Talk Freelance To Me

Hosted by Ashley Cisneros Mejia

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Freelance gives women the flexibility and freedom to make money in a way that Corporate America just can’t. Join longtime freelance writer, journalist, and mom of three Ashley Cisneros Mejia as she interviews fellow women freelance writers and other freelance professionals about the business of freelancing. If you want to learn how to monetize your creative talents, make money on your own terms, and design a flexible life you love, this show is for you. Talk Freelance To Me: A Podcast for Women Freelancers Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

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December 15, 2025Episode 2631 min

How to Hit Reset on Your Freelance Business with Melanie Padgett Powers

Are you running your freelance business with intention—or just reacting to deadlines?It’s easy to stay in motion as a freelancer. Between client work, content marketing, invoicing, and trying to keep up with everything else, we often skip the most important work: thinking strategically about what we want from this business and how we’re actually doing.On this episode, Ashley is joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a longtime freelancer, managing editor, writer, and host of The Deliberate Freelancer podcast. She shares why stepping back to plan is essential, how she created the idea of a “solo business retreat,” and what creative freelancers can do to build in reflection time—even if they’re short on capacity. ABOUT MELANIEMelanie Padgett Powers is the owner of MelEdits in the Washington, DC, area, where she is a magazine managing editor, writer and proofreader for membership associations, primarily in the health care and science space. Melanie has a journalism degree and was previously a newspaper reporter in her home state of Indiana. She is also the creator and host of the Deliberate Freelancer and Association Station podcasts. Melanie lives with her husband and two entertaining cats, Maxy and Daisy. She loves all things books and reading, Washington Nationals baseball and solo travel adventures. Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn. Full show notes here.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

December 8, 2025Episode 2550 min

Writing, Boundaries, and How to Be a Feisty Freelancer with Dr. Sue Bowness

What does it really take to build a freelance business that feels steady, fulfilling, and true to who you are? Every freelancer faces moments of doubt, especially when the industry shifts, competition rises, or motivation fades. But there are practical ways to stay grounded and keep moving forward.In this conversation, Ashley Cisneros Mejia talks with Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness, writer, editor, teacher, consultant, and author of The Feisty Freelancer. Sue has been freelancing independently since 2002, and she’s built a business around long-form writing, teaching, and helping creative freelancers develop their voice, workflow, and confidence.They cover the full scope of freelance life: how to start before you feel ready, how to find clients, what to do when fear affects your decisions, and ways to build a healthier rhythm when you work from home. Sue also shares insights from her book and offers realistic, encouraging advice that freelancers at any stage can use.ABOUT SUE Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness is a writer/editor/consultant and principal of CodeWord Communications. She has been working independently since 2002 and published her guide to freelancing The Feisty Freelancer with Dundurn Press in 2025 after teaching writing courses for 15+ years. Read more about her and her work at SuzanneBowness.com.Full show notes here. Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

December 3, 2025Episode 2452 min

How to Protect Your Energy as a Freelancer with Arlene Ambrose

Are you creating a business that supports your well-being, or one that silently drains it?In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with registered nurse, wellness educator, and creative entrepreneur Arlene Ambrose to talk about the intersection of health, creativity, and freelance sustainability. Arlene brings her deep clinical background from emergency rooms and rural healthcare into an eye-opening conversation about stress, seasonal work rhythms, and the importance of building a business that doesn’t ignore your body.This conversation is a must-listen for any freelancer feeling the pressure to keep pushing, producing, and overdelivering. Arlene’s perspective is a reminder that rest isn’t a reward … it’s an essential part of the work. ABOUT ARLENE AMBROSEArlene Ambrose is a Canadian-based health writer, registered nurse, and well-being educator. She has expertise in emergency room nursing, post-anaesthetic recovery room care, and travel nursing. She's knowledgeable in several fields of health but is particularly passionate about slow living, self-care, stress management, and lifestyle medicine. She views these as powerful strategies for preventing and treating chronic illness while promoting overall well-being. Follow Arlene on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, A Moment of Pause. Full show notes here.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

November 23, 2025Episode 2348 min

How to Write Your Freelance Success Story with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni of The Content Byte

Two powerhouse Australian creatives. Seven years of podcasting wisdom. One honest conversation about building something that lasts.In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni, co-hosts of The Content Byte and long-time champions of Australia’s freelance community. What started as a simple idea has grown into a seven-year journey filled with collaboration, community building, and a ripple effect that has touched writers around the world. ABOUT OUR GUESTSRachel Smith is an Australian journalist, copywriter, and community builder who founded Rachel's List, a long-running hub for paid freelance opportunities. Rachel co-hosts The Content Byte with fellow Sydney journalist Lynne Testoni, a writer–editor with 20+ years covering interiors, design, building, and food and a sought-after speaker on pricing and sustainable careers. The Content Byte is a weekly interview show for people who use words to make a living, sharing practical tips and honest stories from inside the industry. Special thanks to Rounded, official sponsor of The Content Byte. Rounded is an Australian accounting platform built for freelancers.Full show notes and transcript here.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

November 17, 2025Episode 2247 min

How to Start Ugly with Freelancer Turned Founder Alex “Nemo” Hanse

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with creator, designer, entrepreneur, and all-around inspiration Alex “Nemo” Hanse, the mind behind the Foolies movement and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the creative world.Nemo shares how rap became his gateway into entrepreneurship, why honoring his late mother fuels everything he builds, and what it truly looks like to serve the people who have stood by you. He talks candidly about self-doubt, imposter feelings, layoffs, creative courage, and the emotional truth behind his popular clothing line. ABOUT ALEX "NEMO" HANSEAlex Hanse (Nemo) is a senior graphic designer at Jobs for the Future, specializing in graphic design, branding, and marketing strategy. He has collaborated with industry leaders like Arlan Hamilton and Raymond James Investment Management. As the founder of Foolies Limited Clothing, Nemo's designs and socially conscious messaging advocate for Black women and women of color in entertainment. Recognized by Essence, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and Gary Vaynerchuk's bestseller "Crushing It!", Nemo's work reflects his commitment to using design for social good. He holds degrees from the University of Florida and Full Sail University. Connect with Nemo on LinkedIn and click here to learn more about Foolies.Full show notes here.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

September 3, 2025Episode 211 hr 5 min

Freelance Writing Business Tips That Actually Work with Mandy Ellis

Are you tired of feast-and-famine freelance cycles and clients who treat you like an order taker?In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with powerhouse freelance coach and writer Mandy Ellis for a truth-packed conversation about what it really takes to grow a sustainable freelance writing business. We didn’t sugarcoat anything.We covered what most creative freelancers wrestle with behind the scenes: boundary-setting, bad-fit clients, burnout, pricing confusion, feast-or-famine cycles, the pressure to be “always on,” and the shame that creeps in when you’re secretly ready to burn it all down and start fresh. Mandy gets it. And she brings real strategies and mindset shifts that can help you find your footing again.THIS is the episode to help you reset and move forward with clarity. Don’t miss it. ABOUT MANDY ELLISMandy Ellis is an award-winning, six-figure freelance writer and coach who, over the last 12 years, has called Fortune 500 companies, scrappy start-ups, and national newsstand magazines her clients. She's helped thousands of writers quickly build high-earning businesses they adore over the last decade. Connect with Mandy on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Visit her website to learn about her free, live masterclass for freelancers on Sept. 16th, 17th, and 23rd: https://www.mandyellis.com/masterclassFull show notes here.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

June 27, 2025Episode 2035 min

How Freelancers Can Build Passive Income Streams With Sandra Beckwith

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 BECKWITHSandra Beckwith is an author, book marketing coach, freelance writer, and national award-winning former publicist who teaches authors how to save thousands of dollars by doing their own book marketing and promotion. Her Build Book Buzz book marketing blog is ranked 7th among thousands of book marketing blogs globally and has been honored as a top website for authors and writers seven times.START MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR EXISTING CONTENTSandra has released an invaluable new digital product, "Repurpose for Cash: How to Turn Your Existing Content Into New Products That Sell." This 87-page downloadable playbook provides a step-by-step system, complete with 14 exercises and 45 pages of worksheets, to help writers, podcasters, bloggers, and content creators identify, document, and transform their existing content into new, profitable digital products. Learn how to refresh older products, discover new product ideas, find your pricing sweet spot, and leverage tools you already use to generate passive income. Sandy's proven process has helped her add thousands to her income by repurposing her own vast content library. Ready to make your content work harder for you? Get 25% off "Repurpose for Cash" with code TFTM at checkout. Click here to get your copy! (The above link is an affiliate link. Clicking the link and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me at NO extra cost to you. This supports the podcast and allows for continued content. Thank you!) Full show notSend a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

June 7, 2025Episode 1918 min

How To Diversify Your Freelance Business with Intention

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 – to help freelancers rediscover past wins, uncover hidden income opportunities, and test new offers with clarity and confidence.You’ll also get the inside scoop on her new small group mentorship experience, The Expansion Circle, where freelancers walk through her Freelance Expansion Starter Kit workbook together to map new income streams and expand with purpose.If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for more, this episode is your creative reset.The Expansion Circle kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. EST on Zoom.Register here by June 13.Watch the full Growth Without Burnout Summit replay here.Download my free guide “If You Do This, Try That” here.About The Expansion Circle:The Expansion Circle is a free 5-week group mentorship experience designed for freelance writers who are ready to grow with purpose. Led by Ashley Cisneros Mejia, this intimate program walks you through the Freelance Expansion Starter Kit—a 52-page workbook packed with prompts, templates, and tools to help you uncover hidden services, test new ideas, and build a more resilient freelance business. We’ll meet weekly on Zoom to brainstorm, strategize, and support each other through what’s next. Space is limited by design, so if you’re craving clarity and community, this is your invitation to join. Click here to reserve your spot. Full show notes Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

April 23, 2025Episode 1845 min

How to Raise Your Freelance Writing Rates with Austin Church of Freelance Cake

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 stop treating your business like a side hustle, and why raising your rates is an act of self-respect. Also ...Grab your FREE ticket to Austin's Growth Without Burnout Summit!You’ll love the Growth Without Burnout Summit, happening May 6–9, 2025! It’s a free 4-day virtual event designed for advanced freelance writers who want to grow their income without maxing out their hours. (I’m speaking on diversifying your income!)Want even more value? Upgrade to the VIP Pass and unlock over $3,700 in bonuses—courses, templates, coaching, and more.Use my special affiliate link to grab your FREE ticket and find out about saving some cash on that VIP Pass! Heads up: the link above is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to upgrade—at no extra cost to you!Click here for full show notes.Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...

March 1, 2025Episode 1740 min

Freelance Success Strategies: What I Learned at the ASJA Conference

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.She also discusses the importance of differentiating yourself as a freelancer, developing new skills, and crafting a seamless client experience—plus, she dishes on her experience speaking on a podcasting panel at Fashion Institute of Technology and attending a Broadway show with fellow writers.Visit https://talkfreelancetome.com/episode-37/ to read the recap blog and see resource links.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:How to stand out in an increasingly competitive freelance marketWhy niche expertise and skill expansion are more important than everThe top takeaways from ASJA’s Client Connections event for pitching top-tier editorsInsights from Versha Sharma on resilience, diversity in media, and choosing aligned clientsWhy podcasting can amplify your freelance brand (and the best tools to get started!)The behind-the-scenes process of Broadway production and storytelling lessons from "Buena Vista Social Club"Send a textSupport the showTalk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor LifestyleFREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDEThis 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!1:1 BUSINESS COACHINGClick here!LET'S BE SOCIAL!InstagramLinkedIn TikTok Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest YouTube Website ...