Boudoir photographer Gregory James Thelian joins Jordan to talk about how powerful portrait work — done the right way — can reveal the self we already contain. We dig into why so many self-help tactics fail (they skip the “self”), how a three-day boudoir experience creates lasting change, and a simple introspective exercise you can use when limiting beliefs show up. Full of neuroscience, humor, wardrobe disasters, and the official “mudflap girl” pose.

Gregory James Thelian — Fine-art boudoir photographer (10+ years). Creator of a three-day boudoir experience that combines guided introspection with gallery-scale prints to change clients’ self-perception. He’s developing a self-worth system (journals + guides) and shares how neuroscience and CBT-style reframing are baked into his process.
Website: gregoryjamesphotography.com

Instagram: @gregoryjames.photo

• Introspection is the work. Tools/habits only stick when you have a clear sense of self.

• “I’m not enough” is usually the root. Reframe it (example: “I’m just trying to be me”) and ask who you’re trying to please.

• Boudoir (done as an experience) creates cognitive change. Large prints + repeated viewing create cognitive dissonance and use mirror-neuron mechanisms to reinforce a new self-image.

• Ask “why?” 5–7 times. Dig until you reach the core belief — then reshape it.

• Comfort zones can be a coffin. Small, fun discomforts (Jordan: sprinkler story) produce big shifts in how you live.