Explore every episode of the podcast Uncover Your Story
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 Stories that heal: reframing your narrative around food and wellbeing with Esther Amira Opie | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:25:46 | |
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:
Resources we mention:
Let’s connect:
About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #1 Your Voice and Story Matter: But How Do We Own It and Shine? | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:12:33 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| Welcome to Uncover Your Story with Sarah Oughton | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:02:37 | |
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #3 Flipping the script on matresence, menopause and neurodivergence with CiCi Goktas | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:36:31 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #4 Shifting Power, Sharing Stories: on HIV, Digital Strategy & Empowerment with Sarah Hand | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:43:29 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #6 Your Story, Your Strength: Turning Life Experience into a Superpower with Kate Stirling | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:46:39 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #5 The Art of 'Showing' Your Story (So people feel it and remember it) | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:18:31 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #7 Building a Workplace Rebellion: Stories that inspire change with Mo Kanjilal | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:32:42 | |
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:
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: 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. 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: | |||
| #10 The Frame We Choose: How to craft stories with resonance | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:25:51 | |
Your brand story isn’t just information — it’s how people connect with you on an emotional level. 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:
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode:
About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #9 The art of storytelling for business transformation with Kelly Pietrangeli | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:33:53 | |
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:
Connect with Kelly:
About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #8 Soulful stories for business growth and down-to-earth spirituality with Kelly Pietrangeli | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:35:10 | |
What happens when you follow the breadcrumbs life lays out for you — and have the courage to trust where they lead? In this two-part episode of Uncover Your Story, I sit down with Kelly Pietrangeli, founder of the global movement Project Me, to explore how storytelling, curiosity, and connection have shaped her journey from blogger and author to down-to-earth soul mentor. In part one, Kelly shares how she went from writing about parenting and productivity to embracing her spiritual side, building a business that now helps women around the world find their flow, follow their intuition, and become the best versions of themselves. We talk about the power of storytelling to grow a personal brand, why sharing vulnerably creates deeper connections with your audience, and how to write to your ideal client so they feel truly seen and understood. Whether you’re a creative, a coach, or a purpose-driven founder, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your own story and follow the breadcrumbs toward your most authentic work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Connect with Kelly:
Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #13 The Power of Story to Build Community, Purpose & Profit with Lara Shelldrake | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:44:37 | |
What does it take to build a thriving, purpose-led business that creates real impact? In this episode, I talk with Lara Shelldrake — speaker, business mentor, community strategist, and founder of Found and Flourish — to explore how purpose and profit can work hand in hand to create meaningful change. Lara shares her inspiring journey of starting a business while raising a newborn, navigating burnout, and evolving her mission to support women and non-binary entrepreneurs. We dive into the mindset shifts needed to value your work, the power of storytelling in building authentic connections, and how even small actions can create a ripple effect in the world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: · Why profit is essential for purpose-driven businesses and how more money in the hands of good people creates systemic change. · Lara’s personal journey — from building a community out of her own need for connection to leading a thriving platform of thousands. · The mindset shifts that helped her move past self-doubt and start charging what her work is worth. · How storytelling can build trust and connection, turning your audience into superfans and advocates. · Practical ways to integrate activism and social impact into your business, no matter your industry. Links & Resources:
Work with Sarah: Visit my website to find out about how I can support you to:
About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #12 Be the Flamingo: Building a Midlife Business You Love with Lisa Long | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:43:37 | |
In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I’m joined by Lisa Long, a behavioural psychologist, business coach, and strategist who helps midlife women build meaningful businesses they truly love. Lisa shares her incredible journey — from creating a seven-figure business at her kitchen table to selling it when life took her family to Spain, and later retraining in psychology to support women navigating the challenges and opportunities of midlife. We dive deep into:
Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Lisa’s wisdom and no-nonsense approach will inspire you to find your unique voice, connect deeply with your audience, and build a business that works for your life — not the other way around. Connect with Lisa: · Website: thelisaong.com · Instagram: @lisalong_msc Resources and Links: · Follow me on Instagram: @sarahoughtonphotography · Join my newsletter for storytelling tips and insights: Sign up on my website About me: 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. 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: | |||
| #11 Helping children build confidence through storytelling with Shilpa Jamieson | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:32:13 | |
What if children grew up with the tools to understand their emotions and trust themselves from the very start? In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I chat with Shilpa Jamieson, founder of Mindset Mimi and Me, about using storytelling and creativity to help children build self-worth and emotional resilience. We talk about Shilpa’s journey from being a shy child to launching a purpose-led business, how stories can transform both kids and parents, and why authenticity in business grows through action—not perfection. Whether you’re a parent or a purpose-driven founder, this episode is full of warmth, inspiration, and practical tools. What you’ll learn: · How storytelling helps kids build emotional awareness · Ways to weave self-development into everyday parenting · Why values and beliefs are the foundation of your brand · Shilpa’s honest take on authenticity and imposter syndrome Connect with Shilpa: · Free download: 5 everyday questions to build your child’s emotional resilience · Follow Shilpa on Instagram: @mindsetmimiandme Sarah’s brand stories services: Uncover Your Story: Your personal branding power hour Create Joyful Content: A 3-month programme to set your brand up for success Soulful Brand Videos: Connect deeply through your video story About me: 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. 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: | |||