Ghost Boss: Stories About the Freelance Afterlife

What if the secret to better marketing… is just paying attention to what people actually do?In this episode, we’re joined by Dean Browell, Chief Behavior Officer of Feedback, to talk about what happens when you stop guessing and start studying real behavior.From being told his research approach didn’t matter to building a company rooted in digital anthropology, Dean breaks down why “social listening” isn’t enough—and what most marketers are still missing.We get into:How Feedback was built by challenging the status quoWhy real behavior matters more than trends or assumptionsThe shift from big agencies to specialized expertsWhat clients actually want (and what they don’t trust anymore)And the major evolution happening at Feedback 👀 (a GHOST BOSS EXCLUSIVE)Plus: agency chaos, freelancer realities, and a few moments that probably should’ve been cut—but we kept anyway.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review—it helps more ghosties find the show 👻

It’s award season, which means creatives are submitting their best work and somebody has to sit in the judge’s chair and decide what deserves a trophy.In this episode, Danielle and Eva pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to judge creative and advertising competitions. They talk about what they love, what quietly tests their patience and the simple gut check questions that separate good from unforgettable. Danielle shares what it’s like to win with a self-promo project as a solopreneur and Eva talks about an entry that hit so hard it earned special judge recognition.Subscribe for more episodes, and if you enjoyed this one, leave a review so more Ghosties can find the show.

Work trip or girls trip, why does travel feel so different when you’re a solopreneur? In this episode, Eva and Danielle discuss two distinct getaways: Danielle’s spooky California adventure aboard the Queen Mary and Eva’s whirlwind Oklahoma City trip to judge the American Advertising Awards. They talk travel logistics, weather surprises and the laptop-on-a-trip dilemma. They also share the unexpected moments that make travel memorable, from ghostly vibes to new connections and a fresh perspective once you’re back home.

It’s spooky season in the Freelance Afterlife, and Eva and Danielle are serving up chilling tales straight from the Ghost Boss community. These listener-submitted freelance horror stories cover everything from cursed client projects to collaborations gone wrong. Expect laughs, lessons and maybe a shiver or two as we unpack what happens when red flags turn into full-blown hauntings. Subscribe to Ghost Boss: Stories About the Freelance Afterlife on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review and connect with us on social to share your own story from the Freelance Afterlife.

In this episode, Danielle and Eva dive into the nuances of building and maintaining strong client relationships. They explore key topics such as navigating payments, project follow-ups, and the critical role of meeting deadlines. Through personal stories and real-world experiences, they shed light on the importance of understanding clients’ payment patterns and preferences. The conversation also touches on the emotional dynamics of discussing money and how maintaining a warm, professional tone can make all the difference. Finally, they emphasize the power of gratitude and how small gestures can go a long way in fostering long-term client trust and loyalty.Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

This week, Eva and Danielle explore various themes surrounding self-love, design, and the importance of avoiding burnout in creative professions. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with creative projects, while emphasizing the significance of passion in their work. The discussion also touches on the balance between precision and creativity in design, the joy of artistic expression, and the inspiration found in everyday life. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to reflect on their own passions and find ways to reignite their love for their craft.Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this episode, the Ghost Bosses share their chaotic mornings – touching on stress, creativity and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. The conversation transitions into spooky season, where they share work-related horror stories their listeners submitted. They dive into various design nightmares, discussing the pitfalls of communication and the importance of proofreading. Prepare to be scared!Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In their conversation, Eva and Danielle talk about the ebb and flow of freelance work throughout the year. Danielle shares her experience of intentionally slowing down during the summer. And Eva reflects on the constant busyness of her work. They also discuss the challenges of measuring productivity in a creative industry and diversifying their client portfolios. The conversation ends with a reminder to embrace the different seasons of work and to find a balance that works for each individual.Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this conversation, Eva and Danielle discuss their favorite projects and the importance of functional design. The Ghost Bosses also discuss their personal preferences for advertising campaigns, branding projects, and UX design projects. They conclude with a very memorable "WTF" story about Danielle's first paid design job.Episode TakeawaysFunctional design can be just as important as aesthetic design in certain contexts.Projects that have personal meaning and make a positive impact are often the most fulfilling.Collaboration can enhance the creative process and result in more successful projects. The design industry is constantly evolving, and it's important to keep up with new technologies and trendsFinding joy and fulfillment in your work is crucial for a successful career in designBe part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this podcast episode, Eva and Danielle delve into the less glamorous aspects of running a graphic design freelance business. They discuss important topics such as selecting a company name, forming an LLC, working with legal and financial professionals, and creating effective contracts. They also share their personal experiences with hiring a bookkeeper and the advantages of outsourcing certain tasks. Throughout the discussion, they stress the significance of proper business management and how it can impact the success of a freelance operation. Episode Takeaways:Naming your company is an important decision that can impact your personal brand and the perception of your business.Setting up an LLC and working with attorneys can provide legal protection and ensure compliance with business regulations.Why having an accountant is beneficial for managing finances, filing taxes, and making informed financial decisions.Separating personal and business finances is crucial for legal and financial reasons.Hiring a bookkeeper can help streamline financial processes and ensure accurate record-keeping. Hosts: Eva Foussat + Danielle SalleyBe part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

Flexibility is key when it comes to freelancing. In this discussion, Eva and Danielle share their different approaches to managing their time and how they estimate and prioritize their projects. They also reflect on whether flexibility is an innate ability or one that can be learned. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of setting boundaries to succeed as well as the importance of recognizing when to be flexible and when not to be.

Eva and Danielle have a conversation about the importance of defining your working hours and setting boundaries for both yourself and your clients when you work freelance. However, when you work for yourself, this can be challenging. The Ghost Bosses then discuss a plan for making improvements to their work hours to avoid burning the midnight oil.