As a freelancer, how can you make more money from work you’ve already created? In this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with award-winning publicist-turned-book-marketing-coach Sandra Beckwith to explore how writers can monetize what they already know. With decades of experience in PR, publishing, and content creation, Sandy shares how she transitioned from freelance client work to building a business that earns half its income through passive revenue streams. ABOUT SANDRA BECKWITH ...
Jun 27, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 20
How do you protect your freelance writing business from uncertainty, burnout, and AI disruption? In this solo episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares the exact framework she presented at the Growth Without Burnout Summit, a virtual conference for freelancers. She also shares new insights and tools designed to help freelance writers diversify their services without tossing out everything they’ve built. Ashley introduces her signature 3L Framework – Look Back, Lean Forward, and Launch Lightly –...
Jun 07, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 19
How do you raise your freelance writing rates—and your confidence—at the same time? In this powerful episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia welcomes writer, coach, and creator of Freelance Cake, Austin Church, to talk about his popular book Free Money — a guide for freelancers who want to stop undercharging and start building profitable, sustainable businesses. Ashley and Austin get real about the emotional baggage many freelancers carry around pricing, how to st...
Apr 23, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 18
How can you build a thriving freelance writing career in today’s competitive market? In this solo episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast , host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes you behind the scenes of her experience at the ASJA Writers Conference in New York City. From networking with top editors to learning about the changes in the freelance marketplace, Ashley shares key takeaways, industry trends, and powerful insights from industry leaders like Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma. Sh...
Mar 01, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 17
How can you take control of your freelance career like a CEO? In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast , host Ashley Cisneros Mejia reconnects with her longtime mentor, Rod Colon, to explore the transformative "CEO of Me" mindset. With over 30 years of experience in career coaching, networking, and leadership, Rod shares how to treat your freelance career like a business and make empowered decisions that benefit your “board of directors”—your family. About Rod Colon With over 30 years...
Jan 30, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 16
How can you turn your creative passion into a thriving freelance business and still give back? In this episode host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with long-time friend and expert consultant Mara Shorr to explore the intersection of journalism, business, and advocacy. Mara shares tactical tips for freelancers ready to expand their business, including how to hire your first virtual assistant or contractor and why documenting systems is key to scaling. But it’s not all business—Mara opens up abou...
Jan 16, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 15
How can staying true to your story unlock your biggest creative breakthrough? In this episode Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid —the first graphic novel to ever win the prestigious Newbery Medal. Jerry opens up about his inspiring journey from a reluctant reader to a New York Times bestselling author, sharing how his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers of...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 14
How can Medium’s unique platform help you reach new audiences and maximize your freelance potential? In this episode we sit down with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore how the platform is impacting the world of writing. With over 1 million paid subscribers and recent profitability, Medium is becoming a powerful space where writers can thrive without the hustle and connect with new audiences. Tune in to hear Tony’s take on how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and th...
Sep 12, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 13
What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers? In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide. Explore Priya's insights on adapting to changes like automation and AI in publishing, and discover her strategies for maintaining relevance and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media. We al...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Hey freelancer, have you ever considered teaching at a university? Our guest, Jenna Spinelle, is a freelance writer, podcaster, and instructor at Penn State University. She shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to professor and reveals how YOU can leverage your freelance skills to teach the next generation. Learn how to identify your unique teaching niche, approach universities with confidence, and craft a winning pitch that will land you in the classroom. This episode is packed with acti...
Jul 15, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 11
How do you find and fill a freelance writing content vacuum in your industry? Join us as we sit down with Bryony Angell, a narrative non-fiction writer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of birding. Bryony shares her journey from observing a lack of content for young women birders to becoming a leading voice in bird conservation through her freelance writing. During our chat we explore how Bryony balances her rich freelance career with being a mom and working a full-time job. If you'...
Jun 21, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Can you run a successful freelance business while working in a corporate 9-5 job? Yes, IF you can master time management and set clear expectations! Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring the multi-talented Donna Raphael. As a musician, technologist, and creative force, Donna shares her secrets to successfully balancing demanding full-time work with thriving freelance side hustles. This interview will leave you energized to take your freelance work to the...
May 06, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Are you a freelance writer struggling during economic uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast where host Ashley Cisneros shares actionable strategies for finding freelance writing work fast when you need money quickly. Ashley draws on her experience freelancing during the Great Recession to offer tips on rebuilding relationships with past clients, networking with other writers, and using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups to drum up new opportunities. Yo...
Apr 23, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Discover the secrets to finding inspiration and creating meaningful work on the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. Host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with author and consultant Lyle Smith to discuss his new book WHY YELLOW MATTERS and how it can help you question your beliefs, understand different audiences, and produce your best creative work. Lyle shares invaluable advice he received as a young reporter to focus your message and insights from his decades of experience helpin...
Apr 07, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In a special anniversary episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes listeners on a reflective journey through the past year of the podcast, celebrating its first birthday with insights, stories, and key takeaways from a diverse array of guests. From personal finance writers to visual artists, each guest shares their unique path to leveraging freelance for freedom, resilience, and fulfillment. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on monetizing talents, emb...
Mar 29, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What's the first step to taking control of your work life as a freelance entrepreneur? Tune in to the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring award-winning journalist Wudan Yan! In this episode Wudan shares her inspiring journey from academia to an award-winning freelance career, and gives an update about her viral blog post about holding late-paying clients accountable. Host Ashley Cisneros Mejia and Wudan also chat about navigating client demands, advocating for fair compe...
Mar 18, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 5
“We work hard for the money, so hard for it, honey!” In this episode we chat about Equal Pay Day and uncover the staggering truths behind the gender and race pay gap, with hard-hitting statistics that illustrate how women, particularly women of color, lose over hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their careers compared to men. Join us as we explore how freelancing can serve as a powerful tool to combat these inequalities, putting you in control of your rates, your work, and your ...
Mar 11, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 4
How do you balance a thriving freelance writing career with the challenges of parenting young children? On this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with B2B writing expert and fellow mom Sarah Greesonbach to discuss the highs and lows of juggling creative work with raising a family. Sarah shares her raw and candid journey of motherhood, from feeling unprepared for the loss of control and dignity that comes with parenting, to learning the importance o...
Mar 04, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Are you ready to meet our very first intern? In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia introduces Lauren Cordero, an ambitious freshman at the University of Central Florida who is already pursuing opportunities to gain professional experience. Lauren shares her background and passion for communication through various mediums like writing, photography and design. She also offers her perspective on the evolving state of journalism, social media and content as ...
Feb 27, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle In this episode we kick off the second season of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Listen in as host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares what you can look forward to in the season ahead. Hear some of the key insights from PodFest Expo including content creation and monetization strategies. You'll hear about practical tips for networking with fellow guests, making collabor...
Feb 16, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Ready to reflect and recharge for 2024? In this end-of-year recap episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares key lessons she's learned from nearly a year of producing the show. You'll discover the two major truths that have emerged for Ashley around taking action and stopping comparisons. Plus, get insights into how AI tools like Otter.ai have helped her workflow. Ashley also recaps impactful takeaways from influential early guests like Laura Figueroa Hernande...
Dec 28, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode we sit down with one of the pioneer business coaches focused on helping freelance writers, the one and only Ed Gandia! Ed sheds light on the holy grail of freelancing -- achieving freedom and flexibility without compromising income. In a world where advisory services are becoming increasingly valuable, Ed emphasizes the importance of offering more than just content writing. Learn how to leverage AI for ideation, messaging, and even streamline your services to enhance quality and ...
Dec 04, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Over 700,000 fans follow her on social media, and this is your chance to get to know her personally! Turn up this episode as we get one-on-one time with mega music influencer Maria Ferrer AKA Your '90s Homegirl and Maria Bone! In this episode, Maria, a vocal coach turned social media sensation, talks about reimagining social media and carving out a unique niche that resonates across generations. From viral TikTok fame to impactful collaborations with music legends, Maria's story is a masterclass...
Nov 19, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 19
During the pandemic's peak, outsourced CFO and wealth manager Christina Gamache had a front-row seat to the tough decisions small business owners faced with keeping the lights on. She watched many decide to close up shop only to realize they had nothing substantial saved for retirement. Christina knew she could help them and opened Audax Wealth Management in response. In this episode, Christina talks to us all about the many facets of freelance finance and how we can set ourselves up for a stron...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Driven by a yearning to spend more time with her husband and expose their young son to the wonders of the world, Jessica Walrack transitioned from B2B sales into launching a freelance writing business over a decade ago. This was a move that would not only re-define her career but also her life. Jessica lived out dreams many only fantasize about – like residing in scenic locales like Costa Rica and Mexico, wandering the breadth of Europe, and imparting a world-class, multicultural upbringing to h...
Oct 20, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Explore the world of freelancing, technology, and fatherhood with Damon Brown in the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. A champion for side hustlers, solopreneurs, and non-traditional creatives, Damon has a knack for helping creative minds flourish. As an influential voice in the entrepreneurial space, Damon regularly shares his wisdom through his Inc.com column, public speaking engagements, including platforms like TED, and his consulting services. He's also the author of sever...
Oct 07, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this illuminating episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with Amaris Castillo — an award-winning journalist whose roots trace back to winning a storytelling contest in elementary school and whose prowess led her to be hired as an NPR Public Editor in Research at the famed journalism school The Poynter Institute. As we explore Amaris' journey, join us for an intimate look into the interplay among journalism, fiction writing, and motherhood. In this episode, you’ll learn: Ways to draw from y...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On this episode, we’re thrilled to host an entrepreneurial powerhouse, Leydi Montoya, the driving force behind RSP Translation Services. Over the past decade, Leydi has been bridging language gaps, providing top-tier, certified translation services from English to Spanish in Central Florida and beyond. She's more than just a translator; Leydi is a proficient Public Notary, a Bilingual Wedding Officiant, a Day of Wedding Coordinator, and a Resume Consultant, truly embodying the spirit of a multif...
Sep 10, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode, we have a captivating guest whose art brings vibrant colors and cosmic wonder to life. Join us as we welcome Luisa Padró, better known as Artysta LuLu, a professional visual artist and expressionist painter. LuLu’s paintings offer a unique perspective, unveiling a childlike simplicity in the face of complex and otherworldly ideas. Luisa promotes peace, love, self-empowerment, and an unyielding curiosity with every brush stroke. Don’t miss Artysta LuLu’s most profound lessons lea...
Aug 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Special Note: Since the time of this recording, Ashley Feller has ended her original podcast and will be launching a new one! Sunshine State Showcase will also celebrate the creative spirit of Florida, but on a statewide level. Sunshine State Showcase is set to premiere on September 24th, 2023. ****************************** Our guest in this episode is the unstoppable Ashley Feller, a talented professional musician, content creator, and the heart behind The St. Andrews Jezebel Podcast and the u...
Aug 12, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 12
