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 Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Preparations and Traditions

03:30 Travel Adventures and College Friendships

06:25 Weather Challenges and Driving Experiences

12:10 Reflections on Fun and New Experiences

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holiday season, Christmas decorations, travel, Notre Dame, college friends, winter weather, family traditions, Thanksgiving, driving in snow, festive atmosphere

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 and the guilt that often accompanies it, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that worthiness is not tied to productivity.

Inside This Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 Choosing Grace Over Guilt

02:59 Understanding Burnout and Boundaries

05:49 The Power of Self-Compassion

08:14 Redefining Strength and Rest

10:56 Parenting, Guilt, and Resilience

13:50 Practicing Grace in Everyday Life

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grace, guilt, boundaries, self-compassion, parenting, rest, burnout, mental health, personal growth, emotional well-being

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, reflecting on personal experiences and societal expectations surrounding dating and relationships.

Inside This Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 The Quest for a Dating Expert

03:36 The Rise of Facebook Dating

06:21 Navigating Identity and Privacy in the Digital Age

09:17 The Evolution of Dating and Relationships

12:02 Compatibility vs. Attraction in Long-Term Relationships

14:48 The Importance of Companionship in Marriage

17:56 NEWCHAPTER

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dating, Facebook Dating, matchmaking, relationships, privacy, identity theft, companionship, compatibility, dating experts, digital age

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 importance of intentional gratitude in everyday interactions, emphasizing that small acts of appreciation can lead to significant positive changes in our connections with others. The discussion also touches on the vulnerability involved in expressing gratitude and how it can strengthen bonds between individuals.

Inside This Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 The Transformative Power of Gratitude

02:51 Gratitude in Action: Real-Life Examples

05:39 Building Connections Through Appreciation

08:22 The Vulnerability of Gratitude

11:12 Gratitude as a Daily Practice

13:49 Creating a Ripple Effect of Kindness

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gratitude, relationships, appreciation, connection, kindness, emotional well-being, communication, vulnerability, happiness, social bonds

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 fitness, emphasizing the significance of recovery, body positivity, and the joy of feeling strong and capable. The discussion encourages listeners to find a form of movement that resonates with them and promotes overall well-being.

Inside This Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fitness Journeys

03:16 Experiencing Hell Week at Orange Theory

06:19 The Importance of Variety in Workouts

09:12 Understanding VO2 Max and Longevity

11:54 Tracking Progress and Health Metrics

14:30 The Role of Mental Wellness in Fitness

17:25 The Connection Between Weight Loss and Health

20:32 Building Strength and Overcoming Pain

23:18 Conclusion: Embracing Movement and Self-Care

27:44 NEWCHAPTER

fitness, health, Orange Theory, VO2 max, longevity, weight loss, mental wellness, exercise, recovery, body positivity

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, practical tips for cultivating gratitude, and the significance of embracing both joy and struggle in our lives. The hosts encourage listeners to practice gratitude daily, highlighting its role in emotional flexibility and personal growth.

Inside This Conversation: 

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Gratitude in Chaos

05:07 The Balance of Gratitude and Pain

10:04 Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

15:00 Micro Moments of Gratitude

18:44 Reframing Daily Annoyances

21:00 NEWCHAPTER

gratitude, grace, emotional flexibility, positivity, mindfulness, parenting, self-care, mental health, personal growth, resilience

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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 work, her experiences with grief, and the challenges faced by high achieving women in balancing personal and professional lives. They discuss strategies for self-care, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of societal expectations on women's mental health. Sarah shares her insights on navigating motherhood while maintaining a career and emphasizes the need for self-compassion and positive self-talk.

The Fourth Wing Series

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Want to Learn More About Sarah?

Visit her website. 

Visit her on Instagram. 

What Sarah is reading: The Signs by Dr. Tara Swart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ballour and Her Mission

mental health, high achieving women, burnout, perfectionism, social work, grief, self-care, boundaries, parenting, therapy

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. The conversation emphasizes that true confidence comes from within and is about being authentic and unapologetically oneself. They also provide practical tips for listeners to cultivate self-connection and confidence in their daily lives.

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books, podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows, makeup, recommendations, trends, reading, entertainment, parenting, midlife, trending, fall

00:00 Building Confidence Through Self-Connection

confidence, self-connection, midlife, personal growth, introspection, values, authenticity, self-awareness, empowerment, self-acceptance

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 the trend of matching sets in fashion, and the significance of finding reliable help for home maintenance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

home improvement, handyman services, insurance claims, personal style, home repairs, DIY, home renovation, fashion, lifestyle, home maintenance

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-reflection and the practice of honoring one's own needs to foster healthier relationships and a more authentic life.

Inside This Conversation:

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Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

00:00 From People Pleasing to Power

people pleasing, self-worth, boundaries, empowerment, self-respect, confidence, personal growth, emotional health, relationships, authenticity