Chasing Brighter Podcast: A Midlife Guide To Your Best Life

Mom Talk #39: Insights and Conversations with Kelly and Jessica

In this episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast, Kelly and Jessica discuss their upcoming summer travel plans and how they handle pet care through the Rover app, highlighting the convenience and cost-effectiveness of house sitters over boarding pets. They delve into the adventures and mishaps of managing sports schedules for their kids, sharing humorous and relatable stories about rainy soccer games and valuable equipment investments like pop-up tents and wagons. The conversation transitions into a reflection on social interactions and friendship styles, inspired by a New York Times quiz that Jessica and Kelly take, revealing their "firefly" and "evergreen" friendship types, respectively. They emphasize the importance of meaningful connections and staying energized through intimate conversations with close friends. The episode closes with actionable advice on maintaining strong friendships, especially when life gets busy.
 
Friendship Quiz: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/06/09/well/mind/friendship-style-quiz.html
 
Our June Book Club pick: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson. 
 
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
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Raising Allies: Parents Supporting the LGBT+ Community

This episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast focuses on how parents can be allies to the LGBT+ community and raise their children to be allies. Hosts Jessica and Kelly discuss the importance of fostering inclusivity and acceptance, debunk common misconceptions about being allies, and provide practical tips for supporting LGBTQ+ rights. They emphasize continuous learning, the impact of representation and visibility, and how to use inclusive language at home. The conversation also highlights the significance of mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth and the role parents play in advocating for equality and standing against discrimination. The episode aims to offer guidance and inspire listeners to create a compassionate and accepting environment for all.
Support Pride Month by Reading our June Book Club Book: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson <-- It's SO, SO, Good!! And it's one of the most banned books!! 
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!
 

Mom Talk #38: Insights and Conversations with Kelly and Jessica

The episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast features a conversation between Kelly and Jessica about Kelly's recent experience with skin cancer. Kelly shares her feelings about having had basal cell skin cancer removed and the impact it has had on her appearance, specifically a bald spot on her hairline. Despite these challenges, Kelly ends on a positive note, expressing a rare moment of feeling normal amidst her medical struggles.
Support Pride Month by Reading our June Book Club Book: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson <-- It's SO, SO, Good!! And it's one of the most banned books!! 
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!

How to Celebrate & Support Pride Month

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
Welcome to our episode of our award-winning podcast, in this episode, Jessica and Kelly talk about the history and significance of Pride Month, offering insights into the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of inclusivity and advocacy.
Topics Discuss: Understanding Pride month, the history of Pride, decoding the acronyms and terms, new terms and inclusivity, the role of allies.
Support Pride Month by Reading our June Book Club Book: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson <-- It's SO, SO, Good!! And it's one of the most banned books!! 
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!

Mom Talk #37: Social Media Trends and The Modern Marriage

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
This episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast's Mom Talk we discuss spontaneous vacation plans that fell perfectly into place during a casual conversation at a baseball game. The discussion then transitions to a viral social media trend comparing the fear of encountering a man versus a bear in the forest, highlighting female safety concerns. The conversation wraps up with an in-depth look at the complexities of modern marriage, particularly focusing on women's mental load, high divorce rates, and efforts to reignite intimacy in relationships.
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!

Heart-to-Heart with Kathy Colaiacovo

In this episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast, hosts Kelly and Jessica engage in a heart-to-heart discussion with Kathy Colaiacovo, a marketing strategist and president of Pepper Marketing Services. Kathy, who also hosts the 'Marketing Your Private Practice with Kathy C' Podcast, shares her personal and professional journey, offering insights into her upbringing as a military brat, her transition from a full-time at-home mom to a business owner, and the challenges of raising her three children. The conversation delves deep into Kathy's experience with her youngest child coming out as transgender, the emotional rollercoaster that followed, and the significance of love and acceptance in parenting. The episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, the importance of community support, and the power of understanding when dealing with life's adversities.
 
Connect with Kathy  online via her website  www.PepperitMarketing.com or on  Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook. 
 
Chasing Brighter is winner of the 2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR for BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST!!  Follow Us for More Inspiration in Instagram @chasingbrighter  and on our blog - www.chasingbrighter.com.

Mom Talk #36: Navigating Youth Sports, Mental Resilience, and Gratitude

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
In this episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast, hosts Kelly and Jess dive into the whirlwind of parenting children in sports. They share personal stories about the highs and lows of a busy Memorial Day weekend packed with soccer and baseball games, reflecting on the challenges of managing kids' sporting events, dealing with bad weather, and maintaining a positive mindset. The discussion touches on mental resilience, the importance of supporting kids through disappointments, and the strategies to adopt a gratitude-focused life. The hosts also delve into insightful books like Arthur Brooks' 'Live the Life You Want' and the importance of self-improvement and happiness. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of nurturing positive relationships and the value of hard work and consistent development in sports and life.
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!

Unleashing Wellness: The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Creativity

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
Welcome to the Chasing Brighter Podcast! In this episode, Kelly and Jessica wrap up their month-long series on creativity and passions by discussing the profound impact of creativity on both physical and mental health. They discuss studies showing how creative activities can lower cortisol levels, boost the immune system, and enhance cognitive abilities. The episode also touches on practical tips for incorporating creativity into daily life, overcoming creative blocks, and fostering a creative environment. Tune in to discover how embracing creativity can lead to a healthier, happier you!
Episode Highlights:00:26 The Impact of Creativity on Health02:36 Exploring Lake Las Vegas05:04 Music and Brain Connectivity06:46 The Benefits of Play Acting10:09 Mental Health Benefits of Creativity21:21 Fostering a Creative Environment
Resources & Promotions:
May Book Club Book: "Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope, and Healing"
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!

Mom Talk #35: Exploring Self-Discovery, Gadgets, and Coffee Mastery

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
This episode of the Chasing Brighter Podcast's Mom Talk we discuss using the Dyson Airwrap, comparing it with traditional hairdryers and highlighting its innovative design. They also dive into the world of coffee, sharing their experience with a private coffee lesson that covered latte art, the science of brewing, and the nuances of coffee beans and their processing. Additionally, the episode touches on the hosts' personal life, detailing the newfound independence of a family member getting their driver's license and using the Life360 app for safety. The conversation encapsulates the excitement of learning new skills, the importance of embracing change, and the joy of sharing these moments with friends and family.
Buy A Dyson Airwrap!
May Book Club Book: "Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope, and Healing"
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!

May Book Club: The Powerful Ways 'Creativity and Gratitude' Can Transform Your Life

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
Welcome to another captivating episode of our award-winning podcast that is renowned for its insightful and transformative discussions. In this episode, hosts, Kelly & Jessica, discuss the theme of creativity, focusing on 'Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope and Healing' by Amy Oestreicher. The book, functioning as a workbook, encourages the integration of creativity and gratitude into daily life through 52 weeks of prompts and activities. They explore the author's personal story of overcoming life-threatening health challenges and how creativity played a crucial role in her healing process. Discussions include the concepts of resilience, gratitude, and viewing creativity as energy rather than just arts and crafts. The hosts share their experiences with the book's exercises, the impact of creativity on mental health, and practical tips for incorporating creativity into everyday life, such as keeping a sketchbook and embracing detours as opportunities for growth. Listener engagements and challenges to try out the book's activities and share their creative journeys are also highlighted.
Episode Highlights:00:28 May's Focus: Creativity and Gratitude01:19 Diving Deep into Amy Oestreicher's Journey03:03 Exploring Creativity as a Path to Healing04:15 Creativity in Everyday Life: A Workbook Approach05:24 Personal Experiences and Takeaways14:28 Applying Creativity to Real Life: Challenges and Tips22:59 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps
 
Resources & Promotions:
May Book Club Book: "Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope, and Healing"
TED Talks: Check out Amy Oestreicher’s inspiring TED Talks
Games:
Blank Slate
Just One 
Pens: Friction Pilot pens - erasable markers great for sketching
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!