The Freelance Insider Show
Real Talk for Freelancers
Who Are Building Something Real
Every week, practical strategies, honest conversations, and no-fluff advice to help you land better clients, set smarter rates, and build a freelance business that lasts.
What the Show Is About
This is the show I wish existed when I started freelancing in 2014. No hype, no overnight-success myths — just real strategies that work.
- Pitching clients with confidence and landing more work
- Setting rates you can stand behind — and actually charge them
- Avoiding burnout before it derails your business
- Scaling beyond the feast-or-famine cycle
- Mindset shifts that separate struggling freelancers from thriving ones
Your Host
I’m Allan Calder. I spent a decade learning freelancing the hard way — from chasing low-paying gigs on Upwork to building a sustainable business with steady clients and real income. I started this show to pass on everything I’ve learned, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Latest Episode
Episode 19 — Finding Your Flow
Guest Episode · Productivity & Focus
From Hollywood to Freelancers: Steven Puri on How to Focus, Beat Distraction, and Get More Done
What do blockbuster films and freelance productivity have in common? More than you’d think. Steven Puri went from studio executive on films like Independence Day and Star Trek to building Sukha — a focus app designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs.
- Why traditional task apps fail freelancers — and what actually works
- The real cost of distraction and how nudges can save your day
- How to structure deep work into a freelance schedule
- A mindset shift every freelancer needs to avoid burnout
Episodes Worth Your Time
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, these episodes hit the topics that matter most.
Episode 01
Why Most People Fail at Freelancing (And How to Know If You’re Different)
The honest truth about what separates freelancers who make it from those who don’t.
Episode 04
The Real Reason You’re Undercharging — And How to Set Rates With Confidence
Stop leaving money on the table. A practical framework for pricing your work.
Episode 06
Why Most Freelancers Fail at Pitching — And the Secret to Landing Your First Client
What a winning pitch actually looks like and why most people get it wrong.
Episode 14
The Secret to Avoiding Burnout as a Freelancer Without Giving Up Your Dream
Burnout is common. It doesn’t have to be inevitable. Here’s how to get ahead of it.
Grab the Free
Freelance Reset Checklist
Feeling stuck or starting over? This checklist walks you through the exact steps to reset your freelance business and start building real momentum.
Download Free Checklist →All Episodes
Every episode is available on the Spotify player above or on YouTube. Browse the full list below.
Got a Question or a Show Idea?
I’d love to hear from you — whether it’s a topic you want covered, feedback on an episode, or a pitch to come on as a guest.
Send Allan a MessageOr reach out directly: [email protected]