In this heartfelt and honest episode, Jessica and Kelly dive deep into the societal myths of the "perfect mom" and why it's time to let them go. From Pinterest-worthy parties to gentle parenting pressure, today’s moms are bombarded with unrealistic expectations—and it's exhausting.

Together, they explore how redefining motherhood starts with embracing imperfection, setting boundaries, and showing up authentically. You’ll hear real talk about missed games, takeout dinners, emotional repair, and the power of modeling healthy behavior for your kids.

Stay tuned until the end for a special segment, Motherhood Voices, featuring personal reflections from other moms on what being a "good mom" truly means to them.

• There’s no such thing as a perfect mom—and trying to be one only leads to burnout.

• Being present, real, and emotionally available matters more than perfection.

• Repairing after rupture and modeling vulnerability builds trust and resilience.

• Setting boundaries is a form of sustainable love—not selfishness.

• Kids thrive when their caregivers are healthy and happy, not overextended.

• Authenticity and imperfection help build stronger, deeper connections.

“Being a good mom is not about perfection—it’s about presence.” – Jessica “Boundaries are a gift, not just for you, but for your whole family.” – Kelly “Our kids don’t need a perfect mom. They need a real one.” – Jessica

Hear candid thoughts from other moms as they share their personal definitions of good motherhood—raw, funny, and deeply moving.

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In this heartfelt episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into their recent experiences as sports moms and the challenges they've observed with unsportsmanlike behavior in youth athletics. From high school baseball rivalries to locker room dynamics, they explore how sports culture shapes young athletes—and why adult leadership matters. They reflect on the importance of programs that emphasize character, and how it only takes one voice to change the tone on and off the field. Whether you're a parent, coach, or just care about raising respectful humans, this episode is a must-listen.

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• [[10:45] Managing parental anxiety and staying grounded on game day

• [11:30] Respect, boundaries, and why some sideline behavior crosses the line

In this episode, hosts, Kelly and Jessica explore the transformative idea of “mothering ourselves” and how it can lead to more joy, peace, and fulfillment in midlife. Jessica and Kelly share personal stories, helpful mindset shifts, and practical daily rituals that help prioritize self-care without guilt. From learning that your needs matter just as much as everyone else's, to redefining what happiness looks like as we age, this episode is full of validation and inspiration. It’s time to care for yourself with the same tenderness you give to others—because you deserve to feel full, not just functional.

Topics Covered:

• What it means to mother ourselves

• Mindset Shifts:

  1. Self-care is survival, not selfish

  2. Your needs matter as much as others

  3. You’re allowed to redefine happiness

• Daily rituals that fill your cup

• The mental load and how to shift out of burnout mode

✨ Tune in for real talk, real tips, and a gentle nudge toward more joyful, intentional living in midlife.

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into the importance of advocating for your kids — whether it's snagging a coveted summer camp spot or navigating the competitive world of magnet school admissions. Kelly shares the rollercoaster of emotions when her son Beckett was waitlisted for camp and how a little persistence (and an email!) turned things around. Jessica talks about her son Dominic’s surprising lottery acceptance into a highly competitive magnet high school and why showing up and staying ready matters more than we think.

They discuss: ✅ The value of following up (and not just waiting passively) ✅ How local preferences often play a quiet role in camp admissions ✅ What to expect from highly selective magnet schools ✅ Why it’s okay to pivot plans last-minute if a better opportunity comes up ✅ Lessons learned about showing up early and staying engaged

Whether you’re a parent navigating summer planning or school transitions, this episode is packed with real-life insights on how to create opportunities — and why luck favors the proactive.

🎉 Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we’re honoring the OG Superwoman—our mom, Vickie—in a very special, laughter-filled episode.

From her days growing up in small-town Kansas to her journey raising two daughters (who were never any trouble, of course 😇), we dive into stories that are as heartwarming as they are hilarious.

💬 What you’ll hear:

• Embarrassing stories (Jelly shoes + preschool meltdowns = iconic)

• Wisdom from raising girls in the '80s and '90s

• Why “forced family fun” is our favorite tradition

• What’s changed (and what hasn’t) about motherhood over 40 years

• Her best advice for moms navigating modern life

It’s real, raw, and full of love. Listen with your mom, your daughter, or your chosen family—this one’s a legacy episode. 💕

🎧 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!

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
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In this special Mother-Daughter episode, Jessica is joined by her daughter Gabriella for part two of their series on navigating connection during the teen years. They dive into what actually helps strengthen the bond between parents and teens — and what totally misses the mark (hint: sending 30 reels a day is not the answer!).

They share real talk about:

• Why simple, meaningful check-ins are better than constant questions about school

• The power of consistent traditions like movie nights and shopping trips

• How to approach connection without overwhelming or interrogating your teen

• Why respecting your teen’s growing independence is key — and how to balance communication without taking it personally

This episode is full of honest advice straight from a teen’s perspective, giving parents practical, relatable ways to stay close during these busy, changing years.

Mentioned:

• Thrive Tribe: Learn more at chasingbrighter.com/thrivetribe

The episode hosts Jessica and Kelly talk about the emotional and mental toll motherhood takes on American women, noting that American mothers are among the unhappiest in the developed world.

Ever felt totally exhausted by 9 a.m. without even leaving the house? You're not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jessica and Kelly shine a light on the invisible weight American moms are carrying—aka “the mental load.” From managing schedules and soothing meltdowns to being the emotional thermostat of the home, moms are burning out in a culture that expects them to do it all.

Tune in as we explore:

• What the "Happiness Gap" is and why U.S. moms are unhappier than moms globally

• What mental load, decision fatigue, and emotional labor really mean

• Real-life examples of the daily mental burden

• 4 strategies to reclaim peace, joy, and time

• How to delegate like a boss (hint: it’s not just about the task!)

✨This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to set boundaries, share the load, and redefine what being a “good mom” actually means.

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💫 As always, keep chasing brighter—one book at a time.

Join OUR Thrive Tribe TODAY! Use code 8F3C5 for 50% off first month!

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The hosts chat about seeing the Minecraft movie with their kids—some reluctant, some excited—and share funny moments from bootleg viewing to spontaneous theater trips. They also discuss progress on furnishing their lake house, delivery logistics, and plans to rent it out. The episode wraps with updates on spring break, enjoying downtime, and upcoming summer baseball travel.