In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Shields—anthropologist, speaker trainer, and communication expert—to dive deep into the heart of what makes a brand truly resonate in today’s world: authenticity. We unpack why authenticity is more than a buzzword—it’s your most valuable currency as a personal brand. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or thought leader, this conversation will help you understand how to build a brand that’s rooted in truth, psychology, and presence. We explore t...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 7Ep. 258
Ever wondered what it really takes to become a second shooter that lead photographers rave about—or how to find one you can trust with your name, brand, and reputation? In this candid and wisdom-packed episode, I sit down with award-winning photographer and my own second shooter, Jasmine Ortiz, to dive deep into the art, etiquette, and energy of second shooting in the luxury wedding world. With over 200 weddings under her belt, Jasmine brings a decade’s worth of insight into what it means to sup...
Jun 12, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 257
What if midlife wasn’t a crisis—but a chrysalis? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, D’Arcy sits down with spiritual leader and transformational guide Dr. Devaa Haley Mitchell to reframe the way we view this pivotal life stage. Together, they unpack the idea of midlife as a sacred period of unraveling, reclaiming, and radiating—a time of deep transformation that prepares us to emerge more fully expressed, sovereign, and whole. From the rise of the Queen archetype to the cultural stories...
May 29, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 256
In this episode, D’Arcy and her sister April dive deep into what it means to reclaim love on your own terms—especially when you’ve spent years minimizing your needs, hiding your pain, or staying small to feel safe. Together, they explore how worthiness, visibility, and nervous system regulation play a role in opening yourself back up to being loved, seen, and supported. They reflect on how generational and cultural conditioning can disconnect us from our bodies and our truth—and how honoring you...
May 15, 2025•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 255
Most luxury planners don’t work with just anyone—and if you’ve ever tried to get on their radar, you know how tough it can feel. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what actually builds trust with high-end planners, how to navigate the “Catch-22” of not having luxury work yet, and how to start making meaningful connections with planners who are aligned with where you are now. Plus, I share: A real-life email that got me a rave review from a luxury planner My exact framework for building ...
May 08, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 254
In this soul-nourishing episode, D’Arcy welcomes back her sister Brooke Benincosa to share the sacred story of how they co-steward Nightingale Cabin—a healing sanctuary tucked into the Utah mountains—and the vision they’re bringing to life through retreats, land rituals, and community gatherings. Together, they explore what it means to live in deep connection with nature, rhythm, and each other. Brooke shares how she was called to create healing spaces rooted in reverence for the land, and how h...
May 01, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 253
In this episode, we sit down with Maria Ortiz—a talented photographer who has transformed her senior portrait business by infusing it with deep emotional connection, thoughtful communication, and bold pricing strategies. Maria shares how she brings excitement and warmth into every stage of her client process, from the first email to the session day. She discusses how her carefully crafted questionnaire helps her get to know each senior on a deeper level, asking questions like “If you could give ...
Apr 24, 2025•48 min•Season 7Ep. 252
In this intimate and heart-opening episode, D’Arcy sits down with her partner, Tyler, for their first-ever podcast conversation together. What unfolds is a raw, funny, and deeply honest look into the real work of love—what it takes to build a conscious relationship, navigate hard seasons, and grow as individuals and a couple. They share the story of their romance, from meeting at a retreat in 2023 to reconnecting after a breakup in 2024, and everything in between. From mismatched attachment styl...
Apr 17, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 251
I didn’t just go to India. I checked myself into a hospital for 21 days. I let go of my business, my routine, my Western way of life—and I surrendered to a deep, ancient healing process. I was bathed by women half my size, scrubbed down with herbs, and forced to slow down in a way I never had before. This is what happened. Why I Did This I reached a breaking point. Numb toes, neuropathy, panic attacks, extreme stress, feeling trapped in my body—it all led me to this decision. My body was screami...
Apr 10, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 250
What happens when you sit in complete silence for 10 days —no talking, no technology, no eye contact, no distractions? In this episode, I take you inside my Vipassana meditation retreat, where I spent over 100 hours in silence and came face-to-face with my mind in ways I never expected. From nearly having a panic attack on Day 4, to watching a cobra almost kill my neighbo r, to a tiny fly teaching me a profound lesson on suffering—this experience rewired my brain, changed how I see technology, a...
Mar 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 249
What if your work was so distinct that people could recognize it instantly—without even seeing your name attached to it? That’s the power of a signature style. In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into what it really means to develop an artistic voice that sets you apart in the photography industry. If you’ve ever felt like your work blends in or that you’re creating for others instead of yourself, this episode is your wake-up call. Your signature style isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about conf...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 248
In this episode of Play It Brave , I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Shields , an expert in luxury branding and strategy for billion-dollar businesses. We dive deep into how prestige brands set themselves apart in the market and explore the essential elements that make a brand luxurious . Whether you’re a small business owner , entrepreneur , or creative professional , this episode will show you how to apply luxury branding principles to your business—no matter your size or industry. CLICK HERE FOR FU...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 247
In today’s episode of Play It Brave , we’re exploring the often-overlooked aspects of branding that go beyond logos and fonts. Dr. Chelsea Shields, a 4x TED speaker and expert in placebo effects and human behavior, joins me to share her powerful insights into building trust with your audience. We dive into how body language , communication style , and relatability can transform how your audience perceives you and your brand. We discuss how to use your body and voice as brand assets, why perfecti...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 246
Branding is the foundation of any successful business, but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Whether you’re running a small creative business or scaling to seven figures, these five essential truths will help you craft a brand that connects, converts, and thrives. This episode with branding expert, Dr. Chelsea Shields dives into actionable insights you can use today. View Cassie's Portfolio (Mobile) View Cassie's Portfolio (Desktop) CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 245
In this episode of Play It Brave , I sit down with my coaching client Hayley Richardson, the powerhouse behind Intimately You , a multi six-figure boudoir photography studio in Sydney, Australia. Known for her high-end aesthetic and all-female team, Hayley’s mission is to empower women to embrace their bodies and confidence through the art of boudoir photography. Today, I’m coaching Hayley on how to create a freebie sales funnel that feels authentic, powerful, and—most importantly—converts! Funn...
Nov 21, 2024•59 min•Ep. 244
In this episode, Hilary Billings, a viral content creator and CEO of Attentioneers, shares her expertise in capturing and keeping attention online. She discusses her journey in understanding the intentional nature of viral videos and the struggle to create successful content. Hilary highlights the key components of successful viral videos and the importance of understanding different platforms and their audiences. She also emphasizes the constant changes in algorithms and the need for quality co...
Nov 12, 2024•40 min•Ep. 242
As we build our businesses, we're often focused on the here and now. But have you considered the profound impact your ancestral lineage can have on your journey? By tapping into the wisdom and resilience of our ancestors, we unlock new avenues for growth, innovation, and authentic connection. The path to building a luxury enterprise is not always linear. Sometimes, it requires us to look back in order to move forward. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE....
Oct 31, 2024•51 min•Ep. 237
Mary Hyatt, an expert in embodiment and alignment, provided valuable insights this week on the Play It Brave podcast. True alignment is not about doing more, but about living authentically and honoring your true self, rather than wearing masks to seek love and avoid pain. Mary shared her own journey of recognizing the masks she wore, and how misalignment manifests through symptoms like anxiety, procrastination, and self-sabotage. It is so important to listen to your body's wisdom, using somatic ...
Oct 21, 2024•54 min•Ep. 236
D'Arcy Benincosa shares her insights on the "game of money" and how to create a thriving cash flow in her latest episode of the Play It Brave podcast. As a coach who has helped countless clients transform their relationship with money, D'Arcy's is here to guide you on your journey to abundance and financial empowerment. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SHOW NOTES
Oct 10, 2024•24 min•Ep. 235
There’s still time to join D’Arcy’s Profitable Portfolio course and five-week mastermind, starting October 9. Think of how your business can grow in just five weeks, with personalized coaching and portfolio review from D’Arcy herself, live accountability and community support from an incredible group of like-minded photographers, proven strategies for booking higher-paying clients, confidence and clarity about your pricing and positioning, and comprehensive resources and implementation support f...
Oct 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 234
There is a limited time to jump into D’Arcy’s Profitable Portfolio course and five-week mastermind. Think of how your business can grow in just five weeks, with personalized coaching and portfolio review from D’Arcy herself, live accountability and community support from an incredible group of like-minded photographers, proven strategies for booking higher-paying clients, confidence and clarity about your pricing and positioning, and comprehensive resources and implementation support for everyth...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 233
In the latest episode of the Play It Brave Podcast, D'Arcy Benincosa is joined by two of her photography mastermind students, Monica and Cora, to discuss their transformative experiences in her Profitable Portfolio course and five-week mastermind . Monica, who was feeling burned out shooting 30 weddings a year, found the confidence and clarity she needed to attract her dream clients and book her highest package to date. Through D'Arcy's personalized coaching and portfolio feedback, as well as th...
Sep 19, 2024•53 min•Ep. 232
This week, Play It Brave welcomes back Jen Olmstead, the co-founder and lead designer of Tonic Site Shop. Jen shares her insights on the importance of having a well-designed website, especially for creative entrepreneurs and photographers. She discusses the common mistakes people make with their websites, the benefits of taking control of your online presence, and the keys to creating a luxury website experience. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SHOW NOTES The Wedding Website Workshop I'm hosting a FREE ...
Sep 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 231
In this episode, D'Arcy discusses the power of storytelling in engaging audiences and driving action. She helps course creators, coaches, consultants, and wedding professionals become better storytellers to sell their services and products. She shares her own story and emphasizes the importance of origin stories and the hero's journey in effective storytelling. D'Arcy also addresses dealing with haters and the significance of staying true to your purpose. Hit play! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SHOW N...
Sep 05, 2024•46 min•Ep. 230
This week on Play It Brave, our guest (and D’Arcy’s actual lawyer) Paige Hulse shares valuable insights on crafting airtight contracts, including tips for creating payment plans, copyright assignments, and non-disparagement clauses. She also introduces her brand new cutting-edge AI-powered tool (seriously, this is going to blow your mind!) called the Foundry Contract Builder, part of the Creative Law Shop, which helps business owners like you create customized, legally-binding contracts, line-by...
Aug 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 229
In this episode, guest Sandra Chuma shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. After achieving outward indicators of success based on a lifestyle of ‘chasing’ and burnout, Sandra began to explore her values, emotions, and vision for her life. She learned to view her emotions as signposts. With this new sense of direction, she began to clarify her values, which, in turn, helped her identify her true priorities. Now, Sandra is on a mission to help other women experience rest, and to red...
Aug 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 228
In this episode, D'Arcy is live with Wedvibes and coaches luxury wedding photographers, florists, and planners on how to create a truly luxury brand. She covers desire marketing, curating your brand, and showing brand proof before she dives into a live coaching session. This episode is a gold mine for anyone in the luxury wedding market. Hit play! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SHOW NOTES
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 227
In this episode, D'Arcy discusses how to raise your frequency and vibration to attract wealth and abundance in all areas of your life. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, conscious beliefs, and positive thoughts in raising your vibration. D'Arcy provides practical tips and strategies for increasing your frequency, such as practicing kindness, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. She also highlights the power of music, imagination, and generosity in rais...
Jul 18, 2024•53 min•Ep. 226
In this episode, Jodi of J. Anne Photography shares her journey of transitioning from wedding photography to running a profitable studio. She discusses the reasons behind her decision to stop doing weddings and the challenges she faced in setting up her studio. Jodi also talks about the importance of implementing in-person sales (IPS) and the pricing structure she uses to triple her income. She emphasizes the significance of printing photos and creating heirloom pieces for clients, highlighting ...
Jul 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, Hilary Billings, a viral content creator and CEO of Attentioneers, shares her expertise in capturing and keeping attention online. She discusses her journey in understanding the intentional nature of viral videos and the struggle to create successful content. Hilary highlights the key components of successful viral videos and the importance of understanding different platforms and their audiences. She also emphasizes the constant changes in algorithms and the need for quality co...
Jun 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 258
