Hosted by David Sparks and Jason Snell
David Sparks and Jason Snell spent their careers working for the establishment. Then one day, they’d had enough. Now they are independent workers, learning what it takes to succeed in the 21st century. They are… free agents.
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Latest Episodes
#30: Tito Needs to Pay the Rent
September 19th, 2017 · 46 minutes
So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you.
#29: The Spreadsheet
September 5th, 2017 · 40 minutes
So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed.
#28: David's Origin Story
August 22nd, 2017 · 47 minutes
Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm.
#27: Bird in the Bush
August 8th, 2017 · 43 minutes
Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul?
#26: A Batphone to My Heart
July 25th, 2017 · 58 minutes
Telephones and text messaging seem like necessary evils at best, but for many small businesses they're required. You just need to figure out how to use them effectively--and set rules so that they aren't abused. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist ser…
#25: Breadcrumb of My Life, with Stephen Hackett
July 11th, 2017 · 56 minutes
Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including an abortive attempt at being an Apple blogger, a fateful meeting over tea with Jason and David, how he left his job to become a full-time podcast entrepreneur, and the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent.
#24: Take Care of Yourself
June 27th, 2017 · 43 minutes
What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? Jason was recently out of commission for several days, and David had serious health issues immediately upon going independent. What strategies can help mitigate against illness? How can you avoid getting sick? And what's the deal with disability insurance?
#23: It's Hard To Get on a Different Train
June 13th, 2017 · 40 minutes
When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions.
#22: Staying Agile
May 30th, 2017 · 27 minutes
One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing, including Jason's decision to leave one podcast and start another.
#21: The Second Feedback Episode
May 16th, 2017 · 57 minutes
We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker.