Explore every episode of the podcast The Guidebook
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Office Hours: Pricing, Contracts, and Getting Clients in 2025 | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:36:02 | |
Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions. We talked about: I'm Rachel Meltzer — business coach for freelancers and founder of Pop Club, a supportive, strategy-filled membership for freelancers at all stages. These office hours are normally exclusive to my paid clients, but I'm offering them free during the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp. Come hang out, take notes, and get unstuck. 👀 Want more support? → Join Pop Club: https://meltzerseltzer.com/pop-club 🛠️ Resources mentioned in this video: 🎥 Replays of past workshops: https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-started-freelancing/get-started-freelancing-lessons | |||
| Afton Brazzoni trades scarcity for mindset-driven growth | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:37:25 | |
Afton Brazzoni, founder of Scribe National, moved from a scarcity mindset to building a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and fully her own. From launching a content agency to experimenting with coaching, Afton opens up about the fears that almost held her back – and the mindset shifts that helped her move forward.In this episode of The Guidebook Podcast, we cover:- Scaling from freelancer to agency owner- Letting go of perfectionism and control- The emotional side of launching and pivoting- How mindset coaching created clarity and confidence- Finding balance between ambition and enoughnessIf you’ve ever thought one wrong move could ruin everything – this episode is for you.Find Afton Online:→ Website: https://www.scribenational.ca/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonbrazzoni/→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aftonaikens/Find Rachel Online:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer→ Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz | |||
| Michelle Hsu simplifies marketing | 21 Nov 2024 | 01:17:36 | |
Michelle went from B2B SaaS marketer to freelance copywriter and marketing coach. She knows the importance of authentic networking, the time it takes to build client relationships, and the need for empathy in marketing. That’s why we talked about: - misconceptions of success in the online space - the challenges of personal health in business - the significance of rest periods in entrepreneurship - awareness and problem-solving in personal growth - redefining success on your own terms - corporate burnout - the power of community in supporting solopreneurs And, of course, we share our tips for simplifying marketing: - how to systematize content creation while maintaining a sense of personal expression - authenticity in marketing - creative expression in content creation - the significance of personal connections in marketing strategies - collaboration among creatives - the power of effective headlines in marketing - simplifying tools for productivity We’re really emphasizing experimentation in finding your voice and the need to let go of societal expectations surrounding success. Find Michelle Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekjhsu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.elleshe Threads: https://www.threads.net/@its.elleshe Substack: https://itselleshe.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@its.elleshe Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz | |||
| Anna Burgess Yang is a workflow genius | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:55:10 | |
Anna Burgess Yang went from product manager at a tech company to full-time freelance content marketer. She shares: - how she automates parts of her workflow - the tools she uses - how she analyzes data to improve her marketing strategies - the challenges of balancing freelancing with family life - the transition from corporate to freelance work - AI Tune in to hear our favorite strategies for freelancers and solopreneurs, who want to leverage automations and AI for content repurposing, optimizing your workflow, and Anna’s essential tools for managing freelance work. Bonus: we also touch on pricing strategies and finding a niche. Find Anna Online: - Start Here: https://start.annabyang.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabyang/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw13DMHt9QLa5SxUHw0uQ_Xg - Anna's Resources for Freelancers: https://annabyang.gumroad.com/ Find Rachel Online: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer - Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz | |||
| Alexa Phillips architects brands | 31 Oct 2024 | 01:05:43 | |
Alexa Phillips, founder and chief brand architect of Bright Eyes Creative, shares her journey from a passion for journalism and fashion to establishing her own brand architecture business. She’s on a mission to empower other creatives to monetize their talents. We talked about: → the future of creative entrepreneurship → Alexa’s journey as a creative entrepreneur → the resurgence of magazines → Alexa’s AI hot-take →growing up with entrepreneurial parents → pivoting in business → business vs. employee mindset → all things branding Find Rachel Online:
Find Alexa Online:
Full Show Notes + Transcript: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/alexa-phillips-architects-brands | |||
| Kara Perez makes wealth building brave & sustainable | 24 Oct 2024 | 01:01:42 | |
Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go, talks about her journey from struggling with debt to becoming a financial educator and author. She also shares her experiences as a digital nomad, the challenges of balancing content creation with personal life, and the journey of writing her book on money and sustainability. We discuss: → the importance of financial literacy & community → the challenges of building a personal brand → the realities of entrepreneurship → practical money management tips for freelancers & digital nomads Learn more in the Show Notes: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/kara-perez-makes-wealth-building-brave-sustainable Find Kara Online: Book: Green Money: https://bravelygo.co/green-money-book/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bravelygo?fan_landing=true Website: https://bravelygo.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webravelygo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25XC65sCC7A9jdx7wRIGfA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551753828310567 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@webravelygo?lang=en Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz | |||
| Maari Casey is making it easier for freelancers & companies to find each other | 14 Aug 2024 | 01:00:39 | |
In the last episode of season 4, I chat with Maari Casey. Maari is an ad agency art director turned freelancer turned entrepreneur. In this episode with Maari, we chat about: ✨ The benefits on personal life of entrepreneurship ✨ Money Mindset ✨ The abundance of opportunities for freelancers You can learn more about Maari at:
Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: | |||
| Marie-Pier Tremblay wants to help you overcome fear | 12 Aug 2024 | 01:05:13 | |
Overcoming Fear: 5 Barriers Holding You Back from Major Life Transitions - with Marie-Pier Tremblay This week we have a special surprise! Me and Marie from Self Growth Nerds are doing a collab podcast episode! Marie is a former designer and illustrator turned certified coach, who discovered the transformative power of pursuing her wildest dreams after completing the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, we dive deep into: → The 5 telltale symptoms of living out of alignment with your true self → The 5 biggest fears holding you back from making a change (and how to reframe them) → The life-changing benefits of pursuing your truth Practical tools to help you overcome self-doubt and lead a more meaningful life Marie shares her personal journey of transformation, including writing a book, starting a podcast, changing careers, doubling her income, and embracing her authentic self. Learn how you too can make bold changes without freaking out! Join us for a The Brave New Path retreat! Book your spot at selfgrowthnerds.com/retreat ⚡️ Limited spots available - sign up before September 1st! Whether you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about what more life has to offer, this episode will inspire you to take that first step towards the life you truly desire. Tune in and discover how to align your actions with your deepest values for a more vibrant, authentic existence. | |||
| Wudan Yan is more than a journalist | 07 Aug 2024 | 01:01:30 | |
On this weeks episode of the Guidebook podcast, I'm talking to Wudan Yan from the Writers Co Op. In this episode with Wudan, we chat about: ✨ The twists and turns that her career took before she got to where she is now. ✨ What kind of journalism work she currently does. ✨ Wudan's new business venture, which is a fact checking agency and so much more. You can learn more about Wudan at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: | |||
| Melanie Padgett Powers on being deliberate | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:58:40 | |
This week, we are talking to Melanie, a freelance writer and editor, and the host of two podcasts: The Deliberate Freelancer and Association Station. In my episode with Melanie, we chat about: ✨ Travel and solo travel ✨ Melanie's journey from journalist to freelancer ✨ In's and outs of how to start a podcast You can learn more about Melanie at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: | |||
| Daniel Brenneman leverages empathy for deeper connections in business | 12 Jun 2024 | 01:04:31 | |
My chat with Daniel has to be one of the most energetic conversations on the Guidebook Podcast. And with the guests I've had so far, that's a big claim. I had a blast chatting with Daniel Brenneman, co-founder of Empathy Marketing Co, an agency helping you find marketing clarity through the power of emotional marketing. In my episode with Daniel, we chat about: ✨ The power of genuine connection in business ✨ Aligning with your true mission and letting your brand personality shine ✨ Using storytelling and video to connect ✨ The importance of soft skills in marketing, and more. You can learn more about Daniel at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
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| Dyslexia is a strength with Ray Slater Berry | 05 Jun 2024 | 01:06:38 | |
In this episode, I chat with Ray Slater Berry, founder of DSLX, a tech content agency on a mission to empower diverse and minority group writers to write. In this episode, we chat about: ✨ Getting started freelance writing ✨ Beach volleyball and fiction writing ✨ Starting an agency and business with a partner ✨ Balancing work and passion You can learn more about Ray at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
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| I Answered Freelancers’ Biggest Questions (Pricing, Clients, Mindset & More) | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:36:13 | |
Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions. We talked about:✅ Pricing your services with confidence✅ Staying motivated (even when clients ghost you)✅ What's really changing for freelancers in 2025✅ How to use AI without underpricing yourself✅ Building your freelance website and portfolio…and so much more. Resources from this workshop:
Connect with Rachel Online: | |||
| Mara Watts on balancing motherhood and freelance life | 29 May 2024 | 00:45:30 | |
This week I'm joined by my new friend from LinkedIn Mara Watts. Mara is a mom of 3, a yoga instructor, a freelance writer, a plant mom, and full-time latte sipper. We cover loads of ground in this episode including: ✨ Tips for balancing freelance writing, and self-employed work with motherhood ✨ Overcoming rejection and asking for more from clients ✨ The importance of a strong portfolio ✨ The importance of movement and it's link to doing better work You can learn more about Mara at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
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| Getting over perfectionism with Will Stevens | 08 May 2024 | 00:52:18 | |
This week on the Guidebook Podcast I'm joined by my new friend Will Stevens. Will is a fractional leader and go-to-market specialist, who founded Gain Growth Consulting, a practice that simplifies strategy and develops execution plans for clients. Will also hosts his own podcast called Solopreneur Stories. In my chat with Will we cover a lot of ground, including: ✨ Wills transition from employee to self-employed ✨ Motivations behind his business & startup challenges ✨ Niching and identifying ideal clients ✨Getting over perfectionism and treating a business like an experiment You can learn more about Will at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
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| Blair Sharp is learning to thrive with ADHD | 01 May 2024 | 01:06:40 | |
This week we have Blair Sharp on the podcast. She's a mum, wife, and writer from Minnesota, who specializes in mental health, parenting, and wellness content, regularly shares her insights on LinkedIn, and writes a newsletter called Hey Freelancer to motivate others to build their dream businesses. In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Blair at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Sarah Anto wants you to think like a startup founder | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:50:28 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Anto. Sarah helps female founders in the tech industry to start their businesses and prepare for fundraising. As a passionate advocate for women in entrepreneurship, Sarah shares her wealth of experience and insights. From launching her startups to empowering other women, she's full of really interesting insights and takeaways from the world of tech startups. In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Sarah at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Monica Shaw juggles multiple revenue streams | 17 Apr 2024 | 01:03:41 | |
This week in The Guidebook I'm joined by Monica Shaw. Monica is a freelance writer, mountain leader, blogger and SAAS business owner. I loved talking to Monica as she has so much going on at once and somehow finds time to work on them all. This is such an interesting conversation, diving into the mind of somebody who juggles multiple revenue streams. In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Monica at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:
Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Marie Pier Tremblay wants to change the way you think | 10 Apr 2024 | 01:01:53 | |
I'm joined this week by Marie Pier Tremblay. Marie is a life coach, bookworm, kinkster, and close friend of mine. She lives in Montreal, Canada, and after completing her dream of thru-hiking the PCT in 2019 she transitioned from freelance illustrator to full-time entrepreneur. Through her work as a coach and the host of the Self-Growth Nerds podcast, she empowers creative weirdos to carve their unapologetic paths. In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Marie at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Johanna Flashman wrote a book (while living in a van) | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:57:44 | |
This week I'm chatting with Johanna Flashman. Johanna is a freelance writer, journalist, and SEO strategist in the outdoor industry. Rachel also runs the website The Freelance Outdoorswoman which shares stories of other freelancers in the outdoor industry. In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Johanna at: Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Rachel Ayotte on self care through freelancing | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:58:17 | |
I'm talking to one of my favourite humans Rachel Ayotte, where we dive into our Pop Club community, her freelancing background, and our thoughts on mindset and self-care around the freelance lifestyle. In this episode, we talk about:
Learn more about Rachel Ayotte on: Learn more about Rachel and Pop Club on: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us.
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| Rachel Dilliplane discovers freelancing on the road | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:56:48 | |
This week I'm chatting with Rachel Dilliplane. Another Rachel! Rachel is a voice-over artist and freelancer. Rachel is super funny, sharing her adventures on her TikTok along with her 2003 Ford E350 Shuttle Bus aks, the Rollsbud Motel. In this episode, we talk about:
You can find Rachel D. Online: Find Rachel M. Online: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Austin L. Church's morning marketing habit will change your life | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:58:52 | |
Join me, as I sit down with Austin L. Church, a seasoned writer, marketing consultant, and business coach. Having weathered the storm of a layoff from a marketing agency in 2009 Austin now shares invaluable insights with freelancers and consultants. In this episode, we talk about:
You can find Austin Online: Find Rachel Online: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us.
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| Take back your time with Claire Hill | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:59:18 | |
In my conversation with Claire Hill, I’m exploring how busyness gets mistaken for productivity and how reclaiming your time starts with mindset. We’re diving into her Kickstart Formula (https://www.clairehill.uk/kickstart) for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and overcoming procrastination, reinforcing that self-trust and rest are just as important as action. Take Back Your Time: → Prioritize with Purpose – Claire’s Kickstart Formula helps you structure tasks and eliminate distractions. → Set Boundaries with Confidence – Break free from people-pleasing and redefine success on your terms. → Work with Your Brain, Not Against It – Leverage dopamine and mindset shifts to stay motivated without burnout. By shifting from busyness to intentionality, we’re creating space for what truly matters. Taking back your time isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually moves you forward. Find Claire Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairehill/?originalSubdomain=uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclairehill/ Website: https://www.clairehill.uk/ Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz Read the show notes: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/take-back-your-time-with-claire-hill | |||
| Sarah Collie started freelance writing with no experience | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:46:03 | |
This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Sarah Collie. Sarah is a Virginia-based freelance writer for sustainable outdoor brands and horticulture companies. You'll often find Sarah hiking, planning next year's garden, or snuggling her puppy. In this episode, we talk about:
Wanna join us in Pop Club? You can join here. (or learn more here). You can find Sarah Online: Find Rachel Online: Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Megan K. Bradley quit her 9-5 with Camp Moxie | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:28:37 | |
This week, I have Megan Kitzmiller Bradley on the show! Megan attended Camp Moxie, my bootcamp for new freelance writers in 2021. At the time, she still had a full time job and started her biz as a side hustle during the bootcamp. Since then, she’s launched her own freelance writing business earning $70k in her first year! She’s also been able to take off an entire month for her wedding and make her work schedule flexible so she can do the things she loves during the day. Camp Moxie is currently on sale for $200 off as a part of my biggest sale ever. You can join through November 30th to snag that special sale price! Once enrollment closes on November 30th, we won’t be opening Camp Moxie again until next year. Camp Moxie is a 5-month bootcamp for new freelance writers. For the first three months you’ll go through a course with your cohort. Each chapter of the course is made up of video lessons with transcripts, workbooks, and homework to help you launch your business. In the last 8 weeks of the program, you’ll get your first client! Throughout the bootcamp, we’ll have group coaching calls every other week so you can get live support from me and get all your questions answered! Links:
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| Jenni Gritters slowed down | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:55:35 | |
Jenni Gritters is a business coach for freelancers, a mostly retired journalist, and a mom of two. You might recognize her from the podcast she used to host, The Writer’s Co-op. Now, she’s helping freelancers build agile businesses while occasionally writing product reviews for Wirecutter, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and more. She’s an avid adventurer with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a one-year-old. Jenni has repeatedly amazed me with her ability to make her business work for her. She’s taken two maternity leaves while freelancing and consistently works 4-hour workweeks, capping her office time to six hours daily. In this episode, we talk about:
You can find Jenni Online: Find Rachel Online: | |||
| Nick Lafferty exited early | 16 Oct 2023 | 01:00:03 | |
5 months ago, Nick Lafferty quit what seemed like the perfect job for him to start his own business. Nick is a growth marketing consultant and creator of Early Exit Club a newsletter and community for solopreneurs. We met back when he worked at Loom. He actually hired me as a freelance content writer there. We’ve stayed in touch ever since and it’s been so fun growing together. In this episode we cover:
Here are some things we mentioned in the episode: Find Nick Online:
Find Rachel Online: | |||
| Liz Heflin has been freelancing since 2006 | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:54:47 | |
Liz is a freelance marketing consultant, business coach for freelance writers, and the founder of MACE writing. She’s been freelancing since 2006. She’s done so many cool things, like traveling to all 7 continents, living abroad, and becoming a mom. Liz has been popping’ off on LinkedIn, and I know y’all are gonna love our conversation because it’s chock full of juicy mindset moments that will help you thrive as a freelancer. We talk about:
You can find Liz online: For a limited time, you can also get your hands on all of her paid resources for freelance writers through her The Ultimate Copywriter’s Super Stack with a major discount! The whole bundle is just $49 for all resources, and it includes Liz’s three e-books: -Asked and Answered (Series 1) -Asked and Answered (Series 2) -Find Your Floor It comes with a whole bundle of resources for copywriters from other educators, too. You can find Rachel online: | |||
| Shelbi Polk shares all of her travel & budgeting tips for freelancers | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:54:54 | |
This is part 2 of a two-part series with Shelbi! Go back and listen to part 1 from last week if you haven't already. Shelbi is a freelance writer, book nerd, and world traveler. She’s traveled with friends and solo both internationally and around the US. - How to afford travel multiple times a year - Traveling with friends - Traveling while working - Traveling solo - Travel hacking basics - How to make friends while traveling - Getting out of debt - What freelancers should actually have in their savings accounts Find Shelbi Online: Learn more about Pop Club and join Shelbi and me in our online community for freelancers! Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. Tools, Apps, Resources, and Products from this episode: We aren't sponsored in any way by any of these entities. These are just things we love to use and mentioned in this episode!
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| Shelbi Polk left newspapers to nerd out about books | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:47:11 | |
Shelbi is a freelance writer, book nerd, and world traveler. She’s traveled with friends and solo both internationally and around the US. We talked for TWO HOURS, so I’ve split our casual conversation up into TWO episodes! The second episode will air next week.
On the next episode we take a deep dive into travel, budgeting, and her tips for freelancers who want to travel – you’re not going to want to miss it. Find Shelbi Online: Learn more about Pop Club and join Shelbi and me in our online community for freelancers! Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. | |||
| Polly Clover quit teaching to become a freelance writer & SEO expert | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:43:01 | |
Polly Clover joins us today to talk about:
This episode is chock full of expert tips you can apply to your freelance career right now! Find Polly Online: Get Polly's SEO Blogging Course & Resources Try Pop Club for 30 Days for free Join us for our pitch parties! | |||
| Jackie Lastinger on fueling your own fire | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:42:45 | |
This week we're talking to Jackie “Dirt Nap” Lastinger, founder of The Girls Trip Adventure Co. The Girls Trip Adventure Co. empowers & connects women through outdoor adventure & travel! It’s a space for women to dip their foot into the world of backpacking and other activities with no pressure or judgment.
Find Jackie on Instagram: | |||
| Ash Czarnota on thruhiking while freelancing | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:57:01 | |
Ash Czarnota from Alpine Start Creative joins us today on the pod. She's a small business owner, freelance writer, thru-hiker, and fan of failing forward! Our freeform conversation talks about:
You can find Ash online: | |||
| Lizzie Davey is Redefining Freelance Success | 01 Mar 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
Lizzie Davey has been a freelance writer for 11 years. She transitioned from a low-paying marketing job to freelancing. Like every new freelancer, she started out navigating chaos but eventually found her niche in e-commerce tech. In this episode, we’re talking about: - the power of networking- LinkedIn engagement- authenticity- building a personal brand- getting clientsThrough adaptability, financial transparency, and prioritizing well-being, we highlight the evolving nature of freelancing and the importance of redefining success over time.Find Lizzie Online:Website: https://freelancemagic.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.coTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagicFind Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz | |||
| Don't share your rates publicly... | 29 May 2023 | 00:19:32 | |
Controversial take: you shouldn't share your rates publicly. In this episode, find out why! Plus, snag my pricing guide template. Get the Template: PS Insta is kinda my thing: | |||
| Money Mindset for Freelance Writers | 22 May 2023 | 00:23:16 | |
Your money mindset is foundational to your business. Your money mindset has been cultivated over your entire lifetime. Growing up in a capitalist society, everything has contributed to your mindset – From how your parents handled money to the community you grew up in. A good money mindset can mean making a thriving living as a freelance writer. Leaving your mindset unkempt can lead to a struggling business. It's time to heal your money mindset and create a solid foundation for your business. In this episode, we take a deep dive into my Money Mindset Workbook. I go over my favorite lesson about money from my Life Coach, Marie Pier Tremblay of Self-Growth Nerds – go check out her podcast too! And I share strategies for changing your money mindset. Get the Money Mindset Workbook - it's free! Come back to this workbook every 6-12 months to stay on top of your ever-changing mindset. | |||
| Can I have more than 1 niche? + How do I know if a niche is a profitable? | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:07:11 | |
This is the most commonly asked niche question I get – can you have more than 1 niche? There’s no hard and fast answer to this question, but my advice is: For the first 6 months of your business only focus on one niche. Pick the niche that has the most profit potential. | |||
| Season 3 Trailer | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:01:30 | |
Welcome back to the Guidebook! We're doing things a bit differently this season. Stay tuned for more... | |||
| Kevin "Spacejam" Grooman | 13 Aug 2020 | 01:25:20 | |
This week’s episode features Kevin Grooman aka “Spacejam” + I met Kevin through Dylan’s hiker chat (go listen to last week’s episode!). He’s triple crowned and gotten engaged along the way. + In this episode we’re talking about triple crowning; navigating home ownership, a career, and thruhiking all at once; forging a relationship formed in “real life” on the trail; Casa de Luna and Hiker Heaven closing; CDT vs PCT vs AT culture and intimidation level; the most epic trail magic ever; paper maps vs guthooks; bringing a camera on trail; finding your place after triple crowning; as well as the pandemic and the antiracism movement in the US in 2020. + Thanks to Chelsea Hall and Monica Aguilar, our Patron donors this week. And shoutout to Michelle and Eric Meltzer, my parents, who always support the show. + Find Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groomanji/?hl=en Kevin’s website: https://www.groomanji.com/ + Find Rachel on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltzerseltzer Rachel’s website: https://www.trailnamehere.com/ + Dylan “Pickle” Tonkin’s Hiker Chat (DM him on instagram!): https://www.instagram.com/dstonkin/ | |||
| Dylan "Pickle" Tonkin | 06 Aug 2020 | 01:14:33 | |
Dylan Tonkin This episode features Dylan “Pickle” Tonkin + I saw Dylan’s podcast come out at the end of 2018 when I was just under a year into my show. I remember being completely jealous and totally comparing myself to him bahahah I was still so self-conscious about podcasting back then. + Fast-forward to nearly a year and a half later, I decided to kick my ego out and message Dylan on Instagram to see if he might want to come on my show and do a crossover episode like the one I’d done with Trail Tales. + Man, Dylan turned out to be so kind, funny, and such a great conversation. On our pre-recording screening chat (usually about 15 minutes) we talked for almost an hour! He invited me to his hiker chat (you’re invited too, see the podcast episode description your fave podcast player for details!) and it was a blast. It felt SO good to reconnect with the hiking community virtually while we can’t be out on trail. + This episode was incredible. We talked about how the trail community and the relationships we build on the trail, how the trail brings us back to our best selves, starting your own business after thruhiking, starting a podcast, and social media on trail. Dylan also opens up and shares a very personal story with us about the one day that hit him the hardest emotionally on the trail and why he kept going after it. + I hope this episode inspires you. Whether you’re dreaming about thruhiking, considering entrepreneurship, or you’re also facing the death of an important person in your life, we’ve got something for you here. This episode really rekindled my excitement to plan another thruhike and to push myself harder with this podcast. + If you haven’t heard, our Patreon has officially launched! You can find the link in our bio! Patreon is a platform that allows our listeners to support the show through a small monthly donation. All patrons (people who donate) will receive a free sticker, invites to The Guidebook community meetups (check out our story for deets!), and even voting power. By joining us on Patreon, you’re helping pay for our server costs and gear maintenance. + I want to thank you ALL for being here listening. I am so grateful that I get to connect with you through this amazing journey. + Thanks to our Patrons + Donors: Chelsea Hall Luke Pearsall Eric Meltzer Michelle Meltzer Support The Guidebook on Patreon and get a free sticker, a shoutout in the show credits, and invites to our community events where you can talk to guests from the show (currently via zoom)! https://www.patreon.com/theguidebookpod + Follow Dylan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dstonkin/ And be sure to direct message him if you want to join in on the Hiker Chat! It takes place every Wednesday at 6pmET over Zoom. Dylan’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F0P14DYPZTGQ1Clly09pJ Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltzerseltzer Rachel’s Website: https://www.trailnamehere.com/ The photo for this episode was taken by Twerk! Find Twerk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twerkinthedirt/ Twerk’s Website: https://www.tommycorey.com/ | |||
| Lea 'Blue Cheese' Geibel | 31 Jul 2020 | 01:07:50 | |
It’s been so amazing to get to talk to thruhikers from other countries this season. You might remember episode 1 of this season with @ValIsmaili who hiked the Transcaucasian trail. He connected me with @Leahikes who is an expert thruhiker from Germany. She’s lived and hiked basically all over the world. + In this episode Lea and I got to chat about arranging your life to allow for lots of hiking, the time her backpack got stollen in Chile, vanlife in Switzerland, gear and food – of course, resupplying in a foreign country and hiking alone as a solo female traveler. We also discuss what makes an expert because often, even though we might be incredibly experienced, we don’t feel like “experts.” + If you haven’t heard, I’ve launched our Patreon early! Head to patreon.com/theguidebookpod. For just $5/month you can support the show so that we can get back on a paid server! + You’ll receive a sticker and a handwritten thank you card from me in the mail. Plus, you’ll get exclusive invites to The Guidebook events which I’ll be creating via Zoom during the coming months! I can’t wait to meet you all face to face. It blows my mind that there are so many of you listening every week. + If you can’t afford to support us through Patreon monthly, you can make a one-time donation to our PayPal (paypal.me/trailnamehere). OR you can share the show with your friends, subscribe to the show on your fave podcast player, or review the show! It helps more people find us. + I’m so grateful to have all of you here listening in this big extended tramily. I can’t wait to meet you over on Patreon! + Now, listen to this episode and comment over on our insta!: How are you making time and space in your life for outdoor adventures? + Follow Lea on Instagram: instagram.com/leahikes Follow Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/meltzerseltzer Follow The Guidebook on Instagram: instagram.com/theguidebookpod Rachel's Website: trailnamehere.com The Guidebook on Patreon: patreon.com/theguidebookpod | |||
| Asher 'AM Fog' McGlothlin | 24 Jul 2020 | 00:53:58 | |
I met AM Fog (aka @ashermcglothlin) on the Appalachian Trail in 2018 when we were both making our way Northbound through the Smokies. + Asher is a musician, grad student, and thruhiker. He just released a new EP called “Smothered, Lovered, and Covered” which is available now on his website and will be available on all streaming platforms on July 30th! + This episode is a simple shooting the shit trail stories episode much like the classic Podcast Here episodes from our origin. We talk about the blizzard we trekked through in the Smokies, the moment you realize you can hike your own hike, the powerful confidence thruhiking gives you, the best trail magic ever, and so much more. + I hope this episode helps you reminisce or look forward to your first thruhike. Maybe it’ll even help you avoid our novice mice mishaps and pack enough food! + One thing that hit me from this episode is when Asher said “Even on the hard days there was never anywhere else I’d rather be. That is a hard feeling to recapture.” + Give it a listen along with all of our other episodes from season 3 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts! + P.S. Thanks for all of your patience with this season’s new host and upload limits! We’ll get it right next week! + We’ll be rebooting our Patreon next month with tiers starting as low as $3/mo! I’d love it if you’ll join us over there for some bonus content, merch, and virtual community gatherings! Stay tuned for its release on Thursday, August 6th. + Asher's Website: https://www.ashermcglothlin.com/store/smothered-lovered-and-covered-digital-download-hear-it-today Rachel's Website: trailnamehere.com | |||
| Elina 'Tip Tap' Osborne | Pt. II | 17 Jul 2020 | 00:41:25 | |
Welcome back to part two of my lovely chat with Elina "Tip Tap" Osborne!! + In this second part of our chat we dive deeper and discuss the impact of social media on thruhiking and story telling, the glorification of thruhiking on Youtube, the struggle of telling your own story and Elina's tips on beginning to tell your own, camping alone, and Elina's best cry on trail. + I hope y'all love this episode as much as I did. Elina has inspired me to work on my trail memoir again with renewed excitement! Are you working on any storytelling projects? Let us know in the comments! + If you love the show, please please subscribe on your favorite podcast player and rate and review the show! You can also just share this episode on your Instagram story and send it to a friend. + Find Elina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinasborne/ Find Elina on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/elinabox Elina's Website: https://www.elinaosborne.com/ Find Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailnamehere/ Rachel's Website: https://www.trailnamehere.com/ | |||
| Elina 'Tip Tap' Osborne | Pt. I | 13 Jul 2020 | 00:50:28 | |
This week’s guest is Elina “Tip Tap” Osborne (aka @elinasborne)! . Oh my gosh, I had such a good time interviewing Elina. We have lots in common and the jokes were flowing!! We talked so much that this is going to be released as a two-part episode. . In this first part of our chat, we talk about loads of things. From life plans to the confidence we found on trail, post-trail grief to the euphoria of climbing Mount Witney, how it felt to edit her PCT videos after her thruhike, doing things for YOURSELF by YOURSELF, fear on trail, and social media on the trail. Oh, and sooooo much more. . This episode will bring you laughs, bring back memories, and hopefully get you excited about your next adventure! Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. . If you love the show, please please subscribe on your favorite podcast player and rate and review the show! You can also just share this episode on your Instagram story and send it to a friend. . Find Elina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinasborne/ Find Elina on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/elinabox Elina's Website: https://www.elinaosborne.com/ Find Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailnamehere/ Rachel's Website: https://www.trailnamehere.com/ . . Life Update: I have now picked up my van! She’s amazing and I’ve named her Marcel (like the shell). Unfortunately COVID messed up some of my financial plans and is making it more difficult with cafes and gyms closed for cheap cross country travel while working more difficult. I’m saving up for some solar panels so that I can make it all happen! For now, I’ll be taking her out on weekend trips and recording podcasts in her! | |||
| Introducing: Get Started Freelancing | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
In case you missed it, I'm kicking off a free live bootcamp: Get Started Freelancing. If you’re thinking about freelancing but don’t know where to start... 😵💫 You’re not alone! I’ve coached over 200 freelancers, and the biggest hurdle is just getting started.That’s why I’m running a free live bootcamp to help you launch your digital marketing freelance biz — step by step. And yep, it's actually free. The first live workshop kicks off next week, so here’s what you need to know: ⚡️ It's Flexible & Free: Join Anytime! ✅ You can join anytime – don’t stress if you can’t make it live! Every session will have a free replay so you can catch up whenever you’re ready. - Join for Free Here → https://lnkd.in/e4wwS5q9 - Bookmark the Replays → https://lnkd.in/eCdZYx4M 📓 Grab Your Free Workbooks – these will help you take notes, brainstorm, and build your freelance business as we go. - Get the Workbooks → https://lnkd.in/eryA9Jde 📚 What We’ll Cover in the Bootcamp Each workshop is designed to take you from "Where do I start?" to "I’m running a real freelance business!" Here’s the roadmap: 1️⃣ Find Your Niche – Define your niche in a way that works for you 2️⃣ Pick Your Services – A simple framework (and a fun pop quiz!) to choose what you offer 3️⃣ Create Your Portfolio – No experience? No problem. You’ll learn how to showcase your skills 4️⃣ Business Setup – Everything you need to know to set up your business (U.S.-focused) 5️⃣ Set Your Rates – We’ll create a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients 6️⃣ Get Clients – Three different strategies for landing your first (or next!) freelance clients 🗓️ The first session is coming up! RSVP so you don't miss it: https://lnkd.in/eyPGKzud 👋 I'd love to see you in there! But no pressure – it's not for everyone! 🚀 Learn more about the Free Bootcamp → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte... 📩 Join the Email Notifications → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/... 📗 Grab the Free Workbooks → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte... 🎧 Listen to the Podcast → https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guideb... 📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/... 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn → / rmeltzer | |||
| Anne 'Scrappy' Baker | 02 Jul 2020 | 00:59:25 | |
Welcome back to Season 1 of The Guidebook! I'm your host Rachel. This here episode 4 features Anne “Scrappy” Baker (@ennakrek). + Anne has hiked the Wind River Travers, the Teton Crest Trail, the Sheltowee Trace Trail, parts of the Appalachian Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail, and completed the PCT in sections. She’s a PhD candidate too! + Anne wrote an article for The Trek called “Post Trail Depression: It’s Not What You Think” in 2019 and I immediately reached out to her to talk. I was so curious about her research because at the time I had just launched my Post Trail Depression survey and decided to write a book about Post Trail Depression (it’s still in the works). + This interview is more than just a talk about post trail depression – well actually post trail grief. We also discussed reconciling the person you are on trail with the person you are at home, the thruhiking community, working toward her PhD, and working in the US mental healthcare system. + Anne is incredibly smart, so relatable, and a great gear reviewer (check her out on the Trek!). I hope you’ll be able to relate to this episode and maybe put some thought into your feelings about your thruhike and yourself. + Please please subscribe and give us a quick review! Or share it with a friend! or donate to our paypal. + PS I did finally sell that saxophone! A college freshman studying jazz performance bought it from me and he uses it every day, happily. + Get 20% off of Backcountry Foodie here with he discount code “The Guidebook”: https://backcountryfoodie.com/friends Find Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/trailnamehere Find Rachel online: Trailnamehere.com | |||
| Aaron Owens Mayhew - Backcountry Foodie | 14 May 2020 | 00:54:17 | |
This episode features Aaron Owens Mayhew. Aaron is a registered dietician and the creator of Backcountry Foodie! Aaron and her husband, Chris, live in a van they custom designed and built themselves. + We chat about how Aaron got started backpacking, thruhiking misadventures, how Aaron became a nutritionist and used those skills to create the Backcountry Foodie, the van that Aaron and her husband Chris designed and built together, and starting a small business together. Aaron also gives great tips for living vanlife with your dog! + This episode was recorded pre-COVID-19 so quick update on Aaron and Chris’s status… Aaron and Chris have traveled in their van back to Florida to park in the driveway of some family members to shelter in place safely. They’re pretty bummed because, as you’ll hear in the episode they were working on choosing a place to plant roots and begin phase two of their business. They’re incredible entrepreneurs and I know they’ll get through this. + Support them by checking out their platform and subscribing! Plus, if you want a DISCOUNT on Backcountry Foodie’s AMAZING ultralight recipes platform, go to backcountryfoodie.com/friends and enter the code “The Guidebook” for 20% off of their service! + Get 20% off of Backcountry Foodie here with he discount code “The Guidebook”: https://backcountryfoodie.com/friends Backcountry Foodie: BackcountryFoodie.com Backcountry Foodie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_foodie/ Backcountry Foodie on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSUpLNV2Ct1WQWZHhSF3eCw Backcountry Foodie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backcountryfoodie Backcountry Foodie on Facebook: https://www.pinterest.com/backcountryfoodie/ Find Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/trailnamehere Find Rachel online: Trailnamehere.com | |||
| LIVE Amanda Shale | 08 May 2020 | 00:33:20 | |
Our guest this week is Amanda aka @tidelinetoalpine on Instagram! + Amanda has lived in a van for 6 years! She thru-hiked the PCT SOBO in 2018, Hiked the Washington section of the PCT in 2019 NOBO, and she’s hiked the Sunshine Coast Trail 3 times. Amanda is a climber, photographer, and writer too. She travels everywhere with her dog Frank who has summited over 60 peaks with her. She created @walk9radio to share more about backpacking with dogs. + Amanda’s Instagram is full of truly honest and gritty accounts of her travels, the people she’s encountered, the things she’s learned, and the mental stuff she’s working through and I love that. Her honesty is really why I started following her. Plus, she shares adorable pics of her dog on her stories and in her feed! + We talked to Amanda about her choice to live in a van and some things she’s learned over the past 6 years of living in a van. Plus, we’ll touch on adventure travel with a dog! I hope we’ll get to talk about climbing too, but let’s see where this leads us! She gave us some AMAZING advice. You can find more from Amanda on her website: http://tidelinetoalpine.com/ + If you love the show, please share it with a friend!! You can also donate to the show at the link in our bio so that we can keep pumping out these extra, fun episodes! | |||
| LIVE Britany Freeman | 02 May 2020 | 00:39:24 | |
Our LIVE guest this week is Britany aka @britanyinwanderland! + Brit is the founder of @11thessential and a part-time road traveler who is building out a van with an incredible story. Brit is proof that stewardship matters and that a fun car camping adventure can be achieved in just about any vehicle. + I started following Brit for her stewardship promotion with 11th Essential and I stayed for her dope captions and adventures. We’ll be talking about her recently acquired van, the 11th Essential, and her adventures in part-time road travel! + If you love the show, please share it with a friend!! You can also donate to the show so that we can keep pumping out these extra, fun episodes! Even just $1 helps so much! | |||