Chasing Brighter Podcast: A Midlife Guide To Your Best Life

The Happiness Gap: Why American Moms are Struggling

The episode hosts Jessica and Kelly talk about the emotional and mental toll motherhood takes on American women, noting that American mothers are among the unhappiest in the developed world. 
Ever felt totally exhausted by 9 a.m. without even leaving the house? You're not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jessica and Kelly shine a light on the invisible weight American moms are carrying—aka “the mental load.” From managing schedules and soothing meltdowns to being the emotional thermostat of the home, moms are burning out in a culture that expects them to do it all.
Tune in as we explore:
What the "Happiness Gap" is and why U.S. moms are unhappier than moms globally
What mental load, decision fatigue, and emotional labor really mean
Real-life examples of the daily mental burden
4 strategies to reclaim peace, joy, and time
How to delegate like a boss (hint: it’s not just about the task!)
✨This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to set boundaries, share the load, and redefine what being a “good mom” actually means.
 
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💫 As always, keep chasing brighter—one book at a time.
Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month! 
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Super Woman Diaries #37: Minecraft, Lake Life & Mom Mode

The hosts chat about seeing the Minecraft movie with their kids—some reluctant, some excited—and share funny moments from bootleg viewing to spontaneous theater trips. They also discuss progress on furnishing their lake house, delivery logistics, and plans to rent it out. The episode wraps with updates on spring break, enjoying downtime, and upcoming summer baseball travel.

Joy Between the Pages — Our Favorite Fun Reads for 2025 So Far 📚✨

Ready to fall in love with reading all over again? In this playful and heartwarming episode, we're serving up our favorite fun reads of 2025 (so far)! From swoon-worthy romances to juicy thrillers, fantastical escapes to deeply moving nonfiction—this is your ultimate spring/summer reading list.
Jessica dishes on the cozy chaos of The Ex Hex series, the haunting truth of The House of My Mother, and her total obsession with everything Abby Jimenez writes (yes, she’s THAT good). Kelly shares her fiction faves (The Berry Pickers and All the Colors of the Dark are must-reads!), her current sci-fi and fantasy flings, and the non-fiction titles changing her life—hello Good Inside and Radical Acceptance.
So grab a cup of tea or a sparkling spritz, curl up with a blanket, and prepare to be inspired to crack open a new chapter in your reading life. Bonus: we even share where we find our books and spill on BookTok obsessions!
Jessica’s Top Picks
💕 The Ex Hex Series by Erin Sterling
💔 The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
🧁 Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez 
🐉 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Kelly’s Favorites
🌲 The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
📖 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
⚔️ Legendborn by Tracy Deonn – Buy on Amazon
🕵️ Conclave by Robert Harris
📘 Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
👩‍🔬 Agent 355 – Amazing Short Story FREE on Audible!
Check out our Episode on 🧠 Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach featured in [Episode 64]
🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.
🧡 Want to support the pod? Check out our ad-free episodes and bonus content via Thrive Tribe on Patreon!
💫 As always, keep chasing brighter—one book at a time.
Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month! 
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 

Super Woman Diaries #36: Managing The Mental Load in Midlife

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica dive into managing the chaos of summer camp registrations, the mental load of midlife, and neighborhood battles. 💪✨ Plus, tips for handling unpredictable schedules and maintaining sanity through it all. Don't miss these strategies for thriving amidst the challenges! 
 
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Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.
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Creativity for the Soul 🎨✨ How Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Can Boost Your Mood

Feeling blah? Stuck in a rut? Maybe you just need a little glitter and glue in your life! In this colorful episode of Chasing Brighter, sisters Kelly and Jessica jump into the magic of creativity as a powerful form of self-care.
From baking gluten-free treats to quilting masterpieces, they share personal stories, practical tips, and joyful encouragement to help you tap into your own creative spark—no perfectionism required! 💖
Tune in to learn:
Why creativity = instant mood booster 💥
What “flow state” is and why it’s your brain’s happy place 🧠
Simple ways to make space for hobbies—even if you’re short on time 🕒
Inspiring stories of women using art, crafts, baking & gardening as their soul medicine 🌱
How to start a craft night or creative club with friends 🎨👯‍♀️
📦Mentioned:
Thrive Tribe Membership
Amy Oestreicher Creativity and Gratitude
Boards by Courtney – @boardsbycourtney on Instagram
 
👉 Subscribe, review, and share! New episodes every week at chasingbrighter.com and wherever you podcast. 💫
Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.
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Super Woman Diaries #35: From Podcasting to Fashion: Our Nashville Adventure Recap

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica recount their recent trip to Nashville and discuss their experiences at the Podcasting Moms conference. They share insights about podcasting, fashion inspiration drawn from the conference, and the benefits of using clothing rental services like Rent the Runway and Newly. The duo also touches on the joys of solo travel and the energy boost it provides. Tune in to hear their entertaining tales and useful tips.
Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.
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🎉 Why Play Isn’t Just for Kids: The Joyful Movement Midlife Women Need

Are you ready to bring more joy and movement into your life—without the burnout? In Episode 68 of Chasing Brighter, we dive into the power of play and joyful movement for adults, especially women navigating midlife.
From dance parties in your living room to high-tech fitness games, we’re showing you how to reclaim your energy, boost your mood, and stay active—no treadmill required!
🎧 Listen in as Jessica and Kelly share: ✔️ Why play is essential (yes, even for grown-ups!)✔️ How to turn boring workouts into fun routines✔️ Joyful movement ideas you’ll actually look forward to✔️ Tech tools and fitness apps that make movement feel like a game✔️ Playful activities to do with kids, friends, or solo
👉 Join the Play Challenge: Try ONE playful activity this week. Comment below and tell us what you chose!
👉 Find more resources from our accompanying blog post: "Why Adults (Especially Women) Need More Play"
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Super Woman Diaries #34: Bridging the Generational Gap

Today's episode includes a very special guest... Jessica's daughter Gabriella!!! Jessica and her daughter Gabriella discuss the generational gap between parents and teenagers. Gabriella shares her insights on what midlife women might not realize about their teens' thoughts and feelings, highlighting the common issues teens face today, like social media pressures and school stress. They also discuss body image, the impact of hormonal changes, and the importance of compassion and understanding between parents and kids. Self-care and its changing role across generations is another vital topic they explore.
 
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Midlife Tech Revolution: The Rise of Femtech & Fun Tech for Women’s Health and Joy

Ready to make midlife your best life? In this energetic and joy-filled episode, Kelly and Jessica take you on a tech-powered tour of the latest gadgets, apps, and wearables designed to help midlife women thrive. 💪✨
Whether you’re managing perimenopause, leveling up your skincare game, or looking to bring more mindfulness and play into your day, this episode is packed with inspo and info.
💬We chat about:🌀 Hormone & menopause tracking apps: Caria + Balance by Dr. Louise Newson🍑 Pelvic floor & sexual wellness tech: Elvie Trainer + VFit Gold⏱️ Sleep & cycle wearables: Oura Ring, Fitbit, Amazfit Balance💆‍♀️ Beauty tech gadgets: ZIIP Beauty, TheraFace PRO🎮 Cozy games & VR fun: Meta Quest VR and Apps,  Nintendo Switch Cozy Games🧠 Brain-boosting tech: NYT Games, Lumosity and more!🤖 AI for everyday wellness: ChatGPT, Google Assistant & more!
👀 We also talk about setting healthy screen boundaries, using tech mindfully, and embracing play and pleasure at every stage of life.
Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month! 
Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 

March 31st Episode 65 Superwoman Diaries #33: DIY Adventures & Spring Break Stories

The conversation between Jessica and Kelly covers a range of topics including personal commitments, managing children’s schedules, and DIY projects. Kelly shares her experience with home renovations, specifically removing wallpaper from her lake house, while Jessica reflects on their personal growth and willingness to tackle new projects. They also recount their recent travels, sharing stories from their trips to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Throughout the episode, they discuss dealing with practical challenges such as scheduling, making decisions, independent travel for their children, and managing outdoor conditions like the presence of snakes and mosquitoes.