The Freedom Kickstarter Podcast

The Cost of Entry to Winning (Most People Won’t Pay It) with Paul MortMost people don’t lack strategy.They lack courage.In this episode, I sit down with Paul Moore — 2× UK Master Coach of the Year, bestselling author, and serial business builder — for a raw conversation about the actual price of success.Not the Instagram price.Not the “post more content” price.The real one.Rejection.Discomfort.Doing things that don’t feel good… until they work.This episode will either sharpen you up — or expose where you’ve been hiding.What We Get Into:* Why most people want Champions League results with Sunday league effort* The uncomfortable truth about “working smarter, not harder”* Why content and likes are often just dopamine substitutes* The real reason people avoid DMs, emails, and making offers* Why rejection isn’t a bug — it’s the entry fee* How fear of unsubscribes quietly caps most businesses* Why being organised beats being “busy”* The hidden cost of staying liked, agreeable, and invisible* Why winners stop measuring applause and start measuring outcomesKey Ideas Worth Sitting With: * Posting isn’t selling. Conversations are.* If you can’t handle “no,” you can’t handle growth.* Rejection is not feedback — it’s filtering.* Likes feel good. Leads pay bills.* Most people aren’t doing “everything.” They’re doing the minimum and calling it effort.* Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It usually means you’re early.Quotes You’ll Remember:“That’s not everything. That’s the bare minimum.”“Rejection is the cost of entry to winning.”“If you’re scared of unsubscribes, you’re scared of growth.”“You don’t get Champions League results with Sunday league effort.”“If you won’t pay the price, you don’t get in the theme park.”Who This Episode Is For:* Business owners stuck “doing all the right things” with no tractionCreators chasing engagement instead of outcomesAnyone avoiding sales because it feels uncomfortablePeople who say they want more — but won’t face rejection to get itGuest:Paul Mort📍 Instagram: @paulmortofficial📘 Book: Upgrade (Paperback release — January 2026)If this episode hit a nerve, good.That’s usually where growth starts.Subscribe to Freedom Kickstarter for conversations about business, performance, and building something real — without the bullshit.

What is copywriting.. really?In this solo episode, Mike breaks down what copywriting actually means, what makes great copy tick, and why the best copywriters in the world aren’t just writers… they’re psychologists, marketers, and storytellers.You’ll learn the real skills behind persuasive writing, how to start building your own portfolio, and what separates high-earning copywriters from those who never get off the ground.If you’ve ever wondered how words can make people click “buy now,” this episode is your crash course in understanding the art and business of copywriting. What You’ll Learn:* The simple definition of copywriting (and why most people overcomplicate it)* How persuasion and psychology drive every great piece of copy* The two main types of copywriting, and which one pays more* Why clarity always beats cleverness* The single most important skill every copywriter must master* How top copywriters research their audience and uncover real pain points* The power of structure and why frameworks like AIDA still work5 practical techniques that instantly level up your writing:Focus on benefits, not featuresUse simple languageAdd authentic social proofTackle objections directlyBe specific with proof and numbersThe 3 paths (and how to pick the right one) to start your career: AgencyIn-house, FreelanceKey Takeaways:* Copywriting isn’t about fancy words, it’s about human behaviour.* The best copywriters are obsessed with research, not writing. * Good copy connects, clarifies, and compels action. * You don’t need a degree or experience, you need curiosity and consistency. * The fastest way to learn copywriting? Write every day.Resources & Links:👉 Watch the free ABP Masterclass: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass 👉 Join the ABP Waitlist: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist

If you think email marketing is outdated, think again.In this episode, Mike sits down with Kennedy, co-founder of Email Marketing Heroes, a former comedy mind-reader who’s helped thousands of coaches, course creators, and business owners turn brand-new subscribers into loyal customers within 30 days.They dig into the psychology that makes people open, click, and buy, plus the simple campaign structures that make email your highest-ROI channel (without feeling spammy or salesy).Whether you’ve got 100 subscribers or 100,000, this episode will help you write emails that connect, convert, and keep people coming back for more.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* The Terrible Friend Campaign: how to re-engage a cold list the right way* The BED Formula (Beliefs, Evidence, Desire) that makes every offer easier to sell* How to write emails that build trust before you pitch* Why copying other people’s emails is the fastest way to fail* The truth about market research (and what most copywriters miss)* How to discover “hidden copy” directly from your customers’ words* Using AI as a research and automation tool, not a replacement for creativity* How to turn aspirational offers into urgent, irresistible ones* The emotional triggers behind every sale, from certainty to shameKey Takeaways:* Email isn’t dead, bad email is.* Build belief, show evidence, create desire - in that order.* Consistency beats complexity. Show up, add value, and reintroduce yourself when needed.* Every email should focus on one point, one emotion, and one clear action.* The best copy isn’t written. It’s discovered through your audience.Resources & Mentions:Free Training: emailmarketingheroes.com/coffee — Kennedy’s full course on converting new subscribers into buyersEmail Marketing Heroes Podcast: emailmarketingheroes.comFollow Kennedy: https://www.instagram.com/emailmarketingheroes/🎧 Enjoyed this episode?Share it with a fellow copywriter or business owner who needs to hear this.* Watch the free ABP Masterclass: thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass* Join the ABP Waitlist: thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist

Everywhere you look, people are asking the same question: Is AI about to kill copywriting and marketing as we know it?In this episode, Mike sits down with Jamie Woods, founder of Black Swan Influence and better known as Mr. AI, to unpack what’s really happening at the crossroads of human creativity and machine intelligence.From how businesses are quietly replacing 300-person teams with automated systems, to why the best copywriters are using AI to enhance rather than replace their craft, this conversation is a reality check for anyone building a business in 2025 and beyond.What You’ll Learn* The real opportunities (and threats) AI brings to marketers and copywriters* How companies are already using AI to recover lost revenue and close unconverted leads* Why “prompting” is the new copy skill and how to do it properly* How to use AI for research, market analysis, and idea generation without losing your voice* The difference between using AI to think vs to produce, and why most people get it wrong* The danger of letting AI make you lazy, and how to keep your creative edge* How authenticity, imperfection, and human quirks are becoming premium assets* Jamie’s wild early-stage story from tax debt to building an AI system that clients now pay him royalties forKey Takeaways:* AI won’t replace great copywriters, but it will expose lazy ones.* Use AI to enhance your ideas, not to think for you.* Your quirks, tone, and imperfections are part of your credibility.* The real winners will be those who stack skills, creativity, strategy, and technology.* Be of value first; tools only multiply what’s already there.Resources & LinksWatch the free ABP Masterclass: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclassJoin the ABP Waitlist: https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlistConnect with Jamie Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiekwoods

You’ve read the books, watched the YouTube videos, and maybe even taken a few courses, but that one question still nags you: how do you actually get your first client?In this solo episode, Mike breaks down four proven, battle-tested ways to land your first paying copywriting gig, the same methods that have helped generate over $200M in client revenue and launch the careers of 600+ new copywriters.From personalised cold outreach to crafting a value-driven portfolio, joining agencies, and building your personal brand, this episode gives you a realistic, actionable roadmap to go from “no clients” to “in demand.”What You’ll Learn:* Why most “guru” tactics about getting clients fall flat* The right way to do cold outreach (and stand out in crowded inboxes)* How to create a prospecting portfolio that gets noticed even with no clients yet* When working for free actually makes sense (and how to make it work for you)* The hidden advantages of starting in an agency environment* Why building a personal brand works long-term but not overnight* The mindset shifts that help you secure your first client and turn it into many moreKey Takeaways:* Don’t chase hacks, build trust one meaningful interaction at a time.* Ten thoughtful outreaches beat a thousand mass emails.* Your first client isn’t about money, it’s about momentum and proof.* Over-deliver early, it’s your best marketing strategy.Resources & LinksWatch the free ABP Masterclass: [https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-masterclass]Join the ABP Waitlist: [https://www.thefreedomkickstarter.com/abp-waitlist]

Every copywriter has heard the same question: “What’s the best book to learn copywriting?”In this episode, we dive into nine essential books every copywriter should read, from timeless classics like Breakthrough Advertising to modern mindset shifters like Alchemy and Key Person of Influence.But the real gem of this conversation?The controversial advice at the end: why the best way to become a great copywriter might just be to stop reading and start writing.Books Mentioned1. The 4-Hour Workweek — Tim Ferriss2. The Advertising Solution — Brian Kurtz & Craig Simpson3. Purple Cow — Seth Godin4. Alchemy — Rory Sutherland5. Key Person of Influence — Daniel Priestley6. The Ultimate Sales Letter — Dan KennedyKey Takeaways Principles don’t age. Copywriting trends change, but human behaviour doesn’t.Being “safe” kills creativity. Stand out like a Purple Cow.Learn to think, not just to write. Behavioural insights > formulaic hacks.Position yourself as a key person of influence. Niching down multiplies opportunity.Stop reading so much — start writing. Mastery comes from doing, not just studying.The Controversial Truth “If you want to get great at copy, stop reading and start writing.”Books can inspire, but writing every day builds intuition, persuasion, and rhythm.Analyse ads. Deconstruct headlines. Rewrite winning emails.That’s how real copywriters get good.Connect & Continue* 💬 Which copywriting book changed your career? Drop it in the comments.* 🔔 Subscribe for more grounded conversations about writing, marketing, and business growth.

Most email welcome sequences are terrible.Too pushy. Too desperate. Too full of “hacks” that make your audience run for the unsubscribe button.This episode shows you how to flip the script — and build a welcome sequence that actually builds trust, starts relationships the right way, and sells (without feeling gross).If you want to stop chasing quick wins and instead build a business full of customers who want to buy from you again and again… this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy 99% of welcome sequences fail (and what to do differently)The one thing your first email MUST do before anything elseHow to use “value-first” positioning to create trust that compoundsWhy selling in email #1 is a trap (and what to send instead)A sneaky trick to get people replying — and why that trains inboxes to treat you like a friend, not spamA simple 3-email framework that balances story, proof, and offersEpisode Breakdown– Why most welcome sequences suck– What a welcome sequence actually is– Delivering the thing they signed up for (seriously, don’t skip this)– Value-first vs. freebie seekers (the truth)– Why you should not sell in email one– The inbox trick that gets you into “Primary” instead of spam– A 3-email structure you can steal todayLinks & ResourcesFollow along on YouTube for more breakdowns like this → [Subscribe here]Got feedback or want to share your take? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear it.If you’re ready to stop pushing discount codes and start building an email list full of lifelong fans, hit play and let’s go.

In 2019, I launched the Freedom Kickstarter, a copywriting course that went on to make over £700,000 in sales. More than half a million of that came organically, no fancy funnels, no tech wizardry, and no hypey marketing tactics that make you feel like you need a shower afterwards.In this episode, I break down exactly how I did it step-by-step and how you can replicate the structure, whether you’re selling a course, service, or even physical products.You’ll discover:* The Offer Hook That Stood Out – Why “earn £350/hour” beat generic “learn copywriting” promises.* The Unique Mechanism – How identifying 5 core pillars made the course different (without making anything up).* 18 Months of Reciprocity – The value of emailing without selling… and why it made launch day a no-brainer for buyers.* Building in Public – How showing behind-the-scenes stoked demand before the cart even opened.* The Secondary Benefit Principle – Why adding a second aligned benefit can be the real sales driver.* Risk Removal Done Right – The double guarantee that made saying “yes” feel safe.* Post-Launch Momentum – Using student results to create FOMO for the next enrolment.* Price Increases With Integrity – How structured launch phases encouraged early action (and built trust).This isn’t theory, it’s the exact blueprint that turned a tiny 1,400-person email list into a multi–six-figure business.If you want to see the actual emails that sold the course, stick around until the end, I’ll tell you how to get them.

Is it still possible to hit 6-figures as a copywriter in 2025?Short answer: yes but the game has changed.In this solo episode, I break down the real roadmap my most successful students are using to build profitable copywriting businesses from scratch (many hitting £10K–£20K/month without spending their lives in the DMs or ghostwriting tweet threads).You’ll get the 7 exact steps that consistently produce high-income earners, even if you’re just starting out.Forget the recycled advice. This is about what is actually working now.Whether you're stuck under 3K/month or want to scale more sustainably, this episode is your blueprint.In This Episode, I talk about:Why generalist copywriters stay broke, and what to do insteadHow to actually study great copy (hint: it's more than saving swipe files)The surprising power of genuine relationships over cold pitchingHow to use AI to 10x your outreach without losing the human touchWhy consistent follow-up is your secret weaponHow to lead with value, not desperationThe simple pricing psychology that increased my average project fees overnightThis isn’t overnight success stuff.The highest-paid writers I mentor/coach have one thing in common: they play the long game with discipline and intention.If you're serious about building a six-figure writing business, one that gives you more freedom and better clients this episode maps it out step by step.

In this special episode, I answer questions submitted via Instagram, covering everything from the mindset and values behind successful business relationships to starting over with zero audience, leveraging AI in copy, and the controversial line between values and politics in business. This is an honest, strategic, no-hype session loaded with insights for freelancers, copywriters, and business owners alike.If you’ve ever wondered what tools, traits, or tactics actually matter in building a long-term business, this one’s for you.Some of What I talk about in This Episode:01: Traits That Earn (and Lose) Respect in Business→ Why doing what you say matters more than hype→ The quiet power of punctuality and consistency→ Why trend-chasing and flakiness kill credibility02: Starting from Zero: No List, No Network—Now What?→ The simple mindset shift to rebuild from scratch→ Real-world strategies to find and help people without expectation→ The underestimated value of networking and no-risk offers03: Starting a Business in a New Industry→ Why ultra-endurance could be a goldmine→ The hidden value in “boring” service businesses→ How to spot untapped potential in legacy sectors04: Do You *Need* Social Media to Be a Copywriter?→ Short answer: No.→ Long answer: Depends on your business model→ When it’s a liability vs. when it’s a leverage point05: Best AI Editing Tools (And Why It Doesn’t Really Matter)→ The surprising truth about tool choice→ What matters more than the tool you use06: How Good is AI for Copywriting?→ The benefits: research, editing, ideation→ The risks: sounding “right” but failing to connect→ Why AI won’t make up for lack of skill or emotional nuance07: Talking Politics, Values & Clients→ When sharing your views builds stronger client rapport→ Why values ≠ party politics→ The types of clients you *want* your opinions to repelNotable Quotes:> “Consistency is a massive thing. If someone’s just chasing trends, I find that a red flag.”> “I’d find people I could help and do it with no expectation—because business is about people.”> “Social media is a long game. If you need clients now, outreach beats Instagram every time.”> “AI is good. But until you’ve honed your craft, you won’t know if it’s *good enough*.”> “If someone gets overly emotional about your opinion, they’re probably not your client.”Final Takeaway:You don’t need perfect tools or 10K followers to build a durable business. Show up. Do what you say. Know your values. And don’t be afraid to polarise when it comes to what matters.