Maxine and Cheryl kick off the First Cheque podcast, a show dedicated to helping early-stage investors become better at their craft. They aim to open source conversations and insights from experienced investors to provide valuable information and education for emerging investors. The podcast focuses on the Australian ecosystem but also explores international perspectives on investing. They discuss the importance of understanding risk, the distinction between betting and investing, and the need for better decision-making processes. They also touch on the current state of the market, noting some green shoots and increased deal flow, but also expressing concerns about the sluggishness in the series C to E stages.