5 Podcasts for Ethically-Minded Freelancers.

As January draws to a very swift end, so does our month-long focus on the creative freelance entrepreneur. Well, not really because let's face it, we're all about sustaining the creative freelancer here at Novel Creatives. None the less, we thought we would leave you with a little end of the month gift...

Lauren McCrostie, actress, activist, writer and all-round ethical champion has shared her 5 go-to podcasts for freelancers.

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Podcasts provide an enjoyment that is not as easily attainable from other services. Indeed, like a comedy gig it can prompt a chuffed chuckle from a comedian; facilitate a birth of knowledge like a book; update you with the latest news in government (though really, who really wants to know?) akin to the telly and can grant you deeper insight into a specific topic similar to a radio interview. But they also are just fun. Aren’t they?!

People of all ages are producing, downloading, sharing, learning from and listening to episodes and knowing that “Podcast listeners are 45% more likely to have a college degree and 37% more likely to have an annual income of $100,000 or greater", be a smart cookie, get the know on your field and listen to a few of these fancies.

1. ‘How I built this with Guy Raz’ holds an amazing bundle of episodes featuring hardworking, business owners. From the late talented Kate Spade to the continuous Jenn Hyman who created the resourceful platform ‘Rent the Runway’, the podcast looks at inspiring makers who worked hard from the onset - with all the tuffs and hurdles. Listening to one of these is an easy way to fire up that ‘umpft’ needed to work and learn sharp business strategies from. My favourites are Raz’ recording with Cliff Bar CEO Gary Ericsson and sustainable clothing brand pioneer Yvon Chouinard from Patagonia.

2. Listening to Veja’s Sebastian Kopp on Wardrobe Crisis was incredibly fascinating. Sebastian depicts the reasoning and methods behind his stylish, successful, sustainable shoe brand: Veja. He outlines the companies morals and how he weaves that into every single aspect of business. You learn how robust his passion for the cause is and how he will not compromise their ethical principles for anything. Although Kopps’ thorough style is intense, its great for reminding us to stay close to our values and employing them into our work.

3. If you're just starting out - to podcasting or working, give the ‘Nobody Panic Podcast’ episode of ‘How to build a business’ a listen too. Tessa and Stevie are comedians, writers, actors, podcasters and freelancers, so are well accustomed to the trails and tribulations we have so often had to become accustomed to and therefore know what they are talking about. They are also, as comedians very funny so a listening to them natter on provides a lively lift. Furthermore, the dynamic duo also have an episode on how to improve your work from learning your ‘strengths and weaknesses’

4. Similarly, the ‘Emma Guns Show’ has a great episode on getting you into a productive mindset in her episode of ‘Making sh•• happen’. Emma also looks at how you can cultivate a kinder relationship with ourselves by accepting we’re ‘being enough’.

5. Although its’ beneficial to many, freelancing is a testing and demanding way of working. Spinning all the plates, and cups and saucers, causes exhaustion and confusion, occasionally in a discipline you had no intention practising in. Understandably, you may feel lost and find it difficult to locate the reasons you started on this career path in the first place. When I am feeling this way, I search up someone I admire or whose career I want to imitate in the Desert Island Discs Archive. They have interviewed a huge array of inspirational individuals in a broad range of fields. You never know, may find someone who you can relight your fire and love for your work...or at the very least, you'll have listened to some great conversations in the company of a warm beverage while waiting for your next meeting.

Love, Lauren x

Happy Listening!

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P.S Also check out Novel Creative's friend Madeline DeRose's podcast Ladies of Ludlow!