Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

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.

Hygge Your Life – The Art of Cozy Living

Welcome back to Chasing Brighter! Are you ready to bring more warmth, comfort, and joy into your everyday life? This week, hosts Kelly & Jessica are diving into hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), the Danish lifestyle trend that’s all about coziness, connection, and simple pleasures.
In this episode, we chat about:✨ What hygge really means (spoiler: it’s not just candles and blankets!)✨ How a cozy atmosphere can reduce stress and boost happiness✨ Ways to create hygge-inspired moments (without spending a dime!)✨ How to make your home feel warm, inviting, and clutter-free
💖 Plus, we share our personal hygge habits
🔗 Resources & Related Episodes:
Our favorite decluttering episodes
How to create a mindful self-care routine
The power of slowing down
💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share how you are bringing hygge into your life?
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.

Super Woman Diaries #27: Navigating College Choices and High School Friendships

🎙 Superwoman Diaries: College Tours, Friendships & Finding Your People
📍 Brought to you by the Thrive Tribe! Unlock exclusive content, ad-free episodes, extended cuts, and special event invites for just $7.99/month. Join now at chasingbrighter.com/ThriveTribe.
Episode – College Tours, Friendship & Finding Your Tribe
Welcome back to Superwoman Diaries, where we get real and raw about life, growth, and the messy, beautiful journey of being a woman today.
In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into a conversation about college tours, evolving friendships, and the importance of finding your people. From visiting Boston, Philadelphia, and upcoming stops in New York and Kentucky, Jessica shares what the campus search has been like for her daughter Gabby—and how these experiences have sparked both excitement and nostalgia.
💡 Remember that feeling of stepping onto a college campus for the first time? That instant gut reaction of whether it felt like “your place” or not? That’s exactly what Jessica is navigating with her daughter right now.
But it’s not just about college—this episode explores how friendships form, evolve, and sometimes fade over time. As parents, we see our kids struggling to find their crew, and it makes us reflect on our own teenage years. Was it easier back then? Or do today’s teens face an entirely different challenge in a world filled with social media, endless distractions, and constant digital connections?
Plus, we get into:✔ The importance of campus culture when choosing a school✔ How social dynamics have changed for high schoolers today✔ The role of technology in friendships—does it help or hurt?✔ Balancing work & family on the go (and Jessica’s struggle to unplug!)✔ Navigating travel etiquette—because, let’s be real, some people are the worst
This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating the college search, women reflecting on their friendships, and anyone thinking about the connections that shape our lives.
🎧 Hit play now and join the conversation!
🔗 Links & Resources:
✨ Join the Thrive Tribe! for exclusive episodes & community
📲 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments
📝 Check out our blog for more insights
💬 Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear it!
🚀 Let’s keep chasing brighter days together! 💛

Tips for Building Strong Bonds with Your Partner

💖 Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s something we build every day! In this episode, we dive into four powerful ways to create deeper, lasting bonds with your partner. From meaningful conversations to fun date-night ideas, we’ve got you covered!
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:✅ How to strengthen your emotional connection 💕✅ Why shared experiences keep the spark alive 🔥✅ The right way to handle conflict 💬✅ The power of appreciation & gratitude 🎁
👯‍♀️ Plus, we share personal stories, our favorite relationship tools (spoiler: there's an app for that! 📱), and fun ways to reconnect!
🎧 Tune in now & start building a stronger bond today!
📌 Related Episodes:
How to Build a Culture of Appreciation in Your Relationship
The Power of Intentional Conversations
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Conflict Patterns
💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share your self-love journey!
📢 More Resources:
💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter
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.

Super Woman Diaries #26: Choosing Joy Amidst the Chaos

Hey, superwomen! Welcome back to the Chasing Brighter podcast. 🌟 This week, hosts Kelly & Jessica are diving deep into a real, raw, and honest conversation about balancing the weight of the world while still choosing joy. Life can feel overwhelming, but we get to decide where we put our energy—and today, we’re talking about how to stay informed, advocate for what we believe in, and still embrace the good in our daily lives.
💡 Here’s What We’re Chatting About:
✅ Navigating the heaviness of current events – How do we stay informed without being consumed by negativity?✅ PMDD, mental health, and self-awareness – Jess opens up about her struggles and the importance of understanding how our emotions are impacted by hormonal cycles.✅ The power of choosing joy – Inspired by RuPaul, we discuss why looking at the darkness but not staring at it is key to keeping our spirits high.✅ Kids, friendships, and boundary-setting – The Lunch Saga with Gio and his friend Timmy (who may or may not be a lunch thief) is a must-listen! We share strategies for teaching kids how to say "no" while still being kind.✅ Making your home a joyful space – From pool tables to indoor basketball hoops, we’re all about creating spaces that bring happiness to your family!
🎯 Key Takeaway: The world is always going to have challenges, but you can still find joy in the middle of it all. Whether it’s setting better boundaries, finding ways to give back, or just learning to enjoy the little things, YOU are in control of your happiness.
📚 Resources & Links:
📖 Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy – A must-read for parents looking to help their kids feel safe, confident, and empowered.🎧 Dr. Becky’s Podcast – Good Inside with Dr. Becky (find it wherever you listen to podcasts!)📖 Sensitive is the New Strong by Anita Moorjani – A powerful read for empaths and those learning to set boundaries.📜 The “First They Came” Poem – A reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right.
💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter
 
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 Ad-Free?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

The Art of Self-Love: Building a Stronger Relationship with Yourself

💖 It’s time to put yourself first—without guilt! 💖
In this episode, Jessica & Kelly explore self-love, why it’s crucial, and how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Plus, we share personal stories on overcoming negative self-talk and prioritizing our own well-being.
✨ What You’ll Learn:✅ Why self-love isn’t selfish—it’s NECESSARY!✅ How movement, pampering, and creativity fuel self-worth✅ The power of positive self-talk & daily affirmations✅ Self-hugging (yes, it’s a thing!) and why it works✅ How The Four Agreements & Self-Compassion changed our perspectives
🔥 Your Self-Love Challenge: Write down five things you love about yourself & repeat them daily (bonus: do it while hugging yourself!)
💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share your self-love journey!
 
📢 More Resources:
💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter
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 Ad-Free?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #25: Travel Tales and Trying New Things

The conversation kicks off with Jessica and Kelly talking about school closures due to extreme cold and discussing the impact on families and children. They then touch on their respective travel experiences—Jessica's college visitation trips with her daughter and Kelly trying new things, like bouldering and cooking paella. The hosts emphasize the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, whether through travel, new hobbies, or indoor winter activities. 

Valentine’s Day Made Easy: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Everyone You Love

🎙️ Welcome Back to Chasing Brighter! 💖
Love is in the air, and we’re here to help you make this Valentine's Day truly special! Join hosts Kelly and Jessica as they dive into thoughtful and unique gift ideas to celebrate all the amazing people in your life—whether it's your significant other, your best friends, or even your kids’ classrooms! 🎁💌
✨ What’s in This Episode:
The power of giving: Why it’s the thought that counts over price tags.
Galentine’s Day celebrations—because your friendships deserve love too! 🥂
Jewelry with meaning—our favorite brands: MantraBand & Bryan Anthonys. 💎
DIY gift ideas—charm bracelets, craft nights, and personalized keepsakes. 🎨
Perfect partner gifts—from silicone rings to custom playlists and adventure challenges! 💖
Gourmet chocolate indulgence—why Vosges Chocolate is a must-try. 🍫
Stress-free Valentine’s treats for kids’ classrooms—simple & fun ideas! 🎉
💡 Our biggest takeaway: Valentine's Day is about making people feel loved and appreciated, not about grand gestures. A heartfelt note, a thoughtful experience, or a simple token of affection can mean the world.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you loved today’s discussion, share it with a friend & follow us on Instagram @ChasingBrighter for more inspiration! 💕
📢 Mentioned Resources:
💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter
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 Ad-Free?  Join our Thrive Tribe!

Super Woman Diaries #24: Overcoming Office Hurdles and Embracing Kindness

This episode centers around discussions of practical challenges and personal reflections. The hosts, Jessica and Kelly, converse about setting up a new office, dealing with tech hassles, and navigating internet connectivity issues through personal anecdotes. They also delve into the divide between volunteer and "Venmo" parents at schools, advocating for a non-judgmental, understanding approach among mothers. The script closes with an emphasis on kindness, self-compassion, and encouraging listeners to lead with empathy in their interactions.

Intentional Self Care: Building a Sustainable Wellness Routine

Are you ready to make 2025 your most intentional, joy-filled year yet? This week on Chasing Brighter, we're diving into living fully—balancing bold adventures with those small, everyday moments that make life sweet.
✨ Episode Highlights:
The importance of setting intentions aligned with your values
How to plan big adventures while embracing daily joys
Simple mindfulness practices to savor everyday moments
Fun ideas like trying mixology, exploring local experiences, and crafting rituals
💡 What You'll Learn:
How to identify your core values and use them as a guidepost
Tips for planning your dream adventures (with room for spontaneity!)
Ways to find joy in small moments, from your morning coffee to Friday rituals
📢 Mentioned Resources:
Vosges Chocolate (a sweet mindfulness treat!)
Warrior Strong Wellness products for a healthy mind, body, and gut (use code CHASINGBRIGHTER for 10% off!)
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 Ad-Free?  Join our Thrive Tribe!