The Content Byte

Continuing our summer series of our most popular episodes of the last year, we are sharing a great chat from early 2025 with content strategist and LinkedIn mentor Rebecca Cofrancesco. Beck talks about how to make LinkedIn work for you, how to find clients and why she started a local business meet-up group. During our chat, we talk about: • Why she started freelancing • Her new LinkedIn newsletter...

Have we got a treat for you! This episode with content strategist, business coach and consultant Treasa Edmond was one of our most popular episodes in 2025. It is full of gold for any freelancer wanting to move up the value chain and secure more high-paying clients.   In our wide-ranging chat, Treasa talks about: • The different between offering content strategy and strategic consulting • Which on...

It's the end of 2025, so Rachel and Lynne take a reflective look back at the year, delving into both the good times and bad.  We are both big believers in a little self-reflection, so it makes sense to look back at what was certainly a tumultuous year in the world of freelancing. We share tips and lessons learned, new tools we've explored, and our biggest professional and personal achievements, us...

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Maria Izvestkina, a multidisciplinary creative leader from Canva. They discuss the importance of protecting creative energy, the impact of AI on design, trend spotting, and how to live a creative life.  Maria shares insights on: The evolving role of AI in creative work  How to harness social media for creative expression  Effective use of Canva feature...

This week, Rachel and Lynne dive into the art of books and book reviewing with guest Nicole Abadee, a book reviewer for the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Weekend . Nicole discusses her transition from barrister to reviewer, the surprising way she scored the reviewing gig, and the influence of social media on book marketing.  She also offers valuable tips for authors seeking reviews and shares her m...

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss whether you are your own worst enemy, with a thoughtful look at improving your business and personal mindset with guest Mark Jones, an author and mindset strategist, who explores the concept of gaslighting yourself and the psychological impacts of negative self-talk.    He shares tips on: Why it is important to be kind to yourself How to rewrite these internal na...

This week it's all about AI. Rachel and Lynne discuss the impacts of AI on freelance writing and marketing with Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute and The Tilt.  During a fascinating (and positive) conversation, Joe offers insights on how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media and marketing landscape, including:  • The importance of niching down and building expertise •...

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Ashley Cisneros Mejia, a freelance communication strategist and host of the 'Talk Freelance to Me' podcast. Ashley shares her journey from agency owner to solo freelancer, highlighting the processes and systems she brought into her current business from larger agencies. We also explore: The value of community and networking for maintaining creativity a...

This week, Rachel Smith and Lynne discuss essential health habits for freelancers with guest Lucie Robazza. Lucie, a certified health coach and personal trainer, shares practical tips on: Incorporating simple exercise routines The importance of protein-rich diets How to maintain good posture for productivity and long-term health How good health can make you more efficient - and make more money Qui...

This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with marketing expert Mia Fileman about marketing strategies for freelancers.  We talk about: The concept of the 'trust recession' Mia's 'Honest Marketing Method' that emphasises transparency, connection, creativity, and conversation Effective community engagement Unconventional collaborations The importance of one-on-one client interactions, which help free...

This week Rachel and Lynne talk about how to find clients using AI with their guest, Ilise Benun, a business coach for creatives. In a practical and inspiring chat, Ilise takes us through (step-by-step) how to utilise AI for client acquisition, showing how to find your perfect clients and then how you can reach out.  It's a great conversation, talking about: Why you still need to build relationshi...

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss productivity, creativity, and the concept of flow states with guest Steven Puri, the founder and CEO of the Sukha Company. Steven shares his career journey, from working on visual effects for blockbuster movies to developing an app that helps knowledge workers focus and minimise distractions.  We chat about: Why it is important to find your "flow state" and pract...

This week, Rachel and Lynne dive into what's working (and what's not) in social right now with guest Keshnee Kemp - former Head of Content at Woolworths and new agency owner of August One. Keshnee shares insights on: her career journey, from mags to TV to working in client-side and in agencies how traditional media, brand side and agency-side differs why media prepped her for Woollies, then Woolli...

This week, Rachel and Lynne discuss essential strategies for enhancing freelance productivity with guest Claire Emerson. Claire, a freelance writer and project consultant, shares three key systems that can help you be more productive: •    personal kanban •    six-week project rounds •    structured journaling She says these tools help freelancers manage tasks effectively, focus on personal projec...

This week, Rachel and Lynne explore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible content with award-winning journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons.   Zoe shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, discussing how these have shaped her career and advocacy work.   Key topics include: The significance of using accessible language Practical tips for making content more a...

This week Rachel and Lynne delve into the benefits of having a services guide with guest Kendall Cherry, founder of The Candid Collective. Kendall shares insights on: What a services guide is Creating and utilising a services guide to qualify leads, streamline the sales process, and protect creative energy How a services guide can help build an email list Why freelancers should be displaying their...

This week Rachel and Lynne are joined by Maggie Patterson, creator of BS Free Business and author of 'Staying Solo', talking all about how Boundaries Are a Business Strategy. We explore: The importance of setting firm boundaries in freelance work Strategies to control your schedule How to build a sustainable, stress-free business The benefits of having clear communication and expectations with cli...

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss freelance finances, branding, and ethical marketing with guest Liv Steigrad. Liv, a brand strategist and copywriter, shares her insights on using psychology in branding, the importance of maintaining financial visibility, and offers practical advice for freelancers.  We also chat about: How to effectively position your services The impact of AI on freelancing Liv...

This week Rachel and Lynne explore how you can use trauma as a catalyst to change your freelance career with guest Chris Stead, an award-winning journalist and content producer. Chris shares how an e-bike explosion in his home and the subsequent fire  led to re-evaluating work priorities, embracing family travel, and developing new income streams as he talks about the profound impact this traumati...

In this week's episode, Rachel and Lynne chat with Joanna Savill, a bit of a legend in the food industry. Joanna shares her career evolution from subtitle translator to a food journalism icon, including her work with SBS TV and T he Sydney Morning Herald .   The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverag...

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with award-winning director and writer Jane Manning. The discussion delves into Jane's impressive career in television and documentary films, which includes being one of the early female directors on Home & Away (and why programs like that matter), as well as significant projects such as Who Do You Think You Are?  and  Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation. During our cha...

This week on the podcast, hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Megan Osborne, editor of  Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Megan shares her career journey from food writing to leading large-scale content strategies at prominent brands and now to editing Australia's largest circulation (paid) magazine.  She discusses: the evolving role of a magazine editor the integration of print and digital content...

This week, Rachel and Lynne chat with Evelina Kaganovitch, a high-conversion fashion copywriter, about the intricacies and strategies of freelance copywriting. Evelina shares her journey from sustainable fashion to copywriting and discusses the importance of clear messaging over using too much jargon.  The conversation covers: Niching down in the freelance world Using social listening tools and AI...

In this episode, Rachel and Lynne delve back into the topic of niching down as a freelancer with Sabrina Rogers-Anderson, a health and fitness writer. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of finding and committing to a specific niche, how to charge what you're worth, and managing finances. Sabrina shares her journey from generalist to specialist, overcoming personal adversities, and t...

We all know that it's so much easier to keep your existing clients rather than constantly hustle for new ones, so this week Rachel & Lynne are chatting with customer retention expert Nadine Nethery. Nadine, an audience-driven copywriter and retention strategist, discusses the importance of retaining clients over constantly hustling for new ones. It's a great episode, as Nadine shares insights on:...