The Savvy Scribe

Hosted by Janine Kelbach

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347

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Savvy Scribe, a podcast for savvy nurse writers and creatives who want to grow a profitable freelance writing business. Hear some stories about life and entrepreneurship from your host, Janine Kelbach RNC-OB, and her guests. Each episode is jam-packed with actionable tips in growing your business, goal planning, freelancing, productivity, life tools, and many more!

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August 29, 2026Episode 35628 min

EP356: Fearless Pitching: Writing Cold Emails That Actually Get Responses with Zach Schleien

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re switching gears a little. Instead of pitching yourself as a freelancer to land clients, we’re talking about PR pitching, how to get your ideas, your expertise, and your story in front of journalists and media outlets. As a nurse writer, you’re not just selling writing. You’re building a personal brand and positioning yourself as an expert. Getting quoted in an article or featured in the media strengthens your portfolio and gives you something powerful to share on LinkedIn and across your website. It puts you in front of potential clients too. Pitching a journalist and pitching a potential client actually have a lot in common. You need to know exactly who you’re talking to, give them a reason to care, make your value clear, and get past the fear of hitting send. My guest today is Zach Schleien, a fractional CMO, entrepreneur, and founder of Press Pitch AI. We talk about how to pitch yourself and your expertise, get noticed, and use PR as another tool for building authority as a freelance nurse writer. Zach also walks us through Press Pitch AI, a tool that automates the research and outreach process and helps keep your email domain safe, which matters a lot if you’re doing any amount of cold pitching. The last thing you want is to get flagged or banned after a big pitching push. About Zach Schleien Zach Schleien is a Fractional CMO and the former CEO of Filteroff, the video speed dating app that raised over $2.4M and was acquired by Spark Networks. He led Filteroff from idea to exit, scaling a global community that hosted more than two million video speed dates and hit #1 on Product Hunt. His work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, and ABC News. Zach’s path into tech and marketing began with Top Romp , a dating publication he built and sold before launching Hinge’s official subreddit, helping grow its early online community. Today, he helps founders turn scattered marketing into predictable growth as a Fractional CMO. When he’s not building brands, Zach’s usually traveling the world, exploring new coffee shops, diving into saunas and cold plunges, or dancing salsa and playing pickleball. Writing Cold Emails That Actually Get Responses In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your pitch should focus on the journalist’s audience, not on you How to use current events and trending topics to make your pitch stand out Why niching down (subject matter expert angle) beats a generic pitch every time Smart follow up strategy, and why one short follow up often works better than two How to protect your email domain while sending cold pitches at scale What it actually costs (in time and money) to land press the old fashioned way vs. using a tool built for it Links & Resources: Press Pitch AI Follow Zach Schleien on LinkedIn for more marketing and business growth tips If you’ve ever had a client ask you if you know anyone at a media outlet, this episode is for you. Building even a small list of media connections is incredibly valuable, both for your own visibility and for the clients you serve. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

August 22, 2026Episode 35556 min

EP355: Dopamine Management and Time-Boxing for Nurse Solopreneurs with Steven Puri

Send us Fan Mail Get your notes app or a fresh piece of paper ready, because this conversation with former movie executive and tech entrepreneur Steven Puri took a turn into pure gold. We went so deep into the mechanics of productivity that we completely lost track of time—proving the exact focus concepts we were discussing! If you’ve ever felt like modern digital distractions are stealing your workday before you even get started, this episode is your ultimate antidote. In this episode, Steven and I dive into the neuroscience of focus, master-level time-boxing, and actionable dopamine management for nurse solopreneurs. We break down why getting into a flow state isn’t just about willpower, but about building the right environment, audio cues, and routines to let your creative brain excel. Tune in to discover how you can transform a single hour of daily focus into monumental progress for your health writing business. About Steven Puri Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven’s career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions (Star Trek 11, Transformers 1&2, Eagle Eye, Transformers: Prime, et al.). After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and had two failed start-ups before founding The Sukha Company – ‘sukha’ means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment’ in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to enter into a Flow State and a have healthy, productive workday. Steven now lives in Austin, TX. Dopamine Management and Time-Boxing for Nurse Writers Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast: Why modern tech platforms are intentionally engineered to steal your attention—and how to reclaim your life through effective dopamine management What actually happens in your brain during a flow state, including fascinating neuroimaging findings from FMRI scans. How to conquer the “cold start problem” in the morning and stop reaching for quick digital hits when your work gets frustrating. Unforgettable stories from blockbuster Hollywood screenwriters on using physical environments and personal chronotypes as focus triggers. How a busy high school vice principal and dad used just one focused hour a night to complete his PhD dissertation. The brain science behind why your best ideas strike while doing laundry, walking, or taking a shower. How to harness time-boxing and Parkinson’s Law to get more done in two hours than you used to get done all day. The surprising power of ambient audio triggers, from 60–90 BPM focus tracks to real Himalayan rain and Viennese coffee shop sounds. Steven’s simple 30-day challenge that will completely transform your daily momentum before you even check your phone in the morning. Mentioned Resources: Sukha (Flow State App Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi The Net and the Butterfly: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius by Olivia Fox Cabane and Judah Pollack Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

August 15, 2026Episode 35416 min

EP354: The AI-Proof Nurse Writer

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I’m diving deep into a topic that has been on every writer’s mind lately: Artificial Intelligence. As a nurse with over 20 years of experience and a decade in the freelance health writing world, I’ve seen first-hand how AI is shifting the landscape. While it’s certainly disrupted the industry, I want to share why I believe this is actually an incredible time for clinicians to pivot into writing. Key Takeaways The “Bottom” of the Market is Gone (and that’s okay): AI has effectively taken over the low-paying, generic, high-volume “content treadmill.” While this has disrupted the market, it’s not a loss for us. That type of work prioritized quantity over quality, and its decline opens up more space for meaningful, expert-driven content. Human Clinicians are Indispensable: AI lacks the ability to grasp the “gray areas” of medicine. It cannot replicate the clinical nuance, deep empathy, or the ability to interpret complex patient needs that a healthcare professional provides. Our expertise ensures clinical accuracy and a human tone that AI simply can’t match. Growing Opportunities: Demand is actually increasing for clinicians in several key areas: Patient Education: Refining AI drafts to ensure they are empathetic and easy for patients to understand. Health Tech & Startups: Bridging the gap between technical engineering and medical accuracy. Ghostwriting: Helping healthcare leaders maintain their professional voice and authority. Continuing Education: Creating specialized professional development materials for other nurses. Actionable Steps 1. Pick a Niche Based on Internalized Expertise: Identify a clinical area you know so well you could talk about it in your sleep. This “internalized” knowledge is your competitive advantage over AI. 2. Define Your Positioning: Create a clear statement for your LinkedIn and pitches using this formula: “I help [target audience] with [specific service] so they can [desired result].” Thank you for tuning in! Remember, your clinical voice is more valuable now than ever. Keep writing, stay savvy, and I’ll catch you in the next episode. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

August 8, 2026Episode 35328 min

Jeanese ExEP353: Writing for Patient Education vs. Professional Audiences: Key Differences with Jeanese Ex, RN, BSN

Send us Fan Mail Transitioning from bedside nursing into healthcare content creation comes with a steep learning curve—especially when learning how to tailor your voice for different readers. In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, I sat down with Jeanese Ex, RN, BSN —an experienced obstetrics nurse who successfully pivoted into medical writing and continuing education development following a career-altering injury. Jeanese shares how bedside charting skills translate seamlessly into health copywriting, how she built her own Florida Board of Nursing-approved CEU portal, and the subtle yet critical differences between creating content for consumers versus clinicians. Mastering the Art of Writing for Patient Education and Clinicians When health writers transition between consumer and professional content, adjusting tone, readability, and depth is essential. During the episode, Jeanese breaks down key strategies for writing for patient education while maintaining clinical rigor when writing for peer audiences: Pivoting After Bedside: How a physical injury forced a career pivot and opened doors to freelance writing and course development. Overcoming Perfectionism: Why perfectionism holds nurse writers back and how to overcome imposter syndrome in marketing and client acquisition. Patient vs. Professional Audience Nuances: Adapting health literacy levels, complex medical terminology, and engagement strategies depending on whether you are writing for patients or healthcare professionals. Becoming a CEU Provider: The logistical step-by-step process of setting up a state board-approved continuing education platform with low-stress, video-based learning. Advocacy & Neonatal Loss: Using personal patient experiences to build toolkits that teach nurses how to communicate compassionately during critical moments. About Jeanese Ex Jeanese Ex is an RN, BSN with more than 20 years of nursing experience, primarily in women’s health, labor and delivery, postpartum, antepartum, nursery, OB triage, and critical care float nursing. Throughout a diverse career, she has served as a bedside nurse, charge nurse, preceptor, educator, and patient advocate. Jeanese has also been involved in perinatal bereavement care for over a decade—an experience that deeply shapes her approach to education, communication, and compassionate nursing practice. Following a severe hip injury that led to an extended step away from bedside care, Jeanese reimagined how clinical expertise could serve the healthcare community beyond direct patient care. In October 2025, she joined Savvy Nurse Writer’s Plan Produce Profit program, harnessing years of clinical knowledge, lived experience, and teaching insight to launch Altruistic Nurse Writer, LLC , where she creates nurse-led educational content and continuing education courses. As an approved Continuing Education provider—developed in collaboration with Teresa Sanderson—Jeanese offers six OB-focused CE courses covering critical topics such as neonatal grief, maternal sepsis, hypertension in pregnancy, compassion fatigue, trauma-sensitive birth care, and becoming an OB nurse navigator. What began as an unexpected career disruption evolved into a powerful opportunity to bridge clinical background, writing, and a passion for nurse education. Today, Jeanese works to ensure nurses feel prepared, supported, and confident while demonstrating that nursing knowledge can make a lasting impact far beyond the bedside. Resources & Show Links Guest Website: Altruistic Nurse Writer Featured Resource: Critical Moments in OB Toolkit & CEU Courses Special Discount: Get 10% off all course offerings with code SAVVY10 at checkout (valid for 45 days post-release) . Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

August 1, 2026Episode 35240 min

EP352: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Athena Brownson

Send us Fan Mail Relying on a single source of income can leave healthcare professionals vulnerable to burnout, industry layoffs, and physical demands that make long-term bedside care challenging. In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, I sat down with Athena Brownson , a veteran Denver-based real estate broker and developer with 13 years of industry experience. Athena shares her journey into real estate, how she navigates entrepreneurship while managing a chronic illness (Lyme disease), and how nurses can leverage real estate and side investments to build lasting financial stability. I also break down my actionable Red, Yellow, Green framework —a practical method designed to combat burnout and manage energy levels effectively. Building Side Income Beyond Client Writing for Healthcare Professionals Diversifying your income portfolio is one of the most effective ways to secure your financial future beyond direct patient care or client work. In this episode, Athena breaks down how to create scalable side income streams, overcome the traps of hustle culture, and protect your energy: Diversifying Income Streams: Why healthcare workers need financial safety nets beyond their primary salary or freelance writing clients. The “Live-In 2-Year” Real Estate Strategy: A beginner-friendly real estate method: purchase a primary residence, live in it for two years, convert it into an income-producing rental, and roll equity into your next home. Real Estate Options for Nurses: Leveraging specialized nurse/healthcare loan programs with lower down payments, or exploring syndicated real estate deals (group investment blocks) to build equity without managing properties alone. Overcoming Hustle Culture & Burnout: Navigating high-stress careers while living with chronic conditions like Lyme disease through intentional daily rituals and scheduled time off. Energy Management (The Red, Yellow, Green Method): Matching your daily work to your physical energy levels to stay productive without pushing yourself into exhaustion. About Athena Brownson Athena Brownson is redefining what it means to thrive in the real estate industry. A former professional skier who endured nine knee surgeries and two neck operations, Athena’s initial impression of real estate was far from positive—viewing REALTORS as dime-a-dozen salespeople. But a life-changing mentorship and her own unstoppable drive transformed her skepticism into passion. Over the last decade, Athena has risen to become one of Colorado’s most trusted and top-performing REALTORS, blending sharp market insight, unmatched negotiation skills, and a creative eye for design that unlocks the true potential of every property. What sets Athena apart isn’t just her professional expertise —it’s her remarkable story of resilience. After being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, Athena faced debilitating challenges that could have ended her career. Instead, she turned adversity into her superpower, rebuilding her business with even greater focus and purpose. Today, Athena inspires audiences by sharing hard-won lessons on overcoming setbacks, building a relationship-driven business, and leveraging real estate as a tool for financial freedom. Whether mentoring agents, guiding buyers and investors, or captivating podcast listeners, Athena’s authenticity, innovative strategies, and commitment to empowering others make her an unforgettable voice in both real estate and personal development. The Red, Yellow, Green Daily Energy Framework To avoid burnout when balancing a bedside career, freelance writing, or side investments, match your daily workload to your current energy levels: Green Days (High Energy & Focus): Reserved for deep-brain work, high-volume writing, strategic planning, or complex research. Yellow Days (Moderate Energy): Best for light outlines, basic research, drafting familiar topics, or administrative follow-ups. Red Days (Low Energy / Recovery): Intended for minimal viable tasks—checking email, low-pressure check-ins, or getting necessary rest without guilt. Resources & Show Links Connect with Athena Brownson: Follow on Instagram at @AthenaBrownsonRealtor | Website: athenabrownsonrealtor.com | LinkedIn | Facebook Real Estate & Investment Strategy: Learn more about building relationship-based businesses and real estate investment strategies in Denver, Colorado. Savvy Scribe Masterclass: Join the Savvy Nurse Writer Membership to access the full masterclass on energy mapping, CEO days, and minimal viable daily scheduling. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

July 11, 2026Episode 35118 min

EP351: Work-Life Balance, Focus, and Why “Balance” Might Be the Wrong Word

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m sharing what a decade of building a business, writing thousands of words, interviewing over 200 healthcare professionals, and running this podcast every week since 2019 has taught me about work life balance and focus. In this episode: Why “balance” isn’t about equal hours, and why work life integration might serve you better than chasing 50/50 days How the season of life you’re in changes what balance actually looks like week to week The real cost of your phone during deep work, and the concept of attention residue Why nurses and writers use two completely different brain modes, and why that switch can be so draining Simple rituals for getting into a productive headspace, including the host’s own “command center” setup What flow state actually requires (hint: it’s not four uninterrupted hours) How to push through resistance and get words on the page, even when motivation isn’t showing up Key takeaways to protect your time and your focus this week Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

May 30, 2026Episode 35038 min

EP350: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Maria Jasanya MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and community member, Maria Jasanya. Based in Brooklyn, Maria is a nurse educator and medical writer who has mastered the art of balancing a traditional nursing career with multiple income streams. She shares her journey from wanting to be a nurse since elementary school to becoming a nurse residency coordinator, adjunct professor, and prolific freelance writer. We dive deep into how a curious mind and a willingness to say “yes” to new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and diversified professional life. About Maria Jasanya Maria Jasanya, MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE, is a Nurse Educator, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Freelance Medical Writer with extensive experience in nursing education, maternal–child health, and professional development. She obtained her BSN from CUNY Hunter College in 2007, MSN from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2012 and a post-MSN certificate from SUNY Stony Brook in 2019. Maria is passionate about mentoring nurses, advancing nursing education, self and patient advocacy and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by applying evidence-based research. She has devoted herself to be a lifelong learner and encourages nurses to do the same! Key Takeaways The Power of Multiple Income Streams : We discuss how Maria manages her primary role as a nurse residency coordinator alongside being an adjunct professor at three different nursing colleges and a frequent contributor to major medical databases. The Art and Science of Writing : Maria explains how she transitioned into medical writing through our connection on LinkedIn. She now contributes to platforms like EBSCO’s Dynamic Health and Relias, specializing in updating references, fact-checking, and writing nursing and continuing education content. Speaking into Existence : After taking a chance on her first podcast guest appearance, Maria discovered a new passion for speaking and now proactively uses LinkedIn to book future engagements. Advice for Nurses Seeking Change Follow Your Passion : Maria emphasizes that you shouldn’t chase money; instead, chase your passion, and the multiple income streams will naturally follow. Ignore the “Marketable” Myth : You don’t have to work in high-acuity areas like the ICU just to be marketable; there are endless opportunities in settings like school health, correctional nursing, and neuro rehab. Start Small and Take Risks : Growth happens when you are willing to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s a small $25 project or a new credential like SEO, every step helps build your professional repertoire. Follow Maria on Socials! LinkedIn Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

May 9, 2026Episode 34937 min

EP349: Why Your Boundaries Fail (and How to Fix Them) with Dawn Andrews

Send us Fan Mail Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no”; it’s about building the infrastructure your life and business need to thrive. For many female founders and healthcare professionals, the transition from caregiver to entrepreneur brings a unique set of challenges where lines often get blurred. This episode with business strategist Dawn Andrews dives into why we struggle to hold the line and how to reclaim your time without the crushing weight of guilt. About Dawn Andrews: Dawn Andrews is the founder and CEO of Free Range Thinking and the host of the She’s That Founder Podcast. A dedicated “hockey mom” and seasoned leader, she serves as a business strategist for creatives and executives, guiding them to refine their leadership styles, assemble dream teams, and transform their professional visions into reality. Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast: The “Infrastructure” Shift: Why viewing boundaries as business systems takes the emotion and guilt out of saying no. The Caregiver Trap: How socialization and “caveman-era” instincts make it harder for women to prioritize their own needs. Early Warning Signs: How to identify irritability and “boundary creep” before you reach total burnout. Navigating Scope Creep: A practical script for handling clients who ask for more than what’s “in the box.” The Transition from Bedside to Business: De-programming the “everything is an emergency” mindset common in nursing. The Myth of “Set It and Forget It”: Why boundaries require constant reinforcement and how to handle people who push back. The 10-Hour Challenge: A simple exercise to identify what needs to be true for you to reclaim your personal time. Entitlement vs. Deserving: Shifting your perspective to realize you are entitled to protect your existence and your fuel. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

April 11, 2026Episode 34831 min

EP348: 5 Tips for Building a Freelance Writing Practice While Working Full Time, Raising Kids, and Still Having a Life with Trish Larsen

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast, Janine sits down with nurse and freelance writer Trish Larsen to talk about building a freelance writing business while balancing a full-time job and family life. Trish shares her journey from bedside nursing to remote work and how she turned her natural writing skills into a flexible career. Building a Freelance Writing Business as a Nurse What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Trish got started building a freelance writing business during COVID Why you don’t need a full business plan to begin How to identify your niche based on your nursing experience Where to find clients (and why LinkedIn works so well) How to balance a full-time job, family, and building a freelance writing business Key Takeaways Building a freelance writing business starts with interest and curiosity—not perfection Your nursing experience already includes valuable writing skills you can use You don’t need a website to start—just a few samples and confidence Free resources (like business development centers) can help you get started faster Communication with clients and understanding your audience are essential Building a freelance writing business can ebb and flow depending on your season of life Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

March 28, 2026Episode 3471 hr 2 min

EP347: Networking Strategies for Nurse Entrepreneurs (Even If You’re Introverted) with Marsha Ann Battee

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Marsha Battee, host of the Bossy Nurse podcast , to talk about something many writers struggle with—networking. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to put yourself out there (especially as an introvert), this conversation will help you rethink what networking really is and how to do it in a way that feels authentic and effective. Networking Strategies for Introverts What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why networking doesn’t have to feel like self-promotion or “schmoozing” How to build credibility before you ever pitch a client The importance of having an online presence (even if you’re introverted) Simple ways to engage with potential clients on LinkedIn How to lead with value instead of asking for opportunities Why offering something for free (strategically) can open doors The exact messaging approach to build genuine connections How to shift your mindset from “what can I get?” to “what can I give?” Key Takeaways Your nursing background is your unfair advantage—use it as a credibility marker when networking and pitching. You don’t need to be on every platform, but you do need a clear online presence (LinkedIn or a simple website works). Start networking before you need opportunities by engaging with content and building relationships early. Genuine engagement (comments, thoughtful messages) is more effective than cold pitching. Offering value first—whether through insights, content, or support—builds trust faster than asking for work. You don’t need a large audience to create meaningful connections or land opportunities. Everyone starts “ugly”—progress comes from consistency, not perfection. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review ? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!