The Perfectors

Latest Episodes:

Episode 115: How to Be (and Raise) an Everyday Hero Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

What makes a human being lay down her life for another? How do we respond to acts of terror? How do we raise our children to lean into love? On Episode 115, Leslie and Tesi discuss the Portland stabbings and contemplate how Mama Bears across the world might turn their anger and confusion into action in their homes and beyond. The sisters talk about what we can learn from the everyday heroes who stood up to terrorism and how we might endeavor to not only be everyday heroes ourselves, but to raise our children to love one another and the world. It's a complex topic in a complex time. The sisters don't pretend to have anything figured out, but hope to learn from the dialogue and their community of Mama Bears. For complete Show Notes, visit MamaBearDaresPodcast.com.

Episode 114: Choosing Hope After Terror with Sara Bellin May 29, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 114 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Tesi sits down with Sara Bellin for an intense conversation on terror, survival, and finding hope in an uncertain world. When Sara woke up on the morning of March 22, 2016, her life changed forever—she discovered that her husband had been a victim of a terrorist attack at the Brussels airport that occurred while she and their two daughters slept in Michigan. A mother and former expat, Sara has helped her husband recover and faced life with incredible grace and optimism despite having lived through the terrifying event. She and Tesi consider all angles of this harrowing experience: parenting, grief, terror, the human body...even how a delicious meal just might save your life. Listen in as Sara recalls the event that shook her family and shares the meaning she made from it. For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

Episode 113: What Does It Mean To Resist? May 22, 2017

Show notes

Are you guys feeling tired? Do you find yourself pumping your first in the air and yelling "RESIST" at your radio or news feed while making dinner? One Episode 113, Leslie and Tesi discuss the act of resistance, what it means, and how Mama Bears across the world might turn their anger and confusion into action. How do we resist policies and politics that don't align with our values? How do we resist the metaphorical death of kindness? How do we resist alienating others who disagree with us? The co-hosts break down their feelings of discontent and concern and encourage one another to action through tangible steps. The conversation is passionate, but the ultimate aim is to understand the incredibly complex range of human emotions (from anger to apathy) felt in the current climate of American in 2017, to harness those feelings to action, and to inspire the Mama Bear community to do the same. Listen in and join the conversation online! Full full Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

Episode 112: Mind Body Soul with Ashanti Johnson May 15, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 112 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with Ashanti Johnson, the incredible force behind 360 Mind Body Soul. A wife, mother, and successful business owner and leader in the mindfulness movement, Ashanti dives deep into a conversation with Tesi and Leslie about the layers upon layers of a healthy, full life. The women speak candidly about health not just in terms of weight, but with a nod toward spirituality and personal growth. The conversation is honest, thoughtful, and will inspire listeners to be grateful for all they've been given and motivated to live their best life — mind, body, and soul. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Epiosde 111: How She Does It May 08, 2017

Show notes

On this Mama Bear Mini podcast episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie grab the mic, pour some coffee (Leslie) and tea (Tesi), and settle in for some sisterly banter. They share a listener story of a woman who was changed profoundly by motherhood and celebrate her transformation, discuss the tragic murder of Jordan Edwards, and encourage one another to push the boundaries of their Mama Bear to cover the vulnerable—no matter what they look or where they come from. Their discussion of what's happening in America, the militarization of our police, and how our Mama Bear might respond is vulnerable, honest, and trusting of the safe space they've carved out in the Mama Bear community. They end the podcast with a discussion of Leslie's new favorite book: I Know How She Does It. Leslie shares excitement over the book, her impressions, as well as some takeaways from author Laura Vanderkam's research and reflection that may be applicable to all of us. Join the conversation online and check out complete Show Notes HERE.

Episode 110: Remembering What You're Worth with Michele Cushatt May 01, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 110 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with Michele Cushatt, a wife, mother, and successful author, speaker, and woman unafraid to dig deep in order to uncover life's treasures. Michele's new book, I AM: A 60-day Journey to Knowing You Are Because of Who He Is, explores the soul-deep journey that individuals might embark upon when seeking to discover their true self and encourages women to uncover and embrace the beautiful and unique way that they were made and then cling to the discovery of their real, true self during moments of insecurity. Michele and Tesi speak candidly about the ways in which grave illness prompts big questions as Michele shares how a brutal bout with cancer changed her life and listeners will be inspired by a conversation filled with hard-earned wisdom and an abundance of hope.

Episode 109: 13TH Apr 24, 2017

Show notes

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie talk about Ava DuVernay's powerful 2016 documentary 13TH. The two believe everyone should view this thought-provoking, truth-telling, shocking and important film and do their best to encourage listeners to acknowledge its premise: that mass incarceration is modern-day American slavery. Leslie and Tesi discuss highlights of the documentary and emphatically debrief with one another about what they learned. The episode begins with bringing the listener up to speed on the 13th amendment and the moments throughout history (recent history included) that have led to where we land today, in a country that holds 5 percent of the world's population and one-quarter of the world's prisoners, the majority of whom are men of color. The sisters then list a few takeaways that they hope will stick with them (and with listeners) in the coming weeks and months so as not to forget the scope of the problem of mass incarceration and the privatization of prisons that society faces. They end the podcast with a series of suggested responses, encouraging listeners to not only watch the documentary themselves but then be brave in their response. Complete Show Notes are available on the Mama Bear Dares website. Listen in and join the conversation online!

Episode 108: Learning the Hard Stuff DURING the Hard Stuff Apr 17, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 108 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Leslie sits down with Lisa Leonard, a wife, mother, and successful career woman battling Stage 3 breast cancer. Lisa is beyond generous as she shares the story of her diagnosis, the battle for her health, and the state of her relationships in the midst of sickness. She shares her story with the hope that listeners will will benefit from her truth—that they'll make themselves a priority, that they'll be religious about doing a monthly self-check breast exam, and that they'll keep their girlfriends close. Through their conversation, Lisa will inspire listeners with her upbeat spirit, her hope, and the wisdom she's gained from the battle she's fighting. For complete Show Notes, visit Mama Bear Dares online.

Episode 107: Seasons, Strokes, & Snakes Apr 10, 2017

Show notes

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie talk about health, specifically, strokes in women. When Leslie was 26, she suffered a small stroke that changed the trajectory of her life and Tesi and Leslie discuss the incident with the hope of encouraging women to learn the signs of a stroke and to pay attention to their bodies. The two also answer a listener question about the essence of the Mama Bear and how she might emerge while doing the important (and frankly exhausting) work of raising young children. The episode ends with a few laughs and a few truth bombs in the segment Things We Should Probably Feel Guilty About, But Don't. Listen in and join the conversation online! For full Show Notes, please visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

Episode 106: When the Earth Shakes Underneath You Apr 03, 2017

Show notes

On Episode 105 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Tesi grabs the mic and sits down with the fabulous Shannan Martin, former Flower Patch Farm Girl and current mom, writer, and advocate for those on the fringes. Shannan recently released a book called Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted and the two women discuss the book's major themes, which include rethinking the American Dream, giving up the comforts of a solidly middle class life and moving to an under-resourced area, committing to relationships with those to whom you are connect by proximity, and being an advocate for the voiceless when opportunities arise. Through their conversation, Shannan and Tesi will inspire listeners to reflect on their social position in America and the ways in which they interact with their community and the world around them. View complete Show Notes at www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

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