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.

In this episode of Bloom Bright, I’m joined by Jennifer Steinhagen, the creator behind @bookandachai—a cozy corner of Instagram curating a reader’s lifestyle through books, slow moments, and intentional living.

Jennifer and I talk about how reading became such a meaningful part of her identity, how @bookandachai came to life, and what it’s really like building a community in the online book world. We dive into her reading habits, how she manages to read so many books, and her tips for anyone who wants to make reading a bigger part of their life—without pressure or perfection.

From favorite genres and unexpected five-star reads to the joy of sharing books online, this conversation feels like two friends settling in with a warm drink and a great stack of books.

If you love books, cozy routines, and the idea that reading is more than just a hobby, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Beth Joutras, the Chicago-based fashion blogger behind @mjstyle.me. Known for her classic yet on-trend style, Mary Beth shares how she mixes high and low fashion, builds wearable everyday outfits, and shops with intention for real life. We talk travel style, investment pieces, designer dupes, and simple ways to get dressed with confidence at any stage of life.

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Kevin, for an honest and easy conversation about marriage, partnership, and growing together over time. We start with the story of how we met—and how we almost never saw each other again.

From there, we talk about what we’ve learned along the way, where our strengths lie, where we still grow, and what it really looks like to support each other’s dreams behind the scenes—especially while building Bloom Bright.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my dear friend Denise — an orthopedic surgeon and someone who’s been part of my life through many seasons. We talk about how we met, how our friendship has grown and stayed strong over the years, and the adventures we’ve shared along the way. Denise also shares what led her to orthopedics and her professional perspective on aging gracefully, staying active, and taking care of our bodies as we get older. It’s a conversation about friendship, movement, and showing up well for the lives we’re living now.