Episodes

  • Kelly Berger: Why ‘Cert IV Isn’t Enough’ — What Bookkeepers Really Need to Succeed

    Kelly Berger: Why ‘Cert IV Isn’t Enough’ — What Bookkeepers Really Need to Succeed
    May 14 2026
    In this episode of Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming, Joe McCord sits down with Kelly Berger to unpack a hard truth: 👉 A Cert IV isn’t enough to succeed as a bookkeeper. With 15+ years in the industry and a community of 8,000+ bookkeepers, Kelly shares what’s really missing from traditional training and why so many struggle in real-world practice. From systems and compliance to burnout, client relationships, and working with accountants, this episode breaks down what it actually takes to run clean books and build a sustainable bookkeeping business. 💡 You’ll learn: • Why most bookkeepers struggle early on • The importance of systems and processes • How to work better with accountants • Where AI fits into bookkeeping • What small businesses should expect from a bookkeeper
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    44 mins
  • Trent McLaren, Founder of Vinyl on Unlocking Hidden Revenue in Your Firm Using AI

    Trent McLaren, Founder of Vinyl on Unlocking Hidden Revenue in Your Firm Using AI
    Apr 30 2026
    Joe sits down with Trent McLaren to unpack how AI is transforming accounting, bookkeeping, and modern business workflows. From uncovering missed revenue in client conversations to analysing hours of meetings in seconds, Trent shares how AI is moving beyond automation into real decision-making support. This episode explores the future of accounting tech, smarter workflows, and how advisors can stay ahead in an AI-driven world.
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    43 mins
  • The Accounting Industry Has a Problem (And No One’s Fixing It)

    The Accounting Industry Has a Problem (And No One’s Fixing It)
    Apr 16 2026
    What does it really take to leave a stable corporate career and build something of your own? In this episode, Shaye Thyer shares her journey from traditional accounting firms to leading transformation at BDO, working inside global tech at Intuit, and ultimately starting her own business. Along the way, she opens up about risk, confidence, motherhood, and the realities of building a business. This isn’t just a career story it’s a conversation about impact. Shaye Thyer dives into the disconnect between what the accounting industry says and what it actually does, why smaller firms are often overlooked, and the massive opportunity sitting within women-led businesses in Australia. You’ll also hear how technology (including AI) is reshaping how modern advisors operate, and why the future belongs to those willing to rethink “the way things have always been done.” If you’re an accountant, advisor, or business owner looking to challenge the status quo, this one’s for you.
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    56 mins
  • Build a Business That Fits Your Life (Not the Other Way Around)

    Build a Business That Fits Your Life (Not the Other Way Around)
    Apr 1 2026
    Build a business that works for your life not one you have to escape from. In this episode of PM, ID, Jacob Aldridge shares what it really takes to design a business around freedom, family, and fulfilment, without sacrificing growth. From running a fully remote advisory business across the world, to redefining success, leadership, and the role of AI, the conversation also dives into the powerful role of masculine and feminine energy in the workplace and how balancing both can transform culture and performance. Because the goal isn’t just to build a successful business… it’s to build a life you actually want to live.
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    59 mins
  • Decrypting Chris Wheatley - Balance Sheets, Business Reality, and the Future of Accounting

    Decrypting Chris Wheatley - Balance Sheets, Business Reality, and the Future of Accounting
    Mar 17 2026
    In this episode of PM,ID: Pinch Me I’m Dreaming, Joe sits down with Chris Wheatley, founder of Scope Accounting, to unpack the realities behind business growth, accounting, and what actually drives long-term success. Chris shares a candid accountant’s perspective on what’s really happening behind the numbers. From why understanding your balance sheet is critical, to the financial mistakes business owners make again and again, this conversation explores the real-world challenges of running a business. Joe and Chris also dive into the evolving role of accountants, bookkeepers, and technology, and why communication, financial awareness, and good decision-making will matter more than ever in the future of business.
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    52 mins
  • SaaS Founder Philip Johns: "Stripe Rejected My Application." Early Founders Don't Get Prioritised!

    SaaS Founder Philip Johns: "Stripe Rejected My Application." Early Founders Don't Get Prioritised!
    Mar 6 2026
    In this episode, Philip Johns shares his story about founding PassM8, an online studio management platform designed with love to solve problems for small dance studio operators. Phil talks about the two and a half year odyssey that unfolded when he was rejected by Stripe and speaks from the heart about his passion for his community and local businesses.
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    43 mins