Shoot It Straight

Hosted by Sabrina Gebhardt

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Episodes

205

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Shoot It Straight Podcast, where host, Sabrina Gebhardt shares an honest take on what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. Sabrina and her guests get vulnerable, through honest conversations and relatable stories, because they’re willing to go there. From sharing her own experiences of being a photographer and small business owner since 2011 to bringing in the perspectives of other creatives pursuing all avenues of entrepreneurship, this podcast was made for the creative business owner. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot is straight. Review full show notes at sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast . Connect with Sabrina: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt facebook.com/sabrinagphoto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

June 16, 202642 min

203: Storytelling as a Business Superpower, Even When You Think You Have Nothing to Say with Jen Olmstead

What’s the secret to being a great storyteller? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Jen Olmstead, co-founder of Tonic Site Shop and storytelling extraordinaire. We’re diving into why photographers and entrepreneurs need to include storytelling in their marketing, plus a real example where Jen turns one of my wildest stories into an epic business email. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Meet Jen (2:01)Why Jen has so much material (4:12) To the entrepreneur who thinks their life is “too boring” for storytelling (6:24)The framework for crafting a story and tying it into your business (11:12)Relating a wild story to your business and audience (18:38)Where you’re getting it wrong connecting stories to your business (21:16)Turning one of Sabrina’s stories into a business email (24:23)How to get better at telling stories (33:08)Why photographers need to tell stories (35:53)Connect with Jen:Email List: tonicsiteshop.com/tonic-vipWebsite: tonicsiteshop.comInstagram: instagram.com/tonicsiteshopConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 9, 202644 min

202: From Stuck to Unstoppable with Tara Cory

Does your business feel stuck? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Tara Cory, a recent member of my Root To Rise mastermind. Tara shares her journey of overcoming challenges in order to finally have a thriving photography business.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:Meet Tara Cory (1:34)Tara’s business prior to Root To Rise (2:23)What led Tara to joining the program (8:24)What surprised Tara the most about Root To Rise (12:22)Tara’s mindset and boundaries shift (18:08)Tara’s biggest challenge through the mastermind (22:54)The impact of being around the other women (25:47)Tara’s thoughts on the Root To Rise retreat (28:40)Tara’s business achievements thanks to Root To Rise (30:47)If you’re on the fence about Root To Rise (34:04)How to tell if Root To Rise is meant for you (or not) (35:32)Tara’s exciting wins (40:48)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Tara:Website: taralee618.comInstagram: instagram.com/taraleephotoConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 2, 202639 min

201: The Thing No Coach Will Say Before You Join

Have you ever signed up for a coaching program… and not gotten results? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my perspective as a coach and the hard truth about why that might be. Plus, what you need to do in order to have success in the next program you join. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes: You have to be committed (2:40) You have to be coachable (10:26)The problem is you, not the programs (23:28)How to actually get results (29:34) Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 202646 min

200: The One Where My Daughter Takes the Mic

It’s the 200th episode of Shoot It Straight! On this very special episode, I am joined by my daughter, Emerson. We’re interviewing each other and diving into life with an entrepreneur for a mom, lessons I’ve learned over years of motherhood and business, plus our upcoming life transition. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes: What did Sabrina want to be when she was her daughter’s age? (3:00)Has Emerson always understood what Sabrina did for work? (5:04)What are Sabrina’s non-negotiables in business and motherhood? (6:09)Emerson’s memories of Sabrina working (10:35)Did Sabrina miss out on family stuff because of the business? (13:59)When Emerson felt proud of Sabrina (16:47)When things got really hard, what kept Sabrina from quitting? (19:14)What Emerson has seen Sabrina struggle with (25:19)If Sabrina could go back to when Emerson was little, what would she do differently? (30:32)How watching Sabrina has changed what Emerson wants her own life to look like (34:09)Sabrina and Emerson’s relationship when Emerson is an adult (35:48)Something Emerson wishes people knew about Sabrina (41:38)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamiltonEpisode 100: Childhood, Intuition, and High-Achieving Women with D’Arcy Benincosa: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/100-childhood-intuition-and-high-achieving-women-with-darcy-benincosaConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202620 min

199: Why Photographer Friendships Are a Business Strategy

Have you found your business bestie? In today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of photographer friendships and why they lead to greater success for your business. Plus, I’m sharing real-life examples of how having photographer friends has changed mine and my students’ lives. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:The cost of going it alone (1:48)“I don’t have time” (5:00)Stories from myself and students (8:25)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 194: Q2 2026 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/194-q2-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 202618 min

198: Email Marketing Is Not Optional Anymore

Are you pushing off your email marketing? Maybe you think you only need to email your list a few times a year, when you’re offering mini-sessions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what photographers get wrong when it comes to email marketing. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:The numbers prove the value of email marketing (3:11)The shift in your strategy (4:56)Emailing only when you’re selling (6:19)Selling to the same list over and over (9:17)“I don’t have anything to say outside of my business” (10:16)Email does not have to be salesy or formal (13:32)Email is a relationship tool (15:32)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 193: Why Your Mini Sessions Aren’t Selling Out Anymore (It’s Not Your Pricing Or Your Photos): sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/193-why-your-mini-sessions-arent-selling-out-anymore-its-not-your-pricing-or-your-photosConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 202616 min

197: The Business Audit I Do When Everything Feels Off

Do you feel like you’re in a spiral or something is just off? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 questions to ask yourself when everything in your business feels off. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistReview the Show Notes:What doesn’t feel good right now? (4:32)Why doesn’t it feel good? (8:15)Who can support you through this? (9:43)What am I missing? (11:25)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 28, 202617 min

196: When You Don't Know What Move to Make Next (Because You're in a Funk)

Are you in a funk? It happens to every business owner from time to time. In today’s episode, I’m sharing honestly about the last few months: why I’ve been in a funk and how I’m working through it. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:Why I’m in a funky season (1:08)Wrestling with business discomfort (6:07)The huge breakthrough (11:43)If you’re in a funk too (13:29)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistThe First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membershipConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 21, 202618 min

195: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Are you in the early years of your business and exhausted? In today’s episode, I’m reflecting back on 15 years of business and how it felt those first few years. Plus, 5 lessons that I wish someone would have told me back then. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Confusion is not a sign that you’re doing it wrong (3:41)You are going to outgrow your prices faster than you think (6:07)When you say yes to everything, it will cost you (8:52)They’re not your competition, they’re your community (12:09)You don’t need a bigger audience, you need one that trusts you (14:52)Connect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 14, 202637 min

194: Q2 2026 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James

It’s the quarterly business bestie chat! In this episode, Colie James and I are chatting in-person after spending a few days at a conference together. We’re recapping Q1 of 2026 and looking ahead to Q2. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Recapping the Creative Educator Conference (1:45)Sabrina’s brand new retreat (9:02)Colie choosing to offer only one thing (11:27)A community space for Sabrina’s memberships (13:10)Re-evaluating our programs (18:46)Our ad strategy goals (23:13) Sparking new ideas (27:43)Our plans for Q2 (28:57)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamilton/Root To Rise Summer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercampOur Quarterly Business Bestie Chats:Q1 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/183-q1-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ4 2025 : sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/165-q4-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chatQ4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-jamesConnect with Colie:Podcast: coliejames.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/coliejamesWebsite: coliejames.comConnect with Sabrina:TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardtInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.