Meet the hosts of The Brighter Side

There’s no magic number, ideal budget or one-size-fits-all approach to financial confidence. But there are small shifts—in mindset, habit and perspective—that add up. That’s the guiding force behind season two of The Brighter Side, with each segment designed to help you feel more in control of your money.

From small shifts to make your grocery shop go further to realisations about spending, saving and self-worth, this season is packed with real stories and ideas you can actually use. Here, the hosts share their top money lessons.

Georgie Tunny

The journalist and host of “My Two Cents” on The Brighter Side returns to guide viewers through candid chats with iconic Aussies.

What excites you most about season two?

Being with the full crew—Narelda, Adam and Jess—has been such a joy. Everything’s gone up a level. The advice is topnotch and so easy to follow.

How do you approach your “My Two Cents” interviews?

I love pulling back the curtain on people we think we know. Talking about money means there’s nowhere to hide. Everyone has started from scratch at one point or another.

Where are you on your own money journey?

I’m still learning! I ask loads of questions because I know I represent a lot of people who feel lost. For now, I’m focused on small, practical changes. Jess taught me a lot—especially about the importance of consolidating your super. I hadn’t done it and when she found out, the look on her face was motivation enough to get it sorted!

What’s your current financial goal?

My partner, Rob [Mills], and I are saving for a small renovation. The dream version is on pause but we’ve set a goal and we’re working towards something realistic.

What does success mean to you right now?

A quiet mind. It used to be all about work. Now, success is more about finding some balance.

Narelda Jacobs

As the host of “Brighter Business”, the journalist explores the determination behind inspiring small businesses and side hustles.

What do you love about meeting small business owners?

They’ve taught me so much about who we are as Australians. There’s this spirit of giving it a go, backing yourself and building something from the ground up—even when the odds are stacked against you. Small business owners aren’t just risk-takers; they’re also community builders. They find support, create momentum and bring others along for the ride. It’s incredibly inspiring.

What qualities do they all share?

Determination. Momentum. A support network. And the ability to hear “no” and find another way.

Have the stories changed your perspective?

Yes—what’s really stayed with me is how often small business owners don’t realise how remarkable they are. They’re so focused on the daily grind that they forget to celebrate how far they’ve come. Helping them reflect on their journey and watching that light-bulb moment of pride flicker across their faces—that’s been incredibly moving.

What have you learnt about pressure and resilience?

Live TV trained me well—you just keep going. I used to get incredibly anxious about public speaking and live events but with experience comes confidence. Each opportunity, each challenge, has helped me grow and now I can enjoy the moment more than fear it.

What does success mean to you?

Choice. Having the freedom to say yes or no. That’s everything.

Jess Ivine

Turn daily habits and mindset shifts into life-changing money moves with the personal finance expert and host of “Financial Fitness”.

What’s financial fitness really about?

It’s not about perfection. It’s about daily habits—checking your bank balance, tracking spending. They’re small steps that build momentum.

How did your own journey start?

I wasn’t bad with money but I didn’t have a system. I tracked my spending but didn’t really know how to turn that into action. I bought my first home just before I was 40 and that was a turning point. Since then, I’ve become an active investor and I manage my super closely. Being a single mum and sole breadwinner also shaped my approach. I’ve had to be cautious, focused and really deliberate with every dollar.

What’s one myth you want to bust?

That budgeting is boring! I highlight all my expenses by category. Light a candle, put on music—budgeting can be mindful and empowering.

What challenge do you give most often?

Track your spending for a week. Pen and paper. No pressure, no shame. Just awareness.

What do you hope people take away from the show?

Progress starts with a single step and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it’s checking your bank app, downloading a money podcast or setting a savings goal, there’s always one small thing you can do today to improve your financial future.

Adam Liaw

The chef and host of “Taste Test” brings budget-friendly brilliance and flavour hacks to the kitchen.

What’s your favourite part of this segment?

Cooking on a budget is fun. I treat food like a puzzle. Great food doesn’t have to be expensive—it’s about knowing your ingredients.

Why is food so central to the cost-of-living conversation?

It’s our second-biggest household expense. But people don’t know how to change the way they eat. We default to old habits and plan meals around what we feel like rather than what we can afford. Food is emotional and cultural so shifting the way we shop and cook takes more than just a list and a budget—it takes a mindset change.

What’s one tip for budget-friendly cooking?

Start at the greengrocer. Seasonal veg is cheaper and healthier. Build your meals from there, not from the most expensive thing you “feel like” eating.

Any misconceptions you want to bust?

That cheap equals bland. A cheaper cut isn’t lower quality—you just cook it differently. A single chicken breast can feed a family if you use it in pasta. And budget meals can actually taste better because they rely more on technique, seasoning and creativity rather than expensive ingredients.

What do you hope people take away?

You don’t have to cook like me—just cook like yourself, a little better. It’s about finding joy in the process, not perfection.

Watch and stream The Brighter Side, Fridays at 8:30pm on 10.

Published: 2 September 2025