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 behind the scenes: boundary-setting, bad-fit clients,...

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 its income through passive revenue streams. ABOUT SANDRA BECKWI...

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 signature 3L Framework – Look Back, Lean Forward, and Launch Lightl...

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 emotional baggage many freelancers carry around pricing, how to...

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 industry leaders like Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma. ...

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 Colon With over ...

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 is key to scaling. But it’s not all business—Mara opens up a...

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 became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers ...

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 how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and...

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 and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media.&nb...

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 that will land you in the classroom. This epis...

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 freelance career with being a mom and working a full-ti...

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 interview will leave you energized to take your freelance work to ...

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 platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups to drum up new o...

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 reporter to focus your message and insights from his decades of experie...

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 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 ta...

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 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 ...

“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...

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 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 ...

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 communication through various mediums like writing, photography and design. She also offers her perspective on the evolving state of journalism, social media and c...