Chasing Brighter Podcast: A Midlife Guide To Your Best Life

Jessica Colarco and Kelly Fox
  • 5.0 (22)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST** Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast; created as a guide to make midlife your best life! 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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Super Woman Diaries #15: Fitness Journeys: Embracing Change and Strength

    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:  Jessica expresses gratitude for her body and its capabilities. Kelly shares her experience with Orange Theory's Hell Week. The conversation highlights the fun and intensity of group workouts. They discuss the importance of cardiovascular health and VO2 max. Recovery is emphasized as a crucial aspect of fitness. Mental wellness is intertwined with physical health in their discussions. Weight loss is approached with a focus on health rather than appearance. Both women feel stronger and more capable through their fitness journeys. They acknowledge the societal pressures around body image and fitness. The conversation concludes with encouragement for listeners to find joy in movement.   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

    28 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The Power of Perspective: Finding Gratitude in the Mess

    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:  Gratitude shifts our focus from what's missing to what's meaningful. Our brains are wired to scan for danger, leading to negativity bias. Gratitude doesn't erase pain; it widens our perspective. Genuine gratitude acknowledges both the good and the hard. Practicing gratitude can lead to biological changes in our brain. Finding gratitude in small moments can help us feel more content. Gratitude is a practice that can be developed over time. It's important to balance gratitude with acknowledging our struggles. Gratitude can be cultivated through simple daily practices. Embracing imperfections allows for growth and grace.   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 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

    21 min

  3. NOV 3

    Super Woman Diaries #14: A Conversation with Sarah Bolor, LCSW: Empowering High Achieving Women

    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. Inside This Conversation: Sarah Bolor helps high achieving women break free from burnout. The importance of setting boundaries for mental health. Grief can be supported through community and professional help. High achieving women often struggle with perfectionism and people pleasing. Self-worth is often tied to achievements for high achieving women. Finding balance is more about aligning values than achieving equality. Daily self-talk can significantly impact mental health. It's okay to prioritize personal time and self-care. Women are often expected to manage the mental load at home. Professional development can coexist with personal enjoyment in reading. The Fourth Wing Series 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 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 03:29 Sarah's Journey into Social Work 06:18 Transitioning to Private Practice 09:11 Experiences Shaping Perspectives in Social Work 11:57 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life 15:02 Grief and Its Impact on Personal and Professional Life 17:43 The High Achieving Woman: Challenges and Dynamics 20:23 Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm 23:30 Daily Routines and Self-Care Practices 24:31 The Addictive Nature of Tennis 26:39 Finding Personal Time Through Sports 29:51 The Burden of Being a 'Good Girl' 31:32 Raising Responsible Children 32:46 The Importance of Self-Talk 34:21 Balancing Professional Development and Leisure Reading 37:52 The Impact of TV Series on Emotional Well-being 41:25 Connecting with Sarah Bolor, LCSW   mental health, high achieving women, burnout, perfectionism, social work, grief, self-care, boundaries, parenting, therapy

    42 min

  4. OCT 31

    Unapologetically You: Building Confidence Through Self-Connection

    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. Inside This Conversation: Confidence is built through self-connection and introspection. Midlife is a time for rediscovering who you are. True confidence comes from within, not external validation. Recognizing disconnection from oneself is crucial for growth. Practices like journaling and mindfulness can enhance self-connection. Honoring your values is essential for building confidence. Celebrating small wins helps reinforce self-acceptance. Setting boundaries is a form of self-connection. Doubt is a natural part of the journey to confidence. Being unapologetically you is about being at home with yourself. 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 books, podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows, makeup, recommendations, trends, reading, entertainment, parenting, midlife, trending, fall Chapters 00:00 Building Confidence Through Self-Connection 07:16 Understanding Confidence vs. Self-Esteem 07:18 Signs of Disconnection from Self 11:16 Core Practices for Reconnecting with Yourself 15:17 Celebrating Wins and Setting Boundaries   confidence, self-connection, midlife, personal growth, introspection, values, authenticity, self-awareness, empowerment, self-acceptance

    17 min

  5. OCT 27

    Super Woman Diaries #13: Navigating Home Improvement Challenges

    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. Inside This Conversation: Home improvement can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Cutting out the middleman can save money and improve service quality. Finding a reliable handyman is crucial for home maintenance. Insurance claims can complicate home repairs but are sometimes necessary. Matching sets in fashion can elevate personal style and confidence. Asking for recommendations can lead to finding great service providers. Personal updates can provide insight into everyday challenges and solutions. Fashion trends can influence personal choices and self-expression. Home repairs often require patience and persistence.Building a network of trusted professionals can ease home management burdens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:42 Home Renovation Challenges and Experiences 06:28 Finding Reliable Handyman Services 09:19 Insurance and Home Repairs 12:13 Fashion Trends and Personal Style   home improvement, handyman services, insurance claims, personal style, home repairs, DIY, home renovation, fashion, lifestyle, home maintenance

    15 min

  6. OCT 23

    From People-Pleasing to Powerful: Owning Your Worth

    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: People pleasing often stems from a desire for approval and fear of rejection. Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health. Resentment can be a significant consequence of people pleasing. Recognizing the cost of people pleasing can lead to personal growth. Empathy is valuable, but it shouldn't come at the expense of self-worth. Practicing self-care and self-acceptance is crucial for emotional well-being. It's important to pause and reflect before automatically saying yes to others. Boundaries can disrupt patterns of self-sacrifice and promote healthier relationships. Owning your worth allows for authenticity and freedom in relationships. Small acts of self-respect can lead to significant changes in behavior. 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 Chapters 00:00 From People Pleasing to Power 05:51 Understanding People Pleasing 10:12 The Roots of People Pleasing 14:42 Setting Boundaries for Self-Respect 19:27 The Impact of Boundaries on Relationships 22:18 Reflection and Action Steps people pleasing, self-worth, boundaries, empowerment, self-respect, confidence, personal growth, emotional health, relationships, authenticity

    24 min

  7. OCT 20

    Super Woman Diaries #12: The Power of Connection In Times of Grief

    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: A victim mindset can hinder personal growth. Connection with loved ones is crucial during grief. Celebrating the lives of those lost can aid healing. Quality time with family is more important than quantity. Maintaining connections requires effort and intention Grief can lead to a reevaluation of priorities. Creating moments with family can be simple and meaningful. Living in gratitude can shift your perspective. Love and support from family can foster resilience. Legacy of loved ones can inspire and motivate us.  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 Chapters 00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss 03:30 The Importance of Connection 06:06 Reprioritizing Family Relationships 08:27 Creating Meaningful Moments 11:19 Living in Gratitude and Mindset Shift grief, loss, family, connection, growth mindset, victim mentality, relationships, healing, legacy, love

    19 min

  8. TRAILER

    An Invitation to Heal: Introducing Healing Is My Hobby

    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. 🧠 What to Expect from the Show 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. 🌿 Core Themes 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. 💖 Jessica’s Message “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. 🔗 Join the Journey Listen to Healing Is My Hobby wherever you get your podcasts, or visit healingismyhobby.com for links and resources. Follow along on Instagram and YouTube for journaling prompts, guided practices, and behind-the-scenes healing experiments.

    4 min
See All (288)

Trailers

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

**2024 PODCAST OF THE YEAR WINNER: BEST FEMALE HOSTED PODCAST** Welcome to the Chasing Brighter podcast; created as a guide to make midlife your best life! 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.

Information

You Might Also Like