We close the 2nd season with none other than Rick Liston, a wedding photographer turned founder of the fast-growing outsourcing agency Wedding Workflows. Rick has been a number one supporter of the podcast so to have him on for the season finale is a full circle moment. 

We chat with Rick about how the wedding photography landscape has evolved over the past few years, and the ways stepping into the role of business owner and leader has challenged and changed him.

From building a team grounded in strong values to meeting his VAs in person for the first time, Rick shares honest reflections on what it means to grow a community-driven business—one that supports not just productivity, but a true sense of purpose.

This episode is a heartfelt, humorous, and reflective look at what happens when leadership is grounded in curiosity, connection, and care.

See you in the next season!!

Follow Rick Liston and Wedding Workflows
Instagram: @rick_liston @weddingworkflows
Website: https://rickliston.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring founder of Cut a Fig (@cutafig), Elise Aguilar, who started a vibrant learning community built on the values of affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. From poetry writing to SEO Basics, Cut a Fig offers a welcoming space where anyone can explore their creative potential.

We picked her brain on topics like why making creative education more accessible matters now more than ever, and how she designs classes that meet people where they are, from total beginners to curious creatives.

Let this episode be a beautiful reminder that creativity is a seed we all carry, and it's never too late to nurture it!

Follow Cut a Fig
Instagram: @cutafig

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Let’s be real… the VA space is saturated with people who are only after the money. At what cost? Undervalued freelancers, underpriced services, and underwhelming standards.

Remote work may be a blessing, but thinking it’s a shortcut would be a mistake. You can’t determine your worth if you don’t provide value. Business Coach and Freelance Extraordinaire, Abby Soria, shares her take on this without beating around the bush. For her, freelancing isn’t just landing a gig — it’s operating like a business and being your own boss.

With over 5 years of experience building agencies and closing $200,000+ in deals across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe, Abby also shares why she’s no longer chasing the “laptop lifestyle” and how she refuses to be boxed into one job title.

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In this episode, we take a much-needed pause to challenge a powerful but often unspoken belief: that our productivity defines our worth. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, equated your to-do list with your identity, or struggled to separate your work from who you are, then this conversation is for you.

Noe and Ella get real about their struggles and how overworking has affected their mental health. Hustle culture can sneak into everyday life, and their honest reflection is a reminder that stepping back isn't a sign of weakness, but a necessary act to take in order to find your own pace.

P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode.

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In this episode, we sit down with two virtual assistants — one seasoned (Noe Deiparine) and one just getting started (Ella Fontanoza) — to talk about the evolving world of remote work, culture shocks, and what's trending in the VA industry today.

From comparing Filipino and foreign bosses to the (very real) surprise of receiving compliments from clients, these two Scorpio girlies get candid about the joys and awkward moments of VA life. We all know what it's like to navigate a remote job with uncertainty, so whether you're new to the role or a remote work veteran, you’ll find something to relate to.

P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode.

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When it comes to achieving focus with intention, the story behind the Sukha App is one that stands out from the rest. Sukha is a mindful focus tool rooted in a holistic philosophy of healthy productivity and finding joy through work, and we got to talk to its founder. 

Steven Puri has spent 20+ years leading remote teams — first as an EVP at DreamWorks and a VP at 20th Century Fox and then as a 3x CEO in tech. Along the way, he learned that what actually makes remote work successful isn’t what most people focus on.

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with productivity apps, this episode will offer a refreshing take. It might just inspire you to ask yourself: What am I really spending my time on?

Get the Sukha app today and use the code BRIEFINGIN to get 50% off for life.

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Connecting with people online might be easy, but building genuine friendships takes more than just a heart react.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with wedding photographer, Peta Hall, and her VA, Lawrence — the dynamic duo behind the daily operations of "Captured By Peta" a photography business in Bendigo, Victoria. What started as a professional relationship has grown into a true friendship, full of inside jokes, shared values, and deep mutual respect. 

We also dove into a really thoughtful conversation about work-life balance that we think will resonate with a lot of listeners — especially those juggling creative careers, family, and everything in between. Peta's philosophy? You don’t have to do it all at once. And that’s okay. 

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a graphic designer — beyond the aesthetics and into the everyday reality? In this episode, we chat with Noura Maloloy-on, a freelance designer, about the messy uncertainty of the creative process, balancing client relationships, and staying true to your personal design style while bringing brand visions to life.

From brainstorming ideas seemingly out of thin air (that's right, they don't just rely on templates) to navigating feedback, deadlines, and long-term goals, this is a conversation you don't want to miss if you've been craving to turn creativity into a career.

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In this episode, we dive into some of the most eye-opening, thought-provoking, and relatable stories from Reddit about the realities of a modern workplace. From the latest drama that VAs have experienced to workplace struggles like upskilling, gatekeeping, and career growth, we’re breaking down the posts, sharing our takes, and offering some subjective insights.

Joining us to tackle these stories is Nicolle "Collai" Bararodin, a dedicated VA with a strong business background and passion for the arts. We talk about why keeping your skills sharp is essential, and read funny, frustrating, and sometimes inspiring moments from Redditors navigating the working landscape. 

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In part 2, Bee talks about the reality of her life as an entrepreneur & being honest on social media, & how she doesn't just share highlight reels to appeal to the algorithm. When it comes to her journey in the freelancing industry, Bee will always keep it real.

But showing up on social media isn't just a matter of starting conversations -- it's also her strategy for building credibility & ensuring profitability for her business. It's safe to say that Bee is here to play the long game & she is going by her own rules. 

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