Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

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

Connect With Us:

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.

Connect With Us:

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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00:00 From People Pleasing to Power

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

Have you ever felt that losing someone you love changed the way you see life?

In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore the themes of grief, loss, and the importance of connection with family and loved ones. They share personal experiences of losing family members and how these events have shaped their perspectives on life and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize connections, create meaningful moments, and maintain a positive mindset, especially in the face of adversity. They reflect on the legacy of loved ones and the importance of living in gratitude.

Our episodes with Safia Lyon:

Healing with Safia Lyon

Staying Healthy and Happy During the Holidays with Safia Lyon

Rejuvenation & Preparation for the Colder Months

Inside This Conversation:

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00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss

grief, loss, family, connection, growth mindset, victim mentality, relationships, healing, legacy, love

Welcome to Healing Is My Hobby, the new podcast from Jessica Colarco, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-host of Chasing Brighter. In this introductory episode, Jessica shares the inspiration behind the show — blending her 19 years of clinical experience with her personal healing journey.

This podcast is your space to explore what healing really looks like in everyday life — from managing stress and burnout to tending to grief, relationships, and self-worth. Through storytelling, science, and soulful practice, Jessica invites you to pause, breathe, and discover what heals you.

Each episode is a mix of insight, reflection, and practice designed to help you understand yourself more deeply and build emotional resilience. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🧘 The Healing Lab: Real-world experiments with healing modalities like sound baths, salt caves, and breathwork — complete with Jessica’s honest takeaways.

💪 Therapy Is My Cardio: Short, practical tools for your mental fitness — techniques you can use right away to calm your mind and strengthen emotional health.

💭 This Might Be a Trauma Response: Thoughtful breakdowns of everyday patterns like overthinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism — all viewed through a trauma-informed lens.

Stress & Burnout

Grief & Healing

Self-Worth & Relationships

Resilience & Mindfulness

Nervous System Regulation

Each month focuses on a theme — starting with stress and how to tend to it rather than fight it.

“Healing isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about coming home to yourself.”

Jessica’s mission is to help you understand that healing isn’t a straight line or a perfect formula — it’s a lifelong practice of awareness, compassion, and curiosity.

Listen to Healing Is My Hobby wherever you get your podcasts, or visit healingismyhobby.com for links and resources.