The Author Life: A Limited Edition Podcast Series Featuring Jeff Elkins Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-author-life-a-limited-edition-podcast-series-featuring-jeff-elkins One man’s journey from desperate measures to a thriving business. The coaching sessions of J. Thorn and Jeff Elkins. © 2025 J. Thorn f6bd9cdc-60fa-5b92-a93a-3ea38d26ac3c no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:35:22 -0400 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:06:12 -0500 https://img.transistor.fm/V2LYq5uKpqRkhrPfYeWTYqIEfcTmzgjBvFPZXNUCHsw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM2NzA3LzE2Njk3/NDc1NTktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg The Author Life: A Limited Edition Podcast Series Featuring Jeff Elkins episodic J. Thorn One man’s journey from desperate measures to a thriving business. The coaching sessions of J. Thorn and Jeff Elkins. One man’s journey from desperate measures to a thriving business. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement J. Thorn No No An Update from Jeff Almost Three Years Later 12 12 An Update from Jeff Almost Three Years Later full 15b4b5db-c982-426a-8d75-a02765c01954 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/12 What we discuss:

  • How much Jeff is earning and what he’s doing with that money
  • Why it’s important to listen to what your clients tell you
  • When Jeff works on The Dialogue Doctor

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • How much Jeff is earning and what he’s doing with that money
  • Why it’s important to listen to what your clients tell you
  • When Jeff works on The Dialogue Doctor

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:37:22 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 1975 The guys talk about how The Dialogue Doctor has changed Jeff’s life—all for the better. The guys talk about how The Dialogue Doctor has changed Jeff’s life—all for the better. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Questions and Answers 11 11 Questions and Answers full e49455dd-66ca-41e8-a5f6-7424db365499 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/11 What we discuss:

  • How do you manage the bookkeeping?
  • How and when do you scale your business?
  • How do you determine your rates and when to raise them?

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • How do you manage the bookkeeping?
  • How and when do you scale your business?
  • How do you determine your rates and when to raise them?

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:36:36 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2185 Jeff asks J. his most pressing questions. Jeff asks J. his most pressing questions. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No All About Podcasting 10 10 All About Podcasting full 42faf6e6-2c0b-4842-84af-50f59a8ad930 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/10 What we discuss:

  • Why the “expert analysis” model of podcasting works
  • Why listening to your own episodes is important
  • How you can build credibility by recommending other people’s products and services

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Why the “expert analysis” model of podcasting works
  • Why listening to your own episodes is important
  • How you can build credibility by recommending other people’s products and services

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:35:45 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 1540 With Jeff’s predisposition for talking to others, the guys explore what it takes to launch a podcast. With Jeff’s predisposition for talking to others, the guys explore what it takes to launch a podcast. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Refining the Website and Home Page Sales Copy 9 9 Refining the Website and Home Page Sales Copy full 50c637f5-efbb-4981-800a-43431e838b33 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/9 What we discuss:

  • Why video is powerful
  • What goes “above the fold” on your home page
  • How to set up pricing tables

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Why video is powerful
  • What goes “above the fold” on your home page
  • How to set up pricing tables

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:35:00 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2688 From customer testimonials to pricing tables, the guys go deep on the elements every website needs. From customer testimonials to pricing tables, the guys go deep on the elements every website needs. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Lead Generation and Setting up the Workflow 8 8 Lead Generation and Setting up the Workflow full 618c63db-9c51-48d8-95e9-2e3ba4837b99 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/8 What we discuss:

  • The options for a call to action
  • How a podcast can be a marketing engine
  • Why to consider building out multiple products and services

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • The options for a call to action
  • How a podcast can be a marketing engine
  • Why to consider building out multiple products and services

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:33:56 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 1554 Jeff and J. discuss the mechanics of setting up an online business, from the website to consideration of a business entity. Jeff and J. discuss the mechanics of setting up an online business, from the website to consideration of a business entity. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Laying out the Web Page 7 7 Laying out the Web Page full d51a032a-3a2e-47da-b258-96e2f69e3c4a https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/7 What we discuss:

  • How to use Three Story Method when writing the lead magnet
  • Why it’s efficient to stack podcast episodes and content marketing
  • When it’s wise to form an LLC

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • How to use Three Story Method when writing the lead magnet
  • Why it’s efficient to stack podcast episodes and content marketing
  • When it’s wise to form an LLC

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:33:09 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 1175 Jeff and J. discuss the mechanics of setting up an online business, from the website to consideration of a business entity. Jeff and J. discuss the mechanics of setting up an online business, from the website to consideration of a business entity. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Getting Specific 6 6 Getting Specific full a0938268-f752-4830-a1d2-c736bf840c98 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/6 What we discuss:

  • How to tap into unspoken fears
  • Why the present tense can foster dream fulfillment
  • The importance of the call to action

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • How to tap into unspoken fears
  • Why the present tense can foster dream fulfillment
  • The importance of the call to action

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:32:23 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2282 The guys talk in depth about the customer mindset and how client work is like therapy. The guys talk in depth about the customer mindset and how client work is like therapy. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Crafting Customer Archetype Stories 5 5 Crafting Customer Archetype Stories full 328ec470-28a5-4fd8-8bad-0613594b2bd4 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/5 What we discuss:

  • Why it’s important to start with a specific problem
  • How to identify the counterargument before its raised
  • Why framing a “good fit” from both sides is important

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Why it’s important to start with a specific problem
  • How to identify the counterargument before its raised
  • Why framing a “good fit” from both sides is important

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:31:33 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2172 Going deep on the customer archetype stories, Jeff and J. discuss how to frame the relationship so that both sides win. Going deep on the customer archetype stories, Jeff and J. discuss how to frame the relationship so that both sides win. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No All Problems Can Be Solved 4 4 All Problems Can Be Solved full eb2b90ae-b7db-45a9-b403-9f136133272a https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/4 What we discuss:

  • The power of the “before and after” image
  • Why you need a lead magnet
  • How past behavior can predict future behavior

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • The power of the “before and after” image
  • Why you need a lead magnet
  • How past behavior can predict future behavior

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:30:36 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2134 The guys discuss the power of emotion in purchasing decisions, and the reasons people will (or won’t) take action. The guys discuss the power of emotion in purchasing decisions, and the reasons people will (or won’t) take action. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Time to Niche Down 3 3 Time to Niche Down full 8aa5531f-a129-4c0c-a146-bda802c6344f https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/3 What we discuss:

  • Why sometimes people don’t know what they don’t know
  • Why market research is important
  • Why it's important to vet potential clients

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Why sometimes people don’t know what they don’t know
  • Why market research is important
  • Why it's important to vet potential clients

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:29:42 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2159 Jeff and J. continue working through the Story Brand framework and the Business Model Canvas, trying to identify Jeff’s niche. Jeff and J. continue working through the Story Brand framework and the Business Model Canvas, trying to identify Jeff’s niche. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Jeff Knows He Can Do This 2 2 Jeff Knows He Can Do This full 6c5e55db-99b1-4548-9394-43950fe8f551 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/2 What we discuss:

  • Why the hero’s journey isn’t yours, but your customer or client’s
  • What Jeff wants out of this business venture
  • How to identify archetypes and customer segments
  • Why your client must experience a transformation

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Why the hero’s journey isn’t yours, but your customer or client’s
  • What Jeff wants out of this business venture
  • How to identify archetypes and customer segments
  • Why your client must experience a transformation

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:28:27 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2356 Using a combination of Story Brand and the hero’s journey, Jeff identifies his skill stack, excited to work a business model he knows he can do. Using a combination of Story Brand and the hero’s journey, Jeff identifies his skill stack, excited to work a business model he knows he can do. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No The Journey Begins 1 1 The Journey Begins full 228d2b75-4ff2-412d-b54e-683ffb273e4f https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/1 What we discuss:

  • The power of The ONE Thing by Gary Keller
  • An overview of the Business Model Canvas
  • What Jeff learned from his first seven client sessions
  • How to arrive at your value proposition

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • The power of The ONE Thing by Gary Keller
  • An overview of the Business Model Canvas
  • What Jeff learned from his first seven client sessions
  • How to arrive at your value proposition

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:28:01 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 2018 Jeff’s odyssey begins with J. at his side. The guys frame the process using the Business Model Canvas. Jeff’s odyssey begins with J. at his side. The guys frame the process using the Business Model Canvas. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No Starting from [less than] Zero Starting from [less than] Zero full 52aef6a2-6e05-4822-a3b0-628757b0b5a9 https://theauthorlife.transistor.fm/episodes/starting-from-less-than-zero-jeff-reflects-on-the-perfect-storm-of-2020 What we discuss:

  • Jeff’s sudden realization that his oldest was going to college and Jeff had nothing saved
  • The panic attack when Jeff understood his fiction would never be the answer
  • How the Dialogue Doctor started
  • Where Jeff found $500 seed money

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> What we discuss:

  • Jeff’s sudden realization that his oldest was going to college and Jeff had nothing saved
  • The panic attack when Jeff understood his fiction would never be the answer
  • How the Dialogue Doctor started
  • Where Jeff found $500 seed money

If you want to find out what you need to do to get your author services business started, or you want to discover how to make more money with your existing one, join me for an exclusive free private gathering on December 13, 2022, at 8am eastern. To attend live or get the replay, register at https://theauthorlife.com/biz/

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:27:27 -0500 J. Thorn J. Thorn 1648 Jeff and J. get together and reminisce about Jeff’s situation in 2020, and the desperation that compelled him to ask for J.’s help to start an online business. Jeff and J. get together and reminisce about Jeff’s situation in 2020, and the desperation that compelled him to ask for J.’s help to start an online business. business, entrepreneurship, self-improvement No