Journalist and media commentator Poppy Reid has teamed up with entrepreneur and investor Steve Grace to launch Curious Media, a new podcast company focused on exploring challenging and thought-provoking stories.
The venture aims to bring together a range of unique voices to engage audiences through candid discussions and in-depth storytelling.
Curious Media’s lineup includes a mix of new and existing podcasts, such as Prison Chronicles (with Sid Punts), No Business Being a Castano, and Weirder Together with Ben Lee and Ione Skye. Reid will also launch her own shows, including On the Record, which dives into the music industry, and Untypical with Love on the Spectrum’s Michael Theo, focused on film and television. Additionally, Merrick Watts will document a Kokoda Track journey alongside Grace, while My Kitchen Rules alum Fuzz Ali explores food as a storytelling medium in Food Stories with Fuzz Ali.
With multiple other podcasts already in development, Curious Media says it’s positioning itself as a destination for compelling narratives that push boundaries.
Reid will bring her extensive experience in journalism, audio, and television to the venture. As co-founder and former editor-in-chief of The Brag Media (now Vinyl Media – the owner of this publication), she played a key role in shaping the publisher’s editorial and commercial direction, overseeing titles such as Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Variety Australia, Tone Deaf, The Music Network, and The Brag.
L-R, the Curious Media lineup_ Michael Theo, Poppy Reid, Fuzz Ali, Amy Castano, Jono Castano, Sid Punts, Merrick Watts (front), Steve Grace (back), Ben Lee, Ione Skye – Credit Jess Macc.
Beyond publishing, Reid expanded Vinyl Media’s audio and video presence, creating and hosting podcasts including Behind the Rolling Stone Cover, Fear at the Top, and Variety Australia. Her work in multimedia storytelling has positioned her as a leading voice in Australia’s media landscape.
She is also a regular commentator on Channel Seven, where she serves as the network’s music and culture commentator.
Grace meanwhile joins Curious Media with a background in business leadership and media innovation. As CEO and founder of The Nudge Group, he has built a company specialising in recruitment, capital raising, and owned media for start-ups and scale-ups worldwide.
His experience in guiding emerging businesses aligns with Curious Media’s goal of developing distinctive content in the podcast space.
Grace also founded Nudge Productions, a company focused on podcast creation and management across video and audio formats. In addition to audio production, the company offers services in newsletter management, photography, and filmmaking, highlighting Grace’s expertise in content development.
Beyond media, Grace is the co-founder of The Pillars, a high-end private members club located in Sydney’s CBD.
Reid said of the new venture: “It’s been equally fascinating and eye-opening to build this company, and select and commission podcasts which are doing something different. Our conversations will go deeper, push harder and sit in that uncomfortable silence to see what emerges on the other side.
Ben Lee and Ione Skye.
“I can’t wait for people to discover the unique stories we’re going to share via Curious Media. Our creators have important things to say. It won’t always be easy listening, but it will always be creative, compelling and curious.”
While Grace acknowledged that while ” there are a lot of podcasts and podcast companies out there … there’s not enough curiosity and discomfort,” something he’s hoping to change with Curious Media.
“We will go beyond the easy questions, the obvious stories and the stuff that everyone agrees on. Curious Media is about creating meaningful value for both creators and brands. We’re enabling content creators to monetise their passion in ways that support long-term growth, helping them evolve from podcasters to influential broadcasters.
“For brands, we offer more than just ad placements – we create tailored partnerships that connect authentically with audiences through trusted voices. It’s about fostering real impact, both creatively and commercially, while building a network that grows with our creators and partners.”
Pictured: Poppy Reid and Steve Grace