Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

In this episode, hosts, Kelly and Jessica explore the transformative idea of “mothering ourselves” and how it can lead to more joy, peace, and fulfillment in midlife. Jessica and Kelly share personal stories, helpful mindset shifts, and practical daily rituals that help prioritize self-care without guilt. From learning that your needs matter just as much as everyone else's, to redefining what happiness looks like as we age, this episode is full of validation and inspiration. It’s time to care for yourself with the same tenderness you give to others—because you deserve to feel full, not just functional.

Topics Covered:

What it means to mother ourselves

Mindset Shifts:

Self-care is survival, not selfish

Your needs matter as much as others

You’re allowed to redefine happiness

Daily rituals that fill your cup

The mental load and how to shift out of burnout mode

✨ Tune in for real talk, real tips, and a gentle nudge toward more joyful, intentional living in midlife.

🎧 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! 

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the importance of advocating for your kids — whether it's snagging a coveted summer camp spot or navigating the competitive world of magnet school admissions. Kelly shares the rollercoaster of emotions when her son Beckett was waitlisted for camp and how a little persistence (and an email!) turned things around. Jessica talks about her son Dominic’s surprising lottery acceptance into a highly competitive magnet high school and why showing up and staying ready matters more than we think.

They discuss:

Whether you’re a parent navigating summer planning or school transitions, this episode is packed with real-life insights on how to create opportunities — and why luck favors the proactive.

🎉 Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we’re honoring the OG Superwoman—our mom, Vickie—in a very special, laughter-filled episode.

From her days growing up in small-town Kansas to her journey raising two daughters (who were never any trouble, of course 😇), we dive into stories that are as heartwarming as they are hilarious.

💬 What you’ll hear:

Embarrassing stories (Jelly shoes + preschool meltdowns = iconic)

Wisdom from raising girls in the '80s and '90s

Why “forced family fun” is our favorite tradition

What’s changed (and what hasn’t) about motherhood over 40 years

Her best advice for moms navigating modern life

It’s real, raw, and full of love. Listen with your mom, your daughter, or your chosen family—this one’s a legacy episode. 💕

🎧 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! 

In this special Mother-Daughter episode, Jessica is joined by her daughter Gabriella for part two of their series on navigating connection during the teen years. They dive into what actually helps strengthen the bond between parents and teens — and what totally misses the mark (hint: sending 30 reels a day is not the answer!).

They share real talk about:

Why simple, meaningful check-ins are better than constant questions about school

The power of consistent traditions like movie nights and shopping trips

How to approach connection without overwhelming or interrogating your teen

Why respecting your teen’s growing independence is key — and how to balance communication without taking it personally

This episode is full of honest advice straight from a teen’s perspective, giving parents practical, relatable ways to stay close during these busy, changing years.

Mentioned:

Thrive Tribe: Learn more at chasingbrighter.com/thrivetribe

The episode hosts Jessica and Kelly talk about the emotional and mental toll motherhood takes on American women, noting that American mothers are among the unhappiest in the developed world. 

Ever felt totally exhausted by 9 a.m. without even leaving the house? You're not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jessica and Kelly shine a light on the invisible weight American moms are carrying—aka “the mental load.” From managing schedules and soothing meltdowns to being the emotional thermostat of the home, moms are burning out in a culture that expects them to do it all.

Tune in as we explore:

What the "Happiness Gap" is and why U.S. moms are unhappier than moms globally

What mental load, decision fatigue, and emotional labor really mean

Real-life examples of the daily mental burden

4 strategies to reclaim peace, joy, and time

How to delegate like a boss (hint: it’s not just about the task!)

✨This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to set boundaries, share the load, and redefine what being a “good mom” actually means.

🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.

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

💫 As always, keep chasing brighter—one book at a time.

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

The hosts chat about seeing the Minecraft movie with their kids—some reluctant, some excited—and share funny moments from bootleg viewing to spontaneous theater trips. They also discuss progress on furnishing their lake house, delivery logistics, and plans to rent it out. The episode wraps with updates on spring break, enjoying downtime, and upcoming summer baseball travel.

Ready to fall in love with reading all over again? In this playful and heartwarming episode, we're serving up our favorite fun reads of 2025 (so far)! From swoon-worthy romances to juicy thrillers, fantastical escapes to deeply moving nonfiction—this is your ultimate spring/summer reading list.

Jessica dishes on the cozy chaos of The Ex Hex series, the haunting truth of The House of My Mother, and her total obsession with everything Abby Jimenez writes (yes, she’s THAT good). Kelly shares her fiction faves (The Berry Pickers and All the Colors of the Dark are must-reads!), her current sci-fi and fantasy flings, and the non-fiction titles changing her life—hello Good Inside and Radical Acceptance.

So grab a cup of tea or a sparkling spritz, curl up with a blanket, and prepare to be inspired to crack open a new chapter in your reading life. Bonus: we even share where we find our books and spill on BookTok obsessions!

Jessica’s Top Picks

💕 The Ex Hex Series by Erin Sterling

💔 The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

🧁 Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez 

🐉 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Kelly’s Favorites

⚔️ Legendborn by Tracy Deonn – Buy on Amazon

🕵️ Conclave by Robert Harris

📘 Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

🛒 Try Audible for FREE here.

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

💫 As always, keep chasing brighter—one book at a time.

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

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica dive into managing the chaos of summer camp registrations, the mental load of midlife, and neighborhood battles. 💪✨ Plus, tips for handling unpredictable schedules and maintaining sanity through it all. Don't miss these strategies for thriving amidst the challenges! 

👉 Subscribe, review, and share! New episodes every week at chasingbrighter.com and wherever you podcast. 💫

Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.

Feeling blah? Stuck in a rut? Maybe you just need a little glitter and glue in your life! In this colorful episode of Chasing Brighter, sisters Kelly and Jessica jump into the magic of creativity as a powerful form of self-care.

From baking gluten-free treats to quilting masterpieces, they share personal stories, practical tips, and joyful encouragement to help you tap into your own creative spark—no perfectionism required! 💖

Tune in to learn:

Why creativity = instant mood booster 💥

What “flow state” is and why it’s your brain’s happy place 🧠

Simple ways to make space for hobbies—even if you’re short on time 🕒

Inspiring stories of women using art, crafts, baking & gardening as their soul medicine 🌱

How to start a craft night or creative club with friends 🎨👯‍♀️

📦Mentioned:

Thrive Tribe Membership

Amy Oestreicher Creativity and Gratitude

Boards by Courtney – @boardsbycourtney on Instagram

👉 Subscribe, review, and share! New episodes every week at chasingbrighter.com and wherever you podcast. 💫

Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica recount their recent trip to Nashville and discuss their experiences at the Podcasting Moms conference. They share insights about podcasting, fashion inspiration drawn from the conference, and the benefits of using clothing rental services like Rent the Runway and Newly. The duo also touches on the joys of solo travel and the energy boost it provides. Tune in to hear their entertaining tales and useful tips.

Try Rent the Runway with 40% off your first rental.