The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast

Episode: The Importance of Recharging and Connecting
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and lively holiday episode, hosts Ronan Ryle (Ireland), Jeanine McLeod (Tampa, Florida), and Steve Saporito (Australia) reflect on the importance of taking time off during the holiday season. The discussion centers on intentionally recharging, reconnecting with loved ones, and embracing traditions—both personal and cultural. While offering a behind-the-scenes look at their own family customs, the hosts also share actionable wisdom for fellow photographers about the value of slowing down, building connection, and integrating personal stories in business branding.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Importance of Taking a Real Break

• Seasonal Studio Closures:

  • Ronan notes this is the only time the business closes for a long stretch, from December 22 to January 2 in Ireland, which allows a rare opportunity to mentally switch off, even if just for a few days.
  • Jeanine schedules her last workday at noon on December 23, then fully commits to family time.

• Intentional Slowing Down:

  • Jeanine shares her transformation over the years—moving from a "militant" holiday planner to being present and relaxed with her family.

    "It's a very different Janine on Christmas Eve than it was Janine on Christmas Eve, like 10 years ago, where I was almost like militant... Now I am very much like, let's relax, let's enjoy, spend our time together." (04:00)

  • Steve emphasizes the necessity to practice what they advise their clients: recharge and enjoy family and self.

2. Cultural Holiday Traditions

• Holiday Names and Timing:

  • The team exchanges knowledge about post-Christmas celebrations:
    • Ireland: "St. Stephen’s Day" (Boxing Day)
    • UK/Australia: "Boxing Day"
    • US: Typically just December 25, but Jeanine’s studio takes off the 26th if it falls on a weekend.

• Festive Foods Across Cultures:

  • Steve (Australian-Italian): Christmas is a lavish feast—lasagna, turkey, lamb, chicken, and a slow-cooked meat barbecue on Boxing Day.

    "Way too much food. Way, way too much... it just makes you want to fall asleep under a fig tree." (08:20)

  • Jeanine (Italian-American): Christmas Eve is traditionally the Feast of the Seven Fishes, although allergies have shifted the menu to more pasta. Christmas Day features prime rib and handmade (or Italian market) ravioli, with decorative pancakes for the kids in the morning.

    "I obviously don't want to kill my family members... So we're not going to make trips to the hospital for anaphylactic shrimp allergies on Christmas Eve." (10:43)

  • Ronan (Ireland): Classic Irish fare—turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, peas, carrots and parsnips (which make the plate resemble the Irish flag), complemented by cranberry sauce.
  • Christmas desserts include the lighting of a whiskey-soaked pudding, fostering moments of family connection.

• Traditions and Meaning:

  • Jeanine reflects on conveying traditions to her children, from new Christmas ornaments each year to setting up a hot cocoa bar.

    "It is that magic. We make the magic as parents for our kids, and then that magic they then take and it'll be passed on to a future generation..." (21:50)

3. Family Activities and Connection

• Games and Laughter:

  • Board and card games are staples—Spades, Hearts, Texas Hold’em, and the dice game Left Right Center often bring the family together.

    "The kids love it because a lot of times the kids will win and they are very excited to win, like, $50 or something like that. And it's fun." (17:15)

  • Steve's family enjoys "Naughty Santa," a lively game where everyone brings and swaps gifts.

• Gift-Giving Practices:

  • Secret Santa is common among cousins and siblings to simplify gifting while keeping spirit high.
  • Each family puts its own spin on present exchanges—some open one gift on Christmas Eve, others adhere to budgets to make gifting more meaningful.

4. Bringing Personal Stories into Business

• Brand Authenticity:
  • Jeanine ties the relevance of family storytelling to personal branding for photographers:

    "That's part of the purpose... I want people to see the human behind it... it allows our clients to connect with us on something real that they're going through at the same time." (23:08)

  • Sharing real-life moments builds client connection and trust.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Recharging:

  "At some point you've got to recharge and you've got to do what you're asking your clients to do for your own people, your own family, and for yourself. It's important."
  — Steve Saporito (06:33)

• On Connection Through Food:

  "You know Italians, you got to celebrate with food, right, Steve?"
  — Jeanine McLeod (12:40)

• On Family Traditions:

  "We make the magic as parents for our kids, and then that magic they then take and it'll be passed on..."
  — Jeanine McLeod (21:57)

• On Celebrating Yourself:

  "Our wish is to treat yourself to an amazing Christmas and be kind to yourself. Look for the gifts that you have because we all deserve to be celebrated. And the hardest person to celebrate is yourself."
  — Steve Saporito (23:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Jeanine reflects on slowing down and savoring Christmas moments | | 01:13 | Ronan and Jeanine discuss business closures and the need to recharge | | 04:00 | Jeanine describes shift from "militant" to intentional holiday relaxation | | 05:10 | Differences in holiday names post-Christmas (St. Stephen’s, Boxing Day, etc.) | | 08:13 | Steve outlines Australian-Italian Christmas feasting traditions | | 10:00 | Jeanine shares Italian-American Christmas customs and changes due to allergies | | 14:06 | Ronan details Irish Christmas platters and traditions | | 15:00 | Lighting the Christmas pudding—symbolism of connection | | 16:30 | Discussion of favorite family games and fun activities | | 18:08 | "Naughty Santa" and alternative gift exchanges | | 20:34 | The real meaning behind family traditions and children's memories | | 23:08 | Importance of sharing personal stories in business branding | | 23:52 | Hosts share their Christmas wishes for listeners |

Takeaway for Listeners

This episode invites photographers—and all listeners—to step back from business and embrace the unique opportunity the holidays provide for reconnection, rest, and reflection. Through honest storytelling and light-hearted comparisons across cultures, the hosts reinforce the idea that nurturing personal bonds, celebrating traditions, and showing the "human" behind the business are as crucial for photographers as any marketing tactic. Their stories inspire listeners to treat themselves kindly, savor family, and weave these insights into both life and business.

Closing Wish:

"Treat yourself to an amazing Christmas and be kind to yourself. Look for the gifts that you have, because we all deserve to be celebrated..."

Merry Christmas from The Difference Maker Revolution team!