The Chris the Freelancer Podcast

The Chris the Freelancer Podcast

By Christopher DoddSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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The Chris the Freelancer Podcast episodes

  • 14: The Podcast is Changing and I Need Your Help…
    To listen to the announcement, click play on the player below:
    Otherwise, read on…
    If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you’ll have noticed a very particular format. Each week, I’ve been interviewing a new digital nomad guest but now things are gonna change. To explain what I mean, I’ve got to tell you a short story about this podcast.
    A few months back when I decided to launch this podcast, I had met a bunch of nomads so far on my journey who I felt had interesting stories to share. Stories that could inspire you to take action and experiences to learn from. From listening to other podcasts as a newbie, I was frustrated at how little time the guest and host would talk about the journey which lead them to location independence so in my own podcast, I decided to make the journey the centrepiece.
    The reason I’m telling you all of this is because something needs to change. Ever since I started the podcast, I’ve become increasingly busier and my list of guests who fit my specific criteria has gotten smaller. The podcast takes me a long time to edit but at the same time, the audience growth has virtually been zero.
    Honestly, I was considering shutting down the podcast all together but in the end, I simply couldn’t do it as I know that some of you guys probably get a bunch of value from it. So here’s what I’m going to do:
    1. I’m opening up the format.
    This doesn’t mean that the podcast won’t be about location independence anymore or that we won’t have digital nomads on the show. It just means that I need to be flexible with it. Instead of this particular format that I made up arbitrarily, I want to understand more about what you guys are after and make podcasts based off of that.
    I’ve realised that I got the strategy wrong with podcasting. Unlike YouTube where I get instant feedback on each video with which I can use to improve each time, I don’t do any of that on my podcast. So here is my first call to action. Please, please. If you want me to keep making this podcast, go to the show notes and leave a comment letting me know what you want to hear. This will be something that I do on each episode from now on. Even if you wanna just say that you liked it or hated it. I appreciate any feedback you can provide me.
    2. I want your feedback
    So. Here’s the deal. If this podcast is going to work, I need it to be more interactive. If you like the show, please, please, leave a comment below. Coming up on the podcast we have some new episodes I recorded in Koh Phangan but after that, I’m open to your suggestions.
    Thanks so much for your support. I will see you on the next episode of the Chris the Freelancer podcast.
    Until next time,
    Chris
    6 min
  • 13: Steph Danforth on Succeeding with UpWork and Fiverr
    This week, I sit down with Steph Danforth, the freelance designer who has been travelling the world continuously for the last four years with husband, Nick Danforth. From living in a van in the United States to sightseeing in Europe, Steph has built her career 100% on the road.
    In this week’s episode, we talk about Steph’s keys to success on UpWork and Fiverr and the life lessons learned after so many years of work and travel.
    Use this link to check out Steph’s course on Freelancing using UpWork and get 15% off on signup.
    Talking Points
    [1:23] The beginnings of Steph’s nomad journey with husband Nick over 4 years ago, starting in a camper van, sightseeing in Europe and living in China
    [4:31] From working in a coffee shop to starting an Etsy store
    [7:23] Dabbling in Web Design and transitioning completely into location independent work and financial independence
    [11:17] How Steph decided on her career path and learned to code / design websites
    [16:28] How she built the skill of dealing with clients as a freelancer and how it ended up making the difference
    [19:38] How Steph got started on Fiverr and her advice for others wanting to succeed on the platform
    [25:38] The importance of building reviews and reputation on Upwork and Steph’s tips for meeting and exceeding client expectations
    [28:38] An introduction to Steph’s course on Successful freelancing on UpWork
    [30:29] Steph’s favourite locations to travel, to work and to connect with the nomad community
    [34:22] How Steph and husband Nick decide on where to go next and the biggest learnings they’ve had on their journey
    [38:27] Breaking the stereotype of being married and what it’s like to travel with a partner
    [41:12] The next stage for Steph and Nick and how they’ve inspired others to live an alternative lifestyle
    Links Mentioned

    * Digital Nomad Girls
    * etsy.com, upwork.com, fiverr.com
    * Skillcrush
    * Nick Danforth’s YouTube channel (Formerly Home Sweet Globe)
    * Steph’s Udemy Course (15% off)

    47 min
  • 13: Steph Danforth on Succeeding with UpWork and Fiverr
    This week, I sit down with Steph Danforth, the freelance designer who has been travelling the world continuously for the last four years with husband, Nick Danforth. From living in a van in the United States to sightseeing in Europe, Steph has built her career 100% on the road.
    In this week’s episode, we talk about Steph’s keys to success on UpWork and Fiverr and the life lessons learned after so many years of work and travel.
    Use this link to check out Steph’s course on Freelancing using UpWork and get 15% off on signup.
    Talking Points
    [1:23] The beginnings of Steph’s nomad journey with husband Nick over 4 years ago, starting in a camper van, sightseeing in Europe and living in China

    [4:31] From working in a coffee shop to starting an Etsy store

    [7:23] Dabbling in Web Design and transitioning completely into location independent work and financial independence

    [11:17] How Steph decided on her career path and learned to code / design websites

    [16:28] How she built the skill of dealing with clients as a freelancer and how it ended up making the difference

    [19:38] How Steph got started on Fiverr and her advice for others wanting to succeed on the platform

    [25:38] The importance of building reviews and reputation on Upwork and Steph’s tips for meeting and exceeding client expectations

    [28:38] An introduction to Steph’s course on Successful freelancing on UpWork

    [30:29] Steph’s favourite locations to travel, to work and to connect with the nomad community

    [34:22] How Steph and husband Nick decide on where to go next and the biggest learnings they’ve had on their journey

    [38:27] Breaking the stereotype of being married and what it’s like to travel with a partner

    [41:12] The next stage for Steph and Nick and how they’ve inspired others to live an alternative lifestyle
    Links Mentioned

    * Digital Nomad Girls
    * etsy.com, upwork.com, fiverr.com
    * Skillcrush
    * Nick Danforth’s YouTube channel (Formerly Home Sweet Globe)
    * Steph’s Udemy Course (15% off)

    47 min
  • 12: Craig Wilson on Going Remote and Moving out to Chiang Mai
    From convincing you to have a beer with him on a Friday night to enticing you to buy a product online, Craig Wilson is a born salesman.
    An entrepreneur for many years, Craig finally decided to move his business operations completely online to achieve location independence.
    In this week’s episode from Chiang Mai, Thailand, we talk about the journey so far as well as the next stage for the always excited Craig Wilson.
    To find out more about Craig, visit his website at www.craig-wilson.com
    Talking Points
    [1:34] How Craig got started in business, going to college and working at the South African World Cup
    [5:50] Catching the travel bug and how he built his own marketing business without ever needing to take a regular job
    [10:00] The fallacy of offline networking and getting leads online
    [13:47] Moving his business online to free up time and go location independent
    [16:49] The brewing idea of location independence and making the decision to come out to Chiang Mai
    [23:44] Meeting people in Chiang Mai and other locations and adventures on Craig’s list
    [28:34] Leveraging time and pursuing passive income
    [32:54] Craig’s top goals and new courses
    [35:46] Craig’s number one top tip for those wanting to live location independently
    Links Mentioned

    * Chiang Mai influencers – Adrian Ingram, Johnny FD and Nick Danforth
    * Punspace
    * Huay Kaew Residence
    * Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Down
    * Startup Diaries
    * Snir Alayof

    42 min
  • 12: Craig Wilson on Going Remote and Moving out to Chiang Mai
    From convincing you to have a beer with him on a Friday night to enticing you to buy a product online, Craig Wilson is a born salesman.
    An entrepreneur for many years, Craig finally decided to move his business operations completely online to achieve location independence.
    In this week’s episode from Chiang Mai, Thailand, we talk about the journey so far as well as the next stage for the always excited Craig Wilson.
    To find out more about Craig, visit his website at www.craig-wilson.com
    Talking Points
    [1:34] How Craig got started in business, going to college and working at the South African World Cup

    [5:50] Catching the travel bug and how he built his own marketing business without ever needing to take a regular job

    [10:00] The fallacy of offline networking and getting leads online

    [13:47] Moving his business online to free up time and go location independent

    [16:49] The brewing idea of location independence and making the decision to come out to Chiang Mai

    [23:44] Meeting people in Chiang Mai and other locations and adventures on Craig’s list

    [28:34] Leveraging time and pursuing passive income

    [32:54] Craig’s top goals and new courses

    [35:46] Craig’s number one top tip for those wanting to live location independently
    Links Mentioned

    * Chiang Mai influencers – Adrian Ingram, Johnny FD and Nick Danforth
    * Punspace
    * Huay Kaew Residence
    * Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Down
    * Startup Diaries
    * Snir Alayof

    42 min
  • 11: Riley Bennett on Building a Business on Amazon
    Riley and I first connected in mid April of 2016 when we met to do an interview after I discovered Riley through his YouTube channel.
    The young, always excited Riley now lives his dream as a location independent entrepreneur after successfully building an Amazon business with his friend and business partner Parker Morris. Listen as Riley divulges over an hour about his own story as well as a wealth of tips and knowledge for starting your own successful business on Amazon.
    To learn more about Riley’s method, check out his course, “The Amazon Method“.
    Talking Points
    [1:51] Visiting home and avoiding tax & exorbitant expenses by being in South East Asia
    [5:04] Discovering his adventurous side, a trip to Phuket, saving up for his first business with partner, Parker Morris and moving out to Chiang Mai for the first Dropship Lifestyle Retreat
    [15:11] Catching the travel bug in Phuket, Thailand
    [17:49] The decision to pursue working online as a means to move back to Asia and the experience of blogging about online business before he even had his own
    [22:39] Why drop shipping didn’t work for Riley but Amazon did
    [29:54] How to deal with risk as an entrepreneur and the mindset it takes to succeed
    [36:54] How Riley learned the business of Amazon and how you can do it too
    [40:29] The Amazon Gold Rush
    [46:15] The work it takes day-to-day as an amazon seller
    [54:46] How Riley and his business partner share responsibilities
    [57:52] Riley’s favourite locations: Ho Chi Minh City & Chiang Mai, Thailand and his experience in the Philippines
    [1:04:52] Chiang Mai vs Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) for digital nomads
    Links Mentioned:

    * Johnny’s Podcast – Travel Like a Boss
    * Tim Ferris – 4 Hour Work Week
    * Johnny FD’s my $200 apartment video
    * Punspace Coworking Space
    * Riley’s Blog – livinthatlife.wordpress.com
    * Dropship Lifestyle
    * Riley’s First Store – portablehottubuniverse.com
    * Amazing Selling Machine (Now Brand Genisis) 
    * Riley’s YouTube Channel
    * Chiang Mai vs Saigon Video
    * A Day in the Life in Saigon – Riley’s Channel

    1 hr 9 min
  • 11: Riley Bennett on Building a Business on Amazon
    Riley and I first connected in mid April of 2016 when we met to do an interview after I discovered Riley through his YouTube channel.
    The young, always excited Riley now lives his dream as a location independent entrepreneur after successfully building an Amazon business with his friend and business partner Parker Morris. Listen as Riley divulges over an hour about his own story as well as a wealth of tips and knowledge for starting your own successful business on Amazon.
    To learn more about Riley’s method, check out his course, “The Amazon Method“.
    Talking Points
    [1:51] Visiting home and avoiding tax & exorbitant expenses by being in South East Asia

    [5:04] Discovering his adventurous side, a trip to Phuket, saving up for his first business with partner, Parker Morris and moving out to Chiang Mai for the first Dropship Lifestyle Retreat

    [15:11] Catching the travel bug in Phuket, Thailand

    [17:49] The decision to pursue working online as a means to move back to Asia and the experience of blogging about online business before he even had his own

    [22:39] Why drop shipping didn’t work for Riley but Amazon did

    [29:54] How to deal with risk as an entrepreneur and the mindset it takes to succeed

    [36:54] How Riley learned the business of Amazon and how you can do it too

    [40:29] The Amazon Gold Rush

    [46:15] The work it takes day-to-day as an amazon seller

    [54:46] How Riley and his business partner share responsibilities

    [57:52] Riley’s favourite locations: Ho Chi Minh City & Chiang Mai, Thailand and his experience in the Philippines

    [1:04:52] Chiang Mai vs Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) for digital nomads
    Links Mentioned:

    * Johnny’s Podcast – Travel Like a Boss
    * Tim Ferris – 4 Hour Work Week
    * Johnny FD’s my $200 apartment video
    * Punspace Coworking Space
    * Riley’s Blog – livinthatlife.wordpress.com
    * Dropship Lifestyle
    * Riley’s First Store – portablehottubuniverse.com
    * Amazing Selling Machine (Now Brand Genisis) 
    * Riley’s YouTube Channel
    * Chiang Mai vs Saigon Video
    * A Day in the Life in Saigon – Riley’s Channel

    1 hr 9 min
  • 10: Dylan Wolff on Becoming a Location Independent Web Developer
    Around 2 years ago, Dylan Wolff made a decision to challenge himself and go after a completely new career as a remote web developer. An internal auditor for years, he decided that he wanted to learn a new skill and travel the world. Today, he works full-time as a location independent developer for distributed Ruby on Rails consultancy.
    I’ve previously featured Dylan’s story on my website in my inspiring nomads blog series and most recently on my YouTube channel where we answered viewers questions on becoming a remote web developer.
    In this week’s podcast, we go deep into Dylan’s story, how he learned web development, how he scored his first job and how he now travels the world, working remotely.
    Talking Points
    [01:40] How Dylan came to the realisation that he wanted to work remotely and travel the world and the steps he took to make it happen

    [5:38] Starting from Square one and becoming inspired by Pieter Levels

    [11:16] Making the choice to pursue web development and finding a firm that supports remote workers

    [14:12] The resources Dylan used starting out and his top tips for finding the time to code while working full-time

    [23:49] Knowing when you’re ready to look for work and his first experiences entering the workforce

    [34:49] The challenge of working solo

    [36:49] How Dylan managed to score a job that allowed him to work remotely from the get-go and what he would have done if it hadn’t been that way.

    [42:59] Travel experiences as a digital nomad and plans moving forward

    [45:59] How Dylan balances work and travel and dealing with multiple time zones

    [51:18] He favourite locations in the world to work from
    Links Mentioned

    * Pieter Levels
    * Hastag Nomads
    * NomadList.com
    * Slack & Basecamp
    * Treehouse, Code School, Code Academy
    * Thinkful
    * Michael Hartle – The Rails Tutorial
    * Pimsleur
    * My first public vlog – Moving Out to Travel the World
    * Our video together – How to become a developer
    * J Space – Jeju Island
    * Nick’s Blog Post on finding your own rhythm
    * Dylanwolff.com

    55 min
  • 10: Dylan Wolff on Becoming a Location Independent Web Developer

    Around 2 years ago, Dylan Wolff made a decision to challenge himself and go after a completely new career as a remote web developer. An internal auditor for years, he decided that he wanted to learn a new skill and travel the world. Today, he works full-time as a location independent developer for distributed Ruby on Rails consultancy.

    I've previously featured Dylan's story on my website in my inspiring nomads blog series and most recently on my YouTube channel where we answered viewers questions on becoming a remote web developer.

    In this week's podcast, we go deep into Dylan's story, how he learned web development, how he scored his first job and how he now travels the world, working remotely.

    Talking Points

    [01:40] How Dylan came to the realisation that he wanted to work remotely and travel the world and the steps he took to make it happen

    [5:38] Starting from Square one and becoming inspired by Pieter Levels
    [11:16] Making the choice to pursue web development and finding a firm that supports remote workers
    [14:12] The resources Dylan used starting out and his top tips for finding the time to code while working full-time
    [23:49] Knowing when you’re ready to look for work and his first experiences entering the workforce
    [34:49] The challenge of working solo
    [36:49] How Dylan managed to score a job that allowed him to work remotely from the get-go and what he would have done if it hadn’t been that way.
    [42:59] Travel experiences as a digital nomad and plans moving forward
    [45:59] How Dylan balances work and travel and dealing with multiple time zones
    [51:18] He favourite locations in the world to work from

    Links Mentioned
    • Pieter Levels
    • Hastag Nomads
    • NomadList.com
    • Slack & Basecamp
    • Treehouse, Code School, Code Academy
    • Thinkful
    • Michael Hartle - The Rails Tutorial
    • Pimsleur
    • My first public vlog - Moving Out to Travel the World
    • Our video together - How to become a developer
    • J Space - Jeju Island
    • Nick’s Blog Post on finding your own rhythm
    • Dylanwolff.com
      • 55 min
    • 09: Raphael Szmir on Having a Mission and Building a Startup while Travelling
      Click here for show notes

      http://christhefreelancer.com/podcast/raphael-szmir/
      While most entrepreneurs in Chiang Mai are chasing passive income, Raphael is on passionate mission to help young people with their gap year decisions. His startup, Années Sabbatiques (literally Gap Years in French) is an online portal for discovering gap year opportunities.
      Despite his dedication to Années Sabbatiques, Raphael has achieved his lifestyle goal of location independence and regular vacation time. Listen as Raph and I discuss his path to location independence and  the experience of building a startup on the road.
      Show Notes
      [2:32] A life-changing Gap year in Australia, catching the travel bug and making the choice to pursue travel after graduation

      [6:22] Taking the first steps towards location independence

      [7:52] How Raphael built his career and made it work within his ideal lifestyle

      [12:26] The importance of having a mission and working with companies who share it

      [17:16] How Raphael built the skills that allowed him to be location independent, his transition into working remotely and how he makes his work, work for him

      [23:31] Doing work that fulfils while still making money

      [24:46] Raphael’s Startup, Années Sabbatiques

      [28:37] The challenges of building a startup on the road, how Raphael went about gaining client work and the one client ended up making all the difference

      [35:31] The advantages of finding work before leave your home country

      [37:42] Raphael’s travel journey so far and the transition from backpacker to digital nomad

      [41:36] Raphael’s favourite places to work remotely

      [43:14] Raphael’s top tips for those looking to become location independent
      Links Mentioned

      * Love Affair Travel podcast
      * Pieter Levels – 12 startups in 12 months
      * Natalie Sisson – Suitcase Entrepreneur
      * Années Sabbatiques – Anneessabitique.com
      * Episode 5 with Chris Chui
      * Dylan’s Story

      47 min

    About The Chris the Freelancer Podcast

    From the publisher's feed

    Interviews with digital Nomads and destinations reviews for remote workers.