Chasing Brighter Podcast: Choosing Real Over Perfect

Jessica and Kelly sat down and talked with Reiki Master, Healer and Spiritual Teacher, Janet Handley. She is passionate about helping others navigate their spiritual journey. Over the years Janet has helped many through spiritual healing by practicing and teaching Reiki Healing, Spiritual Development Courses, Past Life Regressions as well as Clairvoyant Readings and Channeling. To learn more about Janet, check our her website here. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica have chosen ‘Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams’ by Robin Roberts as this month's book pick. In her memoir, Robin Roberts shares how the power of positive thinking has propelled her through challenging times. The book teaches readers how to create a happy mindset, move optimism from principle to practice, and create a life of joy. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica sit down with Angel Uribe, Alcohol Moderation Coach. Angel developed Mindful Drinking for Balanced Living. The program provides just the right amount of structure, support and accountability to support her clients in taking back the power in their relationship with alcohol, allowing them to eliminate regret, and reclaim the confidence that comes from knowing that they are consistently in control of when, and how much they drink. To learn more about Angel check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmoderationwithAngel Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly interview, Tamara Robinson, an international bestselling author, coach and speaker. Through her bestselling books and coaching practice, called Passion Pleasure Coach, Tamara, helps men and women navigate feelings of being overwhelmed and experiencing pain after heartbreak or a major life event. Her writing and coaching inspires others to do the same so they too can live their lives to their full potential. To find out more about Tamara: https://www.tamararobinson.net/ Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica interview Emily Johnson, owner of For the Love, LV. For the love, LV is a Las Vegas boutique that is all about upgrading wardrobes and bringing love to everyone who walks through our doors. Emily is a business owner, wife and mother of four who loves fashion and style. She shares her journey of going from an at home mom to the owner of a successful business in the Arts District of Las Vegas. Check out the brands and items we discuss on the episode at: https://forthelovelv.com/ Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica explore the book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” By Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. This book explores the lessons we can learn from an 84 year study about what makes us happy and what’s important in our lives. If you’re interested in learning more about what makes people happy and what’s important in our lives, we highly recommend “The Good Life.” It’s a fascinating read and Waldinger and Schulz are excellent guides. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Darlene Brock is the President and Co-Founder of The Grit and Grace Project, author of “Raising Great Girls”, and co-host of This Grit and Grace Life Podcast. We are so lucky that Darlene took time out of her busy schedule to join us in a talk about parenting. She shares what she has learned while raising two daughters. When it comes to parenting, we can recognize that we need not sweat the small stuff, but what is the small stuff? Darlene sums up what we should really be focusing on when it comes to raising great kids. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica interview Katie Rizzo of Rizzo Hospitality. Katie went from managing over 300 employees on the Vegas strip to being the water girl at a restaurant in Maine. She wanted to find a better balance in life and felt like she was missing something. Join us to hear more of Katie's story and how she has changed her life to being a wife, mother and business owner. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica interview Rach Hoeppner of Real Health With Rach. Rach is a Holistic Nutritionist, Women’s Health, Hormone, and Fertility Specialist, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and Recipe Developer behind Real Health with Rach. We explore her health journey and learn about her integrative health coaching practice where she serves women and helps them achieve their health and wellness goals. Rach also dives into how women with PCOS or hormonal imbalance can learn to heal themselves naturally without medication. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

This month's book club pick is "The Cafe on the Edge of the World" by John Strelecky. Kelly and Jessica explore the story of a man who, similar to the Alchemist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He finds a cafe in the middle of nowhere and the proprietor asks him three simple questions: Why are you here? Do you fear death? And are you fulfilled? Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Sierra Redmond of The Daily Impressions Travel and Lifestyle Blog joins us to talk about all things travel. She shares her top tips for travel from low budget to luxury. She also explores her journey of being a military spouse, mother, entrepreneur and digital creator. For more about Sierra check her out on social mediat @iamsierrared or on her her blog: https://www.thedailyimpressions.com/about/ Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica share their tips for those families traveling to Cooperstown, NY this summer for their baseball tournaments and camps. They discuss their hits and misses with dining, shopping and activities in the Cooperstown area. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Emily Mc Cully joins Jessica and Kelly to discuss solo travel for women. Emily is passionate about travel and design, with particular interests in small spaces and creating environments that allow us to live our best lives. She shares her unexpected journey to becoming a solo female traveler and minimalist. Emily gives her tips for global travel. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica interview Jillian Minter of Spritz Sunday. Spritz Sunday is a guide on travel, wellness, and living your best life. Sunday is a day of leisure, food, family, relaxing, and the little things, or what the Italians call la dolce far niente. There’s nothing better than enjoying a spritz on a Sunday afternoon. Jillian shares her story of being a successful entrepreneur and more recently a travel & wellness blogger. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman are world-renowned researchers and clinical psychologists and have revolutionized the study of marriage. They have written 46 books that have sold over a million copies. Their 2018 book, “8 Dates: Essential Conversations For A Lifetime of Love” is the February Chasing Brighter Book Club pick. Kelly and Jessica walk you through this incredible guide for positive connection with your long term partner. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica interview Laura Deitsch, DHS, MS, NCC. Laura has 15 years of experience in sexual health and its related dynamics and talks with Jessica and Kelly about healthy communication about sex with our sexual partners as well as our children. Laura also shares her history working with adolescents on issues including healthy decision making, reproductive health and assertive communication. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

In this episode we revisit our chat with Orly Katz, MS, LMFT, relationship counselor and expert in helping couples reconnect. We explore strategies to help couples maintain connection. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica explore the importance of connection for our health and well-being. It can be difficult to make friends these days with many people working from home and also when many of us think we are "connected" via social media. Kelly and Jessica review many tips and strategies for making new friends and building your tribe. Check out our blog for more tips on becoming a better version of yourself or to learn more about us: https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

January Book Club pick is "How To Be Well" by Dr. Frank Lipman, MD. Kelly and Jessica explore Dr. Lipman's book and how we can implement his strategies into our daily lives in order to improve our overall well being. Dr. Lipman says, “it’s the ordinary things we do on a daily basis that have an extraordinary effect on our health.” Check out more healthy, wellness and lifestyle tips on our blog, Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica talk with Jenny Maloney, RD about what clean eating really means. Jenny Maloney has been conducting one-on-one nutrition counseling, nutrition workshops, and fitness training sessions for over 20 years. She has experience in sports nutrition, women’s health and fitness including pre/post natal nutrition and training, child nutrition, health conditions/disease management and prevention, food allergies/intolerances, eating disorders, positive body image, weight management, and more. She's currently working as a dietitian and trainer at Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago. You can learn more at Jenny at https://www.jennymaloneyrd.com/ Check out more healthy, wellness and lifestyle tips on our blog, Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Rachel, shares tips on becoming a healthier & happier mom! Rachel is the founder of the Health Messenger on Instagram & Facebook, as well as, Messi Mom in the Kitchen on YouTube. As a mom of 2 kids, she knows a thing or two about the challenges of trying to juggle it all. But she's also figured out some tips and tricks along the way that have helped her to become a healthier and happier mom. One of the things she emphasizes is that you don't need to make drastic changes all at once. Start with small, simple changes that you can sustain over time. She also talks about the importance of Meal Planning, getting a community of other moms to support you, and making time for what's important to you. So if you're looking for some tips on how to become a healthier and happier mom, this episode is for you! Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! In this episode Kelly and Jessica interview health and lifestyle expert, Mary Ricciardi. Lifestyle Expert, Mary Ricciardi is a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Gut Health Specialist, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Mindset Coach. She is the founder or Warrior Strong Wellness and creator of Warrior Strong Lifestyle 365. Mary provides tips and insight into ditching the diet culture and changing our mindset to making forever changes. As Mary says "It's a forever kind of thing". Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! In this episode Kelly and Jessica have chosen an alternative "book": The Legend Planner. They explore how The Legend Planner can help you set goals, focus on what's important, and sustain momentum in all areas of your life. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! In this episode Kelly and Jessica take the time to reflect on 2022 including their big wins and insights gained. They explore their "why" into launching the podcast. Jessica and Kelly also dive into why self-reflection is important. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica talk about managing the "shoulds" of this holiday season. They talk about their continued struggle with people please and share their own successes. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica explore the "happiness trap" and give tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of striving for a perfect holiday. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica explore how to make a plan to take care of yourself during the holiday season. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica invite Brooke to explore Elin Hilderbrand's novel "Winter Street". Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica talk about memorable gifts from holidays past and share their tips to help ease the stress of gift giving. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our focus for November and December is staying healthy and happy during the holidays. In this episode Kelly and Jessica interview our resident health expert, Safia Lyon, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Provider Development for Prairie Health and Wellness. She utilizes an internal family systems perspective when it comes to setting boundaries with family during holiday gathering. Jessica, Kelly and Safia each share successful tips for thriving a family gathering during the holidays. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica debrief about their trip together in Cooperstown, NY. They talk about the stresses of traveling with family and explore boundary setting. This was the first time we travelled together, as adults, as sisters. We have no other siblings, just each other -- it was a learning experience! Topics we cover: - Understanding each others' travel habits and needs - Setting expectations with family before travel - Voicing your concerns without hurting feelings - Learning to get along when you only have 1 car!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! In this episode Kelly and Jessica talk with Orly Katz, MFT. She shares tips, strategies and tools to help couples maintain a connection through the holiday chaos. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! Our Book Club concludes our focus on Social Justice in the month of October. Kelly and Jessica discuss Angie Thomas' debut novel, "The Hate U Give". Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! We are continuing our focus on Social Justice in the month of October. In today's episode Kelly and Jessica interview Dawn Ruzich. She is the Vice President of Research & Development at Lawndale Christian Legal Center. Dawn talks about the work being done at LCLC, which grew out of the community’s expressed need for competent, affordable legal services. They have provide zealous, holistic, criminal defense, free of charge, to the youth of North Lawndale, a neighborhood in Chicago. We also talk about work-life balance, managing stress and our love of reading. And we hear about some of Dawn's favorite recent books. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! In today's episode Kelly and Jessica interview Dr. Sara Demoiny. She is an Associate Profession at Auburn University and her research interests focus on the manner in which race and whiteness are taught in social studies teacher education. Sara explains critical race theory and explores the importance of social studies in all levels of academia. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take you on a journey of self discovery! This episode features Samantha Alvarez Benowitz, LCSW. Kelly and Jessica explore Samantha's commitment to activism and social justice through her work and in her personal life. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing a brighter version of yourself!! Thanks for listening!!!

Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast!! Jessica & Kelly continue to take us on a journey of self discovery! On today's episode we continue to explore Dr. Matthew Walker's book "Why We Sleep". We explore strategies to reduce stress and review Dr. Walker's 12 tips for improving sleep. Learn more about Chasing Brighter at https://chasingbrighter.com Follow our journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingbrighter/ We encourage you to keep chasing the brighter version of you!! Thanks for listening!!!

Kelly and Jessica break down Dr. Matthew Walker's book "Why We Sleep". They explore the importance of sleep and the devastating health impact of lack of sleep.

Kelly and Jessica Interview Mary Ricciardi, founder of Warrior Strong Wellness. They discuss healing your gut with lifestyle and supplements as well as healing from trauma as Mary shares her story of losing her son to childhood cancer. Join us for this powerful story about surviving and thriving. Check out more about Mary at www.warriorstrongwellness.com

Kelly and Jessica offer advice to help you start the new school year with less stress and chaos. They also talk about the new buzz words "quiet quitting" and share their opinions about putting in less effort in your 9-5.

Kelly and Jessica share their trials and triumphs when it comes to managing their children's screen time. They also offer tips, strategies and advice for parents struggling with this issue.

Kelly and Jessica have a conversation about how we can encourage our children to discover their true selves and build self-trust and confidence.

Join Chasing Brighter as Kelly and Jessica explore the book "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle. They discuss how reading this memoir sparked pivotal questions in their own life. "Am I happy?" "Am I living the life I want to be living?"

Kelly and Jessica share their tips for health and longevity that are loving and nurturing to your body.

Kelly and Jessica share the strategies that helped spark their own journey of self-discovery.

Our July Book Club book is Self Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff. Kelly and Jessica are joined by Jessica's 14 year old daughter, Gabriella. The three explore their own journeys of self-judgement through the lens of this powerful read.

Kelly and Jessica explore their relationship with their bodies and identify how we can practice body compassion.

Kelly and Jessica interview Safia Lyon, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Provider Development for Prairie Health and Wellness. She talks about the role of functional medicine. She also describes her journey in healing from cancer and childhood trauma.

Kelly and Jessica review their results from an Enneagram personality test.

In our first book club book we dive into Gavin de Becker's book, "The Gift of Fear". This timeless book provides insight into our natural ability to detect danger