You know that nagging voice in your head that just won’t take a break? Yeah, the one that tells you you're not doing enough or everyone else has their life together while you’re just here, existing? Well, let’s dive into the murky waters of our not-so-sunny thoughts. We’re constantly told to manifest positivity and speak good vibes into existence, but what happens when the truth is more shadow than sunshine? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on the tension between keeping it real an...
Jul 14, 2025•10 min•Ep. 57
You ever finish a photography course and think… “That didn’t help at all”? You’re not alone. The coaching space is flooded right now—some of it’s gold, some of it’s garbage. And when we’re unsure of ourselves, we’re more likely to buy the hype. In this short episode I’m digging into the rise of photography coaches, why so many of us feel unfulfilled after taking courses, and how to become a better critical thinker—without burning out or giving up. This isn’t about shaming educators. It’s about e...
Jul 12, 2025•9 min•Ep. 56
Let’s have a real talk about what’s happening in the photography world. In this short episode, I break down the game where photographers feel like they have to chase sponsorships, get reposted by brands, or land a partnership just to be taken seriously. You know the drill: content over craft, clout over connection. But here’s the thing… that game? It’s not built for you. It’s built to keep you running in circles, burning out, and forgetting why you started taking photos in the first place. I’ve ...
Jul 12, 2025•7 min•Ep. 55
Jonathan Daige, a former law enforcement officer and veteran, is the founder of the Thin Blue Ride, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders battling cancer. In our chat, JD shares his incredible journey of resilience in the face of multiple cancer diagnoses and surgeries, highlighting the importance of community and support in overcoming life's toughest challenges. We dive into how Thin Blue Ride has already raised over $800,000 for what he affectionately ...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of Generator, I sit down with Karinda Kinsler—an equine photographer, business coach, and the author of The Unicorn —to talk about what really happens when you stop following the rules and start building a business that actually works for you. Karinda built a brand photographing horses as well as a national reputation by doing things her own way. We talk about the mindset shifts that helped her raise her prices, get rid of all those templated emails, and start having real convers...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 53
Johnny Guerrero’s a talented photographer and he’s also an Army vet and a retired law enforcement officer who’s all about community and connection. We chat about how his diverse experiences shape his approach to photography and client relationships, and spoiler alert: it’s all about serving others with heart. Johnny shares some heartfelt stories about his time as a foster parent to over 45 kids and how that taught him to connect with people on a deeper level. Plus, we get real about mental healt...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 52
Oliver Lozano, a portrait photographer based in Stuttgart, Germany, is all about creating genuine connections with his clients. In this chat, we dive into Ollie's career, exploring how he transforms the traditional photography experience into something deeply personal and meaningful. He shares his insights on everything from the glitz of classic Hollywood to the raw authenticity of boudoir and erotica photography. We also uncover the importance of vulnerability, identity, and how truly being see...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 51
What if the key to finding your creative voice is simply asking yourself, “What do I want?” In this powerful milestone episode of Generator , I sit down with world-renowned photographer, educator, and speaker Sue Bryce to explore the deeper currents of creativity, self-worth, and showing up authentically. This conversation is about the transformation that happens when you stop hiding and start creating from a place of truth. Sue has taught thousands how to build thriving businesses, but it’s her...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, I sit down with Kara Marie Trombetta, a photographer who’s reshaping the way we think about boudoir. Her work is rooted in self-respect, real empowerment, and helping people feel truly seen—without all the old-school glamor filters. We talk about what it takes to evolve as an artist, especially when the world around you keeps shifting, and how Kara built a business that reflects her values, not just trends. It’s a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity, and stay...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 49
Building a career around consistency is the name of the game, and nobody does it quite like Sandra Coan. With over 25 years in the photography world, she’s not just a family and newborn portrait photographer in Seattle, she’s an educator and author who’s all about using strobes for a natural light look. In this episode, we discuss how human connection fuels her work and why she believes that capturing the moment is more important than getting the technically perfect shot. We talk about her marke...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 48
Kristen Kidd is all about capturing the heart and soul of the human-pet bond, and she does it with style! This episode kicks off with her sharing her journey as a photographer, author, and magazine publisher, including the launch of her fabulous Dog Mom Magazine. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what it’s like to be a pet photographer—like, how do you get past the fear of failure or deal with difficult moments of grief? Kristen opens up about her background as a social worker and how that helps ...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 47
Elena S. Blair is an absolute powerhouse in the photography world, and today we're having a conversation that's packed with wisdom for anyone looking to make their mark in the creative industry. We kick things off by exploring how Elena captures genuine connections in her family photography, a skill that sets her work apart and resonates deeply with her clients. She shares her journey through the ups and downs of building a successful business in this competitive landscape, emphasizing the impor...
Apr 25, 2025•58 min•Ep. 46
George Varanakis is a true cornerstone in the photography world, and in our latest chat, we dive into the inner workings of the conferences he helped spearhead, WPPI and the Portrait Masters. We’re talking about how he’s not just a guy pulling the strings behind the scenes, but a genuine connector who builds communities that thrive. George is honest and open about what it really takes to pull off a massive conference like WPPI, from the emotional labor to the logistics, all while keeping the vib...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 45
Ever flattened 50 layers in Photoshop and instantly regretted it? Renee Robyn has—on purpose. In this episode of Generator , I sit down with digital artist, photographer, and all-around creative badass Renee Robyn to talk about what it really means to make cool stuff . From her roots in the Canadian north to her role as Optics Product Manager at Boris FX, Renee brings equal parts grit, geekery, and genius to the table. We dig into her cinematic style, her fearless approach to failure, and the wi...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 44
Matt Stagliano and Mitzi Starkweather dive deep into the highlights and hiccups of the WPPI 2025 conference, which took place at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas this past March. Right off the bat, they tackle the good, the bad, and the downright confusing aspects of the event, giving us a candid look at their contrasting experiences—Mitzi, as a speaker, and Matt, as an attendee. They reflect on the vibe of the conference, discussing how it felt fresh yet familiar in a new venue, and how the energy wa...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 43
Kirsten Graham is all about flipping the script for business owners, helping them go from being total wallflowers to the life of the party with some savvy outsourcing and a little video marketing magic. She’s a powerhouse from Six Figure Business Coaching, and trust me, this episode is packed! We dive into why outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant can save you tons of time. Plus, Kirsten gives you the do's and don'ts of working with VAs, from protecting your accounts to finding the right fit ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 42
Valentina Pardi-MacGregor is a total gem in the photography world, and she's here to discuss how she helps women over 40 reconnect with their inner fabulousness through intimate portraiture. It's all about boosting confidence and weaving powerful stories that really transform how her clients see themselves. We dive into everything from the ups and downs of social media life to the magic of creative retreats and the crucial role of building a supportive community in this industry. Valentina dream...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 41
Jean Carlo Penaloza is a creative powerhouse who sees photography as a conversation rather than just a business. With over 20 years in the game, he’s transformed from IT consultant to a photographer in the headshot and underwater portraits niches, and is now entering the podcasting scene with The Outspoken Artist. In our chat, we dive into everything from the delicate balance between creativity and business to the ever-looming presence of AI in the industry. We also touch on the importance of st...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 40
Josh Beaton, the portrait photographer from Chicago, dives deep into the essence of building confidence, not just behind the camera but in life itself. He’s the brain behind Tween Esteem, a non-profit that empowers teens to embrace their self-worth through the magic of photography. Imagine this: free photo sessions that not only capture a moment but also transform how teens see themselves. Josh shares his journey of balancing the artistry of photography with the responsibilities of running a bus...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Paulina Gwaltney, a talented photographer and stylist who has mastered the delicate equilibrium between creativity and resourcefulness. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, a remarkable seamstress, Paulina imparts wisdom on how to achieve stunning results without the burden of excessive expenses or advanced sewing skills. Throughout our discussion, we delve into her journey of transitioning from running a photography bus...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 38
Podcast Title: Generator Episode Title: Josh Cast: Build Relationships, Not Contact Lists Episode Number: 037 Publish Date: 28 February 2025 EPISODE OVERVIEW The discussion between Josh Cast and Matt Stagliano centers on their extensive professional relationship that started in 2012 during a training class. They delve into the evolution of their respective roles in the media landscape, highlighting the transition from low-budget marketing efforts to a modern approach focused on demonstrating pro...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 37
The episode unfolds in the mid-1970s, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of a carnival in a quaint German village, where the laughter and chaos of the event set the stage for an extraordinary moment of personal discovery. Our protagonist, a young woman who once traversed the glamorous world of modeling, now wields her film camera with a blend of curiosity and purpose, searching for authenticity beyond the confines of magazine covers. As she navigates the carnival, her keen eye captures not just image...
Feb 20, 2025•6 min•Ep. 36
A photographer with the ability to stop time captures a moment on a cold Normandy beach, where five young women stand as his subjects. The scene unfolds against a backdrop of harsh weather, yet their presence brings warmth and depth to the cold landscape. As the photographer guides them to connect with one another rather than pose artificially, a genuine intimacy emerges, transcending the superficiality often associated with fashion photography. The resulting images, developed later, reveal a ra...
Jan 10, 2025•6 min•Ep. 35
Creating success in your business comes down to one crucial factor: providing genuine value to your clients. Join me as I chat with Sean Brooks, a seasoned creative and expert in streamlining business processes, who shares his insights on how to elevate your brand through automation and authentic content. With over 25 years of experience, Sean emphasizes the importance of understanding your clients' needs and crafting a message that resonates with them. We dive into practical strategies for enha...
Oct 28, 2024•59 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Natalie Tischler, a Missouri based dancer, actress, and podcaster where they discuss creativity, self-expression, and spirituality through movement and mindset. They share personal experiences with flow, repetition, and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of balance, curiosity, and creativity in achieving long-term growth and transformation. They also explore the nuances of well-being and burnout, and delve into the comp...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Sam Guillermo, a Maryland based photographer best known for his evocative boudoir work. Sam is also a lifelong musician, as well as videographer and artist. Podcast Title: Generator Episode Title: Fearlessness and Normalizing Normal with Sam Guillermo Episode Number: 032 Publish Date: 29 July 2024 Episode Overview Matt Stagliano and Samuel Guillermo share their personal experiences and insights on discovering and developing t...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 32
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Nino Batista, a high-end editorial photographer, educator, retoucher, and creator of Photoshop tools based in Houston, TX. Nino has translated his background in music, his lifelong love of photography and education, and a passion for creating software into a successful career helping others create Art on their terms. Podcast Title: Generator Episode Title: Tools, Travel, and Truth with Nino Batista Episode Number: 31 Publish ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano and Angelia Malbrew discuss Angelia's journey as a photographer and speaker, as well as her experience with cancer. Angelia shares how she has been busy with speaking engagements and conferences, and how she has evolved since her teenage years. They also talk about the importance of networking, her passion for empowering women and entrepreneurship. They touch on the topics of mindset, faith, and leaving a legacy. Finally, they talk abou...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Jessica Malone, a boudoir and fine art photographer in Ohio. Jessica has created a successful portrait business in a very small town and she helps empower her clients by exploring self-discovery, healing and creativity with them. In addition to her work, Jessica has also been creating a series of photographs based on the Tarot and inviting her clients to be the subjects of each "card." Podcast Title: Generator Guest: Jessica ...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 29
This is another installment of a sub-series of Generator called "Focal Points" where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics. Podcast Title: Generator: Focal Points Episode Title: The Recap of WPPI 2024 (Part 2) Episode Number: 028 Publish Date: 26 March 2024 Description: In this episode, Matt & Jonny recount their vastly different experiences at WPPI 20...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 28
