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.

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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth.
The conversation also explores Australia&rsquo;s growing role in the global space industry, the country&rsquo;s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation&mdash;especially girls&mdash;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&rsquo;re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what&rsquo;s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible.
You&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What astronaut training is really like&mdash;and what it takes to qualify.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia&rsquo;s role in the next era of space exploration.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians&mdash;especially girls&mdash;to pursue careers in science, technology and space.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia.</li>
</ul>
Find out more about Mission Sprouts at <a href="https://www.space.gov.au">www.space.gov.au</a>. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Money is a constant contradiction. You’ve got to spend money to enjoy life but save every cent for the future. 

It’s why Australians are caught between impossible expectations and an economic system that feels stacked against them. So, how do you keep up the juggling act when the stakes just keep getting higher?

In The Pay Off Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.

You can listen to The Pay Off wherever you get your podcasts, or you can watch every episode on 9Now, search 'The Pay Off 9Now Podcast'

Money is a constant contradiction. You&rsquo;ve got to spend money to enjoy life but save every cent for the future.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s why Australians are caught between impossible expectations and an economic system that feels stacked against them.&nbsp;So, how do you keep up the juggling act when the stakes just keep getting higher?
In The Pay Off Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.
You can listen to The Pay Off wherever you get your podcasts, or you can watch every episode on 9Now, search 'The Pay Off 9Now Podcast'

Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.