The Photographer's Couch

Megan Gioeli
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

We don't just talk business we talk life. This is the podcast for entrepreneur who want to success not just in their work but in every aspect of their life. Join me on the couch as we dive deep into conversations about entrepreneurship, photography, mental & physical health and everything in between. Whether your hustling to build your dream business, striving to stay connected with your love ones or looking to achieve that perfect balance between work and wellbeing, this place in for you. So grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable and let explore how to live a fulfilled healthy life while creating a business of your dreams. This is more than just a podcast. It is your weekly dose of inspiration, motivation and real talk. Welcome to the photographer's coach where we are living life to the fullest one conversation at a time.

  1. Why Your Photos Won’t Look Like Anyone Else’s (And That’s the Point)

    2D AGO

    Why Your Photos Won’t Look Like Anyone Else’s (And That’s the Point)

    Why Your Photos Won’t Look Like Anyone Else’s (And That’s the Point) “I just don’t want my photos to look like everyone else’s.” If you’ve ever thought that before a session—you’re not alone. In this episode, Megan breaks down where that fear actually comes from, why social media plays a big role in it, and the truth most people don’t realize: Your photos will never look like anyone else’s… because you are the difference. This episode is all about letting go of pressure, trusting the process, and understanding what truly makes your photos unique. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • Why clients (especially families and seniors) worry about their photos looking the same • How social media creates the illusion that everything looks identical • What people really mean when they say they don’t want “basic” photos • Why uniqueness has nothing to do with location, outfit, or pose • The role of personality, connection, and energy in every session • How overthinking can turn a natural experience into a performance • What photographers are actually focused on behind the camera Key Takeaways: • Your photos are unique because of who you are—not what you wear or where you go • Two sessions in the same location will still look completely different • The best photos feel natural, not forced • Trying to recreate what you see online often takes you further from yourself • You don’t need to be “different”—you need to be you A Perspective Shift: When someone says, “I don’t want my photos to look like everyone else’s…” What they’re really saying is: “I want these to feel like me.” And that’s exactly what great photos do. What Actually Makes Your Photos Different: Not the location Not the outfit Not the pose It’s: • Your personality • Your energy • The way you interact • The way your family connects • The way you laugh and move Those things can’t be copied—and that’s what makes your photos yours. The Common Mistake: Trying too hard to be different. Overthinking outfits Overplanning poses Trying to recreate something from social media And instead of feeling natural… it starts to feel like a performance. Behind the Camera: As a photographer, my focus isn’t on recreating what I’ve done before. I’m paying attention to: • How you interact • What feels natural • Where your energy goes Because my job isn’t to make you look like someone else— It’s to help you feel comfortable enough to look like yourself. Final Thoughts: If you’re worried about your photos looking like everyone else’s… Let that go. The best thing you can bring to your session isn’t a perfect outfit or a Pinterest board— It’s you. And that’s more than enough. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s been overthinking their photos. And if you’ve been holding back because you want something “different”… this is your reminder—you already are.

    4 min
  2. What You’re Letting Yourself Get Away With (And It’s Costing You More Than You Think)

    MAY 8

    What You’re Letting Yourself Get Away With (And It’s Costing You More Than You Think)

    What You’re Letting Yourself Get Away With (And It’s Costing You More Than You Think) “I’ll book photos when things slow down.” “I just want to lose a little weight first.” “This season is too busy… maybe next year.” These sound responsible. Logical, even. But what if they’re actually something else? In this episode, Megan talks about the “permission slips” we give ourselves—the quiet ways we delay the things that matter most. From photos to everyday life, this is about recognizing the patterns that keep us stuck and learning to show up anyway. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • What “permission slips” are and how we give them to ourselves • Why these thoughts feel logical—but often hold us back • The different ways permission slips show up in everyday life • How this pattern impacts families, seniors, and moms in photos • Why “waiting until you’re ready” keeps you stuck • The real cost of putting things off • How awareness can change everything • A simple question to help you recognize where this is showing up in your life Key Takeaways: • Permission slips are often disguised as reasonable decisions • “Later” doesn’t have a deadline—and that’s why it keeps moving • The things we dismiss are often the things that matter most • You don’t become ready first—you become ready by showing up • Waiting often costs more than we realize (time, memories, moments) The Four Types of Permission Slips: 1. Procrastination “I’ll do it later.” But later keeps getting pushed. 2. Justification “It’s just a busy season.” It may be true—but it’s also keeping you where you are. 3. Resignation “I’ll probably never feel ready.” This one feels permanent—and that’s what makes it dangerous. 4. Dismissal “It’s not that important.” But often, those are the things that matter most. Real-Life Reflection: This shows up all the time with photos: • Families who meant to book last year • Seniors who wait until everything feels rushed • Moms with hundreds of photos of their kids—but none with them Not because they don’t care… but because they kept giving themselves permission to wait. A Perspective Shift: The “ready” feeling doesn’t come first. What actually creates change is deciding to show up anyway. Not perfectly. Not fully prepared. Just… showing up. A Personal Moment: Even something as simple as getting in photos with your own kids… “I don’t love how I look right now—I’ll be in the next one.” But those moments add up. And sometimes… there isn’t a “next one” for that exact season. The Cost of Waiting: It’s not just time. It’s: • Missed moments • Undocumented memories • Seasons you don’t get back And often… you don’t realize what you missed until later. A Question to Ask Yourself: What am I letting myself get away with right now? And more importantly… Is it actually serving me? Or is it just keeping me comfortable? Final Thoughts: The things that matter most in life usually require you to show up before you feel ready. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time—for photos or anything else— This might be your reminder: It’s not about perfect timing. It’s about deciding it matters. If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect: Where is this showing up in your life? And what would it look like to stop waiting… and just show up?

    4 min
  3. If You Hate Photos of Yourself Listen To This

    MAY 1

    If You Hate Photos of Yourself Listen To This

    If You Hate Photos of Yourself Listen To This So many people say, “I hate photos of myself.” But what if that isn’t actually true? In this episode, Megan talks about what’s really behind that feeling—and how the way we see ourselves in photos is often shaped by unrealistic expectations, split-second moments, and a habit of self-criticism. This is a conversation about perspective, presence, and learning to see yourself the way others already do. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • Why “I hate photos of myself” is something almost everyone says • How one split-second image can unfairly shape your self-perception • The difference between how you see yourself vs. how others see you • What photographers are actually looking for (hint: it’s not perfection) • Why candid, unguarded moments are the ones people love most • How we’ve trained ourselves to zoom in on flaws instead of seeing the full picture • A powerful reminder for moms about why being in photos matters • Why you don’t need to “fix” anything before stepping in front of the camera Key Takeaways: • You don’t actually hate how you look—you’ve just been shown versions of yourself that don’t represent you • A single photo is just a fraction of a moment, not the full story • Most people are far more critical of themselves than anyone else is • The most meaningful photos are the ones where you’re simply being yourself • Your presence in photos matters more than perfection—especially for your family A Perspective Shift to Consider: What if the problem isn’t how you look… but the lens you’ve been viewing yourself through? What if you’ve been judging yourself based on moments that were never meant to define you? Real-Life Moment Shared: A client almost didn’t book her session because she didn’t feel good about how she looked. After receiving her gallery, she said: “I can’t believe how many favorites I have of myself.” Not because anything changed— but because she finally saw herself differently. For the Moms Listening: The photos you avoid today… are the ones your kids will treasure someday. They won’t care about your hair, your outfit, or if you felt uncomfortable. They’ll care that you were there. Final Thoughts: You don’t need to lose weight. You don’t need to wait for the “right time.” You don’t need to become someone else. You just need the opportunity to see yourself the way others already do. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you’ve been putting off photos because you don’t feel ready— this might be your sign that you already are.

    6 min
  4. Annoyingly Specific

    APR 24

    Annoyingly Specific

    Vagueness might feel harmless, but it’s often the reason you feel stuck, inconsistent, or like you’re constantly starting over. In this episode, Megan shares a recent realization—she hasn’t just been vague in her goals, but also in her excuses. And that lack of clarity has been holding her back more than she realized. Inspired by Elizabeth Benton and her concept of being “annoyingly specific,” this episode dives into why clarity—not motivation—is the real key to consistency in your health, business, and daily life. If you’ve ever said “I’m busy,” “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “I want to be more consistent,” this episode will help you break that cycle and finally take ownership of your time and actions. What You’ll Learn: Why vague goals lead to vague resultsHow unclear language creates space for excusesWhat it actually means to be “annoyingly specific”How to turn general goals into clear, actionable plansWhy clarity reduces decision fatigue and increases follow-throughThe connection between honesty, ownership, and consistencyKey Takeaways: Most people don’t lack motivation—they lack clarityVague goals like “get in shape” or “grow my business” don’t create directionSpecific goals create measurable, repeatable actionsClarity removes your brain’s ability to make excusesWhen you define your excuses, you take back controlConsistency becomes easier when you know exactly what to doExamples from the Episode: Instead of: “I want to work out more” → Work out 3x/week for 20 minutes + walk 10 minutes on off daysInstead of: “I want to grow my business” → Reach out to 3 clients/week, post 2x/week, follow up within 24 hoursInstead of: “I’m busy” → I chose to scroll for 45 minutes instead of doing a 10-minute taskMindset Shift: Clarity removes the escape routes. When you’re vague, your brain has an “out.” When you’re specific, you create ownership. And ownership—not motivation—is what drives consistency. Action Steps: Take one goal you have right now and define it clearlyBreak it down into exact actions (what, when, how)Identify your most common excuse—and get specific about itDecide ahead of time what you’ll do on hard daysRemove guesswork so you can follow through consistentlyFinal Reminder: You don’t need more motivation. You need more clarity. When you remove vagueness, you remove confusion—and that’s when consistency finally starts to feel doable.

    6 min
  5. Is your plan sustainable?

    APR 17

    Is your plan sustainable?

    🎙️ Podcast Notes: Is Your Plan Sustainable? We all love a good plan—especially one that feels exciting, motivating, and like a fresh start. But here’s the real question: Is your plan actually sustainable? Because most people don’t struggle from a lack of discipline. They struggle because their plan only works when life is going well. 🧠 The Real Problem With Most Plans Most plans are built in a moment of motivation: “I’m going to work out 5 days a week”“I’ll post every day”“I’m starting fresh tomorrow”And for a few days—or even a couple weeks—it works. Until life happens: Kids get sickWork gets busyYou’re exhaustedYour schedule shiftsAnd suddenly… the plan falls apart. 👉 That doesn’t mean you failed. 👉 It means your plan wasn’t built for real life. 🔁 Sustainable vs. Unsustainable Unsustainable plans rely on your best days. Sustainable plans work on your real days. Examples: ❌ “I’ll work out for an hour every day” ✅ “I’ll move my body for 20 minutes—and that counts”❌ “I’ll post every day” ✅ “I’ll create 2–3 times per week consistently”❌ “I’m changing everything at once” ✅ “I’m focusing on the next best step”🔑 What Actually Creates Consistency Consistency is NOT a personality trait. It’s a reflection of how realistic your plan is. If your plan only works when: You have timeYou have energyYou feel motivated…it’s not a consistent plan. It’s a temporary one. 👉 Consistency comes from repeatability, not intensity. 🏡 Build a Plan That Fits Your Life You’re not just running a business. You’re: A momA partnerA person with responsibilities and real life happening every dayYour plan has to fit inside your life, not compete with it. Because when your plan fights your life… your life will win every time. 🔄 A Better Way to Approach Your Plan Instead of asking: “What’s the best plan?” Start asking: “What can I repeat on my busiest day?” Not your best day. Your busiest, most chaotic, low-energy day. Because if it works there… 👉 It will work consistently. ⚠️ The Mindset Shift Most People Resist People hesitate to simplify their plan because it feels like lowering the bar. But it’s actually the opposite. You’re: Raising your standard of consistencyChoosing follow-through over perfectionAnd that’s where real progress happens. 💡 If You Feel Stuck or Keep Starting Over… If you constantly feel like: You’re “getting back on track”Your routines don’t lastYou keep starting overStop asking: “What’s wrong with me?” Start asking: “Is my plan actually sustainable?” Because you don’t need a better version of yourself. 👉 You need a better plan. One that works when you’re tired, busy, and living real life.

    5 min
  6. I am busy.

    APR 10

    I am busy.

    You’re Not Too Busy—You’re Choosing “I’m just so busy.” It’s something we all say. Maybe even daily. But what if that’s not actually true? A Shift in Perspective I’m going to say something that might sound strange: I’m not busy. Do I run a business? Yes. Do I have three kids, a husband, a house, dogs, a full life? Yes. But busy is not my identity. Busy is not my excuse. And busy does not run my life. My goals do. My priorities do. My vision does. Full vs. Busy There are seasons where life feels full. Spring and fall? Very full. But full does NOT mean: UnavailableDisconnectedNot showing upYou can have a full life and still be present for what matters. What “Busy” Is Really Doing When we say “I’m too busy,” we’re often creating distance: From peopleFrom opportunitiesFrom the life we say we wantBecause sometimes “busy” feels easier than the truth: I don’t have the energyI feel overwhelmedI don’t feel like itI’m tiredThose are honest. But “busy” hides them—and removes ownership. What Are You Actually Choosing? We all have the same 24 hours. So if everything feels chaotic, ask yourself: 👉 What is actually surviving in my life right now? 👉 What is taking my time that isn’t aligned with who I want to be? Because you’re not too busy… You’re choosing. It’s Not All or Nothing You don’t need unlimited time. You need intentional time. Can’t give half a day? Give an hour.Can’t do a long lunch? Grab coffee.Can’t do a long workout? Move for 10–20 minutes.It’s not about doing everything. It’s about choosing something. The Trap (Especially for Moms) Busy can become a badge of honor. If you’re not exhausted… are you doing enough? But that mindset creates: Reactive livingConstant rushingDisconnection from your goalsAnd reactive is the opposite of aligned. Where “Busy” Comes From It’s usually not too much to do. It’s a lack of decision around what actually matters. If you don’t decide your priorities, your life will decide them for you. How to Get Ahead of “Busy” Decide your non-negotiablesPlan your time before it fills upLeave space on purposeBe honest about your yes and your noFinal Thought I don’t want to be known as someone who is always busy. I want to be known as someone who: Shows upFollows throughLives alignedMakes time for what mattersAnd you can do the same. Next time you say “I’m so busy,” pause and ask: 👉 Is that true? 👉 Or is that easier than telling the truth? You are allowed to choose. You are allowed to adjust. And you are absolutely capable of creating a life that aligns with your priorities. If this resonated, share it with someone who needs the reminder—and I’ll see you on the next episode.

    5 min
  7. Addiction we don't walk about

    APR 3

    Addiction we don't walk about

    The Addiction No One Wants to Call an Addiction: Your Phone We don’t like to call it an addiction… but for most of us, our phone is the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we touch at night. And it feels normal. That’s what makes it so easy to ignore. You check one thing… And suddenly you’re scrolling. Minutes turn into an hour. And you don’t even remember why you picked it up in the first place. But the real problem isn’t just time. It’s mental absence. You’re technically there—but not really. Half listening. Half engaged. Half connected. And half attention creates half connection. Why It’s So Hard to Stop Your phone isn’t neutral. It’s designed to keep you there: Endless scrollingNotificationsAutoplay contentPersonalized algorithmsYou’re not lacking discipline. You’re responding to a system built to hold your attention. You’re not just fighting a habit—you’re fighting design. What It’s Actually Stealing We think it steals time. But it steals so much more: Boredom (where creativity lives)Stillness (where clarity lives)Eye contact (where relationships live)It trains your brain to need constant stimulation. So real life—quiet, slow, ordinary life—starts to feel… not enough. And those ordinary moments? That’s where your life actually happens. The Subtle Cost Nothing dramatic happens. But over time: Connection weakensPatience shortensPresence disappearsNot all at once—just consistently. What You Can Do Instead This isn’t about throwing your phone away. It’s about awareness and intention. 1. Stop Grazing Use your phone with purpose. Decide when you’ll check it—don’t let it decide for you. 2. Create No-Phone Zones Dinner tableCar ridesConversationsFirst hour of the dayLast hour before bedProtect the spaces that matter most. 3. Replace the Reflex When you reach for your phone—pause. You don’t need to “be productive.” Just be present. 4. Notice the Feeling Most phone use isn’t boredom—it’s discomfort. Silence. Waiting. Effort. But that “friction” is where life actually happens. Final Thought Your phone isn’t just a tool anymore. It competes with your life for your attention. And whatever gets your attention gets: Your timeYour relationshipsYour memoriesYou don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start noticing. If this resonated, share it with someone who needs it—and I’ll see you on the next episode.

    6 min
  8. Going Viral

    MAR 27

    Going Viral

    Going viral sounds exciting—but what does it actually do for your business? In this episode, Megan breaks down the difference between attention and trust, and why viral content doesn’t always lead to real growth. If you’ve ever had a post perform well but saw no increase in inquiries or bookings, this will shift how you think about your content strategy. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Attention is not the same as trust Social media rewards views, likes, and shares—but those don’t automatically turn into clients. Trust is what builds a business. 2. Viral content reaches the wrong audience Most viral posts attract people who will never hire you—wrong location, budget, timing, or need. It spreads wide, not deep. 3. Viral posts are short-lived You can spend hours creating and analyzing one post, only for it to fade in 24–48 hours. It feeds a moment, not a long-term asset. 4. Your energy matters When your focus stays on performance, you drain mental energy that could be used to actually grow your business. 5. Business content has a different job Instead of entertaining everyone, your content should help the right person understand what it’s like to work with you. 🔄 Viral vs. Intentional Content Viral Content: Attracts strangersFocused on reactionsShort-term spikeBusiness Content: Attracts ideal clientsBuilds trust and clarityLong-term growth⚠️ The Trap Chasing virality shifts your focus. You start creating for reactions instead of recognition, and your content slowly drifts away from the people who would actually hire you. ✅ A Better Goal: Clarity Instead of asking, “How do I go viral?” ask: “How do I become clear?” When someone lands on your page, they should instantly know: Who you helpWhat you doWhat it feels like to work with youThat’s what leads to bookings. 🎯 Final Thought Going viral isn’t bad—but it’s not a strategy. It’s a moment. Before you post, ask: Am I trying to be seen by everyone… or chosen by someone?

    5 min
See All (72)

About

We don't just talk business we talk life. This is the podcast for entrepreneur who want to success not just in their work but in every aspect of their life. Join me on the couch as we dive deep into conversations about entrepreneurship, photography, mental & physical health and everything in between. Whether your hustling to build your dream business, striving to stay connected with your love ones or looking to achieve that perfect balance between work and wellbeing, this place in for you. So grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable and let explore how to live a fulfilled healthy life while creating a business of your dreams. This is more than just a podcast. It is your weekly dose of inspiration, motivation and real talk. Welcome to the photographer's coach where we are living life to the fullest one conversation at a time.

Information