High-Income Business Writing Podcast

The conversation around AI and writing is heating up. But too often, it’s framed as a false choice: AI is either “bad” and deceptive, or it’s the ultimate shortcut to productivity. In this solo episode, I challenge that binary thinking and unpack the real issues at stake for freelance writers. Sparked by a provocative LinkedIn post from Mariya Delano, CEO of Kalyna Marketing, this discussion dives into the myths and misconceptions that keep us stuck in unproductive debates. I lay out 10 false assumptions fueling the AI writing controversy. And I explain why the future belongs to freelancers who can master what I call “creative synthesis,” which is the ability to skillfully combine human judgment, lived experience, taste, and AI capabilities into something far greater than either could achieve alone. If you’ve been wondering how to navigate the AI conversation with clients — or how to position yourself to thrive in an AI-enhanced world — this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need. What You’ll Learn Why binary debates about AI (“good” vs. “bad”) miss the bigger picture The 10 false assumptions about AI that are holding writers back How to reframe AI as a tool for amplification (not deception!) The concept of Creative Synthesis and why it’s the skill that will set you apart The four phases of Creative Synthesis mastery and how to progress through them Key Insights and Takeaways AI doesn’t equal deception: Like Grammarly or Google, it’s a tool. What matters is how you use it and whether you’re transparent. Not all AI is the same: There’s a vast spectrum of use cases, from research to brainstorming to drafting, and lumping them all together is misleading. Clients care about results, not process: What builds trust is consistent, high-value outcomes. It’s not about whether AI played a role behind the scenes. Creative Synthesis is the future: The winning freelancers will be those who can blend AI capabilities with strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and client understanding. Action Steps You Can Take This Week Audit your AI beliefs: Which of the 10 assumptions have you unconsciously bought into? Experiment intentionally: Spend 30 minutes testing a new AI workflow for creativity and strategy, not just for efficiency. Develop your AI policy: Be ready to discuss openly with clients how (if at all) you use AI in your process. Shift your mindset: Stop asking “AI vs. no AI?” and start asking, “How can I combine AI with my skills to deliver extraordinary value?” Memorable Soundbites “The debate isn’t AI good or AI bad. The real question is: how will you use it to create something that only you can?” “Using AI doesn’t make you less original. What makes your work original is the judgment, taste, and perspective only you bring.” “The freelancers who thrive won’t be the ones avoiding AI or blindly copy-pasting it. To thrive in the years ahead you’ll need to master Creative Synthesis.” Listener Challenge This week, pick one client project (current or past) and ask yourself: Where could AI have enhanced my process—not replaced me, but amplified my creativity, speed, or strategic value? Then take one small step to test that approach in your next project. If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow freelancer navigating the AI conversation. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you earn more in less time... doing work you love, for better clients.

Hourly billing is the default pricing model for many writers. But it’s also a hidden trap that can sabotage your growth, undervalue your expertise, and limit your income. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the ceiling on your earnings or struggled to position yourself as a trusted partner rather than a hired hand, this episode will change the way you view pricing forever. In today’s episode, I break down 15 compelling reasons why hourly billing is actively working against you — and what you can do instead to unlock your earning potential and build trust-based, outcome-focused client relationships. What You’ll Learn Why hourly billing punishes efficiency and caps your income potential. How it undermines your positioning as an expert and devalues your unique expertise. The hidden costs of hourly billing: admin burden, client micromanagement, and trust erosion. The psychological traps that make it hard to raise your rates under hourly models. Why shifting to value-based pricing or project fees can transform your business. Steps to reframe client conversations around value and outcomes, not hours. Key Insights and Takeaways Hourly billing creates a perverse incentive against efficiency. The faster you work, the less you earn, which is the opposite of how a healthy freelance business should function. It permanently caps your income potential. There are only so many hours you can sell, and raising your hourly rate eventually hits a ceiling. It erodes trust and positions you as a commodity. Clients start focusing on hours rather than outcomes, leading to micromanagement and suspicion. It fails to capture your true value. Your best insights often come from years of accumulated expertise, not the hours it takes to execute a task. Fixed project fees and value-based pricing aligns your interests with your clients. When you price based on the outcomes and value you deliver, you can grow your income while building stronger client relationships. Memorable Soundbites ·       “Hourly billing rewards incompetence and punishes mastery.” ·       “You’re not selling time, you’re selling outcomes.” ·       “Hourly billing turns your business into a job you can’t quit.” Action Steps 🔹 Reflect: Are you stuck in the hourly billing trap? Track how it limits your income and positioning.🔹 Experiment: Try quoting your next project as a fixed fee based on value rather than time.🔹 Reframe: Start asking clients, “What outcomes are you looking to achieve? What makes this project important?” rather than “How many hours will this take?”🔹 Educate your clients: Share the benefits of non-hourly models and how it aligns your incentives with theirs.🔹 Internal tracking only: Continue tracking your time for your own data and profitability analysis, but avoid sharing these hours with clients. Listener Challenge This week, pick one service you currently bill hourly and write down how you would price it based on the scope and value instead. You don’t have to roll it out immediately, but this exercise will shift your mindset toward value-based pricing.

Freelance writers are feeling the impact of rapid changes driven by AI technology. The host discusses the cooling economy's effect on marketing budgets and the urgency for writers to adapt. Different perspectives on AI's long-term effects are explored, alongside the critical capability gaps writers must address. Personal experiences with AI tools offer insights into enhancing client work, while five bold predictions about the evolving landscape encourage writers to blend their skills with tech savvy. Adaptability and human judgment are essential for thriving in this new era.

What do you do when a dream referral turns into a nightmare-in-the-making? One of my coaching clients recently found herself in a tricky spot. Her best referral partner had sent her what initially seemed like a solid lead. But after a few back-and-forths, things started to feel… off. The red flags were waving, and she could sense this prospect would likely become a difficult client. She wanted out. But she didn’t want to burn bridges with either the potential client or the trusted source who referred them. In this week’s short episode, I share the guidance I gave her — a simple, thoughtful way to bow out gracefully while preserving both relationships. It’s a nuanced dance, but once you know the framework, you’ll be ready to handle these moments with professionalism and clarity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: A simple strategy to walk away from a referral without damaging key relationships Why these situations are more common than most freelancers think The importance of protecting your boundaries, even when referrals are involved Sample language and scripts you can adapt to your own client communications Key Takeaway: Saying “no” doesn’t have to feel like burning a bridge. With the right framing, you can protect your time and energy and preserve the relationships that matter most. Listener Challenge: If you're currently navigating a tricky referral or client dynamic, take a few moments to draft your “graceful opt-out” message. Use this episode as your guide. And remember, professionalism and honesty go a long way.

Discover how to escape the "experience prison" that limits your income by leveraging AI as a capability multiplier rather than just a speed tool. Explore five critical gaps hindering freelancers and learn to confidently tackle high-value projects without extensive training. Shift your mindset from questioning your knowledge to embracing your ability to figure things out. Uncover practical strategies to use AI to exponentially enhance your skills, efficiency, and market value in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What if a story that’s haunted you for years… was never true? In this short but powerful episode, we dive into a jaw-dropping true story that will make you question the narratives you’ve been carrying — especially the ones that have shaped your identity and decisions for years. It’s the story of Derek Sivers, entrepreneur and author, who spent 16 years believing he had ruined a woman’s life in a devastating car accident. The guilt became part of who he was — until a shocking encounter revealed the truth: the story he’d built his life around was never real. And that revelation opens up a much bigger conversation for all of us as freelancers and solo professionals. What beliefs are you holding onto that no longer serve you? What if the story that’s limiting your potential is a lie you’ve been telling yourself for years? Key Takeaway: We all carry stories about ourselves, our worth, our abilities, our mistakes. But sometimes, those stories aren’t rooted in fact. They’re rooted in fear, shame, or incomplete information. And they keep us stuck. When we challenge those narratives, we create space for healing, growth, and a more empowered future. Listener Challenge: This week, carve out 15 minutes to reflect on a belief or story you've been carrying, especially one that weighs you down. Ask yourself: Is it 100% true? Where did it come from? What would change if I let it go?

In a world increasingly dominated by AI, the need for unique human skills has never been more critical. Discover the concept of 'meta-talents,' the higher-order skills that set you apart from machines. Learn how to leverage qualities like taste, discernment, and emotional intelligence as your competitive edge. AI can handle the mundane, but it can't replicate the nuanced thinking and creativity that you offer. Embrace AI as a tool to amplify your skills, not as competition.

Episode Summary Looking back on the past 30 years of my career, I’ve faced challenges, doubts, and moments of pure grit. Through all of it, I’ve realized there are three core rules that have guided me — rules that I didn’t define at the time but, in hindsight, have made all the difference. These aren’t just feel-good ideas. They’re battle-tested principles that have helped me push through fear, uncertainty, and roadblocks. And if you’re looking to build a meaningful, successful freelance career, these rules might just change the way you approach your work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ·       Why obstacles often contain hidden opportunities... if you’re willing to see them. How belief in your goal can override doubt and fear. Why bold action always beats overthinking. How these three rules can create real, tangible success in your freelance career. Key Takeaways 1. Obstacles Are Opportunities in Disguise Most people see obstacles as stop signs, but they often hold the seeds of greater success. The key is how you respond. Do you stop in your tracks or look for the opportunity within? Every major breakthrough in my career started as a challenge that I chose to push through. 2. Belief in Your Goal is More Powerful Than Doubt We’re constantly told to “be realistic” and lower our expectations. But our perception shapes our reality; if we believe in the obstacle more than the goal, the obstacle wins. A little bit of “crazy” is necessary to achieve big results. If you’re going to believe in something, believe in your vision. 3. Bold Action Beats Overthinking Every Time The perfect plan doesn’t exist. Progress happens when you start moving. Clarity, creativity, and solutions emerge when you’re in motion, not when you’re stuck analyzing every possibility. The biggest breakthroughs in my business didn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment. They came from taking the leap. Actionable Exercises ·       Reframe an Obstacle: Think of a challenge you’re facing right now. Instead of focusing on what’s stopping you, ask: What hidden opportunity does this contain? Challenge Your Own Doubts: Identify one area where you’ve been playing it safe because of fear. What’s one small, bold step you can take today? Take Imperfect Action: Stop overanalyzing and commit to one meaningful action this week that moves you forward. Listener Challenge This week, take one bold action... even if you don’t feel fully ready. See what happens when you stop waiting and start moving.

What if AI could be your greatest ally in business? Instead of fearing its rise, discover how it can redefine your role as a strategic content creator. Learn to harness AI as a creative partner, amplifying your productivity while maintaining high-quality output. The market for writing is changing, and those who adapt will thrive by evolving from execution-focused work to creative leadership. Embrace a Human+AI approach and explore a 30-day action plan to transform your business model and enhance your impact!

Episode Summary We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, social media updates, and a steady stream of mental noise. It feels productive, but in reality, it’s draining our focus, creativity, and mental energy. Just like our bodies benefit from intermittent fasting, our minds need regular breaks from constant input. Yet, many of us struggle with even a few moments of true silence. In this episode, we explore the power of mental fasting—why stepping away from constant stimulation can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and unlock your best ideas. Plus, I share my own struggle with slipping back into the trap of overstimulation and what I’m doing to reset. What I Discuss in This Episode ·       Why too much mental input creates foggy thinking and anxiety ·       How regular “mental fasting” leads to clearer, more creative thinking ·       Simple ways to build mental fasting into your daily routine ·       Why a quiet mind isn’t an empty mind; it’s a free-thinking mind Key Takeaways 1. Your Brain is Overloaded with Mental Sugar Every notification, news alert, and email gives you a dopamine hit... but at a cost. Too much input leads to stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion. Like junk food, overconsumption of information makes you sluggish and unfocused. 2. Mental Fasting Creates Clarity and Creativity The best ideas don’t come when you’re constantly consuming Quiet time helps reduce stress, sharpen decision-making, and improve focus. Even a few minutes of mental fasting can make a noticeable difference. 3. Start Small: 15 Minutes of Daily Silence Commit to just 15 minutes of quiet each morning. No phone, no music, no distractions. Over time, expand this to longer breaks, like half a day without your phone on weekends. Experiment with deeper mental fasts, such as a full day without screens. Actionable Exercises ·       15-Minute Morning Mental Fast: Start your day with 15 minutes of complete silence. No inputs. Just sit and let your thoughts settle. ·       Weekend Phone Detox: Put your phone in a drawer for a half-day on Saturday or Sunday. ·       Full Digital Sabbath: Try going screen-free from sunrise to sunset once a week and notice how it affects your focus and creativity (yikes!). Listener Challenge This week, commit to one small mental fast—even just 15 minutes of silence in the morning. See how it impacts your clarity, stress levels, and creativity.