Unhurried

Kayla Ackelson
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Unhurried is a podcast for those who crave the beauty of slow, intentional living. Join Kayla Ackelson as she dives into unfiltered conversations with creatives, writers, and individuals with wonderfully niche passions. Together, we explore what it means to savor life, embrace curiosity, and find inspiration in the everyday. Each episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the simple joys of being present. Whether you're an artist, dreamer, or simply someone seeking a slower rhythm, Unhurried offers a space to breathe deeply and savor the moments that matter most.

  1. 21H AGO

    The Courage to Continue - Conversation with Terrell Chestnut

    In this episode, Kayla Ackelson interviews Terrell Chestnut, who shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful professional. Terrell recounts his early life marked by instability and adversity, including time spent in foster care and the loss of his brother. Despite these hardships, he found solace and purpose through sports, particularly football, which became a transformative outlet for him. Terrell emphasizes the importance of community support and mentorship in his life, highlighting key figures who helped him navigate his struggles and ultimately achieve success. As the conversation unfolds, Terrell discusses the impact of his past experiences on his present life, including the challenges he faced during his college football career and the emotional toll of injuries and loss. He reflects on the importance of vulnerability and the need to share his story to inspire others. Terrell's journey is a testament to resilience, as he strives to give back to his community and be a positive role model for his children. The episode concludes with a discussion on personal growth and the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Follow Terrell on Linkedin https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 4

    Reclamation of Self - Conversation with Shelah Riley

    In this episode, Kayla Ackelson sits down with photographer and artist Shelah Riley to talk about self-love, empowerment, and the transformative experience of boudoir photography. Together, they explore what it means to celebrate our bodies in the present moment — not someday, not when things change, but now. Kayla shares her personal experience stepping outside her comfort zone for a boudoir session, and Shelah offers insight into how photography can become a tool for reclamation, healing, and confidence. They also reflect on the nuances of self-care, the influence of social media on self-expression, and the importance of creating — and living — from a place of authenticity. Follow Shelah on Instagram https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.

    50 min

  3. JAN 29

    Rushing Around Is The Biggest Waste Of Time

    https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.  Order your Unhurried Merch now: https://www.bonfire.com/store/unhurried/ Follow on social media @kaylaackelson and @unhurriedpodcast This solo episode is a bit of a check-in. I’m talking about what I’ve been thinking about lately—slowing down, asking for help, and unlearning the habit of rushing through everything. I share reflections from No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh, prioritizing a few moments of reading, and how the idea of the “second arrow” has helped me relate to anxiety with more compassion. Mostly, this episode is a reminder (for me and for you) that we don’t need to hurry through our lives to be worthy, productive, or strong.

    26 min

  4. JAN 19

    Befriending Your Inner Critic - Conversation with Jessica Serran

    https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.  In this episode of Unhurried, host Kayla Ackelson connects with artist and coach Jessica Serran, diving deep into the complexities of creativity, motherhood, and the inner critic. Jessica shares her journey from a shy child who loved making art to becoming a leader in the creative community. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's authentic voice and the role of art in personal development. The conversation touches on the challenges artists face in monetizing their work and the societal pressures that often accompany the creative process. Jessica's insights on embracing vulnerability and the necessity of creating spaces for honest conversations resonate throughout the discussion, making it a rich exploration of what it means to be a creative in today's world. Follow Jessica on instagram @jessica.serran More information and resources: https://www.thebecoming.art

    58 min

  5. JAN 7

    I Am Worthy Of My Desires

    In this episode, Kayla Ackelson reflects on her journey through 2025 and sets one larger intention for 2026, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, writing, and personal growth. She discusses the significance of shedding what no longer serves us and embracing new opportunities. Kayla introduces her new writing platform on Substack, where she aims to share her thoughts and creative work. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to claim their desires, set meaningful goals, and overcome self-doubt, ultimately celebrating self-love and the journey ahead. Follow my substack: https://substack.com/@evenmoreunhurried Be sure to follow along on instagram @kaylaackelson and @unhurriedpodcast Subscribe to the podcast to support the show! • https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.

    20 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Onward and Upward

    BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.  In this episode, Kayla Ackelson reflects on the past year, sharing her experiences and insights as she prepares for the new year. She discusses the importance of vision boards, setting intentions, and the power of manifestation in achieving personal goals. Kayla emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the courage to embrace change, encouraging listeners to consider what they want to leave behind as they step into 2026. With a focus on community and personal growth, she shares her aspirations for the upcoming year and invites listeners to join her on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Follow along on instagram @kaylaackelson and @unhurriedpodcast

    23 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Creating Moments, Not Just Music - Conversation with Ali Tod

    https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.  In this episode of Unhurried, host Kayla Ackelson welcomes Scottish guitarist Ali Tod, who shares her journey from Scotland to America, her unique musical style, and the importance of creating engaging live experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating the music industry, the balance between collaboration and solo work, and the creative process of songwriting. Ali also reflects on her influences, the role of supportive teachers, and the modern challenges of balancing music with business. The conversation highlights the significance of community and family support in the arts, and concludes with ways to support artists like Ali Tod. https://www.alitodmusic.com Be sure to follow Ali across all platforms! instagram @alitodguitar

    52 min

  8. 12/14/2025

    Don't Believe Everything You Think

    https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible.  With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with. They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month.  That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠.  Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.  In this episode, Kayla Ackelson shares her personal experiences with mental health, self-care, and the importance of embracing imperfection. She discusses the challenges of managing intrusive thoughts, the significance of self-awareness, and the role of tension in personal growth. Kayla emphasizes the need for self-care practices and offers reflective journal prompts to help listeners navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and manifestation. Follow along on instagram @kaylaackelson and @unhurriedpodcast Don't forget to hit that subscribe button!

    24 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Unhurried is a podcast for those who crave the beauty of slow, intentional living. Join Kayla Ackelson as she dives into unfiltered conversations with creatives, writers, and individuals with wonderfully niche passions. Together, we explore what it means to savor life, embrace curiosity, and find inspiration in the everyday. Each episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the simple joys of being present. Whether you're an artist, dreamer, or simply someone seeking a slower rhythm, Unhurried offers a space to breathe deeply and savor the moments that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    Kayla Ackelson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kayla Ackelson
  • Show Website
    Unhurried