Play It Brave Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Shields—anthropologist, speaker trainer, and communication expert—to dive deep into the heart of what makes a brand truly resonate in today's world: authenticity.

We unpack why authenticity is more than a buzzword—it's your most valuable currency as a personal brand. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or thought leader, this conversation will help you understand how to build a brand that's rooted in truth, psychology, and presence.

We explore the evolution of personal brands as the new CEOs and reveal how your brand isn't about you—it's about how you make your audience feel. From decoding style signals and nonverbal communication to embracing body language, fashion choices, and voice modulation, Dr. Chelsea offers tangible tips for showing up confidently and powerfully—on stage, online, or in everyday conversations.

Chelsea and I also discuss how to honor multiple facets of your identity within your brand (yes, you can be the queen and the rebel), and how being fully present is one of the fastest ways to build trust and connection.

Whether you're refining your website, stepping into public speaking, or simply showing up more boldly in life, this episode will leave you inspired to brand from the inside out—with intention, confidence, and soul.

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Shields

https://www.brandthropologieagency.com/

Ever wondered what it really takes to become a second shooter that lead photographers rave about—or how to find one you can trust with your name, brand, and reputation?

In this candid and wisdom-packed episode, I sit down with award-winning photographer and my own second shooter, Jasmine Ortiz, to dive deep into the art, etiquette, and energy of second shooting in the luxury wedding world.

With over 200 weddings under her belt, Jasmine brings a decade's worth of insight into what it means to support lead photographers with professionalism, humility, and heart. From high-pressure moments and awkward vendor run-ins to gear checklists and social media boundaries, we don't hold back in this conversation. We swap stories, laugh through horror moments (please don't pitch yourself to the planner during cocktail hour), and unpack the subtle dynamics that can make or break a working relationship on the wedding day.

Whether you're a new photographer hoping to break into the wedding industry, a seasoned second looking to elevate your presence, or a lead ready to build your dream team, this episode is full of real talk and practical gold.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What NOT to do as a second shooter (like drinking on the job)

• How to match a lead's style and energy so you complement—not compete

• Why gear prep, clear communication, and a calm presence matter more than you think

• How to navigate photographing grooms and groomsmen as a female second shooter

• What to avoid when posting online—and why it's essential to wait and ask for permission first

• How to energetically show up in service, not self-promotion

• Why building trust, humility, and team spirit will get you hired again and again

Jasmine also shares her favorite behind-the-scenes moment as a second shooter, how she handles fast-moving situations with grace, and why her second shooter checklist has become her wedding-day go-to.

And of course, Jasmine and I reflect on our own working relationship—from Target snack runs to shared values—and how much fun it can be when the lead/second synergy is just right.

This is more than just a how-to episode. It's a heartfelt look into the power of being a solid, grounded, and generous support on a couple's most important day.

Meet Jasmine

Jasmine Ortiz is an internationally-renowned wedding photographer based in California. She made a name for herself masterfully documenting irreplaceable moments and polished celebrations. She was named one of the "Top 30 Wedding Photographers in the USA" in 2023 and has photographed well over 200 weddings in her decade-long career.

→ Get Jasmine's Second Shooter Checklist hereJasmine's WebsiteJasmine's Instagram

P.S. Want me to edit your images with the new DB Signature Presets & Editing Suite? Send me up to 5 RAW photos here.

What if midlife wasn't a crisis—but a chrysalis?

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, D'Arcy sits down with spiritual leader and transformational guide Dr. Devaa Haley Mitchell to reframe the way we view this pivotal life stage. Together, they unpack the idea of midlife as a sacred period of unraveling, reclaiming, and radiating—a time of deep transformation that prepares us to emerge more fully expressed, sovereign, and whole.

From the rise of the Queen archetype to the cultural stories we've inherited about aging, this episode explores how truth-telling, community, and feminine leadership can help us navigate the unknown with courage and grace. If you're feeling the stirrings of change or longing to embrace your next chapter with intention, this one's for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Midlife is not a breakdown—it's a metamorphosis.

• The Queen archetype offers a fresh and empowering lens on aging and leadership.

• Cultural narratives about aging shape how we see ourselves—and we can rewrite them.

• Truth-telling is a liberating force for healing and connection.

• Feminine leadership is intuitive, inclusive, and deeply needed in today's world.

• The chrysalis journey unfolds in stages: unraveling, reclaiming, and radiating.

• Community support is essential during times of transition.

• Embracing sensuality and creativity is key to holistic well-being.

• Awareness of societal conditioning can help us reclaim our power and purpose.

• The unknown isn't something to fear—it's an invitation to grow.

Whether you're in your thirties, forties, fifties, or beyond, this conversation is a gentle reminder: the unraveling is part of the becoming. And you're not alone.

Meet Devaa:

For Dr. Devaa Haley Mitchell, transformation isn't just a concept—it's a way of life. She's dedicated to helping people reconnect with their deepest selves, unlock their leadership gifts, and step into their full potential.

As the Co-Founder of The Shift Network, a multiple 7-figure educational platform, Devaa has helped bring life-changing programs to over 3.2 million students worldwide. She's also built an online summit that served 130,000 women across 160 countries—all while growing her company from the ground up.

Through her private practice, Devaa supports her clients with Soul and Strategy Coaching to work on both the "inner" work of feminine leadership as well as the "outer" work of visionary strategy and implementation. She also leads women through a comprehensive Midlife Chrysalis process to gracefully navigate the many changes that happen in midlife. Finally, Devaa offers psychedelic integration as well as microdose coaching to enhance creativity and focus, while mitigating the impacts of anxiety and depression.

Devaa earned both her BA and MA from Stanford University. She received her Doctorate in Ministry from Wisdom University (now known as Ubiquity University) and is also an ordained interfaith minister. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for her ecological anthropology work with indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon. Devaa also completed her Psilocybin Guides certification through Bodhi Academy in Oregon.

Earlier in her career, Devaa was a Management Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group where she consulted with Fortune 500 Companies. She later worked as the founding Executive Director of the Full Circle Fund, a thriving venture philanthropy group, followed by a senior Director role at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. She is also a member of the prestigious Evolutionary Leaders group.

In her spare time, Devaa is a musician, and her songs fuse East and West with danceable grooves. Her most recent album, Rebirth, reached #1 on Amazon in the New Age Category.

Connect with Devaa:

Devaa's course – Awaken Your Archetypal Feminine Codes: A Guided Initiation Into Your Sacred Power and Leadership – will go live on June 6, 2025.

Visit Devaa's Website to learn more about her offerings and sign up for her Dynamic Manifestation Video Series, or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode, D'Arcy and her sister April dive deep into what it means to reclaim love on your own terms—especially when you've spent years minimizing your needs, hiding your pain, or staying small to feel safe. Together, they explore how worthiness, visibility, and nervous system regulation play a role in opening yourself back up to being loved, seen, and supported.

They reflect on how generational and cultural conditioning can disconnect us from our bodies and our truth—and how honoring your story, even the messy parts, is a radical act of love in itself. Through personal shares and honest conversation, they unpack the internal barriers that keep us from receiving love and what it looks like to rewrite that story in real time.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Feeling unseen and unmet, and the grief of naming it

• The protective patterns that help us survive but later keep us stuck

• Learning to stay in your body when old wounds resurface

• The tenderness of letting yourself be known, even when it's scary

• How regulation and self-compassion create space for deeper connection

• The process of reclaiming love—not from others, but for yourself

This is a conversation for anyone longing to come home to themselves, to feel held without performing, and to remember that love doesn't have to be earned. You are already worthy.

Most luxury planners don't work with just anyone—and if you've ever tried to get on their radar, you know how tough it can feel.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what actually builds trust with high-end planners, how to navigate the "Catch-22" of not having luxury work yet, and how to start making meaningful connections with planners who are aligned with where you are now.

Plus, I share:

• A real-life email that got me a rave review from a luxury planner

• My exact framework for building planner relationships post-wedding

• A mindset shift that will change the way you network for good

Whether you're just starting your journey into high-end weddings or you've been stuck in the middle market for too long, this episode will help you get in the room—the right way.

Apply for the mastermind here.

In this soul-nourishing episode, D'Arcy welcomes back her sister Brooke Benincosa to share the sacred story of how they co-steward Nightingale Cabin—a healing sanctuary tucked into the Utah mountains—and the vision they're bringing to life through retreats, land rituals, and community gatherings.

Together, they explore what it means to live in deep connection with nature, rhythm, and each other. Brooke shares how she was called to create healing spaces rooted in reverence for the land, and how her journey with nursing, healing, and intuitive wisdom shaped the work she now offers.

They dive into the importance of rites of passage, conscious transitions, and returning to simplicity in a world of increasing noise and complexity. You'll hear stories of sheep-shearing, singing around fires, making bone broth, bartering with neighbors, and cultivating beauty as a way of life.

Brooke introduces two powerful retreats that you can join her for:

Retreat Dates & Offerings:

May 30–June 1, 2025: Purification for Clarity Weekend

• A transformative weekend at the Nightingale Cabin, where nature meets inner peace. Immerse yourself in a sacred space designed for reflection, healing, and reconnection.

• Experience the power of sweat lodges, qigong, breathwork, fire ceremonies, silence, community, and reconnection to the land.

• Learn more about the experience here

Sep 5–11, 2025: Lady of the Lake Priestess Initiation Retreat

• This week-long immersion will take place at a fairytale location in Wales, UK, where we'll dive into the magic of weaving and remembering.

• Immerse yourself in nature's beauty as we explore ancient crafts, connect with our creativity, and rediscover the stories that shape us.

• Learn more about the experience here

Whether you're seeking community, healing, or simply a deeper connection to Mother Earth, this episode invites you to explore what it means to reclaim your humanity in a rapidly evolving world.

As Brooke says:

"We haven't even scratched the surface of our full human potential. The land remembers. The body remembers. We just have to slow down and listen."

Topics We Cover:

• The sacred origins of Nightingale Cabin

• Building community rituals rooted in earth wisdom

• Rites of passage, grief work, and feminine embodiment

• Why simplicity is often the most powerful form of healing

• The vision for a self-sustaining sanctuary: orchard, barter, and creative play

• How unplugging from technology can unlock true clarity

• Why healing doesn't have to be heavy—it can be joyful, beautiful, and full of song

Interested in joining or hosting at Nightingale Cabin? Brooke and D'Arcy are beginning to open the cabin to others who want to host retreats, workshops, or soulful gatherings. A website is coming soon to explore rentals, offerings, and available dates.

To Connect or Apply: DM @darcybenincosa or @brooke.benincosa on Instagram (And yes—"weirdos" are welcome! The playful, creative, heart-led kind.)

Meet Brooke:Brooke Benincosa is a registered nurse turned modern day medicine woman. She is an energy worker, reiki master, trauma healer, and wellness embodiment coach. Brooke provides a unique perspective with her certifications in both Eastern and Western healing modalities. Her mission is to guide people on a path of long-term healing and wellness.

In this episode, we sit down with Maria Ortiz—a talented photographer who has transformed her senior portrait business by infusing it with deep emotional connection, thoughtful communication, and bold pricing strategies.

Maria shares how she brings excitement and warmth into every stage of her client process, from the first email to the session day. She discusses how her carefully crafted questionnaire helps her get to know each senior on a deeper level, asking questions like "If you could give a TED Talk, what would it be about?" or "What would your perfect Sunday look like?" These intentional prompts not only prepare her for the session but also allow her clients to feel seen and celebrated before the camera even clicks.

We also dive into one of the most pivotal moments in Maria's journey: how she worked through internal blocks to confidently raise her prices—eventually 10x-ing her rates for senior sessions and then doubling them again. Maria opens up about the mindset shifts, investments in education, and personal development work that allowed her to own her value and create transformational experiences worth premium pricing.

D'Arcy and Maria discuss the concept of your "internal money thermostat," how subconscious beliefs about money can hold us back, and the importance of expanding your capacity to receive. Whether you're a photographer or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is filled with wisdom on fostering connection, courageously raising your rates, and leading a heart-centered business.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to use pre-session questionnaires to build genuine connection with clients

• The kinds of questions Maria asks to go beyond surface-level rapport

• Why emotional presence is essential in photography (and all client-based work)

• The internal shifts required to raise your prices with confidence

• Maria's step-by-step process of going from $250 to premium luxury pricing

• Why doing personal money mindset work is essential to business growth

MEET MARIA:

Maria is a high school senior photographer in the Baltimore, MD area, highly sought-after for the luxury experience she provides for her clients. Originally from Ecuador, Maria considers herself a citizen of the world, with traveling as her foremost passion. Her experiences living in various countries have allowed her to meet people from diverse backgrounds, enhancing her ability to create deep, emotional and meaningful relationships. Maria believes that these connections are essential to both her photography and her coaching, as they form the foundation for true and impactful interactions.

With over 23 years of photography experience and a specialization in senior portraits for the past six years, Maria has found her true passion in this genre. She is dedicated to crafting empowering and confidence-boosting experiences for each of her young clients, building trust and making them feel seen and valued. In recent years, Maria has expanded her influence by publishing articles, speaking at conferences and coaching fellow senior photographers on streamlining their businesses, creating a strong portfolio and presence they are proud of, believing in them themselves and the experience they provide as photographers to ultimately help increase their income. Maria's true passion lies in empowering other photographers to believe in their capabilities and to value their time and money.

DOWNLOAD MARIA'S FREE GUIDE:

Scale Your $300 Shoots to $3000 Experiences

CONNECT WITH MARIA:

Maria's Instagram

Maria's Website

In this intimate and heart-opening episode, D'Arcy sits down with her partner, Tyler, for their first-ever podcast conversation together. What unfolds is a raw, funny, and deeply honest look into the real work of love—what it takes to build a conscious relationship, navigate hard seasons, and grow as individuals and a couple.

They share the story of their romance, from meeting at a retreat in 2023 to reconnecting after a breakup in 2024, and everything in between. From mismatched attachment styles to breakdowns in communication, D'Arcy and Tyler don't shy away from the truth: relationships can be hard, but they can also be healing.

Expect big laughs, real talk, and some wildly endearing moments (like Tyler referring to himself as D'Arcy's "Renaissance bad boy"). They talk about what brought them back together after months apart, the work they did individually, and what keeps them choosing each other daily. You'll hear about D'Arcy's solo journey to India and Bali, Tyler's growth in therapy, and the practices that are helping them build a more secure, connected partnership.

They also touch on:

• What it's really like when an anxious and avoidant fall in love

• Learning presence and reworking their relationship with technology

• Creating safety in love after trauma

• The importance of repair and radical honesty

• Dream destinations, future goals, and a few delightfully weird Valentine's Day plans

If you've ever questioned whether love can evolve, this episode is for you.

Whether you're single, partnered, healing from heartbreak, or learning to love again—this conversation will remind you that conscious relationships are possible, and they start with you.

I didn't just go to India. I checked myself into a hospital for 21 days. I let go of my business, my routine, my Western way of life—and I surrendered to a deep, ancient healing process. I was bathed by women half my size, scrubbed down with herbs, and forced to slow down in a way I never had before.

This is what happened.

Why I Did This

• I reached a breaking point. Numb toes, neuropathy, panic attacks, extreme stress, feeling trapped in my body—it all led me to this decision.

• My body was screaming at me. And I knew I needed something more than another diet, another break, another surface-level fix.

• I discovered Pancha Karma, an ancient Ayurvedic cleanse for detoxing not just the body, but the mind and soul.

• I decided to go all in. I closed down my business, leaving everything behind.

Arrival at Vaidyagrama: Entering Another World

• This was a hospital—not a spa. There were basic rooms, strict routines, and repetitive rituals.

• Getting naked was a daily ritual. The towels were tiny, and loincloths were used for coverage. For the first time, I was truly seen.

• The doctors and staff infused ancient wisdom with medicine. Prayer and spiritual connection were a part of every treatment.

• Everything was done with deliberate slowness. There was no soap, no shampoo, no rushing—just pure, purposeful care for the body.

The Treatments: Surrendering to the Process

• Red juice treatment. I lay on a wooden slab, while three tiny Indian women poured warm red juice over my body again and again, staining my skin crimson.

• Oil massages & herbal scrubs. I was massaged daily by women who saw bodies in a way I never had—practical, neutral, without judgment.

• Ghee treatment. I was fed butter and broth for 21 days. As this happened, it was not only my body that became cleansed, but also my mind in its relationship to food.

• Everything here was intentional. Every drop of oil, every movement, every prayer. It was about more than the body—it was about resetting something deep inside me.

My Body Was No Longer an Enemy

• Western culture teaches us to battle our bodies. Ayurveda teaches us to nurture, honor, and support them.

• For the first time in my life, I wasn't trying to change my body. I was caring for it.

• I released old narratives. My body isn't something to fix—it's something to listen to.

• What shifted for me:

• I stopped seeing my size as "wrong."

• I understood slowness as healing instead of laziness.

• I learned to receive care instead of always giving.

What I Took Home with Me

• The real healing started after I left.

• In the West, we treat exhaustion like a badge of honor. In India, I learned that rest is sacred.

• I made changes in my daily life—diet, movement, self-talk, and most importantly, prioritizing inner peace over external productivity.

Closing Thought

Would I do it again? Absolutely. This wasn't just a cleanse. It was a complete reset—of my body, my mind, and the way I relate to myself. And I think more of us need that.

What happens when you sit in complete silence for 10 days—no talking, no technology, no eye contact, no distractions? In this episode, I take you inside my Vipassana meditation retreat, where I spent over 100 hours in silence and came face-to-face with my mind in ways I never expected. From nearly having a panic attack on Day 4, to watching a cobra almost kill my neighbor, to a tiny fly teaching me a profound lesson on suffering—this experience rewired my brain, changed how I see technology, and redefined what it means to be human in the modern world.

What Is Vipassana Meditation?

Vipassana, which means "insight" or "clear-seeing," is one of the oldest meditation techniques in the world. Rooted in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, it's designed to cultivate awareness, equanimity, and liberation from suffering.

During the retreat, I followed the traditional Vipassana rules, including:

• Noble Silence – No speaking, no eye contact, no gestures.
• No technology – No phones, books, or journaling.
• No intoxicants or distractions – Just meditation, walking, and sitting.
• Complete surrender to the schedule – Wake-up bells at 4 AM, over 10 hours of meditation per day.

But what I thought would be a peaceful experience turned into one of the hardest things I've ever done.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with yourself in ways you never imagined. Would you ever try Vipassana? Listen now and decide for yourself.