Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Est. Listeners
Insufficient chart data. Estimates will improve as the show charts.
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
N/A🎙 Weekly cadence·18 episodes·Last published 1mo ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
N/A - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
N/A
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 11 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Episode 19 - The 3 stages of a freelance L&D career
May 25, 2026
48m 09s
Episode 18 - Is your freelance L&D business solving the right problem?
Apr 27, 2026
42m 52s
Everything you missed from Free Spirits Live (Spring '26 edition)
Mar 30, 2026
45m 48s
Episode 16 - Losing it all and starting again as a freelancer
Feb 23, 2026
45m 47s
Episode 15 - The hidden cost of giving your value away
Jan 26, 2026
43m 09s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/25/26 | Episode 19 - The 3 stages of a freelance L&D career✨ | freelancinglearning and development+3 | Andy Candler | AprendidoFree Spirits | — | freelancelearning consultant+3 | — | 48m 09s | |
| 4/27/26 | Episode 18 - Is your freelance L&D business solving the right problem?✨ | freelance businesscoaching+4 | Jules Wyman | Positive Belief | — | freelance L&Dcoaching+3 | — | 42m 52s | |
| 3/30/26 | Everything you missed from Free Spirits Live (Spring '26 edition)✨ | conference highlightsimpact and recognition+3 | Amy GottlerEmma Klosson+3 | — | — | Free Spirits Liveimpact+5 | — | 45m 48s | |
| 2/23/26 | Episode 16 - Losing it all and starting again as a freelancer✨ | freelancingidentity+5 | Gary Butterfield | Joy Junction | — | freelancerwellbeing consultant+7 | — | 45m 47s | |
| 1/26/26 | Episode 15 - The hidden cost of giving your value away✨ | freelancingleadership development+4 | Emma Coller | Growth PodL+D Free Spirits | — | freelancingleadership+4 | — | 43m 09s | |
| 12/22/25 | Episode 14 - What happens when you finally quit and go freelance?✨ | freelancingburnout+4 | Sara Duxbury | Blooming Potential | — | freelancebusiness psychologist+5 | — | 42m 05s | |
| 11/24/25 | Episode 13 - A squiggly story about freelancing in L&D✨ | freelancinglearning and development+4 | Jennifer Potter | VodafoneFrankly | — | freelance careerlearning and development+5 | — | 46m 59s | |
| 10/27/25 | Episode 12 - How to future-proof your L&D freelance career?✨ | freelancinglearning and development+4 | Kelly Rodrigues | web pros | — | freelance careerlearning design+5 | — | 43m 00s | |
| 10/3/25 | Episode 11 - What happens at Free Spirits Live… ends up on the podcast!✨ | freelancinglearning and development+4 | Kelly RodriguesLorraine Taylor+4 | CanvaWebPros+3 | — | freelancinglearning and development+3 | — | 44m 10s | |
| 9/29/25 | Episode 10 - Are you charging enough as a freelancer?✨ | freelancinglearning and development+4 | Jo Cook | Training JournalLightbulb Moment | — | freelancerpricing+5 | — | 48m 47s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 5/26/25 | Episode 9 - What makes an L&D freelancer 'valuable'?✨ | freelancinglearning and development+3 | Tom McDowall | Evolve L&D | — | freelancerL&D+4 | — | 43m 37s | |
| 4/28/25 | Episode 8 - How do you build a freelance business that runs itself? | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, we chat with Paul Matthews, a CEO, author, speaker, and L&D strategist with over 25 years of experience. Originally from New Zealand and now based in the UK, Paul shares his fascinating journey from IT sales director to a leading voice in informal learning, performance consultancy, and learning transfer. We explore how he transitioned from selling his time to building platforms and writing books, and how he views work as part of a life well-lived.Paul shares invaluable advice on building credibility, finding your value proposition, and spinning the right plates as a freelancer. He also tackles Jude Slater’s question from the last episode about balancing work and life—and leaves us with a golden question for our next guest.And yes, Paul reveals what he charges for his work—and how to think beyond day rates to value-based pricing.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your L&D business, this episode is packed with insight, practical tips, and inspiration.Find Paul on LinkedIn, visit his company at http://peoplealchemy.com, or check out his personal site at http://paul-matthews.com | — | ||||||
| 3/24/25 | Episode 7 - What happens when your freelance pipeline dries up? | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, Mark chats with Jude Sclater, a coach, writer, and trainer. Jude shares her journey from internal L&D at Deloitte to building her own freelance business. She opens up about saying “yes” to her first client, the challenges of pricing her services, and the power of saying “no” to work that doesn’t align with her expertise.Jude also discusses how she transitioned to online delivery during COVID, the impact of writing her book Think Like a Coach, and her strategy for generating new business without feeling overly "salesy". Plus, she answers Dr. Alaina Szlachta's question from our last episode about converting leads and poses a thought-provoking question for our next guest.And of course, Jude reveals how much she charges for her freelance work!Whether you’re new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.Find Jude on LinkedIn or visit her website at thinkwithjude.comWant to level up your freelancing business? Visit ldfreespirits.com for more insights and resources. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/25 | Episode 6 - Does your freelance business need a side hustle? | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, we welcome Dr. Alaina Szchlacta, an author, founder, and measurement architect. Alaina shares her unexpected journey from a corporate job to becoming a freelance entrepreneur, inspired by a transformative trip to Bali. She discusses the challenges and rewards of freelancing, the importance of passive income, and how she balances her dual roles as a business owner and real estate investor.Alaina also explores the concept of entrepreneurial spirit, the art of saying no, and the significance of measurement in freelancing. She candidly shares her experiences with conversion strategies and the importance of finding your niche.Whether you're new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.Find Alaina on LinkedIn or visit her website at https://dralainaszlachta.comKey Topics Covered: Elena’s transition from corporate to freelancing The impact of a Balinese healer on her career path Balancing business ownership with real estate investment The role of passive income in freelancing Conversion strategies for freelancers The importance of measurement and niching in freelancing💡 Resources mentioned in this episode: The Fountainhead by Ayn RandEnjoyed this episode? Leave a review on your favourite podcast app or visit ldfreespirits.com to learn more about elevating your freelancing business! | — | ||||||
| 1/27/25 | Episode 5 - Why your freelance origin story matters more than you think | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, where we explore the ins and outs of freelancing in the world of learning and development. In this episode, we sit down with Hari Patience-Davies, a storytelling coach, trainer, and co-founder of 13 Times. Hari shares her unique journey from corporate consultancy to freelancing and founding a business that helps clients create presentations 13 times more impactful through storytelling. She reflects on her leap into freelancing (including launching a business right after having a baby!) and offers invaluable insights into niching, pricing, and the importance of networking. Hari also dives into her tried-and-tested approach to storytelling, her challenges with balancing generalist skills and freelancing niches, and her thoughts on pricing strategy as a freelancer. Plus, she answers our question from Kirsty Lewis on advice for new freelancers and leaves an intriguing question for our next guest. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of freelancing under your belt, this episode is packed with actionable tips, candid advice, and inspiration. Find Hari on LinkedIn under Harriet Patience-Davies or visit her website at 13-times.com. Key Topics Covered: • Hari’s career transition: From Accenture to storytelling coaching • The origins and growth of 13 Times • Balancing generalist and niche skills in freelancing • Hari’s advice on pricing: From day rates to participant-based pricing • Tips for managing your network and staying visible on LinkedIn • How storytelling can transform presentations—and businesses 💡 Resources mentioned in this episode: • Start With Why by Simon Sinek • Tools for freelancers: Dripify and AuthoredUp • L&D Free Spirits Network: Resources on niching and more! Next episode’s question: If you could have one instant superpower or skill, what would it be? Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on your favourite podcast app or visit ldfreespirits.com to learn more about lifting your freelancing business to new heights! | — | ||||||
| 12/16/24 | Episode 4 - Why day rates are killing your business | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the realities of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Kirsty Lewis, founder of the School of Facilitation, who has been freelancing since 2008. Kirsty opens up about her journey from the corporate world to building a global community of facilitators and trainers. She shares insights on pricing strategies, why day rates might be holding you back, and the importance of valuing outcomes over time. Kirsty also reflects on the mental and emotional shifts needed when transitioning to freelancing, her four roles for success (cheerleaders, ears, elders, and experts), and how to manage the ups and downs of self-employment. She answers Viv Cole's question from the previous episode about her favourite book and leaves a thought-provoking question for our next guest. Plus, Kirsty explains why she doesn't have a day rate—and how she charges instead! Whether you’re considering freelancing, just starting out, or looking to refine your practice, this episode is full of actionable advice and thought-provoking discussion. Find Kirsty on LinkedIn or visit her website at schooloffacilitation.com Follow Kirsty on Instagram: @schooloffacilitation Her Podcast: A Facilitator's Journey Referenced Books: Bounce by Matthew Syed The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler | — | ||||||
| 11/25/24 | Episode 3 - The five steps of a freelancer's journey | Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Viv Cole, an experienced instructional designer and trainer who has been freelancing since 2002. Viv shares his journey, insights on building a successful freelance business, and his 3x3 rule of networking at conferences. He answers Maria’s question from the previous episode, and poses a new question for our next guest. Plus of course, Viv shares how much he charges for his freelance work! Whether you're new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration. Find Viv on LinkedIn or visit his website at http://www.vivcole.co.uk Article: The lifecycle of a freelance business https://ldfreespirits.com/to-freelance-or-not-to-freelance-now-theres-a-question/ | — | ||||||
| 11/22/24 | Episode 2 - Freelancing with purpose, play and intent | In our second episode of the series, podcast host Mark sits down with Maria Salkeld, a strengths-based coach who is now on her third era of freelance work in the L&D industry! Maria shares her journey from redundancy to entrepreneurship, discussing the various phases of her freelance career and the motivations behind each transition. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of community, and the nuances of setting your worth in the market. Maria also touches on the significance of networking, the role of values in choosing freelance work, and the balance between flexibility and financial stability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a leap into self-employment or looking to enhance their freelance career. Find out more about Maria Salkeld and her strengths-based approach: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasalkeld/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkybirdstrengths • Website: https://www.quirkybirdstrengths.com Discover the benefits of joining the L&D Free Spirits community at https://ldfreespirits.com | — | ||||||
| 9/30/24 | Episode 1 : The mountains and valleys of freelancing | In this inaugural episode, podcast host Mark sits down with Kim Ellis, a seasoned professional in learning and development who transitioned from traditional roles to founding her own business. Kim shares her journey from redundancy to entrepreneurship, culminating in the creation of L&D Free Spirits, a unique network aimed at supporting freelancers in the industry. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of community, and the nuances of setting your worth in the market. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a leap into self-employment or looking to enhance their freelance career. Find out more about joining the L&D Free Spirits community at https://ldfreespirits.com Connect with Kim on LinkedIn | — | ||||||
Showing 19 of 19
Pitch Fit is a Pro feature
See how bookable this show is for guests, which brands already advertise, the per-episode ad value, and the best-fit guest and sponsor profile. The numbers are blurred on the free plan.
How readily this show books outside guests like you.
How proven this show is for host-read sponsorships.
For Guests
ProFor Advertisers
ProUpgrade to Pro to unlock guest cadence, sponsor categories, fit scores, and per-episode ad value for this show.