The Perfectors

Latest Episodes:

Episode 45: The Care & Management of Stuff & Why We'd Rather Be Eating Pie Aug 01, 2016

Show notes

On Episode 45, Tesi and Leslie talk to Jennie Barnds, a mom-of-three with an interesting perspective on our tendency to collect material things and allow "stuff" to slowly take over our homes and lives. Jennie talks not only about literally cleaning a house, but also explores the metaphor of the space that things take up in our hearts and brains. Jennie shares her experience of following the very popular Marie Kondo method of tidying up, as well as her experience of organizing and cleaning her mother- and father-in-law's home shortly after her father-in-law's sudden death and her mother-in-law's subsequent move to assisted living. The three women dive into the questions that surround our American tendency toward excessive consumerism and explore its impact on the human soul ... and on the freedom of the next generation. For links and complete Show Notes, visit our website. Also discussed on this episode: The rub of letting go: Can we let go to our clothing, things, pictures, jobs, and relationships? What's the benefit of letting go? Is there ever a reason to hold on?Other people's things: Can we form emotional attachments to other people's things? Should we?There are ways that we can help our kids navigate a world focused on things. We can also encourage our parents and grandparents to come up with a plan for what happens to their treasures at the end of life. If not, it's possible to end up living in a museum.The spirituality of "stuff": Can there be a spiritual connection to our things? WWJD with all of our things? What does Christ teach us about being men and women who live for others, not for things.

Episode 44: Parenting Through Tragedy (at Home and Abroad) Jul 27, 2016

Show notes

On this Mama Bear Mini, Tesi and Leslie reign in the mighty-Mama-Bear-poised-for-action that resides in each of them and attempt to have a disciplined, yet passionate, conversation about the world at large. Leslie just returned from a three-week vacation that involved time in Nice, so the sisters can't help but once again tackle the headlines. The women talk a bit about Leslie's vacation and a bit about Nice, but the bulk of the conversation is a discussion of how we engage our Mama Bear in a fight for justice in the world and how to raise our kids to be compassionate and loving when it feels like the world is the opposite. Tesi and Leslie do their best to talk through two basic questions in the midst of very challenging times: How do we remain compassionate and nonjudgmental during these times? And how do we raise our kids to do the same? For full Show Notes, please visit our website!

Episode 43: A Midwife to the Next Life Jul 25, 2016

Show notes

On this episode of Mama Bear Dares, Leslie and Tesi talk to Lisa Gaston about death and dying. Lisa is a trained chaplain and mom to three grown children. Listen as she discusses what it's like to accompany individuals in the midst of the dying process and families as they face the death of a loved one. Together, we dig into dying, living, and the search for life's purpose. Lisa offers a unique look into a fascinating, complex, and largely avoided topic, gently encouraging listeners to face their own insecurities and views of death and dying. For complete Show Notes and links, please visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website. Other points discussed: Serving God from wherever we areLearning from life's minutiaeOur societal response to death: Is it the right response? How did we get here? How do other cultures respond to death and dying?How do we die with dignity?How can we prepare for death?

Episode 42: Hamilton & Hip Hop (for Moms!) Jul 20, 2016

Show notes

Following co-host Leslie's obsession with the story of Hamilton and the music of Lin Manual Miranda, she and Tesi jump in and discuss the phenomenon that so many mamas love! Episode 44 unpacks Hamilton's brilliance and explores the reasons why we believe that the rap and hip hop in the show has struck a chord with so many of our Mama Bears. Tesi and Leslie invite their resident music-loving, trend-finding influencer and sister Kait to the room where the podcast happens. Together, the trio dives into the power of music and its incredible ability to influence our culture and define generations. The episode ends with Kait's suggestions for Hamilton-lovin' mamas who want to expand their musical palette and step into the story-telling brilliance and sound of rap and hip hop. For full Show Notes and links, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 41: A Swirly Mess of Beautiful with Mandy Arioto Jul 18, 2016

Show notes

On Episode 41, Tesi and Leslie interview Mandy Arioto, the president and CEO of MOPS (Mothers of Preschool) International, who will release her debut book Starry-Eyed: Seeing Grace in the Unfolding Constellation of Life and Motherhood in August. Tesi and Leslie absolutely love the book and were delighted by their conversation with Mandy, a woman who is smart, sweet, vulnerable, and full of inspiration. Mandy believes in intentionally showing up in relationships (even when it's hard or uncomfortable) and leaning on one another in times of celebration and strife. And, much like Leslie and Tesi, she goes BIG to cultivate joy! The women discuss the ins and outs of motherhood (both the inherent joy and pain), the challenges of finding time to embrace the Other Self, and the amazing opportunity women have to influence the next generation of humans. Ultimately, all three women believe somethings fundamental: Moms are world changers! For complete show notes and to order Mandy's book visit our website.

Episode 40: On Privilege Jul 13, 2016

Show notes

On Part 2 of our series exploring privilege, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie focus more on what privilege even means. We hear from Kait Klipsch (another Mama Bear sister!) on how she has seen her own privilege play out, as well as how easy it is to ignore it as part of your reality. The co-hosts also explore the disheartening injustices Kait has witnessed while working in the criminal justice system in Brooklyn, New York, with the aim to educate themselves and their listeners on how injustice happens everywhere, including in places like the Midwest. Today's episode expands on Episode 39, which released Monday, so please go back and listen for context. Tesi and Leslie hope this series with Kait will give Mama Bears the frame of reference they need when they hear current conversations surrounding the phrase "white privilege." After the deaths this week in America, everyone at Mama Bear Dares believe it's of the utmost important to unpack the phrase so that we can learn to live out our lives with compassion. Read more on our website.

Episode 39: The Eye-Opening Power of Travel Jul 11, 2016

Show notes

It has been a really intense week here in America. From Alton Sterling and Philando Castle to the 5 police officers in Dallas-this week has been seemingly consumed with death. If there has been one thing that is shared among Americans, it's grief. On Episode 39 co-hosts Tesi and Leslie welcome one of their other sisters-in-law, Kait Klipsch. Because of Kait's unique outlook on life and their shared interests the sisters talked for more than 2 hours. In today's Part 1 the sisters deep dive into Kait's extensive experience in living and working in other countries. The women talk about how traveling for Kait, whether it be across the world to Sri Lanka or across the city to the south side of Chicago, opened her eyes to a new reality. One that wasn't even close to her experience as a white, upper-middle class woman. For more information on Part 1 of the series exploring privilege, go to our website.

Episode 38: The Horizontal Tango (Let's Talk About Sex) Jul 06, 2016

Show notes

On Episode 40 of Mama Bear Dares, the hosts talk about, well, sex. Tesi and Leslie—with the help of life coach Gervase Kolmos (Episode 27)—discuss the nature of sex and how it changes during pregnancy, after children, and with every single stage of life. The three women celebrate healthy partnerships, romantic love, and the joys of physical touch, all the while being honest about the challenges that parenting brings into the mix of a relationship. They candidly discuss tips and tricks to maintain a healthy sex life and discuss the topic as only girlfriends can. Listen in! For complete Show Notes and Links, visit our website!

Episode 37: How to Heal with Dana Linze-Dengler Jul 04, 2016

Show notes

Dana Dengler Linze is a nurse, mother, talented artist, and avid gardener. She is also a widower. When Dana was 26, her 28-year-old husband was killed in a tragic accident after which she was left to raise her three young boys and to pick up the pieces of her life. Dana opens up about the unimaginable and talks to co-hosts Leslie and Tesi about the process of grief, her experience with depression, her sadness and eventual healing, and her willingness to love again*. In an emotional interview, listeners will be asked to contemplate love and loss, and learn from the depths of Dana's experience. It almost goes without saying that the MBD co-hosts are in awe by the strength, determination, and grace of this woman. For links and full Show Notes, visit our website! Also discussed: How do you grieve when you have bills to pay and boys to raise?The women discuss how diamonds are shaped by tremendous pressure and how humans are made through suffering.The ways in which a life can be shaped—in both beautiful and horrible ways—by dealing with the reality of death.Mental health, the importance of treating what's broken, and the gifts of being transparent throughout stuggle.Finding love after unimaginable loss.The metaphorical growth of a backyard garden and the beauty of a purple tomato.The importance of volunteerism and the ways we can shape the next generation through authentic examples of tangible love.

Episode 36: So What Happened Was... Jun 28, 2016

Show notes

On Episode 36, co-hosts Leslie and Tesi enjoy a brief conversation about Seinfeld, dancing in Africa, and a Tanzanian trumpet choir in a segment they like to call SO WHAT HAPPENED WAS... The sisters go on to share some great summer recipes that highlight the seasonal produce that's so abundant during this time of year in a segment called LET'S TALK ABOUT HEALTH, BABY. The dishes they linger over are healthy, beautiful on the plate, inexpensive, and full of nutrition—plus they take no time to make! Finally, they end the mid-week mini by digging deep, getting real, and telling listeners about the THINGS THEY SHOULD PROBABLY FEEL GUILTY ABOUT, BUT DON'T. For links and complete Show Notes, visit our website!

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