High-Income Business Writing Podcast

If you're feeling like your freelance business is shifting beneath your feet—but you can’t quite name what’s changed—you’re not alone. Most writers sense something is different… but they don’t know how to respond strategically. In this solo episode, I dive into what I believe is the real driver behind the changes we’re seeing in the freelance writing space. Yes, the economy has cooled, and that’s still a big factor, since marketing is one of the first areas to get cut when business is slow. But AI is now playing a much bigger role than most writers realize. And the pace of disruption is happening much faster than we’re used to. I break down the data, the two dominant schools of thought about where AI is taking us, and the five predictions I’m making about the next 18 months. More importantly, I share what I believe you can do right now to adapt and thrive, no matter where you stand on the AI debate. Whether you’ve been avoiding AI, tinkering with tools randomly, or wondering how to respond to market shifts… this episode will help you make sense of it all and chart a path forward with confidence. What You’ll Learn What’s really behind the shrinking pool of freelance writing work, and how AI factors in The “two schools of thought” on AI’s long-term impact (and which side I lean toward) Why capability gaps (not talent) are quietly holding writers back What makes this wave of disruption different from anything we’ve ever faced before Five bold predictions about AI and the freelance market between now and the end of 2026. Key Insights and Takeaways The Economy Isn’t the Whole Story Yes, budgets are tighter. But the shift we’re seeing in client behavior and referral flow can’t be explained by economics alone. AI is already changing how content is created and reshaping client expectations behind the scenes. You’re Not Just Competing With Other Writers You're competing with writers plus AI, and clients don’t always realize that’s what’s happening. But they do notice faster turnaround times, deeper insights, and stronger strategy. That’s the new baseline. The Problem Isn’t Tools, It’s Random Tool Use Most writers are reacting to AI passively or using it without a clear strategy. That only leads to frustration and overwhelm. The ones who are thriving are using AI to systematically identify and close capability gaps—areas they previously avoided due to a lack of experience or confidence. Exponential Change Is Hard to See... Until It Isn’t We’ve moved from the “gradually” phase to the “suddenly” phase of change. Each new model is doubling the power of the last. If you're still measuring AI by what it could do six months ago, you're behind. The 18-Month Window We’re entering a short window where positioning yourself strategically—through capability expansion, not random experimentation—can lead to exponential growth. But that window is closing fast. Writers who miss it may find themselves permanently behind. Action Steps You Can Take This Week 1. Identify Your Competitive Blind Spot Is there a type of project, industry, or strategic conversation you avoid because you feel underqualified? That’s your gap. Write it down. 2. Use AI to Explore That Gap Leverage tools like ChatGPT or Claude to research the format, reverse-engineer a successful project, or role-play a strategic conversation you’d normally avoid. 3. Reframe How You Think About Your Capabilities Instead of saying “That’s not what I do,” ask, “If I had the right support, could I deliver excellent results here?” 4. Pick One Gap to Work on Systematically You don’t have to fix everything overnight. But momentum starts with a single capability. Choose one, and take the first step. Memorable Soundbites “The disruption is happening faster than most writers can process because our brains aren't wired for exponential change.” We're not at the beginning of the chessboard anymore. We’re nearly halfway there.” “You’re competing with writers plus AI, not just with other writers.” “The tools stay invisible, but the performance gap becomes obvious.” “This isn’t about learning tools randomly. It’s about using AI systematically to close your biggest capability gaps.” “Six months from now, you’ll either be expanding your capabilities or watching the gap between you and your competitors widen.” “You don’t have to become an AI cheerleader to respond strategically. You just have to be honest about what the market is telling you.” “Hope is not a strategy. Especially when the ground is shifting this fast.” If this episode struck a chord, I’d be honored if you shared it with a fellow writer or freelancer. Until next time, keep writing, keep adapting, and keep building the business you actually want—not just the one you think you’re stuck with.

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.

In this engaging discussion with Melissa Mitri, a freelance health writer and content strategist, listeners discover how to foster genuine connections without the awkwardness of traditional networking. Melissa reveals her low-stress approach to staying top-of-mind with clients, focusing on empathy and generosity rather than pushy follow-ups. She emphasizes redefining networking on your own terms, sharing practical tips for nurturing relationships in the freelance world, especially in health and wellness writing. It's a refreshing take on building professional ties without feeling intrusive.

Episode Summary Success in your freelance business isn’t about grand gestures, massive marketing campaigns, or expensive training. It’s about the tiny, seemingly insignificant moments you’re tempted to skip—the quick LinkedIn post, the follow-up email, the slightly bolder pricing quote. These micro-moments are where real transformation happens. In this episode, we explore how small decisions—often dismissed as trivial—can lead to major breakthroughs in your freelance career. Whether it’s landing a high-paying client, securing a game-changing project, or leveling up your pricing, the path to success is built one micro-moment at a time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ·       Why the most pivotal changes in your business come from micro-moments, not big moves. ·       Real-life examples of how tiny decisions led to massive breakthroughs. ·       How to recognize and seize these opportunities in your own freelance career. ·       Practical steps to train yourself to take action—even when it feels pointless. Key Takeaways 1. Micro-Moments Are the Foundation of Freelance Success The biggest client you land won’t come from a massive campaign; it’ll likely stem from a quick follow-up email you almost didn’t send. The rate increase that changes your business starts with one tiny moment of courage. Your best opportunities often come from the things you’re most tempted to dismiss as “too small to matter.” 2. Success Happens in the Small Choices You Make Daily Skipping that quick outreach might mean missing a life-changing opportunity. That extra five minutes tweaking your website copy could be the difference between a lead converting or bouncing. Small habits and micro-decisions compound over time, creating momentum that drives business growth. 3. Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions — Take Action Now Life will always throw obstacles in your way, but progress doesn’t require ideal conditions. Success is built in the moments when you could have said "not now" but chose to act instead. Train yourself to recognize these moments and embrace them as opportunities. Actionable Exercises ·       Micro-Moment Awareness: At the end of each day, reflect on one small action you took that could lead to something bigger. ·       The "What the Heck" Rule: Next time you're debating whether to send that follow-up or post that update, just do it. Assume it could be the moment that changes everything. ·       Tiny Courage Challenge: Quote slightly higher than you normally would. Send the pitch you’re nervous about. Take one small but bold action this week. Listener Challenge This week, commit to embracing just one micro-moment you would normally ignore. Take action, then observe what happens. You might just be surprised at the results.