The Live Free Podcast with Micala Quinn

In this episode of the Live Free Podcast, I’m chatting with Jackie, a mom of five, mini-farm enthusiast, and now a thriving Online Business Manager (OBM) for interior designers. Jackie shares her inspiring journey of leaving behind her 40-hour office job and a home daycare business to finally build the flexible freelance life she dreamed of. After an initial attempt to go through the Live Free Academy didn’t quite stick due to timing, Jackie came back determined—and this time, everything clicked. Within weeks, she had her first client, and soon after, her business began growing fast. Jackie opens up about what that first year looked like, the niche she discovered she loves, and how she’s balancing business, baby, and backyard chickens. She also shares how trusting the slower seasons was part of her growth story—and why now, she’s booking discovery calls back to back, signing new clients, and confidently turning her passion into a thriving business. Jackie’s story is the perfect reminder that it’s never too late, and the right timing makes all the difference. Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/326 [https://www.micalaquinn.com/jackie-daycare-to-design/] ***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com [http://go.micalaquinn.com] for more details and to sign up!***

Hey there, and welcome back to the Live Free Podcast! I am so excited to introduce you to Britnee—an inspiring mama, former second grade teacher, and Live Free Academy alum. In today’s episode, Brittnee shares her journey from the classroom to freelancing and how she’s built a business that allows her to be home with her two girls. After struggling with postpartum anxiety, unpredictable work as a sub, and the emotional toll of not being the one home with her daughter—even with support from family—Brittnee knew something had to change. She found her path through freelancing, and over the past year and a half, she’s created a business that supports both her family and her mental health. This is such an honest conversation—and if you’ve ever felt torn between your career and your family, Brittnee’s story will really speak to you. Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/325 [https://www.micalaquinn.com/brittnee-family-first/] ***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com [http://go.micalaquinn.com] for more details and to sign up!***

Welcome back! In today's episode, we sit down with Sarah, a former special education teacher who transitioned from the structured world of classrooms to the flexible, fulfilling life of freelancing—all while navigating new motherhood, pregnancy, and the realities of being a full-time work-from-home parent. After spending six years teaching elementary special education, Sarah made her first big shift into a leadership role as an education director at a tutoring company. It was there that she unexpectedly picked up business and marketing experience—skills she didn’t realize would later become the foundation of her freelance career. When Sarah gave birth to her daughter in November 2023, her priorities shifted. She knew she wanted to be more present at home, but she also wanted to continue using her skills and contributing financially. So, during nap times and commutes, she began exploring new possibilities and binge-listening to podcasts. In August 2024, she enrolled in a freelancing course, determined to see if she could make this work. Despite a full plate—juggling a baby, pregnancy, and part-time work—Sarah pressed forward. She took her time building confidence, practicing her pitch, and applying what she learned. Just two months later, she landed her first client through word-of-mouth: her boss’s husband needed help with social media. That small “yes” opened the door to more opportunities, and by December, she had a second client from a local Facebook group. By March, she had transitioned her existing employer into her biggest freelance client—pitching her own custom role focused on marketing and social media. Now, Sarah is a freelance marketing professional working part-time, with a growing client roster, a flexible schedule, and the ability to be present for her growing family. In this conversation, she shares what it looked like to take intentional steps (not giant leaps), why word-of-mouth is still powerful, how she used her existing experience to get started, and the honest truth about building a business with a baby. Whether you're a teacher wondering what’s next, a mom craving flexibility, or someone curious about starting a business with limited time, Sarah’s story will show you what’s possible when you trust your gut, take the first step, and keep showing up. Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/32 [https://www.micalaquinn.com/swapping-commute-for-clients-sarahs-leap/]4 ***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com [http://go.micalaquinn.com] for more details and to sign up!***

In today's episode, we sit down with Ben, a veteran of the audio and music world who spent over 15 years building a successful freelance career across a wide range of creative services — from composing music for commercials and online content to editing podcasts, performing at events, and even designing immersive sound for virtual reality experiences. Ben shares how freelancing in a gig-based industry forced him to become endlessly adaptable, constantly learning new tools, skills, and systems to manage his solo business. Over time, the admin and operational load — juggling websites, newsletters, social media, invoices, contracts, and more — became overwhelming. Realizing there was no single tool that made it easier for independent creatives like himself to manage everything in one place, Ben co-founded Full Scope, an all-in-one platform built for freelancers. In this conversation, he shares the evolution of his career, the pain points that led to Full Scope’s creation, and what freelancers really need to succeed when starting out or looking to scale: clarity on their offer, a simple but strong online presence, and systems that support — not slow down — their creative work. Whether you're just starting a freelance business or looking to streamline how you work, Ben’s journey offers practical insights and inspiration. Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/323 [ https://www.micalaquinn.com/gigs-to-growth-bens-full-scope-journey/] ***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com [http://go.micalaquinn.com] for more details and to sign up!***

On today’s episode of the Live Free Podcast, I’m chatting with Rachel — a former teacher who said enough is enough and took the leap into freelancing. Rachel taught for 14 years, but like so many of us, she hit a point where her career no longer aligned with the mom she wanted to be. She shares what finally pushed her to explore a different path, how she found the Live Free Academy during a scroll session over Christmas break, and what gave her the confidence to invest in herself — even on her 40th birthday while vacationing in Mexico!  Rachel went all in and left her teaching job before she landed a client. She knew she had to tools to be successful and she hasn't looked back. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start, or if you can really do something different after years in one career... this episode is for you. Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/322 [ https://www.micalaquinn.com/rachel-whitlock-burnout-to-freedom/] ***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com [http://go.micalaquinn.com] for more details and to sign up!***