The Content Byte

Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni

5.0 (4)
CAREERS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosts Rachel Smith (from Rachel's List) and journalist and content writer Lynne Testoni are serving up weekly short bites of advice, tips and strategies, plus special guests, for freelancers who make a living from using their words. We're shooting for 15-minute episodes, but can't promise anything because we can both talk the leg off a chair.

2D AGO

Breaking the freelance stress cycle - with Sabina Read

This week Rachel and Lynne chat with psychologist Sabina Read about catastrophising, perfectionism and the freelance stress spiral. Sabina explains catastrophising as a cognitive distortion where we jump to the worst-case scenario and treat thoughts as facts, and why it can show up more in freelancing due to a lack of workplace "guardrails" such as regular income and employer support. They discuss: the difference between genuine, evidence-based concerns (like fewer jobs or more competition) and catastrophising how scarcity vs abundance mindsets influence freelance anxiety why perfectionism fuels anxiety, and why "good enough is good enough" how the brain reinforces threat-focused neural pathways – and how to build new ones by noticing what's working practical circuit breakers and using breath to come down from fight-or-flight before making decisions how avoidance fuels fear, and how resilience is built by tolerating discomfort without over-attaching to outcomes being discerning with social media and algorithm-driven negativity clarifying what you want to move toward (not just what you want to escape), and the power of saying no to misaligned work Find Sabina at sabinareadpsychology.com.au She also hosts the Human Cogs podcast, https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/human-cogs-podcast/id1525840415 and The Separation Guide Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-separation-guide-a-starting-point-for/id1542151561 Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

39 min
2D AGO · BONUS

You Might Also Like: MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast

Introducing Jason Fox: SAS Who Dares Wins, Testosterone & Why Fear Is Healthy from MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast. Follow the show: MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast Jason Fox is a British television personality (SAS: Who Dares Wins, Inside the Real Narcos), adventurer and a former Royal Marine Commando and UK Special Forces soldier. Jason joined leading men's health specialist Dr Jeff Foster in the Man Alive studio and we revealed his blood test results live on the show to him. Many see Jason as the epitome of male toughness, but with mental health concerns being on the rise especially for middle-aged men, what does toughness actually mean in today’s society? In this episode, we learn the true meaning of toughness, why mindset could be more important than physical strength, Jason’s surprising blood test results, the shortfalls of food in the military, how Jason endured and overcame his mental health issues, the story behind SAS: Who Dares Wins, and much more… - Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test - Follow Jason: https://www.instagram.com/jason_carl_fox/ Men's Health Article: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a69284196/jason-fox-low-testosterone/ Get Tickets for Jason's Live Tour: https://www.jasonfox-official.com - Follow Man Alive:instagram.com/manalivepodcastfacebook.com/drjefffostertiktok.com/man.alive.podcast - MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
FEB 8

How to reinvent yourself, with Phoebe Hartley

This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne talk to Phoebe Hartley about her creative journey from filmmaking to journalism, and now to launching her own print magazine, Billy. Phoebe shares insights on: the challenges of career reinvention transitioning from film to journalism launching and running a local magazine balancing work and family life in a rural setting and the value of community support and collaboration Listen in for tips on creative flexibility, managing imposter syndrome, and navigating the evolving freelance landscape. Connect with Phoebe via www.billypress.com or www.phoebehartley.com www.instagram.com/billypress_/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

33 min
FEB 1

Self-publishing and book coaching with Anna Featherstone

In our first episode for 2026, Rachel and Lynne discuss self-publishing and book coaching with guest Anna Featherstone. Anna, a mentor, book coach, editor, and author of five nonfiction books, shares insights about the self-publishing process, including the importance of producing a quality product, effective marketing strategies, and the realities of the publishing industry. Key topics include: how to approach book cover design understanding the difference between traditional and indie publishing the role of authors in marketing their work tips for getting books into libraries and literary festivals the importance of having a clear purpose for writing why you need to continue to improve your writing Connect with Anna via her website: https://annafeatherstone.com/ https://www.boldauthors.com/ Blog posts on Rachel's List featuring Anna: https://www.rachelslist.com.au/blog/how-an-email-led-to-a-masterclass-a-book-a-summit-appearance-and-so-much-more/ https://www.rachelslist.com.au/toolkit/product/self-publishing-bundle-anna-featherstone/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

32 min
JAN 26

BEST OF 2025: Using ChatGPT as your marketing brain, with Steven Lewis

This week is the last of our Best of 2025 series and in this episode podcast, Rachel and Lynne discuss the impact of AI on freelance writing and marketing with guest Steven Lewis. Steven, a seasoned journalist and copywriter, offers a deep dive into using AI, specifically custom GPTs, to streamline marketing tasks for freelancers. He explains: • the practical steps to creating a custom GPT • how it can maintain consistent client communication • how it can give feedback on your copy to ensure it is on-brand • how it can help freelancers focus on high-value creative tasks • the ethical considerations of AI use and the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world Connect with Steven on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenlewissydney/ The link to the course he talks about is: https://aicmocourse.com And listeners can get a 10% discount using the coupon code CONTENTBYTE25 Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

49 min
JAN 19

BEST OF 2025: Helen Dehen on investing in your business to gain confidence and earn more

In another of our podcast summer series, we revisit a great episode with communications consultant and writer Helen Dehen, talking about her commitment to upskilling herself and the many courses she has done - which have helped to drive her business and profitability. During our chat, Helen talks about her early career in TV journalism and her move to freelancing when her twins were born. She shares some of the courses she did in the the early days and how they positioned her to build a strong and successful freelance writing business. Helen talks about: The value of investing in professional development and networking How it gave her confidence in the early days of freelancing What the return on investment has been with some of the courses she has done Her experience with continuous learning, sharing insights from her experiences with various courses, conferences, and coaching programs Her favourite courses and what she wouldn't do again Connect with Helen via her website: https://www.hydoralane.com.au/ or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-dehen/ Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

40 min
JAN 11

BEST OF 2025: Lucie Robazza on 5 micro-habits to prioritise your health

Our summer series featuring our most popular episodes of 2025 continues this week as Rachel and Lynne discuss essential health habits for freelancers with guest Lucie Robazza. Lucie, a certified health coach and personal trainer, shares practical tips on: • Incorporating simple exercise routines • The importance of protein-rich diets • How to maintain good posture for productivity and long-term health • How good health can make you more efficient - and make more money • Quick and healthy snack ideas The episode covers habit-building techniques, such as micro habits, and emphasises the significance of sunshine and hydration in everyday routines. Perfect for writers who spend long hours at their desks looking to improve both their physical well-being and business performance. Her methods are easy, achievable and shame-free. Download Lucie's free 5-day challenge, https://www.strenxia.com/writer-reset Connect with Lucie via her website: https://www.strenxia.com/ Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

42 min
JAN 4

BEST OF 2025: Conquering LinkedIn and finding clients with Rebecca Cofrancesco

Continuing our summer series of our most popular episodes of the last year, we are sharing a great chat from early 2025 with content strategist and LinkedIn mentor Rebecca Cofrancesco. Beck talks about how to make LinkedIn work for you, how to find clients and why she started a local business meet-up group. During our chat, we talk about: • Why she started freelancing • Her new LinkedIn newsletter and why she started it • How her newsletter has informed (and changed) her LinkedIn strategy • Why she has two newsletters • Her favourite client-finding strategies • How to get out of the feast or famine cycle • Why meeting in person is better than online in terms of building relationships Connect with Beck via her website: https://marketinggoodness.com.au/ Or follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-cofrancesco-marketing-goodness/ Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au ), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

55 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Hosts Rachel Smith (from Rachel's List) and journalist and content writer Lynne Testoni are serving up weekly short bites of advice, tips and strategies, plus special guests, for freelancers who make a living from using their words. We're shooting for 15-minute episodes, but can't promise anything because we can both talk the leg off a chair.

Creator

Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

270
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© This content is copyright and the property of Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni.
Show Website

The Content Byte