Uncover Your Story – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to my first guest episode of Uncover Your Story! I’m so excited to kick things off with the brilliant Esther Amira-Opie — a nutritionist, wellbeing advocate, and founder of Nutrition Wellness Lifestyle.

Esther and I first connected over a brand shoot, and since then I’ve watched her grow a beautiful, grounded business rooted in care, knowledge, and deep personal experience. In this conversation, Esther shares the health crisis that led her to completely rethink her relationship with food and wellbeing — and how she now supports other women to do the same.

We talk about how powerful personal stories can be when building a brand, how to gently reframe harmful narratives around food and body image, and why small, consistent micro-stories often create big impact.

In this episode, we explore:

• Esther’s journey from burnout to balance, and how it shaped her business
• Why your own story is your strongest brand asset
• The importance of showing up with honesty and consistency
• How Esther rewrites old narratives with her clients — and why that matters
• What she’s learned in her first year of running a purpose-led business
• The role photography plays in helping her show up authentically online

Resources we mention:

• Esther’s free Intermittent Fasting Guide — a gentle, personalised approach to nourishing your body 
• My free guide Grow Your Brand with Soulful Storytelling 

Let’s connect:

• Follow me on Instagram → @sarahoughtonphotos
• Follow Esther on Instagram → @nutrition.wellness.lifestyle
• Sign up to my newsletter for soulful storytelling tips each month

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

Welcome to the very first episode of Uncover Your Story! I’m Sarah Oughton – brand photographer, storyteller and content creator – here to help creatives, change-makers and big-hearted rebels share stories with confidence and joy.

In this episode, I share my journey from humanitarian storytelling to running my own brand photography and story business, why this podcast almost didn’t happen, and how even the smallest stories can create big impact.

You’ll learn:

• Why it’s okay to start small (and imperfect!)
• Why your voice and story matter more than ever
• How to use storytelling to build connection and spark change
• The power of micro-stories for your brand (and how to shape them)

00:00 Welcome to Uncover Your Story

00:34 The Birth of the Podcast

01:40 The Power of Stories

03:04 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Courage

03:53 From Reader to Storyteller

04:48 A Career in Humanitarian Storytelling

06:02 Launching My Own Business

07:45 The Essence of Micro Stories

09:59 Empowering Your Voice

10:35 Season Preview and Final Thoughts

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

Welcome to Uncover Your Story — the podcast for creatives, change-makers and big-hearted rebels ready to tell stories that matter.

Whether you're building a personal brand or working with a purpose-led organisation, the stories you tell shape how others see you — and the impact you can make.

I’m your host, Sarah Oughton — a brand photographer, storyteller and content creator with 20 years’ experience working with non-profits and founders. On this show, I’ll guide you through the art of meaningful storytelling to help you connect with your audience, grow your confidence, and amplify your message.

Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, we’ll explore how to communicate with clarity and heart. You’ll learn practical tips, strategy insights and soulful storytelling tools to grow your brand or mission with purpose and joy.

Subscribe now and join our weekly conversations — it’s time to uncover your story, and share it with conviction.

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

In this episode, I’m joined by CiCi Goktas – a holistic health coach, yoga teacher, and women’s circle leader. CiCi’s mission is to support women in building a strong mind-body connection. She helps women navigating the messy parts of life.

We dive into how CiCi uses storytelling to break down shame and create honest conversations around motherhood, menopause, and raising a neurodivergent child. She shares how showing up authentically online has helped her build deeper connections and why knowing yourself is the foundation for sharing your story with confidence.

We also talk about her experience of personal brand photography (and our Sex and the City-inspired photo shoot!) and why embracing who you are – at any age and stage – is one of the most empowering steps you can take in business and life.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why CiCi started her coaching business and her powerful “why” behind it.
• How she shares deeply personal stories while staying true to her values.
• The importance of slowing down and tuning out the online “noise.”
• How to approach content creation authentically (and sustainably).
• Advice for building your personal brand story in a way that works for you.

If you’re navigating change, telling your story, or wondering how to show up online as your truest self, this conversation is packed with honesty, inspiration, and practical wisdom.

Find CiCi on: Instagram

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

What happens when we put people’s stories at the heart of change? In this episode, I speak with Sarah Hand – midwife turned international health and development leader, and former CEO of Avert – about how storytelling, co-creation, and compassionate leadership can break down stigma, shift health behaviours, and create lasting impact.

Sarah shares how personal stories can spark behaviour change and build empathy in ways data alone can’t, why co-creating with communities creates more meaningful and sustainable solutions, and what she learned from making the bold move to transition Avert’s core programmes to African-led organisations.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use storytelling to drive social change or lead with more heart and bravery, this conversation will inspire you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why personal stories are the missing piece in behaviour change communications
• How co-creation with communities leads to more impactful, culturally relevant campaigns
• What compassionate leadership looks like in action – and why it matters
• The ongoing challenges of HIV stigma and misinformation, and how stories can help shift the dial

Resources & Links:

Get the facts about sexual health and HIV on Be in the Know 

If You Enjoyed This Episode:

Please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who cares about the power of storytelling for change. It really helps other creatives and change makers find us.

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:34 Meet Sarah Hand: A Journey of Compassionate Leadership

02:36 Quick Fire Round: Getting to Know Sarah Hand

06:14 The Power of Personal Stories in HIV Communication

10:51 Cultural Sensitivity and Co-Creation in Storytelling

18:41 Digital Storytelling and Behavior Change

20:20 Challenges and Learnings in HIV Campaigns

27:01 The Impact of USAID Cuts on HIV Programs

39:01 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

What if the very challenges you’ve faced are the key to your confidence, your business, and your impact?

In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I’m joined by Kate Stirling — actor, life coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and founder of Club Thrive. Kate’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, and she shares how our lived experiences, no matter how messy or painful, can become the foundation of our greatest strengths.

We talk about:

• How storytelling helps us feel less alone and build true connection.
• Why self-trust is the starting point for confidence, creativity, and success.
• How to reframe limiting beliefs and use your experiences as fuel for growth.
• The power of using your voice — whether through journaling, video, or conversation — to connect more deeply with others.

Kate’s openness and honesty are a reminder that every story has value — including yours. If you’ve ever questioned whether your story is “interesting enough,” this conversation will shift your perspective.

See links below to connect with Kate, plus access a free meditation. 

Future You Visualisation Meditation  

Kate’s website & socials: www.katestirling.com + www.instagram.com/katestirling_ 

Club Thrive website & socials: www.club-thrive.com + www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Sarah’s free guide: Grow Your Brand Through Soulful Storytelling

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:34 Meet Kate Stirling: Actor, Life Coach, and NLP Master

02:37 Quickfire Round with Kate

04:19 The Power of Storytelling in Personal Growth

07:57 Using Voice and Video to Tell Your Story

14:21 Tackling Societal Narratives and Personal Blocks

18:53 Harnessing Your Experiences as a Superpower

24:11 The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

25:05 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

27:36 Overcoming Personal Challenges

28:28 The Value of Every Story

30:12 Balancing Privilege and Pain

35:39 Connecting with Dream Clients

38:22 The Joy of Helping Others

41:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

44:29 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

The stories you tell can set you apart — but only if people feel them. In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I share a personal story and break it down step by step to show how you can move from telling to showing. You’ll learn how to use structure, detail, and emotion to create stories that connect, stick, and inspire action. Plus, I guide you through a simple journaling exercise to help you uncover and shape your own story.

Journaling prompts from this episode:

1. What do I want my audience to think after hearing my story?
2. How do I want them to feel?
3. What do I want them to do?
4. What moments from my life (or my clients’ lives) bring that message to life?
5. What sensory details and emotions can I add to bring the story alive?
6. Where is the emotional heart of the story?

Ready to uncover and polish your own brand stories? This is exactly the kind of work I support clients with. Let’s create a library of soulful stories that connect and inspire — reach out if you’d like to explore working together - details on my website.

Want to see today’s story written out? You’ll find it on my blog.

Up next: I’m joined by Kate Stirling, founder of Club Thrive. Kate’s energy is electric, and the story behind her brand is just as inspiring. 

Until next time: uncover your story, own it, share it, and shine.

00:00 Welcome to Uncover Your Story

00:50 The Power of Storytelling

02:45 Personal Story: Breaking My Addiction to Chocolate

06:46 Analyzing the Story Structure

08:57 Techniques for Effective Storytelling

14:48 Journaling Exercise: Develop Your Story

17:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

Join me and Mo Kanjilal, the co-creator of Edge of Difference as we discuss how storytelling can be a powerful tool for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in businesses. 

Mo shares her personal experiences in the tech industry, highlighting the challenges she faced as a woman of color and how these shaped her passion for inclusion. 

We explore effective ways to integrate diverse narratives into brand storytelling and the importance of organisational culture in supporting diverse voices. Mo also takes us behind the scenes with Edge of Difference’s 'Workplace Rebellion' campaign, which is designed to inspire businesses to adopt inclusive practices. 

Connect with Mo:

• Website 
• Mo’s TEDx talk 
• LinkedIn  
• Buy The Inclusion Journey book – use code KOGANPAGE20 for 20% off via this link  

Get my free guide: Grow Your Brand Through Soulful Storytelling

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:33 Meet Mo Kanjulao: Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion

01:55 Quickfire Questions with Mo

03:12 Mo's Journey and Passion for Diversity

08:09 The Importance of Diverse Representation in Storytelling

11:16 The Workplace Rebellion: A Bold Stand for Inclusion

16:01 Challenges and Strategies for Inclusive Narratives

24:35 Success Stories and Impact of Inclusive Practices

30:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

Your brand story isn’t just information — it’s how people connect with you on an emotional level.
 In this episode, I explore how the principles of photography — focus, lens, light, and composition — can help you craft brand stories that truly resonate.

Using analogies from behind the camera, I’ll show you how to bring clarity, emotion, and intention to your storytelling. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or change-maker, you’ll learn how to frame your story so it connects deeply with your audience and inspires them to take action.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why framing matters in storytelling — and how it shapes audience perception.
• How to use focus to bring clarity to your message and avoid “blurry” storytelling.
• The importance of perspective and whose voice you use when sharing stories.
• How to align your tone of voice with your values so your message always feels authentic.
• Tips for structuring your story like a well-composed photo.
• The role of mindset in choosing what to share and how to edit your story with care.

Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Guide: Download my guide to crafting soulful brand stories
• Work With Me: Brand clarity and storytelling support

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

In this second part of my conversation with Kelly Pietrangeli, earth soul mentor and creator of the Soul Explorers membership, we dive even deeper into the transformative power of storytelling — for business and life.

Kelly shares how she brought her audience along when she made a bold pivot from her previous membership, Project Me, to the soulful, energy-led work she does today. Through the simple act of sharing a deeply personal dream, Kelly invited her clients to come with her on a whole new journey — and 90% of them said yes.

We explore how our stories help build trust, connection, and transformation, and why the energy we bring to our business impacts everything from our relationships to our revenue.

Kelly also opens up about a challenging chapter in her business where she invested in a coach who didn’t deliver, and how letting go of anger and resentment created space for new opportunities — including a life-changing invitation from her business mentor, Marie Forleo.

Plus, Kelly shares one of her most magical and soulful stories: an unforgettable breathwork experience that shifted her understanding of energy forever, and how this awakening has shaped her work and the lives of those she serves.

If you’ve ever faced a big change in your business or wondered how to bring your audience with you, this episode will inspire you to embrace storytelling as a tool for growth, healing, and connection.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Kelly used storytelling to successfully pivot her business and retain her community
• Why letting go of negative energy can open the door to new possibilities
• The role storytelling plays in building “know, like, and trust” with clients
• Kelly’s powerful breathwork experience and its impact on her life and work
• Why being authentic — and even a little bit “pistachio” — helps you stand out in business
• A moving retreat story about transformation and self-discovery

Connect with Kelly:

• Website: kellypietrangeli.com
• Instagram: @kellyprojectme
• Podcast: Project Me with Kelly Pietrangeli

About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.

Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories

If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all.

You can find me on:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.

Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video:

Brand Storytelling

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories