{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6311fe9bae5d13001250521f/6405811a1132ac00117a4e3d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"From Science Journalist to STEM Media Entrepreneur: unleash your big vision with Heather Catchpole STEM entrepreneurship journey -  Refraction Media Transforming STEM Storytelling","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6311fe9bae5d13001250521f/1662797583337-de375df37af1ab61973773cd834d3f5f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>🎙️  From Science Journalist to STEM Media Entrepreneur: How Heather Catchpole Co-Founded Refraction Media to Transform STEM Storytelling</p><p> After a decade in science journalism, Heather Catchpole co-founded Refraction Media—now publishing 2 million magazines globally—proving there’s a scalable, sustainable business in making STEM visible, visual, and inspiring ( and recognized by Barack Obama for their impact). </p><p><br></p><p>🔍 <strong>What You’ll Learn:</strong></p><ul><li>How to directly transfer your work experience into your own business</li><li>How to be unapologetically ambitious ( and pull it off)</li><li>Why knowing your audience inside out is the secret sauce to scaling sustainably</li><li>Overcome the detractors</li><li>How strategic partnerships (like Google) can take your startup global in under two years</li><li>How to choose your growth model to fit the life you want </li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Guest:</strong></p><p> Heather Catchpole is the co-founder of Refraction Media, an award-winning science media company creating high-impact STEM content for students, governments, and global tech companies. With a background in geoscience, a Master’s in science communication, and experience at CSIRO, ABC, and the Powerhouse Museum, Heather has built a powerhouse brand now delivering 2 million magazines a year and supporting 75,000 digital users per month. </p><p><br></p><p>📌 <strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>00:00 Geoscience beginnings and discovering the joy of storytelling</p><p> 04:00 Why she left the lab for a Master’s in Science Communication</p><p> 07:00 ABC, CSIRO, and editing national journals as a freelance science writer</p><p> 10:00 Career pivots, parenthood, and wearing “multiple hats” in media</p><p> 12:00 How to tell science stories in ways that make people care</p><p> 14:00 Founding Refraction Media: the story behind the name and mission</p><p> 16:00 From virtual nuclear reactors to national school programs</p><p> 18:00 Co-founding with Karen Taylor-Brown over a pub lunch</p><p> 20:00 Bootstrapping, business modelling, and cash flow basics</p><p> 22:00 The Google connection—and getting listed by Barack Obama</p><p> 24:00 Why diverse teams matter in tech and science content</p><p> 26:00 Growing fast vs. growing sustainably—and making the right choice</p><p> 30:00 Hiring, managing, and why co-founding with the right person matters</p><p> 33:00 Staying profitable, going global, and the power of reputation</p><p> 35:00 Strategic mindset, managing risk, and trusting your gut</p><p> 40:00 Burnout and resilience: how to recognize and manage both</p><p> 44:00 Kids, guilt, and building a professional identity alongside parenthood</p><p> 46:00 On privilege, imposter syndrome, and redefining success as a woman in STEMM</p><p> 49:00 Gender gaps in STEM and how inclusive storytelling changes outcomes</p><p> 51:00 Final reflections: team science, happy businesses, and brave leaps</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 <strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><a href=\"https://refractionmedia.com.au/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Refraction Media – Official Website</a></li><li><a href=\"https://careerswithstem.com.au/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Careers with STEM – Student &amp; Teacher Platform</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercatchpole/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Catchpole on LinkedIn</a></li><li>Book: <em>I Contain Multitudes</em> by Ed Yong</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🤔 <strong>Reflection Time:</strong></p><ul><li>What’s your version of a “pub lunch idea”—a business that combines what you know with what the world needs?</li><li>Are you clear on your audience? Could knowing them better be the key to growth or reinvention?</li><li>What kind of business do you want to lead—a startup for scale or a sustainable niche you can love long-term?</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Angelique Greco | Biotech & Health-Tech Expert | STEM Thought Leadership Coach"}