Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the challenges and transitions of the back-to-school season. They discuss the emotional and logistical shifts that come with the new school year, not just for kids but for parents too. The conversation highlights the importance of establishing grounding routines, setting realistic expectations, and finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Key Topics:

[00:02:00] The stress of back-to-school shopping and adjusting to new routines. [00:10:15] Emotional transitions for both parents and children. [00:18:30] Tips for managing the mental load and creating a smoother transition into the school year. [00:25:45] The importance of self-care and setting boundaries during this busy time.

Takeaways:

[00:30:00] Embrace micro moments of calm in the morning to start your day with intention. [00:35:20] Use visual schedules to reduce mental load and keep the family organized. [00:40:10] Let go of perfectionism and share responsibilities with family members. [00:45:00] Engage in open conversations with your children about their feelings and transitions.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on your own childhood transitions. What helped you feel safe and supported? How can you recreate that for yourself and your family today?

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent navigating the back-to-school hustle. Remember, you've got this, and we're cheering for you every step of the way!

Connect With Us:

Hashtags: #BackToSchool #Parenting #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the challenges and transitions of the back-to-school season. They discuss the emotional and logistical shifts that come with the new school year, not just for kids but for parents too. The conversation highlights the importance of establishing grounding routines, setting realistic expectations, and finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Key Topics:

The stress of back-to-school shopping and adjusting to new routines. Emotional transitions for both parents and children. Tips for managing the mental load and creating a smoother transition into the school year. The importance of self-care and setting boundaries during this busy time.

Takeaways:

Embrace micro moments of calm in the morning to start your day with intention. Use visual schedules to reduce mental load and keep the family organized. Let go of perfectionism and share responsibilities with family members. Engage in open conversations with your children about their feelings and transitions.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on your own childhood transitions. What helped you feel safe and supported? How can you recreate that for yourself and your family today?

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent navigating the back-to-school hustle. Remember, you've got this, and we're cheering for you every step of the way!

Connect With Us:

Hashtags: #BackToSchool #Parenting #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

💖 It’s time to put yourself first—without guilt! 💖

In this re-release episode, Jessica & Kelly explore self-love, why it’s crucial, and how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Plus, we share personal stories on overcoming negative self-talk and prioritizing our own well-being.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

🔥 Your Self-Love Challenge: Write down five things you love about yourself & repeat them daily (bonus: do it while hugging yourself!)

💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share your self-love journey!

📢 More Resources:

Connect With Us:

Re-release episode. 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 to bed!

Whether you're heading to a baseball game, brunch with your girls, or just chasing kiddos in the summer heat, Melissa's styling tips will have you feeling confident, put-together, and totally YOU.

👠 What we’re talking about:

Capsule wardrobe tips that actually work for real life (and real bodies)

What to wear to youth sports without sacrificing style

Why matching sets and elevated sweats are the unsung heroes of mom fashion

The power of accessories to express your style

Why shopping in-person might change your wardrobe (and your life)

🎁 Links to Melissa’s faves, budget-friendly brands, and summer staples in our BLOG POST!!

✨ Tune in and treat yourself to a style refresh that’s full of permission, play, and personality.

📲 Connect with Us:

Instagram: @chasingbrighter

Newsletter: Sign up for weekly inspiration and wellness tips

Keywords

midlife, self-care, personal growth, mental health, empowerment, play, identity, values, community, intention

In this trailer for Season Four, Jessica Colarco emphasizes the importance of reclaiming time, energy, and dreams, especially for those who have spent years prioritizing others. The season will focus on themes of play, self-care, and personal growth, aiming to redefine midlife as a powerful chapter of life. With monthly themes and expert interviews, the season promises to provide listeners with tools and strategies to live intentionally and joyfully.

Listeners have prioritized others for years.

Reclaiming Your Life in Midlife

"Midlife can be your best life."

00:00 Welcome to Season Four: Reclaiming Your Life

In this re-release, we're diving into living fully—balancing bold adventures with those small, everyday moments that make life sweet.

✨ Episode Highlights:

💡 What You'll Learn:

📢 Mentioned Resources:

Connect With Us:

In this special solo episode, Jessica shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of Chasing Brighter as the podcast heads into its fourth season. From launching as a passion project during personal journeys of growth to becoming a global top 5% podcast, she reflects on the lessons learned from Season 3 and gives listeners an exciting preview of what’s to come.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The origin story of Chasing Brighter and how it became a trusted midlife resource

Lessons learned in Season 3, including:

The power of meaningful connection

The importance of daily joy and micro-habits

Why rest is revolutionary

The growing desire among women for reinvention and new adventures

The value of using your voice and showing up authentically

What’s new in Season 4:

Shorter, more focused seasons

Superwoman Diaries continuing every Monday

Themed Thursday episodes for each month:

August: Reclaiming Routine

September: Fall into Purpose

October: Confidence is Your Costume

November: Gratitude & Grace

December: Joyful on Purpose

The launch of the free Thrive Tribe community

Monthly Thrive Guide newsletter

Free downloads like meditations and curated playlists

Links & Resources:

💻 Visit: chasingbrighter.com

📨 Sign up for the Thrive Guide newsletter

📱 Follow us on TikTok and YouTube

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts

Takeaway Quote:

In this re-lease episode, the hosts interview Nicole Shaver, a leadership coach who shares her journey from a successful career in finance to finding her true purpose in coaching. Nicole discusses the challenges and fears she faced in making such a significant career pivot and the importance of having a supportive coach to guide her through the process. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection, finding the right mentor, and giving oneself grace. Nicole also touches on balancing professional and personal life, shifting priorities with changes in life stages, and making intentional decisions to live a fulfilling life. 

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

🎁 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.

🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.

🧡 Want to support the pod? Check out our ad-free episodes and bonus content via Thrive Tribe on Patreon!

Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month! 

Connect With Us:

In the episode Kelly and Jessica are here to help you create the ultimate summer weekend — no flights, no big plans, just joy. Whether you're looking to enjoy time with family, relax solo, or plan something fun with friends, this episode is packed with inspiration for making the most of your weekends right where you are.

From backyard ideas and low-key adventures to seasonal crafts and simple pleasures, you'll walk away with doable, feel-good ways to bring the getaway vibes home. Perfect for those craving ease, fun, and connection this summer.

🌿 In This Episode You’ll Hear:

Easy summer weekend ideas that require little to no travel

Fun activities for families, friends, couples, or solo time

Creative ways to enjoy your own city or backyard

Tips for slowing down and truly soaking in the season

Kelly & Jessica’s favorite summer rituals and new things they want to try this year

🧺 Ideas Mentioned in the Episode:

Backyard water balloon play with “Bunch O Balloons”

Outdoor movies and neighborhood walks

Crafting projects and journaling for solo joy

Hosting casual weekend brunches or pool hangs

Relaxing mornings with no alarms

✨ Ask Yourself:

💬 Listener Challenge:

💫 Mentioned in This Episode:

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.

🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.

🧡 Want to support the pod? Check out our ad-free episodes and bonus content via Thrive Tribe on Patreon!

Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month! 

Connect With Us:

In this raw and relatable solo episode, Jessica opens up about what’s been happening behind the scenes in her personal life — and how she’s navigating a year that feels like one challenge after another. From unexpected health issues across her family to the emotional toll of constant worry, she reflects on what it means to keep going when you're feeling burnt out.

But this episode isn’t just about setbacks — it’s about resetting. Jessica shares how she’s reframing 2025 by revisiting her core values and goals. She offers a fresh, practical approach to designing the rest of your year with intention — even if the first half didn’t go the way you planned.

This honest conversation will inspire you to regroup, reflect, and reimagine the rest of your year with purpose and grace.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Colarco family’s health rollercoaster

Why this year has felt emotionally overwhelming

The power of mindset when life feels like a “dumpster fire”

How to revisit and refine your core values

An 8-part life assessment for refocusing your goals

Jessica’s personal June goals and how she sets realistic intentions

Tips for journaling, quarterly planning, and simplifying your goal-setting

Health & Fitness

Career & Business

Finances & Net Worth

Family & Friends

Spiritual Life

Fun, Recreation & Hobbies

Personal Development

Romance & Relationships

What can you let go of from the first half of 2025?

Visit chasingbrighter.com for:

Goal-setting tools

Core values worksheets

Journaling prompts

Access to Thrive Tribe for extra support

🎁 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.

🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.

🧡 Want to support the pod? Check out our ad-free episodes and bonus content via Thrive Tribe on Patreon!

Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month!