The Content Byte
Hosts Rachel Smith (from Rachel's List) and journalist and content writer Lynne Testoni are serving up weekly bites of advice, tips and strategies for freelancers who make a living from using their words. We delve into our extensive contact books to bring special guests who share their stories of creating (and sustaining) successful freelance businesses.
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Big-Biz Strategies Solo Operators Can Steal, with Ashley Cisneros-Mejia
11/16/2025
Big-Biz Strategies Solo Operators Can Steal, with Ashley Cisneros-Mejia
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 and client relationships The evolving freelance market Integration of AI in business operations The importance of human connection and the benefits of collaborating with other creatives How to leverage relationships to secure a successful freelance career What technology she uses to streamline workflows and enhance productivity Connect with Ashley via her website: or through her podcast: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Lucie Robazza on 5 micro-habits to prioritise your health
11/09/2025
Lucie Robazza on 5 micro-habits to prioritise your health
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 Quick and healthy snack ideas The episode covers habit-building techniques, such as micro habits, and emphasises the significance of sunshine and hydration in everyday routines. Perfect for writers who spend long hours at their desks looking to improve both their physical well-being and business performance. Her methods are easy, achievable and shame-free. Download Lucie's free 5-day challenge, Connect with Lucie via her website: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Marketing without shouting, with Mia Fileman
11/02/2025
Marketing without shouting, with Mia Fileman
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 freelancers build genuine trust and stand out in a crowded market The episode also provides an overview of the Ripple Festival, Mia's innovative small business event combining business discussions with live music, comedy, and art. Find out all about the Ripple Festival at Connect with Mia here: and download her amazing Marketing Calendar (handy for 2026 planning) Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Ilise Benun on how to use AI to find clients
10/26/2025
Ilise Benun on how to use AI to find clients
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 relationships in real life Identifying target markets with AI Crafting effective AI prompts Approaching new markets and understanding pain points Networking and engaging with people How to use content marketing and outreach strategies to grow your freelance business AI's limitations Rachel and Lynne also explore practical AI applications such as customised GPTs and chat about emerging trends with AI in the marketing landscape. Find Ilise's AI Kit at: Connect with her Or her podcast, The Marketing Mentor: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Perfecting a creative flow as a freelancer – with Steven Puri
10/19/2025
Perfecting a creative flow as a freelancer – with Steven Puri
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 practical tips to achieve it Understanding how you work best The importance of a structured routine The impact of environment on creativity How to manage your business as a freelancer The Sukha Company and app is here: or connect with Steven via LinkedIn: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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
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Content chief Keshnee Kemp on social media, working with Woolworths and setting up an agency
10/12/2025
Content chief Keshnee Kemp on social media, working with Woolworths and setting up an agency
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 Woollies prepped her for agency work bringing journalists into marketing, and why they can make great marketers running a lean agency operation and how she does it using AI for grunt work so you can use your creative brain for the exceptional work why social teams need to go back to basics on a clear channel strategy right now how the best brands have a distinctive voice - and use trend-jacking rarely winning stakeholder buy-in with data and calculated risk (e.g., launching TikTok) biggest mistakes she sees brands making on social at the moment advice for freelancers right now when it comes to staying relevant and getting work Connect with Keshnee via LinkedIn and sign up to her newsletter via her profile. You can also check out her agency here: 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
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3 tools to stay focused, finish projects and feel calm, with Claire Emerson
10/06/2025
3 tools to stay focused, finish projects and feel calm, with Claire Emerson
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 projects, and reduce mental clutter. Claire also highlights the importance of setting clear, actionable goals and why she loves analog tools to maintain productivity. Connect with Claire through the following ways: Flourish Newsletter: Free Course - Implement: Free Kanban Challenge: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Creating Inclusive and Accessible Content with Zoe Simmons
09/28/2025
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Content with Zoe Simmons
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 accessible The impact of lived experiences in storytelling Zoe also touches on managing multiple income streams as a freelancer and the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for lived experience and advocacy work. Connect with Zoe through her website: or LinkedIn: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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How a services guide will attract clients, with Kendall Cherry
09/21/2025
How a services guide will attract clients, with Kendall Cherry
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 rates, even if your pricing can vary The essential elements for a compelling services guide Tips for incorporating authentic brand voice and storytelling Connect with Kendall through her website: or on LinkedIn: Sign up for her newsletter via: Listen to the Beyond Margins podcast here: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Why Saying “No” Isn’t Enough with Maggie Patterson
09/14/2025
Why Saying “No” Isn’t Enough with Maggie Patterson
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 clients to foster trust and long-term business success Transitioning from spreadsheets to automated systems The value of onboarding processes Tips for maintaining client relationships without sacrificing personal time Listen to Maggie's podcast, Staying Solo: Take a look at her free workshop at Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Liv Steigrad on 5 things you need to talk about in your business
09/07/2025
Liv Steigrad on 5 things you need to talk about in your business
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's experiences with financial transparency through her 'Dirty Money' series Liv's podcast, which is focused on neurodivergence in business Connect with Liv via these links: Mindset & Markets course: Podcast: The One That Works For You Website: Instagram: Tiktok: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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When a major life event makes you re-evaluate your career, with Chris Stead
08/31/2025
When a major life event makes you re-evaluate your career, with Chris Stead
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 traumatic event had on his professional and personal life. It's a fascinating chat as we dive into Chris's journey from traditional journalism to running a YouTube channel, self-publishing children's books, and offering consulting services. It will make you think about how to manage multiple income streams, leverage technology for content creation, and how you can use personal experiences as a catalyst for growth. Connect with Chris via Old Mate Media, or Motivated Travel Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Joanna Savill on blending journalism with events
08/24/2025
Joanna Savill on blending journalism with events
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 The Sydney Morning Herald. The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverage your transferable skills Managing the ups and downs of freelance life The early days of food websites Joanna also reflects on her role in community-focused government work and her current focus on sustainability in hospitality. Connect with Joanna via Instagram at Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Jane Manning on being a director and writer for television and film
08/17/2025
Jane Manning on being a director and writer for television and film
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 chat, Jane shares: Her journey from documentary filmmaking to TV drama Her creative processes The challenges of storytelling in both documentary and drama How a TV series or documentary comes to life What it's like being in a writer's room Advice for freelancers looking to transition into television writing and production Connect with Jane via her website: or via LinkedIn: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Better Homes & Gardens editor Megan Osborne on working in and for magazines
08/10/2025
Better Homes & Gardens editor Megan Osborne on working in and for magazines
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 why you need to understand audience data leveraging social media to engage younger audiences what she's looking for from freelance contributors (and even shares her email address!) Megan offers invaluable advice for freelancers aiming to get published and shares her favourite productivity tools and tech tips. Connect with Megan via LinkedIn Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Stop the Scroll: Evelina Kaganovitch on How Clear Copywriting Lands Clients
08/03/2025
Stop the Scroll: Evelina Kaganovitch on How Clear Copywriting Lands Clients
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 to improve copy quality Finding the balance between the personal touch and technological help How to create effective email marketing strategies Maintaining trust and community in your audience ... and practical tips for freelancers who are navigating the evolving creator economy Connect with Evelina Kaganovitch (and find her downloads) on her website: or on LinkedIn: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Sabrina Rogers-Anderson on how to niche down and charge more
07/27/2025
Sabrina Rogers-Anderson on how to niche down and charge more
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 the pivotal role a business coach played in her transformation. The episode also touches upon the impact of AI on health writing, the importance of credible, evidence-based content, and she shares practical tips for maintaining a steady cash flow as a freelancer. Connect with Sabrina through her website: or via LinkedIn Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Nadine Nethery on how freelancers can retain customers
07/20/2025
Nadine Nethery on how freelancers can retain customers
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: How to create personalised customer experiences Using tools for personal video messages Automating customer touchpoints with email marketing platforms. The value of referral partner programs How AI is impacting freelance copywriters How freelancers can position themselves as strategic partners rather than transactional vendors Listen to Nadine's podcast, What Would They Do here: Connect with Nadine at And find her Virtual Scratchie Card: Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded ( ), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Steven Lewis on using ChatGPT as your marketing brain
07/13/2025
Steven Lewis on using ChatGPT as your marketing brain
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, hosts Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni 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 GPT, 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 the ethical considerations of AI use and the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world Connect with Steven on LinkedIn at The link to the course he talks about is: And listeners can get a 10% discount using the coupon code CONTENTBYTE25 Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Juliet Rogers on how to get published and what makes a successful book
07/06/2025
Juliet Rogers on how to get published and what makes a successful book
This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with book publisher and author's advocate, Juliet Rogers. Juliet talks about the publishing industry, what has changed over the years and how you can push through all the noise if you want to secure a book deal. She also shares: Stories of some of her biggest publishing successes, including touring with Salman Rushdie, working with John Grisham and seeing Heather Morris find international publishing success at the age of 63 When and why you should use an agent How to have your manuscript discovered within the slush pile Why you need to read widely in order to write well Whether you need a public profile to secure a book deal If you can make a good living as a novelist When and if self-publishing is worth it Connect with Juliet via LinkedIn: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Working creatively in a regulated industry with Amy Hadley
06/29/2025
Working creatively in a regulated industry with Amy Hadley
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne explore the unique challenges of copywriting in the beauty industry with guest Amy Hadley, a beauty copywriter and journalist. Amy discusses balancing creativity with stringent industry regulations, provides insights into the importance of visibility in finances for freelancers, and highlights how her qualifications and self-taught knowledge have set her apart in her field. There's so much to learn about the nuances of compliant beauty copywriting, maintaining client relationships, and the benefits of niching down in your freelance business. Connect with Amy via her website: or on LinkedIn: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Nikita Morell on niche-ing down and being an expert
06/22/2025
Nikita Morell on niche-ing down and being an expert
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne dive into the art of niching down in freelance copywriting with guest Nikita Morell. Nikita, a copywriting and messaging strategist specialising in architecture, discusses the value of finding a niche, the benefits of having a focused clientele, and her journey from big brand marketing to freelancing for architects. She shares insights on: managing projects using AI tools for copywriting, strategies for building and maintaining a strong client pipeline. the importance of storytelling in newsletters and leveraging technology such as Clickup and ActiveCampaign to streamline workflow Connect with Nikita via LinkedIn, or through her website at Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Melissa Hoyer and the ultimate portfolio career
06/15/2025
Melissa Hoyer and the ultimate portfolio career
In this episode, we explore the world of freelancing with successful journalist and media commentator Melissa Hoyer. Melissa shares her career journey, from her early days in newsrooms to her success as a freelance professional. It's a great chat, covering the impact of social media on celebrity culture, and the challenges of maintaining multiple income streams. Melissa also chats about: How she grew her Instagram following to 80k Why she feels it's important to be authentic on social media Staying visible in the industry Her experiences with TV commentary and event hosting The evolution of celebrity culture The reality behind the glamour Navigating multiple income streams Competing with free labour The hustle of freelance writing Connect with Melissa on Instagram at: or via her website: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Behind the podcast - Lynne & Rachel talk about their partnership
06/08/2025
Behind the podcast - Lynne & Rachel talk about their partnership
This week on The Content Byte, we have something a little different, but hopefully still useful. This episode was originally recorded as part of Austin Church's Growth Without Burnout Summit held recently. This virtual event was inspiring and useful and featured speakers from all across the world talking about how to grow a thriving freelance business without burning out. As part of his amazing summit, Austin asked Rachel and I about our friendship and how and why we started this podcast. We first met Austin when he was the keynote speaker at the Content by Summit in 2024. We felt honoured and flattered that he asked us to be involved with his summit. It was a great chat so we thought we would share it with our listeners. It’s almost our origin story. We talk about how a friendship-turned partnership evolved into a thriving podcast, the summit, and an unexpected SEO goldmine. From dividing tasks based on complementary strengths to navigating conflict without contracts, we share how we found success - and still remained friends. Connect with Austin L. Church through his Freelance Cake website: And his community at: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Julia Newbould on keeping on top of your finances
06/01/2025
Julia Newbould on keeping on top of your finances
In this episode Rachel and Lynne discuss the intricacies of freelance finances with Julia Newbould, an editor, journalist, and author with extensive experience in financial reporting. Julia shares insights on transitioning from spreadsheets to accounting software, the importance of financial literacy, and strategies for effective money management for freelancers. She also talks about: Her journey in journalism Her efforts to increase female representation in financial advising Setting up multiple bank accounts for effective cash flow management The significance of emergency funds Superannuation for freelancers Plus tips on raising prices and handling financial anxiety Connect with Julia via LinkedIn Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them here. Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Lee Ellwood on editing and industry accreditation
05/25/2025
Lee Ellwood on editing and industry accreditation
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with Lee Elwood, an accredited editor, content writer, and copywriter. Lee shares her freelancing journey, emphasising the value of professional networks and accreditation through the Institute of Professional Editors (IPED). During our chat, Lee talks about: Different types of editing, from copy edits to structural edits and proofreading What IPED accreditation is and how you can achieve it Why she is a huge fan of networks and being active in the editing community How the type of work she does has evolved over the years Where and how she finds her clients How she has grown her business, without losing focus The impact of AI on the field Connect with Lee via her website: or on LinkedIn: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Jenny Valentish on teaching, writing books and the power of writing groups
05/18/2025
Jenny Valentish on teaching, writing books and the power of writing groups
This week Rachel and Lynne's guest is Jenny Valentish, a journalist, author, and writing coach, joins the conversation to share her career journey from fanzines to freelancing for The Guardian. She also talks about her new book, The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House. Jenny dives into the importance of structured feedback in writing groups, the challenges of memoir writing, and the value of teaching practical writing tools. She also shares why she likes to be quite strict about her weekly schedule and how her six-week writing workshops provide a supportive environment for writers to improve their craft and form important connections. Connect with Jenny via her website: or look at her courses at Details about her book: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them here. Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Michelle Newell on moving from freelancer to thought leader
05/11/2025
Michelle Newell on moving from freelancer to thought leader
This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Michelle Newell, a narrative strategist based in Melbourne/Naarm who shares her expertise on using storytelling for content strategy and branding. During our chat, we talk about: How freelancers can transition into thought leadership – and why they should Why you need a unique point of view How to leverage personal branding How to handle a fear of visibility and trolls How to secure speaking gigs, enhance visibility, and charge premium rates for your services Connect with Michelle via her website: or on LinkedIn: Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded ( ), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Toby Schmitz on acting, writing for stage and screen and now a novel
05/04/2025
Toby Schmitz on acting, writing for stage and screen and now a novel
This week our guest is Toby Schmitz, actor, screenwriter and now novelist. It's a fun chat, talking all things books, reading and writing. Toby shares insights into his upbringing in his family's second-hand bookstore, his motivations for writing, how his debut novel 'The Empress Murders' came about and why he chose such an amibitious work as his debut. He delves into the creative process of adapting a play into this novel, the challenges and rewards of publishing, using palm cards to plan his novel and what he is writing next. is out in bookstores now. Follow him on Instagram Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them . Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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Special Q&A episode – answering questions from our listeners
04/27/2025
Special Q&A episode – answering questions from our listeners
This week we are trying something new - which might become a regular episode. We are answering questions from our listeners, using our years of experience and some of the knowledge learned doing this podcast for the last six years (thanks to all our amazing guests). This week's questions include: The ethics around including past clients in future articles or commissions How to break up with a client How to pitch to a new editor or client How to avoid procrastination We hope you find this discussion helpful and thanks Tracey, Stephanie, Ros and Natalie for these questions. If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them Find Lynne Find Rachel Rachel's List Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (), 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: for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co
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