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
Sep 25, 2022 • 41min
“I feel like I could have quit at least five times by now, but there's a voice in my head that's just like, nope, you're not, you'll fix it and you'll get back up,” Designer and Founder of Summi Summi Ashleigh Vallis
Ash Vallis, Designer and Founder of Summi Summi, is super real, funny and nails the vibe of what it means to go after something that’s speaking to you, no matter how messy it gets along the way, and shows how much the mess is worth it. This episode had me lol’ing away and nodding furiously when I was packaging it up for you, we chat about how a creative spark can start one way then end up very differently, how the people you need to help you on the journey have an uncanny way of appearing just when you need them, and why it’s important to embrace the lows just as much as the highs – both of which are inevitable when you’re on this epic journey. Connect with Ash via the Summi Summi Instagram And check out the Summi Summi website to add the new collection to cart And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 18, 2022 • 51min
“It's not going to come overnight and it's not gonna come with 10,000 followers. It'll come with 10,000 hours,” Founders of Grafton Create, Georgie Woskett and Elliot Grafton
In this episode Georgie Woskett and Elliot Grafton share the ins and outs of partnering together in business, the power of networking, goal setting and trusting your instincts - these two are so inspiring in the way they make a plan, support each other and then absolutely send it (provided it doesn’t pose a risk to others of course.. more on that in our chat). The dynamically creative duo, Elliot and Georgie from Grafton Create, make world-class, breathtaking films that exemplify and characterise a place unlike ever before. They do this in the wild: from the ocean, on land, among wildlife, exploring culture and connecting with people, and they do it in a business partnership that was created after they both sensed that working together would create something special. They’re so generous in sharing their business journey and you’ll walk away feeling inspired to create some career magic yourself, perhaps even in partnership with someone unexpected. Connect with Elliot and Georgie through: Elliot’s insta and website Georgie’s Insta The Grafton Create website And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 11, 2022 • 51min
“It's just this constant cycle of stepping out of the comfort zone and feeling really scared,” Director of The Social Impact Alisha Marfatia
My guest today is an entrepreneur through and through and I just find her energy so contagious… Director of The Social Impact Alisha Marfatia and I talk about going in hard to try something new, building on it as you go and continually pushing well outside the comfort zone. We also talk about the seriousness of burnout, why it’s so important to be considering your longevity over everything, and the scariness of having your identity linked to what you do, which is especially hard when its something for yourself. She’s an inspiring human doing amazing things in business, if you need some extra motivation to keep building your own thing, this episode is for you. Connect with Alisha through her course Rise with reels Her work in The social impact , on the gram, listen to Behind the brand pod And here’s the link to the Ass-Kicker we talk about (and future guest!) The Productivity Queen And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 4, 2022 • 37min
“My biggest fear is not committing and making this happen, and playing it too safe,” Founder of Radical Self Store Leah Musch
Have you taken a moment for some self-care today, whatever that might look like for you? That question is inspired by my guest today who is all about bringing some much needed self-care to the people who need it. It’s a journey that encapsulates all of my favourite things about going full-force at life, career and change – how a big dream at one age can be the thing that helps you achieve a totally different dream at another age – and all of the self-doubting moments that happen along the way that we do our best to embrace, understand and work through. Her name is Leah Musch, founder of the inclusive, pleasure focused self-care brand Radical Self, and in this story of starting over we get to hear about Leah’s journey of creating a brick and mortar store at a very young age, pivoting, becoming an influential human in the fight against fast fashion, her experience fully embracing her radical self in coming out as queer, and now creating this space to allow people to connect to their own truest self. There’s just so much inspo to take away from my chat with this glorious human, so we’re grateful to be able to bring it to you today, and if you love these stories and feel like they’re bringing you a little somethin somethin for your day you know what to do – drop us a review. Connect with Leah and Radical Self on insta Check out the Radical Self online store And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 28, 2022 • 38min
“You don't have to have the perfect thing. If you're interested in something, you can just roll with it,” Digital Artist, Poet and Photographer Stefanie Neal
Stef is a Sydney based, self-taught artist currently creating an engaging blend of photography, digital art and spoken word poetry into a unique collection of NFT’s that are blowing up the digital world. She has so much wisdom and good vibes to share, we talk about the challenge and opportunity in transitioning from one thing into another, how intense it is learning all of the macro and micro things needed to step into the next stage of your career and passion, and about doing the inner work to move forward in your creative and professional development Disclaimer: in this episode we talk about the use of psychedelics as therapy and the building research and narrative in this area, I’d like to point out that this is just two people having a conversation, by no means are we recommending or promoting the use of anything in this space. And in a super cool Unemployed & Afraid first, we wrap up our chat with a banging live performance piece by Stef – we hope you enjoy Stef’s story of starting over. Connect with Stef on Twitter, Instagram And check out her website And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 21, 2022 • 43min
“To put something out there you're basically opening yourself up and saying, take your best swing,” Creator of SABI Stays Jessica Eggleston
Jess Eggleston is the creative force behind the inspired accommodation SABI Stays, a pared back, wabi sabi cabin in the heart of the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. SABI has been featured in Qantas mag, Vogue Living, Country Style and The Design Files – I mean no biggie – and in this chat today we talk about her incredible journey following the feeling that you’re meant to do something “else” despite spending an exorbitant amount of time studying and working in a different career. We also talk about lifting the lid of creativity and backing your vision, and the inevitable fear of what people might think, or god forbid say, in their reviews of your work…. I hope you enjoy my chat with the glorious Jess Follow SABI on insta and online And book your stay on Airbnb And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2022 • 46min
“I've never had a plan. But I do think pulling at that curiosity thread is what's got me to where I am right now,” Radio and TV Journalist Michelle Stephenson
My guest today is the glorious Michelle Stephenson who gives us an insight into the world of news media, We talk about; Cancel culture and how it can hold us back… Why we should embrace having more tough conversations… How vulnerability in surprising circumstances helps you level up… And why it’s important to only be in competition with yourself no matter what it is that you do. Michelle is National Audio News Editor for Nova Entertainment overseeing one of the top news podcasts in Australia, The Update, sharing news on the Nova radio network for the Number One National Drive show Kate, Tim and Joel, co-host of the killer podcast I Spied AND as a woman who is never (literally, never) shy of putting her opinion forward she can be seen on Today Extra, Today Show and Weekend Today doing that very thing. She is a woman whose energy is seemingly endless, who I admire so much for her often unafraid approach to life, work and putting yourself out there to try things and find the opportunity that’s meant for you. Follow Michelle on Insta @michellestephenson_ and Twitter @MishStephenson And listen to her brilliant podcast I Spied And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2022 • 41min
“You just have to go through that process of letting it go and knowing that there is going to be something after it,” Content Creator, Stylist, Storyteller Belinda Neame
Belinda Neame is a content creator, stylist and storyteller, the creator of Canberra Street food festival “The Forage” and super host of the stunning Hold Cottage. We cha about unlocking the box of creation and creativity and not being able to close it again… What happens when you give your whole self to someone else’s dream and your identity becomes merged with what you do…. Taking risks and starting things, when you have no idea how to get started, and allowing your community to support you in all of the many micro steps and firsts along the way. Like so many of us, Belinda’s story isn’t all roses. Through the pandemic she lost her dream job producing a beautiful publication and had to close both the street food festival and the cottage. Belinda is joining us in what I’ve referred to as her rebuild, and we all know the comeback is greater than the setback. There’s just so much to take away from this chat. Visit Hold Cottage online Follow Hold Cottage on Insta And connect with The Forage food festival And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2022 • 43min
“I always felt paralyzed by the anxiety of making the wrong decision,” Jeweler and Founder of MLR Jewels Marie-Lauren Romano
Today’s story is about getting started in business, going back, and starting again… It’s a beautiful example of how you can just get started where you are and work through what you need as you go – there’s no perfect business plan or path. Marie-Lauren is a jeweler making her way in the world with her brand MLR. In this chat we talk about working through huge change, doubting the “right” next career move, leaning back into your known comfort areas when you’re trying something new, struggling to make decisions on what to do next and stepping into bridging roles to get yourself to the next step. I love how honestly Marie-Lauren shares, there’s so much we can all learn from each other’s stories as at the core, we’re all going through slightly different versions of the same thing – starting over. Follow MLR on insta And check out MLRs website And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2022 • 43min
“Everyone's afraid when they start, and no one knows what they're doing,” Bianca Lambert, Director of Capra Designs
Meet Bianca Lambert, Director of the unique homewares brand Capra Designs, who has designed her way intro a career she loves, after designing many things that didn’t… In this episode we’re gonna chat about how it’s perfectly ok to want your creative pursuits to be a business, to take sideways steps along the journey, keep showing up for yourself and allow your plan to rollout in real time. Bianca’s story wasn’t the picture book overnight success, like we can all relate to there was trial, success, trial, tribulation, and more. If the 9-5 just doesn’t feel aligned, you’re in the right place…. I hope you enjoy the chat. Check out Capra Designs and shop on their website And connect on the Capra Designs insta And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au On IG and on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
