Do you follow someone on social media and feel a little like a creep because you love them and you feel like you’re friends, but they have no idea who you are? That’s Katelyn James for me, and she’s been a dream guest since before this show even started.
Katelyn James is a professional wedding photographer and entrepreneur She’s been featured and recognized in national publications such as Professional Photographers Magazine, The Knot, Southern Living Weddings, and Southern Weddings. She teaches and coaches photographers from all over the country and internationally, and in 2015 she was named one of the “Top Ten Educators to Watch” by Rangefinder Magazine, not to mention she’s a nationally known speaker and just seems like everyone’s best friend.
Katelyn has been married to her husband Michael for almost 10 years, and they are parents to Everly (Evy), Graham, and baby James in Heaven.
I’ve been following Katelyn for a long time because I love the real life perspective of everything she has going on (as seen on Instagram). Her images are beautiful, and if you spend even just one day on her Instagram feed, you’re sure to fall in love with her family.
But back in 2018 Katelyn and Michael went through a tragic story of loss with their middle child, James. At 20 weeks they were given devastating news, and my talk with Katelyn is about the days, weeks and months following that news, their journey, and their loss.
When I describe this podcast, I use the words, finding strength in imperfection and beauty in the mess, and joy in fear and pain. Katelyn is the most beautiful illustration of all of these things. I cried when I watched them go through it online, I cried during the interview, I cried when I edited it. You can even hear me crying in the background of her talking.
This is a rich story about loss, joy, peace, community, and how James’ legacy has lived on and helped so many.
Katelyn shares the most intimate parts of her journey of loss on Instagram, and she goes into even more depth in a series of blog posts you can find here.
While this episode could possibly be a trigger for those who have gone through the loss of a child, Katelyn brings a joy and hope that I hope you can feel.
Archives for February 2020
Episode 55: Dads’ Tell All
Do dads struggle? Are they vulnerable? Do they worry about balance? Tune into this week’s episode and find out!
Last week you heard from the gals. This week I’m sitting down with some dads to talk about how fatherhood has changed, what’s surprised them about being a dad, and their thoughts on if the dad is baby-sitting when Mom goes out. We even throw in a few Dad jokes.
Episode 54: Girls’ Night, with my friends, Alisa, Rachel, Lori and Raina
I invited some of my mom friends to sit around, drink wine, and just chat about mom life. We talk about getting time to ourselves, creative ways to be alone with our partners, and just how long is too long to go without a shower? We had a BLAST, and I hope you feel like you were right there with us on a girls’ night!
Episode 53: My Personal Goals for 2020
Every year I feel like I make the same goals: lose 30 pounds, read more, eat healthy, and so on…and every year I feel like I fail. Sure, lots gets done and I’m grateful for the accomplishments I DO have, but goal-setting, resolution making, just hasn’t been my thing. Even to the point of throwing my hands up and saying ‘what’s the point?’ When it comes to setting goals. I just always seem to miss the mark and get frustrated with myself. Can anyone relate?
This year, I feel different. I feel like 2020 is lining up to be one of my best years yet, and I’m going to tell you why!