Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

What if the best holiday moments are the ones you don’t plan? From festive fails to favorite treats and family traditions, Jessica and Kelly explore the beauty of embracing the season as it unfolds. This episode is a cozy reminder that balance, joy, and connection matter more than getting everything “right.” Inside This Conversation:  Holiday fails can lead to funny stories and resilience. School...

What if self-care this season wasn’t about doing more… but choosing what actually restores you? In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into one of the most important (and misunderstood) topics of the season: holiday self-care that truly nourishes your mind, body, and spirit — not the kind that leaves you feeling overstimulated and depleted. The holidays pull on every part of u...

What if the holiday season feels more like “back-to-school” chaos than winter magic—and how do we change that? The holiday season comes with excitement… and a whole lot of pressure. Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional load of December, comparing it to the hectic back-to-school season and exploring why so many of us feel stretched thin. Together, they talk about opting out of unnecessary obli...

How would your relationships shift if you protected your peace as much as your plans? The holidays can bring out the best—and the most complicated—in our relationships. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly unpack the emotional landscape of the season: the overstimulation, the resurfacing of old roles, the quiet aches of loneliness or grief, and the pressure to “show up” perfectly...

Why is it that we can call five friends when something goes wrong… but hesitate to call even one when something goes right? Today, we’re unpacking the complicated dance between vulnerability, celebration, and connection. Who are the people in your life who can hold your hard moments and cheer for your wins without shrinking? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore the dynamics of friendshi...

The holidays are here — and so is the pressure. The expectations. The comparison. The “shoulds.” But what if joy didn’t just happen this season? What if you created it on purpose? In today’s episode, Kelly and Jessica kick off December with a powerful, grounding conversation about choosing joy intentionally… not accidentally, not because Instagram says so, not because “it’s tradition,” and definit...

What book has been waiting for you to finally read it? In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss their reading goals for the year, sharing insights on various books they've read, particularly focusing on memoirs and personal stories. They explore different genres, recommend titles to each other, and reflect on the impact of reading on their lives. The discussion highlights the joy of reading and...

Are you rushing through the holidays, or are you letting gratitude soften the edges of your days? In this Thanksgiving episode of Chasing Brighter, hosts Jessica Colarco and Kelly reflect on the importance of gratitude as a practice rather than a one-time event. They discuss personal experiences and insights from the month, emphasizing the value of connection, perspective, and honoring one's journ...

Is decorating early the secret to actually enjoying the holidays? In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss their holiday preparations, including early Christmas decorations and family traditions. They also share their recent travel experiences, particularly a trip to a Notre Dame football game, highlighting the challenges of winter weather and the joy of reconnecting with friends. Inside This Co...

What if strength wasn’t about doing more, but about offering yourself grace? In this episode, Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the pervasive feelings of guilt, particularly among women, and how to choose grace over guilt. They explore the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and redefining strength to include rest and self-care. The discussion also touches on parenting an...

How do we date in a world where privacy is fragile and connection feels digital? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore the complexities of dating in the modern age, touching on the rise of Facebook Dating, the challenges of identity and privacy in the digital world, and the evolving nature of relationships. They discuss the importance of compatibility and companionship in marriage, refle...

What if the smallest “thank you” could transform your closest relationships? In this conversation, Jessica Colarco and Kelly explore the profound impact of gratitude on relationships and emotional well-being. They discuss how expressing appreciation not only benefits the recipient but also enhances the giver's happiness. Through personal anecdotes and scientific studies, they highlight the importa...

How can movement become a celebration of what your body can do — not punishment for what it’s not? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss their fitness journeys, focusing on their experiences with Orange Theory workouts, the importance of VO2 max for longevity, and the balance between physical and mental wellness. They share personal anecdotes about their challenges and successes in fitne...

How can we hold both joy and struggle—and still feel grateful? In this episode of Chasing Brighter, hosts Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the importance of finding gratitude amidst life's chaos. They explore how gratitude can shift our focus from negativity to appreciation, emphasizing that it doesn't erase pain but rather widens our perspective. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, pra...

Can high-achieving women really have it all—or are we burning out trying to prove we can? In this episode of Superwoman Diaries, Jessica Colarco interviews Sarah Bolor, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Say It Mental Health. Sarah specializes in helping high achieving women overcome burnout, perfectionism, and people pleasing. The conversation explores Sarah's journey into social wo...

What if true confidence isn’t something you build—but something you rediscover within yourself? In this episode, Jessica and Kelly explore the theme of building confidence through self-connection, particularly in midlife. They discuss the importance of introspection, recognizing disconnection from oneself, and the core practices that can help individuals reconnect with their values and desires. Th...

Why is finding a good handyman harder than picking the perfect outfit? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss various topics ranging from personal updates to home improvement challenges. They share experiences with handyman services, the importance of cutting out the middleman in home repairs, and navigating insurance claims. The conversation also touches on personal style, particularly t...

Are you living for others’ approval—or finally stepping into your own power? In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the journey from being a people pleaser to embracing personal power and self-worth. They explore the roots of people pleasing, its impact on mental health, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflecti...

Have you ever felt that losing someone you love changed the way you see life? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore the themes of grief, loss, and the importance of connection with family and loved ones. They share personal experiences of losing family members and how these events have shaped their perspectives on life and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize c...

Welcome to Healing Is My Hobby, the new podcast from Jessica Colarco, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-host of Chasing Brighter. In this introductory episode, Jessica shares the inspiration behind the show — blending her 19 years of clinical experience with her personal healing journey. This podcast is your space to explore what healing really looks like in everyday life — from managing stre...

Could what you wear actually change how you feel about yourself? In this episode, Jessica and Kelly explore the profound connection between fashion and confidence, discussing how clothing choices can influence emotions, behavior, and self-perception. They introduce the concept of 'dopamine dressing,' emphasizing the psychological effects of what we wear and how it can empower us. The conversation...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore various themes surrounding beauty, fitness, and self-care. They discuss their personal beauty routines, the importance of community in fitness, and the benefits of different workout options, including Orange Theory and the rising trend of weighted vests. The conversation highlights the significance of finding what works for individual lifest...

How can small acts of bravery help you reconnect with joy and purpose? In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the multifaceted nature of fear and courage. They explore how fear can be a signal for growth rather than a barrier, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking small steps toward connection, joy, and purpose. The conversation highlights...

From oatmeal hacks to outfit inspo — are you ready to elevate your fall? In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss their love for oatmeal, share tips on customizing Starbucks oatmeal, and transition into a lively discussion about fall fashion. They explore the concept of a capsule wardrobe, the importance of investment pieces versus budget finds, and how to maintain personal style amidst eve...

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica Colarco and Kelly explore the profound impact of our inner dialogue on our confidence and decision-making. They discuss how our thoughts can either empower or hinder us, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewriting negative narratives. The conversation provides practical tools for identifying self-critical thoughts, flipping the script to mor...