Flourish Academy Podcast
Our purpose at the Flourish Academy is to leave people better than we found them. We hope to inspire and motivate you to reframe your thinking in a way that serves you. Our hope is that you will reply with, "wow, I never thought of it that way."
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Podcast Ep 379 - What Pumpkins Taught Me About Resilience in Business
09/16/2025
Podcast Ep 379 - What Pumpkins Taught Me About Resilience in Business
What do pumpkins have to do with running a photography business? More than you might think. In this episode, Heather shares how her journey of accidentally becoming both a pumpkin farmer and an entrepreneur reveals a powerful framework for growth: the scientific method. You’ll discover how to experiment, evaluate, and keep moving forward especially when setbacks (or deer!) threaten to derail your progress. Whether you’re trying to grow pumpkins or book more clients, this episode will help you reframe failure as fuel for resilience. Show Notes Heather’s 6-step framework for growth based on the scientific method The parallels between planting pumpkins and building a photography business Why setbacks aren’t happening to you but for you How to manage emotions when plans don’t go as expected The truth about entitlement: why effort doesn’t guarantee outcomes How failure builds resilience, confidence, and grit Why experimentation is the fastest path to clarity in business Join our next free coaching workshop: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 378 - Why Your Revenue Goals Are Sabotaging Your Business
09/09/2025
Podcast Ep 378 - Why Your Revenue Goals Are Sabotaging Your Business
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen dives into the frustration and disappointment we feel when we don’t reach our business goals. She shares insights from working with photographers on strategy calls and one-on-one coaching, exploring how focusing solely on revenue can overshadow other meaningful achievements. Learn how to recognize non-revenue victories (NRVs), celebrate wins along the way, and create a mindset that supports long-term success both in business and life. Show Notes: The emotional impact of not hitting revenue goals and why it can leave us feeling defeated. How focusing only on one number (like revenue) can make us overlook meaningful progress. Practical advice: track non-revenue victories (NRVs) to stay motivated and build momentum. How coaching and mindset tools can help process challenges faster and maintain calm, grounded energy. Join our next free coaching workshop: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 377 - The Hidden Belief That Was Holding Me Back (and Might Be Holding You Back Too)
09/02/2025
Podcast Ep 377 - The Hidden Belief That Was Holding Me Back (and Might Be Holding You Back Too)
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen joins Nicole Begley to share a powerful breakthrough she recently experienced while working with a new business coach. Together, they uncover how hidden limiting beliefs particularly around safety, risk, and self-concept can silently hold us back from reaching our next level of success. Whether you’re a photographer, entrepreneur, or creative, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on how to challenge your mindset, embrace risk, and step into the identity of the business owner you’re becoming. Show Notes: Heather’s breakthrough coaching session and how it shifted her business perspective Why your willingness to feel uncomfortable emotions is tied to your success The surprising link between safety, risk, and growth as an entrepreneur How to reframe feelings of incompetence, embarrassment, and failure Practical steps to expand your capacity for risk without losing yourself How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Free 4-Week Challenge for Photographers: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Nicole Begley:
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Podcast Ep 376 - How to Make Every Investment in Your Business Pay Off
08/26/2025
Podcast Ep 376 - How to Make Every Investment in Your Business Pay Off
In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen explores how your self-concept shapes the way you invest in your photography business. Are you approaching education, gear, and coaching as a consumer focused on spending and satisfaction or as an investor focused on extracting value and creating returns? Heather breaks down the difference, shares powerful examples from Elevate coaching, and explains why building the identity of a confident photographer and entrepreneur is essential for growth. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to “get your money’s worth” from programs or tools, this episode will help you flip your perspective and start creating real results. FREE 4-WEEK CHALLENGE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: Show Notes: Why your self-concept as a photographer and business owner directly impacts your confidence and results. The difference between a consumer mindset (buying, spending, seeking satisfaction) and an investor mindset. Why watching every single lesson isn’t required for success and how one nugget can change everything. How to shift your thinking from “I need more proof” to “I trust myself to figure it out.” The crucial role of coaching, mentorship, and community in helping you see beliefs you can’t see on your own. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 375 - How to make it easier to get more clients in the future.
08/19/2025
Podcast Ep 375 - How to make it easier to get more clients in the future.
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares practical and mindset strategies for preparing your photography business for the slow season. Using her concept of “thinking of your future self,” Heather explains how to take proactive steps now so you can avoid panic and frustration when inquiries drop. She also invites you to join the free Four Clients in Four Weeks Challenge, where you’ll learn simple, proven actions to book clients without ads, complicated marketing, or discounting your work. Show Notes: Why the slow season doesn’t have to be stressful for photographers How to book clients even when inquiries are low The power of thinking like your future self in business and life Practical tips for smoothing out cash flow year-round Small, intentional habits that make life easier for “future you” Why the Four Clients in Four Weeks Challenge is timed perfectly for fall How to prepare now for a thriving first quarter next year FREE 4-WEEK CHALLENGE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 374 - Should you always follow a "proven system" in regards to pricing?
08/12/2025
Podcast Ep 374 - Should you always follow a "proven system" in regards to pricing?
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen sits down with her dear friend Nicole Begley to unpack a surprising epiphany about what we really expect when we pay for online courses or coaching programs. Spoiler alert: we're not just looking for information, we're trying to buy a friction-free path to success. Heather shares a powerful mindset shift that will change how you approach education, business growth, and pricing strategies forever. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of how a surprise visit from her Progress Lab partners turned into a life-giving weekend of laughter, coaching, and breakthroughs. Show Notes: Why in-person workshops are so transformational The myth of the frictionless program The real reason some courses disappoint us How Heather plans to reframe her Elevate marketing Using friction to refine yourself instead of fearing it Why your actions (not outcomes) are the real measure of success How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Nicole Begley:
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Podcast Ep 373 - The Only Way to Get Photography Clients (and Keep It Simple)
08/05/2025
Podcast Ep 373 - The Only Way to Get Photography Clients (and Keep It Simple)
What’s the one way to get photography clients? In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares her refreshingly simple philosophy on how to consistently book clients—without the overwhelm. You’ll learn the core marketing strategy she teaches in Elevate, how your thoughts fuel your results, and why you don’t need to wait for inquiries to land in your inbox—you can go out and create clients. Plus, Heather announces her new challenge: Four Clients in Four Weeks, starting August 19th. It's time to stop waiting and start winning—with confidence, clarity, and simplicity. ! 👉 Show Notes: Why marketing doesn't need to feel salesy, spammy, or overwhelming How your thinking—not your to-do list—is the real source of overwhelm What an “offer” actually means (hint: it’s not always a sale!) How to create clients instead of waiting. Why this challenge is exactly what you need before slow season hits How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 372 - When Life Happens... Or Does It?
07/29/2025
Podcast Ep 372 - When Life Happens... Or Does It?
In this heartfelt and unscripted episode, Heather Lahtinen shares powerful insights about managing your photography business when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Inspired by a real coaching conversation with an Elevate member, Heather breaks down how your mindset—not just your systems—determines your success. She challenges the phrase “life happens” and offers a new way to think about circumstances, decisions, and staying in control. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by competing priorities, this episode is for you. Show Notes: Join the Book 4 Clients in 4 Weeks challenge starting the week of August 18th. Learn how to book clients without relying on social media! 👉 Heather coaches an Elevate member struggling with client delivery consistency amid life’s curveballs. Why this phrase creates a victim mindset and how to reframe it. How to create margin in your business workflow and communicate with clients during disruptions. How your thoughts shape your results, and why expecting obstacles invites them into your day. Heather shares how her husband's emergency heart surgery challenged her thinking—and how she stayed empowered. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 371 - The Marketing Formula and Why You Will Never Go Wrong Meeting People
07/23/2025
Podcast Ep 371 - The Marketing Formula and Why You Will Never Go Wrong Meeting People
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather shares a live coaching conversation with a photographer who's been struggling with how to talk about her business without feeling like she's “selling.” Together, they uncover how projecting personal fears and beliefs onto others can block growth and prevent action. Heather offers powerful mindset shifts that can help you confidently share your work, see networking in a new light, and remember that service—not selling—is the secret to business success. If you've ever felt weird about promoting your work, this episode is for you. Show Notes: Why projecting your thoughts onto others keeps you stuck The difference between service energy and sales energy How to reframe networking discomfort and build confidence Why human connection is never a waste of time A simple mindset shift that makes marketing feel easier How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 370 - Dark Heather Returns: Banned Words and Big Truths
07/15/2025
Podcast Ep 370 - Dark Heather Returns: Banned Words and Big Truths
In this fiery and hilarious episode, Heather Lahtinen is joined by her friend Nicole Begley for a no-holds-barred conversation about the dangerous language photographers use that secretly sabotages their success. From calling wins a "fluke" to claiming they were "ghosted," Heather pulls no punches in calling out disempowering narratives and invites you to rewrite them. Expect laughter, insight, and a whole lot of energy from Dark Heather as she challenges you to claim your success and stop giving your power away. Show Notes: The seemingly harmless words that destroy momentum: “fluke,” “ghosted,” “crickets” Why your brain labels success as luck (and how to stop it) How follow-ups, not ghosts, build businesses Why disempowering language leads to hesitation and missed opportunities Practical mindset shifts to stay in control and own your success Referenced: Episode 235: Meet Dark Heather Join Elevate — Use code PODCAST to save $200 How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Nicole Begley:
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Podcast Ep 369 - I made a rookie mistake, please learn from me!
07/08/2025
Podcast Ep 369 - I made a rookie mistake, please learn from me!
In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares a vulnerable and insightful story about a rookie mistake she recently made even after years in business. She opens up about her journey with high-level business coaching, the costly realization that knowing what to do isn't enough, and why action thrives in the presence of energy, accountability, and community. If you've ever said, “I know what to do. I just need to go do it,” this episode will challenge and inspire you to reframe that thinking and take real steps toward progress. Show Notes: The rookie mistake Heather made with her own business coaching Why “I know what to do” is often a red flag for stagnation The real ROI of coaching: momentum, accountability, and energy The invisible cost of isolation and trying to go it alone How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 368 - What Have You Convinced Yourself Of? Uncovering the Real Blocks to Growth
07/01/2025
Podcast Ep 368 - What Have You Convinced Yourself Of? Uncovering the Real Blocks to Growth
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather dives into the real reason so many photographers stay stuck—it's not a lack of strategy, but the stories we tell ourselves. Are you unknowingly making agreements with beliefs that are holding you back? From "I'm not ready" to "no one will pay my prices," these unconscious thoughts can silently sabotage your progress. She also shares mindset-shifting questions, practical journaling prompts, and empowering insights from a recent Elevate strategy call to help you break through your mental blocks and grow your photography business with clarity and confidence. Show Notes: Why mindset—not strategy—is the key to sustainable growth. What it means to make unconscious agreements with your limiting beliefs. Common beliefs that sabotage photographers in four key categories. How to reframe limiting thoughts with empowering new beliefs. How Elevate combines mindset coaching with proven business strategies. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 367 - Do friends and family doubt your photography business?
06/24/2025
Podcast Ep 367 - Do friends and family doubt your photography business?
In this raw and relatable episode, Heather shares a powerful coaching conversation with an Elevate member facing a struggle so many creatives experience: what do you do when the people closest to you don’t support your business dreams? When doubt, criticism, or dismissive comments come from a spouse, parent, or friend—it hurts. But what if you didn’t need their validation to keep going? Tune in for mindset shifts around approval, boundaries, and building belief in yourself—no permission required. Show Notes: The emotional toll of not feeling understood by those closest to you Why seeking approval is a losing game—and what to focus on instead A coaching conversation about boundaries, compassion, and mindset How trying to “fix” others can actually hinder their journey Practical tools for standing firm in your business—even when others don’t get it Join our next free coaching workshop: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 366 - Does it feel like nothing is working? Listen to this Elevate coaching call.
06/17/2025
Podcast Ep 366 - Does it feel like nothing is working? Listen to this Elevate coaching call.
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares a behind-the-scenes look at a powerful Elevate group coaching session. Using our exclusive Flourish GPT tool built specifically to support Elevate members, Heather walks a member through a tough business moment filled with frustration, social exhaustion, and doubt. Listen in as they explore what it really means when things feel like they’re not working, and how a simple mindset shift can create powerful momentum. You’ll learn how to use questions rooted in the coaching model to coach yourself through spirals of judgment and comparison—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed energy. Show Notes: The real impact of social exhaustion and how it's tied to unmet expectations How our Elevate GPT tool mirrors the coaching model to provide instant clarity What to do when you're caught in the spiral of “Was it even worth it?” How thoughts like “It failed” can drive unhelpful actions and reinforce the spiral How to shift from grasping and judgment to empowerment and intentional action How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 365 - Are you behind? Do you think you should be further along?
06/10/2025
Podcast Ep 365 - Are you behind? Do you think you should be further along?
Feeling like you're behind in your business journey? You’re not alone. In this honest and empowering conversation, Heather Lahtinen is joined by her friend Nicole Begley to unpack the all-too-common mindset of “I should be further along by now.” They discuss how moving goalposts can distort your sense of progress, why marketing may never feel “easy,” and how to shift your perspective to build confidence in your unique timeline. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode will help you reset your expectations, celebrate non-revenue victories, and stay grounded in belief, not panic. Show Notes: The illusion of “falling behind” and why it's so common for entrepreneurs Why goalposts keep moving and how that affects your mindset What it really means to make progress (spoiler: it’s not just revenue) The importance of identifying non-revenue victories (NRVs) How to evaluate your business from a place of belief, not scarcity The difference between inspired action and desperate action Join our next free coaching workshop: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Nicole Begley:
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Podcast Ep 364 - The Myth of the Universal Approach: Why What Worked for Them Won’t Work for You
06/03/2025
Podcast Ep 364 - The Myth of the Universal Approach: Why What Worked for Them Won’t Work for You
Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not getting results? In this episode, Heather Lahtinen busts the myth of the “universal right way” to run a photography business (or anything, really). Through a deeply personal story that led to an unexpected breakthrough, she reveals how forcing yourself into new experiments especially ones you’d normally resist can unlock surprising success. If you're tired, frustrated, and ready to quit, this is the episode you need. Show Notes: The belief that “I’m doing everything and nothing is working” Why it’s easier to keep going when things are working—and harder when they’re not Managing your mind when you're not getting results What Heather wishes she had done sooner How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 363 - The $10K Month & the Mind Games That Followed
05/27/2025
Podcast Ep 363 - The $10K Month & the Mind Games That Followed
In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen talks with her good friend and Elevate coach, Michelle Crandall, about a surprising truth—what happens after you finally hit a big business goal. Michelle recently had her biggest month ever in her photography business, nearly hitting $10,000. But instead of celebrating, her brain spiraled with doubt, fear, and guilt. Together, Heather and Michelle unpack the emotional rollercoaster of achieving success and why it’s so hard to feel happy even when you’re winning. If you've ever hit a milestone and still felt like it's not enough, this episode is for you. Show Notes: Why we sometimes feel we have to stay in struggle to be relatable The problem with tying identity to hardship instead of success How fear and guilt can block celebration and self-recognition Why your success is not responsible for someone else’s discomfort. How to focus on inspiring others instead of protecting their feelings. “I had a $10,000 month”—why this feels like a core value conflict. Dismantling the false link between success and showing off. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Michelle Crandall:
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Podcast Ep 362 - Does it feel like rejection when a client says no? Let's chat about managing disappointment.
05/20/2025
Podcast Ep 362 - Does it feel like rejection when a client says no? Let's chat about managing disappointment.
What happens when things don’t go your way? When the bookings fall through, the inquiries ghost, and the excitement turns into discouragement? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares a real and vulnerable coaching call from the Elevate program, highlighting what it really looks like to process disappointment as a photographer and entrepreneur. You’ll hear a raw, honest conversation about feeling discouraged, how to sit with those feelings instead of rushing past them, and why this emotional work matters just as much as marketing or editing photos. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t this working?”—this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to not be okay for a moment. Show Notes: The power of allowing disappointment to exist Rejection as redirection Mindset tools for managing emotional lows Creating a rhythm between rest, work, and self-compassion Building resilience in business through emotional awareness How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 361 - The Emergency That Shook My World (and How I Kept My Business From Crashing)
05/13/2025
Podcast Ep 361 - The Emergency That Shook My World (and How I Kept My Business From Crashing)
In this powerful episode, Heather Lahtinen shares a deeply personal and emotional experience of her family’s recent health crisis when her husband, Craig, underwent emergency triple bypass surgery. Heather takes us behind the scenes, offering a 30,000-foot view of the situation, discussing how her life protocol rooted in faith and mindset coaching helped her navigate the overwhelming emotions and difficult decisions during the ordeal. In this episode, Heather also shares how faith, mindset coaching, and a strong personal protocol can offer clarity and resilience even in the most challenging circumstances. Listeners will walk away with practical insights and inspiration to handle their own life crises with faith, strength, and clarity. Show Notes: The details of the health crisis Heather’s family faced and how it impacted their lives. The importance of having a life protocol rooted in faith and mindset coaching during challenging times. How Heather applied her coaching tools and mindset principles to stay calm, focused, and resilient. The role of faith in maintaining perspective and keeping a sense of purpose during the toughest moments. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 360 - Small Fixes, Big Impact: Simple Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
05/07/2025
Podcast Ep 360 - Small Fixes, Big Impact: Simple Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
In this quick yet powerful episode, Heather Lahtinen shares three overlooked marketing mistakes that could be costing you clients—without you even realizing it. From being hard to contact, to missing key info on your profile, to slow responses, these seemingly small issues create massive barriers for potential clients. Using real-life examples from her own experiences as a consumer, Heather helps you reflect on how easy—or frustrating—it might be to hire you. Whether you're a photographer or any type of creative entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen if you're ready to make it easier for clients to say "yes." Show Notes: Why your marketing must be client-focused Trying to hire a massage therapist—what went wrong The #1 rule in marketing: Make it easy for people to give you money How unclear processes can kill a sale The importance of having your name on your profiles The impact of slow or no responses on potential clients 3 actionable marketing tips to fix today Join our next free coaching workshop: How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 359 - Is Your Idea Still Brilliant Without Validation?
04/29/2025
Podcast Ep 359 - Is Your Idea Still Brilliant Without Validation?
In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather shares powerful insights from recent coaching sessions with photographers, including a key mindset shift around validation, consistency, and self-belief. Discover how to stay rooted in your vision—even when you hear crickets—and how reframing consistency as compound interest can transform the way you show up for your business and life. If you've ever felt defeated by a lack of response or struggled with being consistent, this episode is for you. Show Notes: The emotional rollercoaster of launching a new idea Creating internal validation instead of relying on external feedback Why brilliant ideas need time, visibility, and the right audience Using the “compound interest” mindset to stay motivated in business Real-life examples from marriage, business, and fitness Spotting the difference between facts and thoughts in client objections How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 358 - Making Peace With the Undone: A Conversation with Michelle Crandall
04/22/2025
Podcast Ep 358 - Making Peace With the Undone: A Conversation with Michelle Crandall
In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen is joined by Michelle Crandall for an honest and insightful conversation about the mindset traps entrepreneurs face around productivity, rest, and redefining what it means to be “done.” If you’ve ever felt like you should be doing more, this episode is for you. Together, they unpack the invisible pressure we place on ourselves to always be working and offer a powerful reframe to help you feel more in control, focused, and at peace with your business. Join our next free coaching workshop: Show Notes: The real challenge behind “not being able to shut off” What “done” really means in entrepreneurship Why productivity guilt is hurting your success How to stop letting unfinished tasks define your worth How to create flexible structure in your day The truth about working on weekends: Choice vs. obligation Letting go of the “course guilt” and owning your season Why your business is flourishing—whether you see it or not How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Michelle Crandall:
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Podcast Ep 357 - This is Personal: How I Coach Myself Through Anxiety
04/15/2025
Podcast Ep 357 - This is Personal: How I Coach Myself Through Anxiety
In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares a deeply personal story about managing anxious thoughts in the middle of an airport meltdown—and how she coached herself through it using a tool called The Model. You’ll hear a real-time chat between Heather and her custom-built Model GPT (available exclusively inside Elevate), and you’ll learn just how powerful your thoughts are in shaping your emotions, your behavior, and your results. Whether you’re stuck in stress, facing a delay in your business or life, or just feeling like “you can’t handle it,” this episode offers a hopeful, practical path forward. And spoiler alert: you can handle it. Show Notes: Discover how Heather created a custom GPT to help you coach yourself Hear how a delayed flight turned into a life lesson in emotional resilience Get powerful reframes like “I don’t like this, but I can handle it” Learn why the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 356 - The Less You Assume, The More You Sell
04/08/2025
Podcast Ep 356 - The Less You Assume, The More You Sell
In this eye-opening episode, Heather Lahtinen delivers a powerful masterclass on what she calls "Financial Fortune Telling"—the habit of assuming what clients will (or won’t) spend based on their appearance, lifestyle, or words. Spoiler alert: it’s not helping you. In fact, it's holding you back. She breaks down how these assumptions originate from your own beliefs about money, and how they sabotage your confidence, your service, and ultimately, your sales. Heather shares real-life stories, practical mindset shifts, and five steps to help you drop the judgment, stop playing mind reader, and start showing up as the empowered business owner your clients deserve. This is a must-listen for every photographer who wants to shift from scarcity to service and grow a thriving, values-based business. Show Notes: How your assumptions about money are actually projections of your own beliefs 5 tools to drop judgment and embrace service-based selling Reframe that will change how you think about every inquiry Why "the less you assume, the more you sell" might be your new business mantra How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 355 - Photographers Unfiltered: A true story of an unhappy client
04/01/2025
Podcast Ep 355 - Photographers Unfiltered: A true story of an unhappy client
Every photographer, no matter how experienced, will eventually face a challenging client. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen sit down with Alison Shamrell, a talented pet photographer and long-time coaching client, to discuss how she handled an unexpected situation with an unhappy commercial client. We talk about mindset, communication, and the importance of having a coach to navigate these tough moments. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome or worried about client feedback, this episode is for you. Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at Show Notes: Why handling client issues is part of business growth The unexpected challenge: What went wrong with the commercial shoot The emotional impact of client criticism and self-doubt Shifting the mindset: Taking responsibility without self-blame The role of coaching in overcoming business roadblocks How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 354 - Why "I'm Not Good Enough" is Poison for Your Success
03/25/2025
Podcast Ep 354 - Why "I'm Not Good Enough" is Poison for Your Success
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not that good” or “My photos aren’t good enough”? These thoughts might feel true, but they’re actually holding you back from building a thriving photography business. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen challenges the limiting beliefs that keep photographers stuck and explains why your self-concept is the foundation of your success. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, focus on your progress, and take action with confidence. Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at Show Notes: How your thoughts impact your success The most common limiting beliefs photographers have Why you can’t build a successful business with self-doubt The power of self-concept and how it shapes your decisions The truth about being “good enough” in photography The experiment: What if you couldn’t think “I’m not good enough”? How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 353 - Your Success Is Inevitable—If You Let Yourself Believe It
03/18/2025
Podcast Ep 353 - Your Success Is Inevitable—If You Let Yourself Believe It
Do you ever feel like success is just out of reach? That no matter what course you take or strategy you try, nothing seems to work? The truth is, it's not the strategy that’s broken—it’s our mindset that’s keeping us stuck. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen talks about the self-doubt loop, why our brains sabotage us, and how a simple mindset shift can change everything. Plus, she shares a 30-day challenge to help you start thinking and acting like success is inevitable. Show Notes: Why self-doubt keeps you stuck in a cycle of inaction How our primal brain holds us back to “keep us safe” The key difference between successful and struggling photographers A simple mindset shift that can help you break through self-doubt A 30-day challenge to start thinking and acting like a successful photographer How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Ep 352 - Fear of success or success intolerance? Either way, you could be blocking yourself!
03/11/2025
Podcast Ep 352 - Fear of success or success intolerance? Either way, you could be blocking yourself!
Success intolerance is one of the biggest hidden barriers to growth, yet most people don’t even realize they have it. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley break down the difference between fear of success and success intolerance. They explore how subconscious resistance to success can manifest as self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and procrastination. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business despite wanting more, this conversation is for you. 👉 Want coaching to break through your mindset blocks? Join Heather for a complimentary live coaching workshop at ! Show Notes: The key difference between fear of success and success intolerance How subconscious resistance to success leads to self-sabotage and doubt Why photographers might unknowingly block their own growth The psychological reasons behind feeling uncomfortable with success Actionable steps to reprogram your mindset and embrace success How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , , Nicole Begley:
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Podcast Episode 351 - How do you know when to raise your prices?
03/04/2025
Podcast Episode 351 - How do you know when to raise your prices?
Are you charging what you're worth, or are your prices making you resent your clients? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, we dive into the real reasons you should raise your prices—and it’s not just about profitability. Heather Lahtinen explains how resentment is often a sign that it’s time for a change and why shifting your thoughts around pricing is just as important as raising your rates. If you’ve ever felt underappreciated, undervalued, or frustrated with your pricing, this episode is for you. Show Notes: The biggest reasons to raise your prices (it’s not just about profit). The #1 mistake photographers make when setting their prices. Breaking down toxic thoughts that keep you stuck at low prices. How to shift your mindset around pricing and value. 10 powerful thoughts to replace resentment with confidence. Where to go for coaching & deeper support. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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Podcast Episode 350 - A New Take on Perfectionism and Why B Minus Work is the Secret to Success
02/25/2025
Podcast Episode 350 - A New Take on Perfectionism and Why B Minus Work is the Secret to Success
Perfectionism is often praised as a sign of high standards, but what if it's actually holding you back? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen breaks down the truth about perfectionism—why we cling to it, how it keeps us stuck, and what we can do to overcome it. You'll learn why perfectionism is really just a strategy to avoid looking bad, how to reframe your fears, and practical steps to start moving forward today. Plus, Heather shares her top 10 tips to overcome perfectionism and start embracing progress over perfection. If you've ever hesitated to take action because you were afraid of doing something wrong, this episode is for you! Show Notes: The real definition of perfectionism and why it’s more harmful than helpful. How perfectionism leads to procrastination, fear, and inaction. The connection between perfectionism, self-worth, and fear of judgment. Why perfectionism is a strategy to avoid uncomfortable emotions (and why that doesn’t work). How to shift your mindset to embrace imperfection and make progress. Heather’s 10 practical tips to overcome perfectionism and start taking action. The power of coaching to help you break free from perfectionist thinking. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: , ,
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