acting as an impromptu first responder - and importantly how this experience, occurring less than three weeks into her tenure as Opposition Leader, has left her a "changed person" with a newfound "clarity of purpose".   Beyond the trauma of Bondi, she explores the journey that brought her to that moment: from a regional "country girl" to a high-stakes journalist and CEO, and finally, her transition into the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency Episode: What the budget means for you 13.05.2026 23p

With a generational overhaul of property taxes, family trusts, and negative gearing, the government has finally picked a side in the housing war.  Sylvia, Amy Remeikis, and Joel Gibson dig into who wins and who loses, why your rentvesting strategy just hit a wall, and if the broken promise of this budget will actually be forgiven at the ballot box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'How to Get' the Big Issues This Budget, with Chris Kohler 06.05.2026 24p

Next week, the federal budget drops. For most of us, it’s a flurry of headlines and jargon that feels a world away from our daily bank balance. But behind the billion-dollar figures are the decisions that dictate your rent, your grocery bills, and your job security. And luckily, to help us 'get it', there's Nine Finance Editor Chris Kohler. In this episode, Chris breaks down what might be the budgets biggest tickets - including capital gains tax, negative gearing, housing affordability, grandfathering, gas exports, unemployment and more. He also discusses some of the tools he's heard have been most helpful to people from his book 'How They Get You', including giving delivery apps a second thought and scheduling a 'hell day', and why he decided to start a podcast of his own: 'How We Got Here'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rate Hike Realities EXPLAINED, with Diana Mousina (AMP Deputy Chief Economist) 05.05.2026 12p

Sylvia sits down with AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina to analyze the RBA's latest rise and exactly what it means for your family budget.  In this episode: Exactly how much more the average new mortgage holder is looking at from recent hikes How rising petrol and diesel prices act like a "hidden" interest rate rise on top of the RBA’s decision The potential for costs to be passed on through increased rent Why core inflation is still sitting at 3.5%, a full 1% above the RBA’s goal.  What this could mean in combination with next week's federal budget Are more rises on the way? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How 'Giving a Crap' Can Get You Success, with Simon Griffiths (Who Gives a Crap) 29.04.2026 51p

Can wiping away what you've been told about profiting lead to your business being flush with cash? Simon Griffiths, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Who Gives a Crap knows so. In fact, in this episode, he shares why giving away 50% of his company's profits not only led to multi-millions donated to the cause of global sanitation, but to a competitive market advantage and success that could not have otherwise been possible.  Simon shares all the highlights of the WGAC journey so far - from a the origins of the idea to the viral crowdfunding campaign that saw him sitting on a toilet for 50 hours straight to navigating the unprecedented "toilet paper panic" of 2020. You'll learn the secrets behind their iconic marketing strategy, how to build a brand so compelling that customers become your biggest advocates and ultimately why doing good is good for business.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBC Reporter to Kardashian-Approved Fashion Empire - Kathyrn Eisman (High heel Jungle, E News, NBC) 22.04.2026 54p

How do you go from being the youngest on-air reporter in NBC history, to a fixture of every red carpet event in LA, to founding a fashion brand worn by Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, and Ariana Grande?In Kathryn Eisman's case: fearlessly.  In this episode, the powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and media personality shares her unfiltered journey of radical career pivots, from living in a caravan on a New York rooftop to landing a dream job at E! News just six weeks after giving birth and more. Now the founder of the cult hosiery label High Heel Jungle, Kathryn reveals the "unprecious" work ethic required to forge ahead in any career.  In this episode: The Power of the Pivot: Why you should never wait to be "discovered" and how to start before you’re ready. The Kardashian Effect: How Kathryn got her products into the hands of A-list celebrities with $0 ad spend and no PR firm - and just how powerful that was! Resilience & Legacy: How her family’s history shaped her drive and perspective on risk. The Handbag Secret: Kathryn’s "uncannily accurate" party trick—what your handbag says about your personality! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EVs: are they REALLY the smart financial move? with James Ward (Drive) 21.04.2026 21p

If the problem is sky high fuel costs, could an electric vehicle be the solution? It's the logical question being asked by more and more Australians. But are there hidden costs we don't know about? Are they actually cheaper to run than a standard petrol car? Is Australia's charging infrastructure good enough? And what are the best options right now? Sylvia chats to James Ward, director of content at Drive, to answer these questions and more, and to give you the entire checklist BEFORE you buy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Best Friends, 1,000 Browser Tabs, Half a Million Users - SORTD founders Alexis Aaron & Jodine Wolman 15.04.2026 35p

How do you come up with a brilliant business idea simply from browsing online? How do you scale that business to reach hundreds of thousands of users? And how do you do it all with your best friend whilst keeping your relationship as strong as ever? Oh yeah, you can also throw in having a baby and being recognised by Forbes 30 under 30 too.  Two young women who have the answers to all of these questions and more are Alexis Aaron and Jodine Wolman, founders of SORTD, a tech startup that is revolutionising online shopping and ecommerce.   In this episode, they share their entrepreneurial journey so far, their must-hear advice to make social media marketing work for you, their keys to a successful pitch (even in a boardroom of blokes in suits) and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lessons, Leadership, Resilience, with Kelly Bayer Rosmarin (Optus, Australian Unity, CBA) 08.04.2026 47p

From the high-stakes pressure of Silicon Valley’s dot-com boom to leading one of Australia's largest telecommunications giants through a national crisis, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has navigated a career defined by massive shifts and "deep end" learning. In this insightful episode, the former Optus CEO joins Sylvia to discuss her new chapter as the head of Australian Unity and the hard-won lessons she’s gathered along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying the Right Home Sooner, with Evan Thornley (LongView, GoodStart, LookSmart) 01.04.2026 51p

How more Australians can enter into the property market - how they can have dignified, secure housing that delivers good capital growth - is the multi-million dollar question.And it's one that Evan Thornley might have an answer to. In this episode, the tech pioneer, founder of LongView and co-founder of GoodStart, argues that while the system is fundamentally broken, there is a data-driven path to home ownership that is easier to access and better long term than the traditional means of being indebted to a bank.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the family home remains the "single best investment in the history of the world" How analyzing 50 years of data across 11 million properties helps identify the specific types of homes that consistently outperform the market The potential held by shared equity and housing funds Evan's personal journey from a single-parent family to Silicon Valley success, why he’s now dedicated to fixing the housing ladder for the next generation and his own biggest lessons See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No. 1 Property Expert Shares her 2026 Playbook, with Alice Stolz 30.03.2026 15p

Sylvia sits down with Alice Stoltz from Domain—often called the "walking encyclopedia" of Australian real estate—to cut through the headlines and give you the data-driven truth about what’s happening right now. If you’ve been feeling "handcuffed" by interest rates or worried about the "choppy" nature of recent auctions, this is for you. In this episode: Which segment of the market is feeling the heat and what it signals for the rest of us. Why 1950s brick homes are becoming the gold standard for savvy long-term buyers. Which parts of the country hold the real value lies for families right now. What is affecting consumer confidence and how it's showing up at auctions Is it time to return to the "old fashioned" view of property? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Passion Built an Empire, with Matt Moran 25.03.2026 43p

At 15, all Matt Moran knew is that he didn't want to be in school anymore. At 22, he had his first restaurant. And now, he has a name synonymous with success and excellence.  Matt opens up about his humble beginnings, the reality of the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, and just how far a desire to work, to learn, to ask the right questions, to trust the right people - and above all to become obsessed - can take you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.