Freelancer BTS - What happens when they click?

Freelancer BTS - What happens when they click?

Author: Steve Folland February 16, 2026 Duration: 6:08
Instead a full episode, here's a look behind the scenes of what I'm (Steve Folland - freelance podcast editor) up to in my own business. This week I realised if I'm going to pay for an advert for my services, there's something I need to do first...

Stepping away from the traditional career path to work for yourself is a journey filled with unique highs and lows. Being Freelance, hosted by Steve Folland, delves into that reality through candid conversations with those who are living it. Each episode is built around a freelancer's personal story, moving from their first tentative steps to the ongoing challenges and triumphs of running a solo business. You'll hear authentic discussions about finding clients, setting boundaries, managing finances, and coping with the isolation that can sometimes accompany the freedom. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's the practical, often messy, human experience of building a livelihood from your own skills. Steve guides these conversations with empathy, drawing out insights that are both reassuring and actionable. The podcast serves as a regular reminder that the questions and doubts you face are shared by others navigating the same waters. Tuning in provides a sense of connection and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, whether you're just considering the leap or are a seasoned veteran looking to refine your craft. It’s a resource that acknowledges the tough days while celebrating the incredible rewards of designing your own working life.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Being Freelance
Podcast Episodes
Email Strategist & Copywriter Nikki Elbaz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
After being made redundant from her New York agency job, Nikki thought she’d go to Israel for a year and freelance as a copywriter. If it didn’t work out, she’d come back and get another agency job. 7.5 years later her f…
Web Designer and Developer Ryan Gittings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:09
Ryan started freelancing still in his teens, mentored by his first (and only) boss. Intriguingly, for SEO purposes he has both a freelancer website and a local agency site, but doesn’t want to grow bigger than being a so…
Brand & Squarespace Website Designer Krishna Solanki [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
Krishna was always freelance on the side of other jobs, eventually going full self-employed in 2019. Now with the support of a mentor, a community and mastermind group she’s growing her business into an agency. A lot goi…
Brand & Web Designer Micah Woods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:03
Micah is a pandemic freelancer. A year after losing his job and starting out, he redesigned his ‘OK Micah’ website to be full of his personality and aligned with his values: to help and celebrate queer businesses. Two ye…
Eco Copywriter Estelle Hakner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:46
Living on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, Estelle has created a freelance business that is good for her and the planet. Focussing on her green values (some might say ‘ecopreneur’ 😬🌎 but she won’t) and building…
Designer & Illustrator Iancu Barbarasa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
Iancu moved from a successful branding career as an employee in Romania to being a freelancer in London. 1200 miles. Smoothed over by 600 emails. Not asking for work, but seeking connection.
Conversion Copywriter Diane Wiredu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
Diane has learned and change a lot in a short space of time of being freelance. Or being the 'business owner’ of ‘Lion Words’. By my taking time to step back. Adjust. And just do it. She’s doing more of work she enjoys.…
Illustrator and Arts Educator Fredde Lanka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:40
Swedish artist Fredde explores and celebrates queer culture and community in his work. Beyond Pride month tokenism, Fredde thinks creating around these values may well have meant some big brand, big money projects won’t…
Photographer Tianna J Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
Tianna was working as a midwife. But having a family of her own meant she wanted flexibility that midwifery simply couldn’t give her. So she helped bring her own business into the world instead. As a maternity & newborn…
Health Copywriter Louise Shanahan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:40
Straight out of university Louise wanted to travel and start her career. Instead she had to start treatment for a major health scare. On the mend, she found a job in government, but decided to focus on making a differenc…