Chasing Brighter Podcast: A Midlife Guide To Your Best Life

March Book Club: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

Welcome to back to Chasing Brighter! 🌸 In our March Book Club pick, we're talking about the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, a powerful blend of psychology, mindfulness, and deep compassion. Join Jessica and Kelly as they explore the book’s transformative themes—from the trance of unworthiness to cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion.
This episode is like a warm cup of tea for your soul, sprinkled with relatable stories, personal breakthroughs, and yes, even some dry humor courtesy of Tara herself. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just dipping your toes into self-help, you'll find golden nuggets in this heart-centered conversation.
✨ Topics We Explore:
The “trance” of unworthiness and how to break free
Mindful parenting and compassionate communication
Using RAIN to handle discomfort and sit with hard emotions
Personal stories that bring healing, laughter, and “I’m not alone” moments
How radical acceptance can transform relationships
💫 This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about learning to be with ourselves and others, just as we are.
📚 Whether you've read the book or not, come along for this cozy, insightful, and empowering discussion. And don’t forget—your best life is just a listen away.
🔗 Links + Resources:
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
RAIN Meditation Practice
Join the Thrive Tribe!
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 

Super Woman Diaries #32: Navigating Internet Woes and Overcoming Challenges

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss various challenges and solutions related to internet connectivity and technology. They share personal anecdotes about internet speeds at different locations, including Kelly's lake house and the use of mobile hotspots. The conversation then shifts to tech devices, like the Padoro MagSafe battery pack, and their benefits.
Jessica updates listeners on her daughter's college softball journey and the unfortunate ACL injury she recently sustained. They discuss the surgery, recovery process, and the support her daughter has received from her future college.
Kelly shares the excitement and anxiety surrounding her son making the JV baseball team and the transformative effects this has had on his confidence. They delve into the topic of dealing with children's anxiety and mental health, stressing the importance of having coping tools and positive reinforcement.
The episode concludes with Jessica mentioning a new guided meditation available for Thrive Tribe members and encouraging listeners to join the community for additional content and resources.
Resources & Mentions:
Podoru MagSafe Battery Pack
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Guided meditations for our Thrive Tribe Members
Previous episode: Ep. 62 - Empowering Women Through Networking: Insights from Shannon Russell of Second Act Success
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Empowering Women Through Networking: Insights from Shannon Russell of Second Act Success

It’s Women's History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by lifting each other up? In this episode, hosts Jessica and Kelly sit down with Shannon Russell, career transition coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, to talk about the power of networking and how women can connect, collaborate, and elevate one another.
🔗 From networking hacks to overcoming the awkwardness of small talk, we’re diving deep into how to build strong relationships—both in-person and online. Shannon also shares insights on entrepreneurship, self-promotion, and her new book, Start Your Second Act—a must-read for anyone looking to make a big life or career change!
✨ Tune in for:✔️ Overcoming the fear of networking & starting conversations effortlessly✔️ Tips to confidently self-promote without feeling awkward✔️ How social capital helps women grow businesses & careers✔️ The secret to networking beyond business cards (hint: it's about genuine connections!)✔️ Why every woman needs a networking support system
🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!
Connect with Shannon here: Second Act Success Career / Business Coaching for Women
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #31: Navigating Life Changes and College Decisions

In this episode of the Super Woman Diaries, Jessica and Kelly discuss a variety of topics, including Kelly’s recent visit to Jessica's home and the challenges of renting properties through Airbnb. They share humorous anecdotes about their rental experiences and the unexpected situations they encountered. One of the major highlights is Jessica's daughter committing to play college softball after an extensive and dedicated recruitment process, providing detailed insights into how they navigated college applications and sports commitments. The episode closes with Jessica and Kelly reflecting on the rewards of their hard work and offering wishes for peace, compassion, and continued positivity for their listeners.
🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Lifting as We Climb: Why Inclusion Matters for Women with Cindu Thomas-George

🎉 Happy Women's History Month! This episode is packed with wisdom, empowerment, and actionable steps for women to rise together. Hosts Kelly & Jessica sit down with Cindu Thomas-George, a powerhouse in inclusion, equity, and leadership, to talk about why DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) matters—and why it’s under fire today.
We cover:✅ What is DEI, and why does it impact ALL women?✅ The fight for women's rights through history ✅ How workplaces are rolling back DEI programs✅ The “broken rung” keeping women from leadership✅ How to lift as we climb
🌟Our guest, Cindu Thomas-George, brings over 20 years of experience in DEI work, coaching, and leadership training. She shares her personal journey as the daughter of immigrants and why inclusion is personal.  Learn more about Cindu Thomas George
🎙 Must-listen if you want to:
Be a better ally to women
Understand the impact of DEI in your own workplace
Take small but powerful steps to create a more inclusive world
🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #30: Protests and Perseverance: The Power of Female Resilience

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly cover a range of emotional and thought-provoking topics. They discuss a recent incident at a town hall meeting where a woman was forcibly removed, sparking reflections on societal behavior and justice. The conversation then shifts to the passing of Elana from Elana's Pantry and her impact as an early health blogger. The hosts also delve into the benefits of creativity for anxiety management, featuring insights from Martha Beck's latest book. They touch on family dynamics, parenting styles, and personal experiences with their children. The episode ends with reflections on societal pressures, family involvement in community activities, and a focus on spreading love, joy, and mindfulness.

Shining Light on Women with Bravery and Kindness

Welcome back to Chasing Brighter!  March is all about celebrating women who inspire us! In this episode, we’re shining a light on incredible women who embody courage, kindness, and resilience. From meditation guru Tara Brach to trailblazing Michelle Obama, from candid motherhood advocate Libby Ward (Diary of an Honest Mom) to creativity queen Elizabeth Gilbert—we’re diving into their wisdom, their journeys, and how they inspire us to live bolder. Plus, we’re talking about a powerhouse in women-led journalism, The Skimm, and how they’re using their platform for advocacy.
And of course, our biggest inspiration of all? Our mom! 💕 She’ll be joining us in May, so stay tuned!
 
💡 Links & Resources Mentioned:📖 Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach – Get the Book📖 Becoming & The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama – Read Here📖 Eat, Pray, Love & Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – Check It Out📖 The Skimm – Sign Up for the Daily Newsletter
📺 Related Podcast Episodes:🎧 Self-Compassion & the RAIN Method🎧 The Power of Community in Motherhood🎧 Second Act Success: Reinventing Yourself
💬 Join the Conversation!Who inspires YOU? Drop us a comment on our posts or DM us on 📲 Instagram!
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #29: Finding Balance: Creativity, Wellness, and Listening to Your Body

Welcome back, friends! This week, we’re sipping something warm, shaking off decision fatigue, and leaning into the art of listening—to our bodies, our creative instincts, and even our coffee cravings.
In This Episode:☕ Mushroom Coffee & Morning Rituals🏡 Lake House Dreams & Design Paralysis🤢 Health Struggles & Finding Balance💪 Movement with Intention🧘‍♀️ Grace Over Perfection 
So grab your favorite cozy drink and join us for a heartwarming (and sometimes hilarious) conversation about embracing change, trusting yourself, and making space for joy. 💛
🎧 Listen now & subscribe!
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Progress Over Perfection – Achieving Wellness Goals

Hey, friends of Chasing Brighter! Are your New Year’s goals already feeling meh? 😬 You’re not alone! Today, we’re diving into why progress matters more than perfection and how small, sustainable steps can completely change your wellness journey. 💛
🌟 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why perfectionism keeps us stuck (and how to break free!)✔️ The power of small wins and how they build momentum 🚀✔️ Easy wellness habits you can start TODAY (yes, like… right now!)✔️ How to celebrate your progress and actually stay motivated 🎉✔️ Quick journaling prompts to shift your mindset 📝
💡 Remember: You don’t need to do it all. Just take one step forward. And that step? It’s enough.
🔗 Listen now & join the convo!
👉 Tag us on Instagram @chasingbrighter and share your small wins using #ChasingBrighter
📢 More episodes to check out:
🎧 Embracing Hygge for a Cozy, Mindful Life🎧 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #28: Navigating Stress and Travel Mishaps

Jessica and Kelly discuss a recent stressful experience Kelly had with an Airbnb booking complication and its resolution. They also share their thoughts on the challenges of travel, particularly driving in difficult weather conditions, and the physical manifestations of stress.
Jessica talks about the rigorous process of visiting multiple colleges with her daughter and addresses the importance of taking time for self-care. Both hosts reflect on their upbringing, the value of mobility and resilience, and the evolving nature of society's mobility practices.
They discuss the significance of acknowledging and managing stress to maintain both physical and mental health. The episode concludes with an exploration of the importance of instilling resilience in the younger generation through challenging experiences and travel.