Raft of Bitches

Not everything makes it into the official episode because the Raft of Bitches is a little bit of chaos. Join the raft for the Season 2 blooper reel, complete with tarot cards, donuts, and NoodleGate.Got feedback? Send us a message!

Live from West Tech Fest - the biggest startup and innovation focused festival in Western Australia.Head of Venture Studio at BetterLabs, Isabelle Charter is committed to helping startups grow faster, smarter, and bolder — and shaking up what a venture studio can be. Isabelle has spent nearly 20 years in startups, during which she’s started, scaled, sold, pivoted, and killed ventures. Most recently, Isabelle built and sold Drip - Australia’s first investing app for under-18s.In this episode, Isabelle joins the raft to talk about her many startup journeys, micro-investing, and the importance of financial literacy.Isabelle is also a Board Member at Meridian Global Foundation, an organisation that aims to change the way Australians think about giving. She'd love for you to check out how you can become an everyday philanthropist, and if you have children (or know someone who does) don't forget to download Drip on your app store!Got feedback? Send us a message!

Caitlin is a proud Goan woman and strategic leader with 10+ years driving multi-sector reforms across government, civil society, and global organisations. Recognised by Forbes, the Obama White House, and as 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year, Caitlin has a record of delivering transformative programs that advance social impact, equity, and human rights.In this episode, Caitlin shares her experience running Girls Takeover Parliament, her thoughts about traditional and non-traditional political media, and her aspirations to become Australia's first intergenerational commissioner.Caitlin's ask for you rafters is to inform yourself about (and join, if you can) the National Women's Alliances which play a key role in ensuring women’s voices are central in the policy development process. Or, if you work with or for an organisation with a wicked problem that needs solving, you can hire Caitlin to help!Got feedback? Send us a message!

DiRtY sExY FuNNy.Lucy Lovegun is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed force in the Australian burlesque scene. Known for her bold, comedic style, she’s performed around the world and competed twice at the prestigious Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas—taking home the title of Most Comedic. A passionate teacher, mentor, and community leader, Lucy is a titan of tease and headlining erotic clown.In this episode, Lucy joins the raft to talk about the art of tease, beautiful journeys, finding a space where you belong, and dance trauma.If you would like to support Lucy, you can follow her on Instagram @lucy_lovegun - or do yourself (and your local arts scene) a favour and go check out some of your own local burlesque performers. If you're based in Perth, Western Australia (like Lucy and the raft) you can check out Perth Burlesque Shows for what's on!Got feedback? Send us a message!

Madison Heady is a vibrant young woman navigating her way through life and living with a disability. Madison was born with Cerebral Palsy and spent many years learning to walk and talk. After a devastating accident, she needed to learn how to walk all over again in 2020. She describes her greatest achievement being when she created her own public speaking and advocacy business. Her inspiration began as a high school student when she noticed a divide between her and her peers.In this special episode we are joined by both Madison and her mum to discuss navigating disability, true inclusion, and Madison's sporting career (including her silver medal win at the 2020/2021 National Athletics Championships).You can hear more of her story, and support her advocacy efforts by checking out www.madisonheady.com. Madison's dream is now that she has her voice, she wants others to see THEY CAN TOO, just by starting a conversation.Got feedback? Send us a message!Got feedback? Send us a message!

Narelle Henry is a Noongar woman, educator, former athlete and coach, and General Manager of Ember Connect - a platform connecting and elevating First Nations women. For over two decades, Narelle has been focused on creating opportunities and building confidence for women and young people, and helping them see what’s possible, whether in classrooms, on courts, or in community spaces. You can support Narelle's mission by checking out the Ember Connect Wildfire Series podcast, or sign up to the Ember Connect Live platform here.Got feedback? Send us a message!

Lucy Peach is devoted to raising cuntciousness using science, story, and songs. She believes that embodying our cyclical nature is key to a thriving world.With roots as a human biology teacher and sexual health educator, Lucy is also an award-winning performer, TEDx speaker, the author of bestselling book Period Queen and the creator of theatre show My Greatest Period Ever. Working with everyone from elite athletes to teenage girls, she has helped thousands fall in love with their cycles. If you are an advocate for increased awareness of the menstrual cycle as a positive tool for power, pride, and self-care and would like to engage Lucy to educate and entertain your community, check out her website at lucypeach.com, or you can grab her bestselling book Period Queen here.Got feedback? Send us a message!

Naarah is an Aboriginal Australian actor and Royal Academy of Music graduate. Named 2024 NAIDOC Aboriginal Creative Talent and Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year, she works across theatre, songwriting, TV, and public speaking. Highlights of Naarah's career so far include Amazon’s Deadloch (which the Raft are obsessed with!), The Sunshine Club (QLD Theatre), and Our Country’s Good (Lyric Hammersmith).In this episode, Naarah joins us to talk about resilience in the arts, being an Indigenous woman taking on the theatre in the UK, and how to deal with 'No' until you get the 'Yes'.If you would like to support Naarah and help her get her next YES, help her raise her visibility by getting to ten thousand followers on Instagram or Tiktok! 👀We would also love to see you show some love for indigenous designers. Here’s some we talked about on the show:https://kirrikin.com/https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/https://www.gamminthreads.com/Got feedback? Send us a message!

Dr Kat "Astrokat" Ross is an astrophysics post doctoral researcher who studies teenage black holes using radio telescopes. Dr Kat is also the leader of the national #IncludeHer movement, which aims to correct high school courses to include a more diverse representation of scientists. A proud bisexual and agender person, Dr Astrokat was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD. She is looking to help create safe spaces and welcoming environments for other LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals in STEM.If you would like to support Dr Astrokat's mission to bring more representation to the world of STEM, you can start by following @includeher on Bluesky or @includeher_stem on Instagram. Or, if you are eager to volunteer (or help fund) the movement, you can reach out to Dr Kat directly on Instagram, Tiktok or email.Got feedback? Send us a message!

Welcome to Season 2!!!!Nina Karisik is a software engineer and founder of MadeApt, a soon-to-launch fashion tech startup reimagining how custom clothing is made - sustainably, ethically, and with actual personality. She blends tech with storytelling to build things that matter. An OG She Coder and based in Perth, she’s also part of the crew behind Australia’s biggest founder meetup - because startups run better with free snacksIn this episode we explore the topics of fast fashion (and how it disproportionately impacts women), self expression through clothing, and a touching story about a tutu that nearly had us sobbing mid-episode.If this conversation resonated with you, Nina would love for you to take one small action: start noticing what’s in your wardrobe — not just what you wear, but why you wear it. And, if you’re ready to go deeper, support the humans behind fashion. Talk about pricing. Ask who made your clothes. Question fast fashion even if it’s uncomfortable. The system only changes when we do.To support Nina's business, head to MadeApt.com — and sign up for the waiting list. Or, follow her on LinkedIn here or her instagram Fashionista in DangerGot feedback? Send us a message!

Ever wondered about the bits that get cut out of a podcast because they're NSFW? Don't worry, we kept them and put them together into one excellent bonus episode for you!Join the raft and a bunch of the guests we've interviewed throughout 2024 for some behind-the-scenes banter, heartfelt stories and of course - bloopers.See you in 2025, Rafters!Got feedback? Send us a message!

Live from West Tech Fest - the biggest startup and innovation focused festival in Western Australia.This episode we are joined by Cheryl Mack, CEO of Aussie Angels to discuss democratising angel investing and the investment landscape for startups in Australia. Cheryl arrived in Australia in 2015 and pretty quickly became what The Australian newspaper described as "a force to be reckoned with in the local start up scene". As CEO of StartCon, she ran the largest start up conference in Australia, as well as creating the Pitch for $1M competition, which saw founders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond pitching their startups to compete for a total of $1 million in investment. Cheryl is an active angel investor with over 32 startup investments, she leads an angel syndicate with over 450 investors, and she co-runs 361 Angel Club which has more than 500 investors.We also have some fun little bonus interviews with attendees at WestTechFest!If you are interested in getting started in angel investing - get in touch with Cheryl on Linkedin here or check out Aussie Angels on their website.Got feedback? Send us a message!

This episode touches on some difficult topics including family and domestic violence and coercive control, burnout, and children experiencing trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult conversations or situations, please check out the resources below.With a passion for connecting people, ideas and opportunities with purpose, Rebecca Beardsley is a creative and strategic thinker with over 25 years' experience in business development, marketing & communications. Having taken the leap from the corporate landscape, Bec is the founder of Untitled & Co, providing coaching to unstoppable female professionals, corporates and B2B organisations and paving the way for them to thrive, flourish and grow one conversation at a time.In this episode, Bec bravely shares her story of leaving an abusive relationship and moving states; caring for her children who experienced deep trauma; and starting her own business.Bec would love to connect with female professionals, corporates and B2B organisations who need a little nudge to reach their unstoppable potential. Connect with Bec on LinkedIn!----- Resources ------1800RESPECT1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.24/7 Confidential information, counselling and support help line - 1800 737 732Website for resources, text or video chat - 1800respect.org.auSupport GroupsIf you are experiencing (or supporting someone experiencing) trauma, know that you are not alone. Consider reaching out to a support group near you.ConnectGroups Support Group Directory (Western Australia) - connectgroups.org.au/directoryMental Health Foundation Australia Directory (Australia-wide) - supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/groupsGot feedback? Send us a message!

This episode touches on some difficult topics including challenges impacting the queer community, and youth suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult conversations or mental health, please check out the resources below.Ashara Wills is the visionary force behind Let’s Queer The Air—a transformative business that fosters understanding and inclusion through authentic dialogue and engagement. A multicultural queer woman and a passionate advocate for environments where everyone can thrive, Ashara brings over a decade of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple sectors. Ashara's influence extends beyond boardrooms—she has also made waves in Australian Rules Football (AFL). As a driving force behind the West Coast Eagles' AFLW team and the club’s first registered female coach, she has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated arena, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring future generations.Ashara would love to connect with businesses and organisations who are passionate about improving DEI within their workforce. If you or someone you know is looking for fun, engaging and compelling educational programs that go beyond just 'box ticking', check out Let's Queer the Air. ----- Resources ------Lifeline Australia Providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support.24/7 Crisis Support Line - 13 11 14Website for resources or text chat - www.lifeline.org.au/QLifeQLife provides anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.National Helpline (3PM to midnight, every day) - 1800 184 527Website for resources or text chat - https://qlife.org.au/Got feedback? Send us a message!

This episode touches on some difficult topics including eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult conversations or mental health, please check out the resources below.Dr. Katherine is a motivational speaker on the benefits of self-respect. She works with organisations who want leaders that bring 100% of themselves to work and never say leave saying ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda’. She is also a board member, a former tech CEO and multiple scholarship winner. Despite these successes, she hid an eating disorder, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts. Her personal journey drives her to inspire others to find inner peace and overcome self-destructive tendencies.Dr Katherine needs help spreading her message, so if you or someone you know is looking for a kick-ass keynote for your next event, why not check out her availability here!----- Resources ------Lifeline Australia Providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support.24/7 Crisis Support Line - 13 11 14Website for resources or text chat - www.lifeline.org.au/Butterfly FoundationFor anyone in Australia impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, as well as the families, friends and communities who support them.National Helpline - 1800 33 4673Website for resources or text chat - butterfly.org.au/Got feedback? Send us a message!

With over two decades in startup/scale-up land and two unicorns (startup companies with a value of over $1 billion) under her belt, Sam loves nothing more than helping others shine.Sam has a flair for building large resilient teams from the ground up, creating the people journey culture, implementing change management processes, streamlining operation processes, firefighting when the house is on fire and assisting companies set the foundations for successful growth.Sam’s current major project (and hopefully next unicorn) is www.sapher.com – simple, effective, and affordable online security for everyday people. Help her get there by checking it out!If you’d like to connect with Sam, she’d love to hear from you on LinkedIn or you can find her annually at the back of every session with a glass of champagne at West Tech Fest.Got feedback? Send us a message!

Kate is an unapologetic feminist. She is the Founder and CEO of She Codes Australia, on a mission to inspire 100,000 women across the country to enter tech careers.Kate’s work is closing the gender gap in tech, where only 30 per cent of employees are women. Her achievements have been recognised with the Business News 40 Under 40 Award and a Women in Digital Champion of Change award. She was recently named as WA's 2024 Young Australian of the Year.Join us as we discuss the challenges faced by women entering the tech industry, and how we can be part of the solution.Kate is on a mission to impact 100,000 women by 2025. If you or your organisation is interested in meaningfully moving the needle for diversity, partner with one of Australia’s most loved women-in-tech brands, and attract incredible talent for your tech team at the same time - get in touch.Got feedback? Send us a message!

For centuries women have been told that we’re each other’s worst enemies – but in our experience women are more like otters than queen bees. Female otters – bitches, if you will – join hands with each other to create rafts that stop them from drifting apart and losing each other while they are asleep.Just like a literal raft of bitches, our experience has been that thriving women often have a tight-knit circle of other women who helped them get there by providing information and support along the way.Got feedback? Send us a message!