Ep. 97: College admissions may feel more competitive, confusing, and overwhelming than ever. But what if your child doesn’t need to do more… they just need a smarter strategy?
In this episode of Bright Side Up, we’re talking with Kara McMahon, founder of Admissions by Design and a college admissions expert with more than 20 years of experience helping students and families navigate the process.
As a former high school counselor, Director of School Counseling, Villanova alumni interviewer, varsity girls lacrosse coach, and mom of three teenage boys currently going through the admissions process herself, Kara brings both professional expertise and real-life perspective to one of the most stressful seasons families face.
We’re breaking down what has changed in college admissions, when families should actually start preparing, the biggest mistakes and misconceptions parents need to avoid, and how students can stand out without creating an application that looks like everyone else’s.
Kara also shares what makes a college essay memorable, how to use AI responsibly during the application process, why building the right college list can potentially save families thousands of dollars, and how parents can support their kids without taking over.
If you have a middle schooler, high schooler, or college-bound student in your life, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you replace the stress and pressure with a smarter, more intentional approach to finding the right college fit.

If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!

Watch the Show here: https://www.youtube.com/@brightsideup-d7v?si=671AjascymNJugPa

Connect with Admissions By Design here: https://www.instagram.com/admissionsbydesign_

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This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. 

https://epicutis.com/

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) Your best self isn’t a future version of you. It’s a standard and it’s built in your daily habits.

If you’ve been feeling off, low-energy, or just not fully in it, this episode is your reality check and your reset. Because getting back into alignment doesn’t require a full life overhaul—it requires intention in the small things you do every day.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the non-negotiables that shift how you feel immediately. The habits that change your energy, your confidence, and the way you show up—without overcomplicating it.

We get into:

• Why getting ready every day is less about appearance and more about self-respect
• The fastest way to shift your mood and confidence (hint: it’s not optional)
• How doing one hard thing early changes your entire day
• The connection between your environment and your mental clarity
• And the habit that defines your self-worth more than anything else

This is about raising your standard, keeping promises to yourself, and moving through your life with intention.

You don’t need to find your best self.
You need to start acting like her. 

96. Whether you believe in the Lionsgate Portal or simply love a fresh start, this episode is your invitation to pause, reset, and get intentional about the life you're creating.

Join Chelsea and Erin as they share 8 simple rituals to do before August 8th to help you release what no longer serves you, create space for new opportunities, and align with the future you want to step into.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Write down 8 desires you want to bring into your life
• Let go of 8 things that are no longer serving you
• Clean your mirrors to reflect clarity and positivity
• Refresh your front door to welcome new opportunities and positive energy
• Do one bold thing before August 8th
• Refresh your fruit bowl as a symbol of abundance and vitality
• Spend 8 minutes in silence visualizing the future you're creating
• Practice forgiveness to free yourself from the past and make room for what's next

Whether you're looking for a spiritual reset or simply a meaningful way to reflect and refocus, these eight practices will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and ready to embrace your next chapter.

 Your future isn't created by chance, it's created by intention. Press play and let's begin.

If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!

Watch the Show here: https://www.youtube.com/@brightsideup-d7v?si=671AjascymNJugPa

Connect with Bright Side Up on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/livebrightsideup/

Connect with Erin Salvetti on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/erinsalvetti/

Connect with Chelsea Valentino on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_with_chelsea/

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.livebrightsideup.com/2026-retreat

This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. 

https://epicutis.com/

95. Spoiler: It's not about being the loudest, funniest, or most outgoing person in the room. True magnetism comes from the small, intentional habits that make people feel seen, valued, and drawn to your energy.

In this first episode of our new "Five Things" series, we're sharing five simple shifts that can completely change the way you connect with others, and yourself.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why remembering someone's name is one of the most powerful things you can do.
• The secret to asking questions that create meaningful conversations.
• How smiling more can instantly change your presence.
• Why being genuinely interested is far more attractive than trying to be interesting.
• How keeping promises to yourself builds the kind of quiet confidence people can't help but notice.

These are small habits with a big impact. Whether you're looking to build stronger relationships, grow your confidence, or simply become someone people naturally gravitate toward, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can start using today.

Hit play and discover how becoming more magnetic starts with the way you show up every single day.

If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!

Watch the Show here

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This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. 

94: Olivia Adriance is back on Bright Side Up, and so much has changed since her first appearance on Episode 14.
Known for her nourishing gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free recipes, Olivia has built a community of nearly 2 million people by helping people transform their health from the inside out. After overcoming years of acne through food and lifestyle, not medication, she became a trusted voice in the wellness space. Now, she's taking that mission one step further.
In this episode, Olivia shares the story behind Annadea Beauty, her brand-new skincare-meets-makeup line designed for women who want products that support their skin instead of working against it. We dive into what it really takes to build a business from scratch, why you don't need a traditional background to create something meaningful, and how she's balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood in this exciting new season of life.
Whether you're dreaming of starting something of your own, navigating a new chapter, or simply looking for beauty products that align with a healthy lifestyle, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.
In this episode, we cover:

• Why Olivia expanded from healthy recipes into the beauty industry
  
• The story behind launching Annadea Beauty
  
• How food and skincare work together for healthy, glowing skin
  
• Why you don't need to feel "qualified" before chasing a big dream
  
• The realities of building a business while raising a family
  
• Olivia's favorite beauty products, underrated wellness habits, and rapid-fire favorites
  

This episode is a reminder that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Sometimes your biggest challenge becomes the very thing you're meant to build from. If you've ever wondered whether you're capable of creating something bigger than yourself, this conversation is for you.

Watch the Show here

Follow Olivia here

Follow Annadea here

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Sign up for our BSU Edit here

This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do

93. Confidence isn't something you're born with; it's something you build.

In this episode of Bright Side Up, we're diving into what it really means to own the room. From walking into any space with confidence and believing you belong, to the subtle habits that instantly change how others perceive you, we're sharing practical mindset shifts you can start using today.

We talk about why your energy speaks before you ever say a word, how to stop apologizing unnecessarily (and what to say instead), the surprising power of eye contact, and why a great handshake still opens more doors than most people realize. Whether you're heading into a job interview, networking event, first date, business meeting, or simply want to show up as your most confident self, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to walk into any room with confidence and own your presence.
• Why your energy determines how people respond to you.
• Common ways we unintentionally diminish ourselves (and what to say instead).
• The confidence habits that instantly elevate your communication.
• Why eye contact, body language, and a strong handshake still matter.

If you're ready to stop playing small, trust yourself more, and become the kind of person who naturally commands a room, this episode is for you.

If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!

Watch the Show here: https://www.youtube.com/@brightsideup-d7v?si=671AjascymNJugPa

Connect with Bright Side Up on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/livebrightsideup/

Connect with Erin Salvetti on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/erinsalvetti/

Connect with Chelsea Valentino on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_with_chelsea/

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.livebrightsideup.com/2026-retreat

This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. https://epicutis.com/

92. You asked, and we're bringing it back! 

Our Rapid Fire episodes have quickly become some of your favorites, so we're back for round two and this one is even more unfiltered.

From why we think being cringe is actually the goal to our current wellness obsessions, daily habits, lifestyle favorites, guilty pleasures, and a few questions we definitely didn't see coming, this episode is packed with laughs, honest answers, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments.

No scripts. No overthinking. Just two friends having fun, sharing what's working lately, and reminding you not to take life, or yourself, too seriously.

Grab your walk, your workout, or your morning coffee, and come hang out with us. We hope this episode leaves you smiling... and maybe even embracing your own cringe a little more.

If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!

THE Slippers HERE

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This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do

In case you missed it (ICYMI)...

If you’re in the mood to upgrade your life with zero fluff, this episode is for you.
It’s that time again… our Quarterly Favorite Things episode is here Erin and Chelsea are sharing the beauty, wellness, and supplement picks they’re truly obsessed with right now, the things they actually use, re-buy, and recommend to their closest friends.
From the bra you’ll never want to take off, to the face mask that makes people ask what you’ve done, to must-have supplements that support energy, skin, hormones, and mood, nothing is gatekept. They’re also diving into the daily rituals and habits that help them feel more grounded, glowy, and put-together in real life (not just on Instagram).
Think of this episode as your curated shopping list, wellness reset, and cozy catch-up all in one. Save it, screenshot it, and get ready to upgrade your routine.

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91. What does it take to stay consistent, build a thriving business, and keep showing up year after year?

This week on Bright Side Up, we're joined by fitness expert, entrepreneur, and founder of Kim Kelly Fit, Kim Kelly. For over 18 years, Kim has helped women build stronger bodies, healthier habits, and more confidence while creating a loyal community and successful fitness brand. 

In this conversation, Kim shares the mindset, habits, and lessons that have helped her navigate pivots, overcome fear, and stay committed to her goals—even on the days she doesn't feel like it.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to build a successful business and loyal community
• Why consistency matters more than motivation
• The daily habits that set you up for success
• How to navigate fear, uncertainty, and major life pivots
• Why getting comfortable being uncomfortable leads to growth
• How to trust yourself and finally take the leap
• The power of trying new things at every stage of life
• Kim's most underrated and overrated wellness habits

If you're ready to stop waiting for the perfect time and start showing up for yourself, this episode is for you.

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder that it's never too late to pivot, start over, or become the strongest version of yourself.

Keep living life Bright Side Up.

Watch the Show here: https://www.youtube.com/@brightsideup-d7v?si=671AjascymNJugPa

Connect with Bright Side Up on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/livebrightsideup/

Connect with Kim Kelly here: https://www.instagram.com/kimkellyfit/

Connect with Erin Salvetti on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/erinsalvetti/

Connect with Chelsea Valentino on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_with_chelsea/

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.livebrightsideup.com/2026-retreat

This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. 

https://epicutis.com/

90. What if the secret to glowing skin, more energy, and feeling confident in your own skin had less to do with chasing youth and more to do with how you care for yourself every day?

In this episode of Bright Side Up, Chelsea and Erin are sharing the wellness habits, mindset shifts, and favorite products that are helping them glow from the inside out. From nutrition and movement to skincare and daily rituals, they're pulling back the curtain on what's currently working in their lives and why they're embracing a pro-aging approach instead of trying to turn back the clock.

This is an honest conversation about feeling vibrant, energized, and confident at every stage of life, without perfection, extremes, or unrealistic expectations.

In this episode, we cover:
 

• What pro-aging means to us and why we've embraced it
   
• Daily habits that help us feel our best from the inside out
   
• Our favorite wellness, beauty, and skincare products right now
•  Simple ways to support energy, confidence, and longevity
   
• Why aging is a privilege and how to do it well

• Whether you're looking for new product recommendations, wellness inspiration, or a fresh perspective on aging, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can start using today.

• Because glowing isn't about looking younger, it's about feeling your best.

Watch the Show here

Connect with Bright Side Up on IG here

Connect with Erin Salvetti on IG here

Connect with Chelsea Valentino on IG here

Sign up for our newsletter here

This Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do.