DANGEROUSLY GOOD STORIES

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What We Talk About:

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

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

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

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

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

Inside this episode:

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

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

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

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

But this round? It felt hard.

Disappointing. Confusing. And also, affirming.

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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

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

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

💬 "Photography is how I show you I love you. It's how I say: I see you. I'm with you." – Eboni Rivera

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside this episode:

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

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

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

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

My off-the-cuff answer: "I look at what's happening and take one step forward."

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

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

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

In this episode:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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