Emotionally Booked Out

What if burnout isn’t about doing too much, but about being in the wrong rooms?In this episode of Emotionally Booked Out, I’m sitting down with Jordan Vaz, founder of The Friendship Mixer, to talk about what real community actually looks like and why so many “community over competition” spaces feel off.We get into the difference between networking and genuine connection, how to recognize when a room isn’t meant for you, and why self-awareness is the foundation of building relationships that actually support you.We also talk about creating your own spaces, even if it’s small, messy, or just two people at a coffee shop. Because community doesn’t have to be performative to be powerful.If you’ve ever felt drained by industry spaces, struggled to find your people, or questioned if community is even worth it, this conversation will shift the way you see it.This episode is your reminder that the right rooms won’t make you question your worth. They’ll feel like a deep exhale.

Flexibility, inclusivity, and saying yes to real, aligned people is how you grow a business that actually works. In this episode, Kylee B. Photography joins us to talk about breaking the wedding industry rulebook. From working with all types of couples to navigating budgets and family dynamics, Kylee shares how being flexible and inclusive can set your business apart. This is a modern, non-traditional take on being inclusive and breaking into the non-traditional market without compromising yourself.If you are a wedding vendor or creative looking to ditch rigid rules and create a business that truly serves real people, this episode is for you.Find Kylee here:Instagram: @kylee_b_photographyWebsite: http://kyleebphotography.com

When I started this podcast, it wasn’t about numbers. It wasn’t about growth hacks. It wasn’t about going viral. It was about creating a space that wasn’t dictated by an algorithm, a space where the right people could just sit with me and think deeper about business, burnout, and what actually matters.And lately? What’s been on my mind is vanity metrics.Followers. Likes. Views. Engagement.The instant serotonin hit of something “doing well.”But here’s the truth:Low engagement. High revenue. That’s the goal.In this episode I’m pulling back the curtain on:Why I stopped tracking my follower countThe reality of going viral (and not booking from it)Losing 3,000 followers while booking out 2026The week I logged in and had $10,000 booked without touching InstagramExactly how I spend my work week (spoiler: only 10% is social media)The private numbers that actually matterVanity numbers are public.Real money metrics are private.If Instagram shut down tomorrow, would your business survive?If this episode hits, send it to a friend who needs to stop measuring their worth in likes.Friends don’t let friends burn out over numbers that don’t pay their bills.

I wasn’t burnt out because I was working too much, I was burnt out because I was ignoring myself.In this episode of Emotionally Booked Out, I’m walking through the changes I’m making in my business this year to protect my energy, my creativity, and my nervous system.We’re talking about:– Why rest is not a reward, it’s a requirementHow overbooking has a terrible ROISetting calendar boundaries that actually workRaising prices ethically (and why it filters better clients)Treating your business like it exists to support your life - not consume itThis episode isn’t about hustling harder or fixing yourself.It’s about stopping the habit of abandoning yourself for your art.If you’re a creative or wedding industry professional feeling stretched thin, this episode is your reminder that sustainability is the goal.

What if the pressure to “pick a niche” is actually the thing burning creatives out?In this episode, McKenzie sits down with Leslie Kinross Wright — photographer with Sunshine and Savasana, hair & makeup artist, studio owner of Soleil House Denver, stylist, and mom — to talk about failure, fear, rebuilding, and why doing things scared is often a sign you’re doing something right.This conversation dives into:Starting over without letting failure define youWhy most people aren’t paying as much attention to you as you thinkThe hidden cost of people-pleasing and unpaid collaborationBurnout, boundaries, and protecting your creative energyHow to tell when an opportunity aligns — and when it’s just draining youIf you’ve ever felt boxed in by the idea of a niche, overwhelmed by self-promotion, or unsure whether you’re allowed to want more than one creative lane, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.You can find Leslie at:Instagram: @sunshineandsavasana @soleilhousedenverWebsite: https://sunshineandsavasana.com/🎧 Follow the show, rate the episode, and share it with a creative who needs this reminder.

Learning feels productive.Action feels scary.If you’ve been buying courses, hiring mentors, saving Instagram tips, and still feeling behind - this episode is for you.In this solo episode of Emotionally Booked Out, I’m talking about why education isn’t actually the problem in your business - avoidance is. We’re unpacking the course-to-consumption pipeline, decision paralysis, fragmented confidence, and why over-learning can quietly become a coping mechanism instead of a growth tool.I share stories from my own hustle-era mistakes, what I’m seeing come up again and again inside mentorships, and why integration (not more information) is the thing that actually moves your business forward.This episode is a loving kick in the pants for anyone who:Keeps buying courses hoping this one will fix itFeels overstimulated by conflicting adviceIs learning a lot but changing nothingKnows what to do… but hasn’t done it yetYou’re not behind. You’re just over-consuming.And your business deserves better than that.

This is our first episode of the year and our first guest episode - and we’re not easing into anything.In this conversation, I’m joined by wedding and elopement photographer Gavin Stebbins, and we’re calling out the bare minimum when it comes to inclusivity in the wedding industry. Posting one queer couple during Pride Month and calling yourself an ally? Yeah… not cutting it anymore.We talk about:Performative allyship vs. real supportWhy inclusivity has more to do with action than aestheticsRed flags queer couples notice immediatelyLanguage, websites, and marketing that actually create safetyHow allies can do better without being perfectWhy effort is the highest form of allyshipThis episode is honest, spicy, and deeply necessary — especially for wedding vendors, creatives, and anyone who claims to “lead with love” but hasn’t done the work yet.If you’re ready to move past checkbox inclusivity and start showing up in a real way, this one’s for you.Follow Gavin on Instagram: @gavin_takesphotosFollow Gavin on TikTok: @gavin_takesphotos

In the final episode of 2025, McKenzie reflects on the hardest year of her life - what broke her open, what held her steady, and what she’s consciously leaving behind.This episode is an honest, unfiltered conversation about boundaries as self-respect, detaching self-worth from validation and metrics, and why rest is not a reward - it’s a strategy. McKenzie dives into what she’s done over-explaining, over-performing for social media, and clinging to inquiries as proof she’s “good enough.”She also shares what she’s carrying forward into 2026: deeper trust in herself, creating from honesty instead of trends, fighting harder for her clients’ stories, and building a business (and life) that allows for rest, clarity, and sustainability.If you’re heading into a new year feeling exhausted, reflective, or ready to let some shit go - this episode is for you.✨ Season Two begins in January with guest conversations focused on connection, humanity, and real life beyond the algorithm.

The end of the year is weird. It’s heavy. It’s emotional. And for a lot of us—especially entrepreneurs—it’s layered with pressure, grief, expectations, and this unspoken belief that we have to keep it all together.In the final episode of Emotionally Booked Out for 2025, I’m getting really honest about what this season brings up for me: complicated family dynamics, grief that never fully fades, seasonal depression, and the strange tension of being both the “black sheep” and the “success story.”This isn’t an episode about strategy, marketing, or scaling.It’s about being human—fully, messily, beautifully human—while also running a business, showing up for clients, and trying to hold the pieces together when your inner world doesn’t match your outer success.If the holidays feel hard… if boundaries feel exhausting… if grief gets louder this time of year… if you’re tired of being the “strong one”… this episode is for you.You don’t have to hold it all together.And you don’t have to do it alone.EDIT: I refer to where I found my therapist and I mispoke. The Platform name is OPEN PATH! Not OpenSpace

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the moment everything changed - the move from Illinois to Colorado, the chaos of COVID, and the unexpected way elopements ended up shaping my entire business.I’m sharing the real behind-the-scenes: the fear, the excitement, the “holy sh*t what am I doing” moments, and the community who held me up when I was rebuilding everything from scratch. From undercharging just to get in the room to learning how to set boundaries with people who weren’t growing with me, this is the episode about becoming who you’re meant to be.If you’ve been craving a reminder that entrepreneurship is not linear, or that your support system deeply affects your success, consider this your sign. You’re allowed to grow. You’re allowed to change. And your environment matters more than you think.

In this episode, McKenzie Bigliazzi opens up about the deeply personal journey that shaped her life as an artist, educator, and wedding photographer. From the early influences that sparked her creativity to the unexpected shift into wedding photography, McKenzie reflects on the moments, relationships, and life-altering experiences that pushed her toward personal growth and a career built on storytelling.She shares candid insights into navigating mental health, embracing vulnerability, and finding the courage to pivot when life offers a “stop or go” moment. Through heartbreaks, big moves, supportive people, and the quiet confidence of finding love, McKenzie explores how each chapter led her to Colorado and the creation of her photography business.This episode is a reminder that art is shaped by the lives we live and that personal stories, both our own and others', are powerful guides in becoming who we're meant to be.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to the Podcast Journey02:21 — Influences and Inspirations in Art05:48 — The Importance of Personal Stories07:27 — Early Artistic Interests and Education10:44 — Transitioning to a Career in Art15:23 — Navigating Challenges in the Wedding Industry20:31 — Life-Altering Experiences and Growth23:23 — Finding Love and Support30:10 — Teaching and Moving to Colorado31:08 — Reflections and Key Takeaways

Every photographer faces that split-second question: do I direct this moment or let it breathe?In this episode, we are getting real about one of the quietest but hardest parts of being a professional photographer - knowing when to step in to create intentional, artful work… and when to step back and let life unfold naturally.Through personal stories, on-the-job reflections, and honest conversation, she breaks down:✨ The difference between guiding and controlling✨ How to read a room with emotional intelligence✨ Why your editing crisis might actually be a composition crisis✨ The subtle difference between hobbyists and professionalsIf you’ve ever stared at a gallery wondering what you could’ve done better - this one’s for you.🎙️ Tune in for a grounded, coffee-chat-style reminder that professionalism isn’t about perfection… it’s about presence.

Let’s be real.. the client experience doesn’t start when someone signs the contract. It starts way before that.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I run my business behind the scenes, ya know, the things I do before people even inquire, how I guide them through every step of the process, and how that all leads to those 5-star reviews that allow me to book more dream clients.From my pre-inquiry strategy (yes, I’m already building trust before they ever reach out), to the systems I use to stay organized, to how I keep the energy high and the experience human from start to finish, this episode is the full BTS.If you’ve ever wanted to know how to turn your business into something clients rave about because it feels effortless, thoughtful, and a little loud in all the right ways… this one’s for you.

September hit hard: back-to-back weddings, endless editing queues, client emails stacked sky high. And yet, the industry flex is still “booked + busy” while everyone is quietly drowning. In this episode, I’m calling BS on hustle culture and the burnout badge of honor.Similar to what we talked about last week, We’ll talk about why “busy = successful” is a myth, why clients don’t care how many all-nighters you’re pulling, and how boundaries are actually the ultimate power move. I’ll share tangible fixes for editing, booking, and marketing without flexing burnout - plus why “booked and balanced” is the real flex.Burnout isn’t a vibe, it’s a business risk. Let’s hang up the hustle and start creating from a place of sustainability.

The past few weeks have been heavy, chaotic, and honestly overwhelming AF. If you’re an entrepreneur trying to keep your business moving while the world feels like it’s on fire, this episode is for you. In 20 minutes, we get real about staying grounded amidst the chaos, protecting your energy, and showing up with clarity instead of panic. I’ll share three simple, no-fluff mindfulness practices you can start today — because you deserve to breathe, reset, and actually thrive, even when everything feels out of control.Let's reset together

In this episode of the podcast, McKenzie Bigliazzi dives into the evolving world of wedding photography and the creative industry at large. From the powerful influence of Pinterest to the rising values of Gen Z couples, McKenzie explores how trends shape - and sometimes limit - photographers’ artistic vision.She shares her own experiences navigating the pressures of social media marketing, the importance of authenticity, and why studying art and photography outside of the algorithm is key to building a sustainable, standout brand. You’ll hear practical strategies for using Pinterest as a tool rather than a crutch, tips for creating intentional mood boards, and insights on why branding and creativity go hand in hand.Whether you’re a wedding photographer, creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about how Gen Z is reshaping the wedding industry, this episode will leave you inspired to reclaim your artistry and market yourself in a way that feels real.Keywords: podcast, branding, Pinterest, wedding photography, Gen Z, creativity, authenticity, marketing, art, photography

Feeling like your dream clients vanished the second you raised your rates or got clear on your brand? You’re not imagining it. In this 20-minute episode, we break down why your ideal clients might not be finding—or booking—you, and what to tweak without selling your soul.We cover:Why your portfolio and voice might not actually speak to your dream clientsHow to spot patterns in the clients you really want, not just a Pinterest aestheticPricing alignment that communicates expertise without intimidationWhy specificity beats generality, alwaysTaking up space and leading instead of waiting to be discoveredThe mindset check-in you can’t skip if you want confident clientsYour dream clients aren’t missing, they’re just not hearing you clearly enough yet. Tune in and learn how to make sure they do.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening behind the lens right now.In this episode, I’m pulling from real conversations with photographers, online forums, and industry trends to unpack the quiet (and not-so-quiet) burnout many of us are feeling. From oversaturation and being treated like a line item, to the pressure to go viral or compete with content creators, it’s a lot. And if you’ve been wondering, “Is it just me?” the answer is: nope.Whether you're booked and burnt out, or just craving a little more clarity and creative space, this one’s for you.✨ Topics include:Why the market feels so crowded (and how to stand out without selling out)Budget inquiries vs. aligned clientsThe emotional labor no one talks aboutThe content creator takeover (and how to hold your lane)A gentle reminder: boundaries are not bad for businessPlus, I’ll share what’s helped me reconnect with my why—and why it’s okay to evolve your business, your pricing, and your entire approach.🧡 Mentioned:Evolve Your Wedding Business – Book More Weddings Summit Get your Free Ticket HereMy mentorship offerings + newsletter (link in bio!)📢 If this resonates, share it with a friend, leave a voice message, or DM me—I’d love to hear what’s landing for you.Let’s rebuild a wedding photography business that actually feels good to run. You deserve that.

Let’s cut the fluff: this episode is a behind-the-scenes reality check from someone who's done pretending everything’s fine.From burnout I saw coming (and ignored anyway) to undercharging, red-flag clients, messy backend systems, and the pressure to be perfect online. I’m sharing the real, unfiltered lessons that built up until I had to deal with them.This isn’t about shame. It’s about clarity. Boundaries. Choosing yourself and your business over people-pleasing and chaos.Inside:The burnout that finally made me pauseThe client decisions I regret (and how I’m doing it differently)Systems I avoided that would’ve saved meWhy showing up online messy hits harder than fake polishHow saying yes too much was costing me everythingThe moment I stopped DIY-ing and asked for helpIf you’ve been white-knuckling your way through “just one more busy season” - this one’s for you.✨ DM me the thing you’ve been ignoring, or if you’re ready to stop doing it alone… mentorships are open. You don’t have to fix everything overnight — but you do get to start.

Have you been doomscrolling, spiraling, and still somehow trying to run a business like everything’s fine...... I knew it lolThis episode is your spicy little permission slip to grieve, rage, rest and still get sh*t done. We’re talking:Why your work still slaps (yes, even now)How to show up without selling your soulCreating as an act of resistanceBuilding a business with the world, not in denial of itAnd how to stop crying in your bathtub long enough to schedule that damn ReelNo fluff. No fake hustle. Just a pep talk with a side of spite and the reminder that soft, creative weirdos like you? You’re what the world needs right now.✨ DM me your favorite petty ritual, rage playlist, or apocalyptic comfort meme — and if you want support from someone who gets it, mentorships are open.