200 Episodes – What a journey!

What does it take to reach 200 episodes of a business podcast? Not just time, but a relentless commitment to sharing real stories, practical advice, and the kind of support that can change the course of a business owner’s life. When I first pressed record, I wasn’t thinking about milestones. I was thinking about the business owner sitting alone at their desk, searching for answers, wondering if anyone truly understood their challenges.

Today, as we mark our 200th episode, I am reminded that every conversation, every guest, and every listener has helped build something far greater than a podcast. We have created a global community where business owners find not just information, but encouragement, connection, and the confidence to keep moving forward.

This journey has never been about chasing numbers or accolades. It has been about listening to the real needs of business owners. Those moments of uncertainty, the late-night questions, the desire to build something meaningful. Each episode has been a response to those needs, drawing on the wisdom of over fifty guests from around the world and the lived experience of countless entrepreneurs.

As I reflect on how far we have come, I see more than just a catalogue of interviews. I see a tapestry of stories: businesses weathering storms, families navigating change, communities growing stronger. I see the impact of sharing honest advice, practical tools, and the kind of encouragement that makes a difference when the going gets tough.

If you are reading this, you are part of that story. Whether you have listened to every episode or you are just discovering us now, your journey matters. Your challenges, your successes, and your questions have shaped this podcast into a resource for business owners everywhere.

So, as we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to look back with us. Not just at what we have achieved, but at the community we have built and the future we are creating together.

Why We Started: A Mission Rooted in Real Experience

The Business Behind Your Business podcast was born out of a simple but powerful idea: small and medium business owners deserve accessible, expert-driven advice. After more than thirty years as an accountant and business advisor, I saw first-hand how difficult it was for business owners to get timely, practical guidance. Too often, the only interaction with an advisor was at tax time, months after decisions had been made and opportunities missed.

Growing up in a country town in New South Wales, I witnessed the ripple effect when a business closed. Families were affected, communities changed, livelihoods lost. That experience shaped my belief that small business matters. It matters to the owners, their families, their employees, and the communities they serve. This podcast exists to help business owners run, grow, and thrive, no matter where they are on their journey.

The Power of Conversation

From the beginning, our theme has been “Conversations to help your business grow and thrive.” I wanted each episode to feel like having your own board of expert advisors in your pocket. We have brought in guests from a wide range of fields: HR, finance, marketing, sales, IT, insurance, and more. Running a business is complex, and no one has all the answers.

Over the years, we have welcomed more than fifty guests from many countries, each sharing their expertise, stories, and practical tips. These conversations have covered everything from leadership and financial management to sustainability, cyber security, and mental health. Our guests have been generous with their time and insights, helping us create a resource that is truly global in reach and relevance.

A Global Community

What started as a local initiative quickly became something much bigger. Podcasting is an accessible format, and we soon discovered our audience extended far beyond our local business community. Today, listeners tune in from across the globe, and our guest pool reflects that diversity. In recent recordings, we have had guests from six different countries, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to our audience.

It has been exciting to see the podcast grow, not just in numbers, but in impact. Our earliest episodes are still being downloaded regularly, and the conversations continue to resonate with business owners facing familiar challenges, wherever they are.

Why Small Business Matters

Small businesses are not small in impact. In Australia, they make up over ninety-seven percent of all businesses, contribute more than four hundred and thirty-eight billion dollars to the economy, and employ half the workforce through family-owned enterprises.

Behind every small business is a family, a community, and a story of ambition, resilience, and hope. When a small business succeeds, it lifts up everyone connected to it. When it struggles, the effects are felt far and wide.

That is why we do this. That is why we bring you expert advice, practical resources, and real-world stories. Our goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes, improve profitability, and build resilient businesses. Whether you are just starting out, scaling up, or planning your exit, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Gratitude: The Team, the Guests, and You

None of this would have been possible without the incredible team behind the scenes. I want to make special mention of Angela Stephen, who has been with us from the very beginning. Angela was there when the podcast was just an idea, through the initial struggles and uncertainty, and now as we operate a well-oiled and efficient podcast machine. Her dedication, creativity, and organisational skills have shaped the show and helped it grow into what it is today.

I am deeply grateful to our guests, especially those who joined us in the early days when we were still learning the ropes. Your generosity and expertise have made this podcast a valuable resource for business owners everywhere.

And to our listeners, thank you. Whether you have been with us from the beginning or you have just discovered the show, your engagement, feedback, and willingness to share the podcast with others have been vital. This is a team journey, and you are an essential part of it.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As we celebrate two hundred episodes, I am more excited than ever about what is to come. We have a wealth of content already in production for the next quarter, with new guests, fresh topics, and ongoing conversations designed to help you build strong, prosperous businesses. The issues facing business owners are constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying relevant, responsive, and supportive.

I invite you to keep listening, keep engaging, and keep sharing your questions and feedback. What conversations have we not covered that you want to hear? What challenges are you facing that we can help address? Your input shapes the future of the podcast.

Join the Conversation

If you have not listened yet, now is the perfect time. Visit our website, browse the episodes, and find a topic that resonates with you. Subscribe, share, and let us know what you think. If you know a business owner who could benefit from our content, please pass it on.

Here is to the next two hundred episodes and to the ongoing journey of learning, growing, and thriving together.

Thank you for being part of The Business Behind Your Business.