Podcasts about conversation starter

Ever feel like your calendar is packed in the fall, then painfully quiet by January? That feast-or-famine cycle can leave even talented photographers questioning what comes next. In this episode, Sarah Petty unpacks why discounts, mini sessions, and desperate "now booking" posts often make slow seasons worse. Instead, she shares how profitable photographers create demand year-round by building strategic partnerships and meaningful campaigns that clients actually want to be part of. You'll hear: • Why discounting trains clients to wait and quietly devalues your work • How partnerships with local businesses and charities can create consistent bookings • The secret to building urgency without relying on sales or mini sessions If you're tired of wondering where your next client is coming from, this conversation offers a smarter, more sustainable path forward. Press play and start building a business that feels steady in every season. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

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Talking to Your Kids About Sex and Gender Feels Overwhelming? You’re Not Alone—But You’re the Parent God Chose for This Moment. Every Christian parent knows “the talk” is coming—but what if it’s sooner (and more important) than you think? In today’s hyper-sexualized, ever-confusing culture, silence is not an option. Someone—or something—will shape your child’s understanding of sex and identity. The real question: Will it be you, or the world? In this courageous episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with trusted guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder and CEO of Foundation Worldview. A seasoned educator, experienced apologist, and creator of biblically sound resources for families, Elizabeth Urbanowicz knows firsthand how to translate tough, complex topics for young hearts and minds. Her latest book, Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender, equips parents to start the conversation confidently and biblically—no matter your background. What You’ll Learn and Why It Matters: Why Christian Parents Must Go FirstCatherine and Elizabeth Urbanowicz make the case that if you’re not the “first voice” your kids hear about sex and gender, you risk becoming just another commentary in a noisy world. The “founder’s effect” means early, honest conversations establish you—not TikTok or the classroom—as the expert in your child’s life Conversation Starters for Every AgeNervous about what to say? Take a deep breath. From age-appropriate ways to explain anatomy (“God has given us special body parts to be treated with special care”, to using simple analogies (“Just like we keep some toys special, some parts of our body are to be kept private”), Elizabeth Urbanowicz outlines practical conversation guides for little ones. She provides step-by-step approaches to discussing biological differences, the mechanics of sex, and the beauty of God’s design—without shame or fear. God’s Good Design: Framing MattersInstead of starting with “don’t do it,” this episode teaches you to anchor the entire conversation in God’s goodness—how He created sexual intimacy as a precious gift for marriage, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the Church, and as foundational, not shameful, to human identity. Addressing Parental Wounds and FearsWhat if your own story is marked by pain, brokenness, or unmet expectations? Elizabeth Urbanowicz offers heartfelt encouragement for parents who feel disqualified by divorce, loss, abuse, or regrets: “God is working all things together for your good by conforming you more into the image of His Son”. The goal is not a perfect family portrait—it’s pointing your kids to Jesus, no matter the journey. You Will Not Steal Their Innocence—You Will Protect ItAfraid early conversations will “ruin” your child’s innocence? Elizabeth Urbanowicz gently challenges that notion: real harm comes not from truth, but from leaving kids uninformed and unprepared in a fallen world. Notable Moments & Quotes: “Whoever is the first person to talk about a topic naturally becomes the expert in our minds.” “Sexuality is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. It’s a gift God has given to be used within its proper context.” “Our feelings do not determine what is right or wrong. God’s good design does. And it is for our good.” About the Guest:Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a master’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University and an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. She’s a former elementary school teacher and now a foremost voice in equipping families, churches, and educators to help kids think biblically and critically. As founder of Foundation Worldview, her resources are used and loved in homes and ministries nationwide. RESOURCES REFERENCED: Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender (book by Elizabeth Urbanowicz) Foundation Worldview (foundationworldview.com) Recommended children’s books: God Made Your Body and How God Made Babies by Jim Burns Catherine’s free resources, podcasts, and articles for Christian parents available at catherinesegars.com Contact Catherine: catherine@catherinesegars.com Why Christian Parents Can’t Sit This One Out:If you feel afraid, overwhelmed, or like you’re starting late, take heart: God is sovereign, even over our mistakes. Begin where you are, trust God’s leading, and choose to be the voice your child needs. Discussion Starter for Listeners:How will you intentionally become the “first voice” for your children on sex, identity, and God’s good design—even if it means facing your own discomfort or starting late? What step will you take this week to begin the conversation? Tune in and be equipped—because Christian parenting may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you're posting every day, announcing availability, and still hearing crickets, this episode might explain why. The truth is, most photographers treat social media like a billboard when what their clients really want is a relationship. If you're tired of chasing likes that never turn into bookings, this conversation will change how you show up online. In this episode, Sarah Petty breaks down why "now booking" posts often push premium clients away and shares the mindset shift that helps photographers attract the right people without feeling salesy. You'll learn how to use social media as a connection tool, stay top of mind during life's milestone moments, and create content that builds trust instead of desperation. • Why premium buyers respond to relationships, not repeated sales posts • Sarah's simple HYPE framework for creating content that connects and converts • How listening to your audience can lead to bookings faster than chasing engagement metrics If social media feels exhausting, confusing, or like a never-ending hamster wheel, you're not alone. This episode offers a refreshing reminder that the goal isn't to go viral. It's to build genuine relationships that lead to meaningful, profitable work. Press play and discover a smarter way to show up online. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Today's podcast guest is the Queen of Conversation Starters, Lex Niko! We chat about Lex working the blue carpet at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards this weekend, break down the latest Summer House news, and spend a full 30 minutes deep-diving into RHORI. Lex is simply the best. Come judge with us!You can find Lex:Instagram & Threads: @lexniko & @conversationstartersTikTok: @conversationstartersYou can find us:Linktree: Two Judgey GirlsPodcast: ACast, iTunes, Spotify, wherever you listen!Instagram & Threads: @twojudgeygirlsTikTok: @twojudgeygirls // @marytwojudgeygirls // @courtneytjgYouTube: @twojudgeygirlsFacebook: www.facebook.com/twojudgeygirlsMerch: www.etsy.com/shop/twojudgeygirlsPatreon: www.patreon.com/twojudgeygirls LTK: @marytwojudgeygirls // @courtneytjg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This meeting was a training session focused on agent attraction strategies for eXp Realty, led by Jesse Zagorski with guest speakers Armand and Brooke. Jesse opened by discussing the concept of "luck as the meeting of preparation and opportunity" and shared Armand's success story of going from minimal results after a year of effort to sponsoring multiple agents in just 6 weeks using the new four-step framework. The session covered tactical aspects of the agent attraction process, including conversation starters, sending permission requests for a 3.5-minute video, and follow-up strategies. Jesse identified issues with Bonnie's approach to sending the video link and provided specific guidance on the correct sequence of messages. Brooke shared her success story of building a team of 9 agents across multiple countries by consistently following the playbook and attending weekly training calls. The conversation ended with Jesse emphasizing that all business is conversation and encouraging participants to take immediate action by reaching out to prospects using the discussed strategies.

Dennis Benigno started in 2001 as a New Jersey corrections officer at nineteen. He moved to the U.S. Park Police in D.C., then to patrol in one of Jersey's largest municipalities. Over fourteen years he made more than 1,500 arrests and ran over 10,000 car stops. He had to self-train to survive the road. When he realized the academies weren't teaching cops what they needed, he started teaching it himself. That became Street Cop Training, one of the biggest police training companies in the country, with hundreds of thousands of officers behind it. He argues that 80% of line-of-duty deaths are training failures. Not bad luck. Failures you can trace back to the academy. We get into why the system box-checks instead of fixing the problem, and who benefits from keeping it that way. He breaks down the passenger-side approach, the traffic stop that ended with a cop executed on camera, and the constitutional gaps most officers never get taught. We also get into the political machine that came after him, what it cost, and who actually showed up when it did.  Street Cop Training:  https://streetcoptraining.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorcJeLaNQvrs9WJ1mgjCfFiYR0JPzLxm8nm6On3DGf8qO0mnWof Drownproof book and Conversation Starters: https://www.shop.clearedhotpodcast.com   

Most photographers think talent is the thing that builds a profitable business. But what if the photographers winning awards are also the ones quietly burning out, overworking, and barely making money? This episode is the wake-up call so many portrait photographers need. Sarah Petty breaks down the six business skills photographers often avoid, even though they're the exact skills that create freedom, profit, and a family-first life. From cash flow and outsourcing to planning, branding, and building genuine client relationships, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually moves a business forward. • Why "busy" doesn't always mean profitable, and the numbers every photographer needs to understand • The mindset shift that helps photographers stop drowning in busywork and start buying back their time • How genuine human connection leads to better clients, stronger referrals, and more meaningful work If you've been feeling stretched thin, reacting instead of leading, or wondering why your business still feels harder than it should, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Press play, you might realize the missing piece isn't your photography at all. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

What keeps us from being more social? Nick Epley calls it a “mind-reading mistake.”We all think about what others think, particularly what they think about us. The problem, says Nick Epley, is that we're almost always wrong.Epley is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and author of A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection. What keeps people from engaging authentically, connecting deeply, and enjoying a meaningful social life? It comes down to an error of social cognition, “A mind-reading mistake,” Epley says. “If I don't think you want to talk to me, I won't try. And I'll never find out that I'm wrong about that.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Epley and host Matt Abrahams explore why we hold ourselves back from meaningful conversation, and what happens when we don't. From taking an interest in others to sharing more freely about ourselves, Epley shares strategies for being a little more social — and making your life considerably better as a result.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Nick EpleyNick's Book: A Little More SocialEp.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Problems with Body Language (04:15) - Perspective Getting (07:14) - Asking Better Questions (08:41) - Moving Beyond Small Talk (10:13) - Why We Hold Back (11:33) - Advice For Introverts (15:17) - A Little More Social (18:34) - The Final Three Questions (24:45) - Conclusion

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What if the thing you've been overlooking is actually the thing that could change everything? In a world obsessed with fast bookings and digital files, it's easy to believe you need more clients, more hustle, and more content to succeed. But the photographers building sustainable, profitable businesses are often doing something much quieter, and far more meaningful. In this week's Joycast, Sarah Petty breaks down the "boring" business model that helped her go from overwhelmed mom of three to one of America's most profitable photographers. This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn't come from chasing trends. It comes from serving people deeply and creating artwork that actually matters in their lives. Here's a peek at what you'll walk away with: • Why selling wall portraits creates more freedom, profit, and connection than chasing high-volume sessions • The mindset shift that helps beginner photographers confidently charge more, even without a perfect portfolio • How simple systems, not talent alone, are what truly create thrilled clients and repeat referrals If you've been feeling exhausted trying to "keep up" with the photography industry, this episode might feel like permission to build your business differently. Slower. Simpler. More intentionally. Press play and rediscover what people are really investing in when they hire you. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Most photographers aren't struggling because they lack talent. They're struggling because they built a business that demands everything from them and gives very little back. If you've ever felt exhausted chasing sessions, undercharging to stay booked, or wondering if this industry can actually support your life, this episode will hit home. In this week's Joycast, Sarah Petty breaks down the real difference between a $400 portrait photographer and a $4,000 portrait photographer. Spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with your camera or your market. It's about the client experience, the relationships you build, and the business model you choose. Sarah shares the mindset shifts and practical changes that help photographers stop competing on price and start creating profitable, sustainable businesses. Here's a sneak peek: ● Why sales actually begin in the very first client conversation  ● The surprising reason clients invest more when they're more involved  ● How intentional planning creates bigger orders with less overwhelm If you're tired of hustling for small orders and craving a business that gives you more freedom, more confidence, and deeper client connections, this episode will show you what's possible. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You're working nonstop, booking sessions, delivering galleries… and still feeling stuck. Like no matter how hard you push, the income just won't follow. What if the problem isn't you, but the model you've been taught to follow? In this episode, Sarah Petty pulls back the curtain on the exact 4-step process she used to build a six-figure portrait business, without burning out or missing life at home. It's a shift in thinking, pricing, and how you serve. • Why low-priced digital sessions quietly cap your growth • The mindset shift from selling photos to creating experiences • How fewer clients can actually mean more income and freedom If you've been hustling harder with little return, this might be the reframe you've been needing. Press play, your next level could be simpler than you think. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Beth Guckenberger – co-founder of Back2Back Ministries, author, speaker, and mom – to talk about a parenting challenge many families face – helping kids process difficult, confusing, and sometimes complicated news. So how do parents talk honestly about hard things without overwhelming or frightening their kids? Drawing from her experience as a missionary, parent, and ministry leader, Beth shares practical, faith-filled wisdom for navigating tough conversations with confidence and compassion. Together, they discuss how to discern what to share (and what not to share), signs your child may be struggling even when they aren't saying much, simple ways to create safe spaces for emotional processing, and how families can remain rooted in hope when the world feels heavy. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids make sense of complicated news while pointing them back to God's truth, this conversation will equip and encourage you. -- BacktoBack Ministries Trauma Free World Resources Book: Presence Matters by Beth Guckenberger -- Question of the Week: When you hear something bad in the news or in your life, what questions pop into your head? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe and Marissa Ray Guest: Beth Guckenberger Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You're working nonstop, tweaking, learning, upgrading… and still not seeing the money reflect the effort. It's frustrating, confusing, and honestly a little defeating. What if the real problem isn't your talent, but the beliefs quietly running your business? In this episode, Sarah Petty pulls back the curtain on seven industry "truths" that are actually keeping photographers stuck. From her own journey out of overwhelm to building a wildly profitable business, she shares what actually creates momentum, and why this matters more than ever right now. • The hidden "busy work" that feels productive but keeps you broke • Why selling from your own wallet is silently capping your income • The mindset shift that turns doubt into forward motion If something feels off in your business but you can't name it, this is the clarity you've been craving. Press play, you might finally see what's been holding you back. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Nat and Kristen tackle the lost art of starting a conversation - why we've all gotten terrible at it (thanks, Zoom), and how to stop defaulting to ‘what do you do?' at every networking event. From the situational observation trick to the ‘gift opener' technique, they share practical openers for networking events, random everyday bumps, and those awkward meeting icebreakers that nobody wants to call icebreakers. Plus: why ChatGPT's conversation starters are absolutely terrible and what vegetable you'd bring to a duel.Loved it? Share it and leave us a 5-star review! Got a topic for us? Email hello@powrsuit.com. Follow Powrsuit on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join us at www.powrsuit.com for bite-sized professional development that actually fits into your week. 'Til next time, Powrsuiters!

Three Big Conversations: Teens are birdwatching - 13:12 Posting on Snapchat - 26:50 Learning to slow down from John Mark Comer - 41:34 Song of the Week: "drop dead" by Olivia Rodrigo - 2:08 → Click here to read the lyrics (language). → Click here to watch The Conversation Starter on Offline Hobbies. In other news: - 58:36 Young people are speedrunning their Bachelor's or Master's degrees, finishing them in as quickly as three months, as less traditional forms of University attendance become more popular. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is the newest game in Nintendo's oddest series, which plays as a mix between The Sims and Animal Crossing, and its brand of social engineering makes for a lot of internet hilarity. Coachella continued into its second weekend, highlighted by Justin Bieber inviting Billie Eilish on stage, Madonna joining Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G as the first Latina artist to headline. Some trendspotters are calling rainbow flip-flops the "shoe of the summer," as young people continue to reclaim 90s fashion. The meteoric rise of the band Geese has led some to wonder if there's some conspiracy behind their popularity. To be fair, social media marketing can sometimes feel more CIA than Don Draper, and streaming numbers are often manipulated.

You know that quiet frustration, when your talent is real but your income doesn't reflect it. When you're working hard, giving everything away, and still wondering why it's not clicking. This episode speaks right to that moment. Audrey shares what it looked like to start over in a brand new city, no clients, no safety net, and stuck in a cycle that wasn't working. Her turning point wasn't more hustle, it was a shift in how she saw her value and her business. • The mindset shift that turned $350 clients into $1,000+ orders • Why "doing what everyone else does" keeps you stuck and underpaid • What finally made her feel confident charging what she's worth If you've been grinding and hoping something will change, this might be the moment it finally does. Press play and listen for the shift you've been avoiding. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You can feel it in the room. The hesitation. The silence. And somehow, you make it mean something about you. But what if it's not your pricing, or your talent at all? In this episode, Sarah Petty breaks down the four client personalities that shape how people buy, and how learning to meet them where they are can completely change your sales experience • Why "one-size-fits-all" communication quietly costs you thousands • How to spot decision styles before the ordering appointment • What to say to make saying yes feel easy, natural, and right If selling has ever felt heavy or confusing, this will shift everything. Press play, and start serving your clients in a way that finally works for both of you. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

David and Karen Mains discuss how to start a spiritual conversation with someone, who crosses the pathway of our lives during the course of traveling, or on other random occasions: “The Golden Rule, as expressed by Jesus, is a good way to get into a conversation about spiritual matters.”

The Cinematic Schematic hosts Caleb Masteres and Laron Chapman are joined by LUXIERE's Alexandra Bohannon, and The Cinematropolis contributor Daniel Bokemper to review writer/director Kristoffer Borgli's new film, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Bohannon also shares her highlights from SXSW 2026 including Edie Arnold is a Loser, Amy Scott's upcoming documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool, and Normal starring Bob Odenkirk. The post ‘The Drama' Is a Provocative but Necessary Conversation Starter appeared first on The Cinematropolis.

You're working nonstop, booking sessions, delivering galleries… and still wondering why it feels so hard to make real money. If pricing has ever left you second-guessing everything, this episode will hit close to home. Sarah Petty pulls back the curtain on the 8 pricing mistakes that quietly drain photographers' income and confidence. From guessing your prices to overgiving and undercharging, she shares the hard-earned lessons that changed everything. • The hidden ways "being affordable" keeps you stuck and exhausted • Why more options and digital files are costing you more than you think • How to finally price with clarity, confidence, and a real system If you've been blaming yourself or your talent, this will shift everything. You're not broken, your pricing is. Press play and start rebuilding a business that actually supports your life. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You don't need more hustle. You need habits that actually hold your life together. If you've ever felt like success means choosing between your family and your business, this will hit deep. In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on the daily habits she's seen in women quietly building six and seven figure photography businesses, without losing themselves in the process. • The simple planning shift that turns chaos into clarity • Why your energy, not your time, is your real currency • How letting go of "doing it all" unlocks real growth If you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready for steady, grounded progress, press play. This might be the reset you've been needing. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

What if the very things you worry might hold you back as a mom are actually your biggest business superpowers? After 27 years in the photography industry, Sarah shares the hard-earned wisdom that proves women, especially mothers, are uniquely positioned to build thriving portrait businesses. From opening her studio just weeks before 9/11 to becoming one of the most profitable photographers in the U.S., Sarah reflects on the lessons that shaped her journey. In this episode, she distills nearly three decades of experience into practical advice for women photographers who want both a profitable business and a family-first life. • Why the multitasking and systems you use at home can become your greatest business advantage • How resilience, connection, and calm energy create unforgettable client experiences • The mindset shift that helps women stop "figuring it out alone" and start building real momentum If you've ever wondered whether you can build a photography business without sacrificing your family life, this episode is for you. Press play and hear the advice Sarah wishes every woman photographer knew from the beginning. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

From big questions to big imaginations, every child has a unique spark of creativity worth noticing and nurturing. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Emily and Marissa sit down with Travis Hawkins, Manager of the Creative Services team at WinShape Camps to talk about what it looks like to nurture creativity and curiosity in our kids. Together, they explore how creativity reflects the heart of our Creator, how every child may express their creativity differently, and how parents can encourage it in simple, meaningful ways. Whether your child loves to build, imagine, ask questions, make music, or paint, this conversation will encourage you to see creativity as a gift from God worth noticing and nurturing. Plus, Travis shares practical ideas for helping kids grow in curiosity, confidence, and wonder. -- -- Question of the Week: In what ways do you think God made you creative? -- Hosts: Emily Alters & Marissa Ray Guest: Travis Hawkins Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Felix und Kostas haben 100 spannende Fragen mitgebracht, um mit euch in lustige, ehrliche oder tiefgehende Gespräche einzutauchen: Thematisch war da von persönlichen Erfahrungen, Zielen und Wünschen für die Zukunft, Liebe und Beziehung oder Freundschaft alles dabei. Wer angerufen hat, hat eine Frage gestellt bekommen! Und wer Bock hatte, konnte auch selbst einen Conversation Starter mitbringen.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Stacy M., we continue pulling back the curtain on Freemasonry and examining the questions most people are told not to ask.If the organization is simply a harmless fraternity, why so much secrecy? Why the elaborate rituals, layered symbolism, and strict oaths? And why have so many influential leaders throughout history been tied to it?In this episode, we dig deeper into the structure of Freemasonry, the meaning behind its rituals and symbols, and the concerns many Christians and researchers have raised about its spiritual and cultural influence. We also discuss why criticism of the organization is often quickly dismissed—and why that reaction alone should make people more curious, not less.This conversation isn't about sensationalism. It's about discernment. When powerful institutions operate largely out of public view yet intersect with leadership, culture, and faith, they deserve thoughtful examination.The goal isn't to tell people what to think, but to encourage them to start asking questions for themselves.--https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

Joanne shares ways to connect and engage with others in conversations without performing and feeling comfortable. The most engaging people aren't performing—they're present. Conversation starter handout, to help you get over anxiety in social situations. 

Today on Uncommon Sense, I'm joined by Stacy M. for a conversation that too many people are afraid (or unwilling) to have.We're discussing Freemasonry: what it is, what it claims to be, and the darker, more sinister elements that often get brushed aside or ignored entirely. From secrecy and symbolism to influence and power, we're asking the questions that rarely get real answers.Why has this secret society maintained such a strong presence for so long? Why does it seem to intersect so frequently with positions of power—including within our own government? And most importantly… why aren't more people talking about it?This episode isn't about blind accusations, it's about awareness. If something holds influence, operates behind closed doors, and shapes culture or leadership in any capacity, it deserves scrutiny.It's time to start paying attention and asking better questions.--https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

You're busy. Weekends booked, nights spent editing, yet the numbers still don't add up. If you've ever wondered, "Why am I working so hard and still not making real money?" this episode might hit close to home. In this solo episode, Sarah Petty shares what she's learned from working with more than 33,000 photographers. The truth? Most aren't failing because of talent. They're focused on the wrong things. Sarah walks through the hidden bottlenecks that quietly keep photographers stuck and how to finally break through them. • The 5 diagnostic questions that instantly reveal what's holding your business back • How to identify and fix the single bottleneck slowing your growth • Why more clients won't solve your problem if your business model is broken If you've been feeling busy but stuck, this conversation may give you the clarity you've been missing. Press play and start focusing on what actually moves your business forward. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Ever wonder what actually pushes photographers past the $200K mark? At Go Boutique Live this year, more photographers crossed that milestone than ever before. And the truth might surprise you. It wasn't hustle. It was clarity. In this episode, Sarah sits down with several brand new $200K Yay Award winners who share the shifts that finally unlocked their growth. From mindset to systems, their stories reveal what really changes when your business levels up. • Turning numbers into a motivating game that drives consistent growth • Letting go of scarcity and finally charging what your work is worth • Why systems, support, and clear offers create freedom, not more work If you've been circling your next income milestone and wondering what's missing, this episode will open your eyes. Press play and hear what changed for photographers who finally broke through. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Trying to have a conversation with your teenager? You ask how their day was and get "fine." You ask who was at the party and get "no one." You ask what they're doing and get "nothing." Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful soundtracks from our Parents and Teens card deck that will help you start real conversations with your teenager. These aren't hypothetical parenting tips. I raised two teenagers, and these are straight from my own dinner table. You'll discover why "if you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it to yourself" teaches self awareness, how "this is my first time too" opens up vulnerability and deeper connection, and why teenagers need to think of their parents as "investors in YOU Inc." These conversation starters are natural, simple, and designed to help you move from quantity time to quality time. Because here's the reality: you don't get one deep conversation. You practice these cards over and over until card number seven or fourteen changes everything.In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks Conversations Card Deck for Parents & Teens Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!

If your heart races before every session. If you replay pricing conversations in your head at 2 a.m. If you've ever thought, "I'm just too shy for this." This episode is your permission slip to stop trying to be louder and start being smarter. Sarah shares why being introverted isn't the thing holding you back, it might be your biggest advantage. Through Audrey Terris' story, from hiding behind $400 sales to confidently crossing $1,000 again and again, you'll see what changes when personality stops being the excuse and systems take the lead. You'll walk away with: • A powerful reframe that turns "I'm awkward" into "I'm deeply attuned" • Why scripts and systems calm anxiety and make selling feel natural • The three conversations that actually grow your business, and how introverts win at all of them If you're tired of thinking you have to be bubbly, pushy, or someone you're not to succeed, this is the truth your nervous system has been waiting to hear. You don't need a new personality. You need a plan. Press play and let's build it together. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You're working nonstop, filling your calendar with mini sessions—and still barely scraping by. It feels like you're making progress, but what if these quick wins are actually keeping you stuck? In this episode, Sarah Petty unpacks the hidden costs of mini sessions and shows you a better way to build profit and joy. ● Why mini sessions attract the wrong clients—and burn you out ● The emotional cost you're quietly paying every busy season ● A simple framework to start attracting high-value clients today If you've been wondering why it still feels so hard, even when you're "booked," this episode will help you shift course. Hit play and take the first step out of the mini session trap. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Starting sexual conversations can feel silly or awkward, but it's a great way to get to know someone and their preferences. Especially at a distance, talking about what turns you on can cut through some of the unknowns in long-distance romance. The tarot reading this week was about the risks of long-distance dating and moving to an unknown place. I always go for it. Worst case, you move home or find a new life in a wonderful location. I end with questions to start sexual conversations since communication and sex continue to intertwine. What places do you want to get laid? What are you into? It's a good idea to ask yourself these questions first so you can write the most seductive answers possible—and for introspection, of course! ⚠️ These are performances and for entertainment purposes only. Make Good Decisions www.lovesexandtarot.com lovesexandtarot@gmail.com Socials: @lovesexandtarot Find me on YouTube and TikTok

You know that quiet voice that says, "I'm meant for more than this." And then life hits. Grief. A cross-country move. A husband losing his job. Most people would shrink back. Jamie Ross decided to go all in. After decades of dabbling, Jamie made one bold decision, to run her photography business like it mattered. What followed was a whirlwind year of loss, courage, and $20,000 in wall portrait sales in just weeks. This isn't about hustle. It's about choosing purpose when everything feels uncertain. Here's what you'll walk away with: • Why running a business is a decision, not a feeling • How to sell $5K wall art with heart, not pressure • The mindset shift that turns fear into forward motion If you've been waiting for the "right time," this is your sign. Jamie's story will remind you that you're stronger than you think, and your work is worth more than you've been charging. Press play. This one might just change everything. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

In a culture that celebrates busy schedules and constant hustle, what would it look like to slow down as a family?This week, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and mom of four, Samantha Decker, to talk about unhurried parenting. Drawing from her book Unhurried, Samantha shares how the Lord used a simple call to to reshape her family's rhythms and perspective on eternity.They discuss margin, the connection between control and hurry, and practical steps for creating a schedule that makes room for what matters most. This episode offers encouragement and hope for anyone feeling stretched thin or stuck in a cycle of hurry.--Meet our guest: Samantha DeckerUnhurried – written by Samantha Decker--Question of the Week: Where in our lives do you think we need to slow down as a family?--Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa RayGuest: Samantha DeckerProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You didn't start your photography business to work harder and still feel broke. But how do you actually build a life where you make real money and get to be the kind of mom you want to be? In this raw solo episode, Sarah shares the honest journey from barely breaking even to earning $3M in portrait sales—all while raising three kids. You'll hear: • The mindset shift that made everything click (and why it matters more than talent) • How one pricing decision changed the course of her business—and her life • The system that gave her time and profit, even during economic downturns If you're feeling like something has to give, this episode will remind you it doesn't have to be your dream. Press play and take the first step toward a better way. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch dives into one of the most overlooked parts of a successful sales conversation: conversation starters. Not scripts. Not pitch openers. But intentional ways to create safety, clarity, and connection from the very beginning of a sales conversation. Nikki explains why so many smart, capable professionals feel awkward or disconnected on sales calls, and why this has far less to do with skill and far more to do with pressure and mindset. When you stop trying to "say the right thing" and start focusing on building rapport, sales conversations become calmer, more natural, and far more effective. Nikki reminds listeners that relationship selling is about flow, not performance. A strong conversation starter sets the emotional tone and direction for the entire call. It invites collaboration instead of control and curiosity instead of convincing. When you enter a sales conversation grounded and regulated, you build trust. And when trust is present, movement happens. Nikki also emphasizes the importance of managing your emotional state before the call, noting that you do not need to show up as a perfect version of yourself. You simply need to show up as the best version you are capable of in that moment. The episode walks through three practical conversation starters designed to help prospects feel heard while giving you critical insight into their needs, readiness, and decision-making process. Nikki explains how each starter positions the buyer as the expert in their own experience, reduces pressure, and prevents overexplaining. She also shares why listening fully, pausing instead of jumping in, and taking notes are essential skills that directly impact your ability to guide the conversation and close cleanly. Listeners will learn how conversation starters help reveal urgency, communication style, emotional drivers, and fit, all without sounding salesy or scripted. Nikki also offers coaching on how to practice these conversation starters intentionally by choosing one and testing it across multiple sales conversations. This approach builds confidence, strengthens presence, and makes sales conversations feel lighter and more effective over time. This episode is especially valuable for consultants, coaches, and service-based business owners who want sales conversations to feel less heavy and more human. When you shift your focus from performing to connecting, conversation starters become one of the most powerful tools in your sales process. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00! For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook. Find Nikki: Nikki Rausch nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

You're hustling, grinding, doing all the things… yet still wondering why your business isn't growing. Sound familiar? You're likely stuck in the Quicksand Zone—where hard work doesn't equal success, and burnout feels inevitable. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the six stages of the Photographer Freedom Staircase—a proven path to escaping the struggle and building a thriving portrait business with purpose. ● Why most photographers never move past stage 3—and how to be the rare few who do ● The real reason your skills and hustle haven't translated to income ● What the "Business Breakthrough" stage actually looks like—and how to get there If you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready for real progress, this episode is your roadmap out. You are closer than you think. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

She had the dream studio. The elaborate sets. The big heart. Jacie was doing everything right—or so she thought. But behind the Santa sessions and boutique service was a mom drowning in debt, doubt, and burnout. If you've ever wondered why working harder still leaves you broke, this episode will hit home. Jacie opens up about the year she almost quit photography altogether. From taking out a loan just to stay afloat, to questioning her worth as a business owner and mom, she shares how learning a system—not pushing harder—completely turned things around. Now she's making $3,700 sales and, more importantly, reclaiming time with her kids. ● The mindset trap of "doing more" and how Jacie broke free ● Why selling isn't sleazy when it comes from service ● The exact moment she realized her dream wasn't dead—it just needed direction This one's for the photographers who feel like they're giving their all and still coming up short. Jacie's story is raw, real, and full of hope. You don't need to hustle harder. You need a better plan. Start here. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Most photographers think partnering with charities is just a feel-good move. But what if it's actually your smartest marketing strategy? This episode unpacks how to use charity partnerships to tap into a stream of ideal, trust-filled clients—while doing work that matters. You'll learn: ● How to spot high-converting charity partners (and which to avoid) ● A proven event structure that raises money and books premium clients ● Real student examples of raising $43K+ while building six-figure studios If you're craving clients who see your value before you even pick up your camera, this episode shows you how to find them—through giving back. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You're burning out trying to serve everyone with cheap digital files—and deep down, you know it's not sustainable. You're working nonstop and still not making what you deserve. But what if there were a better way? In this episode, Sarah Petty walks you through five simple steps to price your printed portraits profitably—without scaring off clients. Drawing from her $3M portrait business, she shares how shifting to a boutique model changed everything. ● A simple pricing formula that ensures you're finally paid what you're worth ● Why giving away files is costing you more than just money ● The exact conversation that eliminates 90% of price objections If you're ready to stop trading time for pennies and start building a business that honors your time, talent, and life—this one's for you. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

What if some of the "rules" you've been told about money aren't rules at all, just assumptions that haven't been questioned lately? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug pull apart a handful of deeply held financial beliefs and see what holds up when real life enters the conversation. From Social Security timing to investment return expectations, the crew explores where common advice works, where it falls short, and why context matters more than catchy rules of thumb. Along the way, the discussion shifts from spreadsheets to behavior, because knowing what to do is one thing and doing it (especially in retirement) is another. The team talks through spending realities, inflation anxiety, and how small mindset shifts can make your plan feel less fragile and more livable. Then, just when things get serious, Doug introduces a challenge that's equal parts practical and revealing. The Survivor Pantry. It's a simple idea that uncovers how prepared (or not) we really are, and why preparedness isn't about fear but flexibility. In This Episode You'll Explore: • Why popular Social Security advice isn't one size fits all • What real world investment returns look like over time • How behavioral blind spots can derail otherwise solid plans • The difference between planning for retirement and living in it • Smarter ways to think about spending as prices change • Why some financial myths refuse to die (and how to spot them) • What the Survivor Pantry reveals about readiness and resilience • How questioning assumptions can lead to calmer, more confident decisions This episode is less about finding new answers and more about asking better questions, especially if you're tired of feeling like you're "behind" for not following every money rule to the letter. Conversation Starter for the Basement: What's one money belief you've always accepted but now you're not so sure about? Drop your thoughts in the Facebook group or comments and compare notes with other Stackers who are rethinking the playbook right alongside you. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/challenging-money-assumptions-1789 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if some of the "rules" you've been told about money aren't rules at all, just assumptions that haven't been questioned lately? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug pull apart a handful of deeply held financial beliefs and see what holds up when real life enters the conversation. From Social Security timing to investment return expectations, the crew explores where common advice works, where it falls short, and why context matters more than catchy rules of thumb. Along the way, the discussion shifts from spreadsheets to behavior, because knowing what to do is one thing and doing it (especially in retirement) is another. The team talks through spending realities, inflation anxiety, and how small mindset shifts can make your plan feel less fragile and more livable. Then, just when things get serious, Doug introduces a challenge that's equal parts practical and revealing. The Survivor Pantry. It's a simple idea that uncovers how prepared (or not) we really are, and why preparedness isn't about fear but flexibility. In This Episode You'll Explore: • Why popular Social Security advice isn't one size fits all • What real world investment returns look like over time • How behavioral blind spots can derail otherwise solid plans • The difference between planning for retirement and living in it • Smarter ways to think about spending as prices change • Why some financial myths refuse to die (and how to spot them) • What the Survivor Pantry reveals about readiness and resilience • How questioning assumptions can lead to calmer, more confident decisions This episode is less about finding new answers and more about asking better questions, especially if you're tired of feeling like you're "behind" for not following every money rule to the letter. Conversation Starter for the Basement: What's one money belief you've always accepted but now you're not so sure about? Drop your thoughts in the Facebook group or comments and compare notes with other Stackers who are rethinking the playbook right alongside you. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/challenging-money-assumptions-1789 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She had a studio. She knew in-person sales. But after 25 years, Elissa was hiding behind online galleries, over-editing 40 images per client, and barely scraping $700 per session. It felt easier—until it didn't. This is the story of how she rebuilt her confidence, trusted a system, and hit $142K in just six months. Meet Elissa Bean, a seasoned photographer who almost walked away from her craft. Burned out and disconnected, she believed the lie that digitals were the only way forward. But when she joined Boutique Breakthrough, everything changed. She found her voice, her value, and a business that truly lit her up again. ● How Elissa rewired her introverted fears and started booking $3K+ clients ● The mindset shift that helped her stop "hiding" and start leading with heart ● Why fewer sessions + deeper relationships = more joy and way more profit If you've ever wondered if it's too late to pivot—or if you're quietly burned out—Elissa's story will give you the hope and roadmap to start fresh. This episode is the permission slip your future self will thank you for. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

If you're selling digital files, AI is about to shake your world—and not in a good way. The future of photography isn't just coming, it's here. But the photographers who'll survive this shift aren't the most creative or even the most tech-savvy. They're the ones who understand the one thing AI can never replicate. In this solo episode, Sarah breaks down why digital files are becoming obsolete, and how boutique photographers can rise above the AI tidal wave. From the way we serve clients to the artwork we create, everything is shifting—and if you lean in now, you can become completely AI-proof. ● Why digital files are being commoditized—and what that means for your income ● The irreplaceable magic of printed portraits and real human connection ● The 5-step boutique process that keeps AI completely irrelevant This is more than a business strategy. It's a reminder that photography is about love, memory, and legacy—and AI can't compete with that. If you've been feeling uneasy about where the industry is headed, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a new path forward. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Ever feel like you're working so hard yet barely making a dent? Like you're doing everything and it's still not enough? This episode reveals a game-changing truth: specializing in the right portrait photography niche could be your path to real profit and a lighter schedule. Photographer and mentor Sarah Petty unpacks the top 5 most profitable portrait niches—with real stories of students earning six figures in unexpectedly simple ways. Whether it's newborns, pets, or even tweens, these niches are transforming businesses by doing less but earning more. ● Why being a generalist is killing your profit—and how specialization builds both income and confidence ● Real-world examples of photographers making six figures in under-the-radar niches ● Which "popular" photography models to avoid if you want sustainable success This isn't just another list of niches. It's a roadmap for building a boutique business that's joyful, profitable, and finally aligned with your life. Press play and start carving your path today. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

You're doing the boutique model—or so you think. But what if the system you've built is quietly holding you back from the business (and life) you really want? This episode will hit home for the photographers juggling it all and still wondering why things aren't clicking. In this heart-opening conversation, Sarah talks with Kim Phelan, a mom of four and in-home daycare owner who thought she had boutique figured out—until she realized she didn't. After joining Boutique Breakthrough, she revamped her entire process and made $5,559 from just three portrait sessions. Her story is one of reclaiming worth, community, and the right kind of support. ● Why doing boutique "by the book" might still be costing you money and peace of mind ● The power of purpose-driven selling (and how Kim made it feel joyful, not salesy) ● How real community changes everything when you're trying to do it all alone If you're feeling stretched thin, second-guessing your strategy, or wondering if change is really possible—this is the episode your heart's been waiting for. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756

Think you need a studio to charge premium prices? Think again. If you've been eyeing a lease but feeling the financial pressure, this episode might just change everything. Sarah Petty breaks down the powerful (and profitable) truth behind the no-studio model. From her own $50K backyard session to students earning six figures as "stay-at-home photographers," Sarah reveals how ditching the overhead can elevate your business—and your life. ● The hidden costs and stress that come with studio ownership ● How serving clients in their homes creates deeper impact (and bigger orders) ● A step-by-step walkthrough of Sarah's no-studio sales process If you've been craving freedom, profit, and proof that less really can be more—this one's for you. RESOURCES:  Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin   INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty   FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook    BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough   FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals    YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/photographybusinessinstitute   LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756