Talk Freelance To Me
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 Women Freelancers Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle
Episodes
Are you running your freelance business with intention—or just reacting to deadlines?
It’s easy to stay in motion as a freelancer. Between client work, content marketing, invoicing, and trying to keep up with everything else, we often skip the most important work: thinking strategically about what we want from this business and how we’re actually doing.
On this episode, Ashley is joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a longtime freelance...
What does it really take to build a freelance business that feels steady, fulfilling, and true to who you are?
Every freelancer faces moments of doubt, especially when the industry shifts, competition rises, or motivation fades. But there are practical ways to stay grounded and keep moving forward.
In this conversation, Ashley Cisneros Mejia talks with Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness, writer, editor, teacher, consultant, and author of The...
Are you creating a business that supports your well-being, or one that silently drains it?
In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with registered nurse, wellness educator, and creative entrepreneur Arlene Ambrose to talk about the intersection of health, creativity, and freelance sustainability. Arlene brings her deep clinical background from emergency rooms and rural healthcare in...
Two powerhouse Australian creatives. Seven years of podcasting wisdom. One honest conversation about building something that lasts.
In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni, co-hosts of The Content Byte and long-time champions of Australia’s freelance community. What started as a simple idea has grown into a seven-year journey filled with collabora...
In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with creator, designer, entrepreneur, and all-around inspiration Alex “Nemo” Hanse, the mind behind the Foolies movement and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the creative world.
Nemo shares how rap became his gateway into entrepreneurship, why honoring his late mother fuels everything he builds, and what it truly looks like to ser...
Are you tired of feast-and-famine freelance cycles and clients who treat you like an order taker?
In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with powerhouse freelance coach and writer Mandy Ellis for a truth-packed conversation about what it really takes to grow a sustainable freelance writing business.
We didn’t sugarcoat anything.
We covered what most creative freelancers wrestle with...
As a freelancer, how can you make more money from work you’ve already created?
In this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with award-winning publicist-turned-book-marketing-coach Sandra Beckwith to explore how writers can monetize what they already know. With decades of experience in PR, publishing, and content creation, Sandy shares how she transitioned from freelance client work to building a business that earns half it...
How do you protect your freelance writing business from uncertainty, burnout, and AI disruption?
In this solo episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares the exact framework she presented at the Growth Without Burnout Summit, a virtual conference for freelancers. She also shares new insights and tools designed to help freelance writers diversify their services without tossing out everything they’ve built.
Ashley introduces her signatu...
How do you raise your freelance writing rates—and your confidence—at the same time?
In this powerful episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia welcomes writer, coach, and creator of Freelance Cake, Austin Church, to talk about his popular book Free Money — a guide for freelancers who want to stop undercharging and start building profitable, sustainable businesses.
Ashley and Austin get real about the emo...
How can you build a thriving freelance writing career in today’s competitive market?
In this solo episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes you behind the scenes of her experience at the ASJA Writers Conference in New York City. From networking with top editors to learning about the changes in the freelance marketplace, Ashley shares key takeaways, industry trends, and powerful insights from indus...
How can you take control of your freelance career like a CEO?
In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia reconnects with her longtime mentor, Rod Colon, to explore the transformative "CEO of Me" mindset. With over 30 years of experience in career coaching, networking, and leadership, Rod shares how to treat your freelance career like a business and make empowered decisions that benefit...
How can you turn your creative passion into a thriving freelance business and still give back?
In this episode host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with long-time friend and expert consultant Mara Shorr to explore the intersection of journalism, business, and advocacy. Mara shares tactical tips for freelancers ready to expand their business, including how to hire your first virtual assistant or contractor and why documenting systems...
How can staying true to your story unlock your biggest creative breakthrough?
In this episode Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid—the first graphic novel to ever win the prestigious Newbery Medal. Jerry opens up about his inspiring journey from a reluctant reader to a New York Times bestselling author, sharing how his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider b...
How can Medium’s unique platform help you reach new audiences and maximize your freelance potential?
In this episode we sit down with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore how the platform is impacting the world of writing.
With over 1 million paid subscribers and recent profitability, Medium is becoming a powerful space where writers can thrive without the hustle and connect with new audiences.
Tune in to hear Tony’s take on ho...
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 adapting to changes like automation and AI in publishing, and discover her strategies for maintaining relevance ...
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 to identify your unique teaching niche, approach universities with confidence, and craft a winning pitch th...
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 bird conservation through her freelance writing.
During our chat we explore how Bryony balances her rich freela...
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 her secrets to successfully balancing demanding full-time work with thriving freelance side hustles.
This in...
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 offer tips on rebuilding relationships with past clients, networking with other writers, and using p...
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 audiences, and produce your best creative work.
Lyle shares invaluable advice he received as a young report...
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