The Climb with Kelsey

Let’s be real…
If you’ve ever stared at your laptop for 20 minutes trying to decide what email to send, what to post, or whether you’re “doing enough” — this episode is for you.

Today on The Climb with Kelsey, I’m joined by Kristen Jacobsen, LCPC — licensed therapist, author, speaker, and anxiety specialist — and we are unpacking (literally) the mental load that creatives and entrepreneurs carry every single day.

We talk about:

• What decision fatigue actually is (and how it’s different from just being tired)

• Why small choices start to feel life-or-death when you're burned out

• The subconscious beliefs formed from ages 0–7 that still run your adult life

• Performance-based worth and why hustle culture feeds it

• Why high-achievers and creatives are especially vulnerable to mental overload

• The difference between ambition rooted in fear vs. ambition rooted in values

• Boundaries, self-respect, and the uncomfortable middle of change

• Why self-compassion is not fluffy nonsense — it’s neuroscience

Not to be dramatic but…
If your inner critic is loud, your calendar is full, and your nervous system is fried — this one might change the way you see yourself.

This is more than productivity.
This is about reclaiming your time, your energy, and your definition of success.

No pressure. Just presence.

👋 Meet Our Guest

Kristen Jacobsen, LCPC is a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and subconscious belief work . She’s also an author, speaker, professor, and coach helping high-functioning humans untangle the patterns that keep them stuck.

📚 Grab Kristen’s Book

Unpacked – Available on Amazon
https://a.co/d/3itcjhV

A readable, story-driven self-help book that helps you examine where your beliefs came from — and whether they’re still serving you.

🔥 Free Resource

Take Kristen’s Free Energy Audit to see where your energy is leaking and what’s actually restorative:
https://theanxietytherapist.kit.com/energy-audit-exercise

📲 Connect with Kristen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen.jacobsen.lcpc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanxietytherapist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-jacobsen-lcpc

Hey Climb Tribe!

Join Kelsey as she sits down with the ever-inspirational Ken from Pride Nomad. Ken isn't just sassy and fun; he's building incredible tools to combat isolation in the LGBTQ+ community.

From 'Alex the Hug Bot' to the 'Daily Hug' newsletter, Ken shares how AI and hugs are transforming lives. They dive into the magic of travel, the serendipity of new places, and the importance of connecting with strangers.

Whether it's discussing the ups and downs of being a perpetual nomad, drooling over the best burgers in foreign lands, or the hilarity of travel mishaps, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, and heartwarming insights.

Discover how a simple 'just do it' approach and a bit of tech-savviness can help you build a life full of joy, connection, and adventure.

Ken shares his innovative approach to combating isolation within the LGBTQ+ community through initiatives like the 'Daily Hug' and 'Alex the Hug Bot.' The conversation delves into various topics, including the practical applications of AI, the impact of travel on personal growth, and the importance of embracing new experiences. Ken discusses his personal experiences and tips for LGBTQ+ adventurers, emphasizing the significance of taking action and exploring the world. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful discussion on creating a life without borders, harnessing technology for human connection, and the joys of spontaneous travel.

✨Follow Ken on Socials:

@[email protected]🧡 CONNECT WITH KELSEY

✨ Join the Newsletter

Get weekly tips, spicy business truths, and behind-the-scenes goodness straight to your inbox:

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/stop-getting-ghosted-for-photographers/

✨ Freebies + Must-Have Resources

Spice Up Your SEO 

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/seo-for-elopement-photographers/

✨ Explore the Honeybee Website

Info, inspo, and all the magical things we create 

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/

✨ Book a Coaching Inquiry Call

Ready to build the business of your dreams? Let’s talk 

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/coaching

00:00 Welcome to Climb with Kelsey

00:04 The Magic of Ken and Pride Nomad

01:19 The AI Debate: Love It or Hate It?

03:13 The Power of Newsletters

06:33 The Daily Hug and Alex the Hug Bot

26:02 Travel Tales and Serendipity

36:26 A Day with a Straight Guy

37:30 Birthday in La Jolla

39:25 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

40:39 Redefining Success

41:17 The Nomadic Lifestyle

43:28 Travel Mishaps and Lessons

47:57 The Importance of Delegation

49:06 Embracing Your Strengths

56:34 Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

01:05:13 The Art of Conversation

01:08:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

HELICOPTER ELOPEMENT IN MONTANA | Real Elopement Story: Kelsey & RJ's Two-Day Adventure Wedding

Ever wondered what a REAL helicopter elopement looks like? Join me as I take you behind the scenes of Kelsey & RJ's epic two-day Montana elopement adventure—complete with a helicopter ceremony, mountain hikes, unexpected weather drama, and full-service elopement planning.

🚁 What's Covered in This Episode:✨ How they found me on Instagram & why they chose Montana✨ The full inquiry process & booking their all-inclusive package✨ Planning a helicopter elopement (including weight distribution!)✨ Coordinating hair & makeup, florist, limo service & dinner reservations✨ Their mountaintop ceremony with stunning canyon views✨ When the weather changed EVERYTHING (backup plans saved the day!)✨ Day 2: Hiking elopement with wildflowers & sunset✨ Real pricing, packages & what clients actually invest

ABOUT THIS ELOPEMENT:📍 Location: Bozeman, Montana📦 Package: 16 hours over 2 days (photo + video)💰 Investment: Full-service planning included🎯 Vibe: Artsy, Authentic, Adventurous

This is perfect for couples considering:• Montana elopements• Helicopter wedding ceremonies• Multi-day elopement experiences• Adventure elopements with hiking• Full-service elopement planning• Intimate mountain weddings• Alternative to traditional weddings

WANT TO BOOK AN ELOPEMENT LIKE THIS?Sign up for my Adventure with Us Coaching Program for one-on-one elopement photography coaching, including opportunities to shoot real elopements with me (even internationally!).

RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Bozeman Helicopter Tours• Montana elopement locations• Elopement planning checklist• How to choose an elopement photographer

🧡 CONNECT WITH KELSEY

✨ Join the NewsletterGet weekly tips, spicy business truths, and behind-the-scenes goodness straight to your inbox:

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/stop-getting-ghosted-for-photographers/

✨ Freebies + Must-Have Resources

Spice Up Your SEO

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/seo-for-elopement-photographers/

✨ Explore the Honeybee WebsiteInfo, inspo, and all the magical things we create

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/

✨ Book a Coaching Inquiry Call

Ready to build the business of your dreams? Let’s talk https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/coaching

💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would you consider a helicopter elopement? What's your dream elopement location?

👍 If you loved this real elopement story, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes elopement content!

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new elopement story!

ABOUT HONEYBEE WEDDINGS:We specialize in adventure elopements and intimate weddings for couples who want something authentic, adventurous, and uniquely them. From full-service planning to capturing your epic love story, we're here to make your elopement dreams a reality.

This video contains a real client story shared with permission. All details about planning, pricing, and logistics are accurate as of [recording date].

#elopement #montanaelopement #helicopterwedding #adventureelopement #elopementphotographer #bozemanmontana #mountainwedding #intimatewedding #elopementplanning #adventurewedding #elopementideas #destinationelopement #outdoorwedding #hikingwedding #realelopement #weddingphotographer #elopementvideographer #montanawedding #adventurecouple #nontraditionalwedding

Redefining Success: A Human-First Approach to Goal Setting

In this episode of the Climb Tribe podcast, Kelsey invites feminist business coach Becky Mollenkamp to discuss redefining success and setting human-first goals. Becky shares her journey of shifting away from hustle culture to a more intentional and sustainable business model. She talks about the importance of understanding your 'enough' number and prioritizing internal well-being over external metrics. 

They explore strategies for integrating emotions and personal values into goal setting and discuss the impact of societal conditioning on our perceptions of success. Becky emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive communities and shares practical ways to set goals that energize rather than drain you. 

The episode concludes with insights on the importance of accountability and the ongoing process of unlearning patriarchal norms.

Becky is a feminist business coach who helps service providers make the leap from small business owner to CEO without replicating toxic Corporate America.

Becky Mollenkamp: https://beckymollenkamp.com/

Messy Liberation Podcast: https://messyliberation.com/

Feminist Founders Guide to Building Your Dream Life: https://www.amazon.com/Feminist-Founders-Guide-Building-Dream/dp/B0C87Q1TCV

Feelings Wheel: https://a.co/d/46HmWnx

Feminist Podcast Collective: https://feministpodcasterscollective.com/🧡 CONNECT WITH KELSEY

✨ Freebies + Must-Have Resources

Spice Up Your SEO https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/seo-for-elopement-photographers/

✨  Boss Up, Build a Work/Life Balance and Get Sh*t Done: https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/boss-up

✨ Explore the Honeybee Website

Info, inspo, and all the magical things we create 

https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/

The hedonic treadmill is the idea that your brain quickly gets used to good things, so the happiness they bring doesn’t last.

You reach a goal, feel great for a moment, then it becomes normal. Soon, you’re chasing the next goal to feel that same excitement again.

• More money → feels amazing → becomes normal → you want more
  

• Big win → excitement fades → new target appears

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:08 Becky's Background and Business

00:32 Challenges and Illness

00:55 Feminist Business Coaching

01:30 Podcasting and Workload

02:27 Redefining Success

03:13 Permission to Rest

08:08 Shame and Patriarchy

09:31 External Validation and Success

09:49 School and Conditioning

16:37 Community and Support

22:29 Grief and Redefining Success

24:02 Setting Goals and Feeling Fulfilled

32:10 The Concept of 'Enough'

35:00 The Myth of Needing to Be a Billionaire

35:23 Creating Your Dream Budget

36:25 The Impact of Financial Realization on Voting

37:01 Overcoming Money Shame and Fear

39:46 Aligning Goals with Values and Emotions

42:21 Human-First Goal Setting

44:31 Tracking Emotions and Achievements

47:17 Balancing Business and Personal Well-being

49:58 Redefining Success and Goal Setting

01:03:49 The Importance of Community and Accountability

01:07:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The hedonic treadmill is the idea that your brain quickly gets used to good things, so the happiness they bring doesn’t last.

You reach a goal, feel great for a moment, then it becomes normal. Soon, you’re chasing the next goal to feel that same excitement again.

Hey Climb Tribe!

Have you ever been told you'll never make it?

We're talking about making a difference every day and defying naysayers.

Got a story about overcoming doubt? Shoot me a DM; I'd love to feature it.

Don’t miss the riveting tale of Kate Davis in Season 1, where she shares her journey to success.

Empowerment, resilience, and a whole lot of girl power await. Let's climb together!

Defying Doubt: Turning Criticism into Fuel for Success

In this episode of Climb Tribe, Kelsey shares a deeply personal story about a pivotal moment in her life when a superior told her she would never succeed as a Montana wedding photographer.

Battling self-doubt and anxiety, she reflects on how this critique became a source of motivation to prove her naysayer wrong. Kesley emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, pushing back against unsolicited negative advice, and supporting other women in their ambitions. She lays out empowering advice for anyone ready to chase their dreams and reject the negativity from those who don’t believe in them.

00:00 Introduction: A Personal Story

00:51 The Moment That Changed Everything

03:28 Facing Doubts and Fears

04:54 The Unsolicited Advice

08:19 Empowerment and Support

10:32 Words of Encouragement

13:31 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey

Eloping in Spain: Ditching Expectations for an Epic 2-Day Adventure
When Lexy and Nate decided to elope, it wasn’t just about skipping the big wedding—it was about rewriting the rules. In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Lexy to talk about the emotional (and sometimes tough) decision to elope in the face of societal and family pressure, and why it was 100% the right call.

They share the magic behind their two-day adventure elopement in Costa Brava, Spain—a land of turquoise waters, Mediterranean charm, and unforgettable sunsets. From exploring tucked-away beaches to celebrating their love before Nate’s military deployment, this is a story about doing things your way.

💍 Why they chose Spain for their wedding + honeymoon
🌊 The emotional weight of eloping and how to navigate it
🏝️ Their favorite hidden spots around Costa Brava
🫶 How an intimate elopement became their dream celebration

Whether you're daydreaming of a European elopement or wrestling with the pressure to plan a big traditional wedding, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in to hear what it really looks like to follow your heart, passport in hand.

Reach out to plan your elopement

How to elope in Spain

How much does an elopement photographer cost?

Thinking about eloping in Glacier National Park? Hold up, bestie—this episode’s for you. 🎧

Join me and Erin from On the Fly Films as we spill the tea on what it's really like to tie the knot in one of Montana’s most iconic national parks. We’re talking the dreamy views, tricky permits, best hidden ceremony spots, the not-so-fun reservation system, and the real pros and cons of getting married in Glacier.

We’re also shouting out some epic alternative locations you might not have considered (but totally should).

🎟️ Ready to skip the guesswork?
👉 How to Elope in Glacier National Park

🎥 Meet Erin: On the Fly Films

📄 Step-by-step permit guide:
How to Fill Out a Glacier National Park Permit

✨ Pop this episode in your pocket before you say “I do” under those Montana skies!

🎙 The CLIIMB with Kelsey | Episode: Reignite Your Creativity with Flora Gibson

Calling all wedding and elopement photographers 📸—feeling stuck in a creative rut? You’re not alone, and this episode is exactly what you need.

Kelsey sits down with the wildly talented Flora of Flora Gibson Photography to share real, actionable tips for staying inspired behind the lens. From choosing the right gear to breaking through creative blocks, this episode will leave you feeling fired up and ready to create magic.

🎧 What we cover:

• Flora’s go-to gear for dreamy elopement shots

• How to stay inspired when the work starts to feel repetitive

• Creative prompts and filters you can start using right now

• Why mindset matters as much as your camera settings

✨ Mentioned Equipment:

• 28mm lens

• 35mm f/1.4

• 58mm lens

• 70-200mm f/2.8

• Optical glass triangular prism

• Tiffen Pro Mist

• 8 Star lens filter

👉 Ready to go from burnt out to six-figure adventure elopement photographer?Join our 3-Part Coaching Program and come on a real-life elopement with us:⁠http://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/wedding...⁠

Follow Flora: ⁠https://www.floragibson.com/

Wedding days are a marathon, not a sprint—and if you’ve ever ended the night with sore feet, a foggy brain, and a hanger-fueled breakdown in the car… this one’s for you.

In this episode, Kelsey teams up with Alicia Parks of Wedding Vendor Wellness to talk all things self-care for wedding pros. From hydration hacks and power snacks to yoga stretches that won’t make you look like a deranged flamingo behind the dessert table, Alicia drops practical wellness tips that will change the way you show up for your clients—and yourself.

Whether you're a planner, photographer, HMUA, or DJ, these easy-to-implement rituals will help you feel grounded, nourished, and ready to crush a 12-hour wedding day with grace.

🎧 Listen in to learn:

• What to pack in your wedding day survival kit

• Easy hydration + snack tips to keep your energy steady

• How to stretch and reset mid-wedding (without a full-on yoga mat moment)

• Why caring for yourself = serving your clients even better

🎁 BONUS: Use code THECLIMB at weddingvendorwellness.com for a special discount on Alicia’s wellness resources!

🧠 Want even more biz tips? Check out Kelsey’s photographer education hub:
https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/category/for-photographers

Let’s be real—travel isn’t just about pretty passport stamps and beachside selfies. It’s about connection, culture, and conscious choices. In this episode, we’re getting down and dirt-stained (in the best way) with 9 actionable tips on how to be a badass human while planning the adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you’re eloping in Iceland, hiking through Glacier, or road-tripping Route 66—this one’s for you. We’re unpacking how to travel with intention, honor the land and locals, and still have the most epic time ever. Spoiler: Being kind to the planet doesn’t mean skipping the champagne pop.

So grab your hiking boots and your vow book—because sustainability is sexy, and we’re here to prove it.

🎧 Show Notes:
✨ Have your elopement fully planned for you →
https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/

🌍 Check out all 9 tips on the blog →
https://honeybeeweddingsmt.com/conscious-tourism/

📸 Our incredible guest Cat from Deline Photography →
https://delinephotography.com/author/admin/

💛 Follow along behind the scenes →
https://www.instagram.com/honeybeeweddingsmt/