Peter Hoppenfeld and I dive headfirst into the state of marketing in 2025 and what it means for freelance copywriters like us. We’re talking about the major shifts happening right now, including how the FTC is tightening the reins on marketers, why bloated copy is losing its edge, and what it’s going to take to connect with a younger, savvier audience.

We also explore the importance of innovation, staying compliant, and creating marketing that’s as ethical as it is effective. Peter has been reading a ton of copy lately (as always), and he’s got some big insights into where the industry is headed. Trust me, this one’s not just for note-taking—it’s for action-taking!

Brian McCarthy is a brilliant mindset coach who has transitioned from a career in direct response copywriting to helping creative professionals break free from imposter syndrome.

In this episode, Brian shares his unique perspective on overcoming the mental and emotional blocks that keep many copywriters stuck. We dive into the origins of imposter syndrome, its impact on freelance copywriters, and practical steps to build self-confidence while staying aligned with your values.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why imposter syndrome hits copywriters harder than most professionals
• How Brian helps people dismantle self-doubt with personalized coaching
• The transformative power of aligning with your core beliefs
• Simple steps to ease self-imposed pressure and achieve more peace

In this episode, I sat down with Dan Walker, son of Jeff Walker (product Launch Formula) and a seasoned leader at Internet Alchemy, to explore the intricacies of hiring top-tier copywriters through the innovative "Goods" process. 

We dove deep into the strategies behind finding copywriting talent that balances creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking—essential skills for freelance copywriters and direct response marketers alike.

In This Episode:

• The step-by-step breakdown of "The Goods" hiring process (the "American Idol" of copywriting)...

• How Dan Walker and his team evaluated over 50 candidates to find writers who excel in both creativity and execution...

• The importance of congruence and strategy in copywriting, beyond just strong writing skills…

• Insights into balancing AI tools like GPT for efficiency while maintaining the human touch in direct response copy...

• Tips for freelance copywriters looking to stand out in competitive hiring processes like this one...