PODCAST · business
The Freelancer's Teabreak
by Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.
Episodes
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Bookend your freelance day
Let's talk about bookending your freelance day! Flown (affiliate link) https://flown.com/register?join=emma-cossey-dfa56 Follow me on Instagram Email: [email protected] Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School...
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Part-Time Freelancing
This week, we dive into the topic of part time freelancing around a job. Pour yourself a cuppa! Follow me on Instagram Email: [email protected] Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join...
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The gold in your client forms
Your onboarding forms might be the most underrated bit of marketing research you own. This week's episode is a quick admin prompt: dig out your client questionnaires and look at what people actually say when they explain why they chose you. I share what I discovered when I did this myself…
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I quit
...I'm going back to having the podcast as audio only. In this episode, I share what I learned during my experiment to offer the podcast as a video format too. Follow me on Instagram Email: [email protected] Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.…
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It's the final countdown
The Freelance Business Lounge is going up in price from the 1st of October. Join now and stick at the current price! Join here: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-freelance-business-lounge
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Things you don't have to do as a freelancer
Ever caught yourself still playing by the old corporate rulebook, even though you left the 9 to 5 behind years ago? In this episode, Emma talks through the habits and expectations we carry over from employee life that freelancers simply don't have to keep. From unpaid "quick chats" that eat your...
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You need freelance friends
In this episode of The Freelancer's Teabreak, I'm going to discuss the power of freelance friendships, and how to find your own freelance friendship circle 00:00 Welcome & Take a Break 01:19 Drains vs Radiators 02:14 Alicia's Story 04:39 The Freelance Business Lounge 05:17 Membership Details…
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Five Truths About Freelancing in 2026
Pour yourself a cuppa, it's time to chat about freelancing - and some of the biggest myths and truths out there! Hi, I'm Emma Cossey, and I'm a coach and mentor for freelancers. Follow me on Instagram Email: [email protected] Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Join…
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Summer Break: What Do You Want to Hear Next?
It's the last episode before a well-earned summer break! I'm swapping the mic for some quality time with my son before he starts secondary school, because some moments matter more than deadlines. There'll be no new episodes in August, but I'll be back in September, refreshed and ready to go.…
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My iPhone Podcast Recording Hack
Fancy starting a podcast but the thought of buying a mic, learning fancy software, and building a whole "studio" fills you with dread? Good news, you might already have everything you need in your pocket. This episode is a quick, happy little discovery about a hidden feature on the iPhone that...
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Underpromise, Overdeliver: My Secret to Business Success
Quick one this week, but it might just be the best piece of freelance advice you'll ever get. Ever said "I'll have it to you by Friday" when nobody even asked for Friday, then spent the next few days low-key panicking? Yeah, us too. In this episode, we're talking about why that little habit of...
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How Much Do Other Freelancers Charge?
How much should you actually be charging as a freelancer? Spoiler: there's no magic number, but there are some brilliant guides out there to help you stop plucking figures out of thin air. This episode is your cheat sheet to finding out what other freelancers are really charging, so you can stop...
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Freelance Realities: Not Just the Glossy Highlights
Ever feel like everyone else got the "how to freelance successfully" manual and you're just winging it? This week's episode is here to tell you: you're not alone, and that glossy six-figure freelance life you see on social media is mostly smoke and mirrors. In this episode, I get honest about…
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Freelancers: Watch Out for Scammy Discovery Calls (Quick Warning & What to Do)
In this quick episode, I'm sharing a warning about scammy discovery call bookings that freelancers are increasingly running into now that we rely on booking links. I've heard of calls being booked where the other person turns up just to hard sell to the freelancer, and a recent example from my…
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Tax-Free Childcare & Summer Holiday Survival Tips for Freelancers (UK)
In this episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm reflecting on my son nearing the end of primary school and sharing practical ways I've managed childcare while freelancing, especially over the long summer holidays. I explain how UK tax-free childcare works (pay £8 in, get £2 topped up) and…
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How to Respond When Someone Asks You to Work for Free (Without Feeling Awkward)
In this episode, I'm talking through what to do when someone asks you to work for free, whether it's an unpaid "test project", spec work, or a talk with no budget. I share why you can (and should) feel confident declining, plus a few polite scripts you can use. If you do want to offer something…
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Tiny Ways To Outsource (without feeling overwhelmed)
If the idea of outsourcing in your business feels scary, you're not alone. For a lot of freelancers and small business owners, "outsourcing" can sound like handing over everything (your inbox, your accounts, your social media, your systems) and trusting someone else with the things you've been...
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Freelance Service Funnels: DIY, DWY and DFY (Revisited)
In this episode, I'm diving into something I talk about a lot with my coaching clients: the three levels of services you can offer: DIY (Do it Yourself), DWY (Done With You), and (DFY) Done For You. Whether you're thinking about adding passive income, building a membership, or just wondering how…
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3 Ways I'm Finding New Clients in May 2026
Ever wonder what an experienced freelancer actually does to find new clients each month? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own client attraction strategy for May, including the thing that got me my first AI-referred client within weeks. What we cover: Why having a "pick and mix"...
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Can You Claim Universal Credit While Freelancing?
Thinking about going freelance but worried about losing your Universal Credit? Good news, you don't have to choose. In this episode, I'm breaking down how Universal Credit actually works for self-employed people, and why it might be more flexible than you think. What we cover: Why Universal…
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Following up After Discovery Calls
Does following up after a discovery call make you cringe? You're not alone, but done right, a follow-up can actually feel like a gift to your potential client. In this episode, I'm sharing three simple strategies to check in without feeling pushy, salesy, or awkward. What we cover: Why follow-ups...
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Should I Join a Directory?
Should you invest in a freelancer directory? In this episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey breaks down the pros and cons of joining directories as a freelancer from boosting your SEO and local visibility to knowing when your money is better spent elsewhere. In this episode…
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From Full-Time to Fractional Freedom with Katherine Pearse (Nee Hall)
In this episode of the Freelancer's Teabreak, Emma Cossey chats with Katherine Pearse (nee Hall), fractional CFO, systemic coach, and movement facilitator, about what it actually means to go fractional. Katherine breaks down how a fractional CFO differs from a consultant, interim, or part-time...
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Haggle Your Subscriptions (Rewind)
Feeling overwhelmed by rising subscription costs? In this rewind episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares practical, actionable tips to help freelancers and small business owners cut down on their software expenses without sacrificing the tools that keep their businesses...
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Your Q2 To-Do List
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares her essential quarter two to-do list for freelancers. In this episode, you'll learn: What Making Tax Digital means for freelancers and how to prepare for it How to set up your bookkeeping systems and stay on top of your…
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My WFH Desk Essentials
In this episode, I share my essential desk items that actually matter for freelancers, no aesthetic fluff, just practical tools that boost productivity: Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your workday Second screen: Reduce overwhelm and boost productivity with dual monitors Desk snacks: Keep...
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Why AI Can't Replace Coaching
Can AI really replace human coaches and freelancers? In this episode, I break down why coaching, and many freelance services, require the irreplaceable human touch. Key Points Covered: Why coaches facilitate rather than prescribe solutions The importance of body language, tone, and non-verbal…
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Can Potential Freelance Clients Find You?
How easy is it for potential clients to find you online? In this episode, I'm challenging you to audit your discoverability across multiple platforms and search tools. What we cover: SEO basics and why showing up in search results matters How AI tools are becoming a new discovery channel for...
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Are You Proactive or Reactive When Finding Freelance Clients?
The freelance landscape has changed significantly in the last two years, making client acquisition tougher than ever. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares why shifting from reactive to proactive strategies is essential for finding clients in today's market. In this...
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Freelance vs Fractional: What's the Difference?
This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I dive into the debate between freelancing and the term 'fractional'. Is it just a fancy rebrand for part-time work, or does it represent a distinct role, especially in the B2B space? I explore the nuances and implications of these terms, their impact on...
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Is Freelancing Dead? Or Has It Just Rebranded?
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we dive into the controversial topic of whether the term 'freelance' is still appropriate and valuable. We explore the various reasons why the term may have lost some of its value, including the gig economy and terminology shifts in B2B vs. B2C...
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Future Proofing Your Freelance Business: A Snippet from My New Book
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, this week I'm diving into a vital snippet from my book, The Freelance Lifestyle, focusing on future-proofing your business. From considering unexpected life changes to planning for long-term shifts like parenthood or caring...
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What is Freelancing: A Snippet from My New Book
Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, I'm thrilled to share a snippet from the introduction of my newly launched book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' We'll dive into what freelancing really means, the flexibility it offers, and the responsibilities it entails. Perfect for both…
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Book Doubling for Neurodivergent Writers with Gail Doggett
Welcome back to The Freelancer's Tea Break! This week, I'm joined by my friend, coach, and book genie, Gail Doggett, founder of Book Doubling, a book coaching business tailored for neurodivergent writers, especially those with ADHD. In this episode, we delve into how Gail aids writers in…
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Behind the Scenes of Writing a Book
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, I share my haphazard journey of writing and publishing my first book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle'. I've delved into the 15-year (!) process, detailing the struggles faced due to undiagnosed ADHD, the importance of a support system with a focus on their...
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Annoying but Helpful Money Advice With Talia Loderick
In this episode, Emma and Talia dive into the real stories behind money mindset, the challenges freelancers face with budgeting, and practical tips for feeling more confident about your cash. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your freelance business, you'll find plenty of...
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Three Simple Year-Start Questions
In the first episode of 2026, I discuss a reflective approach to setting personal and professional goals for the new year on The Freelancers Tea Break. I share my achievements from the previous year, including completing my ILM 7 diploma and writing a book titled 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' This...
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My Annual Review
Hello and welcome to a special episode of The Freelancers Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, and as this is our last podcast episode of the year, I'm doing things a bit differently. Today, I'm conducting my own annual performance review as a freelancer. From attendance and punctuality to goals,...
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Freelance Wins: Boundaries, Learning and Clients
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers, discusses the importance of reflecting on and celebrating freelance wins. She categorises these wins into three main areas: boundary wins, skills and growth wins, and client and money wins. Timestamps:...
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Your Freelance End Of Year Admin Checklist
Welcome back to the Freelancer Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, your coach and mentor for freelancers. In this short episode, I share some essential admin tasks to wrap up the year and start January clearheaded. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Freelancer Tea Break 00:38 Review Your Invoices 01:38...
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Combatting Freelance Loneliness
Freelancing can get lonely, especially as the days get darker. This week, I'm sharing simple ways to stay connected, even if you're an introvert who loves working from the sofa (hi 👋). Try relaxed networking (like netwalking or coffee meetups) Explore local coworking spaces or apps like Reef...
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Who Should Pay - The Client or the Freelancer?
This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm tackling a surprisingly common dilemma: If a client wants you to use specific software, who should foot the bill? Here's the gist: If they require it (and you won't use it elsewhere) — they should pay. If it's a tool you'll use across clients — it's...
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Top 3 ADHD Time Hacks for Freelancers
This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm sharing 3 ADHD-friendly time hacks that actually work (and honestly, they'll help anyone feeling frazzled right now): 🧠 Don't just read and leave, read and schedule! ⏳ Stop giving yourself all day! Shorter time blocks = more done 👯♀️ Body doubling +...
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How Much Responsibility Should You Take for Your Freelance Clients?
As freelancers, we want to help our clients succeed - but where's the line between great service and doing too much? In this week's episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm chatting about: ☕ Setting healthy boundaries (and sticking to them!) 📋 Onboarding with clear expectations 🔁 Regular...
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My Freelance Pet Peeve
In this bite-sized episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we're tackling one of the biggest freelance icks: when a client says, "You're too expensive." Emma shares a viral LinkedIn post exploring why that phrase hits differently, and how a simple shift in language can change the entire dynamic.…
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Why Do Freelancers Charge More per Hour Than Employees?
Welcome to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break with Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers. In this episode, Emma delves into the common question of why freelancers charge higher hourly rates than employees. She explains that freelancers have to cover additional costs such as...
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7 Tools for ADHD Freelancers
Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, we dive into indispensable tools that can help freelancers with ADHD or anyone else looking to boost productivity. Learn how Emma leverages AI for processes using ChatGPT, organises her business with Notion, manages inbox chaos with...
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Planning for Q4
Reflect and Revitalise: Preparing for Quarter Four as a Freelancer. In this episode of 'The Freelancers Tea Break', coach and mentor Emma Cossey discusses the importance of reflecting and planning for the last quarter of the year. Emma provides practical questions to help freelancers set…
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My Cosy Freelance Favourites
Join us in this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break as we delve into the cosy vibes of autumn and how to adapt your workspace for maximum comfort. We'll discuss the benefits of candles, blankets, and cosy fabrics, as well as essential routines for maintaining productivity and well-being during…
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Fresh Start Freelance Wk 4: Following Up
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares simple but effective follow-up strategies to help you stay top of mind with clients. From regular check-ins and friendly newsletters to personalised follow-ups after discovery calls, you'll learn how to build stronger client...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.
HOSTED BY
Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
CATEGORIES
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