The Freedom Kickstarter Podcast

Mike Samuels
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The #1 Podcast for all things copywriting, digital marketing and building a 100% freedom-focused business. Since 2019, I've been helping regular folks become "coffee shop copywriters" where they earn up to £350+ per hour, secure equity deals AND get to work when they want, where they want, and for who they want. We don't do sleaze, cheese, or hyped-up claims. You'll get a warts n' all look at the life of a coffee shop copywriter as you come along on your journey building a one-person laptop business, speaking to cool people, and trying to strike the balance between passion and profits.

  1. JAN 16

    EP 38 - Stop Chasing Likes. Start Making Offers (How Real Businesses Grow) With Paul Mort

    The Cost of Entry to Winning (Most People Won’t Pay It) with Paul Mort Most people don’t lack strategy. They lack courage. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Moore — 2× UK Master Coach of the Year, bestselling author, and serial business builder — for a raw conversation about the actual price of success. Not the Instagram price. Not the “post more content” price. The real one. Rejection. Discomfort. Doing things that don’t feel good… until they work. This episode will either sharpen you up — or expose where you’ve been hiding. What We Get Into: * Why most people want Champions League results with Sunday league effort * The uncomfortable truth about “working smarter, not harder” * Why content and likes are often just dopamine substitutes * The real reason people avoid DMs, emails, and making offers * Why rejection isn’t a bug — it’s the entry fee * How fear of unsubscribes quietly caps most businesses * Why being organised beats being “busy” * The hidden cost of staying liked, agreeable, and invisible * Why winners stop measuring applause and start measuring outcomes Key Ideas Worth Sitting With: * Posting isn’t selling. Conversations are. * If you can’t handle “no,” you can’t handle growth. * Rejection is not feedback — it’s filtering. * Likes feel good. Leads pay bills. * Most people aren’t doing “everything.” They’re doing the minimum and calling it effort. * Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It usually means you’re early. Quotes You’ll Remember: “That’s not everything. That’s the bare minimum.” “Rejection is the cost of entry to winning.” “If you’re scared of unsubscribes, you’re scared of growth.” “You don’t get Champions League results with Sunday league effort.” “If you won’t pay the price, you don’t get in the theme park.” Who This Episode Is For: * Business owners stuck “doing all the right things” with no traction Creators chasing engagement instead of outcomes Anyone avoiding sales because it feels uncomfortable People who say they want more — but won’t face rejection to get it Guest: Paul Mort 📍 Instagram: @paulmortofficial 📘 Book: Upgrade (Paperback release — January 2026) If this episode hit a nerve, good. That’s usually where growth starts. Subscribe to Freedom Kickstarter for conversations about business, performance, and building something real — without the b******t.

    1h 9m

  2. 11/07/2025

    EP 37 - So What Actually IS Copywriting?

    What is copywriting.. really? In this solo episode, Mike breaks down what copywriting actually means, what makes great copy tick, and why the best copywriters in the world aren’t just writers… they’re psychologists, marketers, and storytellers. You’ll learn the real skills behind persuasive writing, how to start building your own portfolio, and what separates high-earning copywriters from those who never get off the ground. If you’ve ever wondered how words can make people click “buy now,” this episode is your crash course in understanding the art and business of copywriting. What You’ll Learn: * The simple definition of copywriting (and why most people overcomplicate it) * How persuasion and psychology drive every great piece of copy * The two main types of copywriting, and which one pays more * Why clarity always beats cleverness * The single most important skill every copywriter must master * How top copywriters research their audience and uncover real pain points * The power of structure and why frameworks like AIDA still work 5 practical techniques that instantly level up your writing: Focus on benefits, not featuresUse simple languageAdd authentic social proofTackle objections directlyBe specific with proof and numbers The 3 paths (and how to pick the right one) to start your career: AgencyIn-house, Freelance Key Takeaways: * Copywriting isn’t about fancy words, it’s about human behaviour. * The best copywriters are obsessed with research, not writing. * Good copy connects, clarifies, and compels action. * You don’t need a degree or experience, you need curiosity and consistency. * The fastest way to learn copywriting? Write every day. Resources & Links: 👉 Watch the free ABP Masterclass: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass 👉 Join the ABP Waitlist: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist

    9 min

  3. 10/31/2025

    EP 36 - The Email Formula That Turns New Subscribers Into Buyers in 30 Days

    If you think email marketing is outdated, think again. In this episode, Mike sits down with Kennedy, co-founder of Email Marketing Heroes, a former comedy mind-reader who’s helped thousands of coaches, course creators, and business owners turn brand-new subscribers into loyal customers within 30 days. They dig into the psychology that makes people open, click, and buy, plus the simple campaign structures that make email your highest-ROI channel (without feeling spammy or salesy). Whether you’ve got 100 subscribers or 100,000, this episode will help you write emails that connect, convert, and keep people coming back for more. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * The Terrible Friend Campaign: how to re-engage a cold list the right way * The BED Formula (Beliefs, Evidence, Desire) that makes every offer easier to sell * How to write emails that build trust before you pitch * Why copying other people’s emails is the fastest way to fail * The truth about market research (and what most copywriters miss) * How to discover “hidden copy” directly from your customers’ words * Using AI as a research and automation tool, not a replacement for creativity * How to turn aspirational offers into urgent, irresistible ones * The emotional triggers behind every sale, from certainty to shame Key Takeaways: * Email isn’t dead, bad email is. * Build belief, show evidence, create desire - in that order. * Consistency beats complexity. Show up, add value, and reintroduce yourself when needed. * Every email should focus on one point, one emotion, and one clear action. * The best copy isn’t written. It’s discovered through your audience. Resources & Mentions: Free Training: emailmarketingheroes.com/coffee — Kennedy’s full course on converting new subscribers into buyers Email Marketing Heroes Podcast: emailmarketingheroes.com Follow Kennedy: https://www.instagram.com/emailmarketingheroes/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a fellow copywriter or business owner who needs to hear this. * Watch the free ABP Masterclass: thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass * Join the ABP Waitlist: thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist

    1h 12m

  4. 10/24/2025

    EP 35 - AI Won’t Replace You, The Person Using It Will (with Mr. AI)

    Everywhere you look, people are asking the same question: Is AI about to kill copywriting and marketing as we know it? In this episode, Mike sits down with Jamie Woods, founder of Black Swan Influence and better known as Mr. AI, to unpack what’s really happening at the crossroads of human creativity and machine intelligence. From how businesses are quietly replacing 300-person teams with automated systems, to why the best copywriters are using AI to enhance rather than replace their craft, this conversation is a reality check for anyone building a business in 2025 and beyond. What You’ll Learn * The real opportunities (and threats) AI brings to marketers and copywriters * How companies are already using AI to recover lost revenue and close unconverted leads * Why “prompting” is the new copy skill and how to do it properly * How to use AI for research, market analysis, and idea generation without losing your voice * The difference between using AI to think vs to produce, and why most people get it wrong * The danger of letting AI make you lazy, and how to keep your creative edge * How authenticity, imperfection, and human quirks are becoming premium assets * Jamie’s wild early-stage story from tax debt to building an AI system that clients now pay him royalties for Key Takeaways: * AI won’t replace great copywriters, but it will expose lazy ones. * Use AI to enhance your ideas, not to think for you. * Your quirks, tone, and imperfections are part of your credibility. * The real winners will be those who stack skills, creativity, strategy, and technology. * Be of value first; tools only multiply what’s already there. Resources & Links Watch the free ABP Masterclass: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass Join the ABP Waitlist: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist Connect with Jamie Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiekwoods

    52 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    EP 34 - Proven Ways to Sign Your First Copywriting Client

    You’ve read the books, watched the YouTube videos, and maybe even taken a few courses, but that one question still nags you: how do you actually get your first client? In this solo episode, Mike breaks down four proven, battle-tested ways to land your first paying copywriting gig, the same methods that have helped generate over $200M in client revenue and launch the careers of 600+ new copywriters. From personalised cold outreach to crafting a value-driven portfolio, joining agencies, and building your personal brand, this episode gives you a realistic, actionable roadmap to go from “no clients” to “in demand.” What You’ll Learn:* Why most “guru” tactics about getting clients fall flat* The right way to do cold outreach (and stand out in crowded inboxes)* How to create a prospecting portfolio that gets noticed even with no clients yet* When working for free actually makes sense (and how to make it work for you)* The hidden advantages of starting in an agency environment* Why building a personal brand works long-term but not overnight* The mindset shifts that help you secure your first client and turn it into many more Key Takeaways:* Don’t chase hacks, build trust one meaningful interaction at a time.* Ten thoughtful outreaches beat a thousand mass emails.* Your first client isn’t about money, it’s about momentum and proof.* Over-deliver early, it’s your best marketing strategy. Resources & LinksWatch the free ABP Masterclass: [https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass]Join the ABP Waitlist: [https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist]

    9 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    EP 33 - 9 Books You Must Read If You Want to Make Money From Writing

    Every copywriter has heard the same question: “What’s the best book to learn copywriting?”In this episode, we dive into nine essential books every copywriter should read, from timeless classics like Breakthrough Advertising to modern mindset shifters like Alchemy and Key Person of Influence.But the real gem of this conversation?The controversial advice at the end: why the best way to become a great copywriter might just be to stop reading and start writing.Books Mentioned1. The 4-Hour Workweek — Tim Ferriss2. The Advertising Solution — Brian Kurtz & Craig Simpson3. Purple Cow — Seth Godin4. Alchemy — Rory Sutherland5. Key Person of Influence — Daniel Priestley6. The Ultimate Sales Letter — Dan Kennedy Key Takeaways Principles don’t age. Copywriting trends change, but human behaviour doesn’t. Being “safe” kills creativity. Stand out like a Purple Cow. Learn to think, not just to write. Behavioural insights > formulaic hacks. Position yourself as a key person of influence. Niching down multiplies opportunity. Stop reading so much — start writing. Mastery comes from doing, not just studying.The Controversial Truth “If you want to get great at copy, stop reading and start writing.”Books can inspire, but writing every day builds intuition, persuasion, and rhythm. Analyse ads. Deconstruct headlines. Rewrite winning emails.That’s how real copywriters get good.Connect & Continue* 💬 Which copywriting book changed your career? Drop it in the comments.* 🔔 Subscribe for more grounded conversations about writing, marketing, and business growth.

    12 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    EP 32 - The World's Most Effective Email Welcome Sequence

    Most email welcome sequences are terrible. Too pushy. Too desperate. Too full of “hacks” that make your audience run for the unsubscribe button. This episode shows you how to flip the script — and build a welcome sequence that actually builds trust, starts relationships the right way, and sells (without feeling gross). If you want to stop chasing quick wins and instead build a business full of customers who want to buy from you again and again… this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why 99% of welcome sequences fail (and what to do differently) The one thing your first email MUST do before anything else How to use “value-first” positioning to create trust that compounds Why selling in email #1 is a trap (and what to send instead) A sneaky trick to get people replying — and why that trains inboxes to treat you like a friend, not spam A simple 3-email framework that balances story, proof, and offers Episode Breakdown – Why most welcome sequences suck – What a welcome sequence actually is – Delivering the thing they signed up for (seriously, don’t skip this) – Value-first vs. freebie seekers (the truth) – Why you should not sell in email one – The inbox trick that gets you into “Primary” instead of spam – A 3-email structure you can steal today Links & Resources Follow along on YouTube for more breakdowns like this → [Subscribe here] Got feedback or want to share your take? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear it. If you’re ready to stop pushing discount codes and start building an email list full of lifelong fans, hit play and let’s go.

    10 min

  8. 08/22/2025

    EP 31 - This Email Strategy Made Over Half a Million, 100% Organically

    In 2019, I launched the Freedom Kickstarter, a copywriting course that went on to make over £700,000 in sales. More than half a million of that came organically, no fancy funnels, no tech wizardry, and no hypey marketing tactics that make you feel like you need a shower afterwards. In this episode, I break down exactly how I did it step-by-step and how you can replicate the structure, whether you’re selling a course, service, or even physical products. You’ll discover: * The Offer Hook That Stood Out – Why “earn £350/hour” beat generic “learn copywriting” promises. * The Unique Mechanism – How identifying 5 core pillars made the course different (without making anything up). * 18 Months of Reciprocity – The value of emailing without selling… and why it made launch day a no-brainer for buyers. * Building in Public – How showing behind-the-scenes stoked demand before the cart even opened. * The Secondary Benefit Principle – Why adding a second aligned benefit can be the real sales driver. * Risk Removal Done Right – The double guarantee that made saying “yes” feel safe. * Post-Launch Momentum – Using student results to create FOMO for the next enrolment. * Price Increases With Integrity – How structured launch phases encouraged early action (and built trust). This isn’t theory, it’s the exact blueprint that turned a tiny 1,400-person email list into a multi–six-figure business. If you want to see the actual emails that sold the course, stick around until the end, I’ll tell you how to get them.

    11 min
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The #1 Podcast for all things copywriting, digital marketing and building a 100% freedom-focused business. Since 2019, I've been helping regular folks become "coffee shop copywriters" where they earn up to £350+ per hour, secure equity deals AND get to work when they want, where they want, and for who they want. We don't do sleaze, cheese, or hyped-up claims. You'll get a warts n' all look at the life of a coffee shop copywriter as you come along on your journey building a one-person laptop business, speaking to cool people, and trying to strike the balance between passion and profits.

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