Copy Chief Radio

In this special Behind The Copy session, I'm joined by one of the most legendary and unfiltered voices in copywriting—Chris “Mr. Moneyfingers” Haddad. If you've ever wondered how someone turns emotional pain and dark humor into multi-million dollar sales letters... Chris holds nothing back. We go deep into the psychology of persuasion, the evolution of his infamous Michael Fiore persona, and why he thinks AI still can't touch a human's heart (or balls, apparently). Plus, he breaks down his most famous offer—Language of Desire—line by brilliant line. Brace yourself. This one's a ride.  

Most freelance copywriters are introverts—which makes the idea of networking feel about as natural as small talk at a corporate retreat (aka painful). But what if you could build powerful, career-changing relationships in a way that feels natural, rewarding, and even fun? That's exactly what Selena Soo teaches in this episode. She's built a thriving business by helping experts, authors, and entrepreneurs get in front of the right people—without faking it, forcing it, or feeling like a sleazy networker. We dig into Selena's “Six Circles of Connection” framework and how freelance copywriters can use it to land more dream clients, grow their influence, and build credibility in their niche—without changing who they are. (When you hear the six circles, you'll immediately start dropping people you know into the circles!) If you've ever thought, “I hate networking”—this episode is for you.  

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...  

In this thought-provoking episode of Copy Chief Radio, Kevin Rogers sits down with Eddie Shleyner, creator of "Very Good Copy," to discuss the artistry, psychology, and daily practice of being a copywriter. Eddie shares the journey of writing his first book, the life lessons passed down from his grandmother, and how the craft of copywriting extends far beyond selling products—it's a way of seeing and engaging with the world. Kevin and Eddie delve deep into the emotional and intellectual toll of writing for a living, how to live a "writer's life," and why copywriting is about empathy, clarity, and being invisible in the work. Eddie reveals his process for choosing clients, the unexpected challenges of publishing a book, and the discipline required to balance work, family, and creativity. Whether you're a seasoned copywriter or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to think differently about your role as a writer and how you approach both your craft and your life.  

In this powerful episode of Copy Chief Radio, Kevin Rogers sits down with mindset master Jeremy Bellotti, founder of Personal Mastery®, to discuss the deeper levels of personal growth, high performance, and mastery. Jeremy takes listeners through the stages of personal development and how to move beyond survival-mode thinking to achieve sustainable growth, both as a freelancer and as a human being. The two discuss the importance of rewriting your "internal code," the concept of mastery as an infinite game, and the critical role of relationships in success. Kevin and Jeremy share personal stories and insights from their journeys, exploring concepts like the courage required to be a freelancer, how to recognize the roles people play in your life, and the critical nature of embracing curiosity and truth as guiding principles for growth. If you're ready to break free from old patterns, create real transformation, and step into your full potential as a copywriter, entrepreneur, or human being, this episode will leave you fired up to take action.  

Being a writer is so much more than the words.   John Carlton and I did a 25 episode podcast series together and the actual “writing of words” accounted for maybe a third of the conversation. The majority of the episodes were about the “living and thinking” behind the words.    I've been pondering this more than ever since large language models came into the craft.    Where exactly does the writer belong in this evolving process?   Of course, for established writers, its use will vary greatly. They know what they need from it and when it's in the way.   Soon, though, there will be a new generation of writers who never knew life without it.    For them, I believe, just like today, their advantage will come from how they live and experience life.    So, I offer this framework: W.R.I.T.E N.O.W. I lay out (almost) every step in this episode. 

Lizzie Mills was just 20-yrs-old and a new mom when she joined Copy Chief as one of the first members through the door in 2014. She felt like the greenest copywriter in the place, but not for long.  The veteran copywriters were more than happy to guide her and show her the ropes.  Today, Lizzie, along with her husband, Steve, lead their family business and have achieved more success than “she ever dreamed.” All this, while growing their family of three to six, and homeschooling their four children. During our conversation, Lizzie shares… Her two biggest pieces of advice for new copywriters… How she and Steve survived (and actually grew!) their business through the harsh Australian lockdowns (with only two clients)...  Why going “in-house” was the best decision of her career… And… What her “empire” would look like if she decides to build one!

Tom Hammaker's life in copywriting took a radical turn last month when he was hired to become Rich Schefren's copywriter.  Better yet, Tom won the gig in a six-week competitive search against dozens of other copywriters – some with more than 20 years in the game.  We called it “The Goods,” and clearly Tom has them.  In this episode you'll hear directly from Tom how he approached “The Goods,” his strategy for the final copy test, and what it's like to work with one of the best marketing teams in the world, led by a bonafide legend of Direct Response.  

In this episode of Copy Chief Radio, we explore the captivating world of perfume and its unexpected parallels with the storytelling engineer-turned-perfumer Helida Dodd. Helida shares insights into how creating a perfume is similar to crafting a narrative.   

I recently took 25 copywriters through the process of landing a six-figure copywriting gig.  The Grand Prize was becoming the primary copywriter for Rich Schefren and being Chiefed by Mark Ford! It was a one-of-kind experience (imagine Hunger Games for copywriters). Everyone survived, but no one is the same.  Here's what we learned, and what you need to know if you want to land the best gigs in copywriting.   

How do you build a career or a team in the Era of Large Language Models and what happens to talent development when even the lowest intern needs full-stack CMO skills?   In this episode of Copy Chief Radio, we're going on a mind-bending ride with Aaron Winter, Founder of Dig.On, and creator of multiple nine-figure promos for Motley Fool and Agora Financial. Aaron is the hidden-hand mentor behind Dan Ferrari, Julie Hassett, Jen Adams, Ning Li, Mike Abramov, Austin Lee, Sam Woods (and even... David Deutsch?!?).   

In this episode,  we're going behind the curtain with Jason Friedman, CEO of CX Formula. Today, Jason reveals how any business can direct their customer experience to not just satisfy but to dazzle and delight.   

In this episode, Sara explains how she was able to position herself as the top choice for this contract, and how they responded to her “bombshell” after offering it to her.   

Today, we're discussing how freelance copywriters can forge profit partnerships with their clients, as emphasized by Chris Mason, to attain financial stability and success in their work.  

Today I'm sharing who's behind the problem (yeah, I'm naming names), and how I hope to change it for copywriters who have “The Goods.”   

My guest today, Stephen Hutson is an expert at building loyalty brands and has thought a lot about buyer beliefs.

Today, I'm going to reveal the Top 3 Copywriting Categories for Freelancers in 2024. And also, the one place where your services are no longer needed.   

In this podcast episode, Carlos and Brenda Citron, branding experts, advise businesses to intentionally create a simple, customer-focused brand to boost loyalty and success.

In the episode, I go deep into all three phases with celebrated author and television writer and producer, David Matthews.   

In this episode, you'll pull up a chair next to me so I can walk you through my latest sales letter. This is the kind of “look over my shoulder” insight we rarely get to see in copywriting. 

Today's podcast episode is with Marie, a world-class marketer and passionate copywriter.

I've interviewed John close to 50 times over the years, this is certainly one of the best. A true must listen for anyone looking for an edge in sales, and in life.   

My guest today, Debbie Owen, is an Enneagram coach who has taken things to another level by incorporating neuro-science into the mix. 

It only takes a little awareness and some simple tactics to use your voice with confidence. You'll leave this episode with both.

Today, my guest is Justin Blackman, who is THE GUY when it comes to brand voice, the expert who has defined the brand voice for people like… Amy Porterfield, Stu McLaren, and Todd Herman. 

For my money, there is no better, or more entertaining, email copywriter in the game right now than Daniel Throssell.

After listening to this quick episode, you'll know exactly how to prepare yourself to turn what used to feel like a high-pressure “performance” into an easy-going “conversation.

Today I'm talking with Tania Yeo, a former language arts teacher on how she has excelled at growing her skills and her career as a copywriter, just ONE YEAR after leaving teaching. 

On today's episode, I'm talking with Joshua Lee Henry, a rising star in the world of financial copywriting (recently promoted to copy chief at Banyan Hill Publishing)...  

In this raucous episode, Laura walks us through the process, exposing the thrilling (and often ridiculous), ride of creating her brilliant memoir, Tough Titties - from concept to release date.  

Today, I'm talking to Ben McLellan, co-author of the book, Customer Success Manifesto, about how to make your clients swoon with delight over working with you.

How short can you write a great story? Sue and I sat down to discuss her new book, Tiny Thunder (I couldn't put it down).

In this episode, I'm sharing a talk I gave a couple of weeks ago at Brian Kurtz's Titans Mastermind. 

This episode will shed fresh light on how to make practical use of Eugene's genius.

Kelly and the team are looking to bring on 5 new copywriters through a bootcamp they're hosting. This could be the moment that changes everything. 

Get ahead of the trend and claim your space in today's interview with Brenna. 

If you're ever wondering what qualifies someone as a mysterious “A-list” copywriter – that's Henry.  

In this episode, I grilled Alex about the process he followed to vetting and hiring the perfect copywriter for his team, and the “little things” Beau did that made the CEO say, “Hire him!”

If you're an entrepreneur or freelancer, this episode will be a major shift in mindset for blasting past mental hurdles and getting more done. 

Ryan and I dove deep into often hilarious tales of his unique creative journey and the magic of trusting your instincts as an artist. This was a great conversation with a truly cool and intelligent purveyor of the craft.    

Carolynn and I go deep on her adventures as a “Path 2” copywriter, before she fall in love with financial copywriting and landed her current “Dream Job” at Stansberry Research.  

Sam is opening up his files and sharing his process with smart copywriters who are ready to put fear aside and start using OpenAI to our advantage. 

If you've been feeling stuck and can't figure out why this episode is a must-listen. 

How do you define a “dream client”? If you said, “someone willing to pay me”, we need to talk. Better pay with better clients is a CHOICE. 

This episode is for freelancers who struggle with pricing their services, Patty is amazing at unpacking this and giving great tips on how to move past it.