Doing Life Differently is a podcast dedicated to those who want to break free from societal norms and embrace a life of intention and purpose. Hosted by Katelyn James (Educator and Wedding Photographer), this show explores how to live authentically in all aspects of life—business, family, faith, wellness, and beyond. Each episode delves into practical insights, personal stories, and inspiring interviews that empower you to create a life that aligns with your true values. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone seeking more meaning in your everyday routine, this podcast will inspire you to step away from the ordinary and truly do life differently.
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May 18, 202621 min
The Weekly Dwell: When Neediness Strengthens Community
This episode is a little more personal and reflective as I share what the last few months have looked like behind the scenes. Between Michael’s surgery, ongoing health struggles, and carrying the weight of building something meaningful, I’ve been learning a hard but beautiful lesson: community only grows when we let ourselves be known.I’m talking about the vulnerability of needing people, the fear of letting your guard down, and why I believe we’re living in an epidemic of isolation. More than anything, I hope this episode encourages you to stop carrying hard things alone.RESOURCESListen to more episodes- https://katelynjames.com/podcastFollow Katelyn on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/katelynjamesGet a Bible for $4 on Amazon- https://amzn.to/4nOhhKW
April 16, 202647 min
A Different Way to Educate Our Kids with Laura Sandefer
In this special episode of Doing Life Differently, I’m sitting down with my dear friend Laura Sandefer, co-founder of Acton Academy and co-author of "The Courage to Grow"> Get your copy of "Courage To Grow"This conversation felt deeply personal to me because Laura’s story helped shape my own family’s journey into starting a school. What began as a search for something different for our children became a life-changing calling, and Laura was one of the first people to help me believe it was possible.We talk about what it looks like to step off the traditional path, trust that children are capable of more than we think, and create spaces where curiosity, responsibility, and character can grow. Laura shares what it was really like to build Acton in the early days, what surprised her most, and why human connection matters more than ever in a world being rapidly changed by AI.📲 FREE - "What Your Brand Says About You" Guide🩵 Follow Katelyn on Instagram 👉 Finally nail your brand voice and show up authentically to your audience with the help of KJ Brand Coach GPT
March 23, 20268 min
The Weekly Dwell: Getting Literal With God
In this week’s Dwell, I’m sharing a simple shift that changed the way I make decisions.After feeling stuck over an opportunity sitting in my inbox, I tried something new. I paused, asked the Lord directly what He wanted me to do, and actually gave myself space to listen.It reminded me that hearing from God doesn’t have to be complicated or formal. Sometimes it’s as simple as inviting Him into the small, everyday decisions we normally carry on our own.📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on SubstackRESOURCESListen to more episodes- https://katelynjames.com/podcastFollow Katelyn on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/katelynjamesGet a Bible for $4 on Amazon- https://amzn.to/4nOhhKW
March 19, 202647 min
What My Dad Modeled That I Never Want to Lose
In this special episode, I’m sitting down with my dad to talk about the losses that shaped his faith, the ministry of presence, and what it looks like to build a life marked by humility, influence, and deep family connection. This conversation is full of wisdom about grief, servant leadership, parenting, and why simply showing up still matters more than ever.📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on Substack📲 FREE - "What Your Brand Says About You" Guide🩵 Follow Katelyn on Instagram 👉 Finally nail your brand voice and show up authentically to your audience with the help of KJ Brand Coach GPTSave $260 on your own LumeBox! I’ve been using my LumeBox red light therapy before bed to support inflammation, skin health and relaxation.Click here to save on LumeBox!We LOVE Thrive Market for lower prices on snacks and goods that fit our budget and our goals for a healthier home. Get 40% off your first purchase with my referral link HERE!Building a website? I’ve used Showit for over 15 years because it lets me build a website that looks like me without fighting tech. Click here to try it for FREE for 30 days!
March 16, 20267 min
The Weekly Dwell: The Simple Way I Journal When Life Feels Like Too Much (Part 2)
In this episode I’m sharing a simple journaling practice that has helped me release the things that feel heavy in my life.I call it a “Cast Your Cares” list. It’s a way of writing down every worry, fear, or burden that’s been sitting on my heart and physically handing it over to the Lord.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by everything you’re carrying, this episode is an invitation to put it on paper, let it go, and be reminded that you were never meant to hold it all on your own.📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on SubstackRESOURCESListen to more episodes- https://katelynjames.com/podcastFollow Katelyn on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/katelynjamesGet a Bible for $4 on Amazon- https://amzn.to/4nOhhKW
March 12, 202634 min
Protecting Your Kids’ Attention in a Screen Filled World
In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I’m talking with my longtime friend Emily Thomas about something we’re all feeling.It is getting harder and harder to protect our kids’ attention in a screen filled world.We talk about social media, iPads, and the difference between communal screens and individual screens. We also get really practical about what to do when you feel like you’re the only family with boundaries.In this conversation, we cover:Why going first is a gift to other parentsHow to start making changes without swinging to extremesWhat to do when your kids push backHow to find support even if your community is not like mindedSimple first steps that can actually stickI’m linking Emily’s Substack so you can keep learning from her and find encouragement for the road ahead!_____📲 FREE - "What Your Brand Says About You" Guide🩵 Follow Katelyn on Instagram 👉 Finally nail your brand voice and show up authentically to your audience with the help of KJ Brand Coach GPT📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on SubstackSave $260 on your own LumeBox! I’ve been using my LumeBox red light therapy before bed to support inflammation, skin health and relaxation.Click here to save on LumeBox!Building a website? I’ve used Showit for over 15 years because it lets me build a website that looks like me without fighting tech. Click here to try it for FREE for 30 days!We LOVE Thrive Market for lower prices on snacks and goods that fit our budget and our goals for a healthier home. Get 40% off your first purchase with my referral link HERE!Mentioned in this episode:Lume BoxI'm really working on habit stacking and my Lume Box is the best tool in my toolbox to really make sure I'm focusing on my health and well-being while simultaneously getting ready for the day or reading at night.
March 9, 202610 min
The Weekly Dwell: Breadcrumbs of Faithfulness (Journaling Pt 1)
Looking back through years of journals has revealed something I didn’t expect: they’re filled with breadcrumbs of God’s faithfulness.Even in my most anxious or uncertain seasons, those pages now tell a story of how God was working all along.If you’ve ever felt like journaling has to be perfect or consistent to matter, this episode is an invitation to let that pressure go and simply begin.RESOURCESListen to more episodes- https://katelynjames.com/podcastFollow Katelyn on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/katelynjamesGet a Bible for $4 on Amazon- https://amzn.to/4nOhhKW📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on Substack
March 5, 202615 min
Why My Generation Is Flocking To Substack
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m creating the way I did in the beginning of my business.In this episode, I’m sharing why I decided to write my book on Substack instead of going the traditional route… and why so many entrepreneurs from my generation are suddenly showing up there too.At first, I honestly didn’t understand the hype. I had just invested thousands into a beautiful new website, and the last thing I thought I needed was another platform to post content. But the more I started writing on Substack, the more I realized it was giving me something I hadn’t felt in a while: the freedom to simply create again.📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on Substack📲 FREE - "What Your Brand Says About You" Guide🩵 Follow Katelyn on Instagram 👉 Finally nail your brand voice and show up authentically to your audience with the help of KJ Brand Coach GPTSave $260 on your own LumeBox! I’ve been using my LumeBox red light therapy before bed to support inflammation, skin health and relaxation.Click here to save on LumeBox!We LOVE Thrive Market for lower prices on snacks and goods that fit our budget and our goals for a healthier home. Get 40% off your first purchase with my referral link HERE!Mentioned in this episode:Lume BoxI'm really working on habit stacking and my Lume Box is the best tool in my toolbox to really make sure I'm focusing on my health and well-being while simultaneously getting ready for the day or reading at night.
March 2, 202610 min
The Weekly Dwell: How I’m Approaching Work Differently in This Season
After years of building, scaling, and sustaining a successful business, I’ve realized something: what worked before doesn’t always fit the season you’re in now.If you’ve been doing what feels safe instead of what feels aligned, this is your reset!📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on SubstackRESOURCESListen to more episodes- https://katelynjames.com/podcastFollow Katelyn on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/katelynjamesGet a Bible for $4 on Amazon- https://amzn.to/4nOhhKW
February 26, 202620 min
I’m Doing Something I Didn’t Realize I Was Ready For
In this episode, I’m sharing something that feels both surprising and deeply personal. After years of living through joy, trauma, loss, growth, business building, motherhood, and everything in between, I’ve become more certain than ever that our stories are purposeful. Even the painful ones. Especially the painful ones.I believe pain has purpose, how losing my son reshaped the way I see every hard season, and why I’m stepping into something new in this season of my life... not out of striving, but out of obedience.📣 I'M WRITING A BOOK! Follow along on Substack_______💻 FREE LIVE CLASS - It's my favorite of the whole year! Come learn to see what other photographer's are totally missing out on...composition! 📲 FREE - "What Your Brand Says About You" Guide🩵 Follow Katelyn on Instagram 👉 Finally nail your brand voice and show up authentically to your audience with the help of KJ Brand Coach GPTSave $260 on your own LumeBox! I’ve been using my LumeBox red light therapy before bed to support inflammation, skin health and relaxation.Click here to save on LumeBox!We LOVE Thrive Market for lower prices on snacks and goods that fit our budget and our goals for a healthier home. Get 40% off your first purchase with my referral link HERE!Building a website? I’ve used Showit for over 15 years because it lets me build a website that looks like me without fighting tech. Click here to try it for FREE for 30 days!Mentioned in this episode:Lume BoxI'm really working on habit stacking and my Lume Box is the best tool in my toolbox to really make sure I'm focusing on my health and well-being while simultaneously getting ready for the day or reading at night.
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