n this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I help your business be the best it can be in 2026 by sharing the transformative power of podcasting for business growth. I cover why every business should consider starting a podcast, learn efficient editing tips for busy entrepreneurs, and understand the importance of building a strong podcast team. I also highlight podcasting as an important marketing tool and share strategies for effective monetization. Tune in for practical insights and tips to enhance your brand visibility and achieve podcasting success.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to A Bright Idea Podcast05:02 Why Every Business Needs A Podcast09:20 Clarifying Your Podcast Purpose13:29 Building A Podcast that Supports Your Brand18:08 Episode Structures That Convert21:53 Finding the Right Guests for Your Podcast26:13 Planning Episodes With A Business Strategy27:12 Recording with Confidence32:41 Editing for Busy Entrepreneurs46:49 Monetizing As A Business Owner40:26 Marketing Your Podcast50:54 Creating A Rate Card for Sponsorships53:52 Building A Podcast Team Resources:How to Stop Letting Everything Effect You by Daniel Chidiac https://amzn.to/49OANmS

In this episode, we chat with courtney about what led her to photography, emphasizing her polished style and the importance of capturing joy, particularly among Black women. She discusses her dual career as a federal contractor and photographer, highlighting the challenges and rewards of balancing both. Courtney reflects on the influences of the strong women in her family and how they shaped her understanding of beauty and strength. She also delves into her experiences photographing burlesque performers, which taught her about empowerment and body positivity. Throughout the conversation, Courtney emphasizes the significance of creating a comfortable experience for her clients, the importance of continuous learning in her craft, and her desire to help women see their own narratives through her portraits. Ultimately, she aims to celebrate the journey of women and redefine beauty standards, especially for aging women.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Photography Style

02:59 Navigating Dual Careers: Government and Photography

05:59 The Journey of a Photographer: From Passion to Profession

08:59 Capturing Joy: The Impact of Community Events

11:58 Influences of Womanhood: Family and Representation

15:01 Empowerment Through Burlesque: A Unique Perspective

18:00 Celebrating Women: The Core of Photography

21:10 Creating a Comfortable Experience: The Spotlight Effect

23:55 The Art of Transformation: From Nervousness to Confidence

26:56 A Full-Service Photography Experience

29:47 Empowering Aging Women: Breaking Societal Norms

32:52 Celebrating the Wisdom of Women: Stories of Resilience

36:18 Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

38:06 Balancing 9 to 5 and Creative Pursuits

41:50 Networking and Community Building

45:23 The Importance of Continuous Learning

50:38 Branding and Client Experience

52:18 Finding Your Niche in Photography

57:18 The Emotional Impact of Photography

01:00:31 Personal Growth Through Creative Work

01:05:30 Legacy and Narrative in Portraits

courtneyramsey.co

social media: courtneyramsey.co

On this week’s episode - I sat down with Annie Leverich - founder of First Light Coffee. a Maryland-based coffee company rooted in connection, community, and giving back. Before launching her business, Annie led the press team for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and held communications roles with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the UN World Food Program. Annie worked for USAID for over a decade and When the Trump Administration shut down the agency, her role disappeared overnight. At first there was shock… and then she did the only thing that felt true: bet on the dream she’d been saving for…A coffee company.

In this episode, Annie and I get into how we went from working at USAID to taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, how she is blending her background in storytelling and humanitarian work to fuel her business, and her mission of giving back.

Resources:

Website: firstlightcoffeemd.com

Instagram: firstlightmornings