
Unemployed & Afraid
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
Latest episodes

Oct 9, 2024 • 4min
Going Back To Being An Employee Is Not A Business Failure
If you’ve been running your business but an employee role has caught your interest - there is no failure in changing things. In this episode your host, Kim Kerton, shares some insight gained from people doing just that, and why the rules of how you structure the business you do are infinitely flexible. This podcast is here for you, to support you with your business building dreams by keeping it real, inspiring you often and ensuring your experience is validated so that you can keep on going - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au 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.

Oct 7, 2024 • 41min
“Being Consistently Happy Is The Currency I'm Going Off At The Moment,” Nathan Soulsby, AKA The Dog Butler
It’s the most random of personal sacrifices we make to build brands and businesses that doesn’t get nearly enough light in business conversations. In the dream of revenue growth, and often in the selling of the dream, it’s the true personal growth and sacrifice that gets pushed under the rug – but not on this podcast. You simply cannot separate entrepreneurship and personal work - and this episode will fill your heart with joy at what growing a business can do for us as humans. Nathan Soulsby, AKA The Dog Butler, shares his personal business building story here and in it you’ll hear about: - Moving through redundancy - Allowing your business idea to take you on a mental health care journey - The power of friendship - Re-introducing yourself to your network as an entirely new professional - The magic in starting small - Breaking up with the corporate wage - And prioritising long-term health over short term wealth Connect with Nathan on IG @thedogbutleraus You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok 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 2, 2024 • 13min
You’re Not Rotting, Just Fermenting
What happens when your body and mind is screaming at you to stop working on your business? To not do anything, make anything, pitch anything, just stop - but your income depends on it? Well sometimes you just sink into a big old hole and have to work your way out of it. In this episode your host, Kim Kerton, lets you into her recent experience with a business rot in all its glory, and the perspective shift that shook her out of it. This podcast is here for you, to support you with your business building dreams by keeping it real, inspiring you often and ensuring your experience is validated so that you can keep on going - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together. Listen to the episode with the inspiring Fi Mims on Apple or Spotify (or just one episode back in the feed wherever you’re listening) Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 49min
“Momentum Is Something We Underestimate In Business,” Fi Mims, Personal Branding Photographer and Educator
Imagine letting the thought that you’re not creative / analytical / organised enough stop you from creating your own business structure that makes you feel stoked to get out of bed every day. Fi Mims, she’s a personal branding Photographer and Educator who you’ll hear all about in this episode, told herself one of these stories a long time ago – thankfully she wrote a new one. In Fi’s story of building a business she loves you’ll hear about: - Overcoming the belief that you’re not creative enough for something - Getting over the fear of being-seen - Refocusing from a desired outcome to the momentum we’re creating - Why never to settle, regardless of age - How and why to keep showing up - And an argument for taking your interesting connections to dinner Business and entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth and belief as it is anything else. We’re here for the real human stories inspiring you to keep at it every day. Connect with Fi on IG or LinkedIn Check out her website fimimsphotography.com.au You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok 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 4, 2024 • 8min
Why Whatever You Start Doesn’t Matter
Would the you of four years ago recognise you today? What about the you who you might be four years from now? In this episode your host, Kim Kerton, shares with you a reflection triggered by a photo taken over four yeas ago, and what she would say to that person now. If you’re sitting on the fence about starting that idea you have, you need to hear this. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au 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.

Sep 2, 2024 • 50min
“Practice Stepping Through Fear Regularly In All Facets Of Your Life,” Nikki Williams, Founder of Mentwell
Developing a business of any scale all comes down to personal growth. It will teach you things about yourself you needed to learn, break you down, build you back up, then get you doing it all over again – because what business owner doesn’t have another two or three ideas kicking around. Nikki Williams is sharing her business building story with you today, she’s the Founder of Mentwell which is a really interesting and important business. In this chat you’ll hear about: Business development as a coping mechanism How long it can take to get a yes Why not to be afraid of someone stealing your idea Figuring out your sell as you sell it The value in building with your potential customers The journey of seeking finance and the frustrating realities for socially led businesses And why to prioritise your own wellness for the sake of your business It will leave you feeling like you can do anything, because you can. Check out Mentwell Online Follow them on IG @Mentwellau And connect with Nikki on LinkedIn You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok 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.

Aug 28, 2024 • 17min
The Thing About Entering Awards
If you’ve ever thought about entering your business for an award, but felt the ick, he fear, the “I don’t know what I’m doing here and probably won’t win” feels - this episode is for you. Your host, Kim Kerton, shares with you her experience entering awards and some surprising upsides, and lowside, that came with it, which might just help you win your own. This podcast is here for you, to support you with your business building dreams by keeping it real, inspiring you often and ensuring your experience is validated so that you can keep on going. If you love listening, please consider voting for Unemployed & Afraid in the Australian Podcast Awards People’s Choice Vote by following This Link. Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au 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.

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
“For Anyone Who's Thinking About Being a Founder, It Might Be The Biggest Gift That You Ever Give Yourself,” Georgie Holt & Christiana Brenton, Co-Founders of Flight Studio
The potential of what we can create when we just get moving is a factor of business building that never ceases to amaze with just the sheer possibilities of it all - this business story is exactly that. It's just what you need to feel more confident in taking a risk to start and keep backing yourself into whatever comes next. My guests today are onto their second business together in Podcasting, an industry that holds far more potential than meets the eye, and this one began from a somewhat simple email to Steven Bartlett. Christiana Brenton and Georgie Holt, Co-Founders of Flight Studio share with us: The personal and professional impact of duos Why the story of you matters The most important skill in founding a company Why to tell everyone what you’re doing A perspective on the pressure of opportunity The transformative gift of allowing yourself to try The practical application of failure And what can only be described as a masterclass in leadership thinking If you listened to this short solo episode you’ll know this conversation nearly didn’t see the light of day thanks to your host accidentally mucking up her own audio settings – but rather than shy away from it she owned it, learnt some new skills along the way, discovered the extraordinary generosity of business friends and trusted that although the audio isn’t quite as perfect as you would normally hear, you’ll forgive, because the content is just that great. If you want to build an industry defining business and be the kind of leader that truly supports others to grow – you’re going to love this. Learn more about Flight Studio Online, on LinkedIn and on Instagram You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok 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.

Aug 21, 2024 • 10min
A Little Story Of F’ing Up
I’m sure you’ve had it - that moment where something that you’ve done in your business that’s so important to you, goes wrong, and your heart just sinks. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been working on our business and what we’re passionate about, or how well we know the thing we’re working on, it’s unavoidable that occasionally, something f’s up - here’s one of mine for you. Your host, Kim Kerton, shares with you in this episode a heart sinking moment that happened with this podcast - which is one half of her business endeavours (the other is her Podcast Consultancy for Brands who want to make podcast shows or networks) - which very well could have resulted in global podcast industry embarrassment. If you’d like a little insight into the journey of creating this show for you and some practical positivity around the experience of building a business, this episode is for you. Check out the incredible team at Earsay and connect with Dom on LinkedIn Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au 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.

Aug 19, 2024 • 50min
“You've Got to Be Prepared To Give Everything Of Yourself If You're Going To Be Self-Employed,” Lisa O’Neill
If there’s one thing we simply cannot sacrifice in building our businesses, it’s energy. Lisa O’Neill will blow you away with hers and her approach to prioritising it - unsurprising as she’s built her own business around the concept of harnessing energy, but her insights far from end there. She has an approach to and way of talking about self-employment that will have you nodding your head, or shake you out of any misgivings you might have about the experience of it. Just some of what Lisa shares with you today includes: The power of entrepreneurs Getting comfortable with being both the leaf and the wind An honest look at facing the financial strain of building a business The role of your energy in, everything The fundamental difference between being employed and self-employed Why money isn’t the only currency to trade in How to make your ideas real The wisdom in letting go of worrying and what you can’t control And why you have to let people experience you See what I mean – bumper episode! If you need a serious hit of inspo to keep growing your own business, you’re in the right place. Learn more about Lisa via her website lisaoneill.co.nz Sign up for The Energy Club Buy her book Energy Connect with her on IG @lisao.nz Listen to the U&A episode on Time Off Guilts on Apple or Spotify You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok 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.