This week on Bloom Bright with Kelly, I’m joined by Heather McCarthy, co-founder of The Set Fitness, for a real conversation about fitness, nutrition, consistency, and finding healthier habits that actually fit into real life.

Heather shares her journey from fitness instructor to gym owner, along with simple, realistic tips for women who want to feel stronger and healthier without striving for perfection. We also talk about raising confident daughters in today’s social media-driven world, staying motivated through different seasons of life, and the small habits that can make a big difference over time.

It’s honest, relatable, and full of practical takeaways you can actually use.

In this episode of Bloom Bright, Kelly sits down with Shannon Keating for a conversation about living with purpose in every season of life.

Shannon shares her journey from growing up in a faith-filled, close-knit family to building a life centered around her own values of faith, family, and service. As a wife of nearly 25 years, a mom of four entering the almost–empty nest stage, a Physical Therapist, business owner, and health coach, Shannon opens up about what it really looks like to manage a full life with intention.

Together, they talk about staying grounded when life is busy, prioritizing health after years of putting others first, trusting God in big decisions, and finding joy in both the everyday moments and the transitions that come with each new season.

If you’re looking for encouragement to slow down, refocus, and live more intentionally, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to bloom bright right where you are.

In this episode, I sit down with Carmen Rivero, founder of People Living Healthy and a certified menopause specialist coach, to have a real, honest conversation about what’s actually going on during perimenopause. We’re breaking down the biggest myths, talking through the symptoms no one warns you about—from brain fog and anxiety to sleep and weight changes—and sharing what truly helps when it comes to feeling like yourself again.

Carmen brings a unique perspective after spending over 20 years living an active, adventurous life in Southern Spain before returning to the Midwest and stepping into her “third chapter.” Together, we talk about how midlife isn’t something to dread—it’s an opportunity to reset, refocus, and redefine what you want moving forward.

We also dive into manifesting your vision in midlife and why this phase of life can be one of the most powerful yet.

In this episode, Kevin joins me as we break down our trip to St. Barths—an island known for its yachts, celebrities, and major hype.

We had been wanting to go for a while and finally decided to see for ourselves if it really lives up to everything you hear… and let’s just say, we have thoughts.

We’re sharing everything you need to know—from how to get there and where to stay, to our favorite restaurants, beaches, shopping spots, and how to get around the island. Plus, we’re talking about what surprised us, what we loved, and what we’d do differently next time.

If St. Barths is on your list—or you’re just curious what it’s actually like—this episode is your full, honest breakdown.

In this episode, I’m joined by Grace Rodi, Miss Illinois USA 2024, to talk about a world that so many people are curious about — pageants. We’re breaking down the biggest myths and stereotypes around pageant culture, what it’s really like behind the scenes, and how competing shapes confidence, resilience, and the ability to walk into any room with presence. We also talk about the specific skills pageants teach — from interview prep to handling rejection — and how those lessons carry into real life, careers, and even experiences like sorority recruitment. If you’ve ever wondered what pageants are really like — or what they can teach you — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Kelly sits down with luxury travel advisor Sheila McNaughton of Elysian Travel. Before entering the travel industry, Sheila worked as a television producer, including time with The Oprah Winfrey Show, and today she brings that storytelling mindset to designing unforgettable travel experiences for her clients.

Kelly and Sheila talk about how great trips are really planned, travel trends she’s loving right now, and simple tips to make your next vacation more seamless, meaningful, and memorable. Whether you're planning a big adventure or just dreaming about your next getaway, this episode is full of inspiration.

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on everything season one of this podcast has taught me — from starting messy, to pushing through fear, to realizing just how powerful community really is. This season stretched me, surprised me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect… and I’m sharing it all. If you’re in a season of growth, uncertainty, or starting something new, I hope this episode reminds you that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Thank you for being here and for blooming bright with me.

In this episode of Bloom Bright, Kelly sits down with Ashleigh Stuck, a recent college graduate navigating the exciting — and often overwhelming — transition into adulthood. From graduating high school at Lyons Township to attending Baylor University during the challenges of COVID, Ashleigh shares her honest journey of growth, faith, and self-discovery.

Ashleigh reflects on trying new things, learning through failure, stepping into leadership, and staying rooted in her faith through seasons of uncertainty. Now back in Chicago and beginning her career, she opens up about friendships, identity, purpose, and what it means to trust God while figuring out what’s next.

This episode is an encouraging listen for young women in the in-between season — learning to grow, trust the process, and bloom right where they are.