PODCAST · business
The Guidebook
by Rachel Meltzer
This is the Guidebook. We’re sharing tips for freelancers, raw conversations with risk-takers, how to become a digital nomad, and the emotions behind it all. On the show, Rachel Meltzer shares everything she's learned in the past five years of freelancing and living nomadically – showing you how you can work to live instead of living to work. She's interviewing some of her favorite digital nomads and entrepreneurs to help you unlock your bravest self. We’re unveiling the challenges and joys of adventure to inspire you to TAKE THE RISK.
Episodes
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Freelance Office Hours: Pricing, Contracts, and Getting Clients in 2025
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: ✅ How to get freelance clients without relying on Upwork ✅ The exact follow-up...
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Afton Brazzoni trades scarcity for mindset-driven growth
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…
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I Answered Freelancers’ Biggest Questions (Pricing, Clients, Mindset & More)
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...
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Take back your time with Claire Hill
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…
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Lizzie Davey is Redefining Freelance Success
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-...
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Introducing: Get Started Freelancing
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...
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Solocast: How to stop “selling yourself”
Marketing yourself feels weird? Let’s fix that.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that make getting clients *way* easier. Spoiler: it’s not about “selling yourself.” Instead, we’re talking about: 📗 the numbers game📗 how to build real relationships📗 why persistence pays...
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Inkpot Creative Streamlined to Scale
Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative is our guest this week! Jessie is one half of Inkpot Creative’s full-time team. They’re a branding and web design studio for photographers who’ve really nailed down their offerings to enable streamlined scheduling, clear packages and pricing, hiring two part time...
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Erin Meltzer: from stewardess to pilot
My sister Erin joins me to share her journey from freelancing in the yachting world to becoming a commercial seaplane pilot. We compare how her experiences freelancing in hospitality were different from mine in digital marketing. She opens up about managing emotions and mindset during career...
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Steven Schneider knows SEO
This episode, we’re chatting with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO. He shares his journey from being a college student to running a successful SEO agency. We talk about: Steven’s work mindset Treating business as an experiment The transition from college to entrepreneurship…
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Michelle Hsu simplifies marketing
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 -...
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Anna Burgess Yang is a workflow genius
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…
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Alexa Phillips architects brands
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...
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Kara Perez makes wealth building brave & sustainable
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...
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Maari Casey is making it easier for freelancers & companies to find each other
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…
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Marie-Pier Tremblay wants to help you overcome fear
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...
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Wudan Yan is more than a journalist
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...
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Melanie Padgett Powers on being deliberate
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…
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Daniel Brenneman leverages empathy for deeper connections in business
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...
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Dyslexia is a strength with Ray Slater Berry
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...
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Mara Watts on balancing motherhood and freelance life
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 ✨...
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Getting over perfectionism with Will Stevens
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…
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Blair Sharp is learning to thrive with ADHD
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…
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Sarah Anto wants you to think like a startup founder
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…
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Monica Shaw juggles multiple revenue streams
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...
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Marie Pier Tremblay wants to change the way you think
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…
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Johanna Flashman wrote a book (while living in a van)
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: Johannas...
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Rachel Ayotte on self care through freelancing
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: Rachel's experience of Pop Club The importance of taking time…
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Rachel Dilliplane discovers freelancing on the road
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: Comparisons between building…
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Austin L. Church's morning marketing habit will change your life
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: Austin's…
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Sarah Collie started freelance writing with no experience
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: Starting a freelance...
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Megan K. Bradley quit her 9-5 with Camp Moxie
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...
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Jenni Gritters slowed down
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…
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Nick Lafferty exited early
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...
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Liz Heflin has been freelancing since 2006
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…
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Shelbi Polk shares all of her travel & budgeting tips for freelancers
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. In this episode, we talk about travel and...
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Shelbi Polk left newspapers to nerd out about books
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. In this episode, we talk about: How...
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Polly Clover quit teaching to become a freelance writer & SEO expert
Polly Clover joins us today to talk about: That time she bought a one-way ticket to teach English as a foreign language How she became a freelance writer Why she finally quit being a teacher The honesty that turned her from freelance writer to SEO expert How to LEARN Her new SEO Blogging Course…
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Jackie Lastinger on fueling your own fire
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…
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Ash Czarnota on thruhiking while freelancing
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: what it was like to start her biz (spoiler: she flew by the seat of her pants) how she saved for…
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Don't share your rates publicly...
Controversial take: you shouldn't share your rates publicly. In this episode, find out why! Plus, snag my pricing guide template. Get the Template: The Pricing Guide Template PS Insta is kinda my thing: Find me on Instagram
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Money Mindset for Freelance Writers
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…
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Can I have more than 1 niche? + How do I know if a niche is a profitable?
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.
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Season 3 Trailer
Welcome back to the Guidebook! We're doing things a bit differently this season. Stay tuned for more...
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Kevin "Spacejam" Grooman
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...
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Dylan "Pickle" Tonkin
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. +...
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Lea 'Blue Cheese' Geibel
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...
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Asher 'AM Fog' McGlothlin
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…
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Elina 'Tip Tap' Osborne | Pt. II
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...
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Elina 'Tip Tap' Osborne | Pt. I
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is the Guidebook. We’re sharing tips for freelancers, raw conversations with risk-takers, how to become a digital nomad, and the emotions behind it all. On the show, Rachel Meltzer shares everything she's learned in the past five years of freelancing and living nomadically – showing you how you can work to live instead of living to work. She's interviewing some of her favorite digital nomads and entrepreneurs to help you unlock your bravest self. We’re unveiling the challenges and joys of adventure to inspire you to TAKE THE RISK.
HOSTED BY
Rachel Meltzer
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Guidebook have?
The Guidebook currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Guidebook about?
This is the Guidebook. We’re sharing tips for freelancers, raw conversations with risk-takers, how to become a digital nomad, and the emotions behind it all. On the show, Rachel Meltzer shares everything she's learned in the past five years of freelancing and living nomadically – showing you how...
How often does The Guidebook release new episodes?
The Guidebook has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Guidebook?
You can listen to The Guidebook on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Guidebook?
The Guidebook is created and hosted by Rachel Meltzer.
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