Doing Life Differently

👉 Learn more and start clarifying your brand voice with KJ Brand Coach GPT. Do you really have a strong brand...or just strong visuals? In this episode, we’re unpacking what a brand voice actually is, why it matters for connection and trust, and how to start clarifying yours. You’ll learn: The difference between tone and true brand voice Why your voice builds trust before conversion The simple fo...

Every entrepreneur falls into one of four identities: the Invisible Beginner, the Polished Pro, the Workhorse, or the Trapped Visionary. In this episode, I’ll help you identify where you are, what’s keeping you stuck, and what winning could look like in your business. ⭐️ Plus, a sneak peek of something brand new coming Monday that will feel like having a coach in your pocket anytime you need it!...

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be sitting across from a therapist, holding buzzing paddles in my hands while my eyes tracked her fingers back and forth… I would have laughed and said, “Nope, not me.” I thought I was fine. I’ve been open about loss, near-death experiences, health struggles, and running a business through it all. I believed that because I could talk about the hard things, I...

Free Resource: 🎧 What Your Brand Says About You If your marketing feels like you’re shouting into the void… this episode might be the wake-up call you need. I’ve coached hundreds of entrepreneurs—photographers, real estate agents, coaches, and even multi-million-dollar business owners—and I see the same problem over and over again. They’re posting consistently, they’re doing “all the things,” but...

In this raw and powerful episode, Katelyn shares a live coaching moment with a student walking through infertility, grief, and the fear of showing up vulnerably in her brand. If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to be strong but feel broken instead… this is for you. You’ll hear: Why strategy isn’t what’s keeping most businesses stuck How to start sharing your story when you’re not “there yet”...

Today we’re digging into something I wish more business owners understood: your brand is saying something to the world—even if you’re not trying. Even if you feel invisible online. Even if you’re “taking a break.” Silence still speaks. 👉 Download the guide that pairs along with this! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I accidentally built a personal brand in 2008 just by being m...

In this episode, I’m walking you through the real story behind how my business (and myself!) have changed over the last 17 years. I call them KJ 1.0 and KJ 2.0. These two versions of me worked hard, chased big dreams, and carried some heavy mindsets along the way. One hustled to prove herself. One scaled while breaking inside. Both taught me something I didn’t know I needed. Whether you’re in your...

There’s a weird mix of grief and excitement that comes when you outgrow something that used to fit. In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to rebuild my website from the ground up—and why it’s so much more than a fresh design. I talk with Becca, my marketing director, about the story behind the rebrand, the identity shift that came with it, and the deeper reason I knew it was time to mak...

What happens when your business outgrows your website… but you’re still emotionally attached to it? That’s where I found myself. And in this special episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of my BIGGEST brand shift yet—with the one and only Jen Olmstead, my dear friend and longtime web designer (and Tonic Site Shop co-founder). We’re talking about: What “KJ 3.0” really means and why bold, colo...

This episode hit deep ! If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one driving vision in your marriage or that your spouse doesn’t seem as invested, you’re not alone. Julia Woods and I dive into why vision casting as a couple can feel so challenging—and why it often triggers emotions like fear, shame, and frustration. Julia shares powerful insights on: • How vision exposes deeper beliefs about ourse...

What does success really mean? Is it about income, status, or something deeper? In this episode, Michael and I sit down for a candid conversation about how our childhood shaped our views on success and how we’re intentionally redefining it for our own children. We reflect on growing up in a small-town community, the hidden lessons we learned about money and work, and the challenges of raising kids...

In this episode, I’m sharing how my perspective on business shifted from hustle to purpose and how I’ve seen God use my work as a ministry. From unexpected conversations with clients to moments of service on wedding days, I reflect on the ways faith has overflowed into my business. If you’ve ever wondered how your work could make a bigger impact, this episode will encourage you to see opportunitie...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , I share a raw and honest recap of my December digital detox. Spoiler: it was nothing like I expected! What started as a plan for distraction-free family memories quickly turned into a season of survival, self-discovery, and surprising lessons. From navigating a rare allergy and health scares to the unexpected gifts of stepping away from social media, thi...

In this deeply personal episode, I’m opening up about my bizarre and life-changing journey with Alpha Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy that has completely reshaped how I live. From mysterious symptoms and terrifying reactions to the unexpected diagnosis and a functional medicine approach that’s brought relief, I’m sharing it all—the fear, the frustration, and ultimately, the hope and healing. Th...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , I’m sharing why I’m stepping into a digital detox for the month of December! I dive into the heart behind this decision—both the practical and spiritual motivations that led me to hit pause, especially on social media like Instagram. For me, this detox is about creating space to be more present with my family and making room for stillness and reflection...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , I'm opening up about my family’s journey to a healthier, lower-toxicity home. Our family has been learning so much about about food additives and dyes! So I'm sitting down to shares actionable steps and real-life insights that have helped my family reduce our toxic load and promote better health. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the topic of toxins this...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , Michael and I reflect on our unique journey in education as founders of an Acton Academy. Now in year three, we’re seeing the results of an alternative education model designed to foster independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in young learners. If you’re curious about what makes Acton different, we break down how our “learner-driven” a...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , I chat with my friend Catherine Guidry, a luxury wedding photographer and educator from New Orleans. Catherine shares how embracing personal branding and vulnerability transformed her business and life. We explore the challenges of being authentic online while balancing professionalism and how connection can fuel both personal and business growth. If you...

In this episode of Doing Life Differently , I sit down with two of my favorite photographers and business owners, Erica and Jon, to talk about their journey of leaving corporate life and traditional wedding photography behind to build a thriving brand photography business that aligns with their values and lifestyle. 📲 Follow Katelyn on Instagram EPISODE MENTIONS: Click to sign up for Erica + Jon'...

In this episode of 'Doing Life Differently', Katelyn shares her unique approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal marketing, innovation, and community building! From a college student to a successful multi-7 figure entrepreneur, Katelyn highlights the foundational elements that have contributed to her thriving business. MENTIONS: Follow Katelyn on Instagram ! Learn more a...

Welcome to the RE-BRAND of the Podcast! The Katelyn James Podcast is now Doing Life Differently with Katelyn James. In this episode of 'Doing Life Differently', Katelyn introduces her rebranded podcast, focusing on living intentionally across various aspects of life, including family, education, faith, business, and wellness. This podcast will shares Katelyn's journey of embracing a different path...

What if what you really want in life is going to take more than just finding your passion? What if it means doing life completely different than what most consider normal! Katelyn dives into a deep conversation with a dear friend, Graham Cochrane, who is a bestselling author, 7 figure entrepreneur, TEDx and keynote speaker, bestselling author and host of The Graham Cochrane Show.  With over 14 yea...

Today I am sharing part 2 of my REST series on the podcast! (If you missed it, you can listen to part one HERE !) Has anyone ever told you that you need to rest by “turning your brain off?”..... Have you ever felt like the part of your brain that allows you to dream or be inspired isn’t accessible anymore?  Have you ever struggled with being STUCK? If so, this episode is for you! For the photograp...

In today’s episode you’ll hear me walking through the beginning conversation of “What is REST” and what have I believed about it that has kept me stuck in some cycles that aren’t serving me well anymore!  It is definitely out of the norm to slow down…. It’s also out of the norm to TALK THROUGH rest as an entrepreneur because honestly, if you’re wired like me, making time to even listen to a podcas...

As I continue to share more about the path we've been on, there have been a lot of questions! I wanted to answer some of those questions and try to tie a bow on this long story that can hardly fit into 3 podcast episodes. If you're in the middle of a health journey, or advocating for your kids, I hope this episode encourages you! Brain Balance : https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/ Dr. A...