

1928: I Funded Our Wedding Through Freelance Writing by Leah Manderson with Budgets Are Sexy on Client-Based Income
10/1/2026 | 6 mins.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1928: Leah Manderson shares how she transformed her writing skills into a thriving freelance business to help fund her dream wedding. By targeting women-owned businesses with generous, value-first pitches, she built a client base, earned over $5,000, and discovered a side hustle that outlasted the wedding itself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.budgetsaresexy.com/side-hustle-series-started-freelance-writing-business/ Quotes to ponder: "It's a rollercoaster of emotions in the beginning (it took me 2 months to get my first client!), but so worth the effort when you finally get a 'yes!'" "To sell my services, I sent email pitches to women-owned businesses in my area, telling them how I could help them improve their sales." "In exchange for free projects, request either a testimonial or referral to further your business in a non-monetary way."

1927: When You Should Give Away Your Services For Free AND 4 Different Types of Entrepreneurs by Chalene Johnson
09/1/2026 | 8 mins.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1927: Chalene Johnson explores the emotional dilemma of offering your services for free and why doing so often undermines the recipient's commitment and results. She also breaks down four entrepreneurial mindsets, Doubter, Perfectionist, Jumper, and Soldier, helping you identify your current approach and what it takes to shift into a more productive, resilient mindset. These insights are invaluable if you're striving to build stronger boundaries and achieve real progress in both life and business. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/services-when-you-should-give-away-your-services-for-free/ & https://www.chalenejohnson.com/entrepreneurs/ Quotes to ponder: "When you give people something for free, not always, but 9 times out of 10, they don't do anything with it." "You have to stop doubting yourself because, if you doubt yourself, I guarantee everyone else will, too." "You must be a quiet hero. Feel fear and do what is right."

1926: To be Productive You Don't Need A Complicated System by Carl Pullein on Simple Efficiency
08/1/2026 | 6 mins.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1926: Carl Pullein dismantles the myth that productivity requires elaborate systems, showing how focus and daily consistency, like Ian Fleming's writing ritual, are all it takes to accomplish great work. With just a notebook, clear priorities, and protected time blocks, anyone can achieve meaningful results without stress or complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/to-be-productive-you-dont-need-a-complicated-system/7/8/2019 Quotes to ponder: "To become super productive, you need two ingredients: focus and consistency." "No one will respect your time until you respect your time." "A notebook, a pen and clarity for what you want to accomplish is all you need." Episode references: Casino Royale: https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Royale-James-Bond-Book/dp/1612185436

1925: Using Mind Control to Raise Startup Cash by Michael Simpson of Nir and Far on Persuasive Funding
07/1/2026 | 7 mins.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1925: Michael Simpson reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage social proof and scarcity, two powerful psychological triggers, to increase their chances of raising startup capital. By creating urgency and demonstrating interest from others, founders can flip investor hesitation into momentum, even in the absence of hard financial data. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/raisemoney/ Quotes to ponder: "Investors are a lot more compelled to invest if there is $100,000 left in a $1m round then if there is $900,000 still available." "Social proof, in essence, is the herd instinct: people are more compelled to do something if others are already doing it." "Make up your own mind. Don't follow the herd. Don't chase." Episode references: AngelList: https://angel.co True Ventures: https://www.trueventures.com The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Â

1924: [Part 2] Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Creating Opportunity
06/1/2026 | 5 mins.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1924: Leo Babauta explores how anyone can turn their passions into a sustainable income, without needing a huge investment. By starting small, building skills through practice, and gradually attracting an audience, you can create multiple income streams and reclaim control over your career and life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/job/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're stepping stones to greatness." "The best way to attract an audience is to provide really valuable content." "There is something incredibly empowering about seizing control of your life and creating the job you want." Episode references: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com



Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship