Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast

After feeling lost and pressured to have everything figured out in the evolution of my business, I share a new approach of taking the pressure off, following my excitement, and recording raw, low-production podcast episodes with no expectations or fixed schedule. 
I also go into how using Jenna Zoe’s human design app, Align (especially its “Ask Jenna” AI feature) helped me get HUGE clarity by answering questions based on my personal chart! THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER!
I then tell a post office story about discovering a cheaper way to ship client packages after a frustrating return, illustrating the lesson that events are neutral and we can’t label them as good or bad.
Jenna Zoe's Align App
Connect with me on IG @saramonikaphoto

In this short solo episode, I share a simple mindset shift I use when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or procrastinating during busy seasons. This is a quick, grounding practice to help you finish what you’ve committed to with more presence and energy.
You’ll hear about:
• A grounding breath and embodiment practice to bring you back into the present moment
 • How I connect to the future joy and gratitude of my clients to fuel my energy now
 • Why this works through the law of reciprocity
 • Why it’s okay to use a “band-aid” mindset shift during intense seasons
 • How gratitude and focused intention can help you work more efficiently!
This episode is meant to be a quick hit of encouragement to help you get through the end of season! :)

Connect with my on Instagram here > @saramonikaphoto

In this episode, I share the two identities I didn’t realize I was still clinging to—and how releasing them has created more ease, creativity, and connection in my life.
This is a grounding, heart-led riff on:
Why we resist change (even when we crave it)
What your morning routine might be trying to tell you
Identity evolution as a creative and a mother
The sneaky programming we inherit around “success” and “womanhood”
Why the real power is in the pause
If you’ve been feeling like the version of you that once worked… no longer fits, you’re not broken. You’re evolving!!
Resources mentioned (not sponsored just sharing what I love):
- My morning green juice: THRIVE peach flavour
- Theralite SAD Lamp
- Organic Adaptogen Coffee with Ashwagandha
- Manifestation Babe Academy
- Meghan Markle’s “With Love” series on Netflix 
🌞Dm me your takeaways: @saramonikaphoto

What if you could take 300 hours of editing, culling, and admin off your plate — and fall back in love with your photography business in the process?
In this episode, I chat with OME student Anika about how she reclaimed her time, creativity, and peace of mind — after nearly giving up on weddings for good.
We dive into:
How she went from “burnt to a crisp” to booked and balanced
The exact tasks she outsourced (and what she still does herself)
Why hiring a specialized editor changed everything
What happened when she had to fire her VA mid-season
How outsourcing let her enjoy fall again, spend time with family, and actually rest
This is the final student story in the series — and it’s the perfect dose of motivation for any photographer who feels overworked right now.
🎧 Listen now and imagine what 300 hours back could look like for you.
🔗 Links & Resources:
Join Outsourcing Made Easy here 🌞
Connect with Anika on IG: @amari_studios
Check out Anika’s presets on her website

What if next wedding season didn’t feel like a blur of burnout… but instead felt like expansive time-freedom?
In this episode, I’m chatting with photographer and mom of two, Brooke Murray, about the real changes she made to reclaim 90+ hours of her life — in just one wedding season.
We talk about:
Her exact breaking point last summer — and what changed everything
how she reclaimed 90+ hours, booked more weddings than ever, and delivered galleries faster without burning out.
What it actually looks like to outsource editing (without losing control)
How much it costs
How she shifted from “just keeping up” to actually thriving
The surprising freedom and clarity that came from getting support
Whether you're feeling stuck in the editing hamster wheel or just craving more space in your schedule, Brooke’s story is full of hope and actionable takeaways.
🎧 Listen now and imagine what's possible for your next season.
🌞 Join OME and start reclaiming your time → 

Connect with Brooke @brookemurrayphotography