Unemployed & Afraid
Kim Kerton
A business podcast for the brave self-employed.
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod
Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod
Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 5, 2025 • 32min
The Business of Reinvention: Why Experimenting is a Superpower
What if the riskiest move isn’t going all in, but walking away when something no longer fits? This is a very special episode I’m sharing with you today, it’s a conversation I recorded with the wonderful Andrea Marquez from the This Is Small Business Podcast I didn’t originally leave my media career with a clear plan. I left because I knew something wasn’t right at the time. What followed was a search for a business idea that took me through yoga, ceramics, and creative experiments in remote Tasmania, all of which eventually led to my podcast and business, Unemployed and Afraid. Host Andrea Marquez unpacks how I redefined risk not as betting it all on one big idea, but as giving myself permission to experiment, try, pivot and start again. You’ll hear how I used creative detours to find clarity, why walking away can be the smartest move and how I turned vulnerability into my growth strategy. If you’re stuck waiting for the perfect idea, this episode will show you how experimentation can be a powerful and intentional part of building something meaningful. The This Is Small Business podcast, where this episode is originally from, is doing wonderful things for small business builders all over the world - consider this a hard recommendation to, when you’ve finished listening to it, follow This Is Small Business wherever you’re listening via this link below. Follow This Is Small Business Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Connect with Kim on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 3, 2025 • 33min
Change is inevitable - this is a big one.
Is this the right thing for me? Is it time to push, or let go? Is it time for yet another pivot? What happens if I just keep going? There’s a stack of confessions in this episode that will touch the hearts and minds of anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit - the fear of what others think, the reality of what they think (awkward), and everything it takes to grow your business and the business of you. It’s also a timely update on the future of the Unemployed & Afraid podcast and what it really means to follow your self-belief and find yourself through the work you do as an Entrepreneur, an Employee or any other professional label. If you’re into experimentation in business, backing yourself, and being a proper tall poppy no matter how awful it feels trying - then there’s something in here for you. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 5, 2025 • 52min
"To move on, you have to move on," Closing Stump & Co with Tegan Brennan
Stump & Co is a very successful candle business, so why is its owner Tegan closing it down? Spoiler alert: it’s not because of finances. Business is exciting – the brand building, the launch, the growth – and it’s also challenging. Through it, we rarely consider what walking away from it might feel like. In this episode Tegan Brennan, Founder of Stump & Co, shares her story of building a successful candle business, fulfilling her wildest dreams, and what happened next. You’ll hear about: Grappling with growth options How to know when to stop Going viral for the wrong reasons ADHD and Dyslexia in business And personal growth in every step of your business Tegan has been a guest on this show before and so if you want the full back story, check out her original chat with me here on Apple or Spotify. Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And please do show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2025 • 15min
Change Your Business As Often As You Need To!
If you’re thinking about making a change to your business and feeling stuck about it, please stop torturing yourself. You can move / shift / pivot / change anything you want to - no matter where you’re at or how awks it might feel - and what anyone else thinks about it doesn’t matter. This episode talks about the experience of considering a change and doubting th moves, all the things that get in our way and why we should give ourselves permission to just do the thing and see how it goes. This podcast shows up to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook GroupSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 3, 2025 • 58min
“Your First Business Isn't Your Forever Business, But Your First Business Teaches You Business,” Kim James Founder of Tangerine Tango
Ever hear business advice that just feels a little out of touch? This is not one of those shows. If you’re in the heavy building phase of your business and want to feel truly seen and supported to grow, you’re gonna love what this episode packs in for you. Kim James is the Founder of both Tangerine Tango and The Career Girl Diaries, and through the sharing of her own business building story you’ll hear about: Letting redundancy push you before you’re ready Evolving your business structure as you go What blowing up on the socials actually looks like Some banging content advice The process of getting to clarity Mastering the art of multiple businesses And why getting real about money is very, very sexy Connect with Kim Elizabeth James on LinkedIn Follow The Career Girl Diaries on IG & TikTok Follow Tangerine Tango on IG @tangerinetango.marketing And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 29, 2025 • 8min
Entrepreneurial Time Blindness
Big plans but time getting away? Sometimes our entrepreneurial passion doesn’t match our time awareness - but maybe there’s a different way to approach it. If you’ve looked at your ambitious to do list lately with gusto and commitment, only to look back at it a few weeks later and see that the big things are all still there - this episode is for you. This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Listen to the episode with Kerryn from Radical Yes! Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook GroupSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 27, 2025 • 41min
“As Soon As You Start A Business, You Think About It All The Time,” Founder of Nosy HQ Kathryn McGarvey
The word “journey” might get a bit overused when speaking about business, but there truly is no better word for it. A business idea is one tiny part of the story. Besides the fact that the business idea itself will likely take many different forms along the way, and that you’re never ever done when tackling something like building a business for yourself, you evolve so much as a person along the way. If that isn’t a hell of a journey, I don’t know what is. Kathryn McGarvey knows all about this particular expedition, she’s in the business of audience insights today, and it’s one of a few businesses she’s learnt, grown, languished and flourished within – as I’m sure you can relate to. In sharing her business building story you’ll hear about: Realising you’ve become unemployable Finding the business within the business Why the term “journey” for the experience of business is fundamental Building as you go The dark revenue moments And finding connection as a solopreneur Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn Check out the NosyHQ Website And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2025 • 16min
Can You Build A Business Without Socials?
If your relationship with TikTok and Meta is feeling a bit strained, but you’re “on there for your business” - I feel you. Is there a way to build a business and a brand without using social media? In this episode your host Kim Kerton explores the relationship with socials as a solopreneur / consultant / creator, and the sneaky personal context challenges that might be contributing to a feeling of wanting to ditch it entirely. All in an effort to help you consider how you can truly build a business your own way. This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 20, 2025 • 45min
“What Would Happen If I Backed Myself and Started Something for Me?” Founder of STOKEDNZ, Debs Brockelsby
What does it really mean to just go for it with a business idea? And do it with trust and passion that life is just too precious not to try? If that action was a person, it’s Debs Brockelsby, the Founder of STOKEDNZ. She is a light, a laugh and an absolute treat with so much grit and determination, but also incredibly helpful self-reflection. As she tells us her business story, you’ll hear about: The life changes that reshape us Running with no Plan-B The power of bringing in a money expert The real definition of freedom And saying a big yes to growth through discomfort Check out STOKEDNZ online at stokednz.co.nz Follow them on IG @stokednz And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2025 • 12min
Avoiding The Purpose Trap
There’s a lot of traps we work hard to avoid as business owners, but there’s a sneaky one we often miss. It’s the purpose trap - the endless narratives that tell us if we find our purpose and passionately love what we do, aligned to our values, we’ll never work a day in our life. This episode unpacks the purpose trap and reframes it into something a little more supportive to your journey of creating and growing a business. This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
