Bloom Bright with Kelly

Youth sports are more competitive than ever, but what impact is all that pressure having on our kids? From performance anxiety and perfectionism to burnout, confidence, and the pressure to succeed, today's young athletes are navigating challenges that go far beyond the playing field. In this episode of Bloom Bright with Kelly , I'm joined by Stephanie Bernthal, former Division I athlete...

What does it really take to open and run a successful restaurant? This week on Bloom Bright, I'm sitting down with Marianna Bannos, owner of The Purple Pig, with locations on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, and the newest location in Oak Brook, to hear her journey into the restaurant world and everything she's learned along the way. Marianna shares how she got started, what went into br...

Nicole Farsalas, founder of Glo Up Chicago, joins Kelly to share how she took an opportunity in the beauty industry and turned it into a growing business and brand. Nicole takes us back to the beginning of Glo Up, how she got started in spray tanning, the lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, opening her second location in Niles, and what’s next for the brand. They also talk about Nicole&...

How do you go from reporting the news to writing your own book series? This week, Kelly sits down with award-winning author Andrea Thome to talk about her journey from sports reporter to novelist and how she found her way into the world of writing and publishing. Andrea takes us behind the scenes of the writing process—from where she finds inspiration and creates her characters to what it actually...

Shelly is back, and this episode is all about what we’re loving right now! We’re talking current trends, the skincare, beauty products and treatments we’re trying, things that are actually worth the hype, and the latest kid obsessions—including the squishy craze and everything you need to know about NeeDohs. It’s a light, fun sister catch-up filled with current favorites, things we’ve been influen...

Dr. Mira Albert is the founder of Brush Pediatric Dentistry, a mom of two boys, and an entrepreneur who turned her passion for working with kids into a thriving practice with two locations. Mira joins Kelly to share her journey from dental school and pediatric training to taking the leap and opening Brush Pediatric Dentistry, growing her business, and navigating motherhood along the way. They also...

This week on Bloom Bright , I'm joined by the founder of Once Upon a Dollhouse and Dollhouse Social to talk about her journey from public relations to content creator to entrepreneur. We dive into how she built her signature lifestyle brand, developed her personal style, and turned years of experience into a business that helps other brands grow with purpose. We also pull back the curtain on...

Sending your child off to college is exciting, emotional...and a little overwhelming. Whether you're preparing for your first move-in day or your fifth, this episode is full of practical advice and reassurance. Kelly sits down with friend and mom of five, Lisa Doyle, to talk about everything from dorm shopping, move-in day, and saying goodbye to homesickness, care packages, Life360, boys vers...

What does it take to rise to the top in one of the most demanding careers imaginable? This week, Kelly sits down with Margaret "Mimi" McGreal, who spent more than 26 years with the Illinois State Police and became the first female Colonel of the Division of Patrol. Mimi shares her incredible journey through a male-dominated profession, the leadership lessons she learned along the way, an...

In this episode, Kelly sits down with Olya Borsuk, co-founder of InfuseWell Concierge, to share her journey of building a successful wellness business and helping clients take a proactive approach to their health. From IV therapy and medical weight loss to regenerative skincare and healthy aging, Olya breaks down some of today's biggest wellness topics in an approachable and easy-to-understan...

Mahjong may be having a major moment, but for Michelle Dermenjian—better known as Missy Mahjong—it has always been about so much more than the game itself. In this episode, Michelle shares how she turned her love of mahjong into bringing people together through connection, conversation, and a little friendly competition. We talk about the story behind Missy Mahjong, the fundraising events and char...

This week on Bloom Bright with Kelly , I’m joined by Heather McCarthy, co-founder of The Set Fitness, for a real conversation about fitness, nutrition, consistency, and finding healthier habits that actually fit into real life. Heather shares her journey from fitness instructor to gym owner, along with simple, realistic tips for women who want to feel stronger and healthier without striving for pe...

In this episode of Bloom Bright , Kelly sits down with Shannon Keating for a conversation about living with purpose in every season of life. Shannon shares her journey from growing up in a faith-filled, close-knit family to building a life centered around her own values of faith, family, and service. As a wife of nearly 25 years, a mom of four entering the almost–empty nest stage, a Physical Thera...

In this episode, I sit down with Carmen Rivero, founder of People Living Healthy and a certified menopause specialist coach, to have a real, honest conversation about what’s actually going on during perimenopause. We’re breaking down the biggest myths, talking through the symptoms no one warns you about—from brain fog and anxiety to sleep and weight changes—and sharing what truly helps when it com...

In this episode, Kevin joins me as we break down our trip to St. Barths—an island known for its yachts, celebrities, and major hype. We had been wanting to go for a while and finally decided to see for ourselves if it really lives up to everything you hear… and let’s just say, we have thoughts. We’re sharing everything you need to know—from how to get there and where to stay, to our favorite resta...

In this episode, I’m joined by Grace Rodi, Miss Illinois USA 2024, to talk about a world that so many people are curious about — pageants.   We’re breaking down the biggest myths and stereotypes around pageant culture, what it’s really like behind the scenes, and how competing shapes confidence, resilience, and the ability to walk into any room with presence. We also talk about the specific skills...

In this episode, Kelly sits down with luxury travel advisor Sheila McNaughton of Elysian Travel . Before entering the travel industry, Sheila worked as a television producer, including time with The Oprah Winfrey Show , and today she brings that storytelling mindset to designing unforgettable travel experiences for her clients. Kelly and Sheila talk about how great trips are really planned, travel...

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on everything season one of this podcast has taught me — from starting messy, to pushing through fear, to realizing just how powerful community really is. This season stretched me, surprised me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect… and I’m sharing it all. If you’re in a season of growth, uncertainty, or starting something new, I hope this episode reminds...

In this episode of Bloom Bright , Kelly sits down with Ashleigh Stuck, a recent college graduate navigating the exciting — and often overwhelming — transition into adulthood. From graduating high school at Lyons Township to attending Baylor University during the challenges of COVID, Ashleigh shares her honest journey of growth, faith, and self-discovery. Ashleigh reflects on trying new things, lea...

In this episode of Bloom Bright , I’m joined by Jennifer Steinhagen, the creator behind @bookandachai— a cozy corner of Instagram curating a reader’s lifestyle through books, slow moments, and intentional living. Jennifer and I talk about how reading became such a meaningful part of her identity, how @bookandachai came to life, and what it’s really like building a community in the online book worl...

In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Beth Joutras, the Chicago-based fashion blogger behind @ mjstyle.me . Known for her classic yet on-trend style, Mary Beth shares how she mixes high and low fashion, builds wearable everyday outfits, and shops with intention for real life. We talk travel style, investment pieces, designer dupes, and simple ways to get dressed with confidence at any stage of life....

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Kevin, for an honest and easy conversation about marriage, partnership, and growing together over time. We start with the story of how we met—and how we almost never saw each other again. From there, we talk about what we’ve learned along the way, where our strengths lie, where we still grow, and what it really looks like to support each other’s dreams be...

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my dear friend Denise — an orthopedic surgeon and someone who’s been part of my life through many seasons. We talk about how we met, how our friendship has grown and stayed strong over the years, and the adventures we’ve shared along the way. Denise also shares what led her to orthopedics and her professional perspective on aging gracefully, staying active, a...

In this episode, Kelly sits down with her friend Angie for an honest conversation about navigating change later in life. From making new friends as an adult to moving to a new community, juggling a full-time career, and guiding kids through the college transition, Angie shares thoughtful insights and encouragement for women stepping into new seasons. This episode is all about connection, courage,...

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Kelly sits down with her dear friend Christine to celebrate friendship, shared travel adventures, and the joy of walking through life together. Christine shares the heart behind founding Together at Peace and the launch of the Comfort Club, a space created to offer comfort and connection. Cozy, honest, and full of heart, this episode is a reminder that friend...