Is this just stress… or could it be perimenopause? And how do we actually advocate for our health in midlife?

In this honest and empowering conversation, Jessica and Kelly dive into the realities of navigating midlife hormonal changes—especially the confusing, emotional, and often overlooked world of perimenopause. They share personal stories about irregular cycles, mood shifts, anxiety, and weight changes, highlighting how deeply hormones can affect mental and physical health.

The episode explores why tracking symptoms matters, how estrogen can influence mood and weight, and why empathy—for ourselves and other women—is essential during this transitional season. Jessica and Kelly also discuss the importance of seeking informed, specialized medical care, sorting through mixed messaging around hormone treatments, and trusting your instincts when something feels off.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, your symptoms are real, and advocating for your health is an act of self-care and empowerment.

👉 Click here to download your free Permission Slips for Super Women and give yourself permission to prioritize your health, energy, and well-being.

Inside This Conversation:

• Jessica reflects on her struggles with hormonal changes and their emotional impact.
• Kelly shares her experiences with irregular periods and the need for tracking symptoms.
• The conversation highlights the importance of empathy for women experiencing midlife changes.
• Jessica discusses the benefits of estrogen and its role in weight loss and mood stabilization.
• Kelly emphasizes the need for women to seek specialized medical advice for hormonal issues.
• The speakers encourage women to trust their instincts and advocate for their health.
• They discuss the mixed reviews on hormonal treatments and the importance of informed practitioners.
• The conversation stresses the significance of tracking symptoms for better health management.
• Jessica mentions a study linking anxiety and depression to perimenopause symptoms.
• Kelly encourages women to prioritize their health amidst busy lives.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Midlife Challenges

03:43 Understanding Hormonal Changes

06:30 The Importance of Tracking Symptoms

09:22 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Advocacy

11:05 NEWCHAPTER

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
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midlife, hormones, perimenopause, women's health, tracking symptoms, estrogen, mental health, advocacy, menopause, health journey

Do you really need a save-the-date for a high school graduation… or is that too much?

In this candid and relatable conversation, Jessica and Kelly dive into the etiquette, emotions, and logistics behind planning life’s milestone celebrations—from graduations to weddings and everything in between. What starts as a simple question about whether to send a save-the-date quickly opens into a thoughtful discussion about intention, connection, and how celebrations have evolved over time.

They explore why giving loved ones a heads-up can matter—especially when travel is involved—while also acknowledging that not every milestone needs to follow traditional rules. Along the way, they share personal stories about weddings (including destination weddings), changing expectations, and the beauty of keeping gatherings meaningful rather than overdone.

This episode is equal parts practical and nostalgic, with a gentle reminder that the best celebrations aren’t about perfection or pressure—they’re about presence, thoughtfulness, and time together.

Inside This Conversation:

• The pros and cons of sending save-the-dates for graduations and other milestones
• How location and guest dynamics shape celebration decisions
• Thoughts on destination weddings and modern wedding traditions
• Why smaller, more intentional gatherings can feel more fulfilling
• A reminder that celebrations should reflect you, not expectations

Chapters

00:00 Graduation Planning and Save the Dates

06:29 Destination Weddings and Family Gatherings

11:11 Wedding Protocols and Intentional Celebrations

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

save the date, graduation, wedding planning, destination wedding, family gatherings, event

What if the holidays didn’t have to feel so heavy and connection mattered more than getting everything right?

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly reflect on their recent family Christmas gathering and the quiet shifts that made it feel different—in the best way. They talk openly about hosting without carrying the burden of doing everything, the power of delegation, and how simplifying holiday traditions can ease stress without sacrificing connection.

The conversation explores how family dynamics evolve over time, how we often relate to people based on who they used to be, and what happens when we allow room for change. From releasing perfectionism to honoring personal limits, this episode is a gentle reminder that meaningful holidays aren’t built on flawless plans—but on presence, flexibility, and grace.

If the holidays leave you feeling stretched, obligated, or quietly overwhelmed, this episode offers a compassionate reframe: it’s okay to simplify, to miss a gathering, to ask for help, and to choose connection over perfection.

Inside This Conversation:

• I wasn't taking on the burden of everything.
• It's important to delegate and ask for help.
• Family dynamics can be very helpful and grateful.
• People change over time, and so do their relationships.
• We often define family members based on past experiences.
• Simplifying gatherings can reduce stress.
• Connection with family is more important than perfection.
• Children adapt quickly to new environments.
• It's okay to miss family gatherings sometimes.
• Give yourself grace during the holidays.

Chapters

00:00 Family Christmas Reflections

03:29 Navigating Family Dynamics

06:22 Understanding Change in Family Relationships

09:05 The Joy of Hosting

12:00 Simplifying Holiday Gatherings

15:02 Embracing Imperfection in Entertaining

17:54 Finding Balance in Family Commitments

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

family, Christmas, dynamics, relationships, gatherings, connection, boundaries, emotional growth, hosting, simplifying