The Savvy Scribe
The Savvy Scribe, a podcast for savvy nurse writers and creatives who want to grow a profitable freelance writing business. Hear some stories about life and entrepreneurship from your host, Janine Kelbach RNC-OB, and her guests. Each episode is jam-packed with actionable tips in growing your business, goal planning, freelancing, productivity, life tools, and many more!
Six Figures Won’t Make You Happy: Goals That Actually Stick
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What if the goal you’ve been chasing isn’t the one you actually want? In this episode, Janine helps you set writing goals that fit your real life: find your “why,” break a big goal into small wins, track what’s working, and move past the fear that stalls you. Perfect if your goals keep fizzling out by February.
Setting Writing Goals That Actually Stick
In this episode you’ll learn
Why a big income number is not the same as a goal that motivat...EP356: Fearless Pitching: Writing Cold Emails That Actually Get Responses with Zach Schleien
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In this episode, we’re switching gears a little. Instead of pitching yourself as a freelancer to land clients, we’re talking about PR pitching, how to get your ideas, your expertise, and your story in front of journalists and media outlets.
As a nurse writer, you’re not just selling writing. You’re building a personal brand and positioning yourself as an expert. Getting quoted in an article or featured in the media strengthens your portfolio and gives you something powerful to share on LinkedIn and across your website. It puts you...
EP355: Dopamine Management and Time-Boxing for Nurse Solopreneurs with Steven Puri
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Get your notes app or a fresh piece of paper ready, because this conversation with former movie executive and tech entrepreneur Steven Puri took a turn into pure gold. We went so deep into the mechanics of productivity that we completely lost track of time—proving the exact focus concepts we were discussing! If you’ve ever felt like modern digital distractions are stealing your workday before you even get started, this episode is your ultimate antidote.
In this episode, Steven and I dive into the neuroscience of focus, master-level time-boxing, and...
EP354: The AI-Proof Nurse Writer
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Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I’m diving deep into a topic that has been on every writer’s mind lately: Artificial Intelligence. As a nurse with over 20 years of experience and a decade in the freelance health writing world, I’ve seen first-hand how AI is shifting the landscape. While it’s certainly disrupted the industry, I want to share why I believe this is actually an incredible time for clinicians to pivot into writing.
Key Takeaways
The “Bottom” of the Market is Gone (and that’s okay...Jeanese ExEP353: Writing for Patient Education vs. Professional Audiences: Key Differences with Jeanese Ex, RN, BSN
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Transitioning from bedside nursing into healthcare content creation comes with a steep learning curve—especially when learning how to tailor your voice for different readers. In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, I sat down with Jeanese Ex, RN, BSN—an experienced obstetrics nurse who successfully pivoted into medical writing and continuing education development following a career-altering injury.
Jeanese shares how bedside charting skills translate seamlessly into health copywriting, how she built her own Florida Board of Nursing-approved CEU portal, and the subtle yet critical differences between creating content for consumers vers...
EP352: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Athena Brownson
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Relying on a single source of income can leave healthcare professionals vulnerable to burnout, industry layoffs, and physical demands that make long-term bedside care challenging. In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, I sat down with Athena Brownson, a veteran Denver-based real estate broker and developer with 13 years of industry experience.
Athena shares her journey into real estate, how she navigates entrepreneurship while managing a chronic illness (Lyme disease), and how nurses can leverage real estate and side investments to build lasting financial stability. I also break down my actionable Red...
EP351: Work-Life Balance, Focus, and Why “Balance” Might Be the Wrong Word
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In this episode, I’m sharing what a decade of building a business, writing thousands of words, interviewing over 200 healthcare professionals, and running this podcast every week since 2019 has taught me about work life balance and focus.
In this episode:
EP350: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Maria Jasanya MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE
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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and community member, Maria Jasanya. Based in Brooklyn, Maria is a nurse educator and medical writer who has mastered the art of balancing a traditional nursing career with multiple income streams.
She shares her journey from wanting to be a nurse since elementary school to becoming a nurse residency coordinator, adjunct professor, and prolific freelance writer. We dive deep into how a curious mind and a willingness to say “yes” to new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and diversified professional life...
EP349: Why Your Boundaries Fail (and How to Fix Them) with Dawn Andrews
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Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no”; it’s about building the infrastructure your life and business need to thrive. For many female founders and healthcare professionals, the transition from caregiver to entrepreneur brings a unique set of challenges where lines often get blurred. This episode with business strategist Dawn Andrews dives into why we struggle to hold the line and how to reclaim your time without the crushing weight of guilt.
About Dawn Andrews:
Dawn Andrews is the founder and CEO of Free R...
EP348: 5 Tips for Building a Freelance Writing Practice While Working Full Time, Raising Kids, and Still Having a Life with Trish Larsen
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast, Janine sits down with nurse and freelance writer Trish Larsen to talk about building a freelance writing business while balancing a full-time job and family life. Trish shares her journey from bedside nursing to remote work and how she turned her natural writing skills into a flexible career.
Building a Freelance Writing Business as a Nurse
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Trish got started building a freelance writing business during CO...EP347: Networking Strategies for Nurse Entrepreneurs (Even If You’re Introverted) with Marsha Ann Battee
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In this episode, I sit down with Marsha Battee, host of the Bossy Nurse podcast, to talk about something many writers struggle with—networking. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to put yourself out there (especially as an introvert), this conversation will help you rethink what networking really is and how to do it in a way that feels authentic and effective.
Networking Strategies for Introverts
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why networking doesn’t have to feel like self-promotion or “schmoozing...EP346: Who Actually Hires Nurse Writers? A Behind-the-Scenes Look From Someone Who Did the Hiring with Shaun Chavis
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, Janine sits down with Shaun Chavis, a former journalist, editorial director, and content marketing consultant, to talk about who actually hires nurse writers. Shaun shares her perspective from years of hiring health professionals for editorial and content marketing roles in media and health tech companies.
If you’re a nurse curious about freelance writing—or a beginner who hasn’t landed your first client yet—this episode pulls back the curtain on what hiring managers look for, why nurses are highly valued in health content, a...
EP345: Your Portfolio That Converts: Showing Value Beyond ‘I’m a Nurse’ with Suzy Wraines
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Today’s guest of The Savvy Scribe podcast is Susie Wraines, an entrepreneur and host of the Starting a Business Simplified podcast, to talk about something every nurse already has—but may not recognize: transferable skills.
From the bedside to business ownership, Susie shares how her background in business, the Army, and veterinary medicine shaped her entrepreneurial path. Together, we unpack how nurses can translate clinical experience into entrepreneurship, nurse writing, leadership roles, or any new direction they feel called to pursue.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know any...
EP344: The Ethics of using AI to Write About Health with Emily Thompson
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast, Janine sits down with freelance writer Emily to explore the evolving role of AI in healthcare writing. From ethical concerns to practical applications, they unpack how AI has transformed the writing landscape—and what it means for nurse writers moving forward.
AI in Healthcare Writing
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How AI has changed freelance writing since 2019Ethical concerns around AI-generated healthcare contentWhy AI should be treated as a tool—not a repl...EP343: From Bedside to Business: Crafting Your Nurse Writer Brand Story with Dr. Farah Laurent
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Dr. Farah shares the real story behind her pivot from ER nurse to nurse career coach and business owner. You’ll learn how your personal story can fuel your brand identity, the importance of visibility in business, and how to stand out in a saturated market—even as a nurse writer. This episode is packed with tangible advice for nurses ready to build something of their own.
About Dr. Farah Laurent
Nurse entrepreneur and founder of Nurses Making Business Moves Conference! Nurse career coach who’s coached over 2...
EP342: Year-End Reflection: Review, Revise, and Recharge for the Year Ahead
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We’re closing in on the final episodes of 2025, and what better way to wrap up the year than with a heartfelt and honest year-end review of your writing business? Janine takes you through a no-fluff, reflection-packed session that’ll help you enter 2026 with confidence and clarity.
Year-End Writing Business Review Without Overwhelm
Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:
EP341: My Journey As A Nurse Writer with Allyssa Dolphin, RN MSN (A Plan Produce Profit Success Story)
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In this inspiring episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, Janine welcomes Alyssa, a fellow nurse and member of the Savvy Nurse Writer community. Alyssa shares how she transitioned from bedside nursing and teaching to becoming a successful freelance writer—all while raising a toddler and growing her family.
Her story is full of honest reflection, real-life challenges, and powerful mindset shifts. Whether you’re just getting started or wondering if freelancing is really possible for you, Alyssa’s journey proves it’s more than possible—it’s worth it.
What...
EP340: Reset, Reflect, and Rise: A Gratitude Business Plan for Freelancers
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As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far you’ve come—and start thinking about what’s next. In this solo episode, Janine shares how practicing gratitude can support a stronger, more aligned business plan as you move into a new season.
You’ll hear her personal reflections, lessons learned, and a mindset reset strategy that will help you rise with purpose in the year ahead.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Your Business Plan
You’ll walk...
EP339: Sales, Crafting Proposals, and Negotiation Strategies with Glenn Poulos
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Welcome to another episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast! Today, I am joined by Glenn Poulos, a top voice on LinkedIn and a seasoned sales expert with over 40 years of experience. Glenn shares insights from his career and his book Never Sit in the Lobby, offering practical and actionable tips to help freelance writers and business owners master the art of sales and negotiation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Proposal and Negotiation Strategies
In this episode, Glenn dives into his decades-long sales journey an...
EP338: A Nonjudgmental End-of-Year Reflection on Your Business
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As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset. In this solo episode of The Savvy Scribe, Janine walks you through an intentional end-of-year reflection—one that goes beyond business and dives into your personal and financial wins, your challenges, and how to turn failures into feedback.
Whether you’ve had a successful year or feel like things didn’t go as planned, this episode is a helpful reset before goal-setting in January.
End-of-Year Reflection for Nurse Writers and Entrepreneurs
What...
EP337: The Future Of Marketing Isn’t Technology. It’s Psychology with Gee Ranasinha
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In this episode, we sit down with marketing strategist Gee Ranasinha to explore what the future of marketing really looks like — and why many businesses are getting it wrong.
Despite the rise of AI and automation tools, marketing’s core hasn’t changed: it’s still about understanding human behavior. Gee breaks down the power of behavioral science, emotional triggers, and brand distinctiveness to explain how businesses can create marketing that sticks.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing technology or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, th...
EP336: Non-Traditional Small Business Marketing Strategies and Tactics with Mark Newsome
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In this value-packed episode, marketing expert Mark Newsome shares his journey from real estate note investing to becoming “Mr. Marketing,” helping small business owners and service providers grow through direct response and relationship-driven strategies.
Discover practical small business marketing strategies and learn how to grow your service-based business through relationship-driven outreach, optimized content, and low-cost visibility tactics.
About the Guest
Mark Newsome (aka) Mr. Marketing is a small business cash flow generation specialist. He specializes in helping non-franchised small business owner...
EP335: The Proposal Template That Got Me Hired
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If you’ve ever sent a proposal and never heard back, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down a real (but anonymized) proposal template to help you understand what might be going wrong and how to fix it.
You’ll learn how to use your discovery calls effectively, avoid vague language, and present a clear, compelling next step that leads to signed contracts—not silence.
This episode is ideal for freelance writers, agencies, and service providers looking to improve their client proposal process.
Key Ta...
EP334: Get More Inquiries Through Your Website with Conversion-Focused and SEO-Friendly Copy That Sounds Like You with Chrysanthi Stamou
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In this episode, we are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Chrysanthi Stamou, who specializes in helping service-based businesses create conversion-focused and SEO-friendly websites.
Chrysanthi breaks down what every small business owner needs to know to turn their website into a powerful, client-generating tool. From homepage structure to SEO myths and writing calls-to-value that resonate, you’ll learn how to write website copy that reflects your personality—and gets results.
This conversation is a must-listen if you’re building or updating your SEO-friendly website and want it to actually bring...
EP333: Why Your Proposals Aren’t Landing Clients (Yet)
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If you’ve ever felt confused or discouraged after sending what you thought was a strong proposal—only to be met with silence—this episode is for you. I am sharing hard-earned insight into why even skilled writers often struggle with landing clients during the proposal stage.
In this episode, you’ll learn the most common mistakes freelance writers make in their proposals and what to do instead. I emphasize the importance of clarity, relevance, and confidence—while helping you shift away from vague, bio-style proposals toward sales communication that refle...
EP332: Why High-Value Clients Are the Game Changer for Nurse Writers
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In this episode, I dive into a game-changing topic for freelance nurse writers: how to attract and retain high-value clients. If you’ve ever said yes to low-paying gigs that left you drained, disrespected, or questioning your worth, this episode offers the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
In this episode, I share the exact qualities that define high-value clients, why they’re essential to your long-term business success, and how to stop settling for one-off projects that don’t pay what you’re worth. With real-world examples...
EP331: How to Monetize Your Book Beyond Book Sales with Timothy Flemming, Jr.
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In this episode, Timothy Fleming Jr., author coach and entrepreneur, reveals what it really takes to write a meaningful book and generate long-term book sales. From clarifying your message and audience to marketing strategies and mindset shifts, this is a practical guide for any aspiring author ready to make an impact—and income.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Clarify Before You Write
2. Book Sales Start with the Right Structure
3. Overcoming Emotional Roadblocks
4. Book Sales Strategy: Don’t Launch and Leave
5. Thin...
EP330: How to Find Writing Clients Without Cold Pitching All Day
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In this episode, I share why relying on cold pitching alone is not a sustainable way to build your freelance writing business. While cold outreach can still land clients, it often leads to burnout, frustration, and minimal returns. Instead, I offer alternative strategies that attract clients to you through trust, visibility, and value-driven outreach.
Why Cold Pitching Isn’t Enough
EP329: The CEO Shift: How to Use Marketing Metrics to Drive Freelance Growth with Rachel Allen
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In this episode, we dive deep into the transition from freelancer to business owner and how understanding marketing metrics can make that shift more empowering and less overwhelming. Our guest, Rachel, shares her journey from hesitant freelancer to confident strategist, highlighting how data can be reframed to support—not scare—freelancers and creatives.
About Rachel
Rachel Allen is a fast-thinking, deeply nerdy marketer with broad-ranging experience in for-profit and non-profit sectors. She’s written for some of the biggest (and smallest) names in business, and excels at market...
EP328: Why High-Value Clients Are the Game Changer for Nurse Writers
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In this episode of the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I’m sharing how landing high-value clients can completely change your freelance writing business. If you’ve ever felt stuck saying yes to low-paying, high-demand projects, it’s time to rethink your approach.
I walk through what makes a client truly “high-value,” how to identify red flags, and how to position yourself as a professional nurse writer who commands higher rates and long-term partnerships. This episode is your permission slip to aim higher and start building the business you deserve.<...
EP327: Uncovering Your Unique Value: How to Identify and Market Your Superpower with Carrie KC West
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What if the story you’ve been telling yourself is what’s holding you back?
In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Carrie KC West, bestselling author, speaker, and narrative coach.
We talked about everything from overcoming imposter syndrome to owning your unique value, and how the stories we tell ourselves can either hold us back or launch us forward. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or not knowing how to “market” yourself authentically — this episode is for you.
...EP326: Money Moves: How CEOs Think About Income and Profit
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re tackling a topic that’s too often overlooked in the freelance world: money. If you’re a Nurse Writer navigating inconsistent payments, unclear financial goals, and burnout from treating your business like a side hustle, this episode will help you make the shift toward thinking about income and profit—and acting—like a CEO.
How CEOs Think About Income and Profit
Here’s what we cover:
Why revenue ≠ profitLearn the difference bet...
EP325: From Chaos to Clarity: Building Smart Systems in Your Nurse-Owned Business with Teresa Sanderson
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In this high-impact episode, nurse entrepreneur Teresa Sanderson joins us to unpack how implementing systems and processes can take your freelance writing or nurse-owned business from chaotic to streamlined. From building a strong sales funnel to developing a CEO mindset, Teresa shares battle-tested strategies and powerful insights that can help any nurse entrepreneur create a scalable, sustainable business.
About Teresa Sanderson
Teresa Sanderson is a serial nurse entrepreneur, champion for nurses, speaker, and marketing expert. She is the founder of Business & Marketing Made Easy For Nurse...
EP324: From Freelancer to Founder: 3 Growth Levers to Scale Your Writing Business
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Are you tired of writing one-off blog posts and constantly hunting for the next client? In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re talking about what it really takes to grow your writing business beyond freelancing.
You’ll learn how to shift from being “just” a freelance writer to building a sustainable, scalable writing business. From bundling services to exploring digital products and refining your niche, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use right away.
Top Takeaways to Elevate Your Writing Business
How to p...EP323: How to Find Work-Life Balance by Finding a Job to Fit Your Life
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Leaving bedside nursing doesn’t mean leaving your calling—it might just mean rediscovering it in a way that better fits your life. In this episode, Sarah shares how burnout and long shifts pushed her to reimagine her career and create a path that supports her values, passions, and most importantly, her work-life balance.
About Sara Fung
Sara has been a registered nurse since 2007. Her expertise is in maternal child health, with clinical experience in obstetrics and the NICU. She has worked in academic and community hospitals and home heal...
EP322: Freelancer or Founder? How to Know Which Hat You’re Wearing
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In this episode, we dive into the critical mindset shift that separates successful nurse writers from those stuck in the gig-to-gig grind. Are you reacting like a freelancer or planning like a founder? Learn the difference—and why it matters for your income, confidence, and long-term success.
Are You A Freelancer or Founder?
Key Takeaways:
Freelancer vs. Founder: The Core DifferenceFreelancers trade time for money. Founders build systems and set strategic goals.Stop Chasing Gigs
A founder creates pipelines, set income go...
EP321: Booked and Burnt Out? How to Scale Without Burning Out
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Are you a nurse-turned-writer who’s fully booked but constantly feeling burnt out? This episode dives into how to grow your writing business without sacrificing your well-being. Learn smart, actionable strategies to increase your income, streamline your systems, and avoid burnout while doing what you love.
Booked and burnt out?
Discover practical ways to scale your writing business without sacrificing your sanity, creativity, or well-being.
Key Takeaways:
Burnt Out? Here’s What It Means:Saying no to clie...EP320: Job Market Pulse: How Freelance Writers Can Thrive This Summer
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In this episode, we dive into the realities of the 2025 job market, where white-collar layoffs and mass job applications are making it harder than ever to land work. Guest Todd Raphael joins to unpack practical strategies for breaking through—whether you’re a freelancer, job seeker, or simply navigating a slow season.
We explore how AI is reshaping hiring, why networking advice often misses the mark, and how to build meaningful connections in both virtual and real-world spaces. Todd offers real talk and useful tactics for professionals who want to s...
EP319: Your Summer Survival Plan: How I Keep My Writing Biz Moving
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Welcome to The Savvy Scribe Podcast! In this episode, Janine Kelbach shares her top strategies for summer survival as a freelance writer. Discover how to navigate chaotic schedules, manage shifting energy, and keep your business moving forward—without burning out. This episode is your go-to guide for maintaining momentum and creativity all summer long.
Key Takeaways: Summer Survival Tips for Freelancers
1. Summer Survival Then vs. Now
EP318: Data-Driven Branding: How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets Clients with Danielle Smyth
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, host Janine Kelbach welcomes Danielle Smyth, founder of Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, to explore the power of data-driven branding. They dive into strategies for building a compelling personal brand that attracts clients.
How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets Clients
Key Topics Covered:
Building with Strategy, Not Just Style:Danielle shares how her company leverages data to guide marketing efforts that focus on client acquisition, not just social media metrics....
