The Portrait Mode Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Coach Jason Aubry and Jake Carr explore the importance of mindset, culture, and self-awareness in coaching, leadership, and personal development.

|They discuss how to build a winning mentality, the power of branding and imagery, and the significance of self-care and identity for long-term success.keywordscoaching, leadership, mindset, culture, self-awareness, branding, personal development, sports psychology, success, motivationkey topics

• The role of mindset and psychology in coaching and leadership
• Building a culture of excellence through identity and purpose
• The importance of self-care, boundaries, and routines for success
• Using imagery and branding to motivate and inspire
• The connection between sports psychology and business success

• The Power of Mindset and Culture in Building Champions
• How Self-Identity Shapes Success in Sports and Life

• "The off the cuff stuff is the best."
• "It all comes from identity."
• "Find your clarity of purpose."

• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Jim Rohn's motivational content
• Portrait Mode Photography Services
• Coach Jason Aubrey's Instagram
• Kentucky Christian University Athletics

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Kentucky Christian University

Portrait Mode Podcast – Show Notes

Episode: Jake Carr & Andy Herrick (Founder, Untied)Topic: Stress-Free Accounting, Business Growth & the Power of Portrait Photography

Jake Carr sits down with Andy Herrick, founder of Untied — a high-touch, relationship-driven bookkeeping and accounting firm based in Texas. They discuss building a business through referrals, hiring for culture, developing confidence as a skill, and the psychological power of professional portrait photography for entrepreneurs.

1. How Untied Was Born — Follow the MarketAndy didn't start in accounting — her background was social work. Untied grew because the market kept asking for bookkeeping help. She leaned in, went all-in, and never looked back. Sometimes the business finds you.

2. Hiring for Culture & Values, Not Just CredentialsUntied uses a rigorous multi-round interview process and partners with Spark Talent Acquisition. Andy values lived professional experience on par with formal education. Hire for core values — skills can be taught.

3. Networking Is the Whole GameUntied has never run paid ads. 100% of growth has come through referrals and community — primarily through the RTE Syndicate (founded by Andy Frisella & Ed Mylett). The network delivers clients, referral partners, and honest peer feedback that's hard to find anywhere else.

4. Confidence Is Adjustable — Treat It Like a SkillAndy did 50–100 connection calls her first year just to shake off the nerves. Her key insight: confidence is not fixed. It's learnable. Do the reps, put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and competence will build confidence — which then transfers across every domain.

5. The Portrait as a Psychological AnchorJake's core message: a current professional portrait isn't vanity — it's a tool. On your hardest days, the mirror shows you struggling. The portrait shows you who you've become. Andy has large prints in her home for exactly this reason. Update it regularly — the version of you from 10 years ago is a different person.

1. Follow demand — your next business may already be knocking
2. Hire for values — culture fit matters more than a diploma
3. Build your network before you need it — referrals beat paid ads
4. Confidence grows with reps — act before you feel ready
5. Invest in a current portrait — it rewires how you see yourself

- Untied (Accounting & Bookkeeping): untied.work | Instagram: @untied.work

• Portrait Mode Podcast: hosted by Jake Carr

Podcast Summary: Portrait Mode with Kristen Ziman

Guest: Kristen Ziman - Former Police Chief, Author, Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach

Duration: ~35 minutes

Main Theme: The power of self-confidence, presence, and human connection through the lens of leadership and personal growth

1. Leadership Through Crisis

• Kristen served 30 years with Aurora Police Department, becoming the first female police chief
• Led through unprecedented challenges: 2019 mass shooting (5 killed, 5 officers shot), pandemic, and George Floyd aftermath
• Spent 3 of her 6 years as chief in crisis mode

2. The Journey to Public Speaking

• Started speaking to angry citizens in community policing in the 1990s
• Developed skills addressing police officers (described as the "hardest audience")
• Key insight: Watch body language, engage when attention drifts, make it about the audience, not yourself
• Speaking is a muscle that requires repetition and practice

3. Confidence & Competency

• Confidence is built through competency and repetition
• It's about the promises you keep to yourself
• Identity matters: "I am a writer" vs "I want to write"
• Your future self is better when you keep commitments (like cold plunges)

4. Recognizing Your Gifts

• Referenced Mark Manson's work on recognizing our own gifts
• Our gifts often come so naturally we don't recognize their value
• Need "self transference" before you can have "human transference"
• Must be comfortable with yourself before going above and beyond for others

5. Being Present

• Kristen's biggest challenge: constantly thinking about the next thing
• Must consciously choose to be present
• "Protect your attention to preserve your intentions"
• Best ideas come in quiet moments

6. Significant Emotional Events (SEE)

• Kristen's recent health scare: 5 days believing she had terminal pancreatic cancer
• Changed her perspective on presence and priorities
• Led to an "audit" of her life and relationships
• Identified and removed "energy vampires" - people and obligations that drain without return

7. The Power of Portraits

• Portraits capture essence and responsibility
• A current portrait serves as self-accountability
• Not egotistical - it's about being your best self
• Physical objects (printed, framed) have more impact than digital

8. The 2% Principle

• Referenced Michael Easter's concept: only 2% take the stairs vs escalator
• Similarly, only ~2% have a current portrait on their wall
• Small intentional choices compound over time

• "Confidence is built through competency"
• "Protect your attention to preserve your intentions"
• "It's easy to give advice. It's so much harder to live it"
• "At the end of your one wild and precious life, it's not going to matter how many keynotes - it's the connections you made along the way"
• "We spend so much time with energy vampires - things that suck the energy out of our lives"
• "You have to treat yourself like your own client"

1. Build confidence through repetition
2. Keep promises to yourself
3. Audit your relationships
4. Be intentionally present
5. Set systems, not just goals
6. Recognize your gifts
7. Get a current portrait
8. Choose the harder path

Memorable Quotes

• "Confidence is built through competency"
• "Protect your attention to preserve your intentions"
• "It's easy to give advice. It's so much harder to live it"
• "At the end of your one wild and precious life, it's not going to matter how many keynotes - it's the connections you made along the way"
• "We spend so much time with energy vampires - things that suck the energy out of our lives"
• "You have to treat yourself like your own client"

• Website: kristenziman.com
• Services: Keynote speaking, executive coaching, consulting
• Podcast: Hollow Bunny
• Newsletter available on website

In this conversation, Jake Carr and Jonelle Marie Carter explore the themes of self-worth, creativity, and personal development. They discuss the importance of valuing one's gifts, overcoming the inner critic, and the power of connection and support. The conversation emphasizes the need for action to drive motivation and results, as well as the significance of creating rituals and environments that foster success. They also touch on the challenges of embracing change and the fear of success, encouraging listeners to reframe their thoughts and surround themselves with supportive individuals.

Jonelle Marie Carter - https://www.jonellemariecarter.com/

Takeaways

As creatives, we often undervalue our gifts.

Self-worth is crucial for personal growth.

Action leads to results, which leads to motivation.

We can retrain our brains to think positively.

Surrounding ourselves with supportive people is essential.

Creating rituals can set the tone for success.

Protecting our attention helps preserve our intentions.

Embracing change is necessary for growth.

We are conduits for others' success.

Asking for what we want is key to achieving it.

Sound bites

"Action, results, motivation."

"You are a conduit to others."

"You can retrain your brain."

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Self-Worth

03:00 Raising Your Frequency

06:01 The Power of Connection

08:51 Understanding Your Gift

11:59 The Inner Critic

15:09 Reframing Your Thoughts

18:03 The Importance of Environment

21:02 Protecting Your Attention

24:09 Building a Supportive Network

27:01 Creating Rituals for Success

29:46 Embracing Change and Success

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

In conclusion, this engaging discussion reveals that recognizing our self-worth is fundamental to unleashing our creative potential. By taking action, embracing our unique gifts, and fostering connections, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others. Remember, your gift is not just for you; it’s a tool to help those around you.

Tags: self-worth, creative mindset, personal development, motivation, connections, podcast insights, action-oriented, creative gifts, personal growth

Jake Carr | https://linktr.ee/j7inc

Welcome to the Portrait Mode Podcast!

In this episode, host Jake Carr sits down with Hope McGrath, a personal trainer, 1st Phorm ambassador and community captain, and mom of two from Dwight, Illinois. They dive deep into sustainable fitness, New Year's resolutions, and how to build healthy habits that actually stick—even with a chaotic schedule.

Hope shares her journey from being criticized for being too thin to becoming a certified personal trainer who helps others transform their lives. She opens up about balancing motherhood, running a business from home, and staying committed to fitness without sacrificing family time.

Whether you're struggling to maintain your New Year's goals, looking for practical fitness advice, or wondering how to lead by example for your kids, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world wisdom.

Guest: Hope McGrath
Instagram: @HopeMcGrathFit
Facebook: Hope McGrath
Facebook Group: Healthy Habits With Hope (Free Saturday workouts at 6 AM)

New Year's Resolutions & Sustainable Habits

• Why Hope doesn't believe in traditional New Year's resolutions
• The power of starting with just 1-2 habits instead of overhauling your entire life
• How to bounce back from setbacks without letting failure derail your progress
• Breaking down big goals into daily wins you can celebrate

Fitness & Mindset

• Staying present during workouts instead of dreading what's coming next
• The importance of meal prep and planning for success
• Visualization techniques and their role in achieving goals
• Why fitness is the foundation of personal confidence and excellence

Parenting & Leading by Example

• How to get kids excited about healthy eating and fitness
• Why children do what they see, not what you tell them
• Balancing fitness goals when partners aren't on the same page
• Making time for yourself without guilt—and why it makes you a better parent

Hope's Story

• Growing up with a competitive bodybuilder dad and health-focused family
• Her journey from struggling to gain weight to becoming a personal trainer
• Navigating a high-risk pregnancy and her daughter's neurological condition
• Building a business from home while raising two young daughters
• Her connection with 1st Phorm and becoming a community captain

1st Phorm & Community

• Hope's favorite 1st Phorm products (Grape Smash energy drinks and collagen protein coffee)
• The M-F-C-E-O Project podcast and Andy Frisella's impact
• Upcoming community events and the Spiritually Strengthened workout series

1. Start small: Focus on 1-2 habits at a time rather than trying to change everything at once
2. Win the day: Break down long-term goals into daily actions you can be proud of
3. Prepare to succeed: Meal prep and planning remove decision fatigue and keep you on track
4. Lead by example: Your kids (and partner) will follow what you do, not what you say
5. Be present: Whether in a workout or with family, being fully present makes everything more enjoyable
6. Celebrate small wins: Don't wait until you reach your final goal to be proud of yourself

• 1st Phorm Community Event: Saturday, January 10th at New Life Assembly of God (Lions Lake area)
• Valentine's Event: Sunday, February 15th
• Spiritually Strengthened Weekly Workout: Thursdays at 6 PM at New Life Assembly of God on Rt. 66 (all fitness levels welcome, no membership required)

• 1st Phorm: 1stPhorm.com
• M-F-C-E-O Project Podcast (Andy Frisella)
• Operator Standard App (Andy Frisella's goal-tracking platform)
• 75 Hard Program
• Pics.com (Portrait Mode Podcast sponsor for printing and framing)

• Instagram: @HopeMcGrathFit
• Facebook: Hope McGrath
• Facebook Group: Healthy Habits With Hope

Jake Carr is a photographer and the host of the Portrait Mode Podcast, where he explores how self-image, confidence, and personal growth intersect through conversations with inspiring guests.

Introduction: The start of a new year often brings a surge of motivation to pursue fitness goals. In the latest episode of the Portrait Mode podcast, Jake Carr and Mike Donatelli discuss the importance of being intentional about fitness and how to sustain motivation throughout the year. This conversation dives deep into actionable strategies that can help you maintain your fitness journey long after the New Year’s resolutions fade.

Main Content:

1. **The Importance of Intentional Living**

In the podcast, Mike emphasizes the significance of being intentional about how we spend our time. He mentions the underrated value of watching sunrises and sunsets as a way to find peace amidst a busy life. "One of the most underrated ways to determine if you're living a successful life is how many sunrises and sunsets you actually stopped and watched," he states. This reflects a broader theme of mindfulness that can greatly influence our fitness journeys.

2. **Stacking Habits for Success**

Jake shares an insightful metaphor about stacking tape to illustrate how small, daily achievements can lead to significant progress. He explains that focusing on incremental improvements—like going from A to B each day—can ultimately lead to reaching larger goals. This approach aligns perfectly with fitness as it's not about achieving results overnight but rather about consistent efforts over time.

3. **Creating Accountability Through Passion**

Mike discusses a client, Dan, who struggled with maintaining consistent nutrition tracking. To enhance accountability, Mike suggested pairing Dan’s love for writing with his nutrition goals. "If you already have a habit that you enjoy, let’s tie it to something you find challenging," Mike advises. By requiring Dan to write a weekly reflection on his nutrition, he creates a tangible connection between his passion and his fitness goals. This strategy could be applied to anyone looking to build better habits.

4. **Using Visuals for Accountability**

In an engaging conversation, Jake proposes taking pictures of meals as a way to stay accountable. This would not only help track food intake but also serve as a visual reminder of choices made throughout the week. "If you have to take a picture of what you eat, you might think twice before reaching for that snack," he notes. This method introduces a fun element to tracking while reinforcing discipline.

5. **Sustaining Motivation Beyond New Year’s Resolutions**

As they discuss New Year’s resolutions, Jake and Mike reflect on the common struggle of maintaining motivation past the initial surge. Mike stresses that the key is focusing on daily wins rather than overwhelming goals. "You just want to be riding that line all year long of just steady day in and day out," he explains. This mindset encourages consistency and long-term success in fitness.

Conclusion:

Achieving fitness goals is a journey that requires intentionality, accountability, and a focus on daily progress. By embracing small victories, creating connections between passions and goals, and employing creative methods for accountability, anyone can transform their fitness journey into a sustainable lifestyle. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about making conscious choices every day.

Key Takeaways:

- Be intentional about how you spend your time and focus on mindfulness.

- Celebrate small daily achievements to build momentum over time.

- Pair enjoyable activities with challenging tasks for enhanced accountability.

- Use visuals like food photography to track and reflect on dietary choices.

- Prioritize consistency over perfection to sustain motivation throughout the year.

Mike Donatelli - https://mikeddonatelli.com/

fitness goals, mindfulness, habit stacking, nutrition tracking, accountability, New Year's resolutions, sustainable lifestyle, Portrait Mode podcast, personal training, motivation.

Mike Donatelli - https://mikeddonatelli.com/

In this episode of the Portrait Mode Podcast I visit with Kendrick Coats—former athletic trainer turned licensed associate therapist—for a candid conversation about athlete anxiety, parent pressure, burnout, and what happens when sports ends. They explore NIL-era expectations, identity beyond performance, and why being “seen, heard, and valued” is foundational to mental health.

Kendrick shares what led him from performance training into therapy, including how anxiety showed up in his own athletic life, and why mental health support should be as normal as going to the dentist. Together they discuss how family dynamics can shape athlete stress, the pressure parents feel in the NIL and scholarship landscape, and why “D1 or bust” is often a harmful narrative.

We also explore identity after sports, the value of developing leadership and resilience through multiple experiences, and the Portrait Mode mission of helping people feel truly seen.

• Kendrick Coates

• Coats & Conversation Podcast

• Instagram: @kendriquecoats

• LinkedIn

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Jake is a sports action and portrait photographer, speaker and podcast host based near Chicago.  Since 2010 Jake has created images for athletes at all levels. His superpower is his ability to quickly connect and direct athletes in a way that allows him to create images with powerful authenticity.  He is an industry leader in mindset and motivation and is driven by empowering people to reach and exceed their potential.

@j7images - instagram

@theportraitmode7 - instagram

This Special Edition of The Portrait Mode Podcast features a talk I presented at the GLOW Women's leadership event in Joliet, IL on October 19th, 2025

We are currently securing guests for a full line-up of The Portrait Mode Podcast in 2026. Please subscribe so you don't miss any of the exciting new episodes coming soon.

Jake

This special edition of the portrait mode podcast features a keynote talk delivered at the Stressed Leaders Conference in June of 2025.

www.StressedLeaders.com

Today I am joined by Isaac Telford, founder of IT Vlogs and the man behind a Day of the Life a Marine on YouTube. His channel grew to over 20,000 subscribers as he document his days as a Corporal in the Marine Corps.

Now that his time as Marine is complete we thank him for his service, discuss the risks involved with sharing the behind the scenes of the Marine Corps and talk about moving on to the next chapter.

Isaac is an accomplished creator and his time in front of the camera can only be topped by his ability to create unique shots and tell the story. We welcome him back to the community with open arms but hope that he is no hanging out around here too long before we help him find his next calling.

@isaactelfordd - Instagram

https://www.youtube.com/@isaactelfordvlogs