Doing Life Differently

54 | How to Talk with Your Spouse About Your Vision with Julia Woods Feb 11, 2025

This episode hit deep! If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one driving vision in your marriage or that your spouse doesn’t seem as invested, you’re not alone. Julia Woods and I dive into why vision casting as a couple can feel so challenging—and why it often triggers emotions like fear, shame, and frustration.

Julia shares powerful insights on:

• How vision exposes deeper beliefs about ourselves and our relationship.

• The tension between feeling like we’re “too much” or “not enough” in marriage.

• Why we default to blame instead of doing the deeper work within ourselves.

• The real purpose of vision casting—hint: it’s NOT just about planning trips or setting goals.

>> Learn more about Julia Woods Coaching

I walked away from this conversation so encouraged, especially by the reminder that failed vision meetings aren’t failures at all—they’re gifts that reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface.

If you’re struggling to get on the same page with your spouse, this episode will give you a whole new perspective!

Reflection Questions:

1️⃣ Before approaching a vision conversation, what stories am I telling myself about my spouse? Are they true?

2️⃣ How do I typically react when I feel unseen or unheard in vision planning?

3️⃣ What fears come up when I think about casting vision together? Am I afraid of being “too much” or “not enough”?

4️⃣ How can I shift from trying to get my spouse on my page to creating a page we both want to be on together?

5️⃣ What would it look like to approach vision casting from a place of humility and surrender instead of control?

Take a moment to sit with these before your next vision conversation—you might be surprised what comes up!

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53 | How We’re Redefining Success for Our Family Feb 04, 2025

What does success really mean? Is it about income, status, or something deeper?

In this episode, Michael and I sit down for a candid conversation about how our childhood shaped our views on success and how we’re intentionally redefining it for our own children.

We reflect on growing up in a small-town community, the hidden lessons we learned about money and work, and the challenges of raising kids in a world that often equates success with wealth and achievement.

We share three key ways we’re guiding our children in this area:

1. Focusing on Failure First – Helping our kids develop resilience and a healthy relationship with failure before they even define success.

2. Defining Success Holistically – Teaching them that success isn’t just about money or status but about relationships, impact, and purpose.

3. Highlighting Impact Over Income – Emphasizing service, generosity, and solving problems for others rather than chasing financial gain.

Whether you’re a parent or simply reflecting on your own definition of success, I hope this episode challenges you to think differently about what really matters!

Reflection Questions:

What was your definition of success growing up? How did your parents influence that?
Have you ever felt pressure to measure success by income or status? How has that shaped your decisions?
If you’re a parent, what messages about success do you think your children are absorbing from you?
How do you personally handle failure? Have you created space for yourself (or your kids) to fail without shame?

Follow Katelyn:

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>> Want to learn more about Acton Academy? Click here!

52 | Viewing Your Business as a Ministry Opportunity Jan 28, 2025

In this episode, I’m sharing how my perspective on business shifted from hustle to purpose and how I’ve seen God use my work as a ministry.

From unexpected conversations with clients to moments of service on wedding days, I reflect on the ways faith has overflowed into my business.

If you’ve ever wondered how your work could make a bigger impact, this episode will encourage you to see opportunities right where you are—whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or simply showing up for others.

Resources Mentioned:

The Needs of the Heart by Chip Dodd
The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd

Reflection Questions:

How can I approach my work with a mindset of service rather than just completing tasks or meeting goals?
Have I ever prayed for God to use my work for a greater purpose? If not, how can I start?

Follow Katelyn:

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51 | The Unexpected Gifts of a Digital Detox (It didn't go as planned!) Jan 21, 2025

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I share a raw and honest recap of my December digital detox. Spoiler: it was nothing like I expected!

What started as a plan for distraction-free family memories quickly turned into a season of survival, self-discovery, and surprising lessons.

From navigating a rare allergy and health scares to the unexpected gifts of stepping away from social media, this episode is packed with reflections on intentional living in the midst of chaos.

KJ Reflection Questions:

What would your life look like if you removed social media for a season?
How might a digital detox help you reconnect with what matters most?

KJ Mentions:

My diagnosis of Alpha Gal Syndrome

1-Second A Day App

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to inspire others to live differently and with purpose!

Follow Katelyn on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

50 | What Alpha-Gal Taught Me About Healing and Living Fully Jan 14, 2025

In this deeply personal episode, I’m opening up about my bizarre and life-changing journey with Alpha Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy that has completely reshaped how I live.

From mysterious symptoms and terrifying reactions to the unexpected diagnosis and a functional medicine approach that’s brought relief, I’m sharing it all—the fear, the frustration, and ultimately, the hope and healing.

This isn’t just about an allergy; it’s about learning to care for yourself, embracing help, and living with intentionality, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

I’ll walk you through the resources that have helped me, the lessons I’ve learned, and how faith has carried me through this valley.

Whether you’re dealing with medical challenges, anxiety, or just the hard stuff of life, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is possible.

Resources Mentioned:

The Needs of the Heart by Chip Dodd
The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd
SAAT Therapy (Acupuncture) by Dr. Solomon-trained practitioners
Studies on vagus nerve function and allergy response (linked in the blog post accompanying this episode)

Follow Katelyn:

Instagram

YouTube

49 | I'm Quitting Instagram (for a month) Dec 09, 2024

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I’m sharing why I’m stepping into a digital detox for the month of December!

I dive into the heart behind this decision—both the practical and spiritual motivations that led me to hit pause, especially on social media like Instagram. For me, this detox is about creating space to be more present with my family and making room for stillness and reflection in a season that’s often filled with noise and distraction.

I talk about the challenges technology brings to staying present, my hopes for this detox (like improving how I listen—to myself and to God), and how I’m planning to manage my social media presence during this time.

I’m excited for this journey, and I hope it inspires you to think about your own relationship with technology. Could a digital detox be the reset you need? Let’s explore it together!

MENTIONS:

The Anxious Generation Book

Aro Box

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Doing Life Differently

00:55 The December Digital Detox

02:45 Practical Reasons for the Detox

08:15 Spiritual Insights and Intentions

12:30 Logistics of the Detox

20:57 Conclusion and Future Plans

48 | How We're Taking Steps Towards A Healthier Home Nov 13, 2024

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I'm opening up about my family’s journey to a healthier, lower-toxicity home.

Our family has been learning so much about about food additives and dyes! So I'm sitting down to shares actionable steps and real-life insights that have helped my family reduce our toxic load and promote better health.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the topic of toxins this is an episode for you!! I hope you find encouragement that small, manageable changes can have a big impact!

MENTIONS:

Calley & Casey Means on the Joe Rogan Podcast

Truly Free Detergent

Crunchi

Organic Grassfed Tallow

Dye-Free Sprinkles

Thrive Market

Power Balls Recipe

Jonny Pops Popsicles

47 | Reflection on 3 Years with Acton Academy Oct 31, 2024

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, Michael and I reflect on our unique journey in education as founders of an Acton Academy.

Now in year three, we’re seeing the results of an alternative education model designed to foster independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in young learners.

If you’re curious about what makes Acton different, we break down how our “learner-driven” approach encourages students to set their own goals, embrace challenges, and learn collaboratively without the traditional structure of grades, tests, or homework.

Highlights from this Episode:

What is Acton Academy? Michael explains the core principles of Acton’s learner-led, Socratic approach, which focuses on helping children become self-driven and accountable for their education.
The Parent’s Role in Acton: We share how Acton intentionally involves parents as partners, not rescuers, and encourages them to support rather than direct their child’s educational journey.
Navigating Challenges in Year Three: With more learners, new challenges arise, but we’ve discovered that more students actually strengthen the self-directed environment, making Acton a safe space for children to learn accountability and responsibility.
A Community Like No Other: We highlight the unique family and parent community surrounding Acton, built around shared values and a commitment to doing school differently. From “parent brunches” to monthly gatherings, Acton creates a family-centered educational experience.
Preparing for the Future: Looking ahead, we discuss our goals for expanding to a larger campus and the ongoing mission of Acton to instill mental resilience, grit, and a love for learning in every learner.

Tune in for a deep dive into our journey with Acton and the powerful transformations we’ve seen in our learners, our families, and ourselves along the way!

EPISODE MENTIONS:

📚 Read the book by Acton Founder: Courage to Grow

💻 Head to the Acton Academy West End website

📲 Follow Acton Academy West End on Instagram

46 | Embracing Authenticity: The Power of Vulnerability In Personal Branding (with Cat Guidry) Oct 17, 2024

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I chat with my friend Catherine Guidry, a luxury wedding photographer and educator from New Orleans. Catherine shares how embracing personal branding and vulnerability transformed her business and life. We explore the challenges of being authentic online while balancing professionalism and how connection can fuel both personal and business growth. If you’ve ever wrestled with sharing your story or feared judgment, this episode will inspire you to lean into authenticity and build deeper relationships with your audience.

📲 Follow Katelyn on Instagram

📲 Follow Cat on Instagram

💻 RSVP for Katelyn's FREE Editing Training - "From Frustration to Flow: The Editing Breakthrough You Need"

45 | Building a Brand Photography Business That Aligns with your Purpose with Erica + Jon Oct 03, 2024

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I sit down with two of my favorite photographers and business owners, Erica and Jon, to talk about their journey of leaving corporate life and traditional wedding photography behind to build a thriving brand photography business that aligns with their values and lifestyle.

📲 Follow Katelyn on Instagram

EPISODE MENTIONS:

Click to sign up for Erica + Jon's FREE CLASS!

Episode Highlights:

The Bold Leap: Erica and Jon left behind a stable corporate job and sold their home to pursue photography full-time, transforming both their careers and personal lives.
From Wedding to Brand Photography: They shifted from wedding photography to brand photography, gaining more freedom and discovering the power of image licensing.
Embracing Authenticity: By being true to themselves, Erica and Jon found greater success and fulfillment in both life and business.
Balancing Family and Work: They reshaped their business to prioritize family, homeschooling their kids while maintaining a profitable photography business.
Key Lessons for Brand Photographers: Erica and Jon share tips on confidence, pricing, and marketing strategies for those looking to transition into brand photography.

Keep Learning

Past episode: 5 Things I Learned From Hosting A Mastermind Retreat
The book Jon mentioned: "Living Fearless"

44 | Authenticity Over Perfection: Building a Brand That Truly Connects Sep 19, 2024

In this episode of 'Doing Life Differently', Katelyn shares her unique approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal marketing, innovation, and community building!

From a college student to a successful multi-7 figure entrepreneur, Katelyn highlights the foundational elements that have contributed to her thriving business.

MENTIONS:

Follow Katelyn on Instagram!
Learn more about Acton Academy
Photographers - follow Katelyn on YouTube!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Doing Life Differently

01:01 Foundations of a Thriving Business

07:09 The Three Pillars of Success

15:14 Understanding Personal Marketing

24:34 Overcoming Roadblocks in Personal Branding

32:12 The Power of Personal Branding

39:00 Conclusion and Future Insights

43 | Welcome to Doing Life Differently - The Podcast Rebrand! Sep 19, 2024

Welcome to the RE-BRAND of the Podcast! The Katelyn James Podcast is now Doing Life Differently with Katelyn James.

In this episode of 'Doing Life Differently', Katelyn introduces her rebranded podcast, focusing on living intentionally across various aspects of life, including family, education, faith, business, and wellness.

This podcast will shares Katelyn's journey of embracing a different path, emphasizing the importance of community, deep relationships, and holistic approaches to health and education.

Watch each week as the Podcast artwork changes to align with the area of life that Katelyn is discussing!

MENTIONS:

Are you a photographer who feels creatively STUCK ? Take this quiz to unlock what's holding you back!
Follow Katelyn on Instagram!
Learn more about Acton Academy West End
Learn more about Katelyn's transformational life coach, Julia Woods

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Doing Life Differently

02:54 The Power of Intentional Living

06:44 Exploring Family Dynamics and Relationships

11:19 Rethinking Education and Schooling

21:03 Transforming Business Practices

26:46 Embracing a Holistic Wellness Approach

Ep. 42 | Find Yourself By Not Following The Crowd with Graham Cochrane Aug 22, 2024

What if what you really want in life is going to take more than just finding your passion? What if it means doing life completely different than what most consider normal! Katelyn dives into a deep conversation with a dear friend, Graham Cochrane, who is a bestselling author, 7 figure entrepreneur, TEDx and keynote speaker, bestselling author and host of The Graham Cochrane Show. With over 14 years of online coaching and content experience and 700,000 YouTube subscribers across his channels, Graham is a leading voice and coach in the life-giving business movement. His insights have been regularly featured in national media outlets like Forbes, CNBC and Business Insider. Graham's recent book, "REBEL", is available for pre-order here: https://www.grahamcochrane.com/rebelbook

Ep. 41 | Making Space for Rest (Part 2) Aug 08, 2024

Today I am sharing part 2 of my REST series on the podcast! (If you missed it, you can listen to part one HERE!)

Has anyone ever told you that you need to rest by “turning your brain off?”.....

Have you ever felt like the part of your brain that allows you to dream or be inspired isn’t accessible anymore?

Have you ever struggled with being STUCK? If so, this episode is for you!

For the photographers out there :
COURSES + PRODUCTS: https://geni.us/kj-store
KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community
KJ ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP | https://geni.us/yt-all-access
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies

Check out our 3 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!

FREE Lighting Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting
FREE Editing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing
FREE Posing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-posing

WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 40 | Making Space for Rest (Part 1) Jul 18, 2024

In today’s episode you’ll hear me walking through the beginning conversation of “What is REST” and what have I believed about it that has kept me stuck in some cycles that aren’t serving me well anymore!

It is definitely out of the norm to slow down…. It’s also out of the norm to TALK THROUGH rest as an entrepreneur because honestly, if you’re wired like me, making time to even listen to a podcast about making time for rest can seem like a waste of time!!!
For the photographers out there :
COURSES + PRODUCTS: https://geni.us/kj-store
KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community
KJ ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP | https://geni.us/yt-all-access
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies

Check out our 3 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!

FREE Lighting Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting
FREE Editing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing
FREE Posing Class |https://geni.us/kj-class-posing

WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 39 | Our Son's Health Journey (Part 3) Jun 27, 2024

As I continue to share more about the path we've been on, there have been a lot of questions! I wanted to answer some of those questions and try to tie a bow on this long story that can hardly fit into 3 podcast episodes. If you're in the middle of a health journey, or advocating for your kids, I hope this episode encourages you!
Brain Balance : https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
Dr. Aaron Hartman : https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/about/aaron-hartman-md/
RVA Baby- Dr. West: https://www.myrvababy.com/
For the photographers out there :
COURSES + PRODUCTS: https://geni.us/kj-store
KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community
KJ ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP | https://geni.us/yt-all-access
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies

Check out our 3 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!

FREE Lighting Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting
FREE Editing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing
FREE Posing Class |https://geni.us/kj-class-posing

WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 38 | Behind the Scenes of Our CAPSTONE Course (Coming soon!) May 29, 2024

This has been a LONG time coming.. I mean YEARS. It is the icing on the cake of our course collection and I cannot wait! This is the fun technical course that I have loved creating. We'll have two LIVE free classes in two weeks, and you'll want to be on the waitlist for the Composition Course to hear about that first!
Sign up HERE --> https://katelynjames.com/composition-waitlist

Ep. 37 | Where is God in Grief - 6 Years after a Stillbirth May 01, 2024

This episode isn't light hearted or easy to listen to. I would go so far as to say, it's a bit painful to listen to but it's also powerful. If you struggle to make sense of how pain can be so present in the world where there is also a good God who loves us, this episode is worth listening to. We lost a child 6 years ago to complications from Down Syndrome. His story has changed thousands of lives and transformed us as parents and believers. This is my disclaimer: If you're looking for a photography how-to podcast, this isn't it. There are other episodes on those business topics! However, if you're looking to understand more about living in purpose and meaning in the midst of pain, I would dive in!

Ep. 36 | My Child's Health Journey Part 2- Changes Apr 04, 2024

The other week I shared a very vulnerable podcast about the latest health journey we are on as a family, specifically for our son!

If you would like to listen to part one, you can do so HERE!

I was blown away by the response and I am so thankful for all of you who shared resources, reached out, and asked questions. The amount of mommas out there who are also searching for answers is shocking. It’s equal parts encouraging to not be alone and also startling that so many people are at a loss for answers and real solutions.

From makeup to dishwasher detergent to saying goodbye to standard sippy cups and food dyes…. I try to hit on everything but there is honestly a lot to remember. I JUST realized I didn’t even mention in the episode that we only use Cast Iron and Stainless Steel cookware now!

Like I said, it’s a lot to keep straight and I probably forgot other changes I should have mentioned but this is a JOURNEY and I’m willing to keep sharing as we keep growing through it if you all are up for it!
LINKS TO PRODUCTS MENTIONED :
Clean Makeup : CRUNCHI (take 10% off your first order with my link!)
Blue Tansy Deodorant : Primally Pure ($10 off your first order of $50!)
Organic/ Dye Free Foods : Thrive Market (40% off your first order!)
Kids Lotion : Tubby Todd (10% off your first order!)
Kid Shampoo : ROE
Dishwasher Tablets and Cleaner: Blueland
Bread Machine: Amazon
Kid Mason Jar Cups
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 35 | The Redemptive Story of Our Son's Health Journey (Part 1) Mar 20, 2024

Today’s episode is a little different than normal.
Actually, it’s VERY different from normal. I sat down in my studio to record this without a plan or an outline or really even a clear vision for what I wanted to share…..
I ended up sharing the raw, honest journey we have been on the past 8-10 months with a health journey with one of our children and recently, my own health hurdles as well. Consider this an “intro” because there are so many things I didn’t get to in this episode. This paints a clearer picture of our life this last year and sets the stage to share more as we continue on this journey.
The goal of this episode is to share our reality in hopes that it will be an encouragement to other parents and other Enneagram 3’s who may operate like me and need a shift as well! :)
Brain Balance : https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
Dr. Aaron Hartman : https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/about/aaron-hartman-md/
For the photographers out there :
COURSES + PRODUCTS: https://geni.us/kj-store
KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community
KJ ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP | https://geni.us/yt-all-access
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies

Check out our 3 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!

FREE Lighting Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting
FREE Editing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing
FREE Posing Class |https://geni.us/kj-class-posing

WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 34 | She Shoots 90 WEDDINGS PER YEAR?! But...why? Mar 07, 2024

In today's episode we're talking to a KJ Student who shoots 90 WEDDINGS PER YEAR. We talk about her backstory, the current wedding market, her workflow and so much more!
COURSES + PRODUCTS: https://geni.us/kj-store

KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community

KJ ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP | https://geni.us/yt-all-access

KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies

Check out our 3 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!

FREE Lighting Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting

FREE Editing Class | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing

FREE Posing Class |https://geni.us/kj-class-posing

WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james

BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog

INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta

**When we find a product or company we love, we love to share it with you! At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 33 | How to Serve a Client Who Isn't a Perfect Fit Jan 25, 2024

Today's podcast is inspired by a recent KJ All-Access episode. In that episode the bride had very different taste than what I personally prefer and wouldn't be considered a "typical" KJ Bride. BUT I still had to show up on her wedding day and serve her as best as I possibly could.
So today I want to talk through what that looks like and how you can serve your clients well, even when they're not the perfect fit!
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 32 | The Proven Business Strategy that Hasn't Changed in 15 years Jan 11, 2024

The business world (and just the world in general) looks A LOT different today than it did 15 years ago when I started my business. But as my business has changed and evolved over the years one thing has stayed the same: the power of a personal brand. I've noticed that many of our student's struggle with applying this concept to their own businesses for a number of reasons: so in this episode I'm sharing WHY personal branding is still important and debunking some beliefs that many make up as to why it can't work for them.
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 31 | 2023 Year in Review - Finding the Silver Lining of a Difficult Year Dec 21, 2023

Today I’m sharing some personal and business recaps in today’s Podcast episode! Per usual, I’m a little heavy on the personal side because this year has been a whirlwind of both challenges and joys. Becoming a family of six, starting year two at the school we started, running our business, a soft launch of a new one… it’s all a bit of a blur.

We’re excited for 2024 and have so many ideas for how we can more effectively help, serve, guide and challenge our community of amazing photographers!!

Thank you for being here and thank you for believing in KJ Education!!! We are forever grateful for you!!!

KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 30 | How I'm Building Entrepreneurial Minded Children (And You Can Too!) Nov 30, 2023

In today's episode I'm sharing about how I am fostering a learning environment for my children: both in the school that we started but also at home in our day to day lives. My goal is to build entrepreneurial minded children... which may seem crazy when my oldest is only 6 years old BUT my hope is that this episode will show you that it IS possible and give you a few practical tips on how you can instill these mindsets in your own children.
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep 29 | 5 Things I Learned from Hosting a Mastermind Retreat Nov 02, 2023

In this episode I'm sharing 5 main takeaways that have stuck with me since hosting my in-person Mastermind retreat last week! It was such a treat and filled me up in ways that other parts of my business cannot! I left our time together feeling more excited and encouraged about the trajectory of my Photography Education business and that's EXACTLY what a mastermind is for! I'm also sharing about the soft-launch of a new brand, Now Teach It, and how I made the decision to put it out into the world!

Ep. 28 | AI vs Private Editors - My Honest Thoughts Sep 14, 2023

This episode was not on the schedule. It wasn't even on my radar. However, over the weekend I tried having AI edit one of my sessions and it was mind blowing... so I shared about it. I was proud of myself for trying something new and pushing myself to figure it out. What I didn't realize was that it was going to start a firestorm in the private editing community. When I first started outsourcing, I became a strong advocate for the private editor. I tried the mega editing companies and they always fell short. I even went so far as to make a small mini-course with my own editor to help photographers learn more about private editing and how to become one! So, when I shared that a robot edited my session, the fear and anxiety that all editors have been pushing down and trying to not think about was brought to the surface. I understand their fear, their anxiety and their frustration that I shared what I did. However, after many conversations with private editors and leaders in that space, I was encouraged that there are others that think the way I do. What if this wasn't the worst thing ever? What if this was more of an opportunity than it is a problem? I know it's not what anyone wants and the fear is valid but my hope is that this podcast will allow ALL of us to see the possibility in the parts of life that we wouldn't choose!

Ep. 27 | The Do's and Don'ts of a WorkCation! Aug 24, 2023

Ever feel like you just can't get things done? Maybe you're like me and you have massive tasks that just seem to loom over you. This has been my reality since about 2 months before I had our last baby. I needed space, dedicated time away and the ability to focus! I finally did something about it and it worked! While this isn't an every day or every week solution, I walked away with some key takeaways about my work and my tasks that have proven to be incredibly valuable this past week! Hear all about it in this episode!
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 26 | 3 Tips for Building Something from Nothing Aug 09, 2023

In todays episode I’m sharing 3 lessons I learned about marketing a brand new business business from starting our school! These tips will apply to anyone in the early stages of business or someone further along who struggles with creating content!
Acton Academy Information: https://launch.actonacademy.org/
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 25 | Tears of Freedom in the Target Parking Lot Jul 27, 2023

This episode is perfectly represents all that I hope for this podcast to be: a blend of practical photography education and vulnerable life/business lessons. In this episode I respond to YouTube comments about my favorite lens (Canon RF 28-70 f/2.0) and share a story about crying in the Target parking lot and the perspective I found there. Plus, I share an exciting opportunity I am dreaming up for business owners who are looking to find freedom. I hope you enjoy!
Online Business Wait List
Want to learn more about the KJ Mastermind? Head here! https://katelynjames.com/mastermind
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 24 | High Level Conversations Jul 13, 2023

There have been a few conversations in our life that I still remember to this day, and have completely changed our business. Yes, these conversations can be challenging but if we're willing to put in the hard work it can be so rewarding.
Join me for a conversation on how some of these relationships have come naturally, while others have come from paid mastermind groups!
Want to learn more about the KJ Mastermind? Head here! https://katelynjames.com/mastermind
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 23 | Escaping the Endless Scroll Jun 29, 2023

Social media has pros and cons, but it can be so easy to go down the rabbit hole of the scroll. I feel less creative & engaged if I am consuming more content than I am creating.

So how do we break the cycle?! Join me in the conversation on social media!

KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 22 | The Gift of AI on our Mental Health Jun 15, 2023

Almost every business uses technology in one way or another.. which means AI can affect every business! And we've heard the grumblings and praise of AI. In our industry you’ll hear anything from “This thing is insane, man!” to “Photography is now a dying art”.
But I think there's a different way to look at it and see new possibilities in your mindset and business!
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep.21 | My $1,000 Mistake, Marriage Lessons & Our 1st Year of School Update! Jun 01, 2023

KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 20 | Re-Defining Mentorship in Business & Life May 18, 2023

Talking through my predetermined expectations about mentorship has allowed me to experience freedom by unraveling, unmasking and redefining certain parts of my life that I have never considered before. I have been in the process of redefining what my capabilities and my capacities as a mentor really are and not letting my past definition of mentorship define what my capability is. I hope you’ll join me in thinking through what parts of your life are longing to be redefined to experience more freedom!!!

Ep. 19 | Reflecting on the Life of Baby James - 5 Years Later May 03, 2023

Five years ago we were walking through the end of the hardest journey we had ever been on. On May 1st, 2019 we said hello and goodbye to our precious second child. Baby James was diagnosed with severe complications from Down Syndrome at his 20 week ultrasound and we were given the privilege of loving a baby we wouldn't get to keep. For three months we celebrated the life we had with him inside of me. We loved him while we had him and that love continues even now, five years later. My hope is that this episode will bring some hope and light to the lives of those walking through loss and heartache.

Ep. 18 | Life & Business with Shay Cochrane Apr 20, 2023

I couldn't be more excited about this episode. Shay is a dear friend, fellow business owner, believer, photographer, wife, mom and visionary. Her story is one of my favorites because her convictions about her time, her balance, and her business constantly call me up to a higher level of intentionality. She's the perfect example of what it looks like to have a friend that breathes life and new inspiration into your life! After reading that, doesn't it make sense why she would be the FIRST GUEST on the podcast?! Enjoy our conversation about life and business!
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 17 | The HEART Behind KJ AA 2.0 Apr 01, 2023

This episode is most definitely a TEASER episode! KJ All Access 2.0 has not yet been released but it's coming and it's well worth the wait!! In this episode, I'm honestly sharing the backstory of my heart behind the changes that our students will be seeing very soon! The reason I'm sharing all of this is because my experience isn't unique. This is a common occurrence for business owners but I think many overlook the signs and red flags that I mention in this episode and that leads them to being "stuck"!! My hope is that this story will shed some light on the journey it has been to get me to a point where I was totally honest about what I needed to do with this part of my business! Enjoy!

Ep. 16 | Miles' Birth Story: The Homebirth I Always Dreamed Of Mar 22, 2023

Wow. Prepare yourself for a very long and dare I say overly passionate episode about not just my latest birth experience but ALL of my birth experiences. I think my passion about this topic stems from not just the passion I have for my children but for the way God used my children and their births to transform me into a new version of myself. If someone was to say "Katelyn, what is your greatest accomplishment in your life?" my answer would be my children. From my pregnancies to their births and the journey we're on raising them... being a parent is the greatest calling of my life. Learning to stand up for myself and trust who I was as a mom started before my first baby was even born and I'm grateful for the challenges that ultimately led me through the last 5 years and to my final birth this past month. Listen to hear my birth story and how my challenges pushed me to find the most beautiful birth experience I never imagined myself ever desiring!
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 15 | The Realities of Scaling an Online Business Feb 09, 2023

Recently a CNBC article was written about me and my business. While I am honored and excited that the article was able to share more about the success we've found over the years, the article doesn't paint the full picture of what it takes to scale a business of this size. In this episode I chat through my thoughts on the realities of scaling a business from my perspective and how scaling can look different for everyone.
If you haven't read the article yet you can find it here.
https://katelynjames.com/building-purposeful-and-profitable-businesses
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-blog
INSTAGRAM | https://geni.us/katelyn-james-insta
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | https://geni.us/kj-education
STORE | https://geni.us/kj-store
**At times we may include affiliate links which means that we may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via those links.

Ep. 14 | Having Kids Was the BEST Thing That Happened to My Business Jan 24, 2023

Today we're diving into a topic that has been on my mind for years but I haven't felt ready to talk about until now. Having kids was by far the BEST thing that ever happened to my business... but that doesn't mean it hasn't CHANGED my business. Today Katelyn dives into the world of balancing motherhood and growing a business and how they go hand in hand!

Ep. 13 | 2022 Wrap Up! What Worked (And What Didn't) Dec 15, 2022

This week Katelyn shares a look back at everything that happened in 2022! She shares what worked well and more importantly, what didn't work so well!
KJ EDUCATION COMMUNITY: https://geni.us/join-kj-community
KJ FREEBIE DOWNLOADS | https://geni.us/kj-freebies
Check out our 4 FREE webinars! These free classes would be a great starting point for you and to help gauge whether or not you are ready for our courses!
Lighting Training (FREE) | https://geni.us/kj-class-lighting
Editing Training (FREE) | https://geni.us/kj-class-editing
Posing Training (FREE) | https://geni.us/kj-class-posing
Business Training (FREE) | https://geni.us/kj-class-business
WEBSITE | https://geni.us/katelyn-james
BLOG |

Ep. 12 | How to Handle Burnout In Your Business Dec 01, 2022

Eventually, every small business owner will experience some version of burnout. This happened to me last summer: I was done. Ready to close shop and move onto something else. But after taking some much needed time off I realized that I didn't need to quit. I just needed to do something different. In this episode I'm sharing a few steps I took to avoid burnout and what you can do if you are feeling the same!

Ep. 11 | We Started a Micro School! (Here's What We Learned After 2 Months) Nov 10, 2022

In this week's episode Katelyn is sharing an update on Acton Academy West End - the micro school we've been pursuing for over 3 years! We officially opened our doors this past fall and WOW have we learned a lot in 2 months. In this episode Katelyn shares how the school has changed her daily life, what she's learned about her own children, Michael's involvement in the school and the hopes and dreams for the future!
Acton's goal is to provide an innovative approach to education that celebrates personal responsibility, creative freedom & the pursuit of one’s calling in life! Want to find out more? Check out our website: https://actonacademywestend.com/
Follow the School on Instagram for daily updates and more behind the scenes: https://www.instagram.com/actonacademywestend/
Applications for 2023/2024 are officially open! Find out more here: https://actonacademywestend.com/apply

Ep. 10 | Specializing and Scaling (The Start Up Series Pt. 3) Oct 27, 2022

We're on the final episode of the Startup Series! There was a time in my business where I said YES to everything, and for a time that helped me grow. But at some point you have to learn to specialize in what you're PASSIONATE about. Join me in this conversation about what it looked like for me to specialize in the parts of my business that gave me life, while saying no to others!

Ep. 9 | The REAL Cost of Starting a Business (The Start Up Series Pt. 2) Oct 13, 2022

Welcome back to the Startup Series! This series of episodes are all focused on walking you through the different stages of starting this business from the ground up! In this episode I reflect back on the early "hustle" stages of my business and break down what it really took to start a business from nothing.
Whether you’re a small business owner yourself or are desiring to start a photography business, my hope is that this series will empower you to move forward while also giving you some insight about what it takes to make it happen at the very beginning.

Ep. 8 | I'm (OFFICIALLY) Back : 2022 Life Update Sep 29, 2022

After posting podcast episodes inconsistently we are officially back and committed to posting more regularly! You can expect 2 podcast episodes a month going forward. In this episode Katelyn shares a quick life update on what's been going on in life and what to expect from the podcast going forward!

Ep. 7 | The Decision & The Determination (The Start Up Series Ep.1) Mar 09, 2022

I’m excited to introduce the Startup Series! This series of episodes are all focused on walking you through the different stages of starting this business from the ground up! Whether you’re a small business owner yourself or are desiring to start a photography business, my hope is that this series will empower you to move forward while also giving you some insight about what it takes to make it happen at the very beginning. This first episode is focused on what made me actually make the decision to move forward with my dream. I’m sharing some key experiences that taught me what I did NOT want and how that led to my ultimate decision to be my own boss! Enjoy!
If you would like more information on transformational coaching check out our brother in law Joe:
http://joemalizia.com/
If you would like to learn from our own coach Julia you can learn more here: https://beautifuloutcome.com/

Ep. 6 | The Story of the School with Katelyn and Michael Jan 25, 2022

In 2019 we began pursuing what we desired for our kids education. As entrepreneurs, we have realized the power of curiosity and the power of being able to pursue our passions. We wanted our children to experience this same kind of freedom every day at school. We discovered Acton Academy and this is the story of our journey to the decision that we were going to start our own in Richmond, Virginia!

Ep. 5 | A Conversation with Beauty for Ashes Oct 11, 2021

Katelyn talks with Chrissy Duke with Beauty for Ashes, a non-profit organization fighting against human trafficking in Northern Africa. Find out more about Beauty for Ashes here: https://beautyforashesafrica.org/

Ep. 4 | We're BOTH Pregnant! Pregnancy #4 Questions Answered with My Sister! Jul 10, 2020

Last week we announced that my sister Emy and I are both pregnant and due three days apart! We got a lot of questions about the announcement so we decided to record a podcast episode answering all your questions! We share everything from how we told each other the news, how we told Mimi, to how we're navigating appointments TOGETHER due to Covid restrictions. And more! Enjoy!
Follow Katelyn:
Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/katelynjames)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/katelynjames)
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/katelynjames)
Website (http://www.katelynjames.com)

Ep. 3 | Sitting In It : The Power of Pain that Stays May 04, 2020

This episode talks about tension between wanting to get out of something that is HARD as fast as possible and staying in it long enough to find purpose and healing. God doesn’t waste hard seasons but we can miss whole chapters of our story by trying to avoid the hard parts and numb ourselves from the pain. I’m sharing how I have experienced the power of staying in the pain instead of running from it. Life change happens when we’re uncomfortable. Many will avoid discomfort their entire lives and sacrifice AMAZING growth because of it. My hope is that this episode will empower people to start looking at their own lives and their own hard seasons (big and small) and start discovering what good thing could be waiting for them in the mess!
Follow Katelyn: Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/katelynjames)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/katelynjames)
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/katelynjames)
Website (http://www.katelynjames.com)

Ep. 2 | Tips for Working from Home with Your Spouse Apr 16, 2020

My husband Michael, my sister Emy and her husband Joe join me for this special episode to talk about working from home with your spouse! We all work together every single day in the same house, run successful business AND still love each other ! It is possible to be with your family 24/7 and still be productive in business, love each other and grow in your relationships at the same time. Joe's Information: http://www.joemalizia.com
Follow Katelyn: Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/katelynjames)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/katelynjames)
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/katelynjames)
Website (http://www.katelynjames.com)

Ep. 1 | Welcome! My Heart Behind Starting a Podcast Apr 16, 2020

Welcome to The Legacy Podcast! In this episode I explain my heart behind starting this podcast and what you can expect from the podcast in the future! Follow Katelyn :
Instagram : http://www.instagram.com/katelynjames
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/katelynjames
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/katelynjames
Website : http://www.katelynjames.com)

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