The Life-First Solopreneur (formerly The Aspiring Solopreneur)

Are you stuck in the hourly billing trap, racing against the clock while your clients pressure you to go faster, cheaper, and more?  In this episode, Jonathan Stark, the "Ditching Hourly" guy, joins Carly and Joe to break down exactly how solopreneurs can escape time-for-money pricing and switch to a value-based model that benefits both you and your clients. Jonathan shares the surprising moment h...

You've been told you need to become a full-time content creator to grow your business. Post every day. Fight the algorithm. Do the newest TikTok dance. But what if you hate social media, and still need leads? In this episode, Carly and Joe break down practical lead generation strategies for solopreneurs who don't want to build an audience on social media. From leveraging your existing network to b...

Are you grinding 18-hour days and still feeling like you're falling behind? The problem might not be your work ethic, it might be the device in your pocket. In this episode, Carly sits down with Justin Hai, author of Stress Nation and co-founder of Rebalance Health , to talk about the hidden way technology is hijacking your cortisol, wrecking your sleep, and making you a less effective business ow...

If you've left corporate, or you're thinking about it, there's one mistake almost every new solopreneur makes: pricing like an employee instead of a business owner. In this episode, Joe and Carly break down exactly why that happens and how to fix it. You'll hear the now-legendary "hammer story" that reframes everything you thought you knew about charging for your expertise, plus a practical framew...

If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things in your business but still not landing consistent clients, this episode is for you. Carly sits down with business strategist and marketing expert Jaime Ellithorpe of 540 Strategies to break down her proven Steps to Stability system, a no-fluff framework that helps solopreneurs stop spinning their wheels and start building a business that actuall...

What if scaling your solopreneur business didn’t mean hiring a team or working 80-hour weeks? In this episode, we’re diving into creative, cost-effective ways to grow, without giving up the freedom that made you go solo in the first place. From automating tasks and outsourcing smartly to using AI to customize your messaging and repurposing content like a pro, we’re sharing real strategies that act...

What if mindset isn’t “woo”… but the strategy your business is missing? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , we sit down with mindset expert Lee Baucom to break down how the way you think is quietly shaping your success (or holding you back). From working with high-profile clients to helping everyday entrepreneurs thrive, Lee shares practical, real-world strategies that solopreneurs can a...

What if building a business that supports your life actually isn’t about hustle…but about resilience, systems, and intention? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe sit down with Mike Lynch, creator, RV-lifer, automation strategist, and founder of Flywheel Factory, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. Mike shares...

Can artists really make money without underpricing themselves, chasing likes, or falling for the starving artist myth? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we sit down with Miriam Schulman, author of the Artpreneur, to talk about what it really takes for artists and creatives to build sustainable one-person businesses. From her leap out of Wall Street after 9/11 to building a successful ca...

Many professionals leave corporate to start a solopreneur business because they want more freedom, more control over their time, and the chance to focus on work they actually enjoy. But a few months in, many realize something surprising: they’re busier than ever. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando unpack the hidden force quietly draining solopreneurs’ time and en...

Most solopreneurs start their business for freedom, but many end up overwhelmed by the financial side of running a company. Taxes, retirement planning, business structure, and investment decisions can feel intimidating, which often leads to what today’s guest calls the “Paralysis Penalty.” In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with financial strategist Mike...

Most solopreneurs think their marketing problem is their offer, pricing, or marketing channel. But often the real issue is much quieter, and far more damaging. They’re speaking to the wrong version of their audience. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe unpack a powerful marketing framework that can instantly improve how solopreneurs communicate with potential clients: Proble...

Think you need thousands of followers to make money online? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with creator and educator Megan Spencer, who built a thriving business helping everyday people earn online, without chasing viral fame or building massive audiences. Megan shares how user-generated content (UGC), freelancing, and other creator eco...

What do branding yourself, redefining freedom, and learning how to actually sell have in common? Solopreneur coach Moe Choice breaks it all down in this wildly refreshing episode. From bouncing back after burnout and bankruptcy to building 15K+ months, Moe shares the mindset shifts and practical skills that truly move the needle. If you're tired of vague advice and ready to get real about position...

In this episode, Carly and Joe sit down with Bobby Klinck, Harvard Law grad and founder of Plainly Legal, to break down the legal basics every solopreneur should handle early without getting scared, overwhelmed, or spending $5,000 on day one. Bobby explains the “prevention vs cure” approach to legal protection, the fast checks that can save you from a painful rebrand, and the biggest copyright mis...

Most solopreneurs don’t fail because they lack skill. They stall because they stay private. In this episode, Carly shares a powerful takeaway from a women’s solopreneur retreat in Colorado Springs: the moment you say your business idea out loud is the moment it becomes real. Because when no one knows what you're building, no one can help you build it. You’ll learn the three essential types of comm...

What separates solopreneurs who stay stuck from those who scale into something bigger? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with attorney and business strategist Brandon Williams, whose experience working with major brands like Steve Harvey Global gives him a unique perspective on what it really takes to grow a business from a single idea into a lasting l...

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly and Joe get real about how to future-proof your business (and yourself) for the inevitable changes ahead. From spotting shifts in your industry to using AI and automation wisely, diversifying income streams, and planning for the long haul, this episode is your blueprint for staying resilient no matter what tomorrow throws your way. It’s not about...

Everyone wants the shortcut. No one wants to hear the truth. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , filmmaker and media strategist Jake Isham delivers the reality most solopreneurs desperately need: you’re not failing, you’re just underestimating the volume it takes to succeed. From why real brands need thousands of reps, to how to think about content like the gym (without burning out), thi...

Standing out in a crowded market isn’t about being louder; it’s about being clearer. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando break down why competition isn’t the real problem for most solopreneurs. The real issue? Vague positioning, hidden personalities, and businesses that look like everyone else. You’ll learn how to differentiate yourself even when your industry fe...

What if working harder isn’t the answer, and never was? In this episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with Lori Rogers to explore why mindset isn’t “woo,” it’s strategy. You’ll learn how small, science-backed shifts in thinking can reduce burnout, increase clarity, and unlock the kind of growth that actually feels sustainable. Episode FAQs How does mindset impact success for solopreneurs? Min...

Ever feel like you’re doing “all the right marketing things” but still not getting clients? This episode tackles that exact frustration head-on. If your posts are getting likes but not leads…if you’re busy with content but not booking calls…or if you’re wondering whether to pivot or quit altogether, this conversation cuts through the noise. We break down why niching down matters more than you thin...

Ever feel like traditional productivity advice just…doesn’t work for your brain? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with ADHD coach and former academic Skye Waterson for a refreshing, practical conversation about overwhelm, focus, and building a business that actually works with your brain, not against it. Skye shares her wild origin story (including be...

If you’re a solopreneur wondering “Am I charging enough?” or feeling awkward about raising your prices, this episode is for you. In this episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando tackle one of the most common questions solopreneurs ask: How should I price my services or products? They unpack why pricing isn’t about greed, it’s about fairness, value, and respecting the years of expertise you bring to the t...

If you’re a solopreneur struggling with burnout, undercharging, or wondering how to build real income without sacrificing your energy, this episode is for you. Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with seven-figure solopreneur and writer Amy Suto to talk about what actually drives sustainable success as a one-person business owner. Amy shares why energy management matters more than time management, h...