DANGEROUSLY GOOD STORIES

80 Episodes

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Tell Your Stories and You’ll Start to Notice More of Them with Caryn Dodson

2021-10-0434:54

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded during a brief return to the podcast under its new name, Dangerously Good Stories, after a long hiatus. It’s one of only two episodes I released before everything fell apart: trauma, burnout, and a full stop. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Caryn’s unfiltered voice note captures the exact kind of wake-up story work can offer. Honest. Restorative. Rooted in aliveness. ... This isn’t an interview. It’s a real Voxer message from Caryn Dodson — listener, photographer, and former guest — recorded less than 24 hours after my last episode aired. She didn’t know I’d ask to share it. She wasn’t trying to sound polished or persuasive. She was just being real. And that’s exactly why it matters. Caryn’s words echo what so many of us feel behind the scenes: the burnout, the marketing fatigue, the aching to make something that means something. Her message is a love letter to story, tradition, soul work, and the courage to show up with your whole self. If you’ve lost your way, if you’re tired of performative content, or if you need permission to start again, this episode is for you. Topics touched on: The emotional power of storytelling and real documentation Why marketing often pushes us away from what matters Keeping family traditions alive through creative boundaries Photography burnout, pricing struggles, and losing creative joy What it means to chase feeling, not just a deliverable Using old photos as creative prompts and story sparks A call to slow down and reconnect through your own archives How to use one photo to rediscover overlooked stories Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Let’s Begin Again, Storyteller (j/k — life pivoted so hard after this ep)

2021-09-3044:41

⚠️ 2025 Note: This 2021 episode was recorded during a brief return to the podcast under the new name, Dangerously Good Stories, after a long break from podcasting. But, this wasn’t just a “welcome back” episode. It was the prelude to collapse — unknowingly recorded from the edge. That contrast between hopeful rebuilding and the unseen unraveling gives me chills today. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it captures the heart of why I changed direction, what story work means to me, and the permission I hope it offers others — not to live louder, but to live more awake. ... This episode lays the groundwork for everything Dangerously Good Stories stands for. I introduce the shift from Intentional Documentary®, explain what makes a story dangerously good, and invite you into the kind of story work that reconnects you with what matters most — both in your life and your creative path. Topics Included: Why I retired the name Intentional Documentary® What makes a story “dangerously good” An introduction to the DGS Story Work Practice The shift from photo education to personal meaning-making Submitting listener stories and voice notes to the show A reflection prompt to help you begin again with intention Access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Keep the Fire Going: Life, Loss, and Legacy with Caryn Dodson

2020-02-0401:04:27

⚠️ This is an episode that reflects an earlier season of my work. I’ve kept it in the archive because it reflects a tender moment in time — one shaped by motherhood, meaning-making, and honoring what matters through everyday documentation. ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes mention of postpartum depression and stillbirth. Please listen with care, or skip this one, if you're in a tender season. ... What began as a conversation about shifting from portrait sessions to documentary photography quickly unfolded into something deeper: how grief, postpartum depression, and radical life change led Caryn Dodson to create her family’s memory-keeping platform, Firekeepers Memories. We explore how photography became a lifeline through dark seasons, why she chose to homeschool and sell most of her belongings, and what she hopes clients feel decades after their sessions. Topics Included: Navigating client education and transitioning to full documentary work The quiet strategy Caryn used to introduce documentary sessions in her community How postpartum depression transformed her perspective on what matters Honoring family through documentation after stillbirth and loss The family story behind Firekeepers Memories and how it works Why she shoots every session like it might be the last Homeschooling, entrepreneurship, and life on the road A powerful phone-free challenge to help you notice more in your everyday life Connect with Caryn + access the archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

The Power of Your Future Self, Hypnosis, and Identity Shifts with Aubrey Vejvoda

2020-01-2101:38:46

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Aubrey’s story speaks to identity shifts, emotional honesty, and the courage to follow an inner knowing. ... After navigating postpartum depression and feeling out of sync in stay-at-home motherhood, Aubrey Vejvoda started listening to the quiet signs pulling her in a new direction. In this conversation, she shares why she left photography, how hypnosis helped her reconnect with herself, and what it means to move forward by tuning inward. ⚠️ Content note: This episode ends with a short guided hypnosis for relaxation. If you’re driving or multitasking, come back when you’re able to sit still and fully listen. Topics Covered The emotional weight of not loving stay-at-home motherhood Identity shifts that surfaced after postpartum depression Leaving photography after recognizing red flags The difference between hypnosis and meditation How Aubrey works with the “future self” through hypnosis Using subconscious tools to reconnect with your own voice A short, guided relaxation hypnosis to close the episode Where Aubrey Is Now: Since this episode aired, Aubrey (they/them) has shifted into the world of expressive arts and advocacy. They’re currently studying to become a licensed art therapist, with a focus on trauma-informed care, youth empowerment, and social justice through creativity. Connect with Katie and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Nature, Loss, and Learning to Listen Again with Jessica Hachey

2020-01-1401:23:17

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because Jessica’s reflections on grief, nature, and the seasons of documenting still resonate deeply. ... When Jessica Hachey’s daughter started school full-time, it stirred something unexpected: stillness, questions, and a new ache to reconnect with herself. In this episode, Jessica shares what it felt like to sit in that space — between loss, routine, and the pull of something more alive. We talk about what shifted in her documenting after walking through grief, and how time in the wild continues to restore her. This is a quiet, tender story about remembering what really matters and letting your lens follow your life from the inside out. Topics Covered The emotional impact of early motherhood transitions Relearning herself after her daughter started school Backcountry solo trips and nature as restoration Walking through loss and how grief reshaped her photography Letting go of expectations and trusting what to document The difference between photographing to preserve vs. prove Honoring slow seasons, silence, and internal shifts Access resources mentioned in this episode here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive Where Jessica Is Now: Since this episode aired, Jessica has transitioned from family documentary photography into nature and conservation storytelling. Today, she blends her love of the outdoors with her visual craft, using photography to advocate for wild spaces, inspire curiosity, and deepen our connection to the natural world. You can find her hiking the Bruce Trail, paddling quiet waters, and volunteering with conservation groups across Ontario.

The Client Experience and Mom Guilt: Building a Business with Life in Mind with Alicia Bauer

2020-01-0701:02:51

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it explores how our work, systems, and parenting stories are often more intertwined than we realize. ... Designer and branding expert Alicia Bauer joins me for a two-part conversation. The first half offers tangible ideas for elevating your client experience in a way that reflects your actual values and personality. The second half dives into Alicia’s honest reflections on mom guilt, creative work in small pockets of time, and what it looks like to navigate weekends, identity, and business with little ones underfoot. Topics covered: What “client experience” really means and why it matters Five specific actions you can take to improve your client experience now Branding as a reflection of your actual self (not a version you're performing) Canned email responses, client touchpoints, and welcome packets The impact of personalization (e.g., texts, notes, branded thank-you’s) Letting your personality shape your systems, not the other way around Alicia’s transition from full-time business to small time blocks as a mom How overworking led to guilt during weekends and vice versa Reframing productivity with intention and permission Why you don’t have to enjoy every moment of parenting to be present Creative structure for ND-friendly time management and energy rhythms The beauty of documenting even the “hard” moments (e.g., crying kid photo) Connect with Katie + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Document People Around You, Not Just the Kids from Ashley Manley

2019-12-3107:13

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it’s a timeless reminder to notice and preserve the stories of our adult relationships, from friendships to cousins to the neighborhood coffee barista. ... This short episode features photographer Ashley Manley’s personal story about realizing her dearest friendships were missing from her photo albums. It’s a call to notice the people who see you in your real, grown-up life — the friends who get your bad jokes and love you anyway. A beautiful reminder that it’s not just our kids who deserve to be remembered. Topics: The invisibility of adult friendships in our personal archives Why documenting grown-up relationships matters A challenge to photograph the people who know you now How one night in Chicago sparked a shift in perspective Using story work to deepen connection with chosen family Connect with Ashley + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

This Year, Cultivate Meaning (Not Just Milestones)

2019-12-2441:26

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it offers an accessible entry point into story work, especially for meaning-makers craving more than goal-setting alone. ... This guided reflection invites you to move beyond traditional goal-setting and reconnect with your life through story. Originally created as a 2020 planning episode, the practice is timeless: you'll reflect on past experiences, map anticipated stories, and explore what deserves to be healed, revisited, or deeply felt. Think of it as a values-rooted story ritual for your personal new year, reflective season, or any time you feel stuck in survival mode. Topics Covered Why traditional goal-setting often bypasses personal meaning Five reflective story work steps for life planning Prompts to surface stories from past years and childhood The power of honoring unresolved or painful memories Using stories to deepen connection in relationships A surprising example of how old memories inspired a cross-country move The impact of love letters and story-fueled gestures Why your “tiny story list” is more grounding than your to-do list Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

On Separation, Showing Up, and Making Art Anyway with Michelle McKay

2019-12-1701:03:49

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because Michelle’s reflections on creativity, parenting, and artistic evolution are still deeply grounding, especially if you’re navigating life transitions or letting go of creative rules. ... Michelle McKay returns for a conversation about navigating separation, motherhood, and the quiet shifts that shaped her creative work. We talk about letting go of perfection, showing up through uncertainty, and finding new rhythms in both life and art. Topics covered: Navigating separation, single parenting, and business simultaneously Evolving her artist identity: “photographer” to “photographic artist” Letting go of perfectionism in editing and memory-keeping The impact of in-person vs. online client reveals Finding local “social influencers” to grow a photography business Real talk on mom guilt, presence, and permission to seek Creating and launching Beautiful Ordinary Lightroom Presets Michelle’s iconic photo and what it revealed about noticing joy Where Michelle Is Now: Michelle McKay is a poetic photographic artist, writer, and educator based in Geelong, Australia. She continues to create honest, artful family portraits and now leads We Are Memory Catchers — an international community and educational space for photographers drawn to real-life storytelling. Her work centers the beauty in the everyday and the stories worth preserving before they slip away. Connect with Michelle and access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Get Off Survival Mode: Use Your Stories to Live Awake in 2020

2019-12-1201:11:22

⚠️ This episode was originally recorded as a 2020 webinar during the Intentional Documentary® era. I kept it in the public archive because of its practical guidance for moving from chronic overwhelm to intentional awareness without sacrificing your ambition. It introduces the DGS 5-Part Story Work Practice through the lens of “survival mode” living. ... What if you didn’t need to run off to Bali, delete all your apps, or read another self-help book to feel like yourself again? What if your stories could help you get out of your own head and into a life that actually feels like yours again? This episode offers a gentle five-part practice to help you get out of survival mode and start feeling more present, awake, and like you. It’s not about productivity. It’s about using your own stories — the ones you've already lived / are living — to feel grounded in your life again. Originally recorded as a live workshop, this session introduces the story-based practice that became the foundation of Dangerously Good Stories. Topics: What survival mode actually feels like and why it’s so common How “tiny stories” can help you pause, realign, and reset The 5-Part Story Work Practice: Observation, Preservation, Expression, Connection, Cultivation Why journaling, documenting, and reflection aren’t just about memory-keeping Tangible examples of how story work creates emotional traction and clarity The faulty promises of most self-help fixes—and how story-based self-awareness is different How to reduce mental noise while honoring your ambition Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Video Journaling as a Practice of Witnessing Yourself with Jason McGarva

2019-12-1001:30:11

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it explores documenting as a form of presence, self-reflection, and truth-telling. Jason’s approach to video journaling goes far beyond memory-keeping. It’s a practice of witnessing yourself with honesty and care. ... What if documenting wasn’t about remembering the past, but about witnessing yourself right now? Jason McGarva didn’t set out to turn the camera on himself, but once he did, something shifted. What began as an experiment in video journaling became a grounding way to reflect, feel, and see himself more clearly. In this conversation, Jason shares what it’s like to see yourself on screen without performing, and how video can become a mirror for noticing what you're really carrying. This episode is for anyone curious about how documenting can support reflection, truth-telling, or reconnecting with the self beneath the noise. Topics: What video journaling is, and how it differs from content creation Why Jason started filming himself, and what shifted over time How watching old footage can reveal what you didn’t notice in the moment The tension between performance and presence on camera Using video to access vulnerability, reflection, and emotional truth Why documenting is less about memory, and more about being seen How video journaling can support life transitions and internal shifts The power of self-witnessing as a story practice Connect with Jason + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Sharing Your Story as Service with April Adams Pertuis of LIGHTBeamers

2019-12-0358:03

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. It remains in the archive because it speaks to the power of story as service and self-expression, especially for heart-led professionals and business owners navigating identity, messaging, and visibility. ... What if telling your story wasn’t just about visibility, but about service, clarity, and deeper connection? April Pertuis of Light Beamers joins Marie to explore story as a transformational tool for creatives, coaches, and small business owners. With over 25 years in journalism and storytelling, April shares a simple framework for identifying and expressing your stories — even if you think you don’t have one. Topics covered: Why every story matters, not just the “big trauma” ones A practical framework for identifying the story arc What to do when you have multiple stories How to weave personal stories into your business content without feeling redundant The importance of documenting and reflecting (journaling, voice notes, etc.) Light Beamers Community and “Wednesday Live” story-sharing practice The connection between story, freedom, and visibility Where is she today? April Adams Pertuis is still lighting the way. As the founder and CEO of LIGHTbeamers, she helps women turn their personal stories into powerful tools for visibility, connection, and service, whether through speaking, podcasting, or becoming published authors. Her work centers on the belief that everybody has a story, and that story is a beacon. She also hosts The Inside Story podcast, where she spotlights entrepreneurs and changemakers who have walked through fire and come out brighter, all to inspire listeners to share their own stories with purpose. Connect with April + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

When the Holidays Feel Different: A Reflection on Change and Story

2019-11-2610:12

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it gently explores how holidays shape our memories, highlight what we’ve lost, and offer new chances for meaning and connection. ... Holidays have a way of bringing up everything — joy, nostalgia, grief, awkwardness, change. In this short story, I reflect on how Thanksgiving shifted in my family over the years, and I invite you to do the same with your own traditions, memories, and missed connections. It’s a gentle reminder to notice what’s changed, what remains, and what stories are quietly unfolding in the background. Topics: How family holidays evolve across generations Memory, grief, and the quiet absence of loved ones The emotional terrain of new traditions Using reflection to notice stories in transition Journal-style prompts for your own holiday story audit Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Redefining Meaning and Documentary with Courtney Holmes

2019-11-0501:14:11

⚠️ Note: This episode was recorded during the Intentional Documentary® era. It remains in the public archive because it explores story work through the lens of identity, community, and creative purpose, conversations still deeply relevant today. ... This episode is a candid, heartfelt conversation between two storytellers who once worried about being “documentary enough.” Together, Courtney Holmes and I explore how we’ve redefined success, meaning, and creative freedom in our work. If you’ve ever questioned where you fit in the creative world or felt torn between industry labels and what truly matters to you, this one’s for you. Topics covered: The pressure to fit documentary photography into a narrow definition How Courtney Holmes found her version of meaningful work Letting go of imposter feelings and peer comparison The role of intuition in creative decision-making Why honoring your own values leads to more sustainable work A shared story of burnout, clarity, and returning to purpose The real definition of “enough” when it comes to storytelling Where is Courtney now? Courtney is the founder and lead educator of FilmingLife® Academy, where she teaches photographers around the world how to bring heart and storytelling into their filmmaking. Alongside her teaching, she continues to create nostalgic, love-soaked films and photos for families, specializing in the quiet, in-between moments that often mean the most. Connect with Courtney + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

7 Fears & Opinions I'm Afraid to Share

2019-10-2318:25

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I kept it in the archive because it names the tangled, unspoken thoughts that often surface before story work begins, when we’re still sorting through the noise, not yet making meaning. ... This episode is less polished insight, more a naming of what was tangled and unspoken at the time. I share seven things I was afraid to say out loud: fears, opinions, and unresolved thoughts that I hadn’t yet worked through. Sometimes, before story work can begin, we need to pause and simply notice what we’re carrying. If you’re sitting in that space too, I hope this offers a sense of recognition and relief. Topics Covered A critique of how vulnerability is often used as a branding tool Fear of failure and comparison to past success A raw admission about religion, death, and the fear of “getting it wrong” Feelings of guilt and disconnection in motherhood Navigating time scarcity, partnership stress, and life logistics Owning discomfort around pet ownership and public judgment A tension between women’s empowerment spaces and the inclusion of men Why expressing fear and confusion can still be part of meaningful connection Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Monkey Up: A Memory That Almost Slipped Away

2019-10-2209:28

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the public archive because it embodies the heart of story work: memory, presence, and the emotional texture of everyday life. ... This short story is about a fleeting routine, a toddler’s trust, and the photograph that helped me remember it all. What began as a daily lift down the stairs turned into a tender ritual we called “Monkey Up.” This is what it means to document from memory, not just to remember. Topics: A quiet daily ritual between mother and child Documenting from memory vs. documenting to remember Why some photos hold more than what meets the eye Trust, presence, and parenting in early childhood A reflection challenge to notice the stories still unfolding in your life Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

Journaling for Clarity, Healing, and Memory with Jayne Swallow

2019-10-1542:22

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it explores journaling as a tool for healing, clarity, and memory, particularly interesting for those reimagining how and why they document their lives. ... When Jayne Swallow became a mother, she realized how quickly memories faded and how powerful journaling could be in holding onto them. What began as a personal design project turned into Promptly Journals, a brand that helps people document their lives through beautiful, practical tools, both in print and in app form. In this episode, Jayne shares how journaling has supported her through memory-keeping, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. We talk about writing as a form of healing, how to make journaling doable in busy seasons, and why perfectionism often gets in the way of meaningful documentation. Topics covered: Why journaling matters, even if you’re not “a writer” Jayne’s evolution from graphic designer to journal-maker How journaling shifted from memory-keeping to emotional processing The difference between prompted and unstructured journaling How the Promptly app helps families record and print their stories New journal formats for grief, miscarriage, and mental health Letting go of the guilt when starting “late” Tips for weaving journaling into real-life rhythms Why writing doesn’t need to be beautiful to be meaningful Connect with Jayne + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

Here’s How I Write My Way Back to Myself: 11 Journaling Approaches

2019-10-0841:16

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it in the archive because it explores writing as a form of noticing, self-awareness, and story work, especially for those craving clarity, calm, or deeper connection. ... Writing has always helped me clear the fog and feel lighter. In this episode, I share 11 different ways I’ve used journaling over the years—from diary-style reflections to emotional letters, prompts, and story work exercises. Some are quick. Some go deep. All of them are invitations to meet yourself on the page. Topics: Why writing can be a tool for clarity, presence, and emotional release 11 distinct journaling approaches, including morning pages, emotional letters, and buddy journals How writing helps uncover beliefs, patterns, and personal truths Using your stories as creative prompts or healing practices Access all active archived episode resources here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-podcast-archive

The Exotic Everyday: On Seeing, Legacy, and Loving the Life You Have with Chloe Lodge

2019-10-0101:02:46

⚠️ Note: This episode is from the Intentional Documentary® era, but it remains a gentle, grounding reflection on creativity, motherhood, and the beauty of slowing down. I’ve kept it in the public archive for its resonance with story work, place, and legacy. ... What makes life feel exotic? Photographer and author Chloe Lodge invites us to look again at our ordinary. In this thoughtful conversation, she reflects on home, belonging, and how her creative vision evolved through motherhood, travel, and letting go of perfection. We also talk about the making of her book For the Love of the Photograph and how returning to presence changed the way she sees. Topics: Chloe’s global journey: England → Paris → Dubai → Bali → New Zealand Childhood influence and early photography inspiration Why she left client work and leaned into everyday documentary The making of her book For the Love of the Photograph Emotional honesty and creative hunger in personal projects How light, play, and presence shape her 365 project Reflections on parenting, legacy, and what it means to see The phrase “exotic everyday” and what it reveals about perception Where is Chloe now? Living in the Waitaki Valley on New Zealand’s South Island, she continues to create, mentor, and write with deep attention to light and presence. She’s proudly supported by Nikon NZ as one of their official Creators, recognized for her distinctive storytelling and creative experimentation. Chloe also shares ongoing reflections in her Substack publication A Love Affair with Light. Connect with Chloe + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

⭐️ Listener Favorite - Togetherness, Blind Spots, and the Stories That Stay with Linsey Davis

2019-09-2435:46

⚠️ Note: This is a legacy episode from the Intentional Documentary® era. I’ve kept it here because it explores story, presence, and meaning through deeply human moments, especially relevant for those reflecting on family, loss, and memory. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes a brief mention of the sudden loss of a parent during childhood. The story is shared thoughtfully and without graphic detail. Please take care while listening, or feel free to skip this episode if needed. ... What if your most meaningful photos weren’t just about what’s visible, but about what’s at risk of being missed? In this conversation, Linsey Davis shares how the loss of her father shaped her longing for togetherness, how homeschooling five kids has deepened her awareness, and why photography made her more present, not less. We talk about documenting as personal legacy, the power of prompts, and how a single table came to hold decades of memory and meaning. Topics covered: How Linsey’s documenting practice grew from personal grief and a desire for togetherness Using photography as a tool to become more present, not less The myth of “seeing everything” as a documentarian Why prompts are essential for uncovering blind spots in your documenting Letting go of professional labels and reclaiming artistry without pressure The story of “the table” — a powerful, multi-generational anchor of memory A reflection on documenting changing family dynamics as kids grow up Linsey’s journaling habits and her dream of incorporating more video A final challenge for listeners: What story would you regret not recording if you could never pick up your camera again? Connect with Linsey + access the archived episode resources here:   → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive

#box-pro-ellipsis-176032636889439{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}DANGEROUSLY GOOD STORIES

Sam Asher