Shows
The Photographer's CouchTurning 40This week, I’m turning 40. And instead of freaking out about it (like my 20-something self thought I would), I’m sitting in a place of deep gratitude. In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m reflecting on the journey so far—20 years of marriage, three amazing boys, a business I love, and the messy, beautiful balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship.I’m talking about what it feels like to reach this milestone, why 40 feels better than I ever imagined, and how gratitude can shift the way we look at both the chaos and the calm in our...2025-07-2503 min
The Photographer's CouchLet's Go Small Business RetreatAre you stuck in the daily grind of running your business and never getting to those big things on your to-do list? In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing the heart behind our upcoming small business retreat—created for women entrepreneurs by women entrepreneurs. Whether it's updating your website, finally understanding SEO, or just having time to focus, this retreat is built to help you actually move forward.Co-hosted by my friend and fellow photographer Sara-Anne, this three-day, two-night retreat (September 7–9) is the perfect reset to work on your business, not just in it. We’l...2025-07-2411 min
The Photographer's CouchThe Most Important Lesson I’m Teaching My KidsWe teach our kids how to tie their shoes, say “please,” drive a car, and maybe even how to fish — but how often do we teach them how to love themselves?In this episode, I’m opening up about why I believe self-love is one of the most important (and overlooked) lessons we can pass on to our kids. This isn’t a one-time talk — it’s a lifelong practice. From building confidence through responsibility to helping them handle failure with compassion, I’m sharing real ways we can model and nurture self-love in our children… and ourselves.I...2025-07-1103 min
The Photographer's CouchSmall habits and changeIn today’s episode, I’m sharing how small habits—like making the bed or washing my face—have created powerful, lasting change in my life. It didn’t start with a massive transformation or rigid schedule. It started with one habit that gave me momentum… and the confidence to keep going.If you’re craving more consistency, structure, or self-trust in your life—but feel overwhelmed by where to begin—this episode is your gentle, no-pressure guide to start small.✨ In this episode, I talk about:How making the bed jumpstarted my journey toward consistencyTh...2025-07-0405 min
The Photographer's CouchBoundaries are for meBoundaries Aren’t Walls—They’re Doors: Why Saying No is an Act of Self-Respect📌 Episode Description: In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m diving into a topic that’s been showing up in my own life lately—boundaries. Not the kind that shut people out, but the kind that help you protect your energy, your peace, and your purpose.If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, afraid to disappoint people, or unsure where your needs fit into the picture, this one’s for you. I’m sharing why boundaries are not about others—th...2025-06-2704 min
The Photographer's CouchSaying no so yes is more powerfulIn today’s episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing a personal reminder I come back to often—especially during the summer and busy seasons of life and business: saying no is what gives your yes its power.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to say yes to everything—every session, every invitation, every opportunity—this episode is for you. I talk about how I’ve learned (and am still learning) to say no without guilt, and how that simple shift allows me to stay aligned with my goals, protect my energy, and show up more fully in...2025-06-2004 min
The Photographer's CouchSetting up your business for success during the summerFall is one of the busiest—and most profitable—times of the year for photographers. But the truth is, the success of your fall season starts now. In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing three practical, actionable ways you can use the slower summer months to prepare your photography business for a strong, sustainable, and less stressful fall.Whether you shoot families, seniors, or branding sessions, this episode is packed with tips to help you work smarter—not harder—when the busy season hits.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your fall of...2025-06-1306 min
The Photographer's CouchInterview with Maxden Part 2Thanks for coming back to part 2 with my interview with my son Maxden.2025-06-0906 min
The Photographer's CouchFinding Joyn this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m opening up about something I think so many of us quietly wrestle with—how to find joy in the everyday moments, especially when those moments don’t always feel meaningful in the moment.As a mom, a creative, and someone who’s constantly juggling life and business, I often catch myself struggling to connect when the activity isn’t something I personally enjoy (hello, Minecraft and endless YouTube videos 🙃). But I also know that those small, mundane moments are where deep connection and joy live—if we can learn to see...2025-06-0611 min
The Photographer's CouchLightingLighting can make or break a photo—and it’s one of the most important things I consider when planning a session. In today’s episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m diving into how I evaluate lighting at new locations, why I sometimes ask clients to send me photos of their space, and how I adapt my approach when the weather throws us a curveball.Whether you're a fellow photographer or someone planning a photo session, this episode will give you insight into how I think through lighting decisions, what types of shade work best, and why I...2025-06-0212 min
The Photographer's CouchInterview with Maxden Part 1We are starting something new. Mondays with Maxden. Maxden is my 9 year old son and I am excited to bring him on the podcast today for an interview. Check back next Monday for the 2nd part.2025-06-0204 min
The Photographer's CouchOverwhelmEver have one of those days where you finally get a break—no appointments, no errands, no chaos—and instead of feeling peaceful, you feel completely overwhelmed?That was me today. I had the time I’d been craving, and yet my mind was racing, my to-do list felt endless, and I couldn’t focus on a thing.In this episode, I’m talking about:The surprising anxiety that comes with too much unstructured timeWhy a simple brain dump was the game-changer I didn’t know I neededHow slowing down and organizing my thoughts helped me re...2025-05-2305 min
The Photographer's CouchAm I doing the things that align with the life I want?Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! In this episode, host Megan Gioeli invites you into a vulnerable and honest conversation about reflection, alignment, and personal growth.After a season of running late, running on empty, and repeating cycles that didn’t serve her, Megan shares how she started asking herself a powerful question: “Are the things I’m doing every day aligning with the life I want to live?”From fitness goals to motherhood routines and business habits, Megan gets real about what wasn’t working, what’s shifting, and how regular self-reflection has helped her bre...2025-05-1608 min
The Photographer's CouchIf no one saw this, would you still buy it?In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan Gioeli dives into a simple yet powerful question that can shift the way we live, create, and do business: “If no one saw this… would I still buy it?”Inspired by a moment of reflection while online shopping, Megan explores how this one question goes far beyond impulse buys. It’s about alignment, intentional living, and making choices that feel good — not just look good.This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, moms, and dreamers who want to make decisions rooted in authenticityinstead of external validation.🔑 Key Take...2025-05-0904 min
The Photographer's CouchValue AddedIn this episode, Megan shares a powerful conversation she had with her son about the difference between doing a task for money and doing it with intention. What started as a talk about chores turned into a reminder for all of us — especially business owners — about why adding value matters more than just checking things off a list.Key Takeaways:Why Megan paused before her son started his chore listThe deeper value in exchanging money for timeHow chasing money can lead to burnout, but adding value creates purposeA reflection on how this mindset shift transformed her phot...2025-05-0208 min
The Photographer's Couch4 Things That I Want To ChangeToday I am talking about 4 things that have been nagging at me that I want to change.1.) Putting my phone away from 7PM - 6AM2.) Check social media once a day and email only 3x a day.3.) Regularly have 1:1 time with my kids every week (intentional time with them daily)4.) Do 1 thing every day that brings me joy.2025-04-2514 min
The Photographer's CouchLater Turns To NEVERHow often are you putting things off. Acknowledging what you need to do then feeling accomplished by planning to do it later. Or justifying why it's okay to do it later. ::raising my hand:: I made a list the other day of all the things I have been saying I wanted to do, and it was eye-opening. Let's take action on ONE thing today that we are saying later about. Because those things are going to turn into never if we keep putting them off. You have this one small, amazing life, stop saying later. 2025-04-1803 min
The Photographer's CouchRed FlagsWhen I start to talk myself out of things that I need to do in my life, business, house, etc I automatically declare RED FLAGS. Listen in to my latest ah ha moments in how I can do what I say I am going to do.2025-04-1108 min
The Photographer's CouchThe Rule of 7There is a marketing term called the Rule of 7. While I was at a woman's small business retreat we talked about how it takes a client at least 7 times to see what you offer before they are provoked to buy. If a client is looking at your social media & website what will they see?2025-04-0404 min
The Photographer's CouchStop HidingIn this episode, I reflect on a conversation with a fellow small business owner about the fears that often hold us back. We discussed how we used to hide in our businesses and personal lives, putting ourselves on the back burner. The core realization? We were afraid to speak our truths and tell our stories.Your Story Matters:Regardless of whether you're a business owner with a massive following or just starting, what you say matters.Authenticity is key—being true to yourself will naturally attract the right people.Social media can be filled with inauthenticity, bu...2025-03-2813 min
The Photographer's CouchLove YourselfIn this episode of The Photographer's Couch, Megan Gioeli dives into the deeper meaning of self-love and how it has transformed her ability to make consistent, positive changes in her life. Building on last week's discussion about five small impactful changes, Megan shares how loving herself has been the key to sustaining those habits.Key Takeaways:Self-Love is the Foundation of Change: True self-care goes beyond facials and new outfits. It’s about genuinely appreciating and valuing yourself from within.Viola Davis’ Insight on Self-Love: Megan references an interview with Viola Davis, emphasizing that a strong rela...2025-03-2109 min
The Photographer's CouchSmall Business NetworkingAre you a small business? Let's do a 1:1 virtual chat - https://calendar.app.google/H3fJSLvdWvz4wUh7AIn today's episode I talk about a few was to network your small business even if you can not get out to networking events or meet people in person.2025-03-1407 min
The Photographer's Couch5 small changes that have made the biggest difference in my life5 small changes that I have made in my life that has made the biggest difference in my life.SleepMorning RoutineDrink enough waterMovementHigh Protein Food2025-03-0713 min
The Photographer's CouchYou don't have to stay stuckToday's episode I just want to encourage you that you deserve to wake up every day loving what you do. If you feel stuck in your business or in life you don't have to stay there. Don't feel bad if you love what you do but hate how you do it. There is a way out. I may not know the answer for you but I am here to walk along side of you and help you find someone who does have the answer or can help you find it. Successful people ask for help. If you don't know...2025-02-2810 min
The Photographer's CouchHard ConversationsWelcome Back!Hey there, and welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! You might be wondering—wait, isn’t this a podcast about photography? Well, yes and no. I’m a photographer, but I’m also a business owner, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. This podcast is about real, meaningful conversations—no fluff, no sugarcoating, just honest discussions.The #FreeThe2ndKey Saga: A Lesson in Speaking UpThis week, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected frustration—trying to get a second key for a car I bought in December. What started as a simple requ...2025-02-2109 min
The Photographer's CouchSmall FearsEpisode Summary: In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of fear—both the big, looming fears and the small, everyday fears that hold us back. Fear has a sneaky way of keeping us stuck, but facing it head-on can lead to incredible growth in your relationships, business, and life. I'll share personal examples, lessons from conversations with my son, and practical strategies for tackling fears, no matter how big or small they seem.Key Topics Discussed:Common fears we all experience, like fear of rejection, embarrassment, or failure.How small fears, like checking your...2025-02-1409 min
The Photographer's CouchQuick Fix, Hacks & Tricks Aren't ItIn this episode, Megan dives into a topic that affects all of us: the temptation of quick fixes and shortcuts. Whether it's organizing thousands of photos on your phone, managing daily routines, or addressing long-term challenges, Megan explores why hacks often fail to provide lasting solutions—and what we can do instead.Key TakeawaysThe Problem with Quick FixesThey don’t offer real solutions, only temporary relief.Without effort and habits, the “fix” won’t stick, leaving us back at square one.The iPhone Photo DilemmaThousands of photos on your phone? You're not alone!Organizing them may feel o...2025-02-0705 min
The Photographer's CouchGet Uncomfortable The Photographer's Couch - Episode 2: Getting UncomfortableWelcome to The Photographer’s Couch! In this episode, Megan Gioeli dives into the powerful idea of getting uncomfortable to grow in life and business. It's about stretching beyond your limits and pushing past that cozy comfort zone to achieve success and fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Uncomfortable = Growth: Megan explains how getting out of your comfort zone is essential for personal and professional growth. It’s not about being miserable, but rather challenging yourself in new ways that lead to growth, confidence, and success.Small Steps Make Big Impa...2025-01-3110 min
The Photographer's CouchAction Is The Best Method For DataThis is our first EVER episode, FIRST ever podcast. I have been wanting to start a podcast for years and kept putting it off looking for more information, more resources, to know how to do it all. However, I have learned the best way to get results is by ACTION not by gathering information. SO I hit record to tell you about my podcast and look forward to conversations with you on the couch. 2025-01-1403 min