The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

Sundae Body sells a product every six seconds and is stocked in more than 10,000 stores across 14 countries. But behind the rapid growth of the colourful Australian beauty brand are some costly mistakes and hard-earned business lessons. Lizzie Binks went from working in a call centre and receiving a school score of 59 to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing beauty brands.  The Sundae Body co-founder joins The Pay Off to explain how Sundae went from an idea to shake up the body care aisle to an international success story — and the decisions that almost derailed it along the way. Binks reveals how she launched into Woolworths and Priceline without a finished product, why the business took eight months to gain momentum and how a six-month cash-flow gap nearly broke the company. She also shares what happened when Walmart approached her at a New York trade show, why Sundae eventually lost its US shelf space and how the mistake helped the brand succeed at Target. Sundae Body is preparing for its next major step: A 36-product launch into Sephora in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates remain at 4.35%, house prices are falling across much of Australia, and households are still feeling the cost-of-living squeeze. So, what happens next? Westpac Chief Economist and former Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Luci Ellis joins Sylvia Jeffreys to unpack the RBA’s latest decision, what it means for mortgage holders and why Australia’s housing downturn isn’t necessarily a crash. They examine what’s keeping inflation elevated, whether government spending is part of the problem, the complicated relationship between migration and housing affordability, and why Australia needs more skilled workers to build the homes and infrastructure we need. In this episode: What the RBA's latest decision means for interest rates Why falling house prices don't necessarily mean a housing crash Whether migration is really to blame for housing unaffordability When interest rates could begin falling Whether government spending and data centres are adding to inflationary pressure Why Australia needs more skilled tradies How women and older Australians are reshaping the workforce Whether AI will destroy jobs — or create new ones Subscribe for more conversations about money, property and the decisions shaping your financial future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to dedicate decades of your life to a dream that feels out of reach? In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first qualified astronaut, to explore what it really takes to pursue an extraordinary goal. From stargazing in her Sydney backyard to completing one of the world’s most demanding astronaut training programs, Katherine shares the mindset, resilience and curiosity that have shaped her remarkable career. She reveals what astronaut training is actually like, why humanity’s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth. The conversation also explores Australia’s growing role in the global space industry, the country’s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation—especially girls—to dream bigger has become one of her most important missions. She also shares an exclusive first look at Mission Sprouts, a new initiative bringing space-flown seeds into Australian classrooms. Whether you’re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what’s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible. You’ll learn: What astronaut training is really like—and what it takes to qualify. Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia’s role in the next era of space exploration. How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability. Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent. How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, technology and space. The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia. Find out more about Mission Sprouts at www.space.gov.au. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.