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 and college field hockey coach, licensed professional counselor, and founder of Beyond Sport Coaching. Stephanie shares her journey from playing field hockey at Kent State University to becoming the head field hockey coach at Ball State University, and ultimately combining her passion for sports and psychology to help athletes, coaches, and teams strengthen their mental and emotional well-being.

We dive into the mental health of student-athletes, the growing pressures of competitive youth sports, sports performance anxiety, building mental toughness, overcoming fear of failure, and developing confidence and resilience. Stephanie also shares practical advice for sports parents on how to support young athletes, navigate playing time and setbacks, prevent athletic burnout, and encourage a healthy relationship with sports.

Whether you're raising a student-athlete, coaching a team, navigating the college recruiting process, or simply interested in the psychology of confidence and high performance, this conversation is full of valuable insights about managing pressure, finding balance, and remembering that success is about so much more than winning.

Because the lessons we learn through sports can help us bloom bright in every area of life!

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 bringing The Purple Pig to Oak Brook, and the behind-the-scenes realities of running a restaurant—from building a great team and creating an amazing guest experience to navigating the challenges of owning a business.

Marianna and I also go way back to our college days at the University of Iowa, so we have some fun reminiscing while talking about life, taking chances, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

It's a fun conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, friendship, and what it takes to turn an opportunity into something special!

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's passion for mentoring the young women who work for her, why she believes in collaborating with and supporting other women-owned businesses, and what she's learned about taking chances and continuing to grow.

Plus, Nicole shares her best spray-tanning tips—from prepping and choosing the right shade to making your tan last—and, of course, Kelly and Nicole bond over their mutual love of French Bulldogs and Nicole's Frenchie, Lucy. It's a fun conversation about beauty, business, supporting other women, and what's making Nicole Bloom Bright right now.

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 takes to turn an idea into a finished novel. She also shares the story behind Mine Again, the first book in her new Sunflower Series, and what readers can expect from this next chapter.

Plus, Andrea talks about life beyond the books, becoming an empty nester, what’s next, and of course, what’s making her Bloom Bright right now.

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 influenced to buy, and a few things we definitely didn’t need…but are very happy we bought. Consider this your girlfriend guide to what we’re into right now!

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 get into the dental questions every parent wants answered—including what to do in a dental emergency, something Kelly learned firsthand when her son Austin had one and Mira saved the day! Plus, Mira shares simple tips for keeping kids’ teeth healthy, a few memorable stories from her career, and joins Kelly for a fun round of rapid fire.

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 social media today—how it's evolved over the years, what actually makes a brand stand out, and why authenticity and strategy matter more than ever.

Plus, Caitlin shares entertaining tips, travel favorites, rapid-fire fun, and of course, what's making her bloom bright.

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 versus girls, flying versus driving, and all the little things they wish parents knew before their kids left home. Lisa also shares plenty of funny stories and hard-earned wisdom from sending all five of her children to college.

If college is in your family's near future, this is one episode you'll want to save.

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, and how she stayed calm while making split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. From unforgettable stories on the job to her surprising stint as a Jerry Springer bouncer, this conversation is equal parts inspiring, insightful, and entertaining.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating challenges at work, or simply looking to build more confidence and resilience, you'll walk away with practical wisdom and a whole new appreciation for the people behind the badge.

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-understand way.

But this conversation goes far beyond wellness. Kelly gets to know the woman behind the business as Olya shares her personal story, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, her favorite wellness splurges, and the habits she swears by. It's a fun, candid conversation filled with practical tips, plenty of laughs, and a glimpse into the life of a woman who's passionate about helping others feel their best.

The episode wraps up with a fun rapid-fire round and the questions that reveal what's making Olya bloom bright in this season of life.