Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

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Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect episodes

  • 🎉 Why Play Isn’t Just for Kids: The Joyful Movement Midlife Women Need

    Are you ready to bring more joy and movement into your life—without the burnout? In Episode 68 of Chasing Brighter, we dive into the power of play and joyful movement for adults, especially women navigating midlife.

    From dance parties in your living room to high-tech fitness games, we’re showing you how to reclaim your energy, boost your mood, and stay active—no treadmill required!

    🎧 Listen in as Jessica and Kelly share: ✔️ Why play is essential (yes, even for grown-ups!)

    ✔️ How to turn boring workouts into fun routines
    ✔️ Joyful movement ideas you’ll actually look forward to
    ✔️ Tech tools and fitness apps that make movement feel like a game
    ✔️ Playful activities to do with kids, friends, or solo

    👉 Join the Play Challenge: Try ONE playful activity this week. Comment below and tell us what you chose!

    👉 Find more resources from our accompanying blog post: "Why Adults (Especially Women) Need More Play"

    Connect With Us:
    • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
    • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
    • 19 min
    • Super Woman Diaries #34: Bridging the Generational Gap
      Today's episode includes a very special guest... Jessica's daughter Gabriella!!! Jessica and her daughter Gabriella discuss the generational gap between parents and teenagers. Gabriella shares her insights on what midlife women might not realize about their teens' thoughts and feelings, highlighting the common issues teens face today, like social media pressures and school stress. They also discuss body image, the impact of hormonal changes, and the importance of compassion and understanding between parents and kids. Self-care and its changing role across generations is another vital topic they explore.
       

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

      Connect With Us:
      • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
      • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
      • 30 min
      • Midlife Tech Revolution: The Rise of Femtech & Fun Tech for Women’s Health and Joy

        Ready to make midlife your best life? In this energetic and joy-filled episode, Kelly and Jessica take you on a tech-powered tour of the latest gadgets, apps, and wearables designed to help midlife women thrive. 💪✨

        Whether you’re managing perimenopause, leveling up your skincare game, or looking to bring more mindfulness and play into your day, this episode is packed with inspo and info.

        💬We chat about:

        🌀 Hormone & menopause tracking apps: Caria + Balance by Dr. Louise Newson
        🍑 Pelvic floor & sexual wellness tech: Elvie Trainer + VFit Gold
        ⏱️ Sleep & cycle wearables: Oura Ring, Fitbit, Amazfit Balance
        💆‍♀️ Beauty tech gadgets: ZIIP Beauty, TheraFace PRO
        🎮 Cozy games & VR fun: Meta Quest VR and Apps,  Nintendo Switch Cozy Games
        🧠 Brain-boosting tech: NYT Games, Lumosity and more!
        🤖 AI for everyday wellness: ChatGPT, Google Assistant & more!

        👀 We also talk about setting healthy screen boundaries, using tech mindfully, and embracing play and pleasure at every stage of life.

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

        Connect With Us:
        • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
        • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
        • 18 min
        • March 31st Episode 65 Superwoman Diaries #33: DIY Adventures & Spring Break Stories

          The conversation between Jessica and Kelly covers a range of topics including personal commitments, managing children’s schedules, and DIY projects. Kelly shares her experience with home renovations, specifically removing wallpaper from her lake house, while Jessica reflects on their personal growth and willingness to tackle new projects. They also recount their recent travels, sharing stories from their trips to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Throughout the episode, they discuss dealing with practical challenges such as scheduling, making decisions, independent travel for their children, and managing outdoor conditions like the presence of snakes and mosquitoes.

          18 min
        • March Book Club: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

          Welcome to back to Chasing Brighter! 🌸 In our March Book Club pick, we're talking about the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, a powerful blend of psychology, mindfulness, and deep compassion. Join Jessica and Kelly as they explore the book’s transformative themes—from the trance of unworthiness to cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion.

          This episode is like a warm cup of tea for your soul, sprinkled with relatable stories, personal breakthroughs, and yes, even some dry humor courtesy of Tara herself. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just dipping your toes into self-help, you'll find golden nuggets in this heart-centered conversation.

          ✨ Topics We Explore:

          • The “trance” of unworthiness and how to break free

          • Mindful parenting and compassionate communication

          • Using RAIN to handle discomfort and sit with hard emotions

          • Personal stories that bring healing, laughter, and “I’m not alone” moments

          • How radical acceptance can transform relationships

            💫 This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about learning to be with ourselves and others, just as we are.

            📚 Whether you've read the book or not, come along for this cozy, insightful, and empowering discussion. And don’t forget—your best life is just a listen away.

            🔗 Links + Resources:

            • Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

            • RAIN Meditation Practice

            • Join the Thrive Tribe!

              Connect With Us:
              • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
              • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
              • 38 min
              • Super Woman Diaries #32: Navigating Internet Woes and Overcoming Challenges

                In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss various challenges and solutions related to internet connectivity and technology. They share personal anecdotes about internet speeds at different locations, including Kelly's lake house and the use of mobile hotspots. The conversation then shifts to tech devices, like the Padoro MagSafe battery pack, and their benefits.

                Jessica updates listeners on her daughter's college softball journey and the unfortunate ACL injury she recently sustained. They discuss the surgery, recovery process, and the support her daughter has received from her future college.

                Kelly shares the excitement and anxiety surrounding her son making the JV baseball team and the transformative effects this has had on his confidence. They delve into the topic of dealing with children's anxiety and mental health, stressing the importance of having coping tools and positive reinforcement.

                The episode concludes with Jessica mentioning a new guided meditation available for Thrive Tribe members and encouraging listeners to join the community for additional content and resources.

                Resources & Mentions:

                • Podoru MagSafe Battery Pack

                • Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

                • Guided meditations for our Thrive Tribe Members

                • Previous episode: Ep. 62 - Empowering Women Through Networking: Insights from Shannon Russell of Second Act Success

                  Connect With Us:
                  • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
                  • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
                  • Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!
                  • 29 min
                  • Empowering Women Through Networking: Insights from Shannon Russell of Second Act Success

                    It’s Women's History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by lifting each other up? In this episode, hosts Jessica and Kelly sit down with Shannon Russell, career transition coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, to talk about the power of networking and how women can connect, collaborate, and elevate one another.

                    🔗 From networking hacks to overcoming the awkwardness of small talk, we’re diving deep into how to build strong relationships—both in-person and online. Shannon also shares insights on entrepreneurship, self-promotion, and her new book, Start Your Second Act—a must-read for anyone looking to make a big life or career change!

                    ✨ Tune in for:

                    ✔️ Overcoming the fear of networking & starting conversations effortlessly
                    ✔️ Tips to confidently self-promote without feeling awkward
                    ✔️ How social capital helps women grow businesses & careers
                    ✔️ The secret to networking beyond business cards (hint: it's about genuine connections!)
                    ✔️ Why every woman needs a networking support system

                    🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!

                    Connect with Shannon here: Second Act Success Career / Business Coaching for Women

                    Connect With Us:
                    • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
                    • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
                    • Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!
                    • 33 min
                    • Super Woman Diaries #31: Navigating Life Changes and College Decisions

                      In this episode of the Super Woman Diaries, Jessica and Kelly discuss a variety of topics, including Kelly’s recent visit to Jessica's home and the challenges of renting properties through Airbnb. They share humorous anecdotes about their rental experiences and the unexpected situations they encountered. One of the major highlights is Jessica's daughter committing to play college softball after an extensive and dedicated recruitment process, providing detailed insights into how they navigated college applications and sports commitments. The episode closes with Jessica and Kelly reflecting on the rewards of their hard work and offering wishes for peace, compassion, and continued positivity for their listeners.

                      🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!

                      Connect With Us:
                      • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
                      • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
                      • Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!
                      • 16 min
                      • Lifting as We Climb: Why Inclusion Matters for Women with Cindu Thomas-George

                        🎉 Happy Women's History Month! This episode is packed with wisdom, empowerment, and actionable steps for women to rise together. Hosts Kelly & Jessica sit down with Cindu Thomas-George, a powerhouse in inclusion, equity, and leadership, to talk about why DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) matters—and why it’s under fire today.

                        We cover:

                        ✅ What is DEI, and why does it impact ALL women?
                        ✅ The fight for women's rights through history 
                        ✅ How workplaces are rolling back DEI programs
                        ✅ The “broken rung” keeping women from leadership
                        ✅ How to lift as we climb

                        🌟Our guest, Cindu Thomas-George, brings over 20 years of experience in DEI work, coaching, and leadership training. She shares her personal journey as the daughter of immigrants and why inclusion is personal.  Learn more about Cindu Thomas George

                        🎙 Must-listen if you want to:

                        • Be a better ally to women
                        • Understand the impact of DEI in your own workplace
                        • Take small but powerful steps to create a more inclusive world
                        • 🎧 Listen now & subscribe! If you love this episode, please share it with a friend!!

                          Connect With Us:
                          • 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
                          • 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook 
                          • Looking for getting deeper?  Join our Thrive Tribe!
                          • 42 min
                          • Super Woman Diaries #30: Protests and Perseverance: The Power of Female Resilience

                            In this episode, Jessica and Kelly cover a range of emotional and thought-provoking topics. They discuss a recent incident at a town hall meeting where a woman was forcibly removed, sparking reflections on societal behavior and justice. The conversation then shifts to the passing of Elana from Elana's Pantry and her impact as an early health blogger. The hosts also delve into the benefits of creativity for anxiety management, featuring insights from Martha Beck's latest book. They touch on family dynamics, parenting styles, and personal experiences with their children. The episode ends with reflections on societal pressures, family involvement in community activities, and a focus on spreading love, joy, and mindfulness.

                            22 min

                          About Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

                          From the publisher's feed

                          **2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST**
                          Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast;  created as a guide to living brighter, more connected and real. Because real…

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