I sit down with David Fawkner, owner of Nixon Electrics, for a raw, operator-to-operator conversation about what it really takes to scale a trade business.

Dave breaks down the realities of growing from a single location into a multi-site operation, the pressure that comes with managing people at scale, and why “busy” doesn’t always mean profitable. We talk systems, hiring, leadership, emotional regulation, and why small wins eventually stop registering when your benchmarks keep moving.

This is a grounded, honest discussion about growth, responsibility, culture, and the mental load that comes with building something serious over a long period of time.

A solo episode unpacking our IVF journey so far told entirely from my perspective as the partner.

This conversation covers the mental and emotional side of IVF, navigating fertility issues, vasectomy reversal, learning how complex conception actually is, and what it’s like supporting someone you love through a process you can’t physically carry for them.

This episode is not medical advice, just an honest account of the experience so far.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The BLXCK INK Podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of affiliated individuals or organisations.
Stories shared on this podcast may contain fictional elements or be embellished for creative effect. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated.
This podcast is not intended to provide professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.

Also…I, Jake Kerr, am a creative person who regularly evolves in my thinking and perspective.

At times, I may explore unconventional or even seemingly wild ideas as part of his process to learn, grow, and spark deeper thought.

Please leave space for my growth and witness without judgement. Remember, I am a human who willingly explores vulnerability and perspective on camera for entertainment purposes.

Rhys Veen is a Bunbury-based physiotherapist, business owner, husband, and new dad and this conversation goes well beyond injuries and rehab.

Rhys shares his journey from uni graduate to clinic owner, how he thinks about money, growth, and hiring, and what changes when you’re responsible for both a business and a family. We also get into entrepreneurship ceilings, value, faith, identity, and the unexpected similarities between starting a business and becoming a parent.

Amy shares the full story of losing her salon in a fire that wasn’t just accidental damage but collateral from criminal activity next door. We unpack the shock of waking up to your entire livelihood gone, the pressure of still showing up for clients and staff, and the mental toll of having to “be strong” when all you really want is a break.

This conversation goes far beyond the fire. We talk about community, legacy, faith, burnout, leadership, and what it really means to run a values-driven business in a small town. Amy opens up about honouring $15,000 worth of gift vouchers from another closed business, the guilt of staff losing their tools overnight, and the strange strength that comes from being forced to start again.

In this episode, I’m joined by Josh Wood for a wide-ranging conversation that moves well beyond finance.

We talk about the reality of working with banks, why human advice still matters in an AI-heavy world, and how confidence, preparation, and adaptability shape everything from business to endurance sport. Josh shares his background in mortgage broking, triathlon, and performance, plus some brutally honest perspectives on stress, money, training, relationships, and long-term thinking.

This is a grounded, real conversation about doing hard things, backing yourself, and building a life that actually fits — not just one that looks good on paper.

Federal Member for Forrest, Ben Small, joins the BLXCK INK Podcast for the second time to discuss his new role and some important current topics.

We unpack big issues affecting the South West and the country more broadly, including housing affordability, small business, entrepreneurship, regional decision-making, fishing regulations, energy policy, and how long-form conversations can provide context that traditional media often misses.

We go beyond headlines and soundbites to explore what it’s actually like representing a regional electorate at a federal level — from being recognised in the local Coles aisle to navigating complex national policy decisions that directly impact everyday Australians.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ash Griggs for a yarn about creativity, business, fatherhood, competition, identity, and what it really means to build something over time.
We talk about the evolution of creative work, discipline versus talent, staying in the game when things get hard, and how perspective shifts as life changes.

Ben Lloyd-Smith returns to the BLXCK INK Podcast for a long-overdue deep dive into business, real estate, development, systems, burnout, growth, personal evolution, and everything in between.

Ben has been building Zephyr Real Estate and Zephyr Developments with an obsessive focus on service, structure, and long-term thinking — and in this episode we unpack the realities behind it all. From commission-based highs and lows, to handling clients, to scaling sustainably, to knowing when you’re cooked and need to reset.