Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

Ever found yourself saying, “I don’t even know what I like anymore”? You’re not alone. Between careers, caregiving, endless checklists, and the constant pull to keep everyone else afloat, it’s easy to lose touch with the things that once brought you joy.

In this heartfelt episode of Chasing Brighter, we’re diving into what happens when we forget what we love—and how to find our way back. Joy isn’t frivolous, it’s fuel. It’s the spark that helps regulate your nervous system, builds resilience, and reminds you that you’re more than just your responsibilities.

✨ We’ll talk about:

How anxiety, people-pleasing, and parenting can drown out your inner voice

Why joy isn’t indulgent—it’s essential for your well-being

Simple ways to reconnect: a “passion audit,” exploring without pressure, and prioritizing play over perfection

How even 10 minutes of joy a day can shift your mood, energy, and outlook

💡 Reflection Prompt: What’s one thing you used to love that you haven’t done in years? What’s stopping you from trying it this week?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or a little disconnected from yourself, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to wait for life to calm down to start living again.

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finding purpose, rediscovering joy, passion to paycheck, aligning with values, midlife reinvention, chasing meaning not productivity, how to find joy again, live with purpose, passion projects midlife, values-driven living

In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss their experiences with parenting, focusing on the challenges and joys of managing school routines, college applications, and the emotional dynamics of raising teenagers. They share insights on preparing their children for the real world, balancing extracurricular activities, and navigating the complexities of teenage independence and communication. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents as they support their children through these transitions.

Jessica is excited about her new creative studio.

Navigating Parenting Challenges

"I'm in my new creative studio."

00:00 Setting the Scene: New Beginnings

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parenting, school routines, college applications, teenage independence, emotional regulation, extracurricular activities, communication, self-care

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss the concept of purpose as a practice rather than a destination. They explore how to reconnect with one's purpose through reflection on joyful moments, identifying emotional triggers, and following curiosity. The conversation emphasizes that true purpose is rooted in meaning and fulfillment, rather than productivity, and encourages listeners to live with intention and explore their passions.

Purpose is built, not found.

"Follow curiosity, not pressure."

00:00 Reconnecting with Purpose

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purpose, fulfillment, meaning, personal growth, emotional triggers, curiosity, self-reflection, life transitions, passion projects, intentional living

Jessica and Kelly dive into their recent experiences with social media shutdowns, sharing personal stories and insights.

Hashtags: #SocialMedia #DigitalDependency #ChasingBrighter

0:00 - 1:30 - Introduction and catching up: Jessica and Kelly discuss their current reads and the unexpected shutdown of their social media accounts.

1:31 - 3:00 - The impact of losing access: Jessica shares the challenges faced due to the shutdown, including losing business opportunities and personal connections.

3:01 - 4:30 - The struggle with Meta: Kelly explains the difficulties in resolving the issue with Meta's automated systems and the feeling of helplessness.

4:31 - 6:00 - Finding a solution: Kelly recounts how a personal connection helped them restore their accounts, highlighting the importance of networking.

6:01 - 7:30 - Reflections on digital dependency: Both discuss the implications of being so reliant on social media and the desire to find balance.

7:31 - End - Conclusion and gratitude: Jessica and Kelly express their relief at being back online and thank listeners for their support.

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#SocialMedia #DigitalDependency #ChasingBrighter

In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss the mental benefits of movement, emphasizing the importance of fitness for mental clarity and emotional regulation. They explore how to reframe fitness goals, especially in the fall, to focus on consistency and self-trust rather than perfection. The discussion highlights the significance of building a supportive community and creating a sustainable fitness practice that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

Movement is essential for mental clarity and emotional regulation.

Unlocking Mental Clarity Through Movement

"Movement is for mental clarity."

00:00 Fall Fitness and Mental Clarity

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mental clarity, movement, fitness, emotional regulation, self-trust, fall fitness, wellness, resilience, consistency, body positivity

In this episode of Superwoman Diaries, Jessica engages her daughter Gabriella in a heartfelt conversation about the trends and emotions surrounding senior year for Gen Z. They explore various senior year traditions, the impact of social media on trendsetting, and the emotional journey of transitioning into adulthood. Gabriella shares her thoughts on fashion trends, college preparations, and the importance of friendships during this pivotal time. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating routines to navigate the changes ahead, all while maintaining a light-hearted and relatable tone.

Gabriella represents the voice of Gen Z in discussing trends.

Navigating Senior Year: Trends and Emotions

"Watches are big."

00:00 Introduction to Senior Year Trends

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Keywords

Gen Z, senior year, trends, college preparation, emotional growth, fashion, social media, friendship, routines

Grounded, Glowing, and Unbothered: Your Fall Ritual Reboot

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss the importance of establishing rituals as the seasons change. They explore how intentional practices can ground you, soothe your nervous system, and create space for clarity and calm amidst the hustle of fall activities.

Key Topics:

[00:02:00] The difference between routines and rituals and their impact on well-being. [00:10:15] How rituals can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. [00:18:30] Practical ideas for creating mindful morning rituals and realistic routines. [00:25:45] The significance of giving yourself grace and flexibility in daily practices.

Takeaways:

[00:30:00] Transform simple routines into meaningful rituals to enhance your daily life. [00:35:20] Use rituals to anchor yourself and create predictability in a fast-paced world. [00:40:10] Embrace flexibility and self-compassion as you establish new habits. [00:45:00] Reflect on what fills your cup and incorporate those elements into your rituals.

Journal Prompt: What's one small ritual you can incorporate into your morning routine to connect with yourself before the day begins?

Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, share it with someone who could use a little more calm and clarity in their life. Remember, grounded women glow differently.

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#FallRituals #MindfulLiving #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica Colarco discusses the challenges and transitions of midlife, including personal growth, grief, and the importance of routine. She shares her journey of weight loss, the emotional complexities of parenting, and the impact of social media on her business. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and the pursuit of creativity in challenging times.

Midlife can bring a surge of ideas and ambitions.

"I want to do so many things."

00:00 Introduction to Chasing Brighter

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#MentalHealth #PodcastLaunch #HealingIsMyHobby

midlife, personal growth, grief, emotional well-being, health, creativity, social media, women empowerment, podcasting, transitions

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly explore the challenges of balancing work, home, and personal life. They discuss the importance of setting up systems to manage daily tasks and reduce stress, emphasizing the need for asking for help and sharing responsibilities.

Key Topics:

The concept of systems at home and work to streamline tasks. The importance of delegating chores and responsibilities. Strategies for meal planning and reducing decision fatigue. Setting boundaries and managing expectations in professional settings.

Takeaways:

Implement systems to reduce the mental load and create structure. Delegate tasks to family members to share the workload. Use meal planning to simplify daily routines and reduce stress. Set clear boundaries at work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on one task that drains you weekly. How could a small system simplify or support that task?

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Hashtags: #WorkLifeBalance #Delegation #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

In this episode of 'Superwoman Diaries' from 'Chasing Brighter', we dive deep into the life and achievements of Toni Will, the first female General Manager and Board Governor for the Kalamazoo Wings in the ECHL. With 25 years in leadership roles, Toni has also ventured into lifestyle and professional coaching, addressing substance freedom and entrepreneurial empowerment. She discusses her journey to becoming a TEDx speaker, launching a podcast, and writing her forthcoming book, 'Not the Norm'. The conversation spans challenges like imposter syndrome, finding balance in midlife, and the importance of setting and achieving personal goals. Toni emphasizes the role of curiosity and learning, sharing insights from her own experiences with sobriety and professional development. Tune in for inspiration on turning midlife into a period of growth and transformation. 00:00 Introduction to Superwoman Diaries

00:20 Meet Toni Will: A Trailblazer in Leadership

00:42 Toni's Journey in Professional Hockey

00:56 Mindfulness Elevated: Toni's Coaching Business

02:34 Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Success

04:05 The Power of Curiosity and Continuous Learning

06:01 Exploring the Relationship with Alcohol

11:56 Toni's Six Leadership Pillars

13:51 The TEDx Experience

17:05 Writing 'Not the Norm': Toni's Upcoming Book

20:56 Business Class to TED Talk

21:11 Creating Courses and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

22:13 Vulnerability and Sharing Personal Stories

23:33 Mindset and Overcoming Challenges

27:17 Empowerment and Mentorship

30:02 Setting and Achieving Goals

35:20 Books and Media Recommendations

38:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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