So, if you’re a fan of Project Fear or remember Chelsea Laden from her days stonewalling pucks as a professional hockey goalie, you’ve probably wondered about her life when the cameras stop rolling. Specifically, who is the guy by her side? There is a lot of weird, conflicting info floating around the internet—some sites even mix her up with people from The Bachelor—but the truth is actually much more grounded.
Chelsea Laden is married to Jake Rancic.
Forget the rumors about reality TV stars or mystery boyfriends. Jake isn’t a ghost hunter or a pro athlete. He’s a doctor. Specifically, an optometrist. The two of them have built a life that’s a pretty wild mix of spooky road trips and very serious medical exams. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing to see a "paranormal celebrity" with such a normal, professional foundation.
Who Exactly is Jake Rancic?
Jake Rancic isn't just "Chelsea Laden’s husband." He’s her business partner and a fellow Doctor of Optometry. They actually met while they were both grinding through the intense curriculum at the Illinois College of Optometry.
You know how some couples meet at a bar or on an app? These two met while studying the intricate anatomy of the human eye.
They tied the knot in September 2023. It was a big deal for the Project Fear community (the "Fear Fam"), and fans were flooding social media with shots from the wedding. Since then, they haven't just been living the married life; they’ve been building an empire in Red Wing, Minnesota.
They officially took over the Pearle Vision franchise there in late 2022. So, if you live in the area, there's a literal 50/50 chance your eye doctor is the guy who has to hear all the behind-the-scenes stories about haunted asylums.
The Misconception Jungle
Let's address the elephant in the room. If you search for "Chelsea Laden husband" online, you might run into some incredibly confusing articles claiming she’s married to a guy named Jared Evans or that she has kids named Ruby Rose and Leo Rey.
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That is 100% incorrect. There is another Chelsea Laden (or people with very similar names) who appeared on shows like The Bachelor. The internet is notorious for "scraping" data and smashing it together, creating these Frankenstein biographies. To be clear: the Chelsea Laden from Destination Fear and Project Fear is married to Dr. Jake Rancic. They don’t have children named Ruby and Leo. They are busy running a clinic and, in Chelsea's case, occasionally sleeping in haunted prisons for our entertainment.
How the Marriage Works with "Project Fear"
You’d think being married to someone who disappears for weeks at a time to stay in terrifying, dilapidated buildings would be a strain.
But Jake seems to get it.
He’s even made appearances in the vlogs and social media content of the Project Fear crew (Dakota Laden, Tanner Wiseman, and Alex Schroeder). It’s a tight-knit group. Dakota is Chelsea’s brother, so the family ties are everywhere. Jake isn't a permanent member of the ghost-hunting team—he has patients to see, after all—but he’s definitely part of the extended family.
A Professional Power Couple
What’s interesting is the contrast.
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- Chelsea: Retired pro hockey goalie (Connecticut Whale/New York Riveters), TV star, and Optometrist.
- Jake: Optometrist and business owner.
They basically run a medical practice together. It’s a high-stakes, high-stress career that requires a ton of focus. Then, Chelsea flips the switch and goes into "paranormal mode." It’s a bizarre balance, but it seems to work because they share that foundational medical background.
Common Questions About the Couple
When did they get married?
They got married on September 16, 2023. It was a beautiful ceremony where many of the Project Fear regulars were in attendance.
Do they have kids?
As of early 2026, Chelsea and Jake have remained relatively private about their family plans. Despite the AI-generated "news" reports you might see on shady websites, there have been no official announcements regarding children.
Where do they live?
They are based in Minnesota, specifically around the Red Wing and Lakeville areas, which is where Chelsea grew up and where their business is located.
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Why This Matters for Fans
Understanding who Jake Rancic is helps ground Chelsea's public persona. In the world of paranormal TV, everything can feel scripted or "over the top." Knowing that Chelsea is a literal doctor who runs a clinic with her husband adds a layer of credibility. She isn't just looking for fame; she has a whole other career that requires scientific precision.
If you’re looking to support them or just want to keep your facts straight, stick to their official social media channels. Don't trust the weirdly specific "family" blogs that look like they were written by a robot—they usually are.
Your Next Steps:
If you're ever in Red Wing and need an eye exam, you can actually visit their practice. But maybe don't lead with questions about demons. Let them do their jobs! Otherwise, keep an eye on the Project Fear YouTube channel; Jake pops up in the "life" updates every now and then, usually looking a lot less stressed than the rest of the crew who just spent the night in a basement.