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What happens when you've checked all the boxes of success but still feel something's missing? James Walters, photographer, author, and host of "A Joyful Rebellion" podcast, joins us to explore the transformative power of creative risk-taking and authentic living.
James shares his fascinating journey from commercial photographer (who initially used photography to escape math class) to wedding photographer capturing unpredictable moments, to helping others tell their brand stories. This evolution mirrors his philosophy on life—embracing change and finding fulfillment through creative expression and self-awareness.
At the heart of our conversation is the concept of a "joyful rebellion," that pivotal moment when you realize external success markers aren't bringing internal fulfillment. James explains how many people diligently follow others' scripts—parents, teachers, society—only to discover they're not living their own story. The rebellion comes in reclaiming authorship of your life, sometimes through small adjustments and other times through complete reinvention.
Perhaps most surprising is James's counterintuitive approach to creativity: making certain aspects of life intentionally "boring." By streamlining decisions about wardrobe, food, or other personally low-priority areas, we free mental energy for pursuits that genuinely matter. As James puts it, "Look for something in your life that you can make boring, repetitive, a no-brainer, and that leaves so much more space to put your energy into being creative."
James also discusses his books—from "Accessory to Marriage" chronicling outrageous wedding photography stories to "Meditations of the Mundane," where he photographs and creates stories about everyday discarded objects. His current project aims to help children develop storytelling skills through photography.
Listen now to discover why awareness is the essential first step to meaningful change and embrace James's powerful mantra: "Nothing changes if nothing changes." Your own joyful rebellion might be closer than you think.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600