Living Your Daydream

Hosted by Asher James

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Jul 2025

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About the show

🎙 Living Your Daydream is where I share the real, messy, and exciting journey of turning dreams into reality. I’m Asher James, a creative entrepreneur who quit my job to build a photography business—and I’m here to help you do the same. If you’ve ever felt stuck between playing it safe and chasing something bigger, you’re in the right place. Every other week, I share honest conversations, lessons, and practical advice on business, creativity, and designing a life you love. Your daydream is worth chasing—let’s make it happen!

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24 recent

July 21, 2025Episode 2428 min

How to Get Published in a Wedding Magazine (And Why It Matters) with Brooke Beise of Minnesota Bride

In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride Magazine, for a conversation every wedding pro needs to hear. We’re diving into how to get featured in a wedding magazine, what it really means to become a member, and how building genuine connections can elevate your brand far beyond social media. Whether you're a seasoned wedding photographer or just starting to grow your business, Brooke shares practical, behind-the-scenes insight on editorial visibility, networking, and turning press into profit. Trust me—you’ll want to grab a notebook for this one.📝 What You’ll Hear00:01 – Brooke’s Journey into Weddings & Publishing02:00 – What Is Minnesota Bride?08:26 – How a Wedding Magazine Vendor Membership Works (And What You Get)10:12 – How to Get Featured in a Wedding Magazine15:24 – The Power of Real Wedding Submissions20:50 – Real Member Success Stories from Minnesota Bride23:47 – Getting Started with Minnesota Bride (or Similar Publications)📌 Key TakeawaysYou don’t need to be a member to be featured—you just need to submit!Membership is more than an ad; it’s access to a network of high-level thinkers and opportunitiesDon’t underestimate the power of relationship-building over more Instagram postsBeing published creates instant social proof and elevates your brand📣 Connect with Brooke & Minnesota BrideInterested in learning more, submitting your work, or chatting with Brooke?Head to minnesotabride.com → Click "Advertise"Or email Brooke directly at brookeb@irondiamondmedia.com💛 Let’s Stay ConnectedWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my online community FREE: ⁠⁠https://portal.asherjames.co/communities/groups/daydreamers-by-asher-james-col/home⁠⁠Say hi on Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

July 7, 2025Episode 231 hr 15 min

No Backup Plan: Build Your Dream Life in 12 Weeks

What happens when you stop waiting for permission—and start designing a life that actually feels like you?In this episode, I’m flipping the script. Instead of hosting, I’m in the hot seat—interviewed by my dear friends Mariah and Monique on The Heart & Soul Podcast. We go deep on how I left my 9–5, why I believe “no backup plan” is the move, and how the Daydreamer 12 Framework can help you reverse engineer your dream life in just 12 weeks.This episode is a rebroadcast of my interview as a guest on Heart & Soul—a special Duluth-based podcast created by two incredible women I’ve had the honor of producing and collaborating with.In our conversation, I share the full backstory of how I transitioned from college admissions to wedding photography to creative coaching—and the moment I realized no one else could value me the way I needed to value myself.We talk about:The myth of the “American Dream” in the workplaceMy real-life journey from side hustle to full-time creativeBuilding community for dreamers, artists, and changemakersWhy the No Backup Plan workshop is going to be epic🔑 Key TakeawaysNo one will value you like you can value you.Waiting for a raise, a sign, or someone else to bet on you? Stop waiting, it’s time to bet on yourself.You probably already have pieces of your dream life.Reverse engineering your goals with gratitude at the center can change everything. The future you want might be closer than you think.Design your Daydream.We walk through my full Daydream Design exercise—three alternate futures that clarify your next step, plus how to break your dream into 12-week milestones.Community is the difference maker.The right people will push you, celebrate you, and hold you accountable. Whether it’s a mastermind or a $7 workshop—being in the right room changes everything.🛠 Episode Links & Resources🎟 Grab your ticket for No Backup Plan (Thursday, July 17 in Duluth): [tickets here]🌐 Join the free Daydreamers Community: portal.asherjames.co⏱ Chapter Markers00:00 — Welcome to the crossover episode02:30 — Meet Mariah & Monique of Heart & Soul05:00 — My backstory: From weddings to burnout to creative rebirth18:00 — The raise that never came and what it taught me26:00 — Traditional employment vs. entrepreneurship31:00 — Why I launched the Daydreamers community38:00 — The 3 life paths exercise47:00 — Reverse engineering your daydream54:00 — Planning as a love letter to your future self01:02:00 — Weekly check-ins, high-value tasks, and counting sheep01:06:00 — Celebrate your milestones like you would a birthday01:10:00 — How to get involved (No Backup Plan, Daydreamer 12 + more)

July 1, 2025Episode 2220 min

Personal Branding Is Changing. 2025 Personal Branding Trends You Need to Know.

What does it really mean to have a personal brand in 2025Because here’s the truth: the branding conversations happening online are starting to feel a little empty. The templates. The trends. The pressure to perform. Meanwhile, I keep hearing from creatives and business owners who want to build something that feels aligned, honest, and magnetic—not just strategic.So in this episode, we’re talking about what personal branding looks like now.How do we lead with purpose?What makes a brand stick in a scroll-heavy world?And how do you build something that reflects who you are—not just what you do?You’ll hear:A breakdown of the top personal branding trends I’m watching in 2025Why voice, video, and real-time connection are shifting everythingHow I’m building my brand through community, storytelling, and imperfect actionThe mindset shifts that are helping creatives get clarity and momentum again🎟 And yes—I’m also sharing details about No Backup Plan, my first live in-person workshop happening Thursday, July 17 here in Duluth. We’re gathering for a night of clarity, strategy, and energy to map your next 12-week goal and move toward it with purpose. If that sparks something in you, don’t wait. There are only 50 seats and they’re already moving. Tickets are just $27. First link below.💡 Links & Resources:🎟 No Backup Plan – July 17 in Duluth → https://education.asherjames.co/no-backup-plan-sales📥 Free Guide: Build a Purpose-Driven Brand in 2025 → COMING SOON🌱 Join the Daydreamer’s Community (it’s free) → https://portal.asherjames.co/communities/groups/daydreamers-by-asher-james-col/home

June 24, 2025Episode 2156 min

How to Focus on your BIG DREAM When You Have Too Many Ideas

What do you do when your ambition is firing on all cylinders—but your energy can’t keep up? In this raw and relatable coaching call replay, we’re diving into the messy middle of creative momentum, burnout, and redefining what it means to "keep going." Spoiler: it doesn’t always mean doing more.🔗 Episode Links + Mentions:🎟 No Backup Plan – The WorkshopLive, in-person on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in downtown DuluthTickets are just $27 👉 ⁠[Ticket Link]⁠📩 Sign up for updates / join the Daydreamers email listStay in the loop for workshops, coaching, and new podcast drops👉 ⁠[Email List Signup Link]⁠📲 Join our Daydreamer's CommunityThis is a space for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and dreamers who are building a business and life they love.👉 ⁠[Join Daydreamers for FREE]Check out my episode with Jennifer Moher hereCheck out my free 5 Day Instagram Glow Up Course hereIn this behind-the-scenes episode from our Daydreamer's online community, I invite you into a candid coaching session with member Heather Wilde—a multi-passionate creative navigating entrepreneurship, burnout recovery, and the pressure to “figure it all out.”Together, we unpack the realities of being in a slower season and why that’s not only okay—but essential.This might be exactly what you need to hear if you’ve ever wondered… “What should I really be working on right now?”🔑 Key Themes + TakeawaysThe power of “maintenance energy”: how to keep your dream alive without scaling everything all at onceWhen to let an idea rest—and how to trust it’ll come back stronger laterRedefining work-life balance (hint: it’s not real, but sway is)How to prioritize what’s sustainable vs. what’s shinyNavigating the guilt of slowing down when you're known for doing it allChoosing your “one thing” and giving yourself permission to go all in✨ My Fav Quotes“Maintenance isn’t failure—it’s wisdom.”“Balance is a myth. But sway? Sway I can do.”“You don’t need more ideas. You need more permission.”“We don’t always have to build—we can tend, we can protect, we can preserve.”“If you're spinning plates right now, maybe it's okay to set a few of them down.”⏱️ Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome to the call: Why this conversation matters now01:00 – Too many ideas, not enough energy: Heather’s crossroads moment06:45 – Introducing “maintenance energy”: A new framework for creative seasons18:20 – The myth of balance and the freedom of sway32:10 – Prioritizing what’s working instead of chasing what’s next44:50 – The permission to rest: What happens when you slow down without giving up53:30 – A word on the No Backup Plan Workshop + how to join✍️ Your TurnThis week’s check-in:Tell me—what’s your “one thing” right now?💛 Let’s Stay ConnectedWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my online community FREE: ⁠https://portal.asherjames.co/communities/groups/daydreamers-by-asher-james-col/home⁠Say hi on Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/asherjames.co⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

June 17, 2025Episode 2014 min

The End of 9–5? Why Polyworking Might Just Save You

Before I quit my 9–5, I thought something was wrong with me. Turns out, the system wasn’t built for people like us—multi-hyphenates, creative thinkers, heart-led entrepreneurs.If you’ve felt stuck in a job that no longer fits (or maybe never did), this episode is your invitation to imagine something different.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the quiet revolution of polyworking—a life built on multiple roles, revenue streams, and reasons to get out of bed in the morning.I'm sharing what finally pushed me to walk away from my “stable” career, how I designed my own creative exit strategy, and why so many people are rethinking the lie that one job should be able to meet all your needs.🔑 What You'll Hear:Why traditional career paths are showing their cracks in 2025What polyworking really looks like (without the hustle culture spin)A simple 3-part strategy for exiting your 9–5 with clarity and confidenceHow to build stability and creativity—on your own termsBehind the scenes of my new workshop, No Backup PlanWhy betting on yourself might be the most secure move you make all year🔗 Episode Links + Mentions:🎟 No Backup Plan – The WorkshopLive, in-person on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in downtown DuluthEarly bird tickets are just $7 through June 22👉 [Ticket Link]📩 Sign up for updates / join the Daydreamers email listStay in the loop for workshops, coaching, and new podcast drops👉 [Email List Signup Link]📲 Join our Daydreamer's CommunityThis is a space for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and dreamers who are building a business and life they love.👉 [Join Daydreamers for FREE]✨ Favorite Lines:“You work hard, you play by the rules, and still you're wondering if the game was ever designed with you in mind.”“Polyworking isn’t just about security. It’s about agency, variety, and creative freedom.”“Start messy. Start visibly. I want people to know what you're building.”“Leaving your job isn’t the goal. Living on purpose is.”“You don’t need a backup plan when you finally bet on yourself.”⏱️ Chapter Markers:00:00 – The lie we were sold about work02:22 – What polyworking really means in 202505:35 – Your 3-step creative exit strategy08:35 – Why No Backup Plan is the workshop you need12:10 – What happens when you stop hedging your bets✍️ Your Turn: Where in your life have you been waiting for permission?What would shift if you let yourself begin, before you're ready🎟 Early bird tickets to No Backup Plan are just $7 through June 22. [GET YOURS HERE]💛 Let’s Stay ConnectedWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my online community FREE: https://portal.asherjames.co/communities/groups/daydreamers-by-asher-james-col/homeSay hi on Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/asherjames.co⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

March 17, 2025Episode 195 min

The Trap of Self-Help and Business Education

Have you ever felt like you’re always learning, reading, and listening to podcasts—but not actually making progress?You’re not alone. The self-help and business education industry is full of valuable information, but it can also trap you in an endless cycle of consuming instead of doing.In this episode of Living Your Daydream, I’m breaking down the self-help trap—why constantly seeking more knowledge can actually hold you back, how to recognize when you're stuck in "learning mode," and the mindset shifts that helped me start taking action instead of just planning for it.If you’ve ever felt like you’re making progress but not actually moving forward, this episode will help you break the cycle and start seeing real results.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why self-help and business education can feel productive—but actually keep you stuck✔️ How to recognize when you’re trapped in "learning mode" instead of taking action✔️ The biggest mindset shift that helped me stop over-consuming and start implementing✔️ A simple strategy to make sure what you learn actually leads to results⏳ Episode Topics & Time Stamps:⏱ 00:00 – Intro – Why self-help can be a trap that keeps you stuck⏱ 03:45 – The illusion of progress – How learning tricks you into thinking you’re taking action⏱ 08:20 – My personal experience with the self-help trap – How I realized I was consuming way more than I was implementing⏱ 14:10 – The mindset shift that changed everything – How I flipped the script and started making real progress⏱ 19:05 – A simple rule to break out of the cycle – How to make sure what you learn turns into action⏱ 24:30 – The challenge for you this week – One thing you can do today to stop over-consuming and start executing🔥 Action Item:Think of one concept, strategy, or piece of advice you’ve learned recently that you haven’t acted on yet. Instead of reading another book, watching another video, or listening to another podcast, take action on it today. 🚀—All Asher James' Details:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠⁠Resources & Mentoring:⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/education⁠⁠ Say hi to Asher James on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

March 3, 2025Episode 188 min

I Made 100K and Still Felt Broke—Where Did All The Money Go? | (Profit First Explained) PART ONE

I made 100K… and still felt broke. 💸 Sound familiar?Most entrepreneurs struggle with money—not because they aren’t making enough, but because they don’t have a system for keeping it. That’s exactly why I’m doing a one-year experiment using the Profit First method by Mike Michalowicz to restructure my business finances.BOOKIn this episode of Living Your Daydream, I’m pulling back the curtain on my real numbers, breaking down the Profit First system, and sharing how I’m making sure my business actually pays me first.This episode will make more sense if you watch this video first! https://youtu.be/LgicnP-05qgIf you’ve ever felt like your money disappears the second it hits your account, this episode is a must-listen!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:💰 The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make with their money📊 What the Profit First method is & why I’m testing it🏦 How I’m setting up my business finances with 4 key bank accounts💸 My revenue goals & projections for this year using Profit First🚀 What I expect to change in my business by implementing this system⏳ Chapter Markers:📌 00:00 – Intro: Why I’m doing a Profit First experiment📌 02:12 – The problem: Why making 100K didn’t mean financial security📌 03:23 – What is Profit First? Breaking down the system📌 03:49 – The 4 essential accounts & how they work📌 5:27 – Please leave a comment or 5-star review!📌 6:22 – My revenue goals & Profit First allocations📌 07:22 – How you can start implementing Profit First today🔥 Action Item: Want to get your business finances under control? Start by setting up a separate account for taxes and move 15% of your revenue into it today. Future you will thank you!💬 Join the Conversation: Do you have a system for managing your business money? Or do you feel like cash disappears the moment you earn it? Comment below and let's talk!If this episode helped you, please share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear it! And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more dreamers find this show. 🚀—All Asher James' Details:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠Resources & Mentoring:⁠https://asherjames.co/education⁠ Say hi to Asher James on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

February 24, 2025Episode 1716 min

How I Quit My Job & Built a Six-Figure Business

Quitting my job to go all-in on my business was terrifying—but also the best decision I ever made.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I made the leap, the mindset shifts that helped me, and the key strategies that took my business to six figures.If you're dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5, this one’s for you!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The moment I knew I had to quit my job (and why I almost didn’t)✔️ The financial and mindset prep that made the transition possible✔️ My biggest lessons (and mistakes) from my first year in business✔️ The exact steps I took to build a six-figure business✔️ How you can start preparing for your own leap into entrepreneurshipChapter Markers:⏱ 00:00 – The fear of quitting: My breaking point⏱ 01:55 – The financial reality: three years of entrepreneurship⏱ 04:07 – Breakdown of my first three years of revenue as a wedding photographer⏱ 12:00 – My 3 secrets to earning six-figures in your business⏱ 13:35 – The three core pillars of any business💡 Action Item:If quitting your job is on your mind, write down one small step you can take this week to move closer to that goal—whether it’s researching side hustles, saving a little extra money, or reaching out to a mentor. Then, commit to doing it!🚀🔥 If this episode gave you value, share it with a friend who's dreaming of quitting their job, too!And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more dreamers find this show.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!—All Asher James' Details:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠Resources & Mentoring:⁠https://asherjames.co/education⁠ Say hi to Asher James on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

February 10, 2025Episode 1610 min

I almost quit.

Have you ever felt like walking away from your business because it just wasn’t working? I have. In this episode, I’m sharing the moment I almost quit, the doubts that nearly held me back, and—most importantly—the clarity that helped me push forward.FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE DAYDREAM DESIGN WORKSHEET:https://asherjames.co/education/p/pinterest-blogging-checklist-guide-xt4pzIf you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if you’re on the right path, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through:✅ The internal battle I faced when my business wasn’t growing the way I expected✅ The shift in mindset that helped me find clarity and new momentum✅ Three actionable steps you can take today to get unstuck and move forwardThis journey isn’t easy, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Tune in to hear how I broke through my doubts and how you can too.⏳ Here's What to Expect:📌 00:00 – Intro – Why this episode matters & my personal struggle📌 02:00 – The moment I almost quit – What led me to the breaking point📌 03:30 – What I realized about success & clarity – The mindset shift that changed everything📌 07:20 – Daydream Design, what is it? (FREE DOWNLOAD)📌 08:25 – Final thoughts & encouragement – Why you’re closer than you think🔥 Action Item:Take 5 minutes right now and write down:1️⃣ The biggest challenge or roadblock currently holding you back.2️⃣ One small action you can take today to move past it—no matter how small.Then, DM me on Instagram @asherjames.co and tell me what you wrote! I’d love to support and encourage you on your journey.💬 Join the Conversation:What’s one thing that has helped you gain clarity in your business? Send me a DM—I’d love to hear your story!—All Asher James' Details:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/Resources & Mentoring:https://asherjames.co/education Say hi to Asher James on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

April 15, 2024Episode 1526 min

Life Updates, Marketing, and the Social Media "Engagement Winter"

As entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of social media, believing it's the only way to connect with our audience. But what if I told you there's a deeper, more genuine way to cultivate business relationships and growth? In this episode, I share personal insights on how hitting a wall with Instagram was the catalyst for a pivotal shift in my marketing approach. Discover the underestimated power of SEO, vendor referrals, and the sheer impact of word-of-mouth over the digital noise. We'll also explore how local businesses can navigate post-2020 societal shifts, creating authentic connections that resonate more profoundly with people. 🔍 We're tackling topics like: - The underestimated power of SEO and referrals over social media. - The structural evolution of my businesses and a look behind the scenes of my businesses' future. - The effectiveness of personal invitations in fostering community and meaningful engagement. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover: 🔍 (0:00:00) - Marketing Strategies and Business Updates: Join me as I peel back the curtain on the transformative shifts in my marketing approach, revealing how SEO, referrals, and real-world relationships have eclipsed the buzz of social media. We'll talk about the Metamorphosis podcast's influence and my personal 'chrysalis phase' in business development 🏗️ (0:10:22) - Business Organizational Restructuring and Niche Focus: Dive into the evolution of Duluth Creative Co and my refined focus on Asher James Creative. I'm sharing how strategic changes are setting the stage for growth and how I'm honing in on my true passion—capturing the magic of weddings and engagements. 🤝 (0:20:28) - Building Authentic Connections in Business: We're tackling the post-2020 challenges and the art of engaging communities. Learn about the shift from broad social media marketing to personal invitations and sincere relationships that make all the difference. This episode is packed with raw insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs ready to evolve and thrive. Whether you're in the thick of it or just starting, there's something for everyone seeking to live their daydream. — All Asher James' Details: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asherjames.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the monthly video membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.asherjames.co/dream-store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Say hi to Asher James on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asherjames.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️