Play It Brave Podcast

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 hel...

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 ov...

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...

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 generat...

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...

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. B...

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 question...

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...

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 a...

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...

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,...

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...

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 p...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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, pr...

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

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...

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 ab...

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 h...

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 web...

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 h...

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...