Chasing Brighter Podcast: A Midlife Guide To Your Best Life

Super Woman Diaries #14: College Prep, Personal Growth, and Trusting the Journey

In this episode of Super Woman Diaries, hosts Kelly and Jessica delve into the complex journey of personal growth, with a particular focus on control and vulnerability. Jessica shares her struggles with control and trusting the process, humorously referencing the phrase "Jesus take the wheel" to emphasize her tendency to micromanage. Kelly discusses her ongoing battle with a scalp issue and how it has exacerbated her desire for control, recounting her experiences with wig shops and non-surgical hair replacements.
The conversation transitions to their concerns as parents, particularly around the pressures of supporting their children’s ambitions and education.  Both hosts talk about balancing how much to push their children vs. letting them find their own paths, sharing personal anecdotes about managing their children's education and extracurricular activities.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of teaching teens about safety, specifically highlighting the use of Narcan to prevent fatal opioid overdoses, and the importance of educating both themselves and their children about the current dangers associated with drug use.
 

Mindful Spending: Tips for Setting Financial Boundaries

Welcome back to Chasing Brighter! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a timely topic for the holiday season: setting financial boundaries. As we enter this busy season, it’s easy to feel the pressure to overspend on gifts, events, and travel, leaving us with financial stress that lingers into the new year. Join us as we share practical tips on how to align your holiday spending with your values, communicate financial boundaries with family, and create memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
Key Topics Discussed
What Are Financial Boundaries? -- Financial boundaries are limits we set to control spending and save according to our values. During the holidays, these boundaries can help us prioritize what truly matters and prevent us from getting swept up in the pressures of consumerism.
Why Financial Boundaries Matter -- Setting financial boundaries allows you to celebrate the season without the guilt, stress, or debt that can come from overspending. These boundaries keep you aligned with your goals and values while helping you enter the new year with peace of mind.
Previous Episodes on This Topic:
Season 2, Episode 26: Changing Your Financial Future with Lisa Chastain
 
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
Exclusive Offers:
Audible: Get your next read and enjoy the convenience of audiobooks. Try Audible today!
Amazon Prime: Special 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships for our listeners. Join now!
Warrior Strong Wellness: Fuel your body and mind. Use the code "chasingbrighter" for a 10% discount on all products. Shop here!

Super Woman Diaries #13: Conquer the Week: Vulnerability, Health, and Self-Care Stories

In this episode of Super Woman Diaries, Kelly and Jessica dive into personal stories about health, vulnerability, and self-care. Kelly discusses her recent skin cancer surgery.  Jessica her experiences with weight loss injections and talks about the challenges of dietary habits and body image. They also share tips on hydration and electrolyte balance, touch on workout routines, and address the frustrations of car maintenance. The episode wraps up with a nod to generational differences in body positivity and practical advice for living a balanced life.

Navigating Family Dynamics: Setting Healthy Boundaries

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, the hosts tackle the timely topic of setting healthy boundaries with family, particularly during the holiday season. They begin by discussing the importance of products like Warrior Strong Wellness for self-care and then transition into the main subject: navigating family dynamics. The hosts provide actionable tips for maintaining personal boundaries, handling difficult conversations with grace, and effectively communicating needs. They highlight three major challenges: dealing with family expectations, managing difficult conversations, and addressing the guilt that comes with saying no. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and strategies to encourage listeners to prioritize their mental health and well-being. The episode wraps up with a recap of the key takeaways and additional resources for further reading.
 
Resources:
Set Boundaries, Find Peace, A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
Healthy Holiday Boundaries
Previous Episodes:
Season 1, Episode 25: “Staying Healthy & Happy During the Holiday Series: Relationship Expert Orly Katz, MFT”
Season 1, Episode 26: “Staying Healthy & Happy During the Holiday Series: Traveling with Family”
Season 1, Episode 27: “Staying Healthy & Happy During the Holiday Series: Setting Boundaries with Safia Lyon”
Season 2, Episode 46: “From Boundaries to Well-being: Navigating Adult Relationships with Parents & Extended Family”
 
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
Exclusive Offers:
Audible: Get your next read and enjoy the convenience of audiobooks. Try Audible today!
Amazon Prime: Special 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships for our listeners. Join now!
Warrior Strong Wellness: Fuel your body and mind. Use the code "chasingbrighter" for a 10% discount on all products. Shop here!

Super Woman Diaries #12: Shopping Finds and Fitness Routines

In this episode, Jessica, shares personal anecdotes about scheduling blood work, nutrition, and fitness routines. She explains her approach to a balanced dietary regimen, focusing on protein, fiber, and probiotics, along with her efforts to maintain her fitness amidst various appointments and responsibilities. Discussions also touch on the ongoing struggle to keep up with exercise routines and the impact of missing workouts on mental health.
Kelly adds to the conversation by discussing her experiences with a nutrition class and the significance of continually refreshing knowledge and habits to stay motivated. She mentions an upcoming surgery that will affect her ability to exercise and considers alternative light activities like yin yoga and light walks to maintain movement.
Throughout the episode, there is a blend of health and fitness advice, personal stories, and practical tips on managing midlife challenges.
 

The Mental Load of the Holidays: Tips for Stress Relief and Mindful Drinking Episode

In this episode, hosts, Kelly and Jessica discuss the increased stress that comes with the holiday season and provides tips for managing it. They emphasize the importance of self-care and offer strategies such as delegating tasks, setting realistic expectations, prioritizing self-care, and limiting social media to help reduce stress.
The episode also features an interview with Angel Uribe, an alcohol moderation coach and author of the book "Beyond the Binge." Angel discusses the rise in alcohol consumption among women, especially during the holidays, and the concept of mindful drinking. She provides practical tips for managing alcohol intake and highlights the importance of understanding one's motivations behind drinking.
The hosts and Angel also talk about the benefits of journaling as a tool for mindfulness and self-reflection. Listeners are encouraged to check out Angel's mini-course on mindful drinking and to create a more balanced relationship with alcohol. The episode concludes with reminders to take care of oneself, delegate tasks, and practice mindful drinking during the holiday season. Connect with Angel: on IG: @mindfulmoderationcoach or on Facebook: mindfulmoderationwithAngel
Want to hear even more tips for a better holiday? Check out these episodes from Season 2: 
Our Ultimate Guide to Simplifying You Holiday Planning
Our Best Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips
Building a Self-Care Routine
 
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
Exclusive Offers:
Audible: Get your next read and enjoy the convenience of audiobooks. Try Audible today!
Amazon Prime: Special 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships for our listeners. Join now!
Warrior Strong Wellness: Fuel your body and mind. Use the code "chasingbrighter" for a 10% discount on all products. Shop here!
 

Super Woman Diaries #11: Curl Care, Manicure Trends, and the Power of Connection

Jess and Kelly share personal anecdotes and stories about their daily routines, including hair care, nail trends, and the significance of human connection. They humorously discuss a minor conflict involving a lost carnival toy, reflecting on parenting and the nature of children. The episode wraps up with an emphasis on building community, connection, and the ongoing journey of maintaining wellness and balance in midlife.
 
Products discussed in this episode: 
Bumble and Bumble Curl Reactivator
Miss Jessie's
40 Ounce Tumbler Handled Lid

Haunted Women's Health: Debunking Historical Health Myths about Women

Kelly and Jessica  explore historical health myths affecting women between the 1700s and early 1900s, such as the wandering womb theory, Victorian fainting spells, vinegar for slimming, and the myth that cold feet cause colds. Each myth is debunked or discussed in the context of historical practices and modern understanding. They wrap up by sharing literary recommendations that depict women's health issues through historical fiction. The episode emphasizes the importance of questioning outdated health advice and seeking expert guidance.
Our Book Recommendations in this episode:
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Birth House by Ami McKay
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Related Research Articles:
British Medical Journal on the History of Hysteria
Victorian Corsets: Fashion vs. Health
The Evolution of Germ Theory
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
Exclusive Offers:
Audible: Get your next read and enjoy the convenience of audiobooks. Try Audible today!
Amazon Prime: Special 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships for our listeners. Join now!
Warrior Strong Wellness: Fuel your body and mind. Use the code "chasingbrighter" for a 10% discount on all products. Shop here!

Super Woman Diaries #10: The Best Version of You

In this episode, hosts Kelly and Jessica reflect on the advantages that come with age, such as having the time and resources to explore new opportunities. The focus shifts from external appearances to how one feels internally and emphasizes the importance of making choices that contribute to living one's best life.  Kelly and Jessica encourage making decisions to overcome any obstacles, highlighting the freedom to make empowering choices at this stage in life.

Rejuvenation & Preparation for the Colder Months

 In this episode, the hosts, Kelly and Jessica, continue their October theme of wellness reset by discussing rejuvenation and preparation for the colder months.  The discussion spans various aspects of wellness, including nutrition, fitness, skincare, and general wellness routines. The hosts share personal tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during colder months and highlight the significance of sleep, movement, detox, and stress management. They also incorporate expert advice from Safia Lyon, APRN a health and wellness practitioner, who provides insights on the five pillars of health: sleep, movement, nutrition, detox, and stress management. The episode concludes with practical tips for creating a weekly rejuvenation routine and managing holiday stress, encouraging listeners to share their own rejuvenation tips on social media.
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
Exclusive Offers:
Audible: Get your next read and enjoy the convenience of audiobooks. Try Audible today!
Amazon Prime: Special 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships for our listeners. Join now!
Warrior Strong Wellness: Fuel your body and mind. Use the code "chasingbrighter" for a 10% discount on all products. Shop here!