Play It Brave Podcast

If you’ve ever paused on your next chapter because you think you need to be “more ready” or “more perfect,” this one’s for you. My dear friend, multi-hyphenate creative and mentor Jessica Eileen Drogosz joins me to dismantle the myth that leaders must have it all together before they lead. From building associate teams and separating brands to launching a heart-led coaching offer, Jessica shares the real (and often mes...

I almost never say yes to cold pitches. But one late night, I opened an email from Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting—and instead of deleting it, I hit reply. It was researched, personal, and actually useful. That same energy comes through in this conversation, where Meghan shares how she’s helped creatives land features in The New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart, People, and more.

This episode will shift how...

Have you ever built something that looked incredible from the outside…but didn’t actually feel good to live in? I’ve been there, and so have today’s guests, Brad & Jen.

Brad & Jen are a husband-and-wife photography duo with over a decade of experience behind the camera and in business. When I first came across their words on Instagram, I was struck by how different their perspective was from the usual “gro...

On today’s episode of Play It Brave, I’m joined by my dear friend, the incredible creative and leader, Carrie Moe.

Carrie is someone I deeply admire—not only because of her talent (she’s styled for brands like Ritz-Carlton, Fujifilm, and Berta Bridal, and been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and Brides), but because of the way she approaches her work with confidence, creativity, and so much ...

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Marion Roach Smith—author, memoir coach, and one of the most no-nonsense, truth-telling voices in the writing world.

We talked all about memoir writing—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for making sense of your life and sharing your story with the world. Marion shares how her background in ...

Today on the Play It Brave podcast, I’m joined by the ever-inspiring Natasha Sewell—a photographer, educator, and expert in creating heartfelt client experiences. Natasha started her photography business at 41, and if you’ve ever thought you were “too late” to pivot or start something new, you need to hear this story.

We talk about making bold moves at any age—whether you’re transitioning from studio to li...

This week, the brilliant Dr. Chelsea Shields and I continue the conversation about something that’s at the heart of every powerful brand and every transformational leader: authenticity.

We go deep into what it means to show up fully as yourself in your brand, your business, and your life. From emotional intelligence to the way you use your voice and body to commu...

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 und...

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.

Wit...

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 ex...

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...

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 s...

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 sha...

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 hel...

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 recon...

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 reac...

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...

What if your work was so distinct that people could recognize it instantly—without even seeing your name attached to it? That’s the power of a signature style. In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into what it really means to develop an artistic voice that sets you apart in the photography industry.

If you’ve ever felt like your work blends in or that you’re creating for others instead of yourself, this epi...

In this episode of Play It Brave, I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Shields, an expert in luxury branding and strategy for billion-dollar businesses. We dive deep into how prestige brands set themselves apart in the market and explore the essential elements that make a brand luxurious. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode will show you how to apply luxury branding principles to your ...