Free Agents
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.
#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.
#20: Jason's Origin Story
May 3rd, 2017 · 59 minutes
David asks Jason 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 big corporation.
#19: Nobody Grades You on the Scaffolding
April 18th, 2017 · 59 minutes
Every independent worker will agree that being organized is important. But should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized, as well as tools to use to help in the process.
#18: A Series of Logical Decisions, with Greg Pierce
April 4th, 2017 · 44 minutes
Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant.
#17: Stop Digging
March 21st, 2017 · 28 minutes
Not all clients are good clients. If you don't manage the herd, you could lose the farm. This is why it's important to consider the right time, and right way, to fire a client. We discuss fireable offenses both obvious and subtle, and the best approach to take when firing a client.