If you know me well, you’ll know I’m a bit of a podcast fiend. Because I spend all day reading and writing, I listen to podcasts instead of reading even more when I’m not working. Plus, they’re great when I’m on the move or doing chores and can’t sit down and read. I bang on a fair bit about cool podcasts I’ve found or tips I’ve picked up from a recent interview. And recently I’ve even been invited onto a few podcasts as a guest – eep! So, I wanted to share my favourite podcasts for freelancers which have helped me learn and grow as a business owner. Check them out and I hope you love them as much as I do.
Being Freelance
Hosted by the fabulous King of Biscuits aka Steve Folland, Being Freelance is a brilliant resource. Each week Steve interviews a different freelancer about their journey and what they’ve learned along the way. It’s a great way to pick up tips for your own business. Plus, it really doesn’t matter whether the interviewee is in the same sector as you. Through listening to Being Freelance, I’ve learned from other copywriters and marketers as well as graphic designers, photographers and more.
If it wasn’t for Tooth and Claw, this would probably take the top spot for my all-time favourite podcast. But, sorry Steve, hearing how people escaped (or didn’t) attacks from lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) still take priority over thinking about my business!
The 15-Minute Freelancer
While I love a deep dive, I also enjoy short, snappy podcasts that offer great insights in a small package. That’s exactly what you get from Louise Shanahan’s podcast the 15 Minute Freelancer. It’s a snack-sized guide with helpful tips and practical strategies to help freelancers run a successful business.
I particularly enjoyed Louise’s episode about how she plans her day. Even though our days are structured in the opposite way (my deep focus time is in the morning, hers is in the afternoon), it's a great reminder that, as business owners, we don’t need to stick to the 9–5. The only ‘right’ way to plan your day is the way that feels right for you.
How To Start Up
How To Start Up is another great podcast for business owners hosted by Juliet Fallowfield. Juliet is MD & Founder of PR & Communications agency Fallow, Field & Mason. If you’ve started your own company, this is a great podcast to check out. It covers topics including boundaries, embracing mistakes, managing social media, how to work on (not in) your business and more. I was thrilled to be featured on the podcast recently too. I must admit it was very weird (but cool!) to see my own name when scrolling through my podcast feed!
All The Business Bits
This is another podcast that I was kindly invited to speak on recently. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the host Ingrid Fernandez of Dec + Dash Consulting. What’s great about this podcast is the focus on the less sexy parts of running your business – because those are so important too! Check it out to learn from experts on topics including pricing, finance, marketing, legal issues and more.
The Daily Pep
It’s rare that I listen to every single episode of a podcast I’m subscribed to. The Daily Pep (along with Tooth & Claw and Being Freelance) is a notable exception. But the five-minute pep talks from the Daily Pep are a staple part of my morning. Hosted by coach Meg Kissack (who also runs The Couragemakers Podcast – another great listen), this rebel-rousing podcast remind creative women that they’re not alone in running their business. Meg has an amazing knack for always seeming to cover the topic you feel like you really need at that time – and, at just five minutes per episode, it’s a quick and easy listen to boost your day.
Radio Headspace
It’s easy to get carried away with your business – especially when you feel stressed and overwhelmed. So I really enjoy Headspace (both the app and the podcast) to remind me to take a few moments to pause, take a deep breath and come back down to earth away from my chattering mind. It’s another daily podcast with short episodes that I highly recommend.
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Did you know you spend a quarter of your life at work? Organisational psychologist believes that’s why we should enjoy our work. In his podcast, WorkLife, he hosts a fascinating range of interviews with professionals to find out the key to a better work life. Definitely worth a listen!
The Insomnia Project
OK, so you might not be learning about business with this one but sometimes when your brain is buzzing and you can’t switch off, you need some background noise to ease you off to sleep. In the Insomnia Project, host Marco Timpano has a gentle conversation about something less-than-gripping so you can listen along as you fall asleep – but you won’t miss out if you don’t make it to the end. I first discovered this podcast a while back and fell fast asleep during a discussion of which Canadian Prime Minister was the most boring. I can’t give you any spoilers because, despite listening to that episode several times, I’ve never actually found out the answer. Which I think means they’re doing their job pretty well.
Hi, I'm Mel and I'm a freelance writer telling stories about the ocean, marine science and nature conservation. If you enjoyed this blog and want to show your support I'd be very grateful for anyone who considers buying me a virtual coffee.
