In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the challenges and transitions of the back-to-school season. They discuss the emotional and logistical shifts that come with the new school year, not just for kids but for parents too. The conversation highlights the importance of establishing grounding routines, setting realistic expectations, and finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Key Topics:

[00:02:00] The stress of back-to-school shopping and adjusting to new routines. [00:10:15] Emotional transitions for both parents and children. [00:18:30] Tips for managing the mental load and creating a smoother transition into the school year. [00:25:45] The importance of self-care and setting boundaries during this busy time.

Takeaways:

[00:30:00] Embrace micro moments of calm in the morning to start your day with intention. [00:35:20] Use visual schedules to reduce mental load and keep the family organized. [00:40:10] Let go of perfectionism and share responsibilities with family members. [00:45:00] Engage in open conversations with your children about their feelings and transitions.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on your own childhood transitions. What helped you feel safe and supported? How can you recreate that for yourself and your family today?

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent navigating the back-to-school hustle. Remember, you've got this, and we're cheering for you every step of the way!

Hashtags: #BackToSchool #Parenting #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the challenges and transitions of the back-to-school season. They discuss the emotional and logistical shifts that come with the new school year, not just for kids but for parents too. The conversation highlights the importance of establishing grounding routines, setting realistic expectations, and finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Key Topics:

The stress of back-to-school shopping and adjusting to new routines. Emotional transitions for both parents and children. Tips for managing the mental load and creating a smoother transition into the school year. The importance of self-care and setting boundaries during this busy time.

Takeaways:

Embrace micro moments of calm in the morning to start your day with intention. Use visual schedules to reduce mental load and keep the family organized. Let go of perfectionism and share responsibilities with family members. Engage in open conversations with your children about their feelings and transitions.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on your own childhood transitions. What helped you feel safe and supported? How can you recreate that for yourself and your family today?

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent navigating the back-to-school hustle. Remember, you've got this, and we're cheering for you every step of the way!

Hashtags: #BackToSchool #Parenting #SelfCare #ChasingBrighter

💖 It’s time to put yourself first—without guilt! 💖

In this re-release episode, Jessica & Kelly explore self-love, why it’s crucial, and how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Plus, we share personal stories on overcoming negative self-talk and prioritizing our own well-being.

✨ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why self-love isn’t selfish—it’s NECESSARY! ✅ How movement, pampering, and creativity fuel self-worth ✅ The power of positive self-talk & daily affirmations ✅ Self-hugging (yes, it’s a thing!) and why it works ✅ How The Four Agreements & Self-Compassion changed our perspectives

🔥 Your Self-Love Challenge: Write down five things you love about yourself & repeat them daily (bonus: do it while hugging yourself!)

💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share your self-love journey!

📢 More Resources:

• 💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Looking for Ad-Free? Join our Thrive Tribe!

Re-release episode. It's officially Hot Mom Summer, and we're turning up the confidence and the color! In this vibrant episode, we welcome the fabulous Melissa Briskman—actor, stylist, and longtime fashion guru!! Melissa shares her best advice for curating a capsule wardrobe, finding your personal style (even if you're over 40 and think you don’t have one!), and why you should never wear anything you don’t love—even to bed!

Whether you're heading to a baseball game, brunch with your girls, or just chasing kiddos in the summer heat, Melissa's styling tips will have you feeling confident, put-together, and totally YOU.

👠 What we’re talking about:

• Capsule wardrobe tips that actually work for real life (and real bodies)

• What to wear to youth sports without sacrificing style

• Why matching sets and elevated sweats are the unsung heroes of mom fashion

• The power of accessories to express your style

• Why shopping in-person might change your wardrobe (and your life)

🎁 Links to Melissa’s faves, budget-friendly brands, and summer staples in our BLOG POST!!

✨ Tune in and treat yourself to a style refresh that’s full of permission, play, and personality.

📲 Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @chasingbrighter

• Newsletter: Sign up for weekly inspiration and wellness tips

Keywords

midlife, self-care, personal growth, mental health, empowerment, play, identity, values, community, intention

Summary

In this trailer for Season Four, Jessica Colarco emphasizes the importance of reclaiming time, energy, and dreams, especially for those who have spent years prioritizing others. The season will focus on themes of play, self-care, and personal growth, aiming to redefine midlife as a powerful chapter of life. With monthly themes and expert interviews, the season promises to provide listeners with tools and strategies to live intentionally and joyfully.

Takeaways

Listeners have prioritized others for years. This season is about reclaiming time and energy. Midlife can be the best time of life. The importance of play and self-care is emphasized. Interviews with inspiring women will be featured. Monthly themes will guide personal growth. Midlife is reframed as a comeback, not a crisis. Listeners are encouraged to show up authentically. The season will provide practical strategies for stress management. Community and connection are key to thriving in midlife.

Titles

Reclaiming Your Life in Midlife The Joy of Play and Self-Care

Sound bites

"Midlife can be your best life." "You are allowed to want more." "Celebrate taking the mask off."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Four: Reclaiming Your Life 01:25 The Power of Play and Self-Care 03:48 Redefining Midlife: A Comeback Story 05:10 Monthly Themes: A Roadmap for Growth

In this re-release, we're diving into living fully—balancing bold adventures with those small, everyday moments that make life sweet.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• The importance of setting intentions aligned with your values
• How to plan big adventures while embracing daily joys
• Simple mindfulness practices to savor everyday moments
• Fun ideas like trying mixology, exploring local experiences, and crafting rituals

💡 What You'll Learn:

• How to identify your core values and use them as a guidepost
• Tips for planning your dream adventures (with room for spontaneity!)
• Ways to find joy in small moments, from your morning coffee to Friday rituals

📢 Mentioned Resources:

• Vosges Chocolate (a sweet mindfulness treat!)
• Warrior Strong Wellness products for a healthy mind, body, and gut (use code CHASINGBRIGHTER for 10% off!)

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Looking for Ad-Free? Join our Thrive Tribe!

In this special solo episode, Jessica shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of Chasing Brighter as the podcast heads into its fourth season. From launching as a passion project during personal journeys of growth to becoming a global top 5% podcast, she reflects on the lessons learned from Season 3 and gives listeners an exciting preview of what’s to come.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The origin story of Chasing Brighter and how it became a trusted midlife resource

• Lessons learned in Season 3, including:

  • The power of meaningful connection

  • The importance of daily joy and micro-habits

  • Why rest is revolutionary

  • The growing desire among women for reinvention and new adventures

  • The value of using your voice and showing up authentically

• What’s new in Season 4:

  • Shorter, more focused seasons

  • Superwoman Diaries continuing every Monday

  • Themed Thursday episodes for each month:

    • August: Reclaiming Routine

    • September: Fall into Purpose

    • October: Confidence is Your Costume

    • November: Gratitude & Grace

    • December: Joyful on Purpose

• The launch of the free Thrive Tribe community

  • Monthly Thrive Guide newsletter

  • Free downloads like meditations and curated playlists

Links & Resources:

• 💻 Visit: chasingbrighter.com

• 📨 Sign up for the Thrive Guide newsletter

• 📱 Follow us on TikTok and YouTube

• 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts

Takeaway Quote: "You’ve spent long enough surviving—this season, we are chasing what lights you up."

In this re-lease episode, the hosts interview Nicole Shaver, a leadership coach who shares her journey from a successful career in finance to finding her true purpose in coaching. Nicole discusses the challenges and fears she faced in making such a significant career pivot and the importance of having a supportive coach to guide her through the process. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection, finding the right mentor, and giving oneself grace. Nicole also touches on balancing professional and personal life, shifting priorities with changes in life stages, and making intentional decisions to live a fulfilling life.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

🎁 BONUS: Sign up for our newsletter to get the Chasing Brighter Summer Spotify Playlist! 🎶

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a story worth sharing.

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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