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PODCAST

The Content Byte

Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni

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.

business careers

All Episodes

54:49

When a major life event makes you re-evaluate your...

The Content Byte ·

2025/08/31

This week Rachel and Lynne explore how you can use trauma as a catalyst to change your freelance career with guest Chris Stead, an award-winning journalist and content producer. Chris shares how an e-bike explosion in his home and the subsequent fire led to re-evaluating work priorities, embracing family travel, and developing new income streams as he talks about the profound impact this traumatic event had on his professional and personal life. It's a fascinating chat as we dive into Chris's

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41:26

Joanna Savill on blending journalism with events

The Content Byte ·

2025/08/24

In this week's episode, Rachel and Lynne chat with Joanna Savill, a bit of a legend in the food industry. Joanna shares her career evolution from subtitle translator to a food journalism icon, including her work with SBS TV and The Sydney Morning Herald. The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverage your transferable skills Managing the ups and downs of freelance life The early days of food websites

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52:56

Jane Manning on being a director and writer for...

The Content Byte ·

2025/08/17

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with award-winning director and writer Jane Manning. The discussion delves into Jane's impressive career in television and documentary films, which includes being one of the early female directors on Home & Away (and why programs like that matter), as well as significant projects such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation. During our chat, Jane shares: Her journey from documentary filmmaking to TV drama Her creative processes The challenges

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34:20

Better Homes & Gardens editor Megan Osborne on...

The Content Byte ·

2025/08/10

This week on the podcast, hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Megan Osborne, editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Megan shares her career journey from food writing to leading large-scale content strategies at prominent brands and now to editing Australia's largest circulation (paid) magazine. She discusses: the evolving role of a magazine editor the integration of print and digital content why you need to understand audience data leveraging social media to engage younger audiences what she's

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49:26

Stop the Scroll: Evelina Kaganovitch on How Clear...

The Content Byte ·

2025/08/03

This week, Rachel and Lynne chat with Evelina Kaganovitch, a high-conversion fashion copywriter, about the intricacies and strategies of freelance copywriting. Evelina shares her journey from sustainable fashion to copywriting and discusses the importance of clear messaging over using too much jargon. The conversation covers: Niching down in the freelance world Using social listening tools and AI to improve copy quality Finding the balance between the personal touch and technological help How to

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47:32

Sabrina Rogers-Anderson on how to niche down and...

The Content Byte ·

2025/07/27

In this episode, Rachel and Lynne delve back into the topic of niching down as a freelancer with Sabrina Rogers-Anderson, a health and fitness writer. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of finding and committing to a specific niche, how to charge what you're worth, and managing finances. Sabrina shares her journey from generalist to specialist, overcoming personal adversities, and the pivotal role a business coach played in her transformation. The episode also touches upon the impact

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43:15

Nadine Nethery on how freelancers can retain customers

The Content Byte ·

2025/07/20

We all know that it’s so much easier to keep your existing clients rather than constantly hustle for new ones, so this week Rachel & Lynne are chatting with customer retention expert Nadine Nethery. Nadine, an audience-driven copywriter and retention strategist, discusses the importance of retaining clients over constantly hustling for new ones. It's a great episode, as Nadine shares insights on: How to create personalised customer experiences Using tools for personal video messages Automating

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48:38

Steven Lewis on using ChatGPT as your marketing brain

The Content Byte ·

2025/07/13

In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, hosts Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni 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 GPT, 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

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50:14

Juliet Rogers on how to get published and what makes...

The Content Byte ·

2025/07/06

This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with book publisher and author's advocate, Juliet Rogers. Juliet talks about the publishing industry, what has changed over the years and how you can push through all the noise if you want to secure a book deal. She also shares: Stories of some of her biggest publishing successes, including touring with Salman Rushdie, working with John Grisham and seeing Heather Morris find international publishing success at the age of 63 When and why you

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55:00

Working creatively in a regulated industry with Amy...

The Content Byte ·

2025/06/29

In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne explore the unique challenges of copywriting in the beauty industry with guest Amy Hadley, a beauty copywriter and journalist. Amy discusses balancing creativity with stringent industry regulations, provides insights into the importance of visibility in finances for freelancers, and highlights how her qualifications and self-taught knowledge have set her apart in her field. There's so much to learn about the nuances of compliant

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34:02

Nikita Morell on niche-ing down and being an expert

The Content Byte ·

2025/06/22

In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne dive into the art of niching down in freelance copywriting with guest Nikita Morrell. Nikita, a copywriting and messaging strategist specialising in architecture, discusses the value of finding a niche, the benefits of having a focused clientele, and her journey from big brand marketing to freelancing for architects. She shares insights on: managing projects using AI tools for copywriting, strategies for building and maintaining a strong

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51:32

Melissa Hoyer and the ultimate portfolio career

The Content Byte ·

2025/06/15

In this episode, we explore the world of freelancing with successful journalist and media commentator Melissa Hoyer. Melissa shares her career journey, from her early days in newsrooms to her success as a freelance professional. It's a great chat, covering the impact of social media on celebrity culture, and the challenges of maintaining multiple income streams. Melissa also chats about: How she grew her Instagram following to 80k Why she feels it's important to be authentic on social media

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51:03

Behind the podcast - Lynne & Rachel talk about their...

The Content Byte ·

2025/06/08

This week on The Content Byte, we have something a little different, but hopefully still useful. This episode was originally recorded as part of Austin Church's Growth Without Burnout Summit held recently. This virtual event was inspiring and useful and featured speakers from all across the world talking about how to grow a thriving freelance business without burning out. As part of his amazing summit, Austin asked Rachel and I about our friendship and how and why we started this podcast. We

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41:49

Julia Newbould on keeping on top of your finances

The Content Byte ·

2025/06/01

In this episode Rachel and Lynne discuss the intricacies of freelance finances with Julia Newbould, an editor, journalist, and author with extensive experience in financial reporting. Julia shares insights on transitioning from spreadsheets to accounting software, the importance of financial literacy, and strategies for effective money management for freelancers. She also talks about: Her journey in journalism Her efforts to increase female representation in financial advising Setting up

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46:09

Lee Ellwood on editing and industry accreditation

The Content Byte ·

2025/05/25

This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with Lee Elwood, an accredited editor, content writer, and copywriter. Lee shares her freelancing journey, emphasising the value of professional networks and accreditation through the Institute of Professional Editors (IPED). During our chat, Lee talks about: Different types of editing, from copy edits to structural edits and proofreading What IPED accreditation is and how you can achieve it Why she is a huge fan of networks and being active in

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38:44

Jenny Valentish on teaching, writing books and the...

The Content Byte ·

2025/05/18

This week Rachel and Lynne's guest is Jenny Valentish, a journalist, author, and writing coach, joins the conversation to share her career journey from fanzines to freelancing for The Guardian. She also talks about her new book, The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House. Jenny dives into the importance of structured feedback in writing groups, the challenges of memoir writing, and the value of teaching practical writing tools. She also shares why she likes to be quite strict about her weekly

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29:57

Michelle Newell on moving from freelancer to thought...

The Content Byte ·

2025/05/11

This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Michelle Newell, a narrative strategist based in Melbourne/Naarm who shares her expertise on using storytelling for content strategy and branding. During our chat, we talk about: How freelancers can transition into thought leadership – and why they should Why you need a unique point of view How to leverage personal branding How to handle a fear of visibility and trolls How to secure speaking gigs, enhance visibility, and charge premium rates for your

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33:19

Toby Schmitz on acting, writing for stage and screen...

The Content Byte ·

2025/05/04

This week our guest is Toby Schmitz, actor, screenwriter and now novelist. It's a fun chat, talking all things books, reading and writing. Toby shares insights into his upbringing in his family's second-hand bookstore, his motivations for writing, how his debut novel 'The Empress Murders' came about and why he chose such an amibitious work as his debut. He delves into the creative process of adapting a play into this novel, the challenges and rewards of publishing, using palm cards to plan his novel

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20:50

Special Q&A episode – answering questions from our...

The Content Byte ·

2025/04/27

This week we are trying something new - which might become a regular episode. We are answering questions from our listeners, using our years of experience and some of the knowledge learned doing this podcast for the last six years (thanks to all our amazing guests). This week's questions include: The ethics around including past clients in future articles or commissions How to break up with a client How to pitch to a new editor or client How to avoid procrastination We hope you find this

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47:06

Georgia Rickard on influencing, without being an...

The Content Byte ·

2025/04/20

In this week's episode co-hosts Rachel and Lynne chat withGeorgia Rickard, an award-winning journalist turned content strategist. Founder of the popular Georgia's Media Circle on Facebook (a great group for writers and PRs), Georgia shares her journey from being a travel writer to becoming the youngest magazine editor in Australia at 23. She discusses: the importance of building a personal brand the challenges of making oneself visible online, and the evolving landscape of freelancing with

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293 results

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