Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

Darlene Brock is the President and Co-Founder of The Grit and Grace Project, author of “Raising Great Girls”, and co-host of This Grit and Grace Life Podcast. We are so lucky that Darlene took time out of her busy schedule to join us in a talk about parenting.  She shares what she has learned while raising two daughters. When it comes to parenting, we can recognize that we need not sweat the small...

Kelly and Jessica interview Katie Rizzo of Rizzo Hospitality.  Katie went from managing over 300 employees on the Vegas strip to being the water girl at a restaurant in Maine.  She wanted to find a better balance in life and felt like she was missing something.  Join us to hear more of Katie's story and how she has changed her life to being a wife, mother and business owner.    Check out our blog...

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica interview Rach Hoeppner of Real Health With Rach. Rach is a Holistic Nutritionist, Women’s Health, Hormone, and Fertility Specialist, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and Recipe Developer behind Real Health with Rach.  We explore her health journey and learn about her integrative health coaching practice where she serves women and helps them achieve their heal...

This month's book club pick is "The Cafe on the Edge of the World" by John Strelecky.  Kelly and Jessica explore the story of a man who, similar to the Alchemist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He finds a cafe in the middle of nowhere and the proprietor asks him three simple questions: Why are you here? Do you fear death? And are you fulfilled? Check out our blog for more tips on becoming...

Sierra Redmond of The Daily Impressions Travel and Lifestyle Blog joins us to talk about all things travel. She shares her top tips for travel from low budget to luxury.  She also explores her journey of being a military spouse, mother, entrepreneur and digital creator.  For more about Sierra check her out on social mediat @iamsierrared or on her her blog:  https://www.thedailyimpressions.com/abou...

Kelly and Jessica share their tips for those families traveling to Cooperstown, NY this summer for their baseball tournaments and camps.  They discuss their hits and misses with dining, shopping and activities in the Cooperstown area.  Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us:  https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: h...

Emily Mc Cully joins Jessica and Kelly to discuss solo travel for women. Emily is passionate about travel and design, with particular interests in small spaces and creating environments that allow us to live our best lives.  She shares her unexpected journey to becoming a solo female traveler and minimalist.  Emily gives her tips for global travel.  Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a b...

Kelly and Jessica interview Jillian Minter of Spritz Sunday.  Spritz Sunday is a guide on travel, wellness, and living your best life. Sunday is a day of leisure, food, family, relaxing, and the little things, or what the Italians call la dolce far niente. There’s nothing better than enjoying a spritz on a Sunday afternoon.  Jillian shares her story of being a successful entrepreneur and more rece...

Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman are world-renowned researchers and clinical psychologists and have revolutionized the study of marriage. They have written 46 books that have sold over a million copies. Their 2018 book, “8 Dates: Essential Conversations For A Lifetime of Love” is the February Chasing Brighter Book Club pick. Kelly and Jessica walk you through this incredible guide f...

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica interview Laura Deitsch, DHS, MS, NCC.  Laura has 15 years of experience in sexual health and its related dynamics and talks with Jessica and Kelly about healthy communication about sex with our sexual partners as well as our children. Laura also shares her history working with adolescents on issues including healthy decision making, reproductive health and asser...

In this episode we revisit our chat with Orly Katz, MS, LMFT, relationship counselor and expert in helping couples reconnect.  We explore strategies to help couples maintain connection.    Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us:  https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We en...

Kelly and Jessica explore the importance of connection for our health and well-being.  It can be difficult to make friends these days with many people working from home and also when many of us think we are "connected" via social media.  Kelly and Jessica review many tips and strategies for making new friends and building your tribe.    Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version...

January Book Club pick is "How To Be Well" by Dr. Frank Lipman, MD.  Kelly and Jessica explore Dr. Lipman's book and how we can implement his strategies into our daily lives in order to improve our overall well being.   Dr. Lipman says, “it’s the ordinary things we do on a daily basis that have an extraordinary effect on our health.”   Check out more healthy, wellness and lifestyle tips on our blo...

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica talk with Jenny Maloney, RD about what clean eating really means.  Jenny Maloney has been conducting one-on-one nutrition counseling, nutrition workshops, and fitness training sessions for over 20 years.  She has experience in sports nutrition, women’s health and fitness including pre/post natal nutrition and training, child nutrition, health conditions/disease m...

In this episode, Rachel, shares tips on becoming a healthier & happier mom!   Rachel is the founder of the Health Messenger on  Instagram  &  Facebook , as well as,  Messi Mom in the Kitchen on YouTube.   As a mom of 2 kids, she knows a thing or two about the challenges of trying to juggle it all. But she's also figured out some tips and tricks along the way that have helped her to become a health...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   In this episode Kelly and Jessica interview health and lifestyle expert, Mary Ricciardi. Lifestyle Expert, Mary Ricciardi is a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Gut Health Specialist, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Mindset Coach. She is the founder or Warrio...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   In this episode Kelly and Jessica have chosen an alternative "book": The Legend Planner.  They explore how The Legend Planner can help you set goals, focus on what's important, and sustain momentum in all areas of your life.    Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighte...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   In this episode Kelly and Jessica take the time to reflect on 2022 including their big wins and insights gained.  They explore their "why" into launching the podcast.  Jessica and Kelly also dive into why self-reflection is important.    Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chas...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica talk about managing the "shoulds" of this holiday season. They talk about their continued struggle with people please and share their own successes.   Learn more abou...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica explore the "happiness trap" and give tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of striving for a perfect holiday.    Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrig...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica explore how to make a plan to take care of yourself during the holiday season.   Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com   Follow our journey...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica invite Brooke to explore Elin Hilderbrand's novel "Winter Street".    Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com   Follow our journey on instagr...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica talk about memorable gifts from holidays past and share their tips to help ease the stress of gift giving.    Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrig...

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery!   Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays.  In this episode Kelly and Jessica interview our resident health expert, Safia Lyon, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Provider Development for Prairie Health and Wellness.  She utilizes an int...

Kelly and Jessica debrief about their trip together in Cooperstown, NY.  They talk about the stresses of traveling with family and explore boundary setting. This was the first time we travelled together, as adults, as sisters.  We have no other siblings, just each other -- it was a learning experience!   Topics we cover:  - Understanding each others' travel habits and needs  - Setting expectations...