Ghost Boss: Stories About the Freelance Afterlife

Season 3 is officially wrapping up and we’re ending things the only way we know how: freelancer hot takes, honest advice, creative confessions and a little chaos. In this finale episode, Danielle puts Eva in the hot seat for a rapid-fire conversation about freelancing, burnout, summer work plans, creative judgment, ignored advice and the biggest red flags for people who probably shouldn’t become freelancers. We also reflect on some of our favorite conversations from this season, talk about what we want this summer to feel like and share what we’re manifesting for Ghost Boss in Season 4 🔮 Thank you for spending Season 3 with us, Ghosties 💜 We’ll be back this fall with more conversations, more guests and more freelance afterlife chaos. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it genuinely helps more Ghosties find the show and support the podcast as we head into Season 4!

This week, we’re joined by Columbia-based photographer and social media freelancer Lynn Luc, who built her business in a way most people don’t talk about — through friendships, community and simply showing up for people. From getting paid in bottles of wine to running a thriving creative business, Lynn shares how her network naturally became her biggest source of referrals. We get into what it actually looks like to grow through relationships, how to set boundaries when your clients are also your friends and why not every opportunity is yours to take. We also talk about: Balancing or not balancing multiple creative services Knowing your capacity and sticking to it Referrals vs. traditional marketing Why community matters more than strategy The reality of wearing every hat as a freelancer If you’ve ever felt like you’re forcing your marketing or wondering why referrals aren’t coming your way, this episode might just change how you think about growing your business. 💬 Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and, if you haven’t already, we’d love for you to leave a review. It helps more people discover Ghost Boss and we seriously appreciate the support 🖤

In this episode, we’re booked, busy, and burning out. We’re both in one of those seasons where the work just keeps coming, new clients, ongoing projects, agency chaos, and while that should feel like success, it also feels like overwhelm. We talk about: Saying yes to everything and how that catches up to you Managing multiple clients without losing your mind Navigating the chaos of agency workflows, delays, and miscommunication Imposter syndrome when tools and expectations shift Why taking time off as a freelancer feels like punishment The honest truth that we do not have a perfect system for balancing any of this This is a real, unfiltered conversation about what it looks like to be fully booked and still feel like you are barely keeping up. If you have ever thought, "I wanted more clients, so why am I this stressed?" you are not alone. We do not have all the answers, but we are figuring it out in real time. — 🎙️ Got advice? Please send help 📩 Have guest or topic ideas for next season? We would love to hear from you

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 quo Why real behavior matters more than trends or assumptions The shift from big agencies to specialized experts What 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 👻

March is birthday month for Danielle and Eva, so the Ghost Boss hosts kick off the episode reflecting on their birthdays, plans and another year around the sun. What starts with daylight saving time rage, birthday trips, martinis and tarot cards quickly turns into a real conversation about burnout, boundaries and how women are managing life behind the scenes. Eva and Danielle talk about protecting your time, honoring different life circumstances, learning how to show up with more empathy and why “we’re all busy” is never the whole story. It’s funny, honest, a little unhinged and full of the kind of real talk working women rarely get to have out loud.

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.

This week, Danielle and Eva tackle a question every creative runs into: Should your portfolio be super specific or should you show range? They unpack why “everything looks the same” could hurt you, even if the work is good, when a signature style does make sense, and how flexibility in tools, workflow and collaboration can be the thing that keeps you booked. They also get real about personal branding struggles, matching client energy in meetings and why being transparent about what you do and don’t offer builds trust fast. Be part of the conversation: Follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

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.

In Part 2 of their holiday special, Danielle and Eva turn inward, reflecting on a year shaped by growth, grit and community. From professional milestones and speaking engagements to deeply personal moments involving family, flexibility and navigating life’s unexpected challenges, the hosts share candid stories that go beyond design hot takes. They discuss the importance of representation, the power of creative projects and how community support has played a role in both their personal and professional evolution. With humor, honesty and heart, this episode wraps up the holiday series by celebrating progress, resilience and the messy, meaningful moments that define a creative life. As the year comes to a close, the podcast will be taking a break for the holidays. Danielle and Eva will be back with new episodes in January.

In this festive first installment of our holiday special, Danielle and Eva share their hottest seasonal takes—starting with Pantone’s newly announced Color of the Year for 2026, Cloud Dancer. From first impressions to what this choice could mean for design and branding, the hosts break it all down with their signature mix of honesty and humor. They also unwrap the annual cultural storm that is Spotify Wrapped, exploring how brands tap into the trend and why listeners obsess over their data-driven year-in-review. Packed with stories, laughs, and sharp creative insight, this episode sets the tone for a two-part holiday celebration.

Eva and Danielle dive headfirst into all things design in this episode as they chat about the trends catching their eye, the typefaces they cannot quit and the quirks of navigating what is in and what is out. They also share their best AI practices for projects and the ways they help. If you love geeking out over design, this one is for you. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help other Ghost Bosses find us.

Hosts Danielle and Eva welcome Lauren Minors for an inspiring conversation on how solopreneurs can build their own “Camelot” through authentic partnerships, collaboration and community. Together they explore the long game of networking, the importance of trust in professional relationships and how genuine connections can open doors to lasting opportunities. And just when you think the episode couldn’t get more magical, Lauren wraps things up with a tarot card reading for the podcast’s future . 🌙✨ You’ll have to tune in to find out what the cards revealed!

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.

Feedback can sting but it’s not a sign you’ve failed. Danielle and Eva share how to handle client critiques, set boundaries on revisions and stay confident through the chaos of creative feedback. They also dive into communication quirks, imposter syndrome and what’s next for Ghost Boss including Freelance Horror Stories. A must-listen for freelancers and creatives ready to turn feedback into fuel.

Freelancing may sound like freedom, but is it really? In this episode, Danielle and Eva bust some of the most common myths about working for yourself. They tackle misconceptions around work hours, client expectations and what it really means to “be your own boss.” Along the way they share honest insights about the stress levels freelancers face, why self-discipline matters more than you think and how networking and office politics still show up outside the 9-to-5. From setting boundaries to managing multiple clients this conversation is a must-listen for anyone living the freelance life or considering it. Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this episode, Danielle and Eva share their experiences with artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on creative fields. They recount personal anecdotes about technical difficulties, discuss the environmental concerns associated with AI and address the anxiety surrounding job loss due to automation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of human creativity amid advancing technology. Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

The ghouls have returned for Season 3! Danielle and Eva kick things off with fresh stories, reflections and plenty of sassy banter from the Freelance Afterlife. In this premiere episode, they reflect on their summer, sharing experiences related to health challenges, personal growth and the emotional highs and lows of the season. They discuss the influence of routines on well-being, how social media shapes perceptions and the impact of making intentional decisions. Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In the final episode of the season, Danielle and Eva discuss the challenges and joys of working from home, particularly during the summer months. They explore the blurred boundaries between work and personal life, emphasizing the importance of setting clear limits. As working parents who run their businesses from home, they share their personal experiences. The conversation also touches on the lighter aspects of remote work, such as clothing choices and plans for the upcoming summer break. We hope you enjoy this final episode of the season! Have a great summer - the Ghost Boss will return in September! Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this episode, Danielle and Eva discuss the challenges of managing client feedback and revisions in the creative industry. They share personal experiences with the feedback loop, navigating multiple edits, and the frustrations of tracking changes. The conversation also highlights the importance of deadlines and how last-minute edits can impact workflow. They engage with listeners by inviting them to share their own experiences with revisions. Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

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!