High-Income Business Writing Podcast

What if a story that's haunted you for years… was never true? In this short but powerful episode, we dive into a jaw-dropping true story that will make you question the narratives you've been carrying — especially the ones that have shaped your identity and decisions for years. It's the story of Derek Sivers, entrepreneur and author, who spent 16 years believing he had ruined a woman's life in a d...

AI may be fast, smart, and shockingly efficient. But is it truly intelligent? In this thought-provoking solo episode, I explore a powerful and timely idea: the future belongs to those who change the game entirely, not those who keep trying to outrun AI at what it does best. Freelancers and creative professionals are feeling the pressure. AI can now write emails, analyze data, and churn out decent...

Episode Summary Looking back on the past 30 years of my career, I've faced challenges, doubts, and moments of pure grit. Through all of it, I've realized there are three core rules that have guided me — rules that I didn't define at the time but, in hindsight, have made all the difference. These aren't just feel-good ideas. They're battle-tested principles that have helped me push through fear, un...

Episode Summary What if AI isn't a threat but the biggest business opportunity we've seen in decades? In this game-changing episode, we reframe the fear of artificial intelligence into one of the biggest business opportunities freelance writers and solo marketers have ever seen. If you've been worried about how AI will affect your work, this conversation will help you step into a new mindset. The...

Episode Summary We're constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, social media updates, and a steady stream of mental noise. It feels productive, but in reality, it's draining our focus, creativity, and mental energy. Just like our bodies benefit from intermittent fasting, our minds need regular breaks from constant input. Yet, many of us struggle with even a few moments of true silence. In t...

Hey, there. Welcome to another episode of the High-Income Business Writing podcast—the #1 podcast for freelance writers, copywriters, and solo marketers who want to earn more in less time... doing work they love... for better clients. With over 1.3 million downloads from listeners just like you across 101 countries. You know it's supposed to help you grow your freelance business. But the idea of r...

Episode Summary Success in your freelance business isn't about grand gestures, massive marketing campaigns, or expensive training. It's about the tiny, seemingly insignificant moments you're tempted to skip—the quick LinkedIn post, the follow-up email, the slightly bolder pricing quote. These micro-moments are where real transformation happens. In this episode, we explore how small decisions—often...

Most freelance writers focus on crafting compelling copy, but the real value they offer often extends far beyond the words they write. The most successful writers don't just take assignments—they offer strategic insight that helps their clients achieve bigger business goals. In this episode, we explore how you can elevate your role from order-taker to trusted advisor by recognizing and communicati...

Episode Summary Why do so many talented freelancers stay stuck year after year? It's not because of market conditions, AI, or lack of experience — it's because of hidden, faulty assumptions that shape decisions and limit options. In this episode, we uncover how these invisible mental barriers hold freelancers back and how to break through them with a structured, practical approach. What You'll Lea...

Episode Overview: In this episode, I explain why a conversational approach to AI interactions is more effective than massive, complex prompts — and how this mirrors natural human communication patterns. Key Points: 1. The Common Mistake Many users dump massive amounts of information into single prompts. Some AI experts promote complex, lengthy prompts that users blindly copy. This approach lacks o...

What makes some businesses unforgettable while others fade into the noise? The answer isn't just in a logo or a tagline — it's in the story they tell. In this episode, we dive into the art of brand storytelling with Johnna Lacey, the founder of J.M. Lacey Communications. Johnna has more than 20 years of professional writing experience and over 40 years of creative storytelling. She specializes in...

We've all been there. We make a mistake in our business. And for days or weeks we get caught up in a mental loop of "what if..." and "if only..." Regret can feel overwhelming, but the real problem is not just the mistake. It's how we respond to it. In this week's short episode, I explain 3 mistakes most of us make when trying to deal with regret — and how we can deal with the issue more productivi...

Have you ever felt ready to give up on prospecting because you weren't seeing results? You're not alone. Many freelancers quit just before the seeds they've planted begin to sprout. In this episode, we explore why consistent prospecting is crucial, even when it feels like nothing's happening. In this episode, I explain why timing is everything in prospecting. I share powerful analogies and strateg...

Happy New Year! If you're looking to make 2025 one of your best years yet, I have a different approach for you to consider... Start with zero. And by zero, I mean absolutely nothing. Doing so will help you accomplish more... and faster. That's the topic of this week's short episode below.

Freelancing can be an exhilarating journey — building a business from scratch, gaining financial freedom, and securing prestigious clients. But what happens when the work that once lit you up begins to feel hollow? If you've ever wondered if there's more to your career than just success, this episode is for you. In today's show, we explore the concept of "Halftime," a mid-career pivot that shifts...

Do you ever feel like you're constantly dealing with the same frustrating challenges in your business? Maybe you get stuck managing messy revisions from unexpected sources, or a client keeps hitting you with last-minute rush work. In this episode, I discuss how we often react to these situations rather than respond thoughtfully—and why that difference matters. We explore two key steps to improve y...

As freelancers, many of us crave the freedom to explore new places without the financial burden that travel can bring. But what if you could fly in luxury without spending a fortune? That's where points travel comes in, and today's guest is a true expert in this game. Spencer Howard, the mastermind behind Straight to the Points, has helped countless people book premium travel with points instead o...

Have you ever had a client, prospect—or even an acquaintance—ask to "pick your brain"? At first, it might feel flattering. But after the fourth or fifth time, it starts to feel like a burden. You feel taken advantage of. In this short episode, I talk about how I changed my approach to these requests. Instead of making excuses or feeling resentment, I started charging for "brain picking" sessions—a...

Most freelancers and solo marketers focus their marketing efforts on prospecting, networking, or LinkedIn. But guesting on podcasts that your target audience listens to? Not so much. And that's too bad, because appearing on podcasts can be a powerful way to build your brand, meet and network with great people, generate leads, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your market. In this episo...

A growing number of writers are incorporating AI tools into their workflow. Those who've kept an open mind and experimented with different approaches and ways to increase their productivity and scale their creativity have seen remarkable improvements in both the quality and quantity of their work, allowing them to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. The current models are powerful out of the...

I was doing an exercise the other day where I looked back over the past 3 decades of my career to think through every major breakthrough I had and every big move I made. Not only was this a fun trip down memory lane, it also made me realize a few very important things. One of them is that nearly every breakthrough happened during a very challenging moment in my career. And in a few cases, they hap...

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges freelancers face: the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, the strategies we'll discuss can help you create a steady stream of work and avoid the panic that comes with dry spells. The Growing Urgency of Client Prospecting The freelance world is facing increased pressure. With a challe...

As freelancers and solo professionals, we often (unknowingly) sabotage our own success from the very first interaction with a prospect. We present ourselves and our services in a way that works against us. It erodes trust and diminishes our perceived value before we even begin working with a potential client. It often starts the moment we ask our clients, "What can I do for you?" This simple quest...

Freelancing can be a lonely journey. But it doesn't have to be. Many freelancers struggle to find consistent work, navigate client relationships, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. They often feel isolated, and unsure where to turn for support or guidance. Not Rachel Smith, my guest in this week's episode. Rachel is the founder of Rachel's List, a thriving jobs board and community for Austr...

When you're starting to offer advisory engagements to clients and prospects, it's very common to get nervous. Say you're talking with a prospect and you can tell that they need help beyond writing. In fact, you can see that it doesn't yet make sense to go right into a writing project — mainly because they need to make some other decisions first. But you're nervous ... because you're not sure how t...