Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

In this special guided meditation episode, Jessica invites you to slow down and embrace the healing energy of summer. As the days grow longer and the light lingers, let this calming reset help you reconnect with yourself. Whether you're lying in the sun, sitting quietly indoors, or finding a moment in a busy day, this short meditation offers you the space to rest, restore, and renew. 🧘‍♀️ In This...

In this candid and humorous episode of Super Woman Diaries, Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional rollercoaster of wrapping up another school year. From navigating last-day chaos to reflecting on how much of our identity gets wrapped up in school drop-offs and motherhood, this episode is full of real talk and relatable moments. What You’ll Hear About: 🎓 Dominic’s last day of middle school and...

🎁 BONUS: Sign up for our newsletter to get the Chasing Brighter Summer Spotify Playlist! 🎶 🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a story worth sharing. There’s something undeniably magical about summer evenings — the glow of the setting sun, warm breezes, and that perfect exhale at the end of the day 🌅 In this calming and cozy episode, Kelly and Jessica share their favorite ways to wind...

This episode dives into the whirlwind of change happening at Kelly and Jess's kids’ school. 🏫 From unexpected shifts in award ceremonies 🎗️ to new, tougher curriculums 📚, they discuss how these changes have impacted their children—Dominic, Giovanni, and Gabriella. They chat about how Dominic is feeling overwhelmed with new teaching styles and increased workloads, while Gabriella navigates dual e...

Welcome back to Chasing Brighter, your go-to midlife guide for living your boldest, brightest life. In this episode, we’re embracing the art of rest—the intentional, soul-fueling kind, not the crash-on-the-couch variety. Join Jessica and Kelly as they share how to craft your very own Summer Rest Plan, complete with: ✨ Your personal “rest menu” 🗓️ How to block out sacred recharge days 💖 Flipping...

Join Kelly and Jess in this lively episode brought to you by the Thrive Tribe, as they share their hectic schedules and the realities of motherhood. From sleepless nights and illness to school activities and seafood deliveries, they discuss the challenges of balancing busy days with moments of downtime. Hear Jess's tales of pediatric visits and Kelly’s adventures with her never-ending mom duties....

It's officially Hot Mom Summer, and we're turning up the confidence and the color! In this vibrant episode, we welcome the fabulous Melissa Briskman—actor, stylist, and longtime fashion guru!! Melissa shares her best advice for curating a capsule wardrobe, finding your personal style (even if you're over 40 and think you don’t have one!), and why you should never wear anything you don’t love—even...

  In this fun and fashion-forward episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into one of their latest style obsessions—an ultra-affordable, buttery-soft matching set from Walmart. Jessica shares the scoop on how these $14 sets rival luxury brands like Vuori, why they’re perfect for Zoom calls, school runs, and spontaneous hangouts, and how she’s been styling them for everyday wear. The hosts also get real ab...

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Jessica and Kelly dive deep into the societal myths of the "perfect mom" and why it's time to let them go. From Pinterest-worthy parties to gentle parenting pressure, today’s moms are bombarded with unrealistic expectations—and it's exhausting. Together, they explore how redefining motherhood starts with embracing imperfection, setting boundaries, and showing...

In this heartfelt episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into their recent experiences as sports moms and the challenges they've observed with unsportsmanlike behavior in youth athletics. From high school baseball rivalries to locker room dynamics, they explore how sports culture shapes young athletes—and why adult leadership matters. They reflect on the importance of programs that emphasize character, a...

In this episode, hosts, Kelly and Jessica explore the transformative idea of “mothering ourselves” and how it can lead to more joy, peace, and fulfillment in midlife. Jessica and Kelly share personal stories, helpful mindset shifts, and practical daily rituals that help prioritize self-care without guilt. From learning that your needs matter just as much as everyone else's, to redefining what happ...

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the importance of advocating for your kids — whether it's snagging a coveted summer camp spot or navigating the competitive world of magnet school admissions. Kelly shares the rollercoaster of emotions when her son Beckett was waitlisted for camp and how a little persistence (and an email!) turned things around. Jessica talks about her son Dominic’s sur...

🎉 Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we’re honoring the OG Superwoman—our mom, Vickie—in a very special, laughter-filled episode. From her days growing up in small-town Kansas to her journey raising two daughters (who were never any trouble, of course 😇), we dive into stories that are as heartwarming as they are hilarious. 💬 What you’ll hear: Embarrassing stories (Jelly shoes + preschool meltdowns = ic...

In this special Mother-Daughter episode, Jessica is joined by her daughter Gabriella for part two of their series on navigating connection during the teen years. They dive into what actually helps strengthen the bond between parents and teens — and what totally misses the mark (hint: sending 30 reels a day is not the answer!). They share real talk about: Why simple, meaningful check-ins are better...

The episode hosts Jessica and Kelly talk about the emotional and mental toll motherhood takes on American women, noting that American mothers are among the unhappiest in the developed world.  Ever felt totally exhausted by 9 a.m. without even leaving the house? You're not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jessica and Kelly shine a light on the invisible weight American moms are...

The hosts chat about seeing the Minecraft movie with their kids—some reluctant, some excited—and share funny moments from bootleg viewing to spontaneous theater trips. They also discuss progress on furnishing their lake house, delivery logistics, and plans to rent it out. The episode wraps with updates on spring break, enjoying downtime, and upcoming summer baseball travel.

Ready to fall in love with reading all over again? In this playful and heartwarming episode, we're serving up our favorite fun reads of 2025 (so far)! From swoon-worthy romances to juicy thrillers, fantastical escapes to deeply moving nonfiction—this is your ultimate spring/summer reading list. Jessica dishes on the cozy chaos of The Ex Hex series, the haunting truth of The House of My Mother, and...

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica dive into managing the chaos of summer camp registrations, the mental load of midlife, and neighborhood battles. 💪✨ Plus, tips for handling unpredictable schedules and maintaining sanity through it all. Don't miss these strategies for thriving amidst the challenges!    👉 Subscribe, review, and share! New episodes every week at chasingbrighter.com and wherever...

Feeling blah? Stuck in a rut? Maybe you just need a little glitter and glue in your life! In this colorful episode of Chasing Brighter, sisters Kelly and Jessica jump into the magic of creativity as a powerful form of self-care. From baking gluten-free treats to quilting masterpieces, they share personal stories, practical tips, and joyful encouragement to help you tap into your own creative spark...

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica recount their recent trip to Nashville and discuss their experiences at the Podcasting Moms conference. They share insights about podcasting, fashion inspiration drawn from the conference, and the benefits of using clothing rental services like Rent the Runway and Newly. The duo also touches on the joys of solo travel and the energy boost it provides. Tune in to...

Are you ready to bring more joy and movement into your life—without the burnout? In Episode 68 of Chasing Brighter, we dive into the power of play and joyful movement for adults, especially women navigating midlife. From dance parties in your living room to high-tech fitness games, we’re showing you how to reclaim your energy, boost your mood, and stay active—no treadmill required! 🎧 Listen in as...

Today's episode includes a very special guest... Jessica's daughter Gabriella!!! Jessica and her daughter Gabriella discuss the generational gap between parents and teenagers. Gabriella shares her insights on what midlife women might not realize about their teens' thoughts and feelings, highlighting the common issues teens face today, like social media pressures and school stress. They also discus...

Ready to make midlife your best life? In this energetic and joy-filled episode, Kelly and Jessica take you on a tech-powered tour of the latest gadgets, apps, and wearables designed to help midlife women thrive. 💪✨ Whether you’re managing perimenopause, leveling up your skincare game, or looking to bring more mindfulness and play into your day, this episode is packed with inspo and info. 💬We ch...

The conversation between Jessica and Kelly covers a range of topics including personal commitments, managing children’s schedules, and DIY projects. Kelly shares her experience with home renovations, specifically removing wallpaper from her lake house, while Jessica reflects on their personal growth and willingness to tackle new projects. They also recount their recent travels, sharing stories fro...

Welcome to back to Chasing Brighter! 🌸 In our March Book Club pick, we're talking about the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, a powerful blend of psychology, mindfulness, and deep compassion. Join Jessica and Kelly as they explore the book’s transformative themes—from the trance of unworthiness to cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion. This episode is like a warm cup of tea for your so...