Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

Super Woman Diaries #5: Top Reads and Recommendations

Looking for your next great read? From cozy romances to powerful historical fiction, we’re sharing the books we can’t stop thinking about.
Spring always feels like a season of fresh starts—and sometimes that includes refreshing what we’re reading. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into the books that have been keeping them company lately, from page-turning thrillers and heartwarming romance to powerful historical fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction.
They share their favorite recent reads, the books currently on their nightstands, and the unexpected places they’re finding their next great story—from used bookstore treasures to the Libby library app and Goodreads recommendations.
Along the way, the conversation explores why reading can feel like such a grounding ritual, how different formats (audiobooks vs. physical books) shape the experience, and why sometimes the best books aren’t the newest bestsellers.
If you’re looking for your next book club pick, a cozy bedtime read, or something deeper that sparks reflection, this episode is packed with ideas.
And yes… you may leave with a much longer reading list.
Inside This Conversation
 📚 How Jessica and Kelly balance audiobooks, Kindle reading, and physical books 📚 Hidden gems discovered at used bookstores and through library apps 📚 Historical fiction that brings powerful real-life stories to light 📚 The joy of exploring global romance and new genres 📚 Why classic literature like Wuthering Heights still challenges readers today 📚 How music playlists can deepen the experience of reading a book 📚 Thought-provoking nonfiction about trauma, health, and the mind
✨ Want more inspiration for organizing your life this spring?Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz to discover simple systems that work for your real life.
👉 Visit https://chasingbrighter.com/newsletter/ and subscribe
Chapters
00:00 Spring Reading Inspirations
05:28 Exploring Modern Romance
11:08 Historical Narratives and Cultural Reflections
18:15 NEWCHAPTER
 
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🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
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Resources:
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com
Libby App (OverDrive) - https://libbyapp.com
Book of the Month - https://www.bookofthemonth.com
Gabor Maté - The Myth of Normal - https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Normal-Dispatches-Understanding-Illness/dp/0593194684
The Yellow Wife by Sadiqa - https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Wife-Sadiqa/dp/0593194684
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - https://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/dp/1503275766
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (adaptation) - https://www.amazon.com/Eligible-Modern-Adaptation-Pride-Prejudice/dp/0525538904
books, reading, authors, genres, book recommendations, literary discussion, book clubs, audiobooks, library, book lovers

Declutter to Feel Better - Simple Systems for Real Life

What if the quickest way to feel calmer isn’t another mindset shift… but clearing one small corner of your home?
February on Chasing Brighter was all about resetting our nervous systems, resting without guilt, and reconnecting with ourselves. Now as we head into March, we’re gently moving forward—starting with the space we live in every single day: our homes.
In this episode, Jessica and Kelly welcome back Diana Moll, founder of D’s Declutter and host of Organizing With Ease, for a grounded, realistic conversation about how clutter impacts stress, energy, and daily life—and how simple, sustainable systems can help your whole family function with more ease (without chasing Pinterest perfection).
In This Episode, We Talk About
Why decluttering isn’t “having less”—it’s making room for calm and clarity
How your home can either drain your energy or help restore it
The real challenge: not starting… but maintaining your systems
How to stop comparing your home to “perfect” online spaces and meet yourself where you are
Kid-friendly routines that actually work (and yes… the legendary “black bag” story 😅)
Why “one minute” in the morning is everything—and how night-before prep reduces stress
Decision fatigue, busy family life, and creating routines that support real schedules
Seasonal organization tips (boots, coats, rain gear, ski gear, and the “drop zone” problem)
Practical Takeaways You Can Try Today
Create a simple landing zone (shoes, jackets, backpacks) so clutter stops spreading
Pick one “pain point” area (laundry, dishes, papers) and build a system around that first
Try “night-before” prep: clothes out, water bottle filled, bags packed = calmer mornings
Experiment for two weeks before deciding what works for your household
Celebrate small wins—progress sticks when it feels rewarding
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Social Media Collaboration
02:05 Resetting Our Nervous Systems and Decluttering
06:01 Creating Calm Spaces at Home
12:02 Establishing Routines for Families
16:08 Seasonal Organization Tips
20:05 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Checklists
29:57 Conclusion and Resources
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
Resources:
Get the free download here
Find out more about Diana’s Coaching at D’s Declutter by Diana Moll
Organizing with Ease Podcast by Diana Moll
decluttering, organization, home, routines, family, mental health, stress relief, seasonal tips, checklists, productivity

Super Woman Diaries #4: What’s for Dinner (For the Rest of Our Lives)?

What if dinner didn’t have to be a nightly battle, but could actually become your family’s secret weapon for connection?
In this honest and relatable episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into two things adults were wildly unprepared for:
Managing your body after injury without overdoing it.
Deciding what’s for dinner… every single day… for the rest of your life. 😅
Jessica shares her intentional return-to-gym protocol after her recent car accident, including her “no more than level 5 pain” rule and what it looks like to truly listen to your body instead of pushing through. The conversation weaves into something just as real: parenting, picky eaters, meal fatigue, and how dinner has quietly become one of the most emotionally loaded moments of the day.
But here’s the twist, what if dinner isn’t about food at all?
Inspired by insights from the parenting podcast Fluster Clux, Jessica and Kelly explore powerful strategies for navigating picky eating without shame, pressure, or nightly negotiations.
Inside This Conversation:
Why Jessica created a strict pain-monitoring workout protocol after her accident
The hidden danger of pushing through pain too soon
The mental health role movement plays in stress regulation
“Cook Once, Eat All Week” and realistic meal prep for busy families
High-protein recipe inspiration from Jalal’s Fit (Instagram/TikTok favorite)
What ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) actually is — and why most picky eaters don’t meet criteria
The surprising research on how many times kids may need exposure to a food before liking it (hint: it’s more than you think)
Why dinner should be about connection — not consumption
The game-changing shift: putting food on the plate without commentary
How removing shame at the table led to unexpected wins
Ready to Simplify More Than Just Dinner?
If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just stick to a planner?” — you’re not alone.
We created a free Organizational Style Quiz to help you discover how your brain actually works, so you can stop copying Instagram systems and start building ones that fit your real life.
👉 Grab it when you join our Thrive Guide newsletter at chasingbrighter.com
Come hang out with us on social at @ChasingBrighter and let us know:What’s one small shift that made dinner (or workouts… or parenting) feel easier in your home?
Because brighter living isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. 💛

Reconnecting With Yourself Before You Reconnect With Everyone Else

What if getting organized didn’t mean becoming a completely different person?
What if it meant working with your brain instead of against it?
In this episode of Chasing Brighter, we’re kicking off our March theme — Organized, Not Perfect — and having an honest conversation about why traditional organization advice often leaves women feeling behind, overwhelmed, or like they’re “doing it wrong.”
Because here’s what we believe:
You don’t need a prettier planner. You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. You don’t need a Pinterest pantry.
You need simple systems that support your actual life.
The one with kids in sports.The one with late nights and early mornings.The one that’s beautifully full — and sometimes chaotic.
We’re exploring:
Why perfection-based organization increases stress
The difference between supportive systems and rigid expectations
How to reduce friction in your daily life
Why the goal isn’t aesthetic — it’s ease
And how to build structure that feels like freedom
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Connection and Disconnection
08:42 Shifting Perspectives in Relationships
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
 Resources:
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
D’s Declutter by Diana Moll
Organizing with Ease Podcast by Diana Moll
self-connection, disconnection, awareness, self-care, emotional health, mindfulness, February, relationships, boundaries, mental health

Super Woman Diaries #3: When Your Kid Gets in Trouble

What do you do when your child’s “entrepreneurial spirit” earns them a detention slip?
This conversation is messy, honest, and human — just like parenting.
In this honest and relatable Super Woman Diaries episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly unpack a parenting moment that many of us quietly fear: getting that call from school.
Kelly shares the story of her son Beckett, who started selling 3D printed items to classmates — including a plastic knife — and ended up in detention. What started as creativity and hustle quickly turned into a lesson about rules, responsibility, and consequences.
And like all real-life parenting moments, it wasn’t black and white.
💛 Ready for a Gentle Reset?
We created a 7-Day Brighter Challenge — a self-love reset designed to help you reconnect with yourself in small, doable ways.
It’s free when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter (we promise not to overwhelm your inbox).
👉 Head to http://chasingbrighter.com to download it and start your reset with us.
Inside This Conversation
Beckett's experience with selling 3D printed items at school highlights entrepreneurial spirit.
School policies on selling items can be strict, but they serve a purpose.
Detention can be a valuable learning experience for children.
Parents should allow children to face consequences to foster independence.
Communication between parents and school is crucial in handling incidents.
The nature of the items sold (toys vs. weapons) can influence school responses.
It's important for schools to act quickly in addressing issues.
Children's understanding of rules and consequences evolves as they grow.
Parents can feel embarrassed when their children get in trouble at school.
Finding a balance between parental involvement and independence is key.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating School Challenges: Beckett's Detention Incident
02:58 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Kids: Selling at School
05:51 School Policies and Parental Involvement
08:37 Learning from Consequences: Parenting and Growth
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
school, parenting, 3D printing, consequences, detention, entrepreneurship, child development, school policies, communication, learning experiences

Rest Without Guilt: Rewriting the Rules of Productivity

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly continue the February theme of Reset, Rest, Reconnect with a conversation so many women need to hear:
What if the reason rest feels uncomfortable… is conditioning, not weakness?
We say we want rest. But when we slow down, we feel guilt. Anxiety. Panic.
Because somewhere along the way, many of us learned:
Being “good” means being useful
Productivity equals worth
Slowing down is lazy
We haven’t earned a break yet
Especially for Gen X and Millennial women raised to be capable, accommodating, and endlessly reliable, rest isn’t just physical — it’s emotional.
In this episode, we gently challenge that belief.
💛 Ready for a Gentle Reset?
We created a 7-Day Brighter Challenge — a self-love reset designed to help you reconnect with yourself in small, doable ways.
It’s free when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter (we promise not to overwhelm your inbox).
👉 Head to http://chasingbrighter.com to download it and start your reset with us.
Inside This Conversation
Rest is essential for emotional and physical health.
Guilt around rest is often rooted in societal expectations.
Mental rest involves reducing decision fatigue.
Emotional rest requires setting boundaries and saying no.
Sensory rest helps calm an overstimulated nervous system.
Creative rest reconnects us with joy and play.
Rest can take many forms beyond just sleep.
Taking breaks can improve overall productivity.
It's important to prioritize self-care and rest.
Rest is a way to recalibrate and recharge.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Seven Day Brighter Challenge
00:54 The Importance of Rest and Guilt-Free Relaxation
05:21 Understanding Different Types of Rest
10:51 Exploring Mental and Emotional Rest
16:34 Sensory and Creative Rest
21:20 Practical Tips for Incorporating Rest into Daily Life
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
rest, self-care, emotional health, mental health, productivity, guilt, boundaries, sensory overload, creative rest, wellness

Super Woman Diaries #2: Finding Gratitude Amidst Adversity

What happens when your body forces you to slow down — and you didn’t plan to?
In this deeply personal Superwoman Diaries segment, Jessica shares the aftermath of her recent car accident — not just the physical pain of a trapezius strain, but the emotional ripple effects that followed.
Because sometimes it’s not just the injury. It’s the irritability. The exhaustion. The vulnerability. The way stress sneaks into family conversations. The way the world already feels heavy — and then something personal tips the scale.
Jessica and Kelly explore what it’s like to move through physical pain while still being a mom, a therapist, a partner, and a human trying to stay regulated in a polarized world. This episode is a reminder that even Superwomen get knocked down sometimes — and that slowing down isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.
It’s about honoring your limits. Staying connected. And choosing compassion — for yourself and for others.
Inside This Conversation:
Jessica shares her experience of being in a car accident and the physical pain that followed.
The conversation highlights the emotional toll of chronic pain and the importance of self-care.
Jessica emphasizes the need for gratitude, especially after a traumatic event.
They discuss the impact of family dynamics on emotional well-being during stressful times.
The importance of recognizing and validating the struggles of others is highlighted.
Jessica mentions the need to manage stress in a polarized world.
They explore the idea of taking breaks from news and social media to protect mental health.
The conversation emphasizes the balance between self-care and social responsibility.
Jessica reflects on the importance of not letting external stressors overwhelm personal well-being.
They conclude with a reminder to stay connected and support one another. 
💛 This Month’s Freebie
If this episode resonated, download our Self-Love Guide — a gentle resource filled with reflection prompts and grounding practices to help you reconnect with yourself during overwhelming seasons.
👉 Grab it at chasingbrighter.com and sign up for our newsletter.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges
06:02 Coping with Pain and Recovery
13:35 Finding Gratitude Amidst Struggles
18:42 Managing Stress in a Chaotic World
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
car accident, chronic pain, gratitude, stress management, family dynamics, emotional health, self-care, personal growth, healing, mindfulness

Reset Your Nervous System (Without Reinventing Your Life)

What If You’re Not Failing… You’re Just Dysregulated?
What if the exhaustion, irritability, and emotional fog you’re feeling isn’t a personal flaw—but a nervous system asking for support?
In this episode, Jessica and Kelly explore something we don’t talk about enough: the difference between regulating yourself and trying to fix yourself.
Because in a world that constantly tells us to optimize, improve, and power through… sometimes the bravest thing we can do is pause and reset.
This conversation is compassionate, practical, and deeply grounding—especially if you’ve been feeling emotionally fatigued or overstimulated.
Inside This Conversation
✨ Why resetting your nervous system is foundational for emotional health✨ The subtle signs of dysregulation (hint: it’s not just panic)✨ Why regulation is about safety—not self-improvement✨ Micro-resets that don’t require a life overhaul✨ Breathing techniques that signal calm to your body✨ Simple grounding exercises to reconnect with yourself✨ Environmental shifts that create instant cues of safety✨ Mental and emotional resets for moments of overwhelm✨ “Emergency” techniques for when emotions spike✨ Reframing self-care as kindness—not luxury
Practical Tools We Share
You’ll walk away with simple, doable resets you can use today:
Hand-on-heart breathing to signal safety
Body-based grounding techniques
Micro environmental shifts (light, scent, sound)
Mental reframes to reduce emotional intensity
Small resets that take 60 seconds—not a weekend retreat
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Captivate
00:26 Resetting the Nervous System
03:14 Understanding Regulation vs. Fixing
06:00 Micro Resets for Daily Life
08:57 Breath and Body Resets
11:39 Environmental and Mental Resets
14:34 Emergency Reset Techniques
17:11 Conclusion and Next Steps
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
nervous system, self-love, reset, emotional health, mental health, regulation, micro resets, breathing techniques, environmental cues, emotional resets

Super Woman Diaries #1: Rediscovering Dusting: A Nostalgic Beauty Trend

Is your self-care rooted in who you are now—or who you learned to be growing up?
In the Season Five premiere of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly kick things off with a light-hearted, nostalgic conversation about beauty trends—starting with the surprising return of dusting (yes, body powder is having a moment 👀).
What begins as a playful throwback quickly turns into a deeper reflection on how self-care, cleanliness, and comfort are shaped by family traditions, cultural norms, and sensory memories. From childhood scents to evolving wellness rituals, this episode explores how trends cycle back around—and why reconnecting with ourselves is often about honoring what feels grounding, not what’s trending.
This conversation is a gentle reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s familiar, sometimes it’s new, and sometimes it’s simply noticing what brings you back home to yourself.
Newsletter subscribers receive a FREE 7-Day Brighter Challenge—a gentle reset designed to help you reconnect with yourself through simple, nourishing practices.
👉 Subscribe at chasingbrighter.com to receive your free download.
Inside This Conversation:
Dusting is making a comeback as a beauty trend.
The hosts reminisce about their childhood experiences with body powder.
Cultural perspectives on cleanliness vary widely.
Self-care practices can be influenced by family traditions.
Trends in beauty and self-care often repeat over time.
The importance of reconnecting with oneself is emphasized.
The hosts discuss the role of scents in personal care.
They highlight the significance of compassion in understanding others' self-care habits.
The conversation reflects on how children perceive cleanliness and self-care.
Listeners are encouraged to explore new self-care practices. 
Subscribers of the newsletter receive a free seven day Chasing Brighter challenge or a seven day brighter challenge.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Season Five
03:08 The Return of Dusting
05:48 Scented Trends and Body Care
08:34 Cultural Perspectives on Cleanliness
11:29 Self-Love and Connection Challenge
12:10 NEWCHAPTER
Connect With Us:
🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter
podcast, self-care, beauty trends, dusting, body care, cleanliness, cultural perspectives, self-love, connection, wellness

Real Is the New Perfect: Welcome to Chasing Brighter Season 5

Chasing Brighter Season 5 Trailer: Reset, Rest, Reconnect
What if every season of life deserves to feel brighter?
Chasing Brighter began as a guide for women in midlife—but this season, we’re expanding the conversation. Because no matter your age, your season, or your story, you deserve joy, growth, and connection.
In Season Five, Jessica and Kelly invite you into a deeper, more honest space—one that celebrates realness over perfection and growth over pressure. This season is about connection, authenticity, and permission to be exactly who you are.
✨ Real is the new perfect—and we’re just getting started.
February Theme: Reset, Rest, Reconnect
February on Chasing Brighter is all about turning inward and gently starting again. While Valentine’s Day often focuses on romantic love, we’re shifting the focus to self-connection.
Winter invites rest, reflection, and slowing down—so we’re leaning into that energy with tools and conversations to help you:
Reset your mindset and nervous system
Rest without guilt
Reconnect with yourself before reconnecting with others
📥 Free Download: The 7-Day Brighter Challenge
We created a 7-Day Brighter Challenge: A Self-Love Reset to help you gently reconnect with yourself in this season of life.
Join our newsletter to receive your free download and start your reset with us.
👉 Head to chasingbrighter.com for details and to subscribe.
Coming This Season on Chasing Brighter
More diverse stories and voices
Honest conversations about growth, identity, and joy
Practical tools for self-care, connection, and lively living
Permission to let go of perfect and embrace what’s real