Breaking the freelance stress cycle - with Sabina Read
The Content Byte
This week Rachel and Lynne chat with psychologist Sabina Read about catastrophising, perfectionism and the freelance stress spiral. Sabina explains catastrophising as a cognitive distortion where we jump to the worst-case scenario and treat thoughts as facts, and why it can show up more in freelancing due to a lack of workplace “guardrails” such as regular income and employer support. They discuss: the difference between genuine, evidence-based concerns (like fewer jobs or more competition) and catastrophising how scarcity vs abundance mindsets influence freelance anxiety why...
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How to reinvent yourself, with Phoebe Hartley
The Content Byte
This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne talk to Phoebe Hartley about her creative journey from filmmaking to journalism, and now to launching her own print magazine, Billy. Phoebe shares insights on: the challenges of career reinvention transitioning from film to journalism launching and running a local magazine balancing work and family life in a rural setting and the value of community support and collaboration Listen in for tips on creative flexibility, managing imposter syndrome, and navigating the evolving freelance landscape. Connect with Phoebe via or ...
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Self-publishing and book coaching with Anna Featherstone
The Content Byte
In our first episode for 2026, Rachel and Lynne discuss self-publishing and book coaching with guest Anna Featherstone. Anna, a mentor, book coach, editor, and author of five nonfiction books, shares insights about the self-publishing process, including the importance of producing a quality product, effective marketing strategies, and the realities of the publishing industry. Key topics include: how to approach book cover design understanding the difference between traditional and indie publishing the role of authors in marketing their work tips for getting books into libraries and literary...
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BEST OF 2025: Using ChatGPT as your marketing brain, with Steven Lewis
The Content Byte
This week is the last of our Best of 2025 series and in this episode podcast, Rachel and Lynne discuss the impact of AI on freelance writing and marketing with guest Steven Lewis. Steven, a seasoned journalist and copywriter, offers a deep dive into using AI, specifically custom GPTs, to streamline marketing tasks for freelancers. He explains: • the practical steps to creating a custom GPT • how it can maintain consistent client communication • how it can give feedback on your copy to ensure it is on-brand • how it can help freelancers focus on high-value creative tasks...
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BEST OF 2025: Helen Dehen on investing in your business to gain confidence and earn more
The Content Byte
In another of our podcast summer series, we revisit a great episode with communications consultant and writer Helen Dehen, talking about her commitment to upskilling herself and the many courses she has done - which have helped to drive her business and profitability. During our chat, Helen talks about her early career in TV journalism and her move to freelancing when her twins were born. She shares some of the courses she did in the the early days and how they positioned her to build a strong and successful freelance writing business. Helen talks about: The value of investing in professional...
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BEST OF 2025: Lucie Robazza on 5 micro-habits to prioritise your health
The Content Byte
Our summer series featuring our most popular episodes of 2025 continues this week as Rachel 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 • Quick and healthy snack ideas The episode covers habit-building techniques, such as micro habits,...
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BEST OF 2025: Conquering LinkedIn and finding clients with Rebecca Cofrancesco
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 and why she started it • How her newsletter has informed (and changed) her LinkedIn strategy • Why she has two newsletters • Her favourite client-finding strategies • How to get out of...
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Best of 2025: Treasa Edmond on offering content strategy as a service
The Content Byte
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 one is an entry point for high-paying work • How strategy can open the gates to providing more effective content • How and why value pricing is better for this type of work • Her...
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The 2025 Wrap-up with Rachel and Lynne
The Content Byte
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, using prompts from We talk about: The risks we took and decisions we made during the year Lynne's year of 'yes' Rachel's personal writing retreat Lessons we have learned from our...
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The Content Trends We Need To Talk About – with Canva's Maria Izvestkina
The Content Byte
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 features and templates Developing a playful and experimental mindset to fuel creativity Practical tools and strategies for freelancers Maria also talks about her Substack...
info_outline- Why it is important to be kind to yourself
- How to rewrite these internal narratives
- The importance of self-belief
- Different techniques to foster a healthier mindset
Connect with Mark via his website: https://www.markjones.au/
Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/
Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com
Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au
Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au
Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details.
Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co