Best Kelley Gilster Podcasts (2024)

1
How to set yourself up for success for 2025 31:01

2h ago31:01

31:01

We won't be the first to tell you that 2024 has been a weird year for most of us. And we are sure more than a few of you are ready to leave it behind. So as we begin to open our books for 2025, we want to make sure you are setting yourselves up to be as successful as possible! On today's podcast we are sharing what we are doing (and what you should…

1
Pre-wedding habits for success 30:53

1h ago30:53

30:53

Today we are rebroadcasting one of our favorite episodes from last year! Having a repeatable go-to process for the days leading up to a wedding helps to ensure success on the wedding day. Making sure you are in a great creative mindset and feel confident that you've crossed your T's and dotted your I'd will allow you to tackle each wedding with con…

1
Things we wish we knew 5 years ago 25:42

12d ago25:42

25:42

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and spill alllll the secrets you have learned over the last 5 years? Today's podcast we are doing just that! The year 2019 and our 2024 selves are holding nothing back. From not taking every wedding that comes your way, to alining yourself with the right brands, to just being 100% authentic to yourself- we…

1
All things content creation w/ Social Saira 34:30

4d ago34:30

34:30

We know content creation is a hot topic in the industry right now. You either are triggered by it or you are embracing it. We figured it was time to really dive into what it all entails because it is not going anywhere. Today's guest, Saira Mirza of Social Saira has actually been doing content creation since before content creation was even a thing…

1
Adapt or die w/ PenWeddings 45:51

21d ago45:51

45:51

Not only has technology changed over the last decade, but so has the industry, the way we form relationships and lets not even get started with the rise of social media. No matter what facet of the industry you serve, you really have to either adapt or die. Today's guests, Rick and Sarah Pendergraft of PenWeddings have been in the industry for over…

1
Tastemakers and trendsetters w/ Bash Please 39:55

18d ago39:55

39:55

So what does it truly mean to be a tastemaker and trendsetter in this industry? When you first start out, of course you want to work with these big names. But the clout chasing will only make your work look like everyone else's work. You are better off building your brand based on what works for you. This weeks guests, Sunna and Mollie of Bash Plea…

1
Paying your dues w/ Rosemary Events 48:24

26d ago48:24

48:24

Did you know that it is possible to level up too quickly? Listen, we are all about growth here and love to encourage fellow creatives as they scale their businesses, but jumping too quickly doesn't do you, or your creative partners, any favors. Todays guest, Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events, knows a thing or two about paying her dues. Before …

1
Finding your signature style w/ Christina McNeill 44:45

1M ago44:45

44:45

Are you doing it because you are copying somebody and copying a trend or are you doing it because you authentically believe it is storytelling? These are the types of questions that led today's guest, Christina McNeill, to discover who she truly was as an artist. On today's episode, Christina shares her view on how to be unapologetically yourself i…

1
Introvert vs. extrovert: a take on marketing 42:09

1M ago42:09

42:09

Being an introvert or extrovert can totally impact your networking style and it is really important to understand where you fall so you can play to your strengths. Today on the podcast, Taylor and Kelley are sharing how understanding their personalities help guide them in authentic genuine networking. And even though these two are vastly different …

1
Fake it till you make it w/ Brooke Keegan 53:24

2M ago53:24

53:24

We all start at the same starting line. It is time to realize that enough is enough, take control of your business and no longer let it run you. Today's guest Brooke Keegan, one of the top wedding planners in the world, is sharing how she got her start in the wedding industry. Hint- it was a whole lot of faking it till you make it! We hope today's …

1
The myth of overnight success w/ Amanda Crean 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

Is there really such a thing as an overnight success? With 17 years in the industry, today’s guest Amanda Crean is sharing her take on the phrase. After moving halfway across the world and reestablishing her business in a completely new city, Amanda discusses the importance of leveraging opportunities when they come your way. Plus Kelley shares the…

1
Going the extra mile w/ Harrison Films 46:07

2M ago46:07

46:07

Do you think it is possible to be tactical and strategic within your business while still approaching things in an authentic and organic way? That truly is today’s guest in a nutshell! Deanna from Harrison Films is on the podcast talking all about how her and her husband Grant are able to serve their clients while staying true to themselves as arti…

1
Answering your questions (part 2!) 19:20

2M ago19:20

19:20

If you could only do ONE thing to level up your business what would it be? We are picking right back up where we left last week and we are so excited to answer this question and others like it. We are diving a little deeper and getting into some juicy ones so make sure to listen to the whole episode! We had so much fun answering your questions and …

1
Answering your questions (part 1!!) 20:58

3M ago20:58

20:58

We are putting a quick pause in our all-star series to answer YOUR questions!! That's right you asked and we answered! From our tips on how to build relationships with planners without cold calling them to how much time do we really spend on Level Up each week- we are answering it all. And if you didn't hear your questions answered don't worry! Tun…

1
Building a High Level Team w/ Abby jiu 39:12

3M ago39:12

39:12

It is no secret that operating as a team is not super common once you reach a certain level in the industry. But can it be done when executed correctly? Today’s guest Abby Jiu is showing us that it absolutely can! Abby of Abby Jiu excels as the leader of a dynamic team of four photographers. Together, the all-women lead team specializes in luxury w…

1
The Art of Risk Taking w/ Storybox Cinema 51:31

3M ago51:31

51:31

Risk taking is a muscle. You can flex it, you can get better at it, but that doesn't make it any less scary. Today's guest Chris Jespersen is proof of that. Chris's company, Storybox Cinema, is at the top of almost every "best of" list and how did he get there? By taking risks. Chris discusses how taking calculated risks in his career has gotten hi…

1
Pushing Boundaries w/ Kate and Co. 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

What do you do when you have all these goals and dreams for your business but feel limited by your local market? Do you choose to accept those pre convinced notions that there may not be space for "luxury weddings" or do you push those boundaries and make it happen? We started the conversation last week about bringing luxury to your local market an…

1
Creating a luxury market in a non-luxury location w/ Mike Cassimatis 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

Have you ever thought that you can’t charge luxury prices because there is no luxury market in your area? First of all, you are not alone in thinking this. But second of all, you might be wrong. And today’s guest proves that. Mike Cassimatis is sharing his story about how he helped bring luxury to St Louis and how he has gone from charing 1500 to 1…

1
Curating a luxury social media presence w/ Peyton Frank 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

When you are thinking about your brand, you should be thinking beyond your logo and the colors on your website. Yes the fonts you choose and the words you use are important, but it will mean nothing if you aren't giving the same care and attention to your social media. Today's guest Peyton Frank has mastered making her social media presence part of…

1
Burn the Boat 26:29

4M ago26:29

26:29

It's time to go all in. It is time to show up and pull that safety net from your business. It is time to simply go for it and figure it out along the way. Let's burn the boat and further our growth together. The Luxury Framework + Mastermind are now OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT. The door will close March 20th so DO NOT WAIT! https://thelevelupco.com/theluxu…

1
Prioritizing progress over perfection 49:20

5M ago49:20

49:20

Sometimes it can feel like all we ever do is plant seeds in our business but we never actually reap those rewards. Today on the podcast Taylor and Kelley are joined with some of their Luxury Framework Mastermind alumni to discuss how easy it is to become impatient and just give up. Instead, you must prioritize progress over perfection and remember …

1
How to find the luxury in every event w/ Giselle Films 37:53

5M ago37:53

37:53

Do you ever feel frustrated trying to figure out how to attract luxury clients when you are not shooting luxury weddings quite yet? Today's guest Giselle Diaz shares how she learned to find the luxury in every event. She has been able to double her prices by discerning what to show, and not show, from each wedding she captures- even if they may not…

1
How being selfish in your business is a good thing 37:50

5M ago37:50

37:50

We are taught from a young age how not to be selfish. But what if we told you that you actually NEED to be selfish in your business sometimes? Today we are giving you four reasons why. From how to curate what you are showing on social media to learning when to say no, we are holding nothing back. We promise you will leave this episode with a newfou…

1
Blocking out the noise w/ Rosemary Films 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

Are you letting who books you dictate the kind of weddings you are shooting? Or what about feeling totally in control of the video side of things but lost when it comes to the business side of things? Today's guest Miranda Rangel of Rosemary Films opens up about how she felt stuck in her business and overwhelmed with where to turn. Running a succes…

1
The best investment for your business w/ Cinematt Films 37:58

5M ago37:58

37:58

How much can you really learn after almost two decades worth of experience in the wedding industry? Today's guest Matthieu Meynier has the answer. And spoiler alert? You actually never stop learning. Matthieu has been in business since 2001 and is revealing the best investment he has made in those 23 years- continuing to invest in education. THE RO…

1
The truth about booking luxury weddings 39:19

5M ago39:19

39:19

Want to know the truth about booking luxury weddings? Your business is meant to serve you. Not the other way around. Period. On today's podcast, Taylor and Kelley are talking about all the ways to make sure your business is serving you how it should. From figuring out which market you should target to the benefits of having a healthy work/life bala…

1
New life seasons called for big business changes w/ Summer Films 38:39

5M ago38:39

38:39

So you have had your eyes opened to the luxury wedding industry- now what? Today’s podcast guest Summer Jones of Summer Films talks about just that. After feeling burnt out in her business Summer chats about the actionable steps she took to reach the luxury market. From rebranding, to updating her headshots, to really honing in on finding her ideal…

1
Going from $2500 to $10k in 9 months w/ Drew Coleman 43:54

6M ago43:54

43:54

Can you imagine quadrupling your prices in less than a year? Because that is exactly what today's guest Drew Coleman did. He went from charging $2500 to $10k in just 9 months! If your ideal client landed on your instagram page would they book you based off that alone? Make that answer YES!! FREE Instagram Review February 15th in our Level Up Co Fac…

1
Is going viral HURTING you? 22:05

6M ago22:05

22:05

The possibility of millions of people seeing your content and being exposed to your brand is an amazing thing, right? Well, maybe. The popularity of reels + TikTok and the excitement of trying to going viral has changed the way we view content and these platforms. We see more and more people acting like influencers, whose sole mission is audience b…

1
How to continue growing (even during slow seasons) 28:21

6M ago28:21

28:21

For many of us we are currently in the midst of our off season. Of course this is a time to rest, but it's also a time to RESET and REFRESH a few areas of our business that can use some TLC. We walk you through the most effective ways to utilize this off season so that you are setting yourself up for the best year ahead! MISSED OUR RESET SUMMIT? PU…

1
Staying True to Yourself While Serving The Luxury Market w/ Kim Alvarado Films 49:19

6M ago49:19

49:19

Does the luxury market put you in a box? Today's guest Kim Alvarado is well on her way to the luxury market and firmly believes in remaining true to yourself. We love her outlook and dedication to her brand! GRAB YOUR TICKET TO THE RESET SUMMIT: https://thelevelupco.com/reset About Kim: Kim is a former journalist turned filmmaker who began filming …

1
The 7 mistakes you're making when a potential client inquires 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

Hate getting ghosted? So do we. If you're a wedding filmmaker or photographer, you might be making one (or many) of these 7 common mistakes when it comes to the booking process. GRAB YOUR TICKET TO THE RESET SUMMIT: https://thelevelupco.com/reset LEVEL UP resources: - Luxury Client Communication Guide- https://thelevelupco.com/luxury-client-communi…

1
The New Year RESET 35:23

7M ago35:23

35:23

Heading in to a new year is always exciting, and as wedding filmmakers and photographers, we tend to have a fresh and energized outlook on the coming year. Now is the time to: Reset. Refocus. Restart. Especially since booking season is upon us. We challenge you to adopt a fresh perspective and strategy to the way you approach pricing, packages + pr…

1
Why focus is the key to success w/ Saltrock Studios 36:03

7M ago36:03

36:03

Do you ever feel like you're being pulled in multiple directions creatively, but having a hard time gaining meaningful traction in any one of them? You might be lacking focus. And as it turns out, focus is a key ingredient to building a successful and sustainable business in the wedding industry. Megan Edgemond founded Saltrock Studios with the goa…

1
Q&A: Answering Your Questions (raising your prices, crediting vendors + more) 1:04:16

8M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

We put out a call for questions from YOU on our Instagram and in our Facebook Group (linked below), and today we are answering your questions! LEVEL UP resources: - Luxury Client Communication Guide- https://thelevelupco.com/luxury-client-communication-guide - Download your free Planner Communication Guide here: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-com…

1
Why your content should shift as you rise within the industry 28:28

8M ago28:28

28:28

As you begin to rise within the industry, your content will begin to shift. The way you capture the event + what you capture will slightly change, and you'll want a more polished and refined set of imagery to deliver to your clients and wedding planners. We created the Elevated Shot List in partnership with a luxury wedding planner to help you iden…

1
Why you need to be showing up more on Instagram w/ Wild + Roam 40:09

8M ago40:09

40:09

Did you know that if you leverage your content well, it can lead to more bookings? This week on the podcast we chatted with Dryden and Emily of Wild + Roam about their strategy for utilizing Instagram to book incredible weddings across the world. This husband and wife photo/video team has only been in business for 3 years and are already doing some…

1
The Language of Luxury Events w/ 1011 Makeup 53:11

8M ago53:11

53:11

No matter what area of the wedding industry you serve, when you reach the luxury level, there are certain things you're expected to understand. The "language" and understanding of the ins and outs of luxury events will help you impress planners and avoid faux pas. LEVEL UP resources: - Luxury Client Communication Guide- https://thelevelupco.com/lux…

1
The Etiquette of Filming Behind the Scenes at a Wedding 38:29

9M ago38:29

38:29

Many of us have either encountered another filmmaking team capturing behind the scenes at a wedding, or have been the one to fulfill this role. The lines of what's appropriate to capture, share, and how to interact on the wedding day may seem blurred, but in this conversation we talk about the etiquette of filming bts at a wedding so we can be sure…

1
How to Recognize a Luxury Event w/ Mulberry and Moss 42:40

9M ago42:40

42:40

If you've ever walked into an event and wondered to yourself, "Is this luxury?" then you're not alone. Chances are, the florals will be a good indicator as to whether or not the event is "luxury," and that's the theme of today's discussion. About Sarah Wahhab: www.mulberryandmoss.com @mulberryandmos mulberryandmoss.com/shop Sarah is the founder and…

1
The Importance of Brand Voice + Copy w/ CEÁRR Creative 43:04

9M ago43:04

43:04

Specializing in story-centric copy that elicits emotion, Sarah crafts brand messaging, website text, & client communication that emulates and amplifies the artistry of those she collaborates with. Inspired by the tangible allure of coffee table books & an intention to make the online world equally beautiful, Sarah writes content for creators who re…

1
The Best Kept Secrets of Success w/ Vowed on Film 1:01:34

9M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Enrollment for Luxury Filmmaker Framework and Luxury Filmmaker Mastermind is now closed! Join the waitlist here >> https://thelevelupco.com/luxuryfilmmakerframework About Alex: Cuban-American born and raised in Miami currently I reside in Vero beach FL. I’m a husband, girl dad of 2 with baby boy finally on the way lol. Former athlete/actor/dancer! …

1
Self Sabotage and Trusting the Process 34:21

10M ago34:21

34:21

Self sabotage is something we see a lot of in the wedding industry. Are you guilty of it, too? LEVEL UP resources: - Luxury Client Communication Guide- https://thelevelupco.com/luxury-client-communication-guide - Download your free Planner Communication Guide here: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-communication-freebie - Purchase the Filmmaker / We…

1
Copy this Growth Strategy to Make a Big Leap w/ Lens of Lenox 44:40

10M ago44:40

44:40

Today on the podcast, Kelley and Taylor sit down with Luxury Filmmaker Mastermind ALUMNI Kara and Drew Lenox of Lens of Lenox to discuss how they approached making a HUGE leap in their own business in 2023. About Lens of Lenox: Kara and Drew Lenox are the owners of Lens of Lenox, a wedding filmmaking company based in Northern California. While plan…

1
Leaning in to what makes you unique w/ Gabrielle Fordham 42:35

10M ago42:35

42:35

Luxury Filmmaker Mastermind Alumni Gabrielle Fordham has seen incredible growth in her business in 2023, and her story is an inspiring one. With backgrounds in design and psychology, Gabrielle Fordham brings deep emotion and beautiful aesthetics together in her films. Since becoming a filmmaker nearly 10 years ago, she's come to love events rich in…

1
How to Become the Premium Option in Any Market w/ Runaway Vows 44:59

11M ago44:59

44:59

Jake Weisler and Nate Teahan of Runaway Vows have risen within the wedding industry quickly, and it's clear why: they have a solid vision for their business and they make consistent moves to push themselves towards their goals. From doing primary destination wedding work to now focusing in on their local market in Utah, Jake and Nate have a knack f…

1
How to feel more fulfilled as a filmmaker w/ John Bunn 34:55

11M ago34:55

34:55

Can you run a highly profitable business while still feeling creatively fulfilled as a wedding filmmaker? The answer: absolutely. Today's podcast guest is John Bunn, a wedding filmmaker and educator based in Oklahoma. Having been in the industry for 17 years, John's wedding film business has taken many forms: from managing a team of 10 and shooting…

1
Jumping from $4,500-$18,000 in 3 Years (Taylor's Story) 38:21

11M ago38:21

38:21

Quick business growth requires a lot of strategy, a little bit of grit, and an attitude of "why not?" thrown in. Today on the podcast, we are sharing Taylor's story. Taylor began her wedding cinematography business in 2017, and in 2020 was booking weddings for $4500. Fast forward to 2023, and she is booking weddings at $18,000 - that's a jump of $1…

1
Over a Decade into Business + THRIVING (Kelley's Story) 32:01

11M ago32:01

32:01

LEVEL UP cohost Kelley Gilster, alongside her husband Paul, has built 618 Studios over the past 13 years into a recognizable and wildly profitable brand within the wedding industry. But it didn't always look that way. From doing their first several weddings for under $1000 to now booking weddings at $25,000+, their journey and calculated growth pat…

1
Are you making these mistakes on Instagram? 30:36

11M ago30:36

30:36

As wedding filmmakers, Instagram is one of the most powerful assets we have when it comes to booking clients. Unfortunately, we see filmmakers and photographers alike making the same mistakes that might be hurting their businesses in the long run. So are you making these mistakes on Instagram? Join our free 5 DAY INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE here to instant…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kelley Gilster Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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