The Perfectors

Latest Episodes:

Episode 145: Things of Beauty (A look back at the art & culture of 2017) Jan 08, 2018

Show notes

On Episode 145 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi discuss their Top Ten Cultural Influences of 2017 and share the hopes they hold for the new year. The episode is filled with laughter, book/movie/music recommendations, and a bit of motivation for 2018. The main message: Take a minute to laugh with your sisters. And as we rush into 2018, remember that whomever you love, whatever you do, and wherever you go, you can live this year like a Mama Bear. For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

Episode 144: On Immigration, Compassion, & Complexity with Cynthia Vanderpool Desalegn Jan 01, 2018

Show notes

On this throwback episode of Mama Bear Dares, Leslie and Tesi talk to Cynthia Vanderpool Desalegn about immigration, advocacy, and neighborliness. Cynthia, mom to two children and an immigration lawyer, explains what it's like to be on the front lines of immigration in America. Together, the three dig into the immigration process, compassion fatigue, and the complexities of the system of immigration. Cynthia offers a look into a fascinating world, gently educating us and encouraging us to live our lives well. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 143: Nothing of Value Separates Us with Tara Livesay Dec 25, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 143 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie dig back into the archives for an interview with Tara Livesay, a native Minnesotan who has spent the last 10 years living with her family in Haiti. Tara is a mother (by birth and adoption), Certified Professional Midwife, blogger, and advocate for sustainable change throughout the developing world. She and the team at Heartline Ministries spend their days empowering, educating, and encouraging women in Haiti through relational midwifery and a focus on keeping first families together.

Tesi and Leslie loved the time spent with Tara and were blown away by her vulnerability, bravery, and extraordinarily good humor. Listeners will enjoy hearing Tara's fascinating tales of worth, wisdom, and a life well-lived (in Haiti!)... and may even be inspired to think about social change and the ways that they can make waves in their own small corner of the world. For complete Show Notes, visit the MBD website.

Episode 142: Peace Out, Patriarchy! (AKA The HOLIDAY EPISODE!) Dec 18, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 142 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi have a little fun with their holiday episode ... but not before discussing the election of Doug Jones in Alabama, gerrymandering, supporting Black businesses, #METOO, and the will to bid adieu to the patriarchy. After hashing out the headlines, the pair digs into two long-overdue segments: Things I Should Probably Feel Guilty About, But Don't and The Obsess Sesh. The episode ends with a dare to seek joy, laughter, and relaxation this holiday season. Cheers! For full Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 141: Loud, Bold, & Joyful with Jamie Bruesehoff Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 141 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Jamie Bruesehoff, a fierce Mama Bear ally and advocate of transgender people. Jamie shares her beautiful story of raising three children, the oldest of whom is a strong and precocious transgirl. She is unabashedly honest about her journey and her advocacy and graciously educates listeners on how to be supportive to the marginalized throughout the globe. The conversation tackles many aspects of being transgender in the United States and is tender, honest, and full of hope. Tesi and Leslie hang on Jamie's every last word as she generously unpacks what it's like to mother a transgender child, explores the ways in which we all might struggle and thrive when our expectations are not met, talks about current state and national laws protecting those in the LGBTQIA community, and opens up about her Christian response our country's much-obsessed over social issues. For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabears.com.

Episode 140: Love & Chores Dec 04, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 140 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, co-hostesses Leslie and Tesi sit down and discuss a powerful TED Talk given by mama bear Julie Lythcott-Haims that left them both nodding their heads with great enthusiasm. The talk, entitled How to Raise Successful Kids Without Over Parenting, is less than 10 minutes long but drives home something that both hosts believe in their core: Our kids need to be loved and they need to do chores. Tesi and Leslie spend the episode celebrating and dissecting Lythcott-Haims theory and strengthening the message with their own research and experience. They end with a brand-new little segment they aptly titled CHORES OUR KIDS DO THAT DRIVE US RIGHT UP TO INSANE BUT WE LET EM DO IT BECAUSE #INDEPENDENCE. We think you'll love it! For complete Show Notes, visit the MBD website!

Episode 139: Parent Pioneers with Kori Reed and Mike Becker Nov 27, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 139 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with Mike Becker and Kori Reed, a couple with over twenty years of counter-cultural parenting experience—Mike has spent his career as a stay-at-home dad while working mom Kori has had a career spanning global companies. The conversation is delightful and insightful, and explores the duos contemporary perspective on parenting and their new book, ZigZag Parenting. Listeners will catch a glimpse of their relationship, hear honest talk about the emotional weight of their choices, explore the societal expectations of men and women, and explore the natural consequences (good and bad) of varying parenting styles under the same roof. For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

Episode 138: Exhausted & Energized (A Water Party Re-Cap) Nov 20, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 138 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, co-hostesses Leslie and Tesi sit down and talk about Water Party 2017, an annual event that the two hosts throw with a group of fierce Mama Bears in their community. The party occurred in an empty warehouse space on November 11th, and after just a few days to decompress, the women discuss their collective exhaustion and appreciation, re-cap the WHY of the work they did, and dig up a few take-aways that result from planning a massive fundraising effort with a group of powerful women. Ultimately, this episode is an honest reflection and celebration. (Stay tuned to the end for a final number...and reason to celebrate!) For for more information, how to participate, and detailed Show Notes, please visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

Episode 137: Free To Be Me with Nikki Yeager Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 137 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie sits down with the delightful Nikki Yeager, entrepreneur, mother, and founder of Every Bean Boutique, a source for non-gendered clothing. The women talk about children's fashion, societal norms, and, in particular, how gendered children's clothing has come to be. It's an interesting conversation that spans the horizon; the women discuss gender norms, sustainability, and parenting in the way that feels right to you and your family. Listeners will be encouraged to consider the impact of everyday choices in purchasing and parenting, all the while giving themselves grace in each moment. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 136: Husbands, Brothers, & Kale Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 136 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, we revisit a past conversation between Tesi, Jake (Leslie's hubby) and Zach (Tesi's husband) about embracing a plant-based diet. The convo took place while Leslie was in East Africa with the NGO she contracts with, Empower Tanzania. In this one-time-only appearance of male voices on the podcast, Tesi and the pair of brothers discuss their plant-based lifestyle, offer resources for those interested in learning more, and share anecdotes about how becoming vegan has impacted their health and their lives. Finally, in a nod to the ever-present phenomena of "Mommy Guilt," they tackle "Daddy Guilt" and try to determine whether or not it truly exists. (Hint: It does!) For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

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