Episodes

  • How To Build A Profitable Side Hustle (From Someone Who Actually Did It)
    Apr 28 2025

    Whether you're looking to earn extra cash or dream of quitting your day job, this conversation delivers the practical blueprint you've been searching for.

    We meet creative entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge who offers brutally honest advice about what it actually takes to build a sustainable side hustle. She shares the exact steps that helped her transform a $35 product into a $500 one, and how a single email to her database once made her $16,000.

    Plus you’ll learn:
    - the Venn diagram approach to identifying your perfect side hustle
    - six practical steps to get started (even with no time or budget)
    - realistic timelines and expectations
    - when to know if your side hustle is working (or when to let it go)

    Check out Georgia’s courses and workshops, and you can follow her on LinkedIn and Insta.

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    You might be interested in our episodes on:
    How To Talk So People Listen To You
    How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
    Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
    How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media.

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.



    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    30 mins
  • INBOX: The First Day Outfit Strategy That Works For Every New Job
    Apr 23 2025

    Ever shared something awkward with the big boss and immediately regretted it? This week we're solving the ultimate workplace etiquette dilemma – whether it's appropriate to mention your CEO's personal LinkedIn posts in real life. And if you're eyeing the exit door, stick around for our top three tips on how to resign without burning bridges or making things painfully awkward.

    Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your workplace advice hotline where writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Michelle Battersby tackle the workplace questions you've secretly googled in incognito mode!

    If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    17 mins
  • How To Nail Networking, Even When it Feels Super Awkward
    Apr 21 2025

    Ever felt that full-body cringe when someone suggests "let's network"? You're not alone.
    In this episode of BIZ, career powerhouses Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst completely redefine networking for people who hate networking. Michelle reveals how she flipped the script with her genius "Anti-Network" events, while Soph shares how she built one of tech's most valuable professional networks... from a gutter (yes, really).

    Get their exact scripts for cold LinkedIn outreach that won't make you die inside, learn exactly where to stand at a networking event so you don’t waste your time, and discover which networking style actually works for your personality.

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    You might be interested in our episodes on:
    How To Talk So People Listen To You
    How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
    Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
    How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media.

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • INBOX: How Do I Get Recognition For My Hard Work?
    Apr 16 2025

    This week we're advocating for the unsung heroes of the corporate world – EAs, PAs, and Assistants, you know the people who do it all – with practical tips on how to showcase your true value beyond "just" scheduling. Plus, the definitive guide to work trip etiquette (can your partner tag along in the company-paid hotel?), and Michelle reveals exactly when new business owners should make their big announcement.

    Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.

    Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Michelle Battersby to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.

    If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • How To Email and Slack Like A Man
    Apr 14 2025

    Are your emails undermining your authority without you even realising it? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating psychology behind how we communicate at work and how gendered email habits might be holding you back at work.

    Learn the simple word swaps that instantly make you sound more confident, the shocking truth about exclamation marks (hint: they might be sabotaging you), and the military communication technique that gets faster responses every time.

    Whether you're managing up, collaborating with colleagues, or building client relationships, these practical communication hacks will save you time and boost your professional reputation. Let's make 2025 the year we all communicate better.

    You might be interested in our episodes on:
    How To Talk So People Listen To You
    How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
    Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
    How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media.

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • INBOX: Our Controversial Take On Work Calendar Etiquette
    Apr 9 2025

    Today we teach you how to stay motivated when you don’t love your job, plus we have a controversial take on work calendar etiquette. Plus career coach Soph Hirst lets us in on one of the questions she’s most often asked about micro-mangers (we’ve all had one).

    Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer all the awkward workplace scenarios you've been dying to solve, hosted by Em Vernem and Soph Hirst.

    Em is loving Michelle and Sophie’s Task Pebbles strategy, hear how do to it and how to effectively time block - which she is doing too here.

    If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au (you can be anon!)

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media

    Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • 8 Lessons Michelle Battersby Learnt While Building Her Business
    Apr 7 2025

    Ever wondered what building a business is REALLY like behind those glossy Instagram posts? In this must-listen episode, Michelle Battersby (Sunroom founder) pulls back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harsh realities with the 8 business mantras she learned the hard way that apply whether you're a founder or climbing the corporate ladder.

    Learn why perfectionism kills products, how to approach competitors, the surprising way to attract investors, and what to do when employees literally steal from you.

    Whether you're dreaming of starting something or leading a team, this episode is your essential guide to avoiding startup mistakes that nobody warns you about!

    Here is Michelle’s 75-question Questionnaire to help ascertain if you have found your founder fit!

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media.

    Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!

    If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance to win $50, click HERE.

    HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • INBOX: Stop Doing This At Your Work Desk!
    Apr 2 2025

    Today we tackle some extra juicy workplace dilemmas that are all submitted by you anonymously! If you’re saddled with a slack coworker, we’ll tell you the sentence to use with your boss to instigate change. Plus we’ll discuss how to deal with a manager’s vague instruction and the dodgy desk etiquette we hate.

    Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss. Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with super career coach Soph Hirst to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.

    If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.

    Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.
    See Em’s list of 23 workplace rules you’re definitely breaking.

    THE END BITS
    Support independent women's media

    Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

    If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance t win $50, click HERE.

    HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
    EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
    AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins