Shows
Talk Freelance To MeHow to Raise Your Freelance Writing Rates with Austin Church of Freelance CakeHow 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 emotional baggage many freelancers carry around pricing, how to stop treating your business like a side hustle, and why raising your rates is an act of sel...2025-04-2345 minTalk Freelance To MeFreelance Success Strategies: What I Learned at the ASJA ConferenceHow 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 industry leaders like Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma.She also discusses the importance of differentiating yourself as a freelancer, developing new skills, and crafting a se...2025-03-0240 minTalk Freelance To MeHow to Thrive in Freelance by Thinking Like a CEO with Rod Colon 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 your “board of directors”—your family.About Rod ColonWith over 30 years of expertise in Human Resources, recruitment, networking, and career strategy, Rodrigo...2025-01-3036 minTalk Freelance To MeFrom Writing to Consulting: Freelance Success and Giving Back with Mara ShorrHow 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 is key to scaling.But it’s not all business—Mara opens up about her inspiring advocacy work as a foster mom, guardian ad litem, and foster dog care...2025-01-1653 min
The Writers’ Co-opYour questions and TWC’s answersToday, we’re releasing the last episode of the last season of the show. After running three businesses for the bulk of a year, Wudan will focus her attention on her editorial business and new fact-checking agency, Factual. The podcast, the resources and everything else that The Writers' Co-op has created in the last five years will still live online and the Slack community will remain active. TWC was always intended to be an audiobook handbook for freelancers and will remain as such.
The final episode is a Q&A that answers some lingering questions we received fr...2024-11-1226 minTalk Freelance To MeFrom Freelancer to Bestselling Author: Writing Lessons from Newbery Medalist Jerry CraftHow 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 became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.Tune in to hear Jerry's candid insights on the power of pe...2024-10-231h 01
The Writers’ Co-op10 Lessons in 10 Years of Freelancing with Wudan YanIt's been 10 years since Wudan started freelancing, and she's learned a lot of lessons over the past decade. Now, she's running three businesses simultaneously. Most of us will probably just run one business at a time, but for those who want to think expansively and start another one, Wudan gives you a peek behind that curtain.
In this episode, Jillian Anthony interviews Wudan.
Jillian is a writer and editor with 13 years of experience in journalism and media. She is the former lead editor of Time Out New York, and her writing has been published in C...2024-10-2142 minTalk Freelance To MeBehind Medium’s Growth: CEO Tony Stubblebine on Helping Writers ThriveHow 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 how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and the unique opportunities it presents to freelance writers.In thi...2024-09-1224 minTalk Freelance To MeFreelance Breakthroughs: Priya Joi on Science, Identity, and MotherhoodWhat 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 and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media. We also discuss some of the deeply personal aspects of her work, from her memoir M(other)land'—which explores themes of mot...2024-08-021h 03Talk Freelance To MeFreelancer to Professor: How to Land Your Dream Teaching Gig with Jenna SpinelleHey 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 that will land you in the classroom. This episode is packed with actionable advice and will show you how your freelance experience can be your greatest asset in the world of...2024-07-1531 minTalk Freelance To MeHow Niche Freelance Writing Can Elevate Your Career with Birder Bryony AngellHow 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 freelance career with being a mom and working a full-time job. If you've ever wondered how to...2024-06-2125 min
The Writers’ Co-opDiversify Your Business Fearlessly with Ashley Cisneros MejiaAs 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 that in an intentional way?
In this episode, Wudan talks with Ashley Cisneros Mejia
Ashley is an award-winning journalist, communications expert, and former marketing agency owner with nearly 20 years of e...2024-05-2740 minTalk Freelance To MeHow to Juggle a 9-5 and Thriving Freelance Side Hustles Without Losing Your Mind with Donna RaphaelCan 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 interview will leave you energized to take your freelance work to the next level through Donna's example of dedication, discipline and delighting clients. Listen now!In t...2024-05-0639 minTalk Freelance To MeHow To Find Freelance Writing Work FAST When You Need Money NOWAre 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 platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups to drum up new opportunities. You'll learn how to create customized pitching templates, organize job leads, and approach marketing agencies directly. 2024-04-2339 minTalk Freelance To MeUnderstanding Audiences and Writing Compelling Stories with Lyle Smith, author of WHY YELLOW MATTERSDiscover 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 reporter to focus your message and insights from his decades of experience helping businesses connect with customers. He also opens up about the unexpected journey that led to writing h...2024-04-0756 minTalk Freelance To MeOur Freelance Writing Podcast Turns 1! A Year of Freelance Success StoriesIn 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 artists, each guest shares their unique path to leveraging freelance for freedom, resilience, and fulfillment. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on monetizing talents, embracing the freelance lifestyle, and the power of community in forging a successful freelance career. If you're a woman freelance w...2024-03-2931 minTalk Freelance To MeBurnout to Boundaries: How to Value Your Time & Protect your Sanity As a Freelancer with Wudan YanWhat'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 about her viral blog post about holding late-paying clients accountable.Host Ashley Cisneros Mejia and Wudan also chat about navigating client demands, advocating for fair compensation, and finding work-life balance as a freelancer. Get actionable tips for setting boundaries with yourself...2024-03-1832 minTalk Freelance To MeEqual Pay Day: Women Freelancers’ Guide for Getting PAID“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 careers compared to men. Join us as we explore how freelancing can serve as a powerful tool to combat these inequalities, putting you in control of your rates, your work, and your worth. We explore strategies for understanding marke...2024-03-1130 minTalk Freelance To MeWhen Motherhood Meets Writing: Surviving Chaos and Rediscovering Satisfaction with Sarah GreesonbachHow 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 family. Sarah shares her raw and candid journey of motherhood, from feeling unprepared for the loss of control and dignity that comes with parenting, to learning the importance of balance through trial and error. Listen in as we chat ab...2024-03-0422 minTalk Freelance To MeIntroducing Lauren Cordero, Talk Freelance To Me’s Very First InternAre 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 communication through various mediums like writing, photography and design. She also offers her perspective on the evolving state of journalism, social media and content as a student entering these fields. Tune in to learn more about Lauren and how she plans to apply her creativity and s...2024-02-2735 minTalk Freelance To MeSeason 2 Kickoff - A New Journey of Empowerment and Opportunity in Freelance WritingTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleIn 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 the key insights from PodFest Expo including content creation and monetization strategies. You'll hear about practical tips for networking with fellow guests, making collaborations easy, and starting beneficial brand relationships. Plus, hear about Talk Freelance To Me’s new intern an...2024-02-1610 minTalk Freelance To MeTruths That Will Transform Your Freelance Business in 2024Ready 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. Plus, get insights into how AI tools like Otter.ai have helped her workflow.Ashley also recaps impactful takeaways from influential early guests like Laura Figueroa Hernandez, Lola Bovell, Lindsay Diven and Marielou Mandl. This reflective episode is sure t...2023-12-2816 minTalk Freelance To MeMastering High-Income Freelancing with Ed GandiaIn 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 emphasizes the importance of offering more than just content writing. Learn how to leverage AI for ideation, messaging, and even streamline your services to enhance quality and value.Don’t miss this episode!Ed Gandia is a business-building coach and...2023-12-0437 minTalk Freelance To MeMaria Ferrer AKA Maria Bone on Turning Passion into a Powerhouse BrandOver 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 media and carving out a unique niche that resonates across generations. From viral TikTok fame to impactful collaborations with music legends, Maria's story is a masterclass in pursuing dreams and creating a brand that truly speaks to the heart. ...2023-11-1936 minTalk Freelance To MeWealth-Building Strategies for Solopreneurs with CFO Christina GamacheDuring 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 opened Audax Wealth Management in response. In this episode, Christina talks to us all about the many facets of freelance finance and how we can set ourselves up for a strong financial future. In our chat, we tackle the nuts and bolts of financial m...2023-11-021h 01Talk Freelance To MeHow Freelance Writing Took Jessica Walrack Around the WorldDriven 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 only fantasize about – like residing in scenic locales like Costa Rica and Mexico, wandering the breadth of Europe, and imparting a world-class, multicultural upbringing to her son. This episode underscores the potential of the freelance life, no...2023-10-2154 minTalk Freelance To MeNavigating Freelance, Tech, and Fatherhood with Damon BrownExplore 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 regularly shares his wisdom through his Inc.com column, public speaking engagements, including platforms like TED, and his consulting services. He's also the author of several books, with his latest being The Complete #BringYourWorth Collection that’s coming October 20th! This full volume includes the original Bite-Sized Entrepreneur se...2023-10-0759 minTalk Freelance To MeTelling Stories, Mastering Motherhood, and Writing Freelance with Amaris CastilloIn 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 explore Amaris' journey, join us for an intimate look into the interplay among journalism, fiction writing, and motherhood.In this episode, you’ll learn:Ways to draw from your personal experiences and passions to fuel your freelance writing journeyStrategies for diversifying your writin...2023-09-221h 02Talk Freelance To MeNavigating Full-Time Work and a Side Hustle with Leydi MontoyaOn 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 translator; Leydi is a proficient Public Notary, a Bilingual Wedding Officiant, a Day of Wedding Coordinator, and a Resume Consultant, truly embodying the spirit of a multifaceted entrepreneur. But how does Leydi manage her burgeoning business alongside a demanding 9-5 career? In a revealing chat, she offers invaluable ad...2023-09-1019 minTalk Freelance To MeThe Alchemy of Art: Luisa Padro AKA Artysta LuLuIn 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 and otherworldly ideas. Luisa promotes peace, love, self-empowerment, and an unyielding curiosity with every brush stroke. Don’t miss Artysta LuLu’s most profound lessons learned as an artist, sharing wisdom and experiences that will resonate with creatives and entrepreneurs alike.About Our Guest2023-08-251h 02