Blog Post Article - HustleNest

5 Must-Listen Podcasts and Videos for Freelancers to Level UP

19 December 2024

By Sipho Ndinisa

Business Analyst (IIBA) MM in Digital Business (Wits Business School)

5 Must-Listen Podcasts and Videos for Freelancers to Level UP


Summary:

Freelancing can be tough - knowing what to charge, protecting yourself with contracts, navigating taxes, and improving your pitches are just a few of the challenges you’ll face. These five podcasts and videos are curated to provide freelancers with practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable tips to grow and thrive. With topics ranging from freelancing contracts to effective cold pitches, this list will help you avoid common pitfalls and stay ahead in your career.

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"The 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Freelancing”

 

Author: Freelance MVP Podcast


If you’re thinking about breaking free from the 9-to-5 or struggling to find your groove as a freelancer, this podcast delivers unfiltered truths about freelancing—what’s amazing, what’s tricky, and what you wish someone had told you from day one. It’s candid, insightful, and packed with actionable tips for freelancers of all levels.

Comment: Your video is wonderful. I've been a freelancer for almost 3 years in Upwork, and it changed my life, but there are times when it's not rosy, it's a roller coaster, as you say. Thanks for this video because it encourages me to keep going. Hugs from Colombia! IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, UNTIL YOU DO IT 💯

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to deal with unpredictable income.
  • Why “flexible hours” aren’t always what you expect.
  • Battle-tested tips for finding clients and staying sane.

How To Know What To Charge as a Freelancer

 

 

Author: Freelance Family Man
Why You Should Watch:
Pricing your services can feel like guesswork. This video breaks down how to research rates, evaluate your experience, and test pricing strategies until you find what works.

Top Comment:
"Just discovered your channel, it’s clear you know what you’re talking about. Love it!"

Actionable Takeaway:
Start by researching competitor rates on platforms like Upwork, compare your experience, and experiment with different pricing structures.

How to Create a Freelance Contract (And Why You Desperately Need One)

 

 

Author: Colleen Welsch
Why You Should Watch:
Contracts protect your time, money, and work, yet so many freelancers skip them. Colleen breaks down the essentials of writing a freelance contract and why it’s critical for your business.

Top Comment:
"I subscribed a week ago, and you’ve already become one of my favorite YouTubers! Thank you for the insight and delivering it in an entertaining way!"

What You’ll Learn:

  • Key benefits of a freelance contract.
  • How to write a simple yet effective contract.
  • How to get a free template through Bonsai.

Taxes for Freelancers: What You Need to Know | South African YouTuber

 

 

Author: BALESENG
Why You Should Watch:
Taxes can be overwhelming for freelancers, especially when you’re not classified as a traditional employee. This video explains the basics of taxes for South African freelancers, including provisional tax and VAT requirements.

Top Comment:
"Needed this, thank you!"

Key Topics Covered:

  • Differences between freelancers and employees.
  • How to register for provisional tax.
  • What percentage of income you should save for taxes.

Gently Roasting Your Cold Pitches (Sorry!)

 

 

Author: Deya
Why You Should Watch:
If you’re struggling to land clients, your cold pitches might be the culprit. Deya dissects real pitches and explains why they fail—while sharing actionable advice to improve them.

Top Comment:
"This video is GOLD! I had no idea how to pitch myself properly, and these examples helped me so much."

What You’ll Learn:

  • The 16 most common cold pitch mistakes.
  • Examples of pitches that actually got hires.
  • How to build authority, avoid vagueness, and connect with clients.

Final Thoughts: Take Action and Thrive

Each of these videos is packed with advice that can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re figuring out pricing, setting up a contract, managing taxes, or perfecting your pitches, there’s something here to take your freelancing journey to the next level.

And don’t forget—freelancing is all about building strong partnerships. With tools like Scoop, you can rate and share client experiences, helping others avoid bad collaborations and choose great clients.

Ready to level up? Hit play on these videos and start implementing what you learn today. 🚀

If you loved this list, share it with your freelancing community and explore more tools to elevate your business—like our Invoicing Tool, Time Management Resources, and client rating feature "The Scoop"!.

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