Podcast
Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect
Hosted by Jessica Colarco and Kelly Fox · EN
**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 is the new perfect.
Are you ready to embrace the next chapter of your life with confidence and excitement? Whether you’re looking to reinvent your career, improve your health, deepen your relationships, or find your true purpose, Chasing Brighter is here to help.
Join us each week as we bring you inspiring stories, expert interviews, and actionable tips to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of midlife. From wellness and personal growth to connection and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
53episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Exhaustion That Sleep Can't Fix
Apr 200:15:41Tap to summarizeJessica opens this month with something deeply personal — six years of intentional self-work, 40 pounds lost, a thriving practice, two podcasts, three kids in sports, and a life she genuinely loves. And yet. There are still days when something feels off. Not physically. Deeper. This week, she and Kelly name something that doesn't show up on any wellness checklist: the exhaustion that comes from holding things — schedules, emotional temperatures, everyone else's needs — and why that kind of tired is worth paying attention to. If you've ever snapped at someone, felt immediately guilty, and then felt even more depleted by the guilt itself — this episode was made for you. What We Talk About Why you can love your life and still be genuinely depleted by it The snap-guilt-deplete feedback loop (and why it's not a character flaw) The difference between physical exhaustion and the weight of invisible labor How depletion builds through accumulation — not crisis Why numbing (scrolling, binge-watching) doesn't actually restore you Real, honest things Kelly and Jess actually do when the system needs something it's not getting: journaling, canceling plans without guilt, opting out, asking for help, protecting sleep, choosing connection that energizes Your Brighter Move for the week: Where is my energy going? (No fixing required — just noticing) Free Download 📥 Are You Living Your Values or Someone Else's? A free values clarity guide with five honest questions and five tips for living more aligned. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter at chasingbrighter.com/newsletter Connect With Us 📲 Follow us on socials: @chasingbrighter 🌐 Visit us at: chasingbrighter.com 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter + grab your free download: chasingbrighter.com/newsletter Next Week Why capable, high-functioning women keep hitting invisible walls — and why trying harder is genuinely the wrong answer. We're talking about capacity, and it quietly reframes everything. Don't miss it. women's wellness podcast, energy and overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, invisible labor, mental load, burnout in women, how to restore energy, emotional labor, high-functioning exhaustion, women who do it all, values clarity, choosing real over perfect, bone-deep tired, energy management for women, overwhelm without crisis, Jessica Colarco, Kelly, Chasing Brighter podcast, midlife women, women's mental health, capacity and boundaries
Transcribe →Super Woman Diaries #8: We Don't Watch the Oscars (And We're Not Sorry)
Mar 3000:20:13Tap to summarizeOscars season is here — and Jessica and Kelly haven't seen most of the movies. Oops. This week's Super Woman Diaries takes a fun detour into what the sisters are actually watching, reading, and loving right now. From Sinners to Bridgerton to Night Court reboots, they get real about how much streaming has changed pop culture, why prestige film culture doesn't hit the same anymore, and what it means to just... watch something fun without guilt. Oh, and there's a brief but passionate tangent about Anaconda. You're welcome. In This Episode: Why neither of them can keep up with Oscar nominees (and why that's totally fine) How streaming changed what "good" means — and who gets to decide The books they're reading right now (including one that made Jessica cry) What the family is watching together when you've got an 11-year-old, two teenagers, and two adults to please Kelly's deep dive into Slow Horses with Gary Oldman Jessica's obsession with Mr. Malcolm's List and why she loves what Bridgerton does with casting The Night Court reboot nobody expected to love — and then loved A spoiler about Ford vs. Ferrari that is very much deserved at this point Books Mentioned: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell Wuthering Heights (and the film adaptation Kelly is hunting down) Ford vs. Ferrari (yes, there's a book) Shows & Movies Mentioned: Sinners (Ryan Coogler/Michael B. Jordan) Mr. Malcolm's List Bridgerton Slow Horses (Apple TV+) Victoria The Closer High Potential Night Court (reboot) St. Denis Medical Anaconda (2025, with Paul Rudd and Jack Black) Ford vs. Ferrari Jumanji franchise Outlander Connect with Us: 🌐 Read our latest blog posts and sign up for our newsletter: chasingbrighter.com/newsletter 📸 Instagram: @chasingbrighter 🎙️ New episodes every Monday and Thursday — subscribe so you never miss one! what to watch, what to stream, Oscar nominations, Oscars 2025, Bridgerton, book recommendations, women's podcast, pop culture podcast, Chasing Brighter, Superwoman Diaries, what we're reading, streaming recommendations, TV shows for women, books vs movies, real conversations, choosing real over perfect, female friendship, sisters podcast
Transcribe →Real Systems for Real Life
Mar 2600:11:08Tap to summarizeIf you've ever bought a beautiful planner, built an elaborate system, or tried to replicate a perfectly organized pantry from Instagram — and quietly abandoned it two weeks later — this episode is for you. Jessica and Kelly get real about why picture-perfect organizational systems fail and what actually works instead: low-friction, flexible, forgiving systems built around your life, not someone else's highlight reel. In This Episode Why Instagram and Pinterest organization systems are built on unrealistic assumptions (consistent moods, predictable schedules, zero emergencies) The difference between aspirational systems and real ones — and why that distinction matters What "low friction" actually looks like: 10-minute anchor habits, three default dinners, 15-minute closing shifts The power of asking: What's the smallest version of this that would still move things forward? Habit stacking in real life — how to attach new habits to things you're already doing (hi, morning coffee) Kelly's simple meal planning shift: three meals a week + weekly grocery shopping only Jess's real-life systems: cubby shoes at the door, laying out clothes the night before, weekly family schedule meetings Energy check-ins: adapting your system to your actual capacity each day, not punishing yourself for being human "If your system collapses during stressful times, it's not a supportive system." — Kelly Take the Quiz 🎉 Not sure what kind of organizer you actually are? Take our free What's Your Organizational Style Quiz to find out if you're a visual organizer, a minimalist, a flexible stacker, or someone who thrives with a little structure. Get it free when you sign up for the Thrive Guide newsletter at 👉 chasingbrighter.com/newsletter Connect With Us 📲 Instagram & all socials: @chasingbrighter 🌐 chasingbrighter.com organization tips for real life, flexible organization systems, habit stacking, meal planning simple, morning routines that work, realistic productivity, Chasing Brighter podcast, organization quiz, women's lifestyle podcast, choosing real over perfect
Transcribe →Super Woman Diaries #7: Non-Scale Victories, Hair Obsessions & the Method That Actually Works
Mar 2300:19:56Tap to summarizeJess and Kelly are back with another unfiltered Superwoman Diaries check-in — the kind of conversation you'd have with your best friend over coffee. This week they're celebrating real fitness wins that have nothing to do with the scale, getting into the truth about body transformation timelines (spoiler: it takes longer than social media wants you to believe), and going deep on a hair care rabbit hole featuring the Abbey Young method, the curly girl method, OUAI, K18, and a $14 Amazon find that might change your routine. In This Episode: Jess's non-scale victories: 16 burpees, a minute plank, and lunges without the wall — yes, really Kelly's brutal 30-minute core blast class and why she's finally stopped caring about being "the last one" Why body transformation realistically takes years — and why that's actually okay The longevity PSA you need to hear: what happens to your body after 65 if you're not investing in yourself now The Abbey Young Method — a multi-step hair care routine with drugstore products that has Jess's curls looking their best ever L'Oréal Elvive Glycolic Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner: the drugstore find that delivers salon-level softness OUAI Air Dry Foam: Kelly's honest review (the frizz is real) K18: both hosts agree — are they using it wrong? Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray: a $14 Amazon find Kelly swears has changed her hot tool game Why the best hair routine is your routine — not Abby Young's, not a TikToker's, yours Takeaway: Whether it's your fitness journey or your hair routine, the system that works best is the one that fits your real life. Stop chasing someone else's results on someone else's timeline. Keep showing up, keep adjusting, and celebrate the wins that actually matter. This Month's Freebie 🎉 Not sure what kind of organizer you are? Take our What's Your Organizational Style Quiz — a free, fun way to discover the system that actually fits your brain and your life (not someone else's Pinterest board). 👉 chasingbrighter.com/newsletter Connect With Us: 🌐 chasingbrighter.com 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @chasingbrighter non-scale victories, body transformation timeline, women's fitness over 40, Abbey Young hair method, curly girl method, OUAI air dry foam review, K18 hair treatment, Color Wow Dream Coat, drugstore hair products, women's longevity, Superwoman Diaries podcast, Chasing Brighter podcast
Transcribe →Energy First: The Smarter Way to Organize Your Life
Mar 1800:28:27Tap to summarizeWhat's Your Organizational Style? Why Energy — Not Willpower — Is the Real System You've probably seen the perfectly labeled pantries, the color-coded planners, the elaborate systems all over social media. And maybe you've tried them — only to find they didn't stick. That's not a you problem. It's a mismatch problem. In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dig into one of the most underrated organizing tools out there: your own energy. Not hustle energy. Not caffeine energy. The four distinct types of energy that run your daily life — and why learning to work with them instead of against them can change everything. In This Episode, We Talk About Why organizing systems from social media often don't work for real life The four types of energy — physical, emotional, social, and creative — and why they don't all peak at the same time The difference between expectation-based living and energy-aligned living How to track your own energy patterns over five days (and what to do with what you find) Why chronic afternoon energy crashes might be worth talking to your doctor about The power of intentional social connection — and how to actually protect it How creative energy shows up in unexpected ways (meal prep, anyone?) Why matching your tasks to your energy level is the key to a sustainable life Takeaway Stop asking why am I so tired? and start asking what kind of energy is running low right now? When you understand your energy — when it peaks, when it ebbs, and what fills or drains each type — you stop fighting yourself. You start building systems that actually fit. And that's what makes life feel more manageable, not just on good days, but on the hard ones too. Burnout isn't a character flaw. It's what happens when we organize life around expectations instead of energy. This episode is your invitation to do it differently. Take the Quiz! Want to discover what organizational style actually fits your personality? Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz — designed to help you find simple systems that work for your real life, not someone else's Pinterest board. 👉 Visit chasingbrighter.com/newsletter and subscribe Connect With Us: 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog at ChasingBrighter.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun. 💌 Get our Newsletter! Newsletter – Chasing Brighter Chapters 00:00 Understanding Personal Organization Styles 01:11 Living by Energy, Not Expectations 02:00 Recognizing Different Types of Energy 04:01 Adapting to Energy Fluctuations 06:47 The Importance of Energy Awareness 08:11 Tracking Energy Levels 09:27 High and Low Energy Activities 11:07 Exploring Physical Energy Patterns 12:47 Creative Energy and Its Fluctuations 15:01 Emotional Energy and Family Dynamics 17:16 Navigating Emotional Exhaustion 18:57 Intentional Social Interactions 21:55 Creative Energy in Daily Life 25:03 Meal Prep as a Creative Outlet 27:03 Aligning Tasks with Energy Levels 27:54 Introducing the Organizational Style Quiz energy management, organizational style, burnout prevention, self-care for women, productivity tips, energy awareness, women's wellness, work-life balance, emotional energy, creative energy
Transcribe →Superwoman Diaries #6: Managing the Mental Load of Sports Season
Mar 1600:09:53Tap to summarizeHow do you stay sane when life’s logistics feel like a full-time job? Spring sports season has officially arrived — and with it comes the schedules, carpools, tournaments, gear bags, snacks, and the endless coordination that somehow lands on parents’ calendars. In this candid Superwoman Diaries conversation, Jessica and Kelly talk about the very real mental load of parenting during busy sports seasons. From last-minute tournament schedules to figuring out transportation when schools can’t bus athletes, the logistics alone can feel like a second job. Jessica shares what it looks like navigating high school baseball with unpredictable game times, travel tournaments, and feeding a teenage athlete who needs actual meals, not just snacks. Kelly reflects on how sports commitments shift once kids reach high school — and how families often have to build their own support systems through carpools, communication, and flexibility. But beyond the logistics, this episode highlights something deeper: how parents take care of themselves during high-demand seasons of life. Because when the calendar is packed and the mental load is high, staying organized and protecting your own energy becomes essential. Jessica shares how she’s approaching this season proactively — prioritizing sleep, asking for help, adjusting her work schedule when needed, and finding small ways to stay grounded. And if you’ve ever wondered why certain organization systems work for other people but not for you, Jessica and Kelly also introduce a fun way to find out: their Organizational Style Quiz, designed to help you discover systems that actually fit your personality and lifestyle. In This Episode, We Talk About Why spring sports season can feel overwhelming for parents The hidden mental load behind teenage athletics Navigating transportation, carpools, and unpredictable schedules Feeding teenage athletes (hint: snacks won’t cut it) The shift from club sports to high school athletics Why self-care matters even more during busy seasons How understanding your organizational style can make life easier Takeaway Busy seasons are inevitable — but burnout doesn’t have to be. When life gets full, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s support, simple systems, and taking care of yourself while you care for everyone else. Want more inspiration for organizing your life this spring? Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz to discover simple systems that work for your real life. 👉 Visit https://chasingbrighter.com/newsletter/ and subscribe Connect With Us: 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun. Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter high school sports, parent tips, transportation challenges, self-care, tournament logistics, high school schedule, youth sports, parental stress management
Transcribe →What Have You Outgrown? Letting Go of Emotional Clutter
Mar 1200:18:40Tap to summarizeWhat if the thing weighing you down isn’t your schedule or your closet… but an identity you’ve already outgrown? Sometimes the heaviest clutter in our lives isn’t physical — it’s emotional. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly explore the idea of emotional clutter: the roles, identities, expectations, and coping strategies we once needed but may have already outgrown. Because choosing real over perfect doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means letting go of the version of yourself you worked really hard to become. Together, Jessica and Kelly talk about how perfectionism, over-functioning, people-pleasing, and even certain dreams can quietly become emotional clutter over time. What once helped us survive may no longer help us thrive. Jessica also introduces the concept of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in a simple, approachable way — exploring how different “parts” of us (like the overachiever, the fixer, or the over-analyzer) try to protect us. The goal isn’t to eliminate those parts, but to gently reorganize who’s driving the car so our compassionate, grounded self can lead. Through personal stories about parenting, productivity, consumerism, and decision fatigue, Jessica and Kelly reflect on the roles and habits they are learning to release — and how doing so has created more space for presence, connection, and joy. Because sometimes the most powerful reset isn’t organizing your life better. It’s giving yourself permission to evolve. In This Episode, We Talk About Why emotional clutter can feel heavier than physical clutter Signs you may have outgrown an identity, role, or habit The difference between coping strategies that helped you survive vs. ones that help you thrive Internal Family Systems and understanding the “parts” of yourself Letting go of over-functioning, perfectionism, and external validation Analysis paralysis and decision fatigue in a world of too much information Parenting with presence instead of constant productivity Reducing consumerism and aligning spending with values Creating space for play, connection, and real life moments ✨ Want more inspiration for organizing your life this spring? Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz to discover simple systems that work for your real life. 👉 Visit https://chasingbrighter.com/newsletter/ and subscribe Chapters 00:00 Choosing Real Over Perfect 05:31 Untangling Coping Strategies 10:39 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Confidence 16:47 Reflecting on Identity and Freedom Connect With Us: 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun. Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter emotional clutter, letting go, personal growth, internal family systems, self-awareness, emotional health, identity, self-care, mental health, self-improvement
Transcribe →Super Woman Diaries #5: Top Reads and Recommendations
Mar 900:18:20Tap to summarizeLooking for your next great read? From cozy romances to powerful historical fiction, we’re sharing the books we can’t stop thinking about. Spring always feels like a season of fresh starts—and sometimes that includes refreshing what we’re reading. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into the books that have been keeping them company lately, from page-turning thrillers and heartwarming romance to powerful historical fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction. They share their favorite recent reads, the books currently on their nightstands, and the unexpected places they’re finding their next great story—from used bookstore treasures to the Libby library app and Goodreads recommendations. Along the way, the conversation explores why reading can feel like such a grounding ritual, how different formats (audiobooks vs. physical books) shape the experience, and why sometimes the best books aren’t the newest bestsellers. If you’re looking for your next book club pick, a cozy bedtime read, or something deeper that sparks reflection, this episode is packed with ideas. And yes… you may leave with a much longer reading list. Inside This Conversation 📚 How Jessica and Kelly balance audiobooks, Kindle reading, and physical books 📚 Hidden gems discovered at used bookstores and through library apps 📚 Historical fiction that brings powerful real-life stories to light 📚 The joy of exploring global romance and new genres 📚 Why classic literature like Wuthering Heights still challenges readers today 📚 How music playlists can deepen the experience of reading a book 📚 Thought-provoking nonfiction about trauma, health, and the mind ✨ Want more inspiration for organizing your life this spring? Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz to discover simple systems that work for your real life. 👉 Visit https://chasingbrighter.com/newsletter/ and subscribe Chapters 00:00 Spring Reading Inspirations 05:28 Exploring Modern Romance 11:08 Historical Narratives and Cultural Reflections 18:15 NEWCHAPTER Connect With Us: 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun. Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter Resources: Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com Libby App (OverDrive) - https://libbyapp.com Book of the Month - https://www.bookofthemonth.com Gabor Maté - The Myth of Normal - https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Normal-Dispatches-Understanding-Illness/dp/0593194684 The Yellow Wife by Sadiqa - https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Wife-Sadiqa/dp/0593194684 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - https://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/dp/1503275766 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (adaptation) - https://www.amazon.com/Eligible-Modern-Adaptation-Pride-Prejudice/dp/0525538904 books, reading, authors, genres, book recommendations, literary discussion, book clubs, audiobooks, library, book lovers
Transcribe →Declutter to Feel Better - Simple Systems for Real Life
Mar 500:34:56Tap to summarizeWhat if the quickest way to feel calmer isn’t another mindset shift… but clearing one small corner of your home? February on Chasing Brighter was all about resetting our nervous systems, resting without guilt, and reconnecting with ourselves. Now as we head into March, we’re gently moving forward—starting with the space we live in every single day: our homes. In this episode, Jessica and Kelly welcome back Diana Moll, founder of D’s Declutter and host of Organizing With Ease, for a grounded, realistic conversation about how clutter impacts stress, energy, and daily life—and how simple, sustainable systems can help your whole family function with more ease (without chasing Pinterest perfection). In This Episode, We Talk About Why decluttering isn’t “having less”—it’s making room for calm and clarity How your home can either drain your energy or help restore it The real challenge: not starting… but maintaining your systems How to stop comparing your home to “perfect” online spaces and meet yourself where you are Kid-friendly routines that actually work (and yes… the legendary “black bag” story 😅) Why “one minute” in the morning is everything—and how night-before prep reduces stress Decision fatigue, busy family life, and creating routines that support real schedules Seasonal organization tips (boots, coats, rain gear, ski gear, and the “drop zone” problem) Practical Takeaways You Can Try Today Create a simple landing zone (shoes, jackets, backpacks) so clutter stops spreading Pick one “pain point” area (laundry, dishes, papers) and build a system around that first Try “night-before” prep: clothes out, water bottle filled, bags packed = calmer mornings Experiment for two weeks before deciding what works for your household Celebrate small wins—progress sticks when it feels rewarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Collaboration 02:05 Resetting Our Nervous Systems and Decluttering 06:01 Creating Calm Spaces at Home 12:02 Establishing Routines for Families 16:08 Seasonal Organization Tips 20:05 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Checklists 29:57 Conclusion and Resources Connect With Us: 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun. Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter Resources: Get the free download here Find out more about Diana’s Coaching at D’s Declutter by Diana Moll Organizing with Ease Podcast by Diana Moll decluttering, organization, home, routines, family, mental health, stress relief, seasonal tips, checklists, productivity
Transcribe →Super Woman Diaries #4: What’s for Dinner (For the Rest of Our Lives)?
Mar 200:18:29Tap to summarizeWhat if dinner didn’t have to be a nightly battle, but could actually become your family’s secret weapon for connection? In this honest and relatable episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into two things adults were wildly unprepared for: Managing your body after injury without overdoing it. Deciding what’s for dinner… every single day… for the rest of your life. 😅 Jessica shares her intentional return-to-gym protocol after her recent car accident, including her “no more than level 5 pain” rule and what it looks like to truly listen to your body instead of pushing through. The conversation weaves into something just as real: parenting, picky eaters, meal fatigue, and how dinner has quietly become one of the most emotionally loaded moments of the day. But here’s the twist, what if dinner isn’t about food at all? Inspired by insights from the parenting podcast Fluster Clux, Jessica and Kelly explore powerful strategies for navigating picky eating without shame, pressure, or nightly negotiations. Inside This Conversation: Why Jessica created a strict pain-monitoring workout protocol after her accident The hidden danger of pushing through pain too soon The mental health role movement plays in stress regulation “Cook Once, Eat All Week” and realistic meal prep for busy families High-protein recipe inspiration from Jalal’s Fit (Instagram/TikTok favorite) What ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) actually is — and why most picky eaters don’t meet criteria The surprising research on how many times kids may need exposure to a food before liking it (hint: it’s more than you think) Why dinner should be about connection — not consumption The game-changing shift: putting food on the plate without commentary How removing shame at the table led to unexpected wins Ready to Simplify More Than Just Dinner? If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just stick to a planner?” — you’re not alone. We created a free Organizational Style Quiz to help you discover how your brain actually works, so you can stop copying Instagram systems and start building ones that fit your real life. 👉 Grab it when you join our Thrive Guide newsletter at chasingbrighter.com Come hang out with us on social at @ChasingBrighter and let us know: What’s one small shift that made dinner (or workouts… or parenting) feel easier in your home? Because brighter living isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. 💛
Transcribe →