Best Al Calder Podcasts (2026)

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24: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days - Part 5: Mindset, Metrics, and Long-Term Growth 5:34

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5h ago5:34

5:34

Episode Summary: In part 5, the final episode in the 30-day client series, we shift your focus from short-term wins to long-term freelance success. Learn how to track the right metrics, stay consistent with outreach, and build systems that prevent the feast-or-famine cycle. This episode covers mindset, measurement, and momentum — the habits that tu…

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23: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days - Part 4: Cold Outreach That Works 5:23

3d ago5:23

5:23

Episode Summary: Part four of our series on finding your first three freelance clients in 30 days tackles one of the most uncomfortable — yet powerful — client acquisition strategies in freelancing: cold outreach. From cold emails and direct pitches to real-world, face-to-face networking, this episode breaks down how to approach outreach without fe…

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Camera Operator Ben Eeley ACO SOC: Fitness, Steadicam, Wheels, Conventional Operating, ZeeGee and Joining the ACO 1:07:22

7d ago1:07:22

1:07:22

When Ben Eeley ACO SOC is not camera operating, he spends his spare time running marathons, cycling, swimming and training for the Ironman. This episode explores how fitness and endurance play a role in camera operating, alongside Steadicam, wheels, conventional operating, using the ZeeGee and handheld work. Ben shares insight into the physical dem…

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22: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days – Part 3: Exploring Online Platforms and Marketplaces 6:40

22d ago6:40

6:40

Episode Summary: Part three takes you beyond your warm network and into the online world where clients are actively searching for freelancers right now. From Upwork and Fiverr to LinkedIn and visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, this episode breaks down how to use online marketplaces strategically — without getting stuck in the low…

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Maxime Chaya - Explorer and Adventurer 1:40:51

16d ago1:40:51

1:40:51

Today's guest is Maxime Chaya, Lebanon’s foremost adventurer and the first person from his country to stand atop Mount Everest, which he summited in 2006. That Everest climb was actually featured on Discovery Channel's reality series "Everest: Beyond the Limit," but it was just one chapter in an extraordinary career of exploration. Max went on to c…

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21: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days – Part 2: Networking With Your Inner Circle 5:18

1M ago5:18

5:18

Episode Summary: Part two moves from foundation to action by tapping your inner circle—friends, family, coworkers, and past colleagues—to find your first paying client faster than cold outreach alone. Learn how to talk about your services without feeling salesy, post a simple launch note on social, and reconnect with former employers the right way.…

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20: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days – Part 1: Laying the Foundation 5:06

1M ago5:06

5:06

Episode Summary: Welcome to the first episode of a brand new five-part series designed to help new and struggling freelancers land their first three clients in just 30 days. In this episode I share my personal journey from zero experience to paying clients, revealing key foundational steps every freelancer must take before hunting for clients. Lear…

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Camera Operator Brett Hurd SOC: American Primeval, The Handmaid's Tale and the craft of leading from behind the lens 1:45:12

1M ago1:45:12

1:45:12

International camera operator Brett Hurd SOC joins us after a run on shows like The Handmaid's Tale, Mrs America, The Terminal List and American Primeval. We talk about the path that took him from early sports broadcasting and documentary work to operating on major dramas around the world. Brett shares how still photography shapes his eye, why mobi…

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Go Outside - Cailynn Klingbeil and Annalise Klingbeil 1:10:11

2M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

A conversation with Annalise and Cailynn Klingbeil, the Calgary-based twin sisters behind Go Outside, one of Canada's most influential outdoor newsletters. From their first hike at two months old to building a community of thousands who are discovering that adventure doesn't require epic summits or extreme objectives—it just requires stepping outsi…

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Murderbot with Production Designer Sue Chan 59:23

1M ago59:23

59:23

This week on Cinemapodgrapher, one of our new hosts, Hannah, sits down with acclaimed production designer Sue Chan, whose work spans Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Where the Crawdads Sing, Colossal, and now the highly anticipated series Murderbot. Together they explore Sue's approach to world-building, the design of the AI-driven charac…

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Ben Kwiatkowski - Adventure Racer 1:10:34

2M ago1:10:34

1:10:34

In today’s episode of the Adventure Audio Podcast Laval speaks with his adventure racing teammate and friend, Ben Kwiatkowski. Ben has a master’s in sustainable forest management, a B.Sc. in cell biology and genetics, is a professional avalanche forecaster, former ski patroller, medical team supervisor for music festivals and one of North America’s…

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David Calder - Ultramarathoner 1:04:26

2M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Today’s guest is someone who pushes limits—not just in distance, but in grit, landscape, and life. Meet David Calder. Dave calls Alberta’s Rocky Mountains home now, but his journey begins on Canada’s east coast. A native of Cape Breton, he’s gone from coastal trails to alpine ridge-lines. On LinkedIn, he describes himself as an ultramarathoner livi…

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Dolly Grip Dave Shaw: Lessons from 30 years in the Industry 36:11

2M ago36:11

36:11

This week on Cinemapodgrapher, new host Josh Calder sits down with one of Australia's most respected dolly grips, Dave Shaw. With over 30 years in the industry and credits on War Machine, Thor: Ragnarok, The Hobbit, Avatar, Eat Pray Love, San Andreas, Furiosa, Nim's Island, and Pete's Dragon, Dave has seen it all from behind the camera. They unpack…

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James Allen - Explorer, Speaker, Mentor and Storyteller 1:30:04

3M ago1:30:04

1:30:04

James Allen is an Australian modern-day explorer, speaker, mentor, and storyteller who fuses adventure with deep wisdom. From high peaks to frozen poles, he’s turned extreme environments into laboratories for leadership, resilience, and personal growth. By the age of 22 (in 1995), James became the youngest person to summit Mount Everest via the Nor…

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Cinematographer Jacques Jouffret ASC: Camera Operating, Transformers, Gran Turismo & American Primeval 1:31:59

3M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

For many years Jacques Jouffret ASC was one of the world's top camera operators, winning the SOC Camera Operator of the Year award for his work on Into the Wild and contributing to multiple Transformers films, Swordfish, Seabiscuit, Deepwater Horizon, Man on Fire, Patriots Day and Lone Survivor. Today he is an acclaimed cinematographer whose credit…

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F1 with Skywalker Sound - Al Nelson, Luke Dunn-Gielmuda and Andree Lin 1:53:34

3M ago1:53:34

1:53:34

The legendary team from Skywalker Sound, Supervising Sound Editor Al Nelson, Lead Sound Effects Editor Luke Dunn-Gielmuda, and Sound Design Assistant Andree Lin join us for Part 2 of F1, the movie. From working with Joseph Kosinski, collaborating with Sir Lewis Hamilton, to drawing lessons from Top Gun: Maverick, the team breaks down how they recon…

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Tom Babin - Author, Journalist and Cycling Advocate 1:10:28

3M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Welcome back to Adventure Audio after a bit of a summer hiatus that involved a whole lot of time in the mountains of southeastern British Columbia where we have a home. On the topic of hiatuses, my co-host Pete, continues his, but still managed to do a lot of riding and of course put on his brilliant cycling event - The Crowsnest Pass 100, google i…

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Andor Season 2 with Cinematographer Christophe Nuyens SBC 53:38

4M ago53:38

53:38

Andor Season 2 has earned 14 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Cinematography. DP Christophe Nuyens SBC joins us to discuss his nominated work on Episodes 1–6. We talk about his journey through the Belgian, French, and English film industries, and his extended preproduction with director Ariel Kleiman, where they used ILM's live-vis system to…

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19: From Hollywood to Freelancers: How Steven Puri’s Sukha App Helps You Focus and Get More Done 51:13

4M ago51:13

51:13

Episode 19 – Finding Your Flow with Steven Puri: From Hollywood to Productivity for Freelancers What do blockbuster movies and freelancing have in common? More than you might think. My guest, Steven Puri, went from being a Hollywood studio executive on films like Independence Day and Star Trek to building Sukha, a productivity and focus app designe…

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Chief of War with Cinematographer Matthew Chuang ACS 1:04:49

4M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, cinematographer Matthew Chuang ACS has always been drawn to telling stories rooted in culture and identity. After reaching a creative ceiling in Australia, he made the leap to Los Angeles where he connected with director Justin Chon. The two have since collaborated on multiple projects, most recently reunitin…

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DIT Jason Bauer: Taylor Swift, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Thai Cave Rescue & Cherry 1:18:08

5M ago1:18:08

1:18:08

The first digital imaging technician to join the podcast, Jason Bauer began his career using still photography for previs on productions shooting film. As cinematography shifted to digital, Jason trained other digital imaging technicians before eventually stepping into the role himself. Now one of the most sought-after DITs in the industry, he has …

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18: The Future of Freelancing Embracing AI (Stop Worrying and Build Momentum) 25:14

5M ago25:14

25:14

Welcome to the latest episode of the Freelance Insider Show, where I’ll dive deep into the exciting world of AI and the future of freelancing! This episode unpacks how the AI wave is poised to change the game for freelancers and online businesses. I explore how AI can become your secret weapon, opening up amazing opportunities while also addressing…

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17: The Mindset Shift Thinking Like A Business Owner (Stop Struggling and Start Growing) 9:30

6M ago9:30

9:30

Episode 17 – The Mindset Shift: Thinking Like a Business Owner 🎙 The Freelance Insider Show What’s the difference between a freelancer and a business owner? In this episode, we dig deep into the mindset shift that transforms your freelance hustle into a real business. If you’ve been feeling stuck, underpaid, or overwhelmed—this one’s for you. We’re…

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F1 with 1st Assistant Camera Dan Ming 57:12

6M ago57:12

57:12

From fighter jets to race cars, Dan Ming is a world-class 1st AC who loves tech. Dan Ming and his team are known for their work on Top Gun: Maverick, and now they've taken those lessons, pushing the boundaries even further, to bring you F1. We talk about the collaboration with some of the biggest brands in the game: Sony, Apple, and Panavision, and…

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The Studio with DP Adam Newport-Berra and Camera Operator Mark Goellnicht SOC ACO 1:10:16

6M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

DP Adam Newport-Berra and Camera Operator Mark Goellnicht SOC ACO are the powerhouse duo behind the lens of The Studio. In this episode, we dive into what it's really like working with comedy legends and co-directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Adam and Mark take us through the camera rigs they tested and how they meticulously choreographed scene…

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16: The Hidden Strategy for Building A Personal Brand As A Freelancer That Attracts Clients 10:29

7M ago10:29

10:29

🎙️ Episode 16: Building a Personal Brand as a Freelancer In today’s episode of The Freelance Insider Show, we’re diving deep into one of the most powerful tools every freelancer needs to stand out and succeed: a strong personal brand. 🚀 With nearly 70% of Gen Z professionals expected to join the freelance world soon, the competition is heating up. …

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The Last of Us Season 2 with Cinematographer Ksenia Sereda 1:01:21

7M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Cinematographer Ksenia Sereda takes us behind the scenes for The Last Of Us Season 2. It's clear from the start how deeply she loves what she does. She lives and breathes her work and her passion is infectious. In this episode, we break down everything from the custom-built Cooke lenses she helped design, shooting cast on horseback and the responsi…

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Dan Rubinstein – Author of Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage 1:07:27

7M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

In June 2023, writer Dan Rubinstein lashed camping gear to his stand-up paddleboard and embarked on an improbable solo voyage from Ottawa to Montreal, New York City, Toronto, and back to Ottawa along the rivers, lakes, and canals of a landlocked region. A historic and symbolic voyage along the same inland waterways used by Indigenous peoples, settl…

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The Acolyte with Cinematographer Chris Teague 1:03:25

7M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Chris Teague, an Emmy Award winning Director of Photography, has worked on a diverse slate of projects, from Russian Doll and Only Murders in the Building to entering the Star Wars universe with The Acolyte. In our conversation, we talk about his path into drama, the value of building strong creative relationships, and what it means to be a setup D…

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Dave Greene - Greener Adventures, Part 2 1:02:07

7M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Dave Greene of Greener Adventures and The Night of Adventure Speaking series, joins Laval to talk about his recent expedition in March with partners Chris Giard and Lee Fraser where they skied across 500+ km of remote arctic Quebec’s Ungava Peninsula. Dave is already off on another canoe/cycling expedition in Canada’s Yukon Territory.…

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15: The Secret of Transitioning from A Freelance Side Hustle to A Full-Time Business (Without Risking Everything) 18:58

7M ago18:58

18:58

Welcome back to the Freelance Insider Show! In this episode, we'll take a close look at how to turn your side hustle into your main event. Thinking about ditching the day job? It's a popular idea, but it takes more than just escaping the 9-to-5. We'll touch on the importance of clarity - understanding your specific reasons for going freelance, whet…

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AJK Grips: Mad Max Fury Road, Furiosa & The Fall Guy 1:38:08

7M ago1:38:08

1:38:08

Key Grip Adam "Skull" Kuiper and Best Boy Josh Calder lead one of Australia's top grip teams at AJK Grips. In this episode, we dive into how Skull earned his nickname, his journey into key gripping, and the art of building grip trucks from the ground up. Josh shares insights into the role of a Best Boy Grip and their shared vision for training the …

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14: The Secret to Avoiding Burnout as a Freelancer (Without Giving Up Your Dream Career) 15:19

8M ago15:19

15:19

Welcome back to the Freelance Insider Show! In this episode, we're diving into something that affects so many of us—freelancer burnout. It's more than just a buzzword; it's a very real issue for a lot of people. In fact, one study found that almost half of all freelancers experience it at some point. But what exactly is burnout? We look at the defi…

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Yousef Al-Refaie - Mountaineer and Explorer 1:22:53

8M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

In this episode of Adventure Audio, Laval interviews Yousef Al-Refaie, a record-breaking Kuwaiti mountaineer and explorer. Yousef holds the world record as the youngest person to complete the Volcanic Seven Summits, and now he’s taking on the harshest places inhabited by humans in his new documentary series Earth’s Extremes. We talk exploration, ri…

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13: Why Most Freelancers Hit a Ceiling (And the Secret to Scaling Beyond It) 14:11

8M ago14:11

14:11

Welcome back to the Freelance Insider Podcast! In this episode, we're taking a deep dive under the hood of scaling your freelance business. Pricing can feel tricky, but we're talking about why it's time to ditch that hourly rate and embrace value-based pricing. Learn how to sell the outcome and the results you deliver, rather than just your time, a…

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12: Why Building Long-Term Client Relationships Is Easier Than You Think (Even for New Freelancers) 13:35

8M ago13:35

13:35

In this episode, we're diving deep into an important topic for every freelancer: building long-term client relationships. We're not just talking about landing clients, but how to transform those initial interactions into stable, reliable, and profitable partnerships. It's easy to get caught up in the cycle of constantly chasing new clients, but the…

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Remote Pilot Aidan Kelly: Mission Impossible, James Bond, The Fall Guy & Building XM2 1:18:53

8M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

Aiden Kelly is one of the world's leading remote pilots and the co-founder of XM2. He shares how he started out flying remote helicopters and running a hobby shop, which led to building XM2 into a global remote head company with offices in Australia, the US, the UK, and Korea. We talk about the early days of drone cinematography and how XM2 expande…

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11: The Hidden Formula of How to Manage Your Freelance Finances Like A Pro 13:38

8M ago13:38

13:38

Hey there, fellow freelancer! Welcome back to The Freelance Insider Show. In this episode, "Decoding Freelancer Finances," I’ll dive deep into the money side of running your own business. If you've ever felt like freelance finances are some kind of secret code that everyone else knows, you're not alone! We're here to help you decode it all. Being s…

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10: The Secret of How to Handle Rejection and Criticism as a Freelancer (And Bounce Back Stronger) 19:25

8M ago19:25

19:25

Welcome back to The Freelance Insider Podcast. I'm your host, Al Calder, and in this episode, we're diving deep into a topic we all face: handling rejection and criticism as a freelancer. It can feel tough, right? Believe me, I know. But guess what? Rejection isn't the end, it's a redirection. In this episode, we'll look under the hood of freelanci…

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09: The Secret to Marketing Your Freelance Business Without Paid Ads (And Actually Getting Clients) 16:37

9M ago16:37

16:37

Hey there, Freelance Insider listeners! 👋 Ready to ditch those expensive paid ads and still attract a steady stream of clients? In this week's episode, "Marketing Your Freelance Business Without Paid Ads," I’ll dive deep into the strategies you need to succeed with organic marketing. We're taking a close look under the hood at the fundamental princ…

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Snow White with Cinematographer Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS 1:10:07

9M ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS's stunning cinematography has captivated audiences around the world. From Australia to Elvis, Snow White, and commercials for global brands like Chanel, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Audi — her work is bold, emotional, and always cinematic. In this episode, Mandy shares how she carved her own path without film school, became a tr…

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08: Creating A Workflow - The Secret of How to Stay Organized As A Freelancer (Without Feeling Overwhelmed) 36:34

9M ago36:34

36:34

Hey everyone! 👋 In the latest episode of The Freelance Insider Podcast, we take a look under the hood of a topic that's crucial for every freelancer out there: how to stay organized and productive!. As freelancers, we all know how easily a day can go sideways when you're working from home. From dodging household distractions to managing multiple pr…

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Ihor Verys - Ultramarathoner 1:19:57

9M ago1:19:57

1:19:57

Ihor Verys, is a distinguished ultramarathon runner based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. Originally from Chornomorsk, Ukraine, he moved to Canada in 2015 at the age of 20 to pursue studies at Assiniboine College in Brandon, Manitoba. Initially taking up running for mental well-being, Verys transitioned from road running to trail and ultra…

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Adolescence with DP Matt Lewis and Camera Operator Lee Brown 2:27:35

9M ago2:27:35

2:27:35

Netflix hit series Adolescence has taken the world by storm — a gripping 4-part mini series exploring parenting, misogyny, and bullying — each episode shot in one continuous take. This week on the podcast, we chat with Director of Photography Matt Lewis and Camera Operator Lee Brown, the duo behind the lens of this viral sensation. They break down …

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07: The Hidden Formula to Managing Freelance Contracts and Setting Expectations (Without Stress or Conflict) 17:50

9M ago17:50

17:50

Hey Freelancers! In this week's episode of The Freelance Insider Podcast, we'll take a close look under the hood of managing freelance contracts and setting crystal-clear expectations with your clients. Stop leaving money on the table and start building solid, long-term client relationships! We're not just skimming the surface; we'll share actionab…

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September 5 with Markus Förderer ASC BVK 1:13:08

9M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

Markus Förderer ASC BVK takes us behind the scenes of September 5, an independent feature where he crafted an authentic 1970s broadcast aesthetic while pushing the boundaries of digital cinematography. He shares how he transformed the RED V-Raptor to look like film, lit the set for 360-degree shooting, and operated in a raw, documentary style witho…

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06: Why Most Freelancers Fail at Pitching (And the Secret to Landing Your First Client) 19:12

10M ago19:12

19:12

Welcome to the latest episode of The Freelance Insider Podcast! Get ready to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of launching your freelance career. In this episode, we're tackling a crucial topic for anyone just starting out or looking to snag that very first client: pitching and landing those initial gigs. Here's a sneak peek at what we cover: Findin…

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Sean Flannery: Mastering Live Broadcast – Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Steadicam & Trinity 2:00:12

10M ago2:00:12

2:00:12

Sean Flannery has operated on some of the biggest live broadcasts in the world—Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, you name it. In this episode, we sit down with Sean to unpack what it takes to operate under intense pressure while millions watch live. We dive deep into the technical side of Steadicam and Trinity, break down what it was like…

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05: Why Choosing the Wrong Freelance Platform Can Crush Your Momentum (And How to Avoid It) 21:19

10M ago21:19

21:19

Hey everyone, Al Calder here, and welcome back to The Freelance Insiders Podcast! Ready to dive deep into the world of freelance platforms? This week, we're taking a close look under the hood of these amazing sites where you can connect with clients and really make your skills shine. Think of this episode as your ultimate cheat sheet to navigating …

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04: The Real Reason You’re Undercharging as a Freelancer (And How to Set Your Freelance Rates With Confidence) 13:46

10M ago13:46

13:46

Hey there! Ready to level up your freelance game? In this episode of The Freelance Insider Podcast, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about setting your freelance rates! Whether you're just starting out and scratching your head about pricing, or you're a seasoned pro looking to boost your earnings, this episode is packed with actio…