Freelance gives women the flexibility and freedom to make money in a way that Corporate America just can’t. Join longtime freelance writer, journalist, and mom of three Ashley Cisneros Mejia as she interviews fellow women freelance writers and other freelance professionals about the business of freelancing. If you want to learn how to monetize your creative talents, make money on your own terms, and design a flexible life you love, this show is for you. Talk Freelance To Me: A Podcast for Wo ...
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The Writers’ Co-op is an audio business handbook for freelance creatives. Host and executive producer Wudan Yan leverages her and co-hosts' freelance experiences to provide a transparent look at what it takes to run a resilient freelance business as a creative. From negotiating higher rates, to protecting your business and intellectual property, to taking time off and organizing your workflow, to doing the mindset work needed to achieve your goals, you'll walk away from this podcast with act ...
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Freelance Breakthroughs: Priya Joi on Science, Identity, and Motherhood
1:03:22
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Send us a Text Message. What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers? In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide. Explore Priya's insights on adapti…
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Fractional C-level Roles with Matthew Fenton
37:19
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If you've been on LinkedIn lately, you might have noticed bios that include a “fractional” C-level job. Traditional C-suite jobs can be all-consuming, require deep expertise, leadership and ownership. For many freelancers, we probably don’t imagine holding a C-suite position, besides being the CEO of our own businesses. So — what’s the hype over th…
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Freelancer to Professor: How to Land Your Dream Teaching Gig with Jenna Spinelle
31:20
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Send us a Text Message. Hey freelancer, have you ever considered teaching at a university? Our guest, Jenna Spinelle, is a freelance writer, podcaster, and instructor at Penn State University. She shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to professor and reveals how YOU can leverage your freelance skills to teach the next generation. Learn how …
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Typically, when we strike out on our own and launch a freelance business, we play it safe and start with what we know. If we previously worked at a marketing agency, we might offer services like copywriting and content marketing. We might target clients in that niche. After all, that’s where the bulk of our professional network — our potential firs…
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How Niche Freelance Writing Can Elevate Your Career with Birder Bryony Angell
25:05
25:05
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Send us a Text Message. How do you find and fill a freelance writing content vacuum in your industry? Join us as we sit down with Bryony Angell, a narrative non-fiction writer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of birding. Bryony shares her journey from observing a lack of content for young women birders to becoming a leading voice in b…
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Diversify Your Business Fearlessly with Ashley Cisneros Mejia
40:19
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As a freelancer, the topic of diversification may be on your mind. The freelance market is what it is, and the pool of freelancers continues to grow - so we need ways of differentiating ourselves from others. You may be wondering how to level up in your business by offering new services, looking to a new client base, or both! But how can you do tha…
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How to Juggle a 9-5 and Thriving Freelance Side Hustles Without Losing Your Mind with Donna Raphael
39:22
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Send us a Text Message. Can you run a successful freelance business while working in a corporate 9-5 job? Yes, IF you can master time management and set clear expectations! Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring the multi-talented Donna Raphael. As a musician, technologist, and creative force, Donna shares h…
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Why Freelancers Should Adopt a Leadership Mindset with Cynthia Pong
29:47
29:47
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What if we told you that all freelancers are leaders? The idea might seem counterintuitive at first: After all, freelancers provide services or products to our clients. We’re not leading or managing a team in a conventional sense. But leadership isn’t just about managing a team. It’s how you position yourself, how you talk about yourself, and how y…
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How To Find Freelance Writing Work FAST When You Need Money NOW
39:07
39:07
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Send us a Text Message. Are you a freelance writer struggling during economic uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast where host Ashley Cisneros shares actionable strategies for finding freelance writing work fast when you need money quickly. Ashley draws on her experience freelancing during the Great Recession to o…
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Understanding Audiences and Writing Compelling Stories with Lyle Smith, author of WHY YELLOW MATTERS
56:44
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Send us a Text Message. Discover the secrets to finding inspiration and creating meaningful work on the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. Host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with author and consultant Lyle Smith to discuss his new book WHY YELLOW MATTERS and how it can help you question your beliefs, understand different audience…
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Our Freelance Writing Podcast Turns 1! A Year of Freelance Success Stories
31:04
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Send us a Text Message. In a special anniversary episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes listeners on a reflective journey through the past year of the podcast, celebrating its first birthday with insights, stories, and key takeaways from a diverse array of guests. From personal finance writers to visual artist…
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Career transitions often come with an element of fear. For freelancers, this might be a fear of rejection or of losing stable income. It might show up as a little voice in our head that says: “But what if I fail?” Fear is meant to protect us, yet it can also hold us back from trying new things and thinking expansively about our businesses. In this …
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Burnout to Boundaries: How to Value Your Time & Protect your Sanity As a Freelancer with Wudan Yan
32:45
32:45
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Send us a Text Message. What's the first step to taking control of your work life as a freelance entrepreneur? Tune in to the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring award-winning journalist Wudan Yan! In this episode Wudan shares her inspiring journey from academia to an award-winning freelance career, and gives an update abou…
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Equal Pay Day: Women Freelancers’ Guide for Getting PAID
30:39
30:39
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Send us a Text Message. “We work hard for the money, so hard for it, honey!” In this episode we chat about Equal Pay Day and uncover the staggering truths behind the gender and race pay gap, with hard-hitting statistics that illustrate how women, particularly women of color, lose over hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their career…
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When Motherhood Meets Writing: Surviving Chaos and Rediscovering Satisfaction with Sarah Greesonbach
22:09
22:09
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Send us a Text Message. How do you balance a thriving freelance writing career with the challenges of parenting young children? On this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with B2B writing expert and fellow mom Sarah Greesonbach to discuss the highs and lows of juggling creative work with raising a fami…
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Introducing Lauren Cordero, Talk Freelance To Me’s Very First Intern
35:26
35:26
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Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to meet our very first intern? In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia introduces Lauren Cordero, an ambitious freshman at the University of Central Florida who is already pursuing opportunities to gain professional experience. Lauren shares her background and passion for…
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Welcome to Season 8! We’re calling this year the “Year of Expansive Thinking.” This season will focus on how to think big about our businesses, ourselves, and what we think is possible. In the first episode, host and executive producer Wudan Yan answers questions from guest co-host Pam Moore about her businesses. Pam is an occupational therapist-tu…
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Season 2 Kickoff - A New Journey of Empowerment and Opportunity in Freelance Writing
10:03
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Send us a Text Message. Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle In this episode we kick off the second season of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Listen in as host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares what you can look forward to in the season ahead. Hear some of …
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Crosspost! Conversations, Not Confrontations: Learning the Art of Negotiation with Wudan Yan
45:46
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This episode is a cross-post between The Writers' Co-op and Freelance Cake, a podcast for ambitious freelancers who want to get more results with less effort, hosted by Austin L. Church. Austin had Wudan on his show to talk about how she cultivated a mindset of 'always be negotiating,' and how she got to a place where negotiations felt comfortable …
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A preview into what this upcoming season holds! For updates, subscribe to thewriterscoop.substack.com Join our inclusive and psychologically safe Slack community as an All-Access Patreon at www.patreon.com/twcpod
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Truths That Will Transform Your Freelance Business in 2024
16:19
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Send us a Text Message. Ready to reflect and recharge for 2024? In this end-of-year recap episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares key lessons she's learned from nearly a year of producing the show. You'll discover the two major truths that have emerged for Ashley around taking action and stopping comparisons. …
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If you’ve been listening to The Writers’ Co-op since the first few seasons, you’ve heard us say: The magic is in the mix of work you get. Slower work – work that is recurring, or on a longer contract or time period – can make us feel both steady and fulfilled. But sometimes, we just need money now. That’s where fast freelancing comes in. Ideally, y…
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Mastering High-Income Freelancing with Ed Gandia
37:07
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode we sit down with one of the pioneer business coaches focused on helping freelance writers, the one and only Ed Gandia! Ed sheds light on the holy grail of freelancing -- achieving freedom and flexibility without compromising income. In a world where advisory services are becoming increasingly valuable, Ed emp…
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Approaching Clueless Clients with Sara Gates
34:38
34:38
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As freelancers, we’ve probably all worked with clients who couldn’t pin down exactly what they wanted. Maybe they never had a clear vision for the project, or maybe they constantly changed their mind—and your scope of work. The experience can be incredibly frustrating. Yet, even these clueless clients need (and deserve) help from freelancers. In th…
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Maria Ferrer AKA Maria Bone on Turning Passion into a Powerhouse Brand
36:40
36:40
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Send us a Text Message. Over 700,000 fans follow her on social media, and this is your chance to get to know her personally! Turn up this episode as we get one-on-one time with mega music influencer Maria Ferrer AKA Your '90s Homegirl and Maria Bone! In this episode, Maria, a vocal coach turned social media sensation, talks about reimagining social…
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Wealth-Building Strategies for Solopreneurs with CFO Christina Gamache
1:01:08
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Send us a Text Message. During the pandemic's peak, outsourced CFO and wealth manager Christina Gamache had a front-row seat to the tough decisions small business owners faced with keeping the lights on. She watched many decide to close up shop only to realize they had nothing substantial saved for retirement. Christina knew she could help them and…
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Corporate to Freelance with Melody Burdette
34:43
34:43
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A very overdone and true statement about freelancing is: “You’re running a business!” Businesses of all sizes have things like income targets, goals, creative direction—and even business plans! While some of those terms can sound a bit like “corporate speak,” these ways of doing things and problem solving in the corporate world can also be applied …
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How Freelance Writing Took Jessica Walrack Around the World
54:13
54:13
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Send us a Text Message. Driven by a yearning to spend more time with her husband and expose their young son to the wonders of the world, Jessica Walrack transitioned from B2B sales into launching a freelance writing business over a decade ago. This was a move that would not only re-define her career but also her life. Jessica lived out dreams many …
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Navigating Freelance, Tech, and Fatherhood with Damon Brown
59:15
59:15
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59:15
Send us a Text Message. Explore the world of freelancing, technology, and fatherhood with Damon Brown in the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. A champion for side hustlers, solopreneurs, and non-traditional creatives, Damon has a knack for helping creative minds flourish. As an influential voice in the entrepreneurial space, Damon…
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Market Yourself Authentically with Rux Guidi
47:00
47:00
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Most of us who work for ourselves probably don’t love marketing but know that it’s a necessary task to attract more clients. Some take a more traditional approach—constantly sharing work and services on social media or socializing at conferences. But that might not work for everyone. In this episode, Wudan talks with Ruxandra (Rux) Guidi. Rux is a …
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Telling Stories, Mastering Motherhood, and Writing Freelance with Amaris Castillo
1:02:47
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Send us a Text Message. In this illuminating episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with Amaris Castillo — an award-winning journalist whose roots trace back to winning a storytelling contest in elementary school and whose prowess led her to be hired as an NPR Public Editor in Research at the famed journalism school The Poynter Institute. As we …
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Navigating Full-Time Work and a Side Hustle with Leydi Montoya
19:32
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Send us a Text Message. On this episode, we’re thrilled to host an entrepreneurial powerhouse, Leydi Montoya, the driving force behind RSP Translation Services. Over the past decade, Leydi has been bridging language gaps, providing top-tier, certified translation services from English to Spanish in Central Florida and beyond. She's more than just a…
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Create Your Own Publication with Leah Sottile
37:40
37:40
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Most of the time, freelancers who work with clients do not own the rights to the creative work that's produced. Even retaining a modicum of your rights is frequently a prolonged legal battle that results in very little. But some freelancers who want ownership over their work are turning to another source of income: newsletters. Creating a newslette…
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The Alchemy of Art: Luisa Padro AKA Artysta LuLu
1:02:09
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have a captivating guest whose art brings vibrant colors and cosmic wonder to life. Join us as we welcome Luisa Padró, better known as Artysta LuLu, a professional visual artist and expressionist painter. LuLu’s paintings offer a unique perspective, unveiling a childlike simplicity in the face of complex …
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Ashley Feller: Amplifying Florida's Arts Scene With Podcasting
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25:26
Send us a Text Message. Special Note: Since the time of this recording, Ashley Feller has ended her original podcast and will be launching a new one! Sunshine State Showcase will also celebrate the creative spirit of Florida, but on a statewide level. Sunshine State Showcase is set to premiere on September 24th, 2023. ******************************…
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Carina Barrau on Freelancing, Creativity, and Bits Of Catharsis
18:55
18:55
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and savvy Portugal-based Carina Barrau, the creative force behind Bits Of Catharsis. Carina has carved out a niche in helping creative businesses say goodbye to mundane content, and hello to powerful, engaging writing. Carina's ethos revolves around maintaining her youthful spiri…
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Unleashing the Power of Listening, Flexibility, and Collaboration in Entrepreneurship with Dianna Romaguera
39:17
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into the mind of the accomplished entrepreneur and dynamic thinker Dianna Romaguera. With a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and practical insight, Dianna invites listeners into her world, revealing the secrets to her successful collaborations and best tips for bridging the gaps when working with…
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Rate Increases and Price Ceilings with Kat Boogaard
43:52
43:52
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43:52
Determining rates can be really tricky for freelancers. We need our clients to agree to a price for a project, but we can’t sell ourselves short and leave money on the table. Naturally, freelancers might wonder: How much can I charge before I price myself out of work? In this episode, Wudan talks to freelancer Kat Boogaard. Kat is a Wisconsin-based…
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Create, Release, Repeat: Marielou Mandl on Mastering Content Creation & Influencing
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59:13
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we're incredibly excited to chat with Marielou Mandl, a successful content creation entrepreneur, influencer, and beacon of self-care. Marielou has made it her mission to empower women in content creation, and she joins us to share her unique journey and valuable insights. In this episode, Marielou shares ho…
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Mastering the Balancing Act: Lindsay Diven's Secrets to Having a Thriving AEC Marketing Career and Growing A Successful Business
27:00
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we’re delighted to chat with someone who truly embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship while successfully balancing an incredibly successful 9-5 career – Lindsay Diven! Lindsay is not only a dynamic professional who’s won awards for her leadership in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construc…
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Navigating Freelance Career Transitions with Simone Stolzoff
46:02
46:02
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46:02
Navigating crossroads in our careers isn’t easy — not when we’re traditionally employed, and certainly not as freelancers, where we pick the rules. The possibilities can seem endless. One assignment, one client, or maybe even one email can completely change what we decide to do next. While considering making a big career shift, we can sometimes fee…
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Set Yourself Up Well for Freelancing When You’re Full-Time with Karen Given
36:26
36:26
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If you consume media, are a media worker, or just happen to pay attention to what’s happening to the media landscape, you might have heard that the industry is having… a bad time, to say the least. Hundreds of reporters and media employees have been laid off this year as newsrooms are shutting down or downsizing. Some who are affected by these cuts…
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Balancing Business, Homeschooling, and Networking in the Freelance World with Lauren Ward
29:40
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29:40
Send us a Text Message. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of freelance writing with the talented and inspiring Lauren Ward. Her journey from dabbling in freelance work to running a full-fledged business while managing a busy home life offers a wealth of insights for both seasoned freelancers and those just starting out. In this episode,…
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From Policy to Real Estate: The Inspiring Journey of Serial Entrepreneur Lola Sophia Bovell
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Send us a Text Message. This episode features the illustrious Lola Sophia Bovell, a real estate investor, attorney, serial entrepreneur, and host of The Latina Advocate Podcast. Join us as Lola shares her inspiring journey, including the moment she finally had the courage to ask herself if she was truly happy and the pivotal moments that led her to…
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Reclaim Hours – Even Days! – From Your Workweek with Anna Burgess Yang
35:16
35:16
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35:16
A big reason why many of us feel drawn to freelancing is because we love the freedom and flexibility that it offers: we can work when, where, and how we want. Still, even as freelancers, we might feel pressure to adhere to working a “full-time job” – a 40-hour, or even longer, week, despite not needing or wanting to. But we have the power to opt ou…
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White House Correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez Talks Journalism, Writing & Reporting About Politics
36:28
36:28
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Ashley interviews her longest journalist friend Laura Figueroa Hernandez, a White House correspondent for News Day. Listen in as Laura recounts what led her to pursue a career in journalism and why politics became her focus. During the interview, she takes us through a typical day in her work life, revealing…
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Freelance 101: What is Freelance Writing?
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Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the second episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! On this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia gives listeners a crash course introduction to the world of freelance writing. Listen in as Ashley discusses the basics of freelance writing, including what it is, the different types of writing you can do, how much…
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Redefine Freelance Success with Joanne Machin
38:32
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38:32
Welcome to Season 7 of the Writers’ Co-op! To kick off the season, we wanted to dedicate our first episode to a word that often shapes how we view both work and ourselves: success. We usually believe success is measured by hitting societally-defined milestones or accumulating fame or wealth. But what happens when our personal goals differ from what…
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How Freelance Saved Ashley's Financial Life - My Story
12:27
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Send us a Text Message. #001 Welcome to the very first episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! On this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares her personal story of how she turned her freelance writing skills into a successful full-time career and business. Ashley has been working as a journalist and freelance writer for nearly 20 years, an…
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Trailer: Introducing The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast
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Send us a Text Message. Introducing The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Freelance writing gives women the flexibility and freedom to make money in a way that Corporate America just can’t. Join longtime freelance writer, journalist, and mom of three Ashley Cisneros Mejia as she interviews fellow women freelance writers and other freelance professional…
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