On the Bright Side

On this episode of OTBS, I get on a pop culture kick and then accidentally get motivational?? 

Someone said something to me the other day, and it got me thinking—do we ever really know the impact we have on people? A passing comment, a small act, something we forget five minutes later… but to someone else, it sticks.

So today, we’re talking about the things we don’t realize people carry with them, how to handle bitter energy with grace (or at least fake it), and the reminder that we never really know the hearts people go home to.

PS ( Bachelor take a seat, because traitors is the new hot show). 

Otbs's NEW TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onthebrightsidepodcast (onthebrightsidepodcast)

Otbs's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/ (@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en (@carolinesusko)

Caroline's TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/ (@carolinesusko)

Music:

Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62

They say the girls who get it, get it—and the girls that don’t, don’t and when it comes to mental health, truer words have never been spoken. Anxiety isn’t just stress, OCD isn’t about color-coding your closet, and intrusive thoughts don’t play fair.

On this episode of On the Bright Side, I’m joined by influencer, author, and writer Carrie Berk to dive deep into the messy, unfiltered reality of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the inspiration behind her new book, Mindfire: a raw, intimate diary of her mental health journey.

Navigating your 20s is hard enough, but add a voice in your head dictating your every move? That’s a whole different level of chaos.

From intimacy anxiety to panic attacks, we’re breaking the silence on the struggles too many people face alone—because the more we talk about it, the more we realize we’re in this together. Let’s talk about the mental health taboo today and normalize it. Remember you’re never alone. This episode is super helpful, but there are parts that may be triggering to some. Please keep in mind before streaming.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Be Amazing - a wellness in supplement brand committed to creating healthier products. Use code BrightSide for 10% off your orders

Carrie’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carrieberkk/?hl=en 

Link to Preorder Book:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mindfire-carrie-berk/1146656470

Otbs's NEW TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onthebrightsidepodcast (onthebrightsidepodcast)

Otbs's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/ (@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en (@carolinesusko)

Caroline's TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/ (@carolinesusko)

Music: 

Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62

They say life is about making decisions, but no one tells you how exhausting it is to actually make them. On this episode of On the Bright Side, I asked for your advice, and you answered—boldly, honestly, and without hesitation. And let me tell you, the stories that came in were anything but simple. From cheating men, to the friends who poof—disappear without a word, to the constant struggle of ignoring the very advice we’d give our best friend… there’s no shortage of drama in this thing called life.

And it’s funny, isn’t it? How we can so clearly see the solutions to other people’s problems, but when it comes to our own—well, that’s a different story. It’s like we finally realize we’re ignoring the very advice we’d give our best friend, but somehow, we can’t bring ourselves to follow it. Why is it so easy to be a life coach for others, but the hardest thing in the world to coach ourselves?

From the constant pressure to take a leap of faith when you’re not sure where you’ll land, to the “What now?” feeling that comes with leaving the past behind, this episode is all about navigating the chaos, the uncertainty, and the messes we find ourselves tangled in. I’m here to offer some thoughts, a little advice (take it with a grain of salt, obviously), and maybe, just maybe, a reminder that we’re all just figuring it out as we go. Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: life isn’t neat, it’s not always clear, and sometimes it’s downright messy. But maybe that’s the point.

Love you all, happy listening <3

Otbs's NEW TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onthebrightsidepodcast (onthebrightsidepodcast)

Otbs's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/ (@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en (@carolinesusko)

Caroline's TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/ (@carolinesusko)

Music:

Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62

Trust me, the only people who are running away from someone who is confident and secure are the one's too jealous to be in their presence. 

On this episode of On the Bright Side, let's talk confidence! Before, I thought that if you were anxious, nervous or introverted, you couldn't be confident...and boy was I wrong. Confidence is something that comes to people when they practice it (and once you practice it, it becomes a part of your everyday life). You can also notice it in the people around you, basically if they are jealous, or rude...they lack confidence and are envious of yours. YEP. It's that simple.

Confidence carries, and it will lead you to living your best life, surrounded by the people who cheer you on, and know your worth. So let's talk how to, and getting there...because once you're confident and know what you deserve, the right people will never go running. 

Caroline's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en⁠ (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D⁠(@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/⁠ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter ⁠http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: ⁠https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62⁠

We’ve UPGRADED!! On the Bright Side is officially studio signed, which means video!! WOOHOO!! In honor of episode 50, Kiki joins me on the pod to talk about anxiety, who gives “ safe” and my anxious version of a love life??? Basically Stephen from DWTS is safe and John Summit is not safe. Trust…it’ll make more sense once you listen. 

As two anxious best friends, we GET IT! We are the ones hyperventilating before a vacation, who hate change, and no one should ever have to feel like they are alone dealing with that. I mean this too. When either of us answer one another’s FaceTime it’s literally a roulette game…we’re either picking up to the other person hysterically laughing…or crying ( girls that can do both>>>). AND of course with anxiety, comes people who get it, and the ones that don’t ( or they just lack empathy??) which in our book deems them safe or unsafe. Well, luckily for my anxious girlies out there, this is a SAFE place, full of laughs, relatability, and two girls who are objectively hilarious( I said what I said). OH and get ready to laugh extra because I of course share things I probably shouldn’t, like my love life and it’s recent collab with anxiety OOP!

Happy Listening! Love you all and THANK YOU! I Wouldn’t be able to do this without you all XX

Caroline's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en⁠ (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D⁠(@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/⁠ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter ⁠http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: ⁠https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62⁠

Well, I know if you clicked on this episode, you’re probably into the idea of him and not him—so that's a start. On this episode of OTBS, I’m breaking down whether you actually like him, or if you're just into the idea of who he could be. Do you like him, or do you just like the idea of checking boxes or fitting in with everyone else? Are you actually happy with the person they are …or are you just waiting and hoping he grows up soon. OH or do you just like the attention…yeah that’s a big one.

BUT, even if we realize he's not mr right and we’re told to move on and stop… tbh, it’s not as easy as it sounds. No contact? No attention? Doesn't sound fun IMO. I’ll be so honest, one time I was shaking a magic 8 ball until I got the okay to text him…SORRY! (And I get it—when a drink's in hand, sometimes it’s the martini texting him, not you.) And that’s okay—been there, done that ( but it was a singular shot…okay light weight!!!). This is a judgment-free zone. But sometimes, we’ve gotta take a step back, realize what we actually deserve, and accept that getting there isn’t always fun.

Once we do, we start setting the standards for how we should be treated—and that goes for the people we let into our lives, too. So stop chasing the potential of “Mr. Mans” and start seeing the potential in yourself… and maybe don’t leave deciding whether to text him up to a Magic 8-Ball… OOPPPPPSSSSS

OH! & remember you’re OH SO amazing. Act like it.

Kk , let’s chat.

Caroline's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en⁠ (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D⁠(@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/⁠ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter ⁠http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: ⁠https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62⁠

HINT: If they are not making the corners of your mouth turn up, then they are NOT your people.

On this episode of OTBS, we dive into the importance of finding friendships that truly lift you up. It's safe to say I've experienced both good and bad friendships, and it's worth talking about to help you understand that this truly happens to everyone (whether people talk about it or not). Today, we talk about how certain relationships can make you feel seen, heard, and accepted for who you really are, while others leave you feeling lonely or unimportant. The message is simple: prioritize quality over quantity in your friendships. You deserve to be surrounded by people who support and appreciate you, who make you feel safe, and who help you grow. Life sometimes pushes people out of your life for a reason, and those who stay are the ones who truly have your back. Don't settle for anything less than friendships that make the corners of your mouth turn up. LET'S CHAT!

Caroline's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en⁠ (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D⁠(@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/⁠ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter ⁠http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: ⁠https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62⁠

Just because the clocks went back, doesn't mean our mental health has to too. On this episode of On the Bright Side, I talk about what we can do to get out of a funk and what we can do to bring up our happiness! I'll be honest, we're two weeks into November and I've already been in a funk and have had 2 mental breakdowns...but I'm just a girl okay. So maybe recording this episode doubled as a therapy session for me, but I promise all these things have helped me get out of a funk and can help you too. Take time for yourself, and know the funk will pass! Happy listening everyone <3

Caroline's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en⁠ (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D⁠(@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/⁠ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter ⁠http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: ⁠https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62⁠

I went back to UNH for alum weekend and let me just say, my social battery is no where near where it was 6 months ago. Someone get me a blue Gatorade and a 3 day weekend stat. I didn't even drink this weekend, so yep definitely safe to say I'm placing last.

On this episode of On the Bright Side, I was brought back to my college roots for the weekend and remembered how much I prefer staying in versus going out. I'm just the kind of girl who would rather have dinner and chat than go to a crowded bar—but that’s just me! Staying in is fine, going out is fine, and it’s important we remember that and do what we want to do. Some nights, people need the liquid courage; other nights, they are just as confident sober. Some nights, you want to watch a movie alone, and other nights, you may want a wine night! C'EST LA VIE!!!!

This episode is about what's doing best for you! Want to go to the bar/party? Go! The bar is a SOCIAL SPORT and if I did have the energy I would. Want to stay in? Good for you! Go watch a movie and take all the time in the world to figure out what snack you want. I just want you to live your life for you and not the people around you & this ep is about just that! Love you all and happy listening <3

**** I'm sorry this audio is so sucky :( the mic wasn't in my favor this week ( we're fighting)

Caroline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D (@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62

You thought the single life wasn't entertaining? Well, let us tell you! From a guy saying the Hail Mary to me on our first hangout (Hail Mary full of grace, may that never happen again) to Nicole’s first date where she learned to fly a plane with a stranger…(catch flights, not feelings), and me throwing up after kissing a guy (hope you’re doing well, king!), we’re here to prove the single life is a fun place to be, even though it can be tough at times.

Today, Nicole Farina, (who I like to call the 2024 Carrie Bradshaw) host of Charleston Diaries and the girl who went viral on TikTok for never having a boyfriend, joins me on the podcast to share the feelings and funny stories that come with being single. We have a lot in common: we both decided to go full-time with podcasting, we love Charleston, and oh yeah, we’ve both never had a boyfriend—until recently, when Nicole got cuffed for the first time! YAY!

This episode is a mix of giggle hour and girl talk as we dive into crazy date stories, sh**ty situationships, and the feelings that aren’t talked about enough when you’re single. For real though: what is the deal with the random “switch-ups” in a situationship, and when did situationships become a thing? Because I don’t remember signing on a dotted line! Honestly, you’ll probably be shocked by some of these stories, but I told you—our lives are an open book. Like, “Oh, you didn’t think this could happen?” Oh well, it did.

We’re here to remind you that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, you’re not "behind,” and the right person will come along when the time is right. This is the most relatable episode I’ve done PERIOD. All the single ladies (and gents), gather around...this one’s for you. LOVE YOU!!!

Nicole's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_farina/?hl=en

Caroline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesusko/?hl=en (@carolinesusko)

OTBS's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthebrightsidepodd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D (@onthebrightsidepodd)

Caroline's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ (@carolinesusko)

Music:Sundown Drive by Ghostrifter http://bit.ly/ghostrifter-yt

Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0

Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/track/o4ir62