Book Poppy Reid for your next event

The best stories come when people feel safe.

Profile

Poppy Reid is a multi-award-winning music and culture journalist, presenter, and commentator. She co-founded Rolling Stone and Variety in Australia, both of which sold in 2024.

From deep-dive interviews with actors and musicians to sharp commentary on the latest in music and entertainment, Poppy's work spans podcasts and social platforms through her company Curious Media, where she's built a loyal audience for breaking news, analysis and deep conversations with artists.

Her accolades include Music Journalist of the Year at the 2022 Australian Women in Music Awards, the Publishing award at the 2023 Mediaweek Next of the Best Awards, and Champion of Change at the B&T Women in Media Awards.

Expertise

Talking Points

MC, Host & Interviewer

As an MC, Poppy brings the instincts of a working journalist to the stage. She reads a room, asks the question the audience actually wants answered, and keeps proceedings moving with warmth and pace. Years interviewing some of the world's most recognisable names in music and entertainment translate directly into corporate hosting, in conversation segments, panels and live Q&A. Clients get a host who lifts the energy between segments, draws considered answers out of guests on stage, and sets the tone of the event without ever pulling focus from it.

Trust Is the New Currency

In a world of shrinking attention spans, media distrust and constant content, trust has become the most valuable asset a person or brand can build. Poppy explores how trust is formed through individuals, not logos, and why the most powerful stories come from human connection, emotional intelligence and credibility earned over time.

How to Get People to Open Up

Drawing on years of interviews with some of the world’s most recognisable artists, Poppy shares what it takes to create conversations that go beyond rehearsed answers. This keynote explores curiosity, safety, listening, preparation and the subtle art of asking better questions.

Building a Media Brand People Care About

Poppy shares lessons from co-founding The Brag Media and helping build the company behind Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Variety Australia. This keynote covers audience trust, cultural relevance, brand credibility, risk, resilience and what it really takes to build a media business that people remember.

The Future of Music, Media and Celebrity

The way audiences discover artists, trust journalists and connect with culture has changed dramatically. Poppy unpacks the new entertainment landscape, from social media and fandom to authenticity, access, creator-led media and the blurred line between artist, brand and audience.

The Female Founder’s Exit Story

Poppy speaks candidly about building a media company, navigating leadership, backing your own instincts and what it means to be a woman founder in entertainment media. This keynote is part business story, part personal reflection and part practical lesson in ambition, reinvention and knowing when to make the next move.

Topics

Business

Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurs

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Media Personality Speakers

Motivational Speakers

Entrepreneurship

Media

Video

Variety AU CMO Dinner 23: The Barbie-Core Marketing Movement, Seven’s Massive Overhaul & More

Seven Network’s chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins and Suzanne Stretton-Brown, Director Of Marketing ANZ at Universal Pictures International Australasia, joined Variety AU/NZ for a spurring conversation at the publisher’s inaugural CMO dinner. Speaking with Variety AU/NZ’s Editor in Chief Poppy Reid, Stretton-Brown discussed how Barbie became a cultural phenomenon, and while Hopkins outlined Seven’s new strategic partnership with Gary Vee’s VaynerMedia.

The Individual vs The Institution: Who Really Has The Power? | Poppy Reid

Poppy Reid is the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer of Curious Media, where she has launched and led some of Australia’s most influential entertainment publications, including Rolling Stone and Variety in Australia and New Zealand. A multi-award-winning journalist and presenter, Poppy has become a leading voice in shaping the national music conversation. Today, she discusses the realities of running high-profile media brands, the art of impactful storytelling, and the role of representation in building a more inclusive industry.