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Contracted and Committed
Contracted and Committed
Author: Kelsey and Tristen
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© Kelsey and Tristen 2025
Description
A real-talk podcast about love, travel physical therapy, and building a life together on the move. Hosted by Kelsey (a travel PT) and Tristen (her husband and copilot in all things temporary), each episode dives into the honest, hilarious, and heartfelt moments that come with choosing adventure and commitment.
43 Episodes
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This Halloween bonus episode, “The DAISY Award Nurse: Tricks, Treats, and Traveler Insights,” dives into the realities behind nursing excellence from a DAISY Award recipient who isn’t a traveler—offering a rare peek into the other side. We talk candidly about what “going above and beyond” really looks like in a staff role, what travelers can learn from award-winning bedside care, and the tricks and treats of blending recognition, respect, and resilience in healthcare.
🎙️ Mini 22: We’re Not the Same Couple We Were — And That’s a Good ThingIn this episode, we’re talking about how change—though sometimes uncomfortable—has actually made our relationship stronger. From growing through challenges to supporting each other’s personal evolution, we’ve learned that change doesn’t have to create distance. In fact, it can bring you closer.
Mini 21: Growing Together on the Road – 4 Books That Shaped UsIn this episode, I’m sharing 4 books that have helped us grow both individually and as a couple during our travels. From learning new communication tools to shifting perspectives on gratitude and love, these books have sparked meaningful change in our relationship. Tune in for the titles that deepened our connection and helped us stay grounded on the road.Books mentioned:A Child Called "It" by Dave PelzerThe 8-Week Couples Therapy Workbook by Dr. Rachel ZarThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark MansonThe 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Mini 20: When To Take A Break: Recognizing Travel BurnoutIn this episode, we explore the signs of travel burnout and why knowing when to pause is essential. Discover how to recognize physical and mental fatigue, and learn strategies to reset, recharge, and return to the road with clarity and energy.
Mini 19: Creating A Progressional Routine on The Road In this mini episode, we dive into how to build a sustainable, progressive routine while traveling. Whether you're touring, road-tripping, or just constantly on the move, learn practical tips to stay consistent, adapt your habits, and keep momentum—even when your environment changes.
🎙️ Mini 18: How We Handle Being Each Other's Only In-Person Friend SometimesWhen you're on the road, your partner can become your only in-person friend—which is sweet... until it’s a lot. In this mini, I’m sharing 4 simple ways we protect our connection without overwhelming each other. Think: honest check-ins, solo time, and finding connection beyond just the two of us.
Episode 18: We Don’t Have a Five-Year Plan—and That’s OkayNot every couple—or traveler—needs a perfectly mapped-out future. In this episode, we dive into what it means to live without a rigid five-year plan, embracing flexibility, opportunities, and the unknown. Instead of pressure, we find freedom in letting doors open naturally and trusting that the journey will shape itself.
Ep. 17 — Therapy, Faith, and the Things That Keep Us SaneA real conversation about what actually keeps us grounded. We talk therapy, faith in everyday life, routines that work, and the small disciplines that hold everything together when life gets loud. Honest, practical, and rooted in what lasts.
Mini 17: We Share Everything... Except ThisIn this quick episode, we’re diving into the one thing we don’t share—on the road, in our routine, and in our relationship. Spoiler: it’s not because we don’t love each other! Tune in for a candid take on boundaries, independence, and keeping the peace while traveling together.
Mini 16: Quick Connection — The 3-Word Prompts We Use to Reignite Intimacy Busy days can leave us feeling distant. In this mini, I’m sharing the simple three-word phrases we use to spark connection, open up conversation, and keep the intimacy alive—no matter where we are.
Episode 16: Our Travel Red Flags (and Green Lights)What instantly tells us a trip is going off the rails.Behaviors, habits, and situations that signal it’s time to pivot fast.The small “green lights” that make travel smoother and worth repeating.Lessons learned from years on the road and what still holds true.How we decide when to push through and when to call it.
Mini 15: The Code Word — How We Signal We Need Space Tension rising? We use a quirky code word to hit pause before things escalate. In this mini episode, I’m sharing how one simple signal has helped us protect our peace, avoid unnecessary arguments, and give each other space with love.
Date nights don’t need a perfect setup—just intention. This episode digs into how to stay connected when you’re living in temporary spaces like hotels, short-term rentals, or travel assignments.
Mini 14: Text Messages That Keep Us CloseA few simple texts each day can go a long way—especially when you're both on the move. In this mini episode, I’m sharing the small digital habits my husband and I use to stay connected, encouraged, and grounded in our relationship (even during the craziest workdays).
Episode 14, “From Strangers to Besties,” dives into the real-life magic—and occasional awkwardness—of turning total strangers into lifelong friends while traveling for work. From breaking the ice in new clinics and kitchens to finding genuine connection on the go, this episode explores how to build community when your zip code keeps changing. It’s about recognizing your people, keeping healthy boundaries, and staying connected no matter where the road leads. Sometimes, the best part of the journey isn’t the destination—it’s who you meet along the way.
🎙️ Mini 13: When One of Us is Struggling…When one partner is having a hard time, how do you show up without burning out? In this quick episode, I’m sharing a simple checklist for supporting each other during tough moments — plus a few reminders if you’re the one feeling low.Highlights:Don’t fix — just listen.Handle a task they usually do.Offer quiet presence, not pressure.Take care of yourself, too.Let them in, even when it’s messy.Support doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be real.
Episode 13: Sick Days, Hard Days, and RentingNot every week on the road is glamorous. In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like powering through contracts when you’re under the weather, handling the rough days that come with travel life, and navigating the ups and downs of short-term rentals.
🎙️ Mini Episode 12: Fighting Fair in a Tiny ApartmentTension is normal — but when you live in a small space, how you handle it matters even more.In this quick episode, we share the communication tactics and boundaries that help us defuse conflict without blowing up or bottling it up. From timeouts to “I” statements to snack breaks (yes, really), these small strategies help us fight fair — even when there’s nowhere to hide.
pisode 12: Tiny Kitchens, Big EmotionsSmall kitchens stir up more than just food—they bring out frustration, creativity, and big feelings. In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight of limited space, share hacks to make it work, and talk about when it’s time to adapt—or move on.Listen in for practical tips and perspective on finding peace in even the tiniest kitchen.
🎙️ Mini Episode 11: Our 10-Minute Check-In That Changed EverythingA quick weekly ritual that helped us reconnect, reduce miscommunication, and stay on the same page — even during our busiest travel seasons.We share the 4 simple questions we ask each other every Sunday, including the one that made the biggest difference in how we plan and support each other.Try it this week — it might be the easiest relationship win you didn’t know you needed.























