Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald are the co-founders of Shameless Media, one of Australia’s most influential and commercially successful independent media companies.
Launched from their bedroom floors in 2018, Shameless Media has grown into a multi-platform media business built on three pillars: community, cultural relevance and authenticity.
Scaling without outside investment, Shameless Media has amassed over 150 million podcast downloads and has a collective social audience of 1.8 million loyal followers. Shameless Media accounts for 10 per cent of Australia’s podcast wealth* across its five media verticals, driven by a team of 25 staff from their Melbourne headquarters.
Zara and Michelle have built a cult following for their sharp perspective and deep understanding of modern consumer behaviour, particularly among female Gen Z and Millennial audiences. They are respected and trusted voices of authority on popular culture, providing a gateway to understanding the psyche, motivations and desires of young women today, one of the fastest-growing and most valuable demographics for brands.
Their work sits at the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and influence, offering insight into how audiences engage, what they value, and how trust is built in a crowded digital landscape.
Shameless Media has received major industry recognition, including International Podcast of the Year at the 2026 iHeart Audio Awards and Australia’s Best Podcast at the 2026 AACTA Awards. Michelle and Zara were listed in Forbes’ inaugural 30 Under 30 in 2024 and in 2026, the company surpassed eight figures in annual revenue, cementing its position as one of Australia’s most successful independent media businesses.
Beyond their platforms, Michelle and Zara are experienced and deft live hosts and interviewers. They have facilitated conversations with bestselling author Dolly Alderton at the Sydney Opera House, and launched Zoë Foster Blake’s ‘Things Will Calm Down Soon’ in Melbourne. They have worked with corporate clients such as Qantas, and their 2022 live podcast series was a sellout.
As Michelle and Zara continue to evolve, both personally and professionally, they are bringing their audience along beside them on their journey and October 2026 will see the launch of a parenting podcast. With Michelle having a toddler in tow, and Zara expecting her first child the same month, this speaks to their vision of continuing to create content that they have always craved.
Zara and Michelle are the voices of their generation, connecting with audiences with ease, humour and intelligence. Their influence in Australia is unmatched.
Podcasts: Shameless; Everybody Has a Secret; Style-ish; Inherited; Shameless Book Club
Talking Points
Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Building a media brand for a new generation
Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald co-founded Shameless Media with a clear vision: to create a media brand that genuinely reflected the interests, intelligence, and habits of young women.Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Building a media brand for a new generation
What began as a podcast has evolved into a multi-platform media business built on audience trust, consistency, and a deep understanding of modern consumers. Their story is a case study in identifying a gap in the market, building community at scale, and growing a commercially successful brand without compromising authenticity.
Audience, Influence & Trust - Why community is the new currency.
In a world saturated with content, attention alone no longer drives influence; trust does.Audience, Influence & Trust - Why community is the new currency.
At the centre of cultural conversation, Michelle and Zara have built a media business that proves relevance, authenticity, and audience connection are among the most valuable currencies in modern media.
They offer a sharp perspective on how brands and leaders can engage modern audiences through cultural awareness, meaningful storytelling, and genuine community connection.
Female Entrepreneurship & Leadership - Building a business without a blueprint
Launching a media company in their early 20s, Michelle and Zara built Shameless Media without external investment, traditional pathways, or a clear playbook for success.Female Entrepreneurship & Leadership - Building a business without a blueprint
Their journey is one of calculated risk-taking, strong creative instinct, and learning in the public eye, while scaling a business and brand simultaneously.
As founders, they speak candidly about ambition, leadership, and the evolving definition of success for a new generation of women, offering an honest and highly relatable perspective on modern careers, entrepreneurship, and influence.
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