DANGEROUSLY GOOD STORIES

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Latest Episodes:

Tell Your Stories and You’ll Start to Notice More of Them with Caryn Dodson Oct 04, 2021

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded during a brief return to the podcast under its new name, Dangerously Good Stories, after a long hiatus. It’s one of only two episodes I released before everything fell apart: trauma, burnout, and a full stop.

I’ve kept it in the public archive because Caryn’s unfiltered voice note captures the exact kind of wake-up story work can offer. Honest. Restorative. Rooted in aliveness.

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This isn’t an interview. It’s a real Voxer message from Caryn Dodson — listener, photographer, and former guest — recorded less than 24 hours after my last episode aired.

She didn’t know I’d ask to share it. She wasn’t trying to sound polished or persuasive. She was just being real.

And that’s exactly why it matters.

Caryn’s words echo what so many of us feel behind the scenes: the burnout, the marketing fatigue, the aching to make something that means something. Her message is a love letter to story, tradition, soul work, and the courage to show up with your whole self.

If you’ve lost your way, if you’re tired of performative content, or if you need permission to start again, this episode is for you.

Topics touched on:

The emotional power of storytelling and real documentation
Why marketing often pushes us away from what matters
Keeping family traditions alive through creative boundaries
Photography burnout, pricing struggles, and losing creative joy
What it means to chase feeling, not just a deliverable
Using old photos as creative prompts and story sparks
A call to slow down and reconnect through your own archives
How to use one photo to rediscover overlooked stories

Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Let’s Begin Again, Storyteller (j/k — life pivoted so hard after this ep) Sep 30, 2021

⚠️ 2025 Note: This 2021 episode was recorded during a brief return to the podcast under the new name, Dangerously Good Stories, after a long break from podcasting.

But, this wasn’t just a “welcome back” episode. It was the prelude to collapse — unknowingly recorded from the edge. That contrast between hopeful rebuilding and the unseen unraveling gives me chills today.

I’ve kept it in the public archive because it captures the heart of why I changed direction, what story work means to me, and the permission I hope it offers others — not to live louder, but to live more awake.

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This episode lays the groundwork for everything Dangerously Good Stories stands for.

I introduce the shift from Intentional Documentary®, explain what makes a story dangerously good, and invite you into the kind of story work that reconnects you with what matters most — both in your life and your creative path.

Topics Included:

Why I retired the name Intentional Documentary®
What makes a story “dangerously good”
An introduction to the DGS Story Work Practice
The shift from photo education to personal meaning-making
Submitting listener stories and voice notes to the show
A reflection prompt to help you begin again with intention

Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Keep the Fire Going: Life, Loss, and Legacy with Caryn Dodson Feb 04, 2020

⚠️ This is an episode that reflects an earlier season of my work.

I’ve kept it in the archive because it reflects a tender moment in time — one shaped by motherhood, meaning-making, and honoring what matters through everyday documentation.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes mention of postpartum depression and stillbirth. Please listen with care, or skip this one, if you're in a tender season.

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What began as a conversation about shifting from portrait sessions to documentary photography quickly unfolded into something deeper: how grief, postpartum depression, and radical life change led Caryn Dodson to create her family’s memory-keeping platform, Firekeepers Memories.

We explore how photography became a lifeline through dark seasons, why she chose to homeschool and sell most of her belongings, and what she hopes clients feel decades after their sessions.

Topics Included:

Navigating client education and transitioning to full documentary work
The quiet strategy Caryn used to introduce documentary sessions in her community
How postpartum depression transformed her perspective on what matters
Honoring family through documentation after stillbirth and loss
The family story behind Firekeepers Memories and how it works
Why she shoots every session like it might be the last
Homeschooling, entrepreneurship, and life on the road
A powerful phone-free challenge to help you notice more in your everyday life

Connect with Caryn + access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

The Power of Your Future Self, Hypnosis, and Identity Shifts with Aubrey Vejvoda Jan 21, 2020

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Aubrey’s story speaks to identity shifts, emotional honesty, and the courage to follow an inner knowing.

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After navigating postpartum depression and feeling out of sync in stay-at-home motherhood, Aubrey Vejvoda started listening to the quiet signs pulling her in a new direction.

In this conversation, she shares why she left photography, how hypnosis helped her reconnect with herself, and what it means to move forward by tuning inward.

⚠️ Content note: This episode ends with a short guided hypnosis for relaxation. If you’re driving or multitasking, come back when you’re able to sit still and fully listen.

Topics Covered

The emotional weight of not loving stay-at-home motherhood
Identity shifts that surfaced after postpartum depression
Leaving photography after recognizing red flags
The difference between hypnosis and meditation
How Aubrey works with the “future self” through hypnosis
Using subconscious tools to reconnect with your own voice
A short, guided relaxation hypnosis to close the episode

Where Aubrey Is Now:

Since this episode aired, Aubrey (they/them) has shifted into the world of expressive arts and advocacy. They’re currently studying to become a licensed art therapist, with a focus on trauma-informed care, youth empowerment, and social justice through creativity.

Connect with Katie and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Nature, Loss, and Learning to Listen Again with Jessica Hachey Jan 14, 2020

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Jessica’s reflections on grief, nature, and the seasons of documenting still resonate deeply.

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When Jessica Hachey’s daughter started school full-time, it stirred something unexpected: stillness, questions, and a new ache to reconnect with herself.

In this episode, Jessica shares what it felt like to sit in that space — between loss, routine, and the pull of something more alive. We talk about what shifted in her documenting after walking through grief, and how time in the wild continues to restore her.

This is a quiet, tender story about remembering what really matters and letting your lens follow your life from the inside out.

Topics Covered

The emotional impact of early motherhood transitions
Relearning herself after her daughter started school
Backcountry solo trips and nature as restoration
Walking through loss and how grief reshaped her photography
Letting go of expectations and trusting what to document
The difference between photographing to preserve vs. prove
Honoring slow seasons, silence, and internal shifts

Access resources mentioned in this episode here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Where Jessica Is Now:

Since this episode aired, Jessica has transitioned from family documentary photography into nature and conservation storytelling. Today, she blends her love of the outdoors with her visual craft, using photography to advocate for wild spaces, inspire curiosity, and deepen our connection to the natural world.

You can find her hiking the Bruce Trail, paddling quiet waters, and volunteering with conservation groups across Ontario.

The Client Experience and Mom Guilt: Building a Business with Life in Mind with Alicia Bauer Jan 07, 2020

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it explores how our work, systems, and parenting stories are often more intertwined than we realize.

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Designer and branding expert Alicia Bauer joins me for a two-part conversation.

The first half offers tangible ideas for elevating your client experience in a way that reflects your actual values and personality.

The second half dives into Alicia’s honest reflections on mom guilt, creative work in small pockets of time, and what it looks like to navigate weekends, identity, and business with little ones underfoot.

Topics covered:

What “client experience” really means and why it matters
Five specific actions you can take to improve your client experience now
Branding as a reflection of your actual self (not a version you're performing)
Canned email responses, client touchpoints, and welcome packets
The impact of personalization (e.g., texts, notes, branded thank-you’s)
Letting your personality shape your systems, not the other way around
Alicia’s transition from full-time business to small time blocks as a mom
How overworking led to guilt during weekends and vice versa
Reframing productivity with intention and permission
Why you don’t have to enjoy every moment of parenting to be present
Creative structure for ND-friendly time management and energy rhythms
The beauty of documenting even the “hard” moments (e.g., crying kid photo)

Connect with Katie + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Document People Around You, Not Just the Kids from Ashley Manley Dec 31, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a timeless reminder to notice and preserve the stories of our adult relationships, from friendships to cousins to the neighborhood coffee barista.

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This short episode features photographer Ashley Manley’s personal story about realizing her dearest friendships were missing from her photo albums.

It’s a call to notice the people who see you in your real, grown-up life — the friends who get your bad jokes and love you anyway.

A beautiful reminder that it’s not just our kids who deserve to be remembered.

Topics:

The invisibility of adult friendships in our personal archives
Why documenting grown-up relationships matters
A challenge to photograph the people who know you now
How one night in Chicago sparked a shift in perspective
Using story work to deepen connection with chosen family

Connect with Ashley + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

This Year, Cultivate Meaning (Not Just Milestones) Dec 24, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers an accessible entry point into story work, especially for meaning-makers craving more than goal-setting alone.

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This guided reflection invites you to move beyond traditional goal-setting and reconnect with your life through story.

Originally created as a 2020 planning episode, the practice is timeless: you'll reflect on past experiences, map anticipated stories, and explore what deserves to be healed, revisited, or deeply felt.

Think of it as a values-rooted story ritual for your personal new year, reflective season, or any time you feel stuck in survival mode.

Topics Covered

Why traditional goal-setting often bypasses personal meaning
Five reflective story work steps for life planning
Prompts to surface stories from past years and childhood
The power of honoring unresolved or painful memories
Using stories to deepen connection in relationships
A surprising example of how old memories inspired a cross-country move
The impact of love letters and story-fueled gestures
Why your “tiny story list” is more grounding than your to-do list

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

On Separation, Showing Up, and Making Art Anyway with Michelle McKay Dec 17, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because Michelle’s reflections on creativity, parenting, and artistic evolution are still deeply grounding, especially if you’re navigating life transitions or letting go of creative rules.

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Michelle McKay returns for a conversation about navigating separation, motherhood, and the quiet shifts that shaped her creative work.

We talk about letting go of perfection, showing up through uncertainty, and finding new rhythms in both life and art.

Topics covered:

Navigating separation, single parenting, and business simultaneously
Evolving her artist identity: “photographer” to “photographic artist”
Letting go of perfectionism in editing and memory-keeping
The impact of in-person vs. online client reveals
Finding local “social influencers” to grow a photography business
Real talk on mom guilt, presence, and permission to seek
Creating and launching Beautiful Ordinary Lightroom Presets
Michelle’s iconic photo and what it revealed about noticing joy

Where Michelle Is Now:

Michelle McKay is a poetic photographic artist, writer, and educator based in Geelong, Australia. She continues to create honest, artful family portraits and now leads We Are Memory Catchers — an international community and educational space for photographers drawn to real-life storytelling. Her work centers the beauty in the everyday and the stories worth preserving before they slip away.

Connect with Michelle and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Get Off Survival Mode: Use Your Stories to Live Awake in 2020 Dec 12, 2019

⚠️ This episode was originally recorded as a 2020 webinar during the Intentional Documentary® era. I kept it in the public archive because of its practical guidance for moving from chronic overwhelm to intentional awareness without sacrificing your ambition.

It introduces the DGS 5-Part Story Work Practice through the lens of “survival mode” living.

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What if you didn’t need to run off to Bali, delete all your apps, or read another self-help book to feel like yourself again?

What if your stories could help you get out of your own head and into a life that actually feels like yours again?

This episode offers a gentle five-part practice to help you get out of survival mode and start feeling more present, awake, and like you. It’s not about productivity. It’s about using your own stories — the ones you've already lived / are living — to feel grounded in your life again.

Originally recorded as a live workshop, this session introduces the story-based practice that became the foundation of Dangerously Good Stories.

Topics:

What survival mode actually feels like and why it’s so common
How “tiny stories” can help you pause, realign, and reset
The 5-Part Story Work Practice: Observation, Preservation, Expression, Connection, Cultivation
Why journaling, documenting, and reflection aren’t just about memory-keeping
Tangible examples of how story work creates emotional traction and clarity
The faulty promises of most self-help fixes—and how story-based self-awareness is different
How to reduce mental noise while honoring your ambition

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Video Journaling as a Practice of Witnessing Yourself with Jason McGarva Dec 10, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it explores documenting as a form of presence, self-reflection, and truth-telling.

Jason’s approach to video journaling goes far beyond memory-keeping. It’s a practice of witnessing yourself with honesty and care.

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What if documenting wasn’t about remembering the past, but about witnessing yourself right now?

Jason McGarva didn’t set out to turn the camera on himself, but once he did, something shifted. What began as an experiment in video journaling became a grounding way to reflect, feel, and see himself more clearly.

In this conversation, Jason shares what it’s like to see yourself on screen without performing, and how video can become a mirror for noticing what you're really carrying.

This episode is for anyone curious about how documenting can support reflection, truth-telling, or reconnecting with the self beneath the noise.

Topics:

What video journaling is, and how it differs from content creation
Why Jason started filming himself, and what shifted over time
How watching old footage can reveal what you didn’t notice in the moment
The tension between performance and presence on camera
Using video to access vulnerability, reflection, and emotional truth
Why documenting is less about memory, and more about being seen
How video journaling can support life transitions and internal shifts
The power of self-witnessing as a story practice

Connect with Jason + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Sharing Your Story as Service with April Adams Pertuis of LIGHTBeamers Dec 03, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. It remains in the archive because it speaks to the power of story as service and self-expression, especially for heart-led professionals and business owners navigating identity, messaging, and visibility.

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What if telling your story wasn’t just about visibility, but about service, clarity, and deeper connection?

April Pertuis of Light Beamers joins Marie to explore story as a transformational tool for creatives, coaches, and small business owners. With over 25 years in journalism and storytelling, April shares a simple framework for identifying and expressing your stories — even if you think you don’t have one.

Topics covered:

Why every story matters, not just the “big trauma” ones
A practical framework for identifying the story arc
What to do when you have multiple stories
How to weave personal stories into your business content without feeling redundant
The importance of documenting and reflecting (journaling, voice notes, etc.)
Light Beamers Community and “Wednesday Live” story-sharing practice
The connection between story, freedom, and visibility

Where is she today?

April Adams Pertuis is still lighting the way. As the founder and CEO of LIGHTbeamers, she helps women turn their personal stories into powerful tools for visibility, connection, and service, whether through speaking, podcasting, or becoming published authors. Her work centers on the belief that everybody has a story, and that story is a beacon.

She also hosts The Inside Story podcast, where she spotlights entrepreneurs and changemakers who have walked through fire and come out brighter, all to inspire listeners to share their own stories with purpose.

Connect with April + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

When the Holidays Feel Different: A Reflection on Change and Story Nov 26, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it gently explores how holidays shape our memories, highlight what we’ve lost, and offer new chances for meaning and connection.

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Holidays have a way of bringing up everything — joy, nostalgia, grief, awkwardness, change. In this short story, I reflect on how Thanksgiving shifted in my family over the years, and I invite you to do the same with your own traditions, memories, and missed connections.

It’s a gentle reminder to notice what’s changed, what remains, and what stories are quietly unfolding in the background.

Topics:

How family holidays evolve across generations
Memory, grief, and the quiet absence of loved ones
The emotional terrain of new traditions
Using reflection to notice stories in transition
Journal-style prompts for your own holiday story audit

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Redefining Meaning and Documentary with Courtney Holmes Nov 05, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded during the Intentional Documentary® era. It remains in the public archive because it explores story work through the lens of identity, community, and creative purpose, conversations still deeply relevant today.

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This episode is a candid, heartfelt conversation between two storytellers who once worried about being “documentary enough.” Together, Courtney Holmes and I explore how we’ve redefined success, meaning, and creative freedom in our work.

If you’ve ever questioned where you fit in the creative world or felt torn between industry labels and what truly matters to you, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

The pressure to fit documentary photography into a narrow definition
How Courtney Holmes found her version of meaningful work
Letting go of imposter feelings and peer comparison
The role of intuition in creative decision-making
Why honoring your own values leads to more sustainable work
A shared story of burnout, clarity, and returning to purpose
The real definition of “enough” when it comes to storytelling

Where is Courtney now?

Courtney is the founder and lead educator of FilmingLife® Academy, where she teaches photographers around the world how to bring heart and storytelling into their filmmaking. Alongside her teaching, she continues to create nostalgic, love-soaked films and photos for families, specializing in the quiet, in-between moments that often mean the most.

Connect with Courtney + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

7 Fears & Opinions I'm Afraid to Share Oct 23, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I kept it in the archive because it names the tangled, unspoken thoughts that often surface before story work begins, when we’re still sorting through the noise, not yet making meaning.

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This episode is less polished insight, more a naming of what was tangled and unspoken at the time. I share seven things I was afraid to say out loud: fears, opinions, and unresolved thoughts that I hadn’t yet worked through.

Sometimes, before story work can begin, we need to pause and simply notice what we’re carrying.

If you’re sitting in that space too, I hope this offers a sense of recognition and relief.

Topics Covered

A critique of how vulnerability is often used as a branding tool
Fear of failure and comparison to past success
A raw admission about religion, death, and the fear of “getting it wrong”
Feelings of guilt and disconnection in motherhood
Navigating time scarcity, partnership stress, and life logistics
Owning discomfort around pet ownership and public judgment
A tension between women’s empowerment spaces and the inclusion of men
Why expressing fear and confusion can still be part of meaningful connection

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Monkey Up: A Memory That Almost Slipped Away Oct 22, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it embodies the heart of story work: memory, presence, and the emotional texture of everyday life.

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This short story is about a fleeting routine, a toddler’s trust, and the photograph that helped me remember it all. What began as a daily lift down the stairs turned into a tender ritual we called “Monkey Up.”

This is what it means to document from memory, not just to remember.

Topics:

A quiet daily ritual between mother and child
Documenting from memory vs. documenting to remember
Why some photos hold more than what meets the eye
Trust, presence, and parenting in early childhood
A reflection challenge to notice the stories still unfolding in your life

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Journaling for Clarity, Healing, and Memory with Jayne Swallow Oct 15, 2019

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it explores journaling as a tool for healing, clarity, and memory, particularly interesting for those reimagining how and why they document their lives.

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When Jayne Swallow became a mother, she realized how quickly memories faded and how powerful journaling could be in holding onto them. What began as a personal design project turned into Promptly Journals, a brand that helps people document their lives through beautiful, practical tools, both in print and in app form.

In this episode, Jayne shares how journaling has supported her through memory-keeping, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. We talk about writing as a form of healing, how to make journaling doable in busy seasons, and why perfectionism often gets in the way of meaningful documentation.

Topics covered:

Why journaling matters, even if you’re not “a writer”
Jayne’s evolution from graphic designer to journal-maker
How journaling shifted from memory-keeping to emotional processing
The difference between prompted and unstructured journaling
How the Promptly app helps families record and print their stories
New journal formats for grief, miscarriage, and mental health
Letting go of the guilt when starting “late”
Tips for weaving journaling into real-life rhythms
Why writing doesn’t need to be beautiful to be meaningful

Connect with Jayne + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Here’s How I Write My Way Back to Myself: 11 Journaling Approaches Oct 08, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it explores writing as a form of noticing, self-awareness, and story work, especially for those craving clarity, calm, or deeper connection.

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Writing has always helped me clear the fog and feel lighter. In this episode, I share 11 different ways I’ve used journaling over the years—from diary-style reflections to emotional letters, prompts, and story work exercises.

Some are quick. Some go deep. All of them are invitations to meet yourself on the page.

Topics:

Why writing can be a tool for clarity, presence, and emotional release
11 distinct journaling approaches, including morning pages, emotional letters, and buddy journals
How writing helps uncover beliefs, patterns, and personal truths
Using your stories as creative prompts or healing practices

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

The Exotic Everyday: On Seeing, Legacy, and Loving the Life You Have with Chloe Lodge Oct 01, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era, but it remains a gentle, grounding reflection on creativity, motherhood, and the beauty of slowing down. I’ve kept it in the public archive for its resonance with story work, place, and legacy.

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What makes life feel exotic? Photographer and author Chloe Lodge invites us to look again at our ordinary.

In this thoughtful conversation, she reflects on home, belonging, and how her creative vision evolved through motherhood, travel, and letting go of perfection. We also talk about the making of her book For the Love of the Photograph and how returning to presence changed the way she sees.

Topics:

Chloe’s global journey: England → Paris → Dubai → Bali → New Zealand
Childhood influence and early photography inspiration
Why she left client work and leaned into everyday documentary
The making of her book For the Love of the Photograph
Emotional honesty and creative hunger in personal projects
How light, play, and presence shape her 365 project
Reflections on parenting, legacy, and what it means to see
The phrase “exotic everyday” and what it reveals about perception

Where is Chloe now?

Living in the Waitaki Valley on New Zealand’s South Island, she continues to create, mentor, and write with deep attention to light and presence. She’s proudly supported by Nikon NZ as one of their official Creators, recognized for her distinctive storytelling and creative experimentation. Chloe also shares ongoing reflections in her Substack publication A Love Affair with Light.

Connect with Chloe + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Togetherness, Blind Spots, and the Stories That Stay with Linsey Davis Sep 24, 2019

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it explores story, presence, and meaning through deeply human moments, especially relevant for those reflecting on family, loss, and memory.

⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes a brief mention of the sudden loss of a parent during childhood. The story is shared thoughtfully and without graphic detail. Please take care while listening, or feel free to skip this episode if needed.

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What if your most meaningful photos weren’t just about what’s visible, but about what’s at risk of being missed?

In this conversation, Linsey Davis shares how the loss of her father shaped her longing for togetherness, how homeschooling five kids has deepened her awareness, and why photography made her more present, not less.

We talk about documenting as personal legacy, the power of prompts, and how a single table came to hold decades of memory and meaning.

Topics covered:

How Linsey’s documenting practice grew from personal grief and a desire for togetherness
Using photography as a tool to become more present, not less
The myth of “seeing everything” as a documentarian
Why prompts are essential for uncovering blind spots in your documenting
Letting go of professional labels and reclaiming artistry without pressure
The story of “the table” — a powerful, multi-generational anchor of memory
A reflection on documenting changing family dynamics as kids grow up
Linsey’s journaling habits and her dream of incorporating more video
A final challenge for listeners: What story would you regret not recording if you could never pick up your camera again?

Connect with Linsey + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

5 Ways to Use Your Stories as a Guide for Meaningful Living Sep 17, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded during the transition from Fearless and Framed to Dangerously Good Stories. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it introduces the core ideas that shaped the DGS story work framework.

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This episode invites you to do more than simply remember or document your stories. It’s about responding to them. Inside, I share five ways your personal stories can become tools for self-awareness, creative direction, stronger relationships, and clarity in noisy seasons.

This isn’t about storytelling for content. It’s about story work as life work. You’ll hear real-life examples, gentle prompts, and the deeper reason behind choosing the name Dangerously Good Stories.

Topics:

What a “dangerously good story” actually is
The backstory behind choosing the name Dangerously Good Stories
Why noticing your stories isn’t enough without a response
Five practical ways to use your stories in real life
How personal stories can guide clarity, connection, healing, and creative direction
How documenting from memory creates new ways of seeing

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Presence, Priorities, and Feeling Understood: A Summer Q&A Sep 10, 2019

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it offers a heartfelt seasonal reflection and real-life listener Q&A, especially relevant if you're navigating family, work, or presence in your current season.

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This episode is part seasonal reflection, part Q&A. I walk you through our summer rhythms, from visitors and vacations to quiet, meaningful moments I might have missed if I hadn’t paused to notice them.

Then, I answer three questions from listeners, each opening the door to deeper themes around identity, feeling understood, navigating priorities, and being present in the tension between work and family.

Topics covered:

A personal look at what our summer actually looked like (travel, camp, daily rhythms)
A small, everyday moment where I felt like a “good mom”
Q: “Do you always feel understood?”
Q: “What do you prioritize — family, work, or something else?”
Q: “What helped you live more presently in both work and family this season?”
How seasonal reflection supports deeper presence and meaning-making

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Pat Flynn on Parenting, Entrepreneurship, and Building Meaningful Audience Relationships Sep 03, 2019

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from my Intentional Documentary® days. I’ve kept it in the archive because it holds enduring wisdom on visibility, creativity, and family-first entrepreneurship, especially relevant for story-led business owners navigating depth and direction.

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What does it mean to grow a values-led business without burning out, and still show up as a present parent and creative human?

In this conversation, Pat Flynn shares how his family-first approach shaped his work, why storytelling builds better brands, and what he hopes to see change in education. This is a generous, honest conversation about entrepreneurship, boundaries, and building something worth sustaining.

Topics:

How Pat’s podcast with his son became a memory-keeping practice
The origin story of Switchpod and product-based entrepreneurship
Why entrepreneurship should be part of early education
Business as a vehicle for service, problem-solving, and relationship-building
Superfans and creating lasting customer connections
Time, energy, and physical boundaries in entrepreneurial life
Why small wins can matter more than big launches
The joy of missing out (JOMO) and choosing slow growth

Connect with Pat + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

I'm Grieving My Biz Passion. Now what? Aug 20, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it captures a raw and unfiltered turning point in my journey. It reflects a season of grieving an identity, listening inward, and realigning with what matters most.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes honest reflections on creative burnout, identity loss, and grief in business. Listen gently if you're in a vulnerable season, or skip this one for now.

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In this episode, I share the moment I realized I was no longer connected to my business and the slow grief that followed.

This isn’t about failure. It’s about facing truth, letting go, and reimagining your work in a way that feels like you again.

If you’re carrying heaviness around your creative path, identity, or business, this story might help you name what you’re holding — and remind you that you’re not alone.

Topics included:

Why launching The Preservation Project™ left me emotionally exhausted
Feeling forgotten in the photography industry
Letting go of my identity as “the strategy person”
Closing The Goodbye Posing Guide Facebook group (8.5k members, 6 years strong)
The hidden grief in business pivots and creative exits
Reframing audience expectations and internalized pressure
How story work became the bridge back to myself
A gentle reflection prompt for anyone in a season of loss or shift

Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Writing That Sounds Like You: Copywriting Checkpoints with Rachel Greiman Aug 06, 2019

⚠️ Note: This legacy episode was created for documentary family photographers, but its insights into voice, vulnerability, and authentic marketing still resonate. Especially relevant for creatives and parents navigating expression, identity, and work that feels true.

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What does it mean to write with your real voice when the internet tells you to follow best business practices?

In this conversation, copywriter and photographer Rachel Greiman shares practical checkpoints for strengthening your website and inquiry process — while staying rooted in who you are. We also explore the deeper emotional terrain of motherhood, identity, and the power of documenting your life as a form of self-trust.

Topics:

Rachel’s story of blending photography and writing from the start
Common copy mistakes creatives make on their websites
Three powerful checkpoints for stronger messaging (homepage, Instagram bio, inquiry emails)
How to write in your own voice without mimicking others
Why vulnerability in marketing must be grounded, not performative
The emotional labor of showing up online when you're also caregiving
Documenting as a form of self-witnessing during hard seasons

Where is Rachel now?

Since this conversation, Rachel Greiman has grown Green Chair Stories into a full copywriting collective for photographers. What began as a solo business is now a people-first agency where every project benefits from multiple thoughtful voices. It's the strongest, most collaborative version of her work yet.

Explore her agency at greenchairstories.com

Connect with Rachel + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Sara & The Beach House from Angela Douglas Ramsey Jul 23, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it centers memory, place, and presence: the heartbeat of story work.

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Photographer Angela Ramsey shares the story of her grandmother and the family’s beloved beach house. What begins as a documentation project becomes something deeper, revealing the emotional textures of place, caregiving, and generational bonds.

This short episode invites you to reflect on your own meaningful spaces and the people who shape them.

Topics:

Documenting personal family legacy through photography
How photographing someone can deepen your relationship
Angela’s bond with her grandmother and the meaning of shared places
Emotional memory and sensory recall through story
Questions to reflect on your own story-rich spaces and people

Where is Angela now?

Angela Ramsey Douglas is a commercial, portrait, and documentary photographer based in eastern Virginia. In addition to documenting her own family’s story, Angela focuses her lens on environmental issues in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, continuing to frame the beauty, tension, and truth of the world around her.

Connect with Angela + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Intentional Acts of Acknowledgement: Turning Memories into Meaningful Connection Jul 09, 2019

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it explores how everyday memories and photos can spark connection, healing, and meaning — especially when we use them to reach out and acknowledge the people who’ve shaped us.

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes a personal story about a past immigration scare and a childhood memory of being reprimanded. Neither is shared with graphic detail, but both are mentioned in the context of reflection and growth.

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In this episode, I reflect on the everyday stories that resurface while documenting. I invite you to go beyond documenting and memory-keeping, and turn those recorded moments into intentional acts of acknowledgement, making meaning out of old stories in real life.

It’s a quiet practice of presence, story work, appreciation, and emotional repair. And it starts with the smallest pause.

Topics covered:

How a single love note sparked this reflection on acknowledgement
The importance of noticing those who’ve shaped us, even briefly
Reframing documenting as a tool for reconnection, not just record-keeping
The power of place and memory: past, present, and future converging
Story work as a bridge to thank-yous we forgot to say
Encouragement to act on surfaced memories through photos, messages, or letters
Practical guidance: how to use an hour this week for one act of acknowledgement
The difference between documentation and expression + why both matter

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Documenting Real Life: Permission Slips and the Beauty in the Everyday with Kelly Haymes Jun 25, 2019

⚠️ Note: This legacy episode celebrates the quiet beauty of everyday life and the creative self-trust that comes from documenting without performance. It’s a grounding listen for parents, artists, and anyone resisting perfection pressure.

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Photographer Kelly Haymes shares how documenting real life became her antidote to perfectionism and a lasting permission slip for her kids.

We talk about creative consistency, photographing the messy middle, and why staying in your lane might just be the most freeing move you make.

Topics:

Why Kelly walked away from posed photography in favor of real life
What the “witching hour” photo project revealed about motherhood and meaning
How documenting mess, tantrums, and ordinary moments can shape family memory
The connection between visibility, pressure, and creative identity
Letting go of the need to be “award-winning”
Using Chatbooks, street photography, and small rituals to stay creatively grounded

Connect with Kelly + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Your Creative Work Matters Too: Navigating Unpredictable Seasons Without Guilt Jun 19, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it explores a core DGS theme: navigating creative rhythms in unpredictable seasons.

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How do you keep tending to your creative work when life feels unpredictable — like summer break, chronic health shifts, or caregiving demands?

In this bonus episode, I share my real-life strategy for balancing business, family, and well-being during a season of disruption. Whether or not you’re a parent or business owner, this conversation offers gentle reframes and practical tools for honoring your capacity, managing energy, and staying connected to what you love, even when routines fall apart.

Topics covered:

How to manage energy when life feels unpredictable
Why you don’t need to choose between presence and productivity
Reflecting on past seasons to plan for what’s ahead
6 tangible shifts I made to support both creative work and caregiving
Lessons on interruptions, starting where it’s good, and redefining consistency
Mindset reframe: “being present” vs. avoiding what feels hard
Finding creative rhythm without abandoning your joy
Why even “small wins” (like morning quiet) can ripple through your day

All active archive episode resources mentioned can be found here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Speak Your Stories with Confidence (Even If You’re Not a “Speaker”) Jun 11, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it explores expression and confidence, both themes that still pulse through Dangerously Good Stories.

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This episode offers a gentle but honest invitation to move beyond the keyboard and practice speaking your stories aloud.

Originally recorded for photographers, the message still resonates for anyone learning to show up — voice and all — with more presence and clarity.

If you’ve ever hesitated to be seen, heard, or felt “not polished enough,” this one's for you.

Topics covered:

Why writing-only expression may be limiting your connection

Places to start speaking your stories (beyond social media)

How to lower the pressure and speak more naturally

A high school memory that shaped Marie’s approach to public speaking

The mindset difference between “chef” and “order taker” in business

Lessons from direct sales and teaching workshops

The power of practicing and building a personal story library

Normalising imperfection, tongue-twisters, and mid-sentence forgetfulness

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Lighter Stories, Silent Obsessors, and Marketing That Feels Good with Melissa Cassera May 21, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Melissa’s insights still hold, especially for anyone craving a more human, joyful approach to marketing.

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Melissa Cassera makes marketing feel lighter — without losing meaning.

In this conversation, we explore how to tell better stories, connect more deeply, and ditch performative strategies that drain your energy.

You’ll walk away rethinking urgency, creativity, and how to keep your business personal in all the right ways.

Topics covered:

Why “epic” storytelling isn’t always the answer in business
How to create urgency without using fear or scarcity
Crafting limited-time offers that feel playful, not pushy
The value of silent obsessors (and how to connect with them)
Designing marketing that matches your energy and values
Reusing content without it feeling stale
The power of private connection over public engagement
Melissa’s iconic photo moment: seeing her name on screen as a screenwriter

Connect with Melissa and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Where Melissa Is Now:

Since this episode aired, Melissa has continued her multifaceted work as a screenwriter, Amazon bestselling author, ghostwriter, and publicity strategist. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s helped clients land book deals, major media, and thriving businesses built on captivating copy.

You can learn more at melissacassera.com

Looking Deeper: A Snow Day Story of Only Childhood from Anna Nodolf May 14, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it invites us to look beneath the surface of everyday moments — a thread that runs deep in story work.

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Documentary family photographer Anna Nodolf documents her daughter’s snow day — not just the snowfall, but the quiet nuances of experiencing it as an only child. This short episode is a gentle reminder to look beyond the obvious and notice what makes each story uniquely lived.

Topics:

Observing life beneath the surface moments
Only childhood through the lens of snow day play
How our stories differ from those around us
Letting go of assumptions shaped by personal experience
Simple questions to guide deeper documentation
Why small, seasonal stories matter

Connect with Anna + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Seeing Differently: On Photos, Meaning, and Family with Kelly Wagner Apr 23, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Kelly’s reflections offer such a grounded reminder of what intentional documenting can stir awake in us — from deeper presence to personal storytelling to showing up differently with the people we love.

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Kelly Wagner had always been the one with the camera. But something shifted when she joined my DGS Story Work program (formerly called The Preservation Project).

In this episode, she shares how documenting became more than a habit. It became a practice in presence, helping her connect more deeply with her family during a season of loss.

Kelly’s story is gentle and rich. It reminds us that memory-keeping isn’t just about images. It’s about intention, attention, and what we choose to hold onto.

Topics Covered

From documenting everything to finding deeper purpose in photos
How story work reshaped her perspective
A story of presence during her uncle’s terminal illness
Regret around unrecorded conversations with loved ones
How she honors memories through photo books and Chatbooks
Why she chose a family-built bridge as her “iconic photo”
Using photos as prompts for connection with her children

Access resources mentioned in this episode here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Awareness is a Gift, Especially Before It’s Gone Apr 09, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a masterclass in meaning-making, not through strategy, but through story and reflection.

It explores why we often miss the cues that matter, how awareness goes deeper than presence, and what it takes to wake up to the richness of everyday life before we miss it.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes stories of family loss and end-of-life reflection. Please listen gently if you’re in a tender season.

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We’ve all heard the phrase “you don’t know what you don’t know.” But what if that unawareness comes at a cost?

In this episode, I reflect on the quiet tension between noticing and missing, and how awareness can shape what we carry, how we connect, and what we ultimately remember. Through personal stories and a striking example from the book Chasing Daylight, this is a heartfelt invitation to live more awake and in tune with what matters most.

Topics Included:

The difference between presence and awareness
Four common reasons we overlook what matters
A lesson from Chasing Daylight about restlessness at the end of life
How specificity acts as emotional evidence and connection
The deeper purpose behind The Preservation Project™
Participant stories of grief, reconnection, and clarity
Three reflection questions to help you tune back in

Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Creating Systems That Work For You with LaToya Dixon Smith Apr 02, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because LaToya’s reflections on motherhood, business systems, and human-first automation still hold powerful relevance, especially for creative service providers balancing growth, capacity, and connection.

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When you think 'business systems,' do you imagine something rigid, robotic, or impersonal?

In this conversation, LaToya Dixon Smith invites us to rethink that entirely.

With clarity, warmth, and lived experience, LaToya shares how systems can be a form of care — for your clients, your time, and yourself. She speaks to the emotional labor behind staying present in business while raising kids, the intentional design of client experiences, and how thoughtful systems can reclaim space in your day without sacrificing your humanity.

Whether you're fully booked or just finding your rhythm, this episode offers a grounded perspective on building structure that honors your season of life.

Topics Covered

The purpose and limitations of CRMs like Dubsado and 17hats
How LaToya facilitates “whiteboard sessions” to map workflows
The difference between automating and over-automating
Tools that support process-building (Trello, Loom, Planoly)
How to assess the “warmth” of leads through inquiry forms
Personalising automation with video, audio, and brand tone
Managing business tasks alongside parenting a newborn and school-age child
Her strategy for content creation: blending inspired action with batching
The story behind her “iconic photo” submission — a quiet moment of motherhood, strength, and growth

Where LaToya Is Now:

Since this episode aired in 2019, LaToya has expanded her work in powerful ways. She’s now a trauma-informed boudoir photographer, certified sex doula, and erotic breathwork facilitator featured in ESSENCE, HBO, and the Huffington Post. Her work centers around helping women feel at home in their bodies again.

Connect with LaToya + access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Parent Loss and the Details That Remain: Story Work After Death from Lora Wallenstein Mar 26, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it’s a powerful example of grief-tending through sensory memory, story work, and honoring the details that remain.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains references to sudden parent loss, death, and personal grief.

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Lora Wallenstein was a photographer with thousands of images, but after her dad died suddenly and unexpectedly, she realized she didn’t have a single photo that truly captured him.

Not one that made her say, “That’s Dad.”

In this episode, Lora shares how she turned to his home, his tools, and the radio — still playing in the basement workshop — to tell his story through what remained.

It’s a story about grief, missed moments, and the void that loss leaves behind. But it’s also a story about intention, noticing, and creative response, even in the thick of heartbreak.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever lost someone and wondered, 'Did I miss my chance?'

Chances are, you may have missed a medium, but it’s likely not too late to record the story.

Topics:

Lora’s story of losing her father suddenly and unexpectedly
The absence of authentic photos and the emotional impact of “not documenting in time”
How she used story work and sensory memory (sounds, objects, details) to process grief
DGS Story Work Practice (formerly The Preservation Project) as a structured support during emotional overwhelm
Photographing someone’s space to tell their story without them in the frame
How shared photos surfaced new memories for her sister
The emotional weight of tools, objects, and everyday traces
The therapeutic role of intention and creative planning in grief
An invitation for listeners to reflect on their own untold or unpreserved stories

The practices shared in this episode are not medical or psychological advice. They reflect one person’s story of using creativity and reflection to navigate loss. If you feel these practices may support you in your grief or healing process, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional first.

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

My Monthly Review Practice for Clarity and Self-Trust Mar 19, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers a timeless, grounding monthly reflection practice to help you live and work with more clarity and intention.

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If you’ve ever reached the end of a month and felt like everything’s a blur, this episode is for you. I walk through my personal monthly report practice: a step-by-step way to pause, reflect, and create direction in both life and business.

Topics:

Why we often forget the richness of our own recent past
How monthly reflection can clarify values, direction, and patterns
11 steps I use in my own monthly report practice
Emotional and energetic benefits of reflective tracking
Tools and prompts to make this a sustainable ritual
How this practice helps me zoom out on both business and personal life
Bonus examples: themed work days, intention setting, habit review, story tracking

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Track What Matters: A Business Metrics Framework for Creatives and Service Providers Mar 12, 2019

⚠️ Note: This legacy episode offers a practical, grounded framework for tracking what actually moves the needle in your business. It’s for anyone tired of winging it and ready to lead with clarity instead of hope.

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If your marketing feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall — or your offers live in a swirl of half-finished ideas and good intentions — this episode is your reset.

I share my 4-part business metrics framework designed for creatives and service providers who want more predictability, more alignment, and less reactive scrambling. This is a deep dive into reflective tools that help you see what’s working, what’s draining you, and where to go next.

This is about building a business with data that respects your energy, not just your revenue.

Topics:

Why “hope mode” is exhausting + how to shift into conscious strategy
4 core categories of metrics to consider tracking monthly:
- Intentions + Monthly Check-ins (what you planned vs. what actually happened)
- Brand Growth + Lead Gen (email list, traffic sources, social activity)
- Revenue Systems (offers, lead sources, conversion clarity)
- Operational Processes (time use, abandoned content, onboarding FAQs)
How to use metrics for insight, not judgment
Specific tools: Toggl, Loom, Google Analytics, PowerSheets, and her printed “System Book”
Why creative entrepreneurs often skip tracking + what it’s costing them
The difference between tracking for performance and tracking for clarity
Questions to ask when reviewing your month that go beyond money or growth

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

7 Sneaky Ways Creatives and Service Providers Self-Sabotage in Business Mar 05, 2019

⚠️ Note: This legacy episode still hits home. I’ve kept it in the archive because it explores where creative entrepreneurs often waste time, energy, and self-trust — and how simple awareness can shift everything.

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If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, 'Why isn’t this working?' or 'Why does business feel so heavy right now?', this episode is for you.

I unpack 7 common patterns of self-sabotage that often fly under the radar for creatives and service providers. Instead of piling on more strategy, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what’s actually moving your business forward.

Topics:

Why more courses and educational content consumption often lead to less clarity
The danger of switching strategies too quickly
How surface-level marketing blocks deeper client connection
The hidden cost of skipping one-on-one interactions
What academic writing looks like in your business (and why it falls flat)
The power of tracking your own efforts instead of chasing formulas
How comfort habits can mask as “being productive”

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Organizing Your Photos, Finding Your Stories with Cathi Nelson Feb 26, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers timeless insights on memory, meaning, and preserving everyday stories — all through the lens of photo organizing.

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Photo organizing isn’t just about tidying up digital clutter. It’s about reclaiming access to our stories.

In this conversation with Cathi Nelson, founder of the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (now The Photo Managers), we explore how photo organizing can become a sacred, sustainable, and even profitable practice.

Whether you’re drowning in digital overload, curious about preserving family history, or considering a new storytelling revenue stream, this episode is packed with thoughtful ideas.

Topics Covered:

Why metadata (aka story details) matters for future generations
What personal photo organizers actually do
Photo chaos, memory loss, and the emotional weight of unpreserved images
How professional photographers can add organizing to their services
Why people often seek photo organizing after life events
Ways to preserve stories across mediums (photos, video, artwork)
Practical business tips for offering photo organizing as a service
Training, community, and certification with The Photo Managers
Photo preservation as legacy-building, not just archiving

Connect with Cathi + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Documenting the People We Overlook: Who’s Your Uncle Perry? from Dreama Spence Feb 18, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it's a timeless example of noticing the tiny, ordinary moments that often go unnoticed, let alone undocumented.

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In this 'story of the month' episode, you’ll hear a listener-submitted story, from photographer Dreama Spence, about a quiet portrait of her Uncle Perry and the everyday ritual that made her reach for her camera.

It’s a simple story. A man. A chair. A cup of coffee.

But it’s also a powerful reminder to notice the people around us, and the routines that shape who they are, before they fade into the background.

This story might just spark one of your own.

Topics:

The daily ritual of “Uncle Perry” through Dreama’s lens
Memory, photography, and everyday observation
The beauty of documenting ordinary people and moments
A call to acknowledge overlooked figures in your life
Encouragement to submit stories to be published on Fearless and Framed (archived now)

Connect with Dreama + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

She Meant to Document That Dinner. Then the Wildfire Came. A conversation with Nicole Miller-Cline. Feb 05, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. It remains in the public archive because it combines real-world crisis with the emotional truths of story, memory, and loss.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains first-person reflections about escaping a fast-moving wildfire with children and losing a home. Please listen with care if you are sensitive to stories of natural disaster or trauma.

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When the 2018 Camp Fire tore through Paradise, California, Nicole Miller-Cline had just 90 minutes to evacuate.

But this isn’t just a story about disaster. It’s a moving reflection on what’s truly worth preserving in an era of endless photos and recordings, and why slowing down to notice our lives as they unfold really matters.

Nicole shares what she had always meant to document—the Sunday dinners, the quiet family rhythms—and how the fire brought an unexpected kind of clarity.

Her story speaks to the urgency of documenting what matters, not for show, but as a way of living more fully with the people and moments we don’t want to forget. This conversation reaches far beyond photography and into the heart of presence, connection, and memory.

Topics

The moment Nicole realized she wouldn’t be able to document everything she wanted to
The Sunday dinners she always meant to photograph + what they came to symbolize
What she grabbed in the 90-minute evacuation window + why
How documenting before the fire gave her unexpected peace afterward
Why she no longer believes perfect photos are the most important ones
The emotional shift from documenting as craft to documenting as connection
Lessons on letting go, slowing down, and paying attention while we still can

Connect with Nicole + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

How Documenting My Life Helped Me Come Home to Myself (And Your Stories Are Ready to Bring You Home, Too) Jan 29, 2019

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I kept it in the archive because it marks a turning point — when I began to see “documenting” not just as photography, but as a deeper life practice rooted in story, attention, and (re)connection.

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This episode began with photography, but it’s not really about photos or photography.

It’s a story about creative burnout, disconnection, and realizing that 'documenting' was less about making images and more about seeing what mattered.

I share how this shift helped me feel more rooted in my own life, and how noticing your everyday stories might do the same for you. Perhaps your own life might be asking for the same kind of attention.

Topics Covered

Burnout as a photographer and the disconnect with client expectations
The personal shift from image-making to memory-honoring
How documenting can deepen awareness and belonging
A broader definition of documenting (beyond just photography)
Why documenting isn’t about accumulation, but connection
Everyday examples of slowing down to notice what matters
Questions to reflect on whether you’re documenting from meaning or performance

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

If You Had 24 Hours to Live... On Living a Meaningful Life on Your Own Terms with Alexandra Franzen Nov 20, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it holds grounded, life-giving reflections on time, mortality, and creative living.

⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains gentle reflections on death and the idea of having only 24 hours left to live.

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If you had just 24 hours to live, how would you spend them?

This conversation with writer and entrepreneur Alexandra Franzen invites you to pause and reconsider how you’re spending your time. We talk about mortality, creativity, work, and the quiet joys of ordinary moments. More than anything, Alexandra’s voice offers permission to reimagine what matters and how you move through your days — not someday, but now.

This episode was sparked by her novel, So This Is the End: A Love Story, and the viral question behind it. Whether you’re in a season of burnout, renewal, or simply craving more intentionality, this one gently points you back to what’s essential.

Topics covered:

The “24 hours to live” question behind Alexandra’s book
Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking around creative work
Her philosophy of treating life and business like one big art project
How she balances paid work with personal writing
The impact of nearly turning down a mother-daughter trip
Why simplicity, not productivity, is often the answer
How reflecting on death has helped her live more clearly and calmly
Encouragement for anyone stuck in permission-seeking or pressure to “do more”

Where is Alexandra Franzen now?

Since recording, Alexandra has continued to shape a creative and intentional life. She hosts dreamy writing retreats in Hawaii, co-founded a bookstore called One Idea Books and Gifts, and co-created a popular online course that’s guided more than 1,000 people (ages 8 to 80) in writing and publishing their own books. She is now married and is a mother to a daughter.

Connect with Alexandra and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

The Day-to-Day Can Be a Visually Loaded Feast Too with Paul Gero Nov 13, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s rich with insight on presence, perception, and storytelling that honours real life.

Paul’s reflections are a reminder that meaning isn’t just in the extraordinary — it’s in the everyday, if we’re willing to see it.

⚠️ Content Note: While not graphic, this episode touches on themes of military service and loss. Please listen with care if you're in a tender season.

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35-year photography veteran Paul Gero joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling with integrity, staying present behind the lens, and seeing visual potential in the everyday. From his early career in newspapers to personal projects with his own family, Paul shares the shifts, surprises, and signature moments that shaped how he works and how he sees.

This episode is a grounding listen for anyone who wants to feel more connected to their work, their people, and the stories unfolding around them.

Topics we explore:

High-impact vs. small-impact photography — and why both matter
The myth of “natural light only” and the case for using flash
Gaining access without intrusion in photojournalism
The Pat Tillman story: trust, truth, and planned portraiture
Switching to Sony mirrorless gear and why it fits his evolution
Creating honest family stories that reflect real life
The beauty of constraint: personal projects like Thirty-Six Frames
What it means to be a “no-limit photographer”
Why presence always beats perfection

Connect with Paul + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Zoom In, Zoom Out: A Practice for Clarity, Creativity, and What Matters Most Nov 06, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers one of the clearest lived examples of what personal narrative as strategy looks like.

It’s a real-time reflection on shifting between presence and perspective — a rhythm that’s become core to my own story work practice.

If you’re stuck, spinning, or unsure of your next step, this might offer a way through.

...

In this solo reflection, I share how I use a zoom-in/zoom-out practice to recalibrate, whether I’m navigating creative burnout, making business decisions, or just trying to stay grounded in motherhood and beyond.

I share how this rhythm helped me move my family across states, rethink my business identity, and reconnect with what actually lights me up. I also introduce what became The DGS Story Work Practice (formerly The Preservation Project), and offer a final journal prompt to help you check in with yourself.

Topics explored:

What “zooming out” and “zooming in” really mean in practice
Moving from Michigan to South Carolina with intention
Letting go of old audience identities and business goals
Burnout, social media detachment, and creative recovery
The moment The DGS Story Work Practice (formerly The Preservation Project) poured out of me — and why it mattered
A closing prompt to help guide your next step

Access the show's archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Protect the Magic: Legal Tools for Creatives with Shay Lawson Oct 30, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® days. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s packed with wisdom for creatives turning their ideas into assets.

...

When you create something from the heart — whether it’s a photo, a phrase, or a full course — how do you protect it without feeling like you're playing defense all the time?

In this conversation with Intellectual Property lawyer Shay Lawson, we talk about the legal tools every creative business owner should consider. From trademarks to contracts to participant agreements, Shay breaks down what it means to protect your ideas and your income, without the fearmongering.

Plus, I share how working with Shay expanded my business in ways I didn’t expect.

Topics

What intellectual property law actually means (in plain English)
Common mistakes creatives make when protecting their content
Why buying a cheap legal template isn’t always enough
Contracts vs. copyright vs. trademark — what you need and when
How to protect courses, programs, and creative ideas online
What to include in a collaboration or affiliate agreement
How legal boundaries support, not stifle, creativity and growth
Real stories from Marie’s business (and Shay’s!) that prompted legal pivots

Where is Shay now?

Since our conversation, Shay M. Lawson has continued to rise as a nationally recognized leader in intellectual property law. She was named one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Lawyers for the fifth consecutive year (2021–2025) and was recently honored in GaBiz and Atlanta Magazine’s Top Lawyers list for 2025. Shay now serves as managing attorney at the Law Firm of Lawson McKinley, where she negotiates high-profile IP deals and teaches transactional law as an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Law.

Explore her firm at lawsonmckinley.com

Connect with Shay + access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Starting with Curiosity: Katie Jett Walls on Personal Projects Oct 23, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it reminds us what can unfold when we follow our curiosity and commit to the stories that matter to us.

...

Katie Jett Walls shares what led her from everyday documentation to creating personal projects that explore deeper questions and untold stories. This episode is for anyone sitting on an idea they can’t quite shake and wondering if it’s worth pursuing.

Sometimes all it takes is following that first thread of curiosity.

Topics:

Letting go of needing outside permission to start your own project
The difference between documenting life and documenting with intention
Katie’s creative turning point: from craft to curiosity
What to do when a story idea sticks with you
Tips for moving from a photo series to a complete visual narrative
Why sequencing matters when telling stories through images

Connect with Katie + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

You’re Already Preserving Your Life. Here’s How to Make It Count. Oct 16, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it lays the groundwork for what would evolve into the DGS 5-Part Story Work Framework.

...

Whether or not you realize it, you already have a memory-keeping project. The photos you take, the stories you save, the moments that linger — they’re forming a record of your life.

In this episode, I walk you through four foundational practices for making that process more intentional and meaningful.

You’ll learn how to move from random memory-keeping to intentional, meaningful documentation, so your stories become a source of clarity, presence, and connection. You'll see how to use your stories to express your heart, preserve what matters, and connect more deeply with the people you love.

Topics:

Why you already have a memory-keeping project (what I refer to as a 'preservation project')
How to make your documenting more intentional and less random
The difference between collecting photos and creating emotional clarity
Four foundational practices: Observation, Preservation, Expression, Connection
Ways your stories can serve as tools for self-reflection and relational connection
A deeper purpose behind documenting that goes beyond nostalgia

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Creative Relationships: Seasons, Shifts, and Self-Trust with Ashley Manley Oct 09, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a vibrant, open-hearted conversation about redefining your relationship with photography, creative identity, and the rules we think we’re supposed to follow.

This one’s full of permission slips, especially if you’re in a season of change.

...

What happens when your creative identity shifts and your business no longer fits?

In this episode, Ashley Manley shares her journey of letting go, experimenting wildly, and finding her way back to a version of photography that feels deeply personal and free.

Topics We Explore:

Ashley’s photography origin story — and why business “just happened”
How a dead-bunny-baby Easter photo sparked a creative pivot
Realising when her heart left the business side (and how she responded)
Redefining personal projects and what “finishing” really means
Getting off Facebook — the emotional, creative, and social fallout
Why she limits her media exposure to protect her creativity
Developing film in her kitchen + playful experiments with tequila and bleach
Letting go of needing to be “a photographer” to enjoy photography
Blending motherhood, creative freedom, and self-trust on her own terms

Connect with Ashley + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Your Creative Work or Business Stopped Feeling Fun? Try These Gut-Check Prompts Oct 02, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it captures a turning point in my own story — from burnout and resentment to presence, peace, and reconnecting with why photography matters.

If you’ve lost the joy, the fun, or the “you” in your passion, work, or creative thing… this one’s for you.

...

In this solo reflection, I share two big mistakes that drained the fun from both shooting and running a photography business. I unpack how I lost the Marie in my work, what that cost me, and how I slowly found my way back through a personal documentation practice now known as the DGS Story Work Practice (formerly The Preservation Project).

This is a message about slowing down, remembering what matters, and creating on your own terms, without chasing growth for growth’s sake.

Topics covered:

My early love affair with photography + how it became entangled with external pressure
The mistake of trying to “be” a photographer instead of letting me lead
The emotional cost of chasing technique, trends, and “relatable” content
How I lost connection with my audience and myself
What business-brain burnout looked like (and how I got out this time)
Why I no longer feel the need to be an “artist” at the top of my craft
A new kind of creative peace - built on presence, not pressure
Introduction to the DGS Story Work Practice (formerly The Preservation Project)
Gut-check reflection prompts to help you reconnect with your own creative path

🎧 Read the full reflection prompts and explore archived resources: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Staying True to Yourself: Visibility, Burnout, and Creative Voice with Erin Hensley Sep 25, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it offers a rare, honest look at visibility, burnout, and coming home to your creative voice — themes that remain essential for identity-shifting creatives.

...

At the height of her visibility, Erin Hensley’s work was everywhere... but that spotlight didn’t always feel good.

In this episode, Erin and I talk honestly about the invisible pressures of being “seen,” how comparison creeps into creativity, and what it takes to return to yourself.

If you’ve ever chased features, curated for approval, or quietly withdrawn from sharing your work, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

The Facebook post that sparked this conversation
How being featured and published shaped (and reshaped) Erin’s relationship with photography
The pressure to shoot for approval vs. for yourself
Erin’s thoughts on social media comparison and being “forgotten”
Why she let go of Photoshop products and pulled back from the spotlight
The story behind her iconic image and why she rebelled against compositional “rules”
Finding meaning in a slower pace of documenting
Erin’s Facebook group “Finding the Light” {now archived} and her approach to leading with generosity
Thoughts on memory preservation, printing, and freedom from editing pressure

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Why You Need a Memorable Story Collection for Life, Legacy, or Business (And How To Start It) Sep 18, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it captures the essence of why story work matters — for your life, your legacy, and your business.

If you're unsure what stories to tell or how to use them meaningfully, this episode will meet you right where you are.

...

Whether you’re building a story-rich business or simply want to live more meaningfully, your personal stories are powerful tools for connection, clarity, and creative expression.

In this episode, I share 10 reasons to start your Memorable Story Collection: a body of work {tiny stories} that helps you preserve what matters, communicate your truth, and live (or brand) from the inside out. This is for anyone craving more coherance in how they show up online and off.

Topics covered:

Why “feel-good” marketing like “you’ll be thankful later” often misses the mark — and what works better
How to plant story seeds that spark connection and help people want what you offer
Living fully expressed: how story work frees you from performing
Showing who you are beyond the camera/service/role: becoming memorable, not just “professional”
Stories as emotional pressure valves, connection tools, and legacy gold
What belongs in your Legacy Box — and how words + images create a richer archive
Turning personal stories into timeless, reusable content (without sounding like a broken record)
Walking the walk: why you can’t ask others to value documentary or story work if you don’t do it yourself
Using story work to discover your voice, values, and synchronicities
Where to begin: simple prompts to help you start your Memorable Story Collection today 🌱💖

Access this archive episode's resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Showing Up Fully Expressed: In Service, In Faith, In Story with Davina Fear Sep 11, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode originally aired under the Intentional Documentary® name. We’re keeping it here because Davina’s reflections on faith, creative purpose, and personal expression still hold deep relevance for those navigating visibility, service, and showing up fully.

...

What happens when you stop editing who you are and start showing up fully expressed?

In this conversation, Davina Fear shares how a faith-led mission trip with her family, a shift away from social media, and a daily email practice became a catalyst for living more fully expressed. Together, we explore how documentary photography, soulful marketing, and personal storytelling all converge as forms of service to others and to self.

This episode offers a glimpse into what it really means to let go of performance and share the truth of who you are.

Topics covered:

How Davina redefined service through a faith-led family trip to an orphanage in Mexico
Her transition away from social media and toward a daily email practice
Using email as a space to share spiritual identity, creative voice, and life lessons
Navigating fear around visibility, faith, and being “too much”
A conversation on photography as soul work — and how showing up fully changes how we connect
Why trusting personal inspiration matters (and how to act on it)

Connect with Davina + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Sharing Your Truth Through Photography (Not Just the Highlights) with Angela Yarbrough Sep 04, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it’s a refreshingly honest conversation about creativity, memory, identity, and making meaning with your camera — even when no one’s watching.

...

What if your most meaningful photos aren’t the most “perfect” ones?

In this conversation, I speak with photographer Angela Yarbrough about making honest pictures — the kind that hold memory, identity, and emotional truth. We talk about moving away from performance-based sharing, tuning out perfectionism, and documenting life not for likes, but for legacy.

Angela shares how stepping back from Facebook changed her creative voice, why she no longer filters out the messy or emotional moments, and how she’s intentionally raising her son with a love for memory and storytelling.

If you're trying to live and share more honestly, this episode invites you to trust the stories you’re already living.

Topics we explore:

Angela’s photography journey, from military life to motherhood
Why she chose not to pursue documentary photography professionally (for now)
Stepping away from Facebook and reclaiming creative self-trust
Sharing beyond motherhood: documenting herself, her partner, her adventures
Letting go of perfectionism and social media metrics
The emotional and practical reasons behind printing photos
Teaching her son about memory, love, and legacy through journaling and images
What she learned from working with models — and how it improved her family photography
The “favorite photo ever” and the layered story behind it
How to stay connected to your truth even in saturated or trend-driven spaces

Connect with Angela + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Staying True to Your Work, Even After Success with Kirsten Lewis Aug 28, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it explores what it means to grow on your own terms — creatively, personally, and professionally — even after you’ve “made it.”

...

Kirsten Lewis has spent nearly two decades traveling the world as a working photographer. In this conversation, we look past the dream-life version of "success" to talk about what she’s still reaching for.

From evolving goals to artistic self-trust, this episode is a grounded and honest reflection on what it means to stay committed to growth, even when the outside world thinks you’ve already arrived.

Topics

What early dreams in photography often leave out
The reality of full-time travel as a creative
Why external recognition doesn’t mean the work is done
Kirsten’s reflections on creative identity and artistic fulfillment
What holds photographers back from meaningful growth
The one trait her most successful students share
Evolving alongside your partner when you work in the same field
Behind the scenes of the Documentary Family Awards

Connect with Kirsten + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Filming Life, Music, and Teaching Workshops with Heart with Allison Redmon Aug 21, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era and reflects a business-focused season of my work. I’ve kept it here because it explores creativity, visibility, and meaningful teaching through story and sound — especially relevant for anyone expanding into filmmaking or building community through workshops.

...

Allison Redmon didn’t plan to become a family filmmaker, but a move across the world and a background in music quietly paved the way.

In this episode, she shares how she became booked out in a small town in Saudi Arabia through beginner-level photography workshops — and how that work grew into a thriving creative business rooted in story, sound, and service.

Whether you're film-curious or simply building a slower, more meaningful way to share your work, Allison’s story offers a grounded look at what’s possible.

Topics covered:

How Allison transitioned from band director to filmmaker and educator
Her approach to filming and photographing the same session (and staying present)
Why music is the emotional backbone of her films
Behind the scenes of her Filming Life Academy Masterclass
Smart strategies for teaching beginner photography workshops
How workshops became her most successful marketing channel
Teaching from lived experience instead of perfection
Why one “imperfect” photo of her with her kids is now iconic

Connect with Allison + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

7 Phases to Design Your Next Workshop with Intention and Ease Aug 14, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it offers a grounded framework for building heart-led workshops or offerings, especially for creatives and care professionals shifting how they serve.

...

Workshops don’t begin and end with your curriculum, and they’re rarely just about the content. In this solo episode, I walk you through seven key phases to consider when building a beginner-friendly photography workshop or any new product or service in your business.

Whether you're just starting or want to refine what you're already offering, this episode will help you build with more clarity, connection, and sustainability.

Topics covered:

The 7 key phases for sustainable workshop planning
How workshops can build trust, connection, and visibility
Common myths that hold people back from teaching
Why you don’t need to master every camera to be an effective educator
What to do between “sold out” and “show up” to deepen connection
The role of stories in your teaching, not just techniques
Smart ways to follow up with workshop attendees
Why small workshops can be more valuable than packed ones
Using this framework for any offering, not just workshops

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

⭐️ Listener favorite - Launching for Revenue Without the Burnout with Kyla Roma Aug 07, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it offers a grounded, human-centered approach to launching — a short-term, focused way to sell your work, especially helpful for small biz creatives, care professionals, service-providers aiming to drive revenue without sacrificing their well-being.

...

If the word “launch” makes you feel like you need a fancy funnel or a huge audience, this conversation will meet you gently and practically.

Kyla Roma breaks down what launching really means: simply sharing your work in a way that builds trust, connection, and momentum.

We talk about aligning your goals with your capacity, showing up consistently without pressure, and how to create a rhythm for sharing your offers that actually feels good.

This is for the creatives, the rebuilders, the service-providers who want to invite people in without burning out.

Topics covered:

Why launching isn’t just for big brands or online courses
What a sustainable, repeatable launch process can look like
Rethinking what “success” means for your first (or fifth) launch
Kyla’s impromptu “launch menu” — a customizable framework for real life
How to build an audience in between launches
Why it’s better to repeat what works than constantly create new
Simple visibility practices to stay top of mind
How launching is more about teaching and connecting than selling
Kyla’s reflections on preserving family memories and her iconic photo story

Where is Kyla now?

Kyla Roma is still guiding creative entrepreneurs, service-providers, and care professionals toward sustainable business growth with empathy at the center. As a neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, Canadian business owner and longtime marketing strategist, she continues to help clients build revenue in ways that honour both their mental health and their season of life.

Through Kyla Roma Creative, she’s supported over 600 founders in finding clarity, consistency, and freedom — not just in their work, but in how they live.

Connect with Kyla + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Staying Creatively Fueled with Personal Projects with Stacey Ilyse Jul 31, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a generous, story-rich conversation about creativity, motherhood, and the power of personal projects to reconnect you with meaning and momentum.

If you're feeling creatively stuck or emotionally flat, this one’s a gentle recharge.

...

Stacey Ilyse shares how her personal projects have helped her reconnect with her kids, sharpen her craft, and find unexpected meaning in everyday moments. From 365 challenges in the dead of winter to underwater photography and self-portraiture, Stacey opens up about what it takes to stay creatively nourished over time.

We also explore how showing up honestly in your own story invites clients, students, and even your own children to see their lives differently — and document more bravely.

Topics covered:

The emotional and artistic fuel behind Stacey’s 365 project
Using photography to stay present in long winters and motherhood’s messiness
Connecting with her daughter through playful engagement, not posing
When the camera becomes part of you (and your kids welcome it)
Why it’s okay to help moments along — and they're still honest
Letting clients see what’s possible through your personal work
Mentoring photographers through creative ruts and artistic self-doubt
Breaking through fears (like underwater work and “ugly” indoor light)
Stacey’s workshop Breaking the Glass Ceiling and why it works
The story behind her iconic self-portrait in bed with her daughters + what it captures about fleeting seasons in motherhood

Connect with Stacey + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener favorite - How Photographs Impact Healing After the Sudden Loss of a Child with Brittni Schroeder Jul 25, 2018

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of sudden child loss, including hospital and funeral imagery.

If you're in a tender season, grieving your own loss, or simply not resourced to hold this right now, it's okay to skip.

Please take care of your heart. Come back when and if it feels supportive.

⚠️ Another Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Brittni’s story is a powerful testament to memory, motherhood, and healing after sudden loss.

This one’s tender. Deep. And unforgettable.

...

When Brittni Schroeder lost her teenage son, Gage, in 2017 to a tragic accident, her world changed forever, and I couldn't help but wonder:

How are the thousands of photos she has of Gage and her family shaping her healing journey?

This is a conversation about love, meaning, loss, and the irreplaceable value of documenting what matters most.

Topics we touched on:

Brittni’s journey into photography — and her love for documenting teens
The shift in motherhood she felt two years before Gage’s passing
Why she believes “to heal, you must serve”
The birth of the Gage Schroeder Compassion Foundation + Club
How storytelling through service keeps Gage’s legacy alive
The unexpected medium she turns to most when she misses him
Her perspective on printing photos and writing down memories
The tough but beautiful hospital and funeral images — and why she wanted them
Her vivid mental image of Gage and what she wishes she had documented
Advice for parents and photographers who want to preserve what matters now

Connect with Brittni + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Keep the Kind Words: A Reminder for When Doubt Gets Loud Jul 17, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a quiet reminder to hold on to the kind words, the ones that help you keep going when doubt creeps in.

...

This short episode is about something simple but powerful: holding on to the kind words you receive from your clients, customers, and other important people in your life.

I share a story about being called “fluff,” how I almost spiraled during a product launch, and what helped me come back to myself. Spoiler: it wasn’t strategy. It was the words I had saved that reminded me of what’s real.

You’ll hear why I started curating those words into one central space and how you can do the same.

Whether you’re running a business or service or simply expressing yourself in the world, this practice will ground you.

Topics:

What to do with the kind words people send you
Why praise often feels fleeting and criticism sticks
A creative resilience practice for when self-doubt hits
The Spark Book and how I use it
Why emotional documentation matters too

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Pricing Documentary Family Photography with Confidence with Ashleigh Raddatz Jul 11, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era and speaks most directly to photographers building a documentary family business. I’ve kept it in the archive for those still navigating pricing with clarity, confidence, and care.

...

Pricing your photography work can feel like one of the hardest parts of building a business. In this conversation, Ashleigh Raddatz of Documentary Family Photography Worldwide shares the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and real talk she wishes more photographers heard when setting prices.

We cover starting from scratch, transitioning to pricing for profit, setting expectations with clients, and her take on IPS vs. online galleries. This is a conversation that helps you reconnect with your value, take charge of your client experience, and price your work with confidence.

Topics:

Ashleigh’s story of moving to Germany and growing a documentary family photography business
The two-fold mission behind DFP Worldwide
Why traditional pricing formulas miss the mark
A fresh take on pricing at the start of your business
The mindset piece photographers often overlook
IPS vs. online galleries — time tracking and what actually works
Communicating value without sounding “salesy”
How to confidently upsell and still feel like yourself
Standing firm on pricing without chasing every inquiry
Ashleigh’s “Holy Sh*t Break-Even Analysis” tool
Her iconic photo — and the story behind the moment

Connect with Ashleigh + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Do Something Beautiful With Your Phone Photos (Without Overwhelm) Jul 04, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it offers a realistic, personal process for turning your phone photos into tangible keepsakes.

...

If your phone is full of thousands of photos you never look at, this episode is for you. I walk you through the simple system I use to clear my Photos app to zero, choose which images to keep, and create photo books that actually get printed without needing to be a tech whiz or professional designer.

This is about documenting with purpose and ease, using what you already have.

Topics covered:

How to clear your iPhone’s Photos app down to zero (and why it matters)
My workflow for choosing, transferring, and backing up my favorite photos
Photo book tools I’ve used and loved (Artifact Uprising and Chatbooks)
Why I prefer 6x6 books and how I use them for family legacy
15 creative ideas for what to include in your phone photo books
How to turn screenshots, text messages, artwork, and memories into visual journaling
Tips for staying consistent without pressure
The power of ordering duplicates for your kids’ memory boxes
Letting “good enough” be your permission slip

Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Documenting What Matters: Love, Legacy & Everyday Storytelling with Seshu Jun 27, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it’s a grounded, story-rich conversation about memory, meaning, and documenting relationships that matter.

It speaks to photographers, parents, and anyone navigating the tenderness of change.

...

How do we document what matters — not just to remember, but to make meaning?

n this generous conversation, I talk with photographer and storyteller Seshu about his path from the streets of Tokyo to photographing families with presence, care, and intentionality. We explore how discipline shapes creative work, what makes an image truly resonant, and how photographs can become vessels of love, legacy, and everyday connection.

This episode invites you to slow down and reflect on what it really means to see and to be seen.

Topics covered:

Seshu’s journey into photography, from Japan to grad school in photojournalism
Why creative discipline matters and how he builds it into his workflow
The ingredients of emotional storytelling: light, life, and connection
Photographing with presence, love, and memory in mind
The emotional weight of everyday images, especially with aging parents
Intergenerational story work and the emotional power of everyday photos, especially with aging parents
Why technical perfection matters less than what a photo means
How legacy shows up in print, on the wall, and through family curation
Seshu’s philosophy behind his long-running blog, Tiffinbox
What it means to “help people” through creative work and the fear of mediocrity

Connect with Seshu + access the free Mini Mag for this episode, along with other archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Marketing, Moving, and Meaningful Promotions with Michelle McKay Jun 20, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because Michelle’s story offers a beautiful example of growing a creative business through service, story, and staying true to what matters.

...

When Michelle McKay picked up a camera, she had no plans to start a business, but a deep pull to document the beautiful ordinary led her there anyway.

In this episode, Michelle shares how she slowly grew a thriving photography business in a new city, largely through word-of-mouth, social connection, and heartfelt service.

We talk about the power of showing up as yourself online, building trust with your audience, and the surprisingly effective promotions that helped her book 12 sessions and pivot her business model with confidence.

Topics covered:

Michelle’s move to a new city and how she used Instagram to build connections
Her early mindset around charging and learning to value her work
How photographing a local gelato shop unlocked a stream of new clients
Why she mails physical photo prints as a surprise-and-delight strategy
The emotional power of printing photos for your kids to see themselves valued
How a holiday promotion helped her shift from all-inclusive pricing to a new, aligned model
Behind the scenes of a $200 session strategy that led to 12 bookings
Creating physical gift certificates and blog posts to drive momentum
How she built a loyal, responsive audience through authentic daily sharing
The story behind her two “iconic” personal images — and what they still teach her

Connect with Michelle + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Let It Be Easy: Flow, Alignment, and Reclaiming Play with Susan Ferraro Jun 13, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it beautifully explores energy, alignment, and creative flow — themes that remain central in story work today.

If you’re rethinking how you work, live, or create… this one will meet you right where you are.

...

What if your next step didn’t come from effort, but from ease?

In this conversation, I sit down with mindset coach Susan Ferraro — my mentor during a major personal transformation — to explore what it means to live and work in alignment. We unpack how play, energy, and deep self-trust can shift your creative process, your business, and your life.

This isn’t about hustle. It’s about returning to what lights you up and noticing where you're working against yourself without even realizing it.

Whether you're navigating burnout, shifting directions, or simply craving more ease, this one’s full of perspective-shifting insights and practical encouragement.

What We Talk About:

How Suze helps women “become who they’ve always been”
Signs you’re out of alignment (and what alignment actually means)
Why exhaustion and overthinking are clues, not character flaws
The play state: what it is, how to access it, and how it fuels true flow
Living and working through inspiration, not obligation
Releasing “should-dos” and rewriting internal rules
How I rediscovered my own creative spark through Suze’s work
Letting go of linear thinking and embracing nonlinear progress
Suze’s personal energy practices (including her “coffee time” routine)
The magic of showing up unfiltered, unedited, and inspired

Access the show's archive episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Connection Without an Agenda: The Most Powerful Outreach You Can Do Jun 06, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode, but the message is timeless. Whether you’re navigating business or just being human, this is a gentle nudge to lead with care and connection, not always strategy.

...

When was the last time you connected with someone — not to promote something or check off a networking goal, but just to say, “Hey, how are you doing?”

This is about the simple, radical act of reaching out with no strings attached. Recorded in a raw moment after surgery and a hard day, I reflect on what it felt like to not hear from some people I expected to — and how two unexpected messages made all the difference.

Inside this episode:

A real-time story about navigating unmet expectations and surprise kindness
The power of being seen, remembered, and asked about
Why “just checking in” is one of the most meaningful things we can do
Examples of how to reconnect with clients, friends, and acquaintances without an agenda
A nudge to thank the people who helped shape your path (even if they don’t know it)
Tools for tracking connection (if you want to systemize your outreach gently)

Access the show's legacy archive episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Assessing the Damage (and the Goodness): A Real-Time Look at Failure, Love & Business May 30, 2018

What do you do when the thing you’ve poured your whole heart into doesn’t land how you hoped?

In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes, real-time debrief of a launch that didn’t meet expectations. The Preservation Project (now known as the DGS Story Work Practice) is the most aligned thing I’ve ever created.

But this round? It felt hard.

Disappointing. Confusing. And also, affirming.

⚠️ This is an episode that reflects an earlier season of my work. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers a transparent, unpolished look at what it really feels like to build meaningful work from the inside out. It’s full of self-awareness, strategy, and heart — and it still rings true today.

Topics covered:

The emotional crash after an underperforming launch (and why I’m not giving up)
Real-time reflections on pricing, messaging, visibility, and burnout
The tension between “can they do this themselves?” vs. “will they?”
The grief of showing up big and still not being seen
The vision I still believe in, even when the numbers feel discouraging
Encouragement for anyone building something that feels deeply personal

Access the show’s legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Shed Your Mask, Reveal Your Voice with Eboni Rivera May 23, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode, but the conversation remains one of the most affirming, relevant conversations on what it means to show up as your full self inside your business and creative work.

It's raw, affirming, and full of timeless insight for creative folks navigating visibility, voice, and meaning-making in both life and business.

...

What does it mean to really see someone — in your images, in your business, and in yourself?

💬 “Photography is how I show you I love you. It’s how I say: I see you. I’m with you.” – Eboni Rivera

This episode features my beloved friend, Eboni Rivera, a community leader, photographer, and voice of clarity for so many in our circle. We explore the intersection of story, identity, photography, and voice with so much honesty and heart.

Topics covered:

Eboni’s journey into using photography for healing + connection
How her client process is rooted in energy, presence, and purpose
A breakdown of what “connection” really means in documentary family photography
Her transition from self-doubt to emerging mentor and business owner
Our honest conversation about not being “the best” photographer, and redefining what makes an image truly great
How shedding performative professionalism led to more honest connection online
What changed in Eboni’s mindset that helped her move from “trying” to building

🧡 Eboni’s story is full of practical insights, spiritual depth, and creative encouragement — especially for anyone navigating visibility, self-worth, or doing business your own way.

Access the free Mini Mag for this episode and other legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Life-Proof Your Business: 10 Ways I Created Breathing Room to Heal, Move, and Rest May 15, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded years ago under a former brand, but it still holds value for anyone building a business while navigating chronic illness, caregiving, or the reality of a full life.

...

What happens to your business when life hits hard? When you're sick, moving, overwhelmed, caregiving, or just needing rest, does it all stop?

Ever feel like your biz is at a complete standstill if you're not working? I've been there.

I share how I "Marie-proofed" my business after being inspired by the idea (credit: Mariah Coz) of creating systems that can run without you. From recovering from surgery to moving states and raising two young kids, I’ve had to find ways to keep the lights on (and the mission going) even when I couldn’t show up full-time.

How can you, [your name]-proof your business?

Inside this episode:

The story behind my “life-proofing” journey
10 practical things that helped me step away without losing momentum
The difference between you showing up vs. your systems showing up
Why timeless content and reusable launches matter more than hustle
How to use a “Dream-Crusher Toolkit” and marketing calendar to buy back peace of mind
Small shifts I made to prioritize expression, connection, and sustainability

Loosen Your Grip: 5 Stress-Shifting Questions for Big Life Seasons May 02, 2018

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era, shared with full transparency and real-time reflection.

It holds up for anyone navigating big life shifts with a desire to protect what matters.

...

A hospital intake call asked, “How do you cope with stress?”

My off-the-cuff answer: “I look at what’s happening and take one step forward.”

This sparked a deeper reflection on what that actually looks like when life gets full and uncertain.

This solo episode is from a past season of my work, recorded just before surgery, while launching a project, managing parenting stress, and facing financial pressure.

Whether you’re building a business or just trying to stay steady during a demanding season, there’s something here for you.

In this episode:

5 stress-reducing thought-exercises (with questions to journal or ponder) — these helped me loosen the grip of anxiety and control, stay grounded in truth, and find next steps.
How I protected my business during personal upheaval
The difference between facts vs. feelings
Practical ways I simplified launches, planning, and communication
A behind-the-scenes look at my life during a stressful transition

Access the show’s legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Marketing with Identity, Not Noise with Nick McArthur May 01, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it’s rooted in story, identity, and expression, and remains one of the most honest, energising episodes.

It’s especially relevant for values-led, identity-shifting service providers and small business owners navigating visibility, voice, and self-trust.

...

What if the quirkiest, most human parts of you were actually the reason people hire you?

In this bold, refreshing episode, I talk with Nick McArthur — a trans sales coach and “awesomeness expert” — about marketing as identity, storytelling in business, and how to sell without selling out.

Topics covered:

Marie’s story of discovering and hiring Nick within 24 hours
Selling pictures vs. selling you
What actually makes someone “bookable” — whether you're a photographer or other service-based role
The slow-burn approach to marketing and relationship-building
Generalized gender roles in sales and what Nick has learned post-transition
How Nick’s family manages their own memory-keeping (including photo books for each of their five kids!)
Nick’s Iconic Photo story — a layered image of chaos, love, and the beauty of early parenting

Connect with Nick and find active legacy resource materials + links here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Family Connection & Real-Life Photography with Justine Curran Apr 24, 2018

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era, when I was working with documentary family photographers.

My language and platforms may have shifted since then, but the emotional resonance and insight in this episode still hold strong.

...

What does it really mean to photograph family connection beyond the buzzwords?

In this episode, Australian photographer Justine Curran shares her journey from Pinterest-perfect frustration to building a business rooted in genuine connection, communication, and creative trust.

We talk about the evolution from people-pleasing to leading with vision, the quiet power of everyday intimacy, and what it means to make images that feel like something, even if they never go viral.

Justine also shares the story behind her “Iconic Photo” — an image of her husband and child asleep on the couch — and why it represents a seismic shift in her parenting, partnership, and self-trust.

Topics covered:

Justine’s evolution from order-taker to intuitive artist
How motherhood awakened her eye and shaped her message
Learning to communicate vision to clients with clarity and care
The importance of questionnaires, pre-session connection, and honoring emotional safety
How her images reflect real family values and lived intimacy
Navigating discomfort with “invading space” and building client trust
Why connection isn’t a marketing gimmick for her (it’s a lived value)
The power of sharing photo backstories to help clients “see themselves” in your work
Why she’s resisting the rush to teach — and refining before expanding

🎧 Browse the legacy archive + get the Mini Mag: dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

We cover:

Justine’s photography journey up until now
the moment that changed her path after spending so much time being a client pleaser (order-taker mode, as I lovingly call it)
when she started to understand who she was as a photographer + how she shaped her business to allow her to be more HER, including the client communication shifts that needed to happen
Justine as an artist – her point of view around family connection, which isn’t just a buzz-wordy thing. It’s something she lives + breathes in her work, brand, and family model at home
the Iconic Photo she submitted (and omgosh get the Mini mag below! I’d never see what she FEELS about this picture without her powerful backstory.)
her unexpected compositions + how she does this
invading clients’ space + how she warms up her clients

And yeah, gonna stop here. DEFINITELY get the Mini Mag to follow along as you’re listening.

Show notes + Mini Mag: http://www.fearlessandframed.com/006

Tell us what resonated in a REVIEW here :)

⭐️ Listener favorite - Trying to “Elicit Emotion” in Your Photography? Listen In. Apr 17, 2018

⚠️ This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it challenges a message that was everywhere in the documentary family photography community at the time: that every image must 'elicit emotion' in order to be a 'good' photographer.

While my language and lens have evolved, this soapbox moment still holds — especially if you’ve ever felt the pressure to conform, contort your voice, or chase industry trends that don’t actually reflect your why.

...

Your pictures don’t have to move the masses.

Remember the joy of picking up prints from the drugstore before you knew anything about “good photography”?

In this episode, I get on my soapbox about the pressure photographers feel to make every image emotionally powerful — to elicit a universal reaction.

But here’s the truth: not every picture needs to move everyone. And chasing that goal might actually disconnect you from your voice — the way you see.

I talk about falling back in love with your work, flaws and all, and share two real-life examples that challenge the myth of the “perfectly emotional photo.”

Whether you’re photographing for yourself or for clients, this episode is your permission slip to stop performing and start feeling again.

Topics covered:

Why “does it elicit emotion?” is the wrong first question
Reconnecting with the joy of early photography (before critique culture)
The pressure to create universally moving images
Photography as preservation, not performance
Who’s the real viewer of your work?
When technical skill overshadows emotional truth
Stories of photos that meant everything to one person — and nothing to others
The emotional cost of creative perfectionism
A personal challenge to fall in love with your imperfect pictures

Access the show’s legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Creating a Legacy Box: For You, For Them, For Later Apr 10, 2018

⚠️ This is an episode that reflects an earlier season of my work. I’ve kept it in the archive because it lays early groundwork for what would eventually become Dangerously Good Stories.

...

What will your loved ones actually have of you when you’re gone?

This one’s for the quiet archivists, the sentimental realists, and anyone wondering where all the “stuff” you're documenting and saving is actually going.

In this early episode, I share the origin of the term 'Legacy Box' — a concept I created while building the DGS Story Work Practice in 2017 — and unpack what it really means to preserve your life, not just your photos.

Through personal stories, family memories, and questions about what we leave behind, this episode invites you to rethink documentation as a soulful, tangible act of love.

Topics covered:

What a Legacy Box is and how it differs from a keepsake or memory box
A story about my kids’ wanderlust and their first cameras
Tangible vs. digital memory-keeping
The emotional impact of family history being lost or inaccessible
Examples from my own life: grandma’s family folder, handwritten journal, and what happens to photo collections when your loved ones pass away
Why audio recordings, handwriting, and short written stories matter
Legacy as a living, evolving project, not a perfect or complete one
Defining your own Legacy Box(es) and encouragement to start now, imperfectly

Access the show’s legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Documentary School Photography with Katie Jett Walls Apr 03, 2018

⚠️ This is a legacy episode that reflects an earlier season of my work, when I was creating for documentary family photographers.

While some references and offerings are now legacy, the episode still offers practical insight into values-led creative work and documenting everyday environments.

...

In this episode, I talk with photographer Katie Jett Walls about how she stepped into a unique niche — documentary school photography — after a Montessori school unexpectedly asked her to try something different.

We explore the blend of presence, storytelling, and practicality that defines her work, and how she infused her values into a sustainable, soulful offering.

In this episode, we cover:

Katie’s path into photography
How one school opened the door to a new niche: documentary school photos
- What surprised her about photographing in classrooms + how she managed it
- How she kept track of students (hint: nicknames like “Tutu” and “Ninja Turtle”)
- Her process for delivering images to families and getting feedback from parents
Lessons from creating her ebook, Shooting and Selling Documentary School Portraits
How she balances authenticity, motherhood, and creative rhythm
Her take on putting you into your business, and not just following formulas
A personal story behind one of her most meaningful photographs

Connect with Katie and find active legacy resource materials + links here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Why Intentional Documentary® is a Movement Worth Paying Attention To Apr 02, 2018

⚠️ This is a legacy episode that reflects an earlier season of my work, when I was creating for documentary family photographers.

While some links and references are now dated, this is one of the most heartfelt origin stories in the archive and laid the emotional and creative foundation for what eventually became story work.

If you want to understand the soul of this earlier work, start here.

...

This is the episode where it all poured out — the why behind it all.

If you’ve ever felt torn between capturing beauty and honoring truth, or between doing what’s “right” in photography and doing what matters to you, this is the heartbeat behind the Intentional Documentary® movement.

This episode covers:

The personal origin story of Intentional Documentary® (and why the term even exists — hint: this isn't about documentary family photography nor lifestyle photography)
Why I stopped trying to fit into “pure” documentary family photography — and made room for meaning + mindfulness
The Real is the New Perfect Photo Challenge
How loss shaped my urgency to preserve what matters — even the small, annoying, ordinary stuff
The difference between photographing a great moment vs. a living memory
Regrets around what I didn’t capture
Why I trademarked the phrase Intentional Documentary® and what I don’t want it to become
Reflections on legacy, grief, presence, the emotional richness of tiny details, and the “why” behind preserving everyday life
The beginnings of the DGS Story Work Practice (formerly, The Preservation Project) + how I started legacy boxes for my kids

Access the free Mini Mag for this episode and other legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - 7 Exercises to Gain Total Clarity Around What Matters Most (To You) Apr 02, 2018

⚠️ This is a legacy episode that reflects an earlier season of my work, when I was creating for documentary family photographers. While some references are outdated, the heart of this solo episode — living more mindfully + noticing what matters — still resonates deeply with the story work practice today.

...

Feeling scattered, disconnected, or like you’ve lost track of what really matters at home, in your work, or in yourself?

This episode invites you to (re)ground in your values without pressure, and reconnect with what’s been quietly asking for your attention all along.

In this solo mini-workshop, I (Marie) share the turning point that led me to slow down, reconnect with my values, and find clarity in a season of burnout and misalignment. I walk you through practices that helped me become more emotionally present, creatively alive, and rooted in what I actually want to remember.

This episode covers:

Why mindfulness is the first step to seeing what you actually value
What sparked my personal clarity journey during a season of deep disconnection
7 practices to help you identify what matters most right now, including:
- Mapping out your life categories (inspired by The Happiness Project)
- Revisiting the past to spot meaning in what’s changed or missing
- Noticing predictable moments and rituals in your daily life
- A personal “Then & Now” photo project to track subtle shifts
- Morning & evening pages for emotional clarity
- Connecting with others to shift perspective
- Writing a letter to your future homebuyer (even if you're not selling) to reveal hidden stories
How this clarity fuels creativity and memory-making, not just pretty photos

Access the free Mini Mag for this episode and other legacy resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

[Legacy Episode] Welcome to the Intentional Documentary® Podcast Apr 02, 2018

⚠️ This is a legacy episode from 2018. It reflects an earlier season of my work when I was creating for documentary photographers. While my podcast and message have evolved, I’ve kept this episode available as a marker of where it all began.

In this intro, I share the origin story behind the podcast, my journey from “what’s manual mode?” to identifying meaningfulness through documenting real stories with my camera, and how the concept of Intentional Documentary® was born.

If you're new here, I recommend starting with Season 1 (2025) for my current approach to story work: dangerouslygoodstories.com/podcast

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