

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

Oct 15, 2023 • 50min
“How beautiful a thing that you get to do opportunities that you don't quite feel ready for,” Declan Edwards, Founder of BU Happiness College
Getting yourself PR, growing through new ideas, bringing on other people to help you build – every stage of business is about growth, and so much of it is scary. But when you’re passionate about building a business with impact, you find a way through it – lucky for us we get to hear how other business owners are learning through it. This chat is absolutely packed with relatable business-building advice and inspo - my guest is the wonderfully eloquent and passionate Declan Edwards, Founder of BU Happiness College, which is a business every bit as great as it sounds. In this chat today you’ll hear about: Exploring your curiosities and backing yourself to become an expert on what lights you up Knowing when to walk away from your first business to start your second Imposter syndrome battles Really appreciating your early fans in business Refining your business for sustainable growth through trial, error and learnings The part your personal brand plays with your business Getting yourself out there through DIY PR Why it’s important to have both an Integrator and a Visionary within a business Hiring before you’re ready And why it’s so important to get clear on what a successful business looks like to you If you’re looking to hear stories from people who really get what it means to build a small business, you’re in the right place. Check out the BU Happiness College Website buhappinesscollege.com Follow Declan on IG @declanedwards_bu And give his (2!) incredible podcasts a listen: BU with Declan Edwards Working Well And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Oct 11, 2023 • 28min
“One person will resonate with something that you're talking about. Any more than one is a bonus.” Ange Dion, Director of Ange Dion Consulting
There are so many hurdles and smaller successes along the way in business that we have to work through, well before [and during] those big headline grabbing success stories, and feeling seen through those moments, knowing that what we experience is normal and all part of the process, is in our opinion the way more of us will get to the big dreams we aspire to. Big dreams alongside focused action, patience, celebrating success and putting in the hard work is 100% what my guest today is all about. Ange Dion, Director of Ange Dion Consulting, is here for sharing the real feels, and innately gets that a rising tide lifts all boats. In the sharing of her insightful story, you’ll hear about: Having to start over after being forced out of something you love When your side-hustle transition plan goes awry Starting without a plan Getting comfortable with making ends meet through extra work while you build Setting up your own special milestone marker initiatives And responding to the opportunities your business and its clients present to you This business building gig isn’t easy, but it’s worth it - and Unemployed & Afraid is here to help us all thrive through it. Connect with Ange on LinkedIn @angedion Check out the Ange Dion Consulting Website angedionconsulting.com And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Oct 8, 2023 • 40min
“You'll eventually work out what you're drawn to most naturally,” Interior & Lifestyle Photographer Hannah Puechmarin
Putting yourself out there for opportunity, or rejection, is something every business owner faces – and it’s not easy. For those of us in creative fields it’s imperative for the building of our businesses – and it’s something today’s guest, Interiors and Lifestyle Photographer Hannah Puechmarin, knows all about. In this chat you’ll hear all about: Following your heart back to an industry you may have initially thought wouldn’t work for you Allowing your business to build naturally, one step at a time Finding a way to pitch yourself that feels right for you Being generous with your initial offering as a way of developing a bigger network of potential clients Taking the leap of faith from side-hustle to full-time hustle Some super valuable pitching tips And how to value all it is you offer We’re here for business inspo, real feels and all the brave small business owners building their empire, I hope you enjoy this chat. Check out Hannah’s work on Instagram @hannahpuechmarin Sign up for her mailing list at her website hannahpuechmarin.com And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Sep 27, 2023 • 58min
“We cannot know it all. And we need to accept that so that we can get on with doing what we are there to do,” Lesley Magill, Owner of Little Shove Mentoring.
It’s very small-business full circle to be able to invite Lesley Magill, Owner of Little Shove Mentoring & Moving, onto the show for a chat about her experience growing her small business, as she was one of the first listeners of this show when it launched back in December 2021. She really understands what it’s like to be exploring what your business might be, as well as how it can be built, and shares so many valuable insights with you. You’ll hear about: Meeting the you that you are away from a corporate role identity Assuming your business might become one thing, and the surprising outcome when you let go Getting comfortable with pricing yourself and raising those prices as needed Getting through the early business creation speedbumps And saying yes to the opportunities you don’t feel quite ready for We’re here for small business growth, encouragement and real talk to help you through it all – Lesley is an absolute gem in human form, so it’s no surprise her clients love her as much as I do, and as much as you will too after this episode. Check out the Little Shove Website littleshove.com.au Follow Lesley on IG @littleshove And on LinkedIn And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Sep 24, 2023 • 23min
“Although the vision board elements might not all be ticked yet, the value is more than I could have expected,” Kim Kerton, Creator of Unemployed & Afraid
It’s me, your host Kim Kerton, here to share with you a business journey update of my own in a solo chat. In this episode today I’m sharing my thoughts with you on: How this came to be my 6th business (so far) The value in seeing yourself through the eyes of others Rebuilding from disappointments An insight into the world of building podcasts How self-sabotage sneaks up on you And the business evolutions I’m working on Hopefully you’ll see some parts of yourself in my story and know that no matter what the business is, we all experience some crazy levels of personal challenge. As we steam towards our 100th episode (not long now!) of talking to inspiring humans about their journey of working for themselves, who like you I learn so much from every week, it’s my commitment to always show up here for you as a fellow business builder, an equal sharing my experiences and my learnings (the good, the bad and mostly the ugly!). As always, thank you for choosing Unemployed & Afraid and growing your business alongside me. Follow Unemployed & Afraid on Insta and LinkedIn (@unemployedandafraid) Follow Kim on insta @goodsideofthebed_ and on LinkedIn And please, if you haven't already, please drop me a star rating and review on apple or Spotify And Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 20, 2023 • 43min
“If you're doing things in the right way and the authentic way, the money does come,” Luke Cook, Founder of Cuppa.tv
Your first business probably won’t be your last, and every piece of the puzzle will reveal more of your personal bigger picture. Luke Cook [aka Cookie] is Founder of Cuppa.tv - a brilliant business based all around important and soul enriching conversations - and he’s beautifully honest about what building a business means to the person behind it, the personal challenges, heartaches and rollercoaster we experience. In the sharing of his story Luke lets us into his experience of: Betting everything on a business that didn’t work Rebuilding from hitting a low Building a commercially successful business that delivers a positive impact The impact of losing his dear friend and business partner And the potential small-business owners have to build businesses that are positive for the future of us all. As always if you are in the market for some small-business inspiration and solidarity – you’re in the right place. Check out Cuppa.tv Follow on IG @cuppa.tv Check out the book we mention by Paul Callaghan The Dreaming Path And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Sep 17, 2023 • 38min
“Everything happens at its own time, at its own pace and how your budgets are,” Radhika Mayani, Founder of Left-handesign
Hands up if, as a small business owner, you give yourself a bit of a break when you’re not being as productive as you’d like… my hand is definitely not up! If that’s you, you’re clearly not alone – and like me you will have so much to learn from our amazing guest today. In this chat with the wonderful Radhika Mayani Founder of Left-handesign, you’ll hear about building a business that’s sustainable for the planet, and also recognising when you yourself could be a little more sustainable in the day to day. She has so many brilliant insights to share including: The important role awards can have on your business The value of clear space and embracing the research phase The internal journey that goes alongside the external business creation Testing the market with a small product line The power of selling on-ground Being in less of a hurry to grow your business so it grows as it’s meant to And having business boundaries with yourself and others If you came to Unemployed & Afraid looking for inspo and small-business solidarity, you’re in the right place Want to get your hands on some good looking sustainable stationery? Here's a special 10% Discount Code to enter on left-handesign.com.au – GREENFINGERS Follow Left-handesign on IG @left_handesign And follow Radhika on IG @radhika_mayani And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Sep 13, 2023 • 42min
“Why does it have to be a dream? Why can't it happen?” Boushra Nicola, Director of Learn with Miss B
Boushra Nicola, Director of Learn with Miss B, discusses the role of previous work environment in business creation, carving a path in teaching, seeking support for business growth, embracing marketing tools, finding a balance between value and freedom, achieving professionalism, expanding the team, financial freedom and empowerment, receiving recognition from parents, support and growth in business, and future plans.

Sep 10, 2023 • 52min
“You don’t know the risks you can take until you leave a job, with that security and that money, and try and start your own business,” Leigh Kuhlmann, Founder of DC Cartel
Leaving any long-term career and entering entrepreneurship is, well, pretty damn scary – but there’s one thing that can feel scarier, the thought of never trying. My guest today is Leigh Kuhlmann, the man behind the chilli oil of DC Cartel – and he was in the same industry as me, so you know I feel his pain, but the lessons he’s about to share make sense for any major change and to the building of any kind of business. In this episode you'll hear about: Recognising when you’ve lost the love for what you’re doing Rebuilding your sense of self after leaving what you did Building a brand with personality Taking a bet on a business idea with a “why not” approach The head noise of self-doubt And pushing forward after getting off to a false start If you need a little inspo to keep going on the path you’re building for yourself, you’re in the right spot. Follow DC Cartel on IG @thedccartel Hit up their website dccartel.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.

Sep 3, 2023 • 40min
“I was tired of chalking up wins for other people's businesses and I'd always had that desire to do something for myself,” Amy Parfett, Co-Founder of Wedshed & Give With Gravy
If you’re a business owner (or aspiring business owner) I bet you have a head full of ideas for different business ventures. So how do you know which is the right one to pursue, and which is best left in the desk research phase? My guest today is the insanely inspiring Amy Parfett, Co-Founder of two awesome businesses Wedshed & Give With Gravy, and in the sharing of her story you’re about to hear things like: The myriad of shelved ideas you go through in business to find the one/s you want to follow Creating businesses that give true value to those who use and contribute to it Falling into a tech business by accident The challenge of growing two businesses How to market your business when it takes a little longer than an elevator ride to explain What actually happens when you write a book around the topic of your business offering Learning to put yourself and your business out there confidently And the timing challenge of when and who [and what role] to hire as you scale up The inspo is firing thick and fast in this one listener and you’re going to love it – if you do, don’t forget to let me know with a review. Check out Wedshed.com.au & Givewithgravy.com Connect with on IG @wedshed & @givewithgravy And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads and LinkedIn 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.


