How To Deal With Anxiety Around The Upcoming Election Oct 29, 2024

The Bible tells us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” James 4:8. If there was ever a time when prayer and faith were needed, it’s now.

For the 73% of Americans who are experiencing election anxiety and stress, prayer can offer a sense of control and empowerment. Most of all, prayer can bring peace to our lives and the world.

We’ve heard that many churches are planning to open their doors on Nov. 5 to encourage prayer for our country. No music or ministering, just a place for people to pray and lay their worries down. If your place of worship hasn’t organized a similar opportunity, it might be worth suggesting.

We will be praying for you and our country in the days ahead. Please feel free to join us.

Show Notes:

Healthy ways to deal with election anxiety and political stress

https://www.treatmyocd.com

Volunteers of America

https://www.voa.org

To pray the prayer Robin highlights in the show, go to:

https://info.thecrossingchurch.com/blog/a-guide-to-praying-for-the-presidential-election

The meditation Denise guides us in at the end of the episode:

“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next, don’t be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path toward happiness; don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes, because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart…where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.” Alo Yoga

Does God Get the Best of You or What’s Left of You? Oct 22, 2024

We live in a hurried world. The modern conveniences that are touted to "save time’" are keeping us busier than ever. We over-schedule, over-commit, and end each day exhausted and already focused on the demands of tomorrow.

Quite often, it is our relationships with God and our family that suffer the absence of our time and attention. Do you spend time each day praying, reading the Bible, journaling? Is family time devoted to spending time in communion with each other? Are we setting examples we hope our children will follow?

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry offers tangible suggestions for living an unhurried life. The book encourages us to spend more time focusing on love, joy, and peace, and less time in a frantic state of constant motion. If you are seeking a peace-filled life, listen up.
Show Notes:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

by John Mark Comer

Turning Dreams Into Reality: Behind the Writing of The Flower Sisters with Michelle Collins Anderson. Oct 15, 2024

Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process or determined to turn their dreams into reality. We’re sitting down with Michelle Collins Anderson, author of The Flower Sisters, a captivating novel that’s been making waves since its release earlier this year.
In our conversation, Michelle opens up about the journey of turning a dream into reality—what it really takes to write this historical fiction novel, face rejection, and push through the challenges to see her dream come to life.

We also explore the inspiration behind The Flower Sisters—the intricate storytelling, the characters, and the heart that went into making this book something special. Whether you’re a fan of Michelle’s work or someone who needs that extra push to pursue your dreams, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Special Guest: Author Michelle Collins Anderson
Michelle Collins Anderson grew up in the Missouri Ozarks, a place and a way of life that have shaped her writing. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an MFA from Warren Wilson College. Her debut novel, The Flower Sisters, was an instant USA Today best-seller. Michelle’s short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared in Nimrod International Journal, Literal Latté, Midwestern Gothic, Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozarks Studies, bosque, Literary Mama and Storied Hills: An Anthology of Contemporary Ozark Fiction. She and her husband have three adult children and live in St. Louis with two sister cats and a border collie.
Follow Michelle at:
https://www.instagram.com/michelle_collins_anderson/
To purchase the book, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Sisters-Michelle-Collins-Anderson/dp/149674828X

Season Six Premiere: How to Revolutionize Your Life With AI Oct 08, 2024

We are excited to kick off season six of The Problem With Perfect with a very special episode featuring none other than the podcast's original cohost, Rachel Keller! Now a marketing expert and AI enthusiast, Rachel joins us as we dive deep into how AI is reshaping both our personal and professional lives. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore everything from AI’s role in combating the loneliness epidemic to how it can give you a competitive edge at work.
Whether you’re curious about AI or already embracing it, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you.
Tune in and join us for an exciting start to season six and as always, thanks for listening.

Sorry, Not Sorry: Mastering the Art of Authentic Apologies Oct 01, 2024

Apologies are tricky. Even when we want to make amends, we can often make the situation worse by what we say (or don’t say), and how we say it. It takes humility and honesty to admit we are wrong and to apologize well. Although a simple, “I’m sorry” is better than not saying anything at all, there are better ways to acknowledge our mistakes.

Quite often, an apology is made without an explanation or recognition of the other person’s experience. Did they feel abandoned, less than, or disrespected? Did the apology make excuses for the behavior? Owning the mistake and accepting responsibility for the words, and actions (or lack thereof) takes a willingness to be vulnerable and sincere.

Today, we'll explore the power of a sincere apology, when it can heal relationships, build trust and make a real impact. Let's break free from apologizing for things that are beyond our control and learn the art of authentic apologies, empowering us to communicate with confidence and clarity.

Show Notes:
Saying I’m Sorry? Avoid this word at all costs. https://www.becomingminimalist.com/how-to-apologize.
For the prayer app Robin mentions, go to:
https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

The Anxious Generation: Unpacking Mental Health in a Digital Age Sep 24, 2024

Today we’re tackling a topic that’s more urgent than ever: the rising tide of anxiety and depression among Gen Z. In a world where social media, smartphones, and video games dominate their lives, young people are grappling with an alarming increase in mental health issues, leading to profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilling life.

In this episode, we dive deep into Jonathan Haidt’s compelling book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. As we discuss the trade of what Haidt calls the play-based childhood for a phone-based childhood, we’ll uncover how the quest for the "perfect" life has become a double-edged sword—promising connection while often delivering isolation and fear.

Join us as we explore the profound impacts of digital culture, hear stories of resilience, and discuss practical ways we can support Gen Z in navigating these challenges. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future, this conversation is essential. Let’s unravel the complexities of today’s youth together and discover how we can help them reclaim their lives.
Learn more about the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036

Digital Detox: How to Overcome Our Smartphone and Social Media Addiction Sep 17, 2024

Today we’re diving into a topic that touches nearly everyone’s lives: the time we spend on social media and our smartphones. In this episode, we explore how the hours we spend scrolling, liking, and tweeting are not just fleeting moments but can be significant in shaping our daily lives and overall well-being.

We’ll start by breaking down the problem—why social media and smartphone usage have become such dominant forces in our lives and the subtle ways they might be undermining our productivity, mental health, and personal relationships.

But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! We also discuss practical strategies and actionable steps to reclaim your time and find a healthier balance. Whether you’re looking to cut down on screen time or just curious about how to better manage your digital habits, this episode is packed with tips and insights that you can start using today.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get started on taking back control from our screens.

Show notes:

How Much Time Does The Average Person Spend on Social Media? www.medium.com.

Time Spent on Social Media Graphics: https://twicsy.com/blog/time-spent-on-social-media.

Helpful tips:

To limit screen time on an iPhone, you can use the Screen Time feature to set limits and restrictions for your device or for a child's device:

Open Settings
Tap Screen Time
Select a category to set limits and restrictions

Here are some of the categories you can use:

App Limits: Set time limits for apps
Downtime: Schedule time away from the screen
Communication Limits: Set limits based on your contacts
Always Allowed: Choose apps you want at all times
Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block inappropriate content

You can also limit your time on individual websites by:

Swiping down to the bottom of the categories list and tapping Websites
Choosing Add Website
Entering the URL for any websites you want to limit
Setting the amount of time you are allowed to use the selected websites

You can also set a screen timeout by:

Opening the Settings app
Scrolling down and selecting the Display & Brightness option
Scrolling down again and choosing Auto Lock

Why Christians Can't Keep Ignoring The Pornography Problem (With Special Guest & Pastor Justin Garrett) Sep 10, 2024

Although most parents would like to think their tweens, teens, and adult-ish kids would not view or access pornographic material, the statistics tell us differently. And while none of us want to talk about it, many of our spouses are doing the same.

As school commences and our teens and young adults enjoy greater freedom than ever before, how can we encourage healthy, meaningful conversations about the dangers of pornography and its addictive consequences? And how can we have similar tough conversations with those adults closest to us?

Please join us as Justin Garrett, a Christian pastor, discusses the increasing prevalence of pornography use by our young adults and how the Church can support families as they navigate this difficult issue.
Special Guest:
Justin Garrett: Lead Pastor at Athens Church, Kansas City, MO
Justin is a Columbia, MO native and worked at a church called The Crossing for 16 years. Justin and his wife, Jen, have three sons.
Justin attended Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, graduating in 2009 with a Master of Divinity. In 2021, the family launched Athens Church in Kansas City.

To learn more about his church, go to https://www.athenskc.com/
Resources Justin recommends:

https://www.covenanteyes.com/e-books/ - a wonderful collection of short and free ebooks, The Porn Circuit and Your Brain on Porn are very good. Their service is the one our whole family pays for with all devices.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/59baI34QD9A2fjLCipitDJ?si=iny9GCbFSU2s7SmWeUdRBw – A recent Preston Sprinkle podcast with an author and pastor on pornography.

https://fightthenewdrug.org/ - They are not religiously affiliated, I’ve heard people speak of them as genuine non-Christians who are just trying to educate and help people.

The Death of Porn – an older and trusted pastor writing a book on the subject in a style of letters to the reader.

Surfing for God – a classic at getting beneath the symptom of porn consumption to understand what’s going on in the heart and desires.

Are You THAT Parent: What are Lawnmower Parents and Is that YOU? Sep 03, 2024

School days are upon us. The backpacks have been purchased and stocked. Lunch boxes have been prepared and a new pair of shoes await by the door. Hopefully, we’ve done everything we can to ensure a successful start to the school year.

It can feel daunting to send our children out into the world without our guidance. We may have provided them with all the material tools, but what about instilling confidence and self-esteem? Can they handle feedback, correction, and consequences?

Research on parenting styles is extensive. Although there may not be a “perfect” parenting style, there are certainly styles that encourage and some that diminish. Please join us as we discuss various parenting styles - what works and what doesn’t.
Show Notes and References:
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic, Preparing Teens for Responsible Adulthood by Foster Cline, MD & Jim Fay

Parenting Styles: What Parenting Style is Right for You?

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/what-parenting-style-is-right-for-you

Lawnmower Parents: What are They? www.WebMD

Lawnmower Parents: Definition

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/lawnmower-parent

Celebrating Life and Supporting New Parents With Special Guests Kyle and Maddie Wolf Aug 27, 2024

Welcoming a new baby to the family is a precious experience. It can also be a time of uncertainty, questioning, sleep deprivation, and unexplained emotions. Our guests, Maddie and Kyle Wolf, join us today to share their experiences as first-time parents of Baby Luka (aka Robin’s granddaughter).

What do new moms and dads need? Which is best, breastfeeding or bottle? How can family and friends help? Our guests are quick to point out that everyone’s experience, and baby, is different. Maddie wisely shared “Fed is best” regardless of whether parents choose bottles or breastfeeding. Kyle spoke of the importance of supporting your partner and sharing responsibilities. And they both agree that bringing food that can be eaten single-handedly (because that other hand is holding the baby😊) is their favorite.

Our guests were also honest and forthcoming about a few of the challenges they’ve experienced, and how they overcame them. We learned a lot, and we hope you do too.

Join us for this delightful, yet honest peek into parenting an infant in 2024.
Special Guests: Maddie and Kyle Wolf
Maddie and Kyle were married in 2022 after dating for several years. Maddie, a Nurse Practitioner, and Kyle, a CPA, live in Overland Park, KS, and are the proud parents of Luka. They join us today, not as experts in parenting, but as a couple learning to manage their daughter's needs, with their own and each other's needs as well.

Unpacking The Pornography Problem We'd Like to Ignore Aug 20, 2024

As a new school year approaches, children, teens, and young adults will encounter a plethora of choices and challenging decisions. With the widespread availability of cell phones and computers, accessing online content, including inappropriate material, is easier than ever. So, how can we protect our children of all ages from harmful materials that can affect their well-being and future relationships?

While an addiction to explicit content is not a medical diagnosis, many would cite the negative financial, relational, and self-esteem consequences that stem from an industry that often does not reflect healthy, consensual, and respectful interactions. Repeated exposure to unrealistic images and behaviors can negatively impact one's sense of normalcy now and in the future.

When children use home computers, parental control apps such as Bark or Aura can be installed on their devices to restrict access to inappropriate websites. However, tech-savvy individuals, even young ones, can sometimes bypass these controls, or accidently wander into pornographic sites. Additionally, there are numerous books and websites designed to address these concerns. Research suggests that the most effective approach involves frequent, honest, and direct conversations about the negative aspects of explicit content, and the anxiety, depression, and stress often associated with such an addiction.

Being a parent in 2024 is challenging; being a young person navigating issues that may conflict with their religious values, parental advice, and peer pressures is even harder. At the very least, let's offer our prayers and support to all involved.

Resources:
Addictionhelp.com

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOrs6lz21mjwUJPIFXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1719682213/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.addictionhelp.com%2f/RK=2/RS=QnCrf0.ApfONEMuTAtfnXzHCmSM.

Pornography Use Among Young Adults in the U.S.:

https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/pornography-use-among-young-adults-in-the-united-states

New Report Reveals Truths About How Teens Engage with Pornography:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-report-reveals-truths-about-how-teens-engage-with-pornography-301717607.html.

Are You The Neighbor God Calls You To Be With Special Guests Chris and Elizabeth McKinney Aug 13, 2024

"Who are the people in your neighborhood?"
Those of a certain age will remember Mr. Rogers singing that ditty. Once upon a time, we celebrated with our neighbors, borrowed a cup of sugar from the folks next door, and probably worshiped with some of them every Sunday. Busy schedules, a desire for privacy, or the simple fact that decks on the back of the house have replaced sitting on the front porch, have significantly impacted how we interact with those who live nearby.

In today’s world, although loneliness has been deemed an epidemic, knowing our neighbors may be rare. Yet, as Christians, God commissioned us to “Love thy neighbor as Thyself.” In fact, a reference to our "neighbors" appears in over 100 verses in the Bible.

Our guests, Chris and Elizabeth McKinney, have written two inspiring books about Neighboring as an act of faithfully following Christ. They are with us today to share their call to Neighboring and to offer helpful and practical tips for getting to know those in our neighborhood. With Labor Day right around the corner, now may be a perfect time to plan a potluck or fish fry and invite those on your block to join you for food and fellowship. In doing so, you might find yourself being the fisher of men Jesus calls us to be.
Special Guests: Chris and Elizabeth McKinney, Authors and Podcast Hosts
Chris (MDiv, Covenant Seminary) and Elizabeth McKinney live with their four daughters in Columbia, Missouri. They work for Cru City and serve as associate staff at their church, The Crossing. They are the co-authors of Placed for a Purposeand Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire Our Call To Be Good Neighbors. They write, speak, and are passionate about equipping believers to love their next-door neighbors. You can find them on Instagram at Placedforapurpose.com and as co-hosts for the Placed For a Purpose Podcast.

How To Set Students Up For Success With Judi Schoonover Aug 06, 2024

Do you remember your first day of school?
Regardless of one’s academic status, be it kindergarten, middle school, senior year, or a freshman moving into the dorms, the first day of school is a milestone moment. Quite often, more tears are shed by parents than pupils. There’s just something about witnessing your child embark on a journey independent of you that creates a little (or big) tug at the heart.

As the first day of school quickly approaches, we turn to an expert educator for advice on preparing students for academic success. Her advice was wise and winsome. It turns out that parents and teachers are the key to success in the school year ahead.
Join us for all of Judi's advice and help the kiddos in your life have a great school year.
Special Guest:
Judi Schoonover is a retired Kindergarten teacher and pre-school screener for the Columbia Public Schools with more than 40 years experience in education. She is something of a legend in Columbia, MO, where she lives with her husband, Dan.

What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story of Heartache & Redemption (Part 3) Jul 30, 2024

Mistakes are made every day. Some require a simple, "I’m sorry." Others may result in lengthy conversations and a restructuring of the issue. And then there are mistakes that change a person’s life forever. Robin’s brother, Buddy, made that kind of mistake.

Truth be told, we’ve all made mistakes. The hope with every error is that we learn from it and do not repeat it. It is not our job to judge, there are Courts and Commandments that render judgement. Maybe our role is to accept people for who they are, forgive them their trespasses, and support them as they re-engage in society.

It’s said there are things in life that either make us or break us. The question becomes, "How do we respond?" Our guest has responded with graciousness and tenacity. He refuses to allow his restrictions to overshadow his successes and welcomes discussions about his past. In his own words, he entered prison “spiritually sick and addicted to alcohol,” and returned to society 13 years later as a spirit-filled, recovering alcoholic who is the first to give all the glory to God. In fact, he is convinced he would not be here today without his time in prison, and his eventual spiritual renewal.
Now that’s a testimony!

What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story of Heartache & Redemption (Part 2) Jul 23, 2024

“In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” Andrea Dykstra

Our guest is a man of faith, a proud Marine, a loving husband, and a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. At the tender age of 22, he was charged with a crime that shaped his life forever. For the next 13 years, he would be incarcerated, making restitution, addressing the alcohol addiction he had nurtured since he was 14 years old, and becoming a spirit-filled, faithful follower of Christ.

The Bible has plenty to say about sin and redemption, so does the Court of Public Opinion. Our guest makes no excuses for his transgressions. Rather, he recounts his life in prison as a time of personal and spiritual growth. It can be easy to cast the first stone. It gets more difficult when you recognize the person behind the punishment.

Please join us as we learn, first-hand, about the struggles and successes of a man who overcame hardship and heartbreak to become a living, breathing example of God’s goodness and forgiveness.
And by the way, did we mention he’s Robin’s beloved brother, Buddy?

What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story Of Heartache & Redemption (Part 1) Jul 16, 2024

We hear them on the daily: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Turn that frown upside down. Just stay positive. Those adages may be helpful for some of life’s challenges, but what happens when a devastating life event brings pain and suffering? How do we continue to find hope and strength in the face of unimaginable hardship?

This month’s series includes Robin’s insight into one of life’s most difficult experiences. Insight into the criminal justice system, restitution, and forgiveness. Insight into the reactions of family, friends, and communities when someone is convicted of a crime that changes lives forever.

One of Robin’s favorite scripture verses is Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The verse is not about the good of suffering’s end; rather, it affirms that things are working together for good in the midst of suffering and that God is working even in suffering for our good. Please join us as we are reminded of God’s grace in the midst of suffering.

How To Be More Patient In An Impatient World Jul 09, 2024

We live in troubled times. We are surrounded by demands, expectations, and frustrations. So often, the squeaky wheel gets the attention, not the gracious individual holding the door for us. Some might say we’ve become a culture of impatience, and many might agree.
Impatience is easy to identify. We become irritable; we let anger and resentment surface; we may even articulate a few expletives just to further demonstrate our dissatisfaction. We’ve all seen impatience in action.
Patience, on the other hand, may appear passive and polite. Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. But how do we become more patient and be the kind of person we want to be? Join us as we discuss our own struggles with impatience, and review an expert's suggestions for fostering it.
At the end of the day, how do you want to be remembered? Ask yourself this question and give the episode a listen.
Show Notes:
Ten Tips for Cultivating Patience During Uncertain Times
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2020/0700/p43.html
The Khan Academy:
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Road Rage Statistics By The Zebra, updated September 15, 2023

Are You Missing Out On This Easy Way To Enjoy Life Jul 02, 2024

Imagine an inexpensive pastime that improves your mental and physical health and cognitive function.
Welcome to the world of birdwatching.
If you are a birdwatcher, you are in good company. Birdwatching is quickly
becoming a national pastime. According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting and Wildlife, 57% of the US population 16 and older reported wildlife
watching in 2022. Birdwatching ranks up there with 50% of US adults who follow
baseball, and 41% of US adults who say football is their favorite sport to watch.
What is it about watching birds that is so attractive to so many? Some might say it
is an inexpensive hobby for all ages and abilities. Others may taut the
benefits of being in nature. Whatever your focus or interest, birdwatching is an inexpensive, unencumbered way to while away a lovely day.
Bird Watching 101: A Guide for Beginners
https://ny.audubon.org/news/bird-watching-101-guide-beginners.
How Birdwatching Can Improve Your Life:
https://www.wbfi.org/2023/01/04/how-birdwatching-can-improve-your-life.

--

Are You Ready to Come Out of Hiding With Special Guest Dr. Merry Lin Jun 25, 2024

Dr, Merry Lin says that the cultural clarion call to be your authentic self isn’t inherently wrong. The methodology is. While the popular world will tell you to
“live your truth” and “trust your gut,” she argues that neither strategy brings you into
contact with your essential, God-given identity.
In this episode, Dr. Lin, author of Rebecoming: Coming Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self (Baker Books, July 2024) discusses the hard-won, honest
truths of how we can live authentically. Blending her personal growth journey, psychological training, and clinical experience, she explains why we must first unbecome our inauthentic self to rebecome our essential self.
Dr. Lin's wisdom offers hope for a better way of living, helping to become the person God intended.
Special Guest:
Dr. Merry C. Lin, PhD has been practicing clinical psychology for more than 30 years. She is the executive director of Dr. Lin & Associates, a team providing psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting services in Toronto, Canada. A wise counselor and respected speaker, she can be heard on her popular podcast, The Fully Lived Life, as well as on several TV and media shows where she is a regular guest. In addition to providing support to leaders, she is a social justice advocate working globally to equip leaders who serve survivors of human trafficking, abuse, and trauma.
To learn more about Dr. Merry's work, go to:
https://www.drmerry.com/

To order Rebecoming with the discount we discuss in the episodes, go to:
https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553598,

Looking Back And Looking Ahead With Special Guest Tom May Jun 18, 2024

Most of us agree that we can all use the wisdom of those who have gone before us. Whether it's a new career, a big life decision, or a transition to the "next" phase of life - some sage advice can go a long way.
In this special episode, we surprise Tom May, Robin's husband and co-host for the episode, with words of wisdom from those who are seasoned veterans of grandfathering. On the precipice of becoming a grandparent, Tom unpacks the advice he's given and how he thinks it will help him move forward in this new season. He also reflects on the impact his grandfather made on him, as well as the sacrifices he saw his father make when he became a grandparent.
The result is a special episode that reminds us all, no matter what season of life you're in, that time is a thief and every moment is one to treasure.
Special Guest:
Tom May is the husband of creator and co-host, Robin May. He is the supporter of her dreams, father to their two adult children, and soon-to-be granddad to the couple's first grandchild.

The Cost of Suffering From PMDD: A Mother's Story of Her Daughter's Struggle Jun 11, 2024

Wondering what PMDD is after reading the title? You're likely in good company. Although Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects between 3 and 4 million women in the US, it is still a relatively unknown disorder that is often misdiagnosed.
To help us understand what PMDD is and how it impacts women and their families, Marybeth Bohn joins Robin for this important episode. Marybeth's daughter, Christina, battled PMDD for more than a decade before Marybeth helped lead doctors to her diagnosis. This episode gives listeners a front-row seat to a young woman's struggle and a mother's worst nightmare.
Special Guest:
Marybeth Bohn has been advocating for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) since she lost her daughter, Christina Elizabeth Bohn, to suicide in 2021 due to the disorder. The thought of others suffering as her daughter did for 10 to 15 years before receiving a correct diagnosis motivates Marybeth to keep speaking out. She speaks publicly about PMDD to increase awareness and to reduce the time in getting an accurate diagnosis. She has spoken at the University of Missouri, Postpartum Support International Climb Out of the Darkness Walk, Missouri House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Reform, Women’s Mental Health Conference at Yale, NIH Prevention in Focus Webinar, and many other venues. In 2023, she worked with the Missouri State Legislature to pass a bill for having an annual PMDD Awareness Day on October 2nd, which is Christina’s birthday. Missouri is the first state in the U.S. to officially have a PMDD Awareness Day.

Marybeth serves as vice president of the Board of Directors for the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) and has actively served as a PMDD Champion. After Christina's death, Marybeth retired from the University of Missouri to focus on increasing awareness of PMDD.
To learn more about PMDD, go to the presentation Marybeth mentions in the show:
https://www.prevention.nih.gov/education-training/prevention-focus-webinars/it-more-pms-learn-about-pmdd

Miscarriages: How To Help Families Navigate Loss Jun 04, 2024

The recent episodes of our podcast have explored challenging themes, and today's topic is no exception. Miscarriages touch the lives of many, whether it's a personal experience or through someone we know. Some mothers might not have been aware they were pregnant when it happened, while others felt an instant bond as soon as they saw the positive result on a pregnancy test. Losing a pregnancy is losing a child.

Discussions about miscarriages are often cloaked in silence and stigma. Offering support can be confusing for loved ones, with a fine line between what to say and what to avoid. In today's episode, we'll provide guidance on how to support mothers, fathers, and families who are going through this experience that is anything but perfect.

Show Notes:
Emotional Healing After a Miscarriage: A Guide for Women, Partners, Family, and Friends: https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/blog/emotional-healing-after-miscarriage-guide-women-partners-family-friends/#:~:text=Caring%20for%20the%20body%20becomes,unable%20to%20continue%20the%20pregnancy

Miscarriages: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/miscarriage-loss-grief/miscarriage

There Was A Baby by Laura Camerona for ages 1-11

How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids by Mia Rolden ages 8-12

Kickoff To Wisdom: Analyzing Harrison Butker's Commencement Address Playbook May 28, 2024

A lot has been said about a certain commencement speech…like, a lot a lot. In fact, so much has been said about the content and controversy the speech invoked, we decided to take a more elementary approach and consider what makes a successful commencement address.

Using our backgrounds as former college instructors, we apply a robust framework of ten suggestions to evaluate his speech. Our analysis aims to provide a thoughtful perspective on how commencement addresses can resonate with graduates and leave a lasting impression.
Shifting gears, we tackle the broader challenges and implications of graduation speeches, especially when they touch on sensitive topics like COVID-19 and gender roles. We reflect on Butker's comments about womanhood and individual choice, as well as the societal ramifications of his speech. Wrapping up, we ponder the role of free speech and the courage to express one's convictions, even in the face of potential backlash.
Our approach is not intended to offend, mock, or minimize. Neither do we intend to dissect motive or message. After all, our podcast is founded on the premise that there is a problem with seeking perfection. Thus, we will stay in our lane and give grace to all. We invite our listeners to engage with us, share their thoughts, and help shape future discussions.
Special thanks to our editor, Jordan Overkamp, for his stellar work in making this podcast shine.
Show Notes:
Full Text: Harrison Butker of Kansas City Chiefs Graduation Speech
https://www.ncregister.com/news/harrison-butker-speech-at-benedictine
Ten Suggestions for a Successful Commencement Address
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2384170/

Tackling Taboo Topics with Sarah Miller, DPT May 21, 2024

Pelvic floor therapy is all the rage these days. But what is it? And why is it so important?
Join us for this episode as we discuss the transformative power of pelvic floor therapy with expert Sarah Miller, DPT. In it, Sarah demystifies the critical role pelvic floor health plays in our overall well-being, a topic that remains under-discussed yet is vital for physical and emotional health.
Listen in on an enlightening conversation that addresses the sensitive yet essential aspects of pelvic floor therapy, from postpartum recovery, and pain with intercourse to urinary incontinence. We'll navigate the interconnectedness of our bodies, revealing the surprising links between pelvic floor issues and chronic pain while emphasizing the importance of specialized care and comprehensive assessments in managing these conditions.
This is a must-listen episode for women of all ages.
Special Guest: Sarah Miller, DPT
Sarah is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is trained in treating pelvic health and orthopedic conditions. She owns Revive Rehab located in Columbia, Missouri where she treats pelvic health and orthopedic populations. Sarah was able to further her education after graduation to better serve her pelvic health and orthopedic clients. She has earned multiple certifications in internal and external pelvic floor interventions, myofascial techniques, chronic pain treatment, and dry needling, among others.
She is a former collegiate softball pitcher at Northwest Missouri State (go Bearcats!) and received her degree in Biology and Psychology. She then graduated from the University of Missouri in 2019 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
You can find Sarah spending time with her husband and daughter. She loves her CrossFit gym and getting some sunshine outdoors. She enjoys all things active from skiing to biking on the trails, and strives to continue this lifestyle throughout motherhood to show her daughter the importance of movement throughout life."

To book with Sarah or learn more about her practice, go to: https://www.revive-rehab.com/
Follow Sarah on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmillerdpt/
To find a PT trained in pelvic health in your area, go to: https://pelvicrehab.com/
Special thanks to Rachel Keller for co-hosting the episode.

Embracing The Next Season of Life With Joyful Anticipation May 14, 2024

They say it takes a village to raise a child and the role of a grandmother is paramount to that success. Grandmothers offer a special kind of love and support to a grandchild and to the baby’s parents. Their previous parenting experience is often just what new mothers appreciate most (or not)!

On today’s episode, Robin makes a special announcement about an upcoming addition to her family. And in support of her new role, friends and family share pearls of wisdom and sage advice for the new grandmother-to-be.

Without a doubt, this bundle of joy will bring blessings beyond measure.
Show notes:
Resources:
What To Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff
Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five by John Medina

How to Boost Your Self-Esteem Through Life's Transitions May 07, 2024

We live in a world of self-help books and self-proclaimed experts advising us on how to find happiness and fulfillment. Additionally, we are often encouraged to follow someone else’s experience to enhance our emotional well-being.
But what happens when another’s journey is not in accord with our ideals or goals? Where do we find peace and purpose based on our individual beliefs and purpose? In an article entitled The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden, we are encouraged to silence the cacophony of the outside world and to listen to our head and heart for guidance.

Cultivating the six pillars of self-esteem is an inside job. Regardless of other’s well-intentioned directives, developing the ability to live consciously and purposefully with integrity, responsibility, and assertiveness must come from within. No one else can script our lives; we are responsible for living with integrity and authenticity.

Explore with us as we unpack the 6 pillars of self-esteem and suggest ways to embrace and enhance your own life journey.
Show Notes:
The article by Nathaniel Brown corresponds with a book he authored with the same title.

Unveiling End-of-Life Mysteries with Chaplain Richard Sullivan Apr 30, 2024

In times of crisis or as individuals approach life's end, it's often said that doubts about faith and spirituality come to the forefront—even for those who don't consider themselves religious. This phenomenon is sometimes captured in the adage, "There are no atheists in a foxhole."

Addressing the needs of those who haven't adopted a religious or spiritual identity involves sensitivity and care. Certain clichés and overused expressions are best left unsaid. Instead, finding the right language that offers genuine comfort and solace is key to providing meaningful support.

Reverand Richard Sullivan, a hospice chaplain, will join us today to provide insight and guidance for those nearing the end of their life, and for those who love them.

Special Guest: Reverend Richard Sullivan

Reverend Richard Sullivan is an ordained minister with the General Council of the Assemblies of God headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. Richard has been a credentialed minister since 2007. In addition to his pastoral education, Richard completed four units of Clinical Pastor Education. Richard served on staff as an ecclesiastical endorsed chaplain with Boone Health for 17 years, providing support as a staff chaplain, hospice chaplain, and Lead Chaplain of Spiritual Care Services. During his years of ministry with Boone Health, Richard was active in bereavement care services, as well as, palliative care and ethics committees. His role also included working with patients and community members in education and completion of healthcare directives and durable power of attorney. Richard currently serves as lead pastor of Summit First Assembly of God, Holts Summit, Missouri and Legacy and Care pastor at Columbia First Assembly. Since July 2021, Richard, along with his wife Kellie, own and operate Bluegrass Senior Living in Ashland, Missouri.

Navigating Grief and the Inevitability of Death Apr 23, 2024

In this week's installment of What To Know Before You Go, we explore the complexity of grief. Grief is a universal and intrinsic aspect of what it means to be human. Each experience of grief is deeply individual and intricately linked to the nature of the loss.
Some individuals struggle with Anticipatory Grief, a profound sadness that precedes the death of a loved one suffering from a terminal condition. Chronic Sorrow is another facet of grief, often described as 'a normal reaction to an abnormal situation,' the response to an ongoing loss when an illness or disability is permanent and life-altering. When loss strikes suddenly and intensely, such as in the case of an unforeseen accident or suicide, one may endure Complicated Grief, marked by its traumatic impact and challenging road to healing.

As we delve into the various phases and stages of grief, it is crucial to acknowledge the unique nature of each person’s grieving process. There is no singularly correct way to navigate through grief, provided that the responses are not harmful.
Join us in our exploration of the multifaceted nature of grief and share in the coping techniques we offer to manage this profound emotion.

Show notes:

Welcome to Holland Poem: https://www.hannahshope.org/pdfs/Welcome_To_Holland.pdf.

Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief – Harriet Hodgson, BS, MA & Lois Krahn, MD

Navigating the Future: The Guide to Estate Planning and Protecting Your Legacy With Attorney Brett Barton Apr 16, 2024

Ever considered the unforeseen consequences of putting off estate planning? Let's face it, it's not just about drafting a document – it's about ensuring your legacy thrives and your wishes are honored. Advance care planning extends beyond creating an Advance Directive or discussing our end-of-life wishes. It encompasses crucial legal and financial considerations that play a significant role in ensuring that all of a person's preferences are fully honored.
Discussing finances and assets can often be a taboo subject within families. The legal jargon can be intimidating, and the thought of consulting a lawyer can be unsettling. However, it's crucial to explore questions like: Should you draft a Will or establish a Trust? Who have you entrusted as your Durable Power of Attorney? What does the term "Medicaid spenddown" imply?
In this discussion on Estate Planning, we'll be diving into these topics with the expertise of attorney Brett Barton at our side. Our conversation illuminates the pitfalls of deferring this essential life task and provides a compelling call to action to take control of your estate planning journey before it's too late.

As part of our ongoing series, "What To Know Before You Go," we invite you to delve into the intricacies of Estate Planning with us. Just like completing an Advance Directive, preparing for your estate is more than a mere task; it's a gift that provides peace of mind and eases the burden for your loved ones.

Special Guest: Brett Barton

Brett is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Iowa and practices solely in the area of Estate Planning and all that it encompasses. Brett has over 25 years of experience and is a frequent speaker on the topic of Medicaid Planning and the protection of assets from nursing home spenddown. Brett is married and has four children, one grandchild, and another on the way. His hobbies include snow skiing, table tennis, and European board games.

Caring for Caregivers With Lauren Eisleben Apr 09, 2024

Of the many roles women undertake in their lifetime, the act of caregiving stands out as one of the most universal and demanding. The Institute on Aging reports that women make up roughly 75% of caregivers and typically dedicate up to 50% more time to caregiving duties compared to their male counterparts. It appears that being a woman—whether you're a daughter, daughter-in-law, distant relative, or simply a friend—often means taking on the responsibilities of caregiving with family and friends.
Caregiving comes with a host of challenging effects. Absorbing the financial costs associated with caregiving is often problematic. Time away from work for medical appointments, along with the expenses associated with medications, necessary medical equipment, and the hiring of supplementary private care to alleviate the primary caregiver's duties, can be financially overwhelming. Beyond the monetary impacts, caregiving can also lead to severe emotional and physical fatigue. And as the baby boomer population prefers to age in their own homes, the demand for more comprehensive aid and support from caregivers escalates.
Join us as we welcome Lauren Eisleben, Clinical Director at IMF Counseling. Lauren brings her extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to the “Family and Friends Groups” aimed at supporting caregivers. With her specialized knowledge in aiding those who care for individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health issues, substance use, and eating disorders, Lauren provides invaluable guidance. Her compassionate approach not only recognizes the challenges caregivers face, but she also offers empathetic, constructive advice to caregivers and those who support them.
Show notes:
To learn more about Lauren Eisleben, go to: https://imfcounseling.com/therapists/lauren-eisleben
Caregiver Support Groups: https://caringbridge.org/resources/caregiver-support-groups
The Emotional Cost of Caregiving: https://online.simmons.edu/blog/emotional-cost-of-caregiving
Caregiver Bill of Rights: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-bill-rights
Caregiving Is Crucial: How To Support Caregivers And Why It Matters So Much:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/08/14/caregiving-is-crucial-how-to-support-

Preparing For the Inevitable: Understanding The Benefits of Hospice Care With Dr. Jaymi Meyers Apr 02, 2024

The U.S. population is older today than it has ever been. In fact, one-fourth of the total population is 65 or older. Researchers predict a 47 percent increase in this demographic between 2022 and 2050, resulting in 82 million citizens 65+ years old. Approximately 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day for the next few decades.
The fact individuals are living longer, divorcing later in life, and choosing to live alone and age in their homes has resulted in a significant caregiver gap. Whether you are a baby boomer or love someone who is, the likelihood is you will find yourself in the caregiver role at some time in the future.
Preparation, knowledge, and advance care planning are paramount to navigating what some are calling the Silver Tsunami.
Our April series on various aspects of advance care planning, the benefits of palliative care and hospice, as well as support and suggestions for caregivers is intended to elicit conversations, provide knowledge, and prepare those who embark on the caregiving role.
Special Guest:
Dr. Jaymi Meyers is with us today to continue our discussion about all things hospice. Dr. Meyers is a family medicine physician, palliative care specialist, and hospice medical director in Seneca, SC. He studied at the University of Iowa (home of Caitlin Clark) and currently practices at
Oconee Palliative Medicine and is affiliated with Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.

It's Okay Not To Be Okay: Balancing Toxic Positivity and Emotional Authenticity Mar 26, 2024

Today, we delve into the concept of toxic positivity. Recognizing and appreciating the optimistic intentions behind encouraging words from our loved ones is crucial. However, it's just as critical to remember that expressing our emotions authentically, including the painful, fearful ones, should come without the burden of guilt or shame.
Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how difficult or dire a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. We’ve all been there…the friend who reminds us to “Cheer up, it could be worse,” or a family member who encourages us with “Everything happens for a reason.” That’s toxic positivity.
When bad things happen to good people, it's often difficult for their loved ones to stand by and watch their struggle. While comments filled with toxic positivity are intended as encouragement, they don't always offer the solace we seek. The reality is that there are certain life events that positivity alone cannot overcome. Indeed, at times, toxic positivity may intensify the emotional distress someone is feeling.
Please join us as we deconstruct toxic positivity. Why it's harmful, what it sounds like, and how to avoid and cope with toxic positivity in our relationships with others.
Show Notes:
Toxic Positivity – Why It’s Harmful and What to Say Instead: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958

Are You Making Life Changing Connections? Mar 19, 2024

Inspired by the legacy of a mentor and friend, this episode is dedicated to remembering Melody Parry. A year after her untimely death, we honor Melody in this episode by highlighting the upcoming Columbia Women's Faith Conference. Created by Melody, this conference was her way of creating time and space for women to find deeper connections with God and other believers.
This episode will unpack the theme for the conference; Breathe: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Presence of God, as well as highlight the importance of being obedient to God's callings. Whether you're able to join us for the conference in Columbia or not, this episode is meant to inspire you to seek, invest, and grow spiritual communities wherever you are!
Show Notes:
To learn more about the Bible In a Year program that Denise is doing with her friends, go to:
https://www.thebiblerecap.com/
To learn more about the conference, go to https://brushfire.com/comochristian/2023-ccwc/571088/details
To listen to the episode where Robin interviews Fred Parry, Melody's husband, go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/12336210

Transform Your Mind: 8 Habits to Unleash Your Cognitive Potential with Dr. Janine Stichter Mar 12, 2024

Do you often find yourself struggling to maintain focus or feeling mentally drained?
If your answer is yes, then buckle your seatbelt. This episode will take you on a ride your brain and body have been waiting for! Join us as Dr. Janine Stichter, an expert on human behavior, joins us to navigate the mental mazes that lead us toward or away from our peak cognitive potential.
Learn how to harness the benefits of sleep, hydration, and nutrition, and incorporate them into even the most hectic schedules. Hope, humor, and humanity intersect as we reveal our personal struggles with mindfulness and the adaptations we've made to keep our bodies moving in harmony with our mental needs.
This episode isn't just about the internal journey; it's about the external connections that shape us. Discover how the 'why' behind our actions can be the compass towards meaningful lifestyle changes and how habits can build or break our most valuable relationships.
Whether you're seeking solidarity in shared experiences or just a good read with our Problem with Perfect Book Club, we invite you to find solace, support, and maybe a little laughter in our community. Remember, the journey towards a balanced life doesn't have to be perfect.
Special Guest
Dr. Janine Stichter has been in the field of behavior change for over 20 years as a researcher, author, educator, and executive coach. She specializes in understanding behavior and developing practical, sustainable change strategies for organizational health. Connect with her on Facebook (janine.stichter.1) and Instagram (drjaninestichter) or her website JSAdvantages.com
Show Notes:
To view the video teaching this episode is based on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GsCYEPNLh0
The app that Dr. Stichter refers to as an aid to help her relax: New Calm

Your Words Matter - and So Do All The Other Ways You Communicate Mar 05, 2024

If you've ever felt like your words were lost in translation, you're not alone.
Join us as we unpack the complexities of communication in our latest episode of The Problem with Perfect. From the silent messages we send with our eyes to the unintended signals we give with a sigh, we're diving into the nonverbal cues that make or break our daily interactions. Discover how your communication style holds the key to stronger relationships and how even the smallest gestures can speak volumes. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it, and we're here to guide you through mastering this delicate dance.
We're sharing our own experiences, the highs and lows, and even our scores from a communication quiz that might just inspire a moment of self-reflection for you too. So grab a notepad, tune in, and join our virtual community as we embark on a collective quest to fine-tune the instrument that is our ability to communicate. It's an episode that promises to resonate with anyone who's ever searched for the right words at the right time.
Show Notes:
Are you a good communicator? Take this quiz and find out!
https://www.mindtools.com/a3y5cte/how-good-are-your-communication-skills

Lack of Communication is one of the Leading Causes of Divorce:
https://marciamediation.co.uk/lack-of-communication-is-one-of-the-lead-causes-of-divorce

Think You're a Good Communicator? Better Think Again:
https://www.inc.com/ilya-pozin/think-youre-a-good-communicator-better-think-again.html

Statistics on Workplace Communication:
https://www.apollotechnical.com/workplace-communication-statistics

To watch Brene Brown's video on empathy vs. sympathy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ

Embracing Financial Wellness: Making Peace with our Beliefs About Money with Khara Croswaite Brindle Feb 27, 2024

Navigating the financial landscape at any stage of life can be daunting. While situations may change, the pressures remain the same, as well as the cultural messages that tell us we need to have more to be more.
In this episode, we discover the hidden connection between money and self-worth as we're joined by financial therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle.
We tackle the emotional weight of managing money through evolving life chapters, from the youthful skepticism about the value of traditional milestones to the introspective middle age when retirement isn't just a distant concept but a looming reality. Khara introduces us to the empowering practice of conscious spending and challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to success, encouraging a life measured in quality, not just quantifiable assets.
Khara also introduces us to the concept of "loud budgeting", which may be the key to unlocking a harmonious financial relationship that allows us to find stability in the ebb and flow of personal finance.
Special Guest
Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT-I is passionate about turning pain points into possibilities for mental health and financial therapist professionals. She is a TEDx Speaker, Licensed Mental Health Therapist, and Financial Therapist in Colorado. Khara enjoys various roles as a serial entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, professor, and consultant. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest and gets her best ideas walking outside and being around water. When Khara’s not writing her next book or supporting fellow professional helpers on their own self-discovery journeys, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, and indulging in gluttonous, gluten-free desserts with her family.
To contact Khara or learn more about her services, go to:
https://croswaitecounselingpllc.com/

Giving Yourself The Self-Care You Need Even When It Feels Selfish Feb 20, 2024

Every victory, on the field or in life, carries its own story—ours is no exception. As the confetti settles from the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win, Robin, Denise, and Rachel gather to share the intersection of triumph and trial that marks such monumental moments.
But this episode isn't just a toast to sports and celebrities; it's a holistic look at wellness, from the empowering clang of weightlifting plates to the quiet introspection of journaling. We're assessing our fitness journeys and the evolving narrative of self-care, as we wade through the waters of body positivity and personal acceptance, shaped by our past experiences.
Join us as we navigate the many avenues of self-care and are reminded that the mind and spirit need as much nurturing as the body. This is an invitation to a community that celebrates life's wins, supports through its losses, and finds strength in every challenge.
Guest Contributor:
Rachel Keller: Rachel is an original co-founder of this podcast and is currently the marketing director for a company based in Kansas City. She's also a thought leader in AI and is passionate about empowering women.
Check out the free online course on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction that Denise recommends here:
https://palousemindfulness.com/

Does Your Career Help You Love Yourself? Feb 13, 2024

We spend more time at work than we do anywhere else so it's no surprise that our work greatly influences our self-worth.
In this episode, we bring three generations together to discuss how to embrace self-love and align our work with our personal goals. With a rich tapestry of experiences in journalism, pharmaceutical sales, clinical therapy, and marketing, we've seen firsthand the importance of pursuing a job that encourages growth and resonates with one's values.
Whether you're eyeing a career change or simply seeking to enhance your current role, this episode is packed with wisdom for walking your professional path with intention and integrity as we search for more authentic self-love.
Special Guest: Rachel Keller

Reflections on Self-Love: Embracing Beauty and Aging in a World of Pressure Feb 06, 2024

This month we are focusing on self-love and acceptance at every age, sharing the perspectives of three generations as we explore societal issues that affect each of us in similar and dissimilar ways. For this series, we welcome back Rachel Keller, who offers a millennial viewpoint, while Robin represents the Gen X perspective, and Denise with Boomer’s insight.
Our first episode focuses on issues every woman experiences throughout her lifetime -beauty and body image. It turns out that embracing the skin you're in and the person staring back from the mirror is no small feat - no matter what your age.
Strap in for an honest examination of how we respond to a world that calls for cosmetic enhancements, and the burden it places on our shoulders. It's a raw look at the choices we make for our bodies, drawing the line between indulging in self-care and maintaining essential health, and how we uplift our confidence when faced with ageism and the push to conform.
Join us for a conversation that promises to leave you reflecting on your own perceptions of beauty, self-care, and the journey to loving the person you become at every age.
Special Guest: Rachel Keller

How To Unlock The Quiet Power of Life's Unnoticed Moments Jan 30, 2024

Have you ever found yourself smiling at the simplest of pleasures, like the sun breaking through the clouds or the smell of rain on the pavement?
This episode celebrates those moments, called "glimmers" by scientists, that brighten our days and bolster our spirits. In our discussion, we learn about tuning into the subtle yet impactful ways our nervous system responds to glimmers and uncover how they can help lead to a more peaceful and satisfying life.
Show Notes:

Discovering Your Glimmers: Finding Moments of Joy, by Joyce Marter:

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/glimmers/#:~:text=Glimmers%20refer%20to%20the%20moments,that%20can%20give%20us%20hope

Know Your Glimmers:
https://www.neurodiversityeducationacademy.org/post/know-your-glimmers

How To Move From Career Complancy to Passion-Driven Success With Special Guest Nancy Yeager Jan 23, 2024

Ever felt like the quest for perfection is more of a curse than a blessing, especially when it comes to your career and emotional well-being? Join us as we navigate these treacherous waters, with Nancy Yeager, the entrepreneurial spirit behind two Fleet Feet stores, guiding us through her inspiring transition from a stable job to a fulfilling career aligned with her passions.
Also in this episode, we tackle the cold realities of staying active in winter and discuss the vital importance of finding purpose in our work, all while celebrating Nancy's success and dedication to helping others reach their goals.
So, lace up your favorite running shoes, grab a pair of earbuds, and let’s explore this episode together.

Rediscovering Joy and Vitality in Our Spiritual Journeys With Pastor Beth Bramstedt Jan 16, 2024

As we embark on a new year, we often find ourselves asking what it would take for us to fulfill our deep spiritual longings. This episode is your invitation to walk with us and the remarkable Beth Bramstedt as we unwrap the complexities of identity, legacy, and purpose. With Beth's wisdom in spiritual formation and church ministry, we're ushering in an empowering discussion to rekindle the joy and vitality in these essential facets of our lives.
In this episode, we recognize that spiritual practice isn't confined to quiet rooms and closed eyes, but is often found in the everyday hustle. From the transformation of scripture to setting intentions that turn mundane moments into divine encounters, we're redefining what it means to connect with the higher power in our daily lives. Listen as we highlight the personal nature of spirituality, where intentionality and openness pave the way to experiencing the divine in all things.
This heartfelt episode promises laughter, tears, and a renewed sense of what it truly means to live a spiritually enriched life.
Special Guest
Beth Bramstedt is the Church Life Pastor and a member of the executive team at Christian Fellowship Church in Columbia, MO. Beth grew up in Kansas City, moved to Ozark for high school, and moved to Columbia to study journalism at the University of Missouri. Beth has more than 25 years of experience in ministry and joined the staff of Christian Fellowship in March of 2020, overseeing the area of spiritual formation. Beth and her husband Chris and I have two grown sons, and two grandchildren and are currently enjoying life as empty nesters!
Beth believes that all people matter to God and were created with a unique purpose. She is passionate about helping people discover that purpose and develop it for the sake of others. Beth enjoys writing, traveling the world, listening to country music, studying theology, trying local restaurants, devouring Christian fiction, and hanging out with friends and family. She is a storyteller at heart and loves hearing, sharing, and experiencing what makes each of us unique.

Word Up: Are You Setting Yourself Up For Success In 2024? Jan 09, 2024

What is it about the New Year that inspires us to focus on every little thing we don’t like about ourselves? Why do we start each year ‘doggedly determined’ to fix every flaw? (In case you didn’t know…doggedly determined is a synonym for the word resolution…as in New Year’s resolution.) Who wants to start another trip around the sun doggedly determined to do anything? Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Join us on this episode as we encourage each other to ditch resolutions and make a case for why aspirations and intentions serve us better. Aspirations focus on hope, self-compassion, and kindness. We set our intentions on what we want more of in our life, not those things that tell us we are not enough.
As always, we promise to be transparent and real. To that end, we will be reviewing our Words for 2023 and discussing how they impacted our lives. We will also share our Words for 2024.
We would love for you to email us at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com to share your word for the New Year. (And if you are having difficulty choosing a word, email us at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com and we will send you a wonderful guide Robin created to help you choose the perfect word for 2024.)
This episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and embrace God’s gift of another year. May we cherish each moment anchored in faith and a desire to live life to the fullest. Happy New Word!
Show Notes:
To read the article about New Year's resolution we discuss, go to:
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/

Looking Back So We Can Move Forward: Questions For Reflections on 2023 Jan 02, 2024

As the final embers of 2023 glow softly behind us, we gather around the warmth of shared stories and revelations. This episode is a mosaic of triumphs, trials, and the heartfelt thanks we owe to the souls that touched our lives. We recount the victories, be it the thrill of the Super Bowl, the resilience in the face of illness, or the medical marvels that reshaped destinies. Our narrative invites you to sift through your own year's tapestry, to find the threads of experiences that will weave into your future.
Join us on this voyage of reflection and anticipation, as we turn the page to a new chapter together.

How To Find Your Happy in the Holiday Hustle Dec 19, 2023

The holiday season is rife with images of perfection, but the reality seldom matches the dream. In this episode, we recognize the pitfalls of chasing a perfect holiday and offer tips for setting realistic expectations - focusing on what truly matters: connection, love, and the spirit of the season. The art of enjoying the holidays isn't found in flawlessness but in embracing each moment as it comes, complete with its imperfections.
So come, join us in our quest for a merrier, stress-free holiday season filled with love, hope, forgiveness, and grace.
Show Notes:
12 Steps to Avoid Disappointment this Holiday Season by Joshua Becker
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/avoid-christmas-disappointment/

Embrace Your Holiday Season: Strategies for Managing Parties, People & Pain Dec 12, 2023

Have you ever wished that you could wave a magic wand, and transform the holiday season from a stress-filled puzzle into a period of genuine joy and peace?
Let’s dive into that wish together. This episode is your guide to reclaiming the holiday season by navigating and managing its three primary sources of stress: parties, people, and pain.
For more information:
https://www.marketsatshrewsbury.com/blog/stress-free-holiday-entertaining
https://bringingkingdom.org/blog/holidays-flipping-the-script-on-stress-and-triggers-to-calm-and-peace
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/signs-of-holiday depression.html#:~:text=How%20do%20the%20holidays%20affect,such%20as%20dep ression%20or%20anxiety.

Lessons From a Mission Trip to India That We All Should Know Dec 05, 2023

Have you ever wondered what a mission trip across the globe might look like? Join us in an enlightening conversation where we welcome back our co-host, Denise, who takes us on her journey to India – from her struggles as a traveler to her observations about the country and its pressing issues. She paints a vivid picture of the living conditions there, highlighting the challenges of access to clean water, education, and healthcare. She also shares her inspiring interactions with the Sanjeev John Foundation, an organization committed to offering help to those who need it most in India.
Denise's trip wasn't just enlightening, it was a deeply personal journey that highlights the rewards and challenges of doing service work abroad. Give it a listen.

Unraveling Artificial Intelligence: The Impact and Potential of Chat GPT Nov 28, 2023

Imagine letting AI whip up your workout plans, find recipes using what's left in your pantry, or even craft bedtime stories for your little ones!
Join us as AI wizard and guest co-host Rachel Keller and Robin delve into these mind-blowing applications of chat GPT, and also discuss how starting with chat GPT doesn't have to be daunting. This episode will guide you on how to navigate this space with beginner-friendly tips and discuss the promising future of AI in tasks in both our professional and personal lives.
Let's learn, grow, and explore the breathtaking world of AI together.
Special Guest/Co-host Rachel Keller. To learn more from her, follow her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelschisler/

Is Travis Kelce Taylor Swift’s End Game? Nov 21, 2023

Nothing seems to fascinate us more than a good love story. And no love story has the world’s attention more than that of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
So what is it about this power couple that intrigues us so much? Why do we read and re-read every article about them and replay their reels more times than we’d like to admit?
Join us for this episode as Rachel returns to co-host with Robin to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. It turns out that there’s good evidence (and lots of fun banter) to explain our obsession with the Travis/Taylor romance and the joy it brings us.
Guest co-host: Rachel Keller

How To Make Christmas Shopping Easy and Enjoyable Nov 14, 2023

The holidays are meant to be a magical, peace-filled time for families to reflect on the birth of Jesus, our many blessings, and precious moments spent with family and friends. So, what is it about Christmas that takes those well-intended precepts and turns them into a shopping frenzy, stress-filled expectations, and exhaustion?
We’re here to help with that. Today’s episode offers some tried and true alternatives to hectic holidays.
What to buy for new parents? We got you covered. What would tweens, teens, and in-betweens appreciate? We made a list and we’ve checked it twice. What would bring joy to our senior relatives? Nothing they must fill, dust, or water. Please join us as we offer tips for making your holidays blessed and blissful.
We would love it if you made our holidays bright by leaving a review. We would also love to see your Christmas not-shopping list.
Show notes:
To read the article we discuss about what moms need, go to:
https://monicaswanson.com/what-a-mom-needs-most-from-her-family-25-things/
Playdough recipe:
1c flour
1/2c salt
2 tsp crème of tartar
1 c water
1 tbsp cooking oil
food coloring of your choice
Mix dry ingredients, Stir in water, coloring, oil. Mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until dough loses shine and rolls around spoon in one lump. Remove from heat, turn out, knead until smooth and free from lumps. When cool, store in a plastic container. (“This recipe must be good; some of the children eat it like candy!”)
Reverse Advent calendar: https://passionatepennypincher.com/reverse-advent-calendar/
Bird wreath feeder:
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/backyard-projects/diy-bird-feeder/diy-bird-feeder-wreath/

Did The Barbie Movie Rant Get It Right With Special Guest Kate Randolph Nov 07, 2023

This summer’s surprise blockbuster, the Barbie Movie, included a rant that
has touched a nerve with women of all ages. Some say, “I’ve never felt so heard.” Others remark, “It’s about dang time.”
The rant speaks to the significant emphasis on body image. Do women still
struggle with expectations to have a perfect 36-24-36 figure even though those
measurements are based on a doll? It also mentions the business world, saying be a boss but don’t be bossy; know your worth but don’t ask for money; be successful but not too determined, confident, or threatening.
So, how does a woman succeed in business without being criticized for leadership skills that are commendable in men but discouraged in women?
And as the holidays approach, many women will be adding baking, decorating, party planning, gift buying, entertaining, and exhaustion to their already over-booked, challenging, stress-filled lives as wives, mothers, and co-workers.
We’re here today to talk about all of this and more as Robin and Special Guest Kate Randolph weigh in on womanhood in 2023.
Special Guest:
Kate Randolph is 46, a wife, mother of two teenage boys, dog mom, fitness
enthusiast, nurse, and the Regional Director of Patient Safety and Quality for a
national healthcare organization. She is also Denise's amazing daughter.
Show Notes:
To watch the Barbie Movie monologue we discuss, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsY9c9WodcE.

Why is "Gray Divorce" On The Rise And Is Your Marriage At Risk? Oct 31, 2023

Marriage is hard.
But what is it about the second or third chapter of life that increases the risk of marital discord and divorce? It's a question worth asking since "gray divorce" is escalating at surprising rates with the aging of baby boomers. Currently, more than 1 in 3 people who divorce in the US are older than 50, and the divorce rate for those 65+ continues to increase exponentially, while others in younger age groups are divorcing at a lesser rate.
Are there signs that indicate a relationship is in critical condition? Are there ways to improve a long-term relationship? And is there hope for a brighter tomorrow?
Join us for this important episode as we discuss these questions and more with MSW Kim Oliver,
Special Guest: Kim Oliver.
Kim has a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri. For the past 20-plus years, Kim has been in private practice in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to her counseling practice, Kim is also a certified life coach. Today, we are excited to have Kim with us to discuss marriage in the second chapter of life. Her intensive couples approach grounded in the Gottman Method is successful in improving communication between couples and provides many tools to support and strengthen marriages.

Show Notes:

The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy – by John Gottman PhD (Author), Julie Schwartz Gottman PhD (Author)

Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

by John M. Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Rachel Carlton Abrams

The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide To Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, And Friendships by John M Gottman and Joan Declaire

How Setting Healthy Boundaries With Family Can Transform Your Holidays With Lauren Eisleben Oct 24, 2023

Yes, Jesus told us to love one another, but he never met Uncle Harold!
What is it about the holidays and families that often result in angst and conflict? One day a year, maybe two, families gather to celebrate with folks who may seem more like strangers than relatives. Add a dash of politics, religion, and a few alcoholic beverages, and you may have a real hootenanny on your hands.

Just in time for the holiday season, Lauren Eisleban, a frequent guest and favorite therapist, joins us to discuss the fine art of boundary setting with family members. What is a boundary and is there a right or wrong way to approach the subject? What is it about setting boundaries with families that is so conflictual? Are there different types of boundaries?
Join us for this episode and maybe even send it to Uncle Harold too.
Special Guest:
Lauren Eisleben is a LPC in Columbia, MO where she counsels individuals, couples, families, and groups. Lauren is also a wife and mom and knows that life is hard - which is why she wants her clients to know they are not alone. We love it when she shares her wisdom and care for others on the podcast.

Show Notes:
Boundary Books by Henry Cloud and John Townsend:

Boundaries

Boundaries in Dating

Boundaries in Marriage

Boundaries with Kids

Boundaries with Teens

Boundaries Bible study workbook

Boundaries in the Workplace

Ten Ways to Set Boundaries With Difficult Family Members https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/set-boundaries-for-difficult-family-members/

Making Difficult Family Decisions: Protecting the Most Vulnerable Oct 17, 2023

Families come in all shapes and sizes. None of them are perfect, but some are faced with more challenges than others.
This week we are discussing Grandfamilies, the families with the grandparents parenting their grandchildren. The statistics on Grandfamilies are thought-provoking:

2.3M grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren via “kinship care”
Approximately 1M grandparents raising grandchildren are 60 years of age or older, with the average age being 67
One-third of grandchildren living with grandparents via kinship care are younger than 6 years old

These numbers tell us that Grandfamilies live in your neighborhood and ours. These families are everywhere when we open our eyes to see them. But what do these families need and where can they go to find resources? And how can we support them?
Join us for this inspiring episode as we unpack all of this and more with Leslie Navarro, the proud grandparent of Isaac, age 15, and Isaih, age 13. Leslie's story will open. your eyes to the struggles that these families face and leave you inspired by her resiliency.
Show Notes:
Interactive map to find resources in your state and county::
https://www.grandfamilies.org/State-Fact-Sheets
When Grandparents Are Called To Parent – Again. AARP.org/bulletin
March, 2023: Generations United: Offers a variety of information and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren.
Grandfamilies.org: Provides legal resources and policy information for grandparents raising grandchildren.
AARP Grandfamilies Guide: Offers a comprehensive guide related to seeking services.
Includes information about how grandparents can obtain assistance from a variety of
professionals and organizations. The website also offers a searchable listing of support
groups.
AARP Grandfamily Resources List of public and private resources for grandparents raising grandchildren. Topics include education, childcare and children’s special needs, family challenges, finances, health, housing and safety, legal, support, and work.
For information and community for grandparents, go to: www.raisingyourgrandchildren.com

How To Be Yourself And Love Your Adult Children At The Same Time Oct 10, 2023

We raise our kids praying they become independent thinkers ready to stand confident on their own two feet. But sometimes that answered prayer comes with struggles we don't see coming.
Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around your adult children? Or have you ever wished your relationship with them would be one of joy and mutual respect? Instead, it seems like you can never say the right thing, or you say too much or too little. You find yourself lying awake at night wondering how to make things better.
Join us as we tackle the difficult topic of parents and their adult children with special guest Bonnie Lyman. Bonnie is a Life Coach, mother of 5 adult children, and a podcaster and blogger. Her mission in life is to offer tools to as many mothers as possible to remove the pain in their relationship with an adult child.
The article we discuss: 3 Steps to Being Yourself in Your Relationship With Your Adult Children
To learn more about Bonnie and her resources, go to www.Bonnielyman.com

How To Make Room For Her: Wisdom On The Mother-Daughter-In-Law Relationship with Author Stacy Reaoch Oct 03, 2023

Some of us have difficulty being in the same room with our in-laws, let alone embarking on a big project. But that's just what Stacy Reaoch and her mother-in-law, Barbara Reaoch did. Together, they authored the book entitled, Make Room for Her – Biblical Wisdom for a Healthier Relationship with Your Mother-in-law or Daughter-in-law.
The topic is one of the most frequently requested episodes from listeners. Our discussion with Stacy will offer insight into the delicate balance of this relationship and provide recommendations for navigating this often-tumultuous familial bond. With the Bible as your guidepost and the pearls of wisdom Stacy and her mother-in-law share in their book, take heart: a healthier relationship with your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law is closer than you think!
Special Guest:
Stacy Reaoch: Stacy is a pastor's wife, momma of four kids ranging from 10 to 20, writer, and speaker. Her aim in writing is to point others to Christ through the beauty of words, application of the Bible, and the lessons she's learning in her own life. She is well-published in the areas of Christian living, ministry, motherhood, suffering, marriage, singleness, and hospitality.
Make Room for Her – Biblical Wisdom for a Healthier Relationship with Your Mother-in-law or Daughter-in-law. B& H Books (February 8, 2022).
You can follow Stacy on Instagram @stacyreaoch and find more of her writing on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sreaoch/ or @www.stacyreaoch.com

How To Become Your Highest Self With Tiffany Borst, LPC, RYT 500 Sep 26, 2023

Anxiety and self-doubt are so often the roadblocks standing between the life we want and the life we have.
Tiffany Borst has been a psychotherapist for over 25 years and has dedicated her entire career to helping people overcome these hurdles. Meanwhile, she continued to battle them herself - which led her to discover the power of yoga and meditation in combination with talk therapy.
Today, Tiffany is the author of Becoming Your Highest Self: A Guided Journal. This book encapsulates all that she's learned about how to use these three disciplines in tandem to help her clients and herself find the alignment with our highest self that we all desire.
Tiffany is smart and winsome and selfless in this interview, as she helps us overcome our limiting beliefs to find the peace and joy we long for.
Special Guest: Tiffany Borst, MA, LPC, RYT 500
Tiffany Borst is a psychotherapist, yoga instructor and meditation coach, helping people overcome anxiety, build their self-worth and create a life they love through mindful movement, meditation and self-study. She has been in private practice for more than 25 years and recently published her first book. She and her family live in Columbia, MO.
To learn more about Tiffany, her practice, resources and to order her book, go to:
https://tifborstyoga.com/
For Tiffany's guided butterfly meditation on Insight Timer, go to:
https://insighttimer.com/tifborst/guided-meditations/butterfly-meditation-for-overcoming-self-doubt

How To Have The Perfect Wedding & Celebrating Season Four With Rachel Keller Sep 19, 2023

We've spent the last three years on this podcast discussing all the ways that perfection isn't possible. But then there's that one day that is perfect - the day when everything goes just as planned and it's just the way you've always dreamed it would be.
As we welcome Rachel back to the show for this special episode, she tells us all about how her recent wedding day was pure perfection. From the planning to the unique touches, and everything in between, Rachel offers great advice that will be helpful for anyone planning a wedding.
We also take a walk back in time and discuss our original goals for the podcast, how we know if we've been successful, and what listeners can expect moving forward!
Thanks for a GREAT four years, friends. We've learned a lot and we hope you have too.
To see pictures from Rachel's wedding day, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/rachel.schisler.14

Are You a Stone Thrower or a Stone Catcher? Sep 12, 2023

We all have choices about how we think and interact with those around us. In John 8, Jesus shows us how he responds to an adulterous woman who is brought before him by the religious leaders of the day. He says to them in verse 7, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Notice Jesus didn't judge her- although being holy and righteous, he surely could have. Jesus didn't gossip about her. He didn't belittle her. He didn't shame her, or punish her.
He didn't throw stones. Instead, he caught the stones that the Pharisees wanted to hurl at her and traded them for grace.
Join us this week as we unpack this passage and ask ourselves if we are stone catchers and/or a stone throwers. Inspired by Equal Justice Initiative Founder and Author of Just Mercy Bryan Stevenson, this podcast will be both informative and challenging.
Show Notes
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
To hear the podcast mentioned in this episode:
https://katebowler.com/podcast/bryan-stevenson-love-mercy/

How To Handle Unexpected Change Sep 05, 2023

“Change, of any sort, requires courage.” -Mary Anne Radmacher
Today, we’re going to be discussing change. When faced with change, how do we respond? What gets us through the transition? Who or what can we turn to when change is unexpected and unwelcome?
What about changes for the good? Even those can be difficult to navigate.
During this episode, Robin discusses a few changes she recently experienced. With wit and wisdom, she is also sharing some pearls of wisdom for those who may find themselves in unexpected change.
(As always, I am so proud of her willingness to be vulnerable and transparent. DB)
Show Notes
How To Cope With Job Loss
https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/job-loss-creating-a-new-future/how-to-cope-with-job-loss
To learn more about Denise's upcoming mission trip to India:
https://authenticlifechurch.com/india-mission-trip
To donate to Denise's mission trip, go to: https://authenticlife.breezechms.com/form/India2023
Join Denise for a fundraising dinner at Sukoon at 2700 W Bowles Ave, Suite B, Littleton, CO on Sunday evening, Sept 10.

For more wisdom from Denise, go to her blog, Word To Live By, at https://denisebickel.com/
Episode edited by Jordan Overkamp

Understanding The Suicide Threat Facing Our Youth With Special Guest Lena McCain Aug 29, 2023

As our What to Know Before They Go: Back To School series comes to an end, there's one more tough subject we have to tackle - teen suicide.
It's hard to imagine that a back-to-school series focused on how to support the teens in our lives has to include this topic. But the reality is clear. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20 percent of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9 percent have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Let that sink in. Two of every ten high schoolers have serious thoughts of suicide and nearly 1 in 10 have tried to complete it.
Join us today as we tackle this difficult but necessary conversation that every parent, educator, and family member needs to hear.
Special Guest: Lena McCain
Lena McCain is our Founder of Interfaith Bridge Counseling, where she now serves as Clinical Director. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University.

Lena’s drive and passions lie in person-centered, liberation-based mental health, which she has spent the last 12 years studying with an emphasis on one’s exploration of personal growth, community healing, and multicultural values. Lena’s expertise in these areas and the therapeutic field reminds our community, teens, and young adults that you are not alone in their experience of life.

Show notes:
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Get-
Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids/What-to-Look-For-
and-When-to-Act.
5 Healing Tips for YOUth – Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtQ2tcUiVPU.
Lena’s website: Interfaithbridge.

How To Help Your Students Manage Anxiety and Depression With Special Guest Khara Croswaite Brindle Aug 22, 2023

On this week’s episode of What To Know Before They Go, the Back To School series, we
will be discussing the sensitive topics of adolescent and teen anxiety, depression,
perfectionism, and other mental health issues.
With school starting, we are hoping these discussions will assist parents, physicians, counselors, coaches, and communities in addressing the mental health needs of our teens and adolescents.
Do boys and girls experience mental health issues differently? How does social media
contribute to their mental health concerns? Are extracurricular activities contributing to perfectionism and stress?
Please join us as we address these issues and more.
Special Guest: Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT-I
Khara is the owner of Croswaite Counseling, PLLC and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Financial Therapist-Level I who loves helping adult clients uncover hope in the face of stress and change, instead finding fulfillment and work-life balance. Khara enjoys working with young adults (18-25) and adults (25-55) experiencing anxiety, workaholism, perfectionism, self-esteem challenges, graduate school distress, and life transitions. Khara’s greatest joy is engaging driven entrepreneurs and perfectionists to move from workaholic to well-balanced with streamlined strategies in her Masterclass, workbook, and Amazon #1 Best Seller Perfectioneur, available in English and Spanish.
To access Khara's resources she refers to in the show or to contact her directly, go to:
https://croswaitecounselingpllc.com/
Show Notes/Additional Resources:
www.npr.org: Teens say social media is stressing them out. Here’s how to help them; May 17, 2023
www.npr.org: Want to understand your adolescent? Get to know their brain; May 23, 2023
www.wbur.org: The ‘manning up of boys begins in the cradle.’ But what boys really need is emotional support from their dads; June 15, 2023
Apps:
notOkay
Calm Harm
Clear Fear

Teenage Wisdom: What 3 Students Say About Education, Community and What They Need to Succeed Aug 15, 2023

Have you ever wondered what teenagers are thinking?
On this week’s episode of What To Know Before They Go – the Back To School series, we have the pleasure of interviewing three impressive students and hearing their suggestions for enhancing their educational experience. Their recommendations are for parents, teachers, and counselors who interact with students. In addition, they offer their responsibilities for being successful this school year.
They are the “real deal” and we are so grateful for their insight. We hope their transparency will help lend insight into the lives of the teenagers in your life and encourage you as you walk alongside them.
Special Guests:
Collin, High School Freshman
Kyra, High School Senior
Hudson, College Freshman

How To Help The Teens In Your Life Have a Healthy Relationship With Food and Their Body With Special Guest Lauren Eisleben Aug 08, 2023

As the beginning of another school year quickly approaches, our latest series, What To Know Before They Go: How To Support Our Youth will address issues related to academics, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and suicide - issues that plague an alarming number of teenagers. Each week we will interview experts in these areas to gain insight into these issues and to learn how to best support the struggling teens in our lives.
The statistics on disordered eating and eating disorders for adolescents are staggering;
The typical age at onset for 75% of this population is between 11 and 20 years of age.
Those who have been diagnosed with anorexia have a 10 times greater risk of dying compared to peers.
This is an epidemic that affects individuals, families, schools, and communities.
Please join us as we speak with Lauren Eisleben, LPC, a frequent guest on the podcast, to discuss these important issues and ways in which parents, teachers, counselors, and
communities can support individuals experiencing disordered eating.
Listeners, on this week’s episode of we will be discussing the sensitive and emotional topic of adolescent and teen eating disorders. The conversation may be triggering for those who have lost a loved one to anorexia or for those experiencing disordered eating. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Please call 988 for 24/7 support.
Special Guest: Lauren Eisleben:
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication and has worked as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism for eight years. In December 2019, she graduated with a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephens College and specialized in emotion focused therapy (EFT).

What's Wrong With Kids These Days & How Can We Help Them With Special Guest Nawassa Logan Aug 01, 2023

As the beginning of another school year quickly approaches, our latest series, What To Know Before They Go: How To Support Our Youth will address issues related to academics, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and suicide - issues that plague an alarming number of teenagers. Each week we will interview experts in these areas to gain insight about these issues and to learn how to best support the struggling teens in our lives.

This week, we kick off the series with Special Guest Nawassa Logan, a counselor in the Columbia (MO) Public School District. As the 2022-2023 school year ended, Nawassa wrote a social media post about entitlement, the lack of accountability, and other problems plaguing public education. Join us as she unpacks these issues and offers insights into how we can all work to improve the situation.
Special Guest: Nawassa Logan, LPC
Nawassa is the mother of three adult children with 23 years of experience as a school counselor.

What Brings Joy in Your Life? Jul 25, 2023

Finding joy in the midst of sadness, depression, grief, or just the everyday trials and tribulations of life can be hard. Remembering what delights you, brings a smile, or lifts your spirits can be difficult when life gets in the way.
This week we are reflecting on a few of our favorite things, because sometimes, when we want more joy in our life, we have to dig deep and rekindle our love for things that bring us joy. Movies and books that we love. Bible verses that feed our soul. Scents that remind us of beautiful people and places.

Join us for this light-hearted conversation and then check out the attached questions in the show notes to make it easy for you to spend a little time reflecting on your favorite things, too!

EnJOY!
Show Notes:
Robin's Favorite Books:
The Bible and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Denise's Favorite Books:
Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
Man' s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams
The Bible

To Help you Find a Few of YOUR Favorite Things
I've always wanted to learn how to:
I'd love to travel to:
If I won the lottery I would buy:
When I was younger, I love to:
Favorite Disney movie:
Favorite flower:
I am the world's best:
A perfect day would include:
My favorite smell:
Favorite food:
Favorite musician/song:

6 Things We Wish Someone Would Have Told Us About Aging Jul 18, 2023

A wise friend once said that getting older isn't for sissies. Boy, was she right!
Our culture tells us to do everything we can to slow down or diminish the process of aging. In the process, there are often conversations that go unsaid and emotions that go unprocessed.
We pride ourselves on educating our daughters about womanhood and supporting young mothers. But who is educating and supporting women beyond those phases of life? Who is saying the hard things and explaining to women why we feel different and how sometimes our bodies are defying us?
Join us for this episode as we start the conversation with an enlightening discussion about six things we wish we had known about aging.

How To Overcome Burnout With Special Guest Jamie Hoos Jul 11, 2023

Jamie Hoos appeared to be a superwoman to the world. She dedicated herself to raising her five children with her husband, leading the women's ministry at her church, and managing a side job. Additionally, she had her own teaching ministry.
But inwardly, Jamie had never felt weaker. Battling an undiagnosed autoimmune disease and the normal aging process, Jamie began to find her life overwhelming. Physically she was exhausted. Emotionally, she was drained.
Jamie was burnout.
Join us for a heartfelt episode featuring Jamie Hoos, where she shares her clinical understanding of burnout, how it manifested in her life, and how her faith played a crucial role in her path toward hope and healing.
SPECIAL GUEST: JAMIE HOOS
JAMIE IS A MINISTRY LEADER PASSIONATE ABOUT THE WORK OF CHRIST IN THE LOCAL CHURCH. SHE HAS TAUGHT THE BIBLE FOR OVER A DECADE AND RECENTLY BEGAN DABBLING IN BOTH BLOGGING AND WRITING HER OWN CURRICULUM FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES. OUT OF THE OVERFLOW OF GOD’S WORK IN HER LIFE, JAMIE CHALLENGES WOMEN TO PLACE THEIR HOPE IN GOD AS HE PURPOSES TO USE THEM IN THE LIVES OF THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY. SHE HOLDS A BA IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AND A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY FROM THE NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. SHE LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND, ANDY, AND THEIR FIVE CHILDREN IN CENTRAL MISSOURI.
To learn more about Jamie, go to www.jamiehoos.com or follow Jamie at Jamie Hoos Teaching Ministries on Facebook.

July 4th Is About More Than Just Freedom Jul 04, 2023

It's been a big week for birthdays. First, Denise had one now so does America.
Ever wonder why we celebrate the birth of our country with fireworks? Or ever consider where all the fireworks are made? Or how they are made?
Join us for this episode full of surprising facts about the Fourth of July holiday - created to help you enjoy this time of reflection, refreshment, and relaxation.
Show Notes:
Want to make the cauliflower potato salad Denise raves about:
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/cauliflower-potato-salad/
For more Fourth of July facts:
https://wallethub.com/blog/4th-of-july-facts/22075
For more from Denise, go to her blog Words To Live By at:
https://denisebickel.com/
To follow Robin on her training to ride in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride, follow her on Facebook or donate at https://www.facebook.com/donate/231626943093960/1039910454086072/

How to Overcome The Suffering of Divorce With Author Brandi Wilson Jun 27, 2023

No one gets married planning for it to fail, especially when you marry a pastor. But that's precisely what happened to Brandi Wilson after 20 years of marriage, two church plants, and three sons.
Brandi Wilson’s new book, Better Than Okay: Finding Hope and Healing After Your Marriage Ends ( released by Bethany House on July 11, 2023), recounts how she confronted grief and heartache head-on and learned how to rise from the pain.
On this episode, we sit down with Brandi and discuss the grief and suffering of a marriage ended, dreams lost, and a future unknown. Now six years after her husband left their church and marriage, Brandi shares how God helped her overcome her sorrow to emerge Better Than Okay.
Whether you're reeling from divorce or know someone who is, or are simply struggling to survive a season of suffering, Brandi will help you find hope for the future and guide you toward God's healing redemption.
Special Guest:Brandi Wilson
Brandi is an author, coach, and speaker who has been in leadership for more than a decade at Leading and Loving It, a non-profit created to empower women to love life and ministry. Brandi has helped plant two churches and is passionate about walking alongside single moms and divorced women as they navigate parenting and life. Brandi lives with her three sons in Nashville, TN. For more, go lovebrandiwilson.com.
To learn more about Brandi's leadership conference: https://leadingandlovingit.com/

How Minimalism Can Simplify Your Life and Reduce Your Stress Jun 20, 2023

Less is more. Or is it?
Americans are seemingly convinced that our stuff makes us happy so we’re constantly working to accumulate more of it. Then before we know it, our stuff controls our life and we’re struggling to find a way to pay for it and the time to maintain it.
What if there’s another, better way? A way where we buy and keep only what we need; a way that our accumulation of stuff reflects our true values.
Join us for this episode as we define minimalism, discuss its benefits and offer some easy ways to start living a life where less really is more.
SHOW NOTES:
How To Have More Time and Money by Joshua Becker, Becoming Minimalist
Would You Rather Have More Time or More Money? By Ashley Williams, PhD,
Psychology Today, Aug 23, 2018
Guide to Achieving Financial Minimalism: 12 Ways by Rebecca Lake, SoFi Learn, September 16, 2022
How To Find Peace In Your Financial Future With Kimberly Earnest:
buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/12151105

How To Help Christians With Our Mental Health With Special Guest LPC Lauren Eisleben Jun 13, 2023

Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble.” Yet many of us feel like we should be strong enough to face these troubles without the help of others, specifically counselors.
For others, we may have counseled with a pastor or confided in a friend. Still others have found a counselor only to have had a negative experience.
Join us for this episode as we unpack all of this with LPC Lauren Eisleben- a Christian and a counselor who is willing to discuss these tough subjects.

The One Surprising Thing That Will Help You Live Longer Jun 06, 2023

What if we told you that you could extend your life by doing this one thing and it didn’t have anything to do with what you ate or how much you exercised?
Join us for this episode and we will do just that- as we unpack the benefits of… reading!
AND we want your input as we launch our inaugural book club! Please email us with any suggestions on how you’d most enjoy being a part of this book club designed to connect us to the gifts of the written word and each other.
Email us at: theproblemwithperfect@gmail.com
Show notes:
A Neurologist’s Secret Weapon for Keeping Your Memory Sharp As You Age: Novels, Inc.com 5/3/2023
People Who Read Live Longer Than Those Who Don’t – Big Think, 8/9/2016

The Simple Truth Behind Reading 200 Books a Year

By Charles Chu • 01/26/17

How to Find The Success You've Been Searching For With Special Guest TED Talk Author Daniel Burke-Aguero May 30, 2023

Daniel Burke-Aguero has made a living helping people succeed. As a seasoned sales veteran and coach, Daniel began to consider why accomplishment alone doesn't always make people happy. He began asking questions about what true success looks like, and how can he help people find it.
On this week's episode, Daniel shares these insights and in doing so, gives us a deeper look into his brand new TED Talk. Not only does he share what he thinks is the true secret to success, but he also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how a TED Talk comes to life.
This episode will leave you inspired and asking yourself the deeper questions about how you define success.
Special Guest: Daniel Burke-Aguero is an Elite Certified
Professional Sales and Leadership Coach and Team Leader with
Southwestern Consulting. He also recently recorded a TED Talk on how connection is often the missing piece of the success formula. He is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri and lives in Columbia, Missouri, with his wife, Alicia, and their two kids, Jonah and Josie, and their two dogs.

To watch Daniel's TEDx Talk: Connect Your Purpose to Your Present, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lb-BKOjaZXA&fbclid=IwAR31UZEJKGebMNxsHX0LKVgXIjQdZGjm8fsjF06YbOfcBQJSmwOFVAc7Sn8.
Connect with Daniel on Linked In at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-burke-aguero-700aa396/.

How Acupuncture Helps With Pain, Anxiety and So Much More With Special Guest Cheryl Weatherby May 23, 2023

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective therapy for everything from chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome to infertility and anxiety. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, it's been studied for at least 50 health problems. It is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is growing in popularity as Americans search for alternative treatments to complement Western medicine.
But how does it work? Who can benefit from it? And what is the science behind it?
Join us for this "pointed" episode as we learn the ins and outs of acupuncture from our guest, certified practitioner Cheryl Weatherby. Her knowledge, expertise, and commitment to treating the whole patient and the whole family might be just what you were looking for - even if you didn't know it.
"This podcast material is for informational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard or read today."
Special Guest: Cheryl Weatherby
Cheryl Weatherby is a licensed acupuncturist and certified craniosacral therapist practicing in Columbia and Harrisburg, Missouri. She studied classical midwifery with The Russian Birth Project in St. Petersburg and is a graduate of The Hypnotherapy Academy of America specializing in regression and neuro-linguistic programming. In her DIYMindBody seminars, Cheryl teaches holistic medicine self-care with topics like Food as Medicine, Therapeutic Writing, Lymphatic Drainage, and Natural Fertility.
To learn more about Cheryl, go to:
https://www.cherylweatherby.com/
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Follow Robin at Robin May Ministries on Facebook.

How Introspection Can Help You Reach Your Goals May 16, 2023

It's hard to know where you're going if you don't know where you're at.
In a world where we rush from thing to thing, introspection doesn't come naturally. Yet if we don't periodically pause and examine our conscious thoughts and feelings, how do we know what has meaning and satisfies our soul?
Join us for this episode as we discuss the value of introspection and offer suggestions on how to begin. Whether we are looking to strengthen our emotional or spiritual health (or both), this episode will offer the guidance we all need, even if we don't know it.
Show Notes:
“Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by Dr. David Burns

“Loving What Is” by Byron Katie

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction -https://palousemindfulness.com

The Crossing Church Sermon from 3/12/2023 by Keith Simon: https://thecrossingchurch.com/Resources/Watch/Sermon%20Archives/Jonah/a-modern-revival

Honoring Motherhood: Stories of Inspiration May 09, 2023

As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded of the many female role models who have shared their unconditional love, wisdom, and support. Our guests today recall their mothers and the pearls of wisdom and mom-isms they bestowed. They will also be offering sage advice to other moms and mothers-to-be.
We honor and bless all the mothers, wherever they may be. If you miss your mom, please know we are sending you extra prayers and love.
To all the women in our lives who have modeled faith, friendship, and devotion, Happy Mother’s Day!
Special Guests:
Kelly Ingraham, Denver, Colorado
Kelly grew up being empowered to dream big and being told that she could become whatever she wanted to be. Now a firefighter, Kelly reflects on the encouragement that her mom gave her that helped her reach her dreams and explains why her mom is the coolest person she knows.
Vicki Chlanda, St. Louis, Missouri
There are now 19 million single-mother households in the U.S., but Vicki Chlanda's story of being a single parent is like no other. Vicki's oldest was 4 and her second 2 when her quadruplets were born - and no day has been "normal" ever since. With a strong faith and quiet confidence, Vicki will leave you inspired and amazed.
Michelle Motley, Rocheport, Missouri
Michelle Motley had a successful career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture but now enjoys a new challenge - grandmothering. With two grandchildren under the age of two, Michelle spends two days a week caring for the babies. Inspired by the example of her own mother, Michelle offers insight and wisdom that can benefit us all.
Recipes from our moms

Michelle:

Jewish Apple Cake

2c sugar

3c flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Add to the above

1c Wesson oil

4 eggs

1/2c orange juice

2 tsp vanilla

Beat well and add 1c chopped nuts

Filling:

2c sliced apples

1/2c sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Pour ½ batter in a greased bundt pan, place ½ of apples over top and sprinkle ½ of sugar and cinnamon over apples. Pour the remaining batter over this and add the balance of apples on top. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 1hr and 45 mins.

This cake is typically made for Rosh Hashanah because it is dietarily acceptable due to no meat or dairy.

Denise:

A recipe my mom wrote in my Betty Crocker cookbook 50 years ago – still true today:

“My Dear Denise, to be a good cook, follow your recipe, then add a good measure of care and love.”

Kelly:

Banana Sour Cream Bread

Note from Mama: This is half of the original recipe that called for 4 loaves. I add 2 eggs. I don’t do the 1st step of coating the pans with cinnamon and sugar. I don't measure chocolate chips. I use 1 to 2 handfuls depending on how many I want in the bread.

Yield: 2 loaves

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter

1-1/2 cups white sugar

1-1/2 eggs (See Comments)

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

8 oz container sourcream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Chocolate chips

2/3 cup and 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease two 7x3 inch loaf pans. In a small bowl, stir together 2 TBS white sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Dust pans lightly with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

In a large bowl, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Mix in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix in salt, baking soda, and flour. Stir in chocolate or nuts. Divide into prepared pans.

Bake for 1 hour, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

How to Become More Positive and Confident By Asking One Question May 02, 2023

Our minds are constantly filling in the gaps. Did you know that our brain processes what it knows and constructs realities to complete the unknowns? These realities and the perceived threat accompanying them help us decide our disposition to the situation.
For example, your boss sends an email asking for a face-to-face meeting about your recent performance. How do you feel about the meeting? Nervous? Excited? Curious? Worried?
Another way of thinking about this is, "Where are you?" Are you above the line? Or below the line about the meeting?
In this episode, we discuss the concept of above-the-line thinking, explaining what it is and how we might all benefit from knowing our location in relation to the line. It's a simple yet compelling question that could be a helpful tool in becoming more open to situations around us - allowing us to become more positive people.
Show Notes:
For more information, watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqzYDZAqCI
To read Denise's blog she mentions: https://denisebickel.com/i-did-a-thing/
Loving What Is: Four Questions that Can Change Your Life By Byron Katie
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

When Is The Right Time for Palliative Or Hospice Services? Apr 25, 2023

When we started planning for Season 5 of The Problem With Perfect, we identified topics we wanted to explore in depth- topics that were too big and too important not to give them the airtime they deserve.
Thats why we dedicated the month of April to the critical end of life issues we all face at some point in our lives, either personally or on behalf of a loved one.
Welcome to the fourth episode of this series we are calling What To Know Before You Go.. This week, our guest is Dr. Jaymi Meyers, a palliative care specialist and hospice medical director. Jaymi comes to us from the beautiful state of South Carolina, and is known as “the smart one” in Denise’s family.
Special Guest:
Dr. Jaymi Meyers, MD is a family medicine specialist in Seneca, SC. Dr. Meyers studied at the University of Iowa and currently practices at Oconee Palliative Medicine and is affiliated with Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Show Notes:
For more information about palliative care and hospice: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: nhpco.org

For information about body donation programs by state - IEDS.online;

Anatomy Gifts.org; Sciencecare.com

How To Plan For When You (or Your Loved One) Can No Longer Live Alone Apr 18, 2023

As our Baby Boomers continue to age, many of us are faced with assisting them when they can no longer live alone. But eventually, we too will face these same difficult transitions and the decisions that prompt them.
To help with these moves, this episode is dedicated to understanding the options available when living alone at home is no longer safe or feasible. The third in our four-part series called What To Know Before You Go, this episode offers the expertise of Suzanne Long, owner of Faith Senior Services, which helps families transition their loved ones into the next place they can call home.
From housing options to payment structures, this episode is meant to help us all as we consider the difficult decisions we will eventually encounter for ourselves or our loved ones.
Special Guest:
Suzanne Long, Owner of Faith Senior Services. Suzanne and her team help families relocate their loved ones into facilities when they can no longer live alone.
https://www.faithseniorservices.com/

How To Leave a Legacy Apr 11, 2023

When was the last time you wrote a love letter to your family, telling them about the life lessons you've learned that you'd like to pass on? When was the last time you shared your values? Your memories? The things that you don't want your family to forget, even after you're gone?
Welcome to the second episode of our four-part series that we're calling What to Know Before You Go. In this episode, we shift gears from leaving the gift of advance directives for your families to the gift of ethical wills. These legacies allow us to impart words of wisdom and experience to those we love while sharing how we'd like to be remembered.
Join us as for an inspirational episode that helps us answer the important question, "What legacy am I leaving?"

Show Notes:
To listen to the song that inspired Robin to begin The Legacy Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1COE39ARs
Go to https://www.livingwisely.org/ for a resource kit on legacy writing

Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, 2nd Edition

Storyworth.com

Why You (and Your Family) Need an Advance Directive Apr 04, 2023

Death. It's the one thing we can count on and the one thing we'd like to avoid. So we try not to think about it, talk about it or plan for it.
As a result, difficult conversations go unspoken and last wishes go unknown - further complicating the emotional, stressful, and heartbreaking process of death.
In this inaugural series of the podcast, we're focusing on the critical issues we all face at some point in our lives, either personally or on behalf of a loved one. We're calling the series "What to Know Before You Go" in an effort to make a daunting subject more approachable. Each week in April, we will discuss topics designed to help us feel more comfortable and confident in facing the future.
This week, we lean into Denise's years of experience as an end-of-life social worker. In this episode, she shares everything we need to know about advance directives and the importance of not only documenting our medical preferences but also discussing them with family and healthcare professionals. It's an episode designed to empower us to do hard things and have tough conversations - knowing these are gifts we share with those we love. And it's an episode you don't want to miss.
Show Notes:
To print off a copy of an advance directive for completion:
https://missourilawyershelp.org/legal-topics/durable-power-of-attorney-for-health/

To access the Five Wishes form referenced, go to:
https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/

For resources on how to have caring conversations about the end of life:
https://www.practicalbioethics.org/featured-resources/caring-conversations/

To order the Go Wish cards Denise discussed in the episode, go to:
https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/

How Writing Helps Mental Health and Heals the Heart with Special Guest BJ Jewett Mar 28, 2023

So often we look at our lives as ordinary and uneventful. We don’t see ourselves as artistic, or talented, and we question if anyone would be interested in what we have to say.

Our guest, BJ Jewett, is a gifted author and photographer who put these doubts aside and shared her talents with the world. In 2017, BJ published Letter Trees, a beautifully photographed book encouraging readers to discover all the letter trees of the alphabet while on walks in nature. In 2022, BJ wrote another book, this one very personal and poignant. In You Don’t Fall Out of the Universe, BJ shares her family’s story of grief and loss after their son, Jesse, died of cancer.

This episode is for anyone who has ever contemplated writing their own story - whether it's to process their own feelings, leave a legacy for their family, or publish their thoughts or memories for the world's consumption. As storytellers ourselves, we appreciate BJ’s vulnerability and courage as she shares her insights into the process of writing from the heart. We hope you, too, will be encouraged and inspired to take a leap of faith and gift the world with your wisdom.

Special Guest:
BJ Jewitt is the author of two books, with a third on the way. A retired registered nurse, BJ has used photography and writing as creative outlets to help make sense of the death of her young adult son.
For more of her writing, go to https://www.bjjewett.com/

Or order You Don't Fall Out of the Universe on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=You+don%27t+fall+out+of+the+universe&crid=SEBDMQ10X60O&sprefix=you+don%27t+fall+out+of+the+universe%2Caps%2C179&ref=nb_sb_noss

Why New Beginnings Are Scientifically and Spiritually Beneficial Mar 21, 2023

This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Problem With Perfect. With Denise Bickel now a permanent co-host, we are excited to bring you Season 5 of the podcast and all that comes with the rebirth of something we love.
But the podcast isn't the only thing being renewed right now. It's officially Spring and everything is coming alive: the trees bud, flowers bloom, and green
grass appears under our feet. We anxiously await longer days, warmer weather,
and beautiful sunsets – gifts that are unearned but welcomed with open arms.
Spring is also a time of Lent for many. We spend the forty days before Easter anxiously awaiting Christ’s resurrection and promise of eternal salvation – the greatest of unearned but cherished gifts.
In this week’s episode, we share our thoughts on the wonders of Spring and dig into the connection between the scientific and spiritual benefits that the season brings with it. Not only do we marvel at the season’s gifts, but we also discuss new Spring rituals that will encourage and rejuvenate our souls and bodies.
Please join us as we Spring forward!
Show Notes:
For more information on these topics:
7 Rituals for Spring Renewal
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201303/7-rituals-spring-renewal
The Science of Wonder
https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-wonder/
How To Take An Awe Walk
https://www.mindful.org/how-to-take-an-awe-walk/

How Do You Know When It's Time To Say Goodbye? Mar 14, 2023

This week’s podcast is both a look back and a look ahead. As many of you know, Rachel has been on sabbatical for the past few months taking some time to prioritize her time and talents. How did someone so young get so wise? We could all use that kind of wisdom and forethought.
Join us as we catch up with Rachel to take a walk down memory lane and learn more about her plans for the future.

In addition, drum roll please, we are announcing our vision and direction for The Problem With Perfect going forward. There may even be a surprise announcement so please stay tuned to the end.

Why Do I Procrastinate And How Do I Stop? Mar 06, 2023

Do you find yourself putting things off until the last minute? Me too. I am not proud to admit it, but I am a chronic procrastinator.
But what's the harm, anyway? How bad can procrastination be? It turns out that procrastination is connected to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
So, if you're putting off doing your taxes, starting that project, or having a tough conversation, this episode will resonate with you. In it, Denise and I discuss the things people procrastinate the most and dig deep into the four main types of procrastinators. We'll also offer hope by giving specific suggestions to meet you where you're at and help you move toward a less anxious reality.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Show Notes:
The Real Reason You're Procrastinating
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/procrastination#:~:text=Procrastination%20is%20not%20laziness%3A%20it's,ADHD%2C%20or%20another%20underlying%20issue.
The 4 Main Types of Procrastinators and How to Not be One of Them
https://www.businessinsider.com/main-types-of-procrastinators-how-to-avoid-accountability-coaches#:~:text=They%20say%20that%20there%20are,overbooker%2C%20and%20the%20novelty%20seeker.

How Fred Parry’s Faith Can Impact Yours Feb 28, 2023

Fred Parry enjoys being a man-about-town. As such, a lot of people think they know him. I often beg to differ.
Fred was one of my first bosses. In a city filled with journalists, he gave me my “big break” and believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. His faith in me changed my life and faith in God changed his.
Join us for this episode as I pull back the curtain and get personal about Fred’s faith, battling his demons and how everyone can benefit from men having deeper, more accountable relationships.
And to get $25 off a ticket to the COMO Men’s Conference, go to www. COMOchristian.com and use ROBINMAY as discount code.
Special Guest: Fred Parry

Fred Parry is a Christian writer dedicated to helping men understand how a personal relationship with Christ can transform their lives while empowering them to develop more meaningful and fulfilling relationships with God, their families and other men. Parry is a former County Commissioner in Missouri and Publisher Emeritus for a group of magazines based in Columbia, Mo.

Parry is a native of Liberty, Mo., and a 1986 graduate of the University of Missouri. He began his career working for newspapers in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Penn. He is a former member of the advertising faculty at the Missouri School of Journalism. He worked as an advertising executive for the Gannett newspaper chain before he and his wife started their own publishing company in 1994.

Fred has now spent more than 30 years in the publishing industry. He is the founding publisher of more than 15 magazines. In addition to his publishing career, Fred spent nearly 8 years as a daily radio talk show host and three years doing weekly commentaries for a local CBS Television affiliate.

Parry has written and published five Christian men’s devotionals, Walking With James: Becoming The Man God Intends You To Be, Walking With Ephesians and Walking With Matthew (Illumify Global Media) Walking with Romans and Walking With Thessalonians (Carriage House Publishers).

Parry is the founder of the annual CoMo Christian Men’s Conference which has attracted the nation’s leading pastors (Tim Tebow, Matt Chandler, Craig Groeschel, Lee Strobel, Todd Wagner, Robert Lewis, etc) to Columbia, Mo. over the last nine years. He also leads a weekly Bible study for 30 businessmen on Friday mornings.

Fred has been married to his wife, Melody for 30 years. Together, they have two grown sons, Max and Nick.

Why Taking The Trip of a Lifetime Was Worth Every Dime Feb 21, 2023

If you had told me 29 years ago when Tom and I got married that we would get to attend the Super Bowl AND cheer our beloved Kansas City Chiefs to a victory, I would have thought that was the craziest thing I'd ever heard.
But guess what?
That's precisely what we did last week and it was an absolute dream come true!
Join us for this episode as Denise asks me all the questions about this once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. And be sure to listen to the end and find out what happened after we returned home that was even BETTER than the Super Bowl win.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

The Greatest Of These Is Love: Four Stories of Love, Laughter and Overcoming Adversity Feb 14, 2023

Songs tell us that love will keep us together.
First Corinthians tells us love is patient, love is kind.
Hallmark tells us Valentine’s Day is a holiday replete with beautiful flowers
and romantic verses.
But what do we really believe to be true about love? Not on the one day a year dedicated to love, but on the other 364? When there are financial struggles, illness, competing careers, and babies and children demanding our time and attention? Where’s the love then?
This week's episode is a Valentine from four extraordinary couples: newlyweds, married with children, empty nesters, and lifelong lovers. In this special edition, these couples share their insight into married life at various stages. Their honesty and transparency about the blessings and challenges they’ve experienced offer something for everyone committed to loving others well.
Their stories will make you laugh, reflect, and be inspired. Enjoy!
Special Thanks to our Guests:
Maddie & Kyle Wolf (01-30)
Edvina & Aaron Leboeuf (30-46:20)
Jessie & Rick Dederer (46:20-1:10:00)
Dick and Anne Hessler (1:10:00-1:38:59)
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

How Every Day Can Be Galentine's Day With Special Guests Kate Lunn and Jill Sartain Feb 07, 2023

Leslie Knope, a fictional character played by Amy Poehler, brought the idea of Galentine's Day to life in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation. In it, she described what February 13 is truly all about: “Ladies celebrating ladies."
In true Leslie Knope fashion, welcome to the Galentine's episode of The Problem With Perfect. In this episode, Kate Lunn and Jill Sartain, friends and co-owners of the online boutique Jillian Kate, inspire us with the secret to their long-lasting, life-changing friendship. They also share how they got the idea for their business, how they keep their priorities in check, and who they credit for making their business successful. This sweet conversation will inspire you, touch you and remind you why life is better when you do it with friends.
Special Guests:
Kate Lunn and Jill Sartain became friends when they were in high school. Tethered by a love for Jesus and one another, they launched Jillian Kate in 2020 right in the middle of the pandemic. Now nearly three years later, they've learned a lot about each other, their business and how to make it all come together.
To visit Jillian Kate, go to:
https://shopjilliankate.com/ and use the special code PERFECT when you check out to receive 30% off your entire purchase!
And if you just need a laugh, check out this Galentine's Day video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYv1zjBOMew

How To Find Peace With Your Financial Future Jan 31, 2023

The world tells us that we need to DO it all and HAVE it all to be enough. As a result, many of us struggle to chase success and the almighty dollar that comes with it. We marvel at our stuff and want others to do the same. Or we compare ourselves to others and wonder why we can't afford what everyone else has.
Financial stress can cause insomnia, prompt us to battle anxiety and feelings of shame and hopelessness, and cost us our most important relationships. Yet, we still find it difficult to discuss - oftentimes even to those closest to us.
Join us for this eye-opening and informative episode with Special Guest Kimberly Earnest as we address all this and more. A corporate financial wellness consultant and Financial Peace University instructor, Kimberly is devoted to helping people transform the way they think about money - and find freedom in the process.
Special Guest: Kimberly Earnest
Kimberly gets to live out what she feels like God put her on this earth to do both professionally and in volunteering opportunities- helping people become better versions of themselves by helping them be more intentional with their finances. She and her husband have led Financial Peace University classes for over a decade and she has been the Financial Wellness Specialist at Veterans United Home Loans in Columbia, MO for the last five years. In this role, she helps fellow employees with day-to-day money management and connects them to resources to meet their financial goals.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Special Guest Host:
Show Notes:
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel
For the Saturday Night Live clip referenced in the show:
https://youtu.be/R3ZJKN_5M44

How Loneliness Is Impacting Us All - Even If We Don't Know It Jan 24, 2023

Have you heard? Public health experts now define loneliness as an epidemic in our country.
But just what is an epidemic?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says epidemics can refer to a disease or other specific health-related behavior (smoking, for example) with rates clearly above the expected occurrence in a community or region. This is why in a country where the internet and cell phones connect nearly everyone, it's shocking to learn that 1 in 3 Americans is lonely.
What's more shocking is the toll loneliness is taking on our friends, family members, co-workers, the economy, and the healthcare system. Or maybe it's not shocking, because you are that one in three who has no one to share your life with.
Join us for this important episode as we unpack what loneliness really is, the reasons our country is plagued with it, and how we can all play a role in healing our nation.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Resources:
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler Podcast – 11/4/19 – Vivek Murthy: The Loneliness Epidemic

How to Deal with Loneliness: 5 Ways to Stop Feeling Lonely – www.cigna.com

https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2018/01/senior-phone-programs-fight-loneliness/

The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults - https://newsroom.cigna.com/loneliness-epidemic-persists-post-pandemic-look

Here’s What Happens When You Combine a Day Care and a Nursing Home https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-when-you-combine-day-care-and-nursing-home#The-rise-of-intergenerational-care
Loneliness in America: How the Pandemic Has Deepened an Epidemic of Loneliness and What We Can Do About It
https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america
God Is Not Enough; a sermon by Keith Simon from The Crossing Church, Columbia
https://thecrossingchurch.com/Resources/Watch/Sermon%20Archives/Stand-Alone%20Sermons/keith-simon-2
Axios Finish Line: Lonely America
https://www.axios.com/2022/10/26/loneliness-pandemic-america-phone-calls

How To Improve Relationships and Increase Your Joy Jan 17, 2023

In Genesis 2 God said it is not good for man to be alone, but let's face it; relationships are hard. They require constant nurturing and consistent effort. But how do we nurture them? And how do we begin to right our wrongs and begin again with a clean slate?
In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel is back as Robin's guest co-host and they discuss this and much more. Whether we want to strengthen our relationship with our spouse or improve one with a child, parent, sibling, co-worker, or friend, this episode has information that can benefit us all and help us find the joy in relationships that God intends.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Show Notes
Resources:
Aspiremag.net - "Create Space to be Vulnerable in Your Relationships"

Gottman Institute - The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling

Psychcentral.com -Four stages of Manipulation: Flattery, Isolation, Devaluing and Gaslighting, Fear of Violence

Divorcestatistics.com

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

urmc.rochester.edu: The Keys to a Successful Marriage

How NOT to Should on Yourself About Your New Year's Goals Jan 10, 2023

And just like that it's nearly the middle of January. Do you know what that means? It means that the majority of New Year's resolutions are starting to unravel, leaving us once again feeling defeated and discouraged. But don't despair, there's still time to rethink your resolution and transform it into an aspiration that provides productive direction to 2023.
Not sure the difference between a resolution and an aspiration or why you should care? Join Robin with guest co-host Dr. Denise Bickel as they discuss the subject and how to be kinder and more encouraging to yourself this year.
Guest Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Show Notes:
For more information on aspirations, visit the articles referenced in the episode:
New Year's Resolutions or New Year's Aspirations by Brian Hilliard
https://mindfulnessjourneys.com/healing/new-years-aspirations/
Wise Words from Yung Pueblo @yung_pueblo
America's Top New Year's Resolutions for 2023
https://www.statista.com/chart/29019/most-common-new-years-resolutions-us/
5 Tips to Make your New Year's Resolutions Stick
www.palonutrition.com

What Word Will Give Direction to Your 2023? Jan 03, 2023

Happy New Year from The Problem With Perfect!
Another year is upon us and with it, we are hopefully gifted with 365 days to make this world a better place. So, how will you do it? How will you be intentional with your days? What will help you stay focused and determined to reach your goals?
For us, we have found choosing a word for the year helps us do just this. A word that gives life to our hopes and dreams for the year; a word that helps us process all that God has in store for us as each day as it unfolds.
What is our word? Join Robin with guest co-host Denise Bickel as we discuss our words and encourage you in choosing your own.

What Word Mattered in 2022? Dec 27, 2022

Choosing a word for the year has become an annual ritual for many of us who want an alternative to the traditional New Year’s resolution. So we pick a word as a way to help set our intentions for the year: our North Star to keep us on track.
But before we embark on the process for the year ahead, it’s helpful to reflect on the year behind. How did we do keeping our word at the forefront? Letting it help guide our yes’s and no’s?
Join Robin and her guest co-host Dr. Denise Bickel as they share their surprising experiences with their words for 2022, as well as discuss the words that have been deemed the "Words of 2023."
Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
To get your copy of the Guide to Choosing the Right Word for 2023 that Robin wrote, email her at RobinMayMinistries@gmail.com.

What Is Anticipatory Grief And Is It Wrecking Your Holiday Season Dec 20, 2022

Have you found yourself experiencing a dull ache this holiday season? Or maybe you're frequently on the verge of tears? Or ready to scream at someone at the drop of a hat? Or maybe you're just so tired that you can barely force yourself to get out of bed, let alone do Christmas shopping. If so, then you may be experiencing what psychologists call Anticipatory Grief.
In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel is back with Robin to share her lifetime of experiences around this subject. In it, they discuss the definition of anticipatory grief, give examples of how it might be showing up in our lives and offer ideas for us to help ourselves or others who are going through it.
Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.
Show Notes:
Suggested readings if you'd like to learn more:
Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipatory Grief by Harriett Hodgson and Lois Krahn, MD
Bittersweet: How Sorry and Longing Make Us Whole by Susie Cain
The Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen

How to Find Hope In Dark Times With Dr. Mark Vellek Dec 13, 2022

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, or is it?

For many of us, Christmas reminds us of people lost, broken relationships, and dreams unfulfilled. It's a time when all is supposed to be hopeful and bright, yet the pain of living in this broken world threatens to overshadow any holiday cheer.
So how do people find hope, even in the hopeless?
In this episode, we interview Dr. Mark Vellek, an oncologist and friend who daily has to deliver devastating news. How does he remain positive during the darkest of days? How does he journey with his patients to their death with love and compassion without letting it wreck him? And what can we learn from his experiences?
Join us for this touching episode and give yourself the gift of hope this holiday season.
Special Guest: Dr. Mark Vellek, MD
An oncologist with more than 25 years of experience, Mark Vellek isn't just any doctor. He's the one who helped me say goodbye to my mother 14 years ago and the one we entrusted with our son's life when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He has a lifetime of experience in finding hope in what seems to be hopeless situations.
Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

Is It Time For A Change To Help You Achieve Your Ikigai? Dec 06, 2022

Don't know what ikigai is? Neither did I until I was put on the hot seat in this week's episode. Interviewed by Dr. Denise Bickel, I share the details of a significant career change I've recently made in an effort to fully embrace my ikigai (pronounced icky guy).
Simply put, ikigai is a Japanese term for your purpose; what gives your life meaning. For me, as another birthday is celebrated, I realize I have a greater sense of urgency to achieve ikigai in all areas of my life, including my career.
How about you? Need some practical guidance as you ponder or navigate change in your life? How about someone to remind you that you too have important things to accomplish?
Join Denise and me for this episode as I answer her tough questions about career, ikigai, and balancing it all.
Special Guest: Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She also has been an adjunct professor at the University of Dense and a facilitator of guided meditation walks a the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.

How To Make The Most of 2023 By Vision Casting With Krista Kippenger Nov 29, 2022

I had a trainer years ago whose mantra was, "May things be happening just the way you planned them."
His words still haunt me as my days turn into years and years into decades. The older I get, the more I realize that if I don't plan it, it doesn't happen. And if doesn't happen now, when will it?
If you're ready to take charge and stop letting time pass without making the most of it, then this episode is exactly what you need. Krista Kippenger, a mom, wife, seasoned business owner and visionary joins us for this episode and explains the benefits of vision casting and then takes us step by step through the process.
Whether you're looking to cast a vision for your marriage, family or career, this episode will leave you inspired and excited about how 2023 can be your best year yet.
Special Guest: Krista Kippenger
Krista is a mother of two who is married to her high school sweetheart, Curt. Together they own three businesses, including Curt's chiropractic practice and Krista's Shelter Insurance office. Convinced that life is too short not to plan it, she and Curt have spent the last 8 years Vision Casting - a routine habit they engage in every year to strategize on growth for their family and businesses. Her passion is helping others create their dreams through this process.
To learn more about the process and get their guide to Vision Casting, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/3388225777861812/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

How to Make Peace with Food During the Holiday Season with Registered Dietician Lynn Eaton Nov 22, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving! This week marks the official start of the 2022 Holiday season and the beginning of a six-week eating fest.
And as delicious as that sounds, for many of us, the holiday eating season brings more than just extra calories. The guilt, shame, and anxiety around what we are eating and drinking and how it might derail any progress we've made around controlling our eating habits can suck the joy right out of the holiday season.
Here to help us in this episode is Registered Dietician Lynn Eaton from Bamboo Health. Lynn's three questions can not only help us make peace with food during the holidays but help us fully enjoy the wonder of the season.
Special Guest: Lynn Eaton, Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator
To learn more about Lynn and her services, go to https://www.bamboonutritionrd.com

Living Life Abundantly In The Face of The Unthinkable: Tonya Goodin's Story Nov 15, 2022

Tonya and Jason Goodin's lives are divided distinctly into before and after and the divider is something unimaginable.
Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD) is an ultra-rare disease that attacks children and leads to premature and horrific death. The chances of it striking your children are about one in a million and a half.
Despite these odds, not one, but both of the Goodins' children were diagnosed with this beast of disease in 2019 at the tender ages of 8 and 6. Since then, the Goodins have been making history - fighting for their children's lives and every other child who comes after them.
Join me for this special episode, as Tonya shares their amazing story and how she finds hope amid her heartache.
Special Guest: Tonya Goodin, co-founder of Grant Us Grace, a non-profit designed to bring awareness to rare diseases and to raise funding for the necessary research. To follow Tonya on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/GrantUsGrace2cureMSD
To learn more about their story, watch this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RNzmeMr5VZR2dP6NA3qDnjj0WeIk0x69/view
Episode edited by Jordan M Overkamp, Founder, PlayRoom Studio

Going Deeper With Your Friendships + Rachel has an Announcement Nov 08, 2022

Walk With Me: 3 Mindsets for the Rest of 2022 Nov 01, 2022

Are You An Optimist Or Pessimist (And Why Does It Matter) with Special Guest Dr. Denise Bickel Oct 25, 2022

In her recent blog post, Dr. Denise Bickel contemplates a quote she heard on a podcast: "You’ll have a happier life if you are an optimist. Choose that.” Not an optimist by nature, Denise explores what it means to be an optimist, a pessimist, and a realist.
This week, Denise joins Robin on the podcast to further the conversation. If you've ever wondered where you're at on the optimist/pessimist scale and how it impacts your life - then this episode is one you won't want to miss.
Special Guest: Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.
7 Myths About Optimism and Pessimism
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/202104/7-myths-about-optimism-and-pessimism
All There Is With Anderson Cooper Podcast
https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/all-there-is-with-anderson-cooper/episodes/4273c25e-fc3b-450f-99b8-af320111295b
For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

Are You Addicted to Success? Oct 19, 2022

Sources cited:
Atlantic Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/07/why-success-wont-make-you-happy/614731/
The Drive Podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/arthurbrooks/
If you achieve success, you'll finally be happy, right? Wrong. In this episode, Rachel breaks down the meaning of success addiction. You'll discover what it is, how to tell if you have it, and what to do about it in order to realign your priorities.
Thanks to Dr. Arthur Brooks for the content of this episode! Please visit the links above to dive deeper into the topic and learn more from his inspiring work.

Signs You Are Prideful + What to Do About It Oct 10, 2022

Pride issues threaten nearly every main character in the Bible, so why wouldn't we think they would us as well?
If you're wondering how pride shows up in your life, then this episode is for you. Join us for a conversation about the ways pride is threatening our spiritual and emotional health, even when we don't realize it - and how we can overcome it.

How to Find Your Fashion As You Age Oct 04, 2022

We're all getting older. Some of us are having "BIG" birthdays, and others are becoming wives and mothers. As we mature, are there things we shouldn't wear based on our stage in life? Or should fashion always be defined by what makes you feel good?
Join us for this cross-generational conversation as we ponder all of this and why Tik Tok might be the best place to help answer all your fashion questions.

Is Perfectionism Keeping You from Having A Healthy Relationship with Yourself? Sep 27, 2022

Psychologists tell us that perfectionism is often rooted in trauma and is connected to our need for survival and safety. Designed to help us fly under the radar to avoid negative attention, perfectionism may protect us from others but eventually can hurt how we relate to ourselves. The habitual need for things to be perfect can leave us unraveling and feeling like we're not enough.
Join us for this episode as we discuss our own trauma experiences that have impacted our tendency for perfectionism and pose a few questions to help us evaluate the health of our relationships with ourselves.
10 Signs You Are In A Healthy Relationships With Yourself:
https://www.yogiapproved.com/10-signs-you-are-in-a-healthy-relationship-with-yourself/

How to Be an Inspiration When Your Life Isn't Extraordinary Sep 20, 2022

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has caused many of us to pause and reflect inward on our own lives and our impact on the world around us. It’s been said that we can’t all live extraordinary lives (like she did), but we can all do small things that are extraordinary.
Join us for this episode as we consider three simple ways we can be an inspiration to others and in doing so- make a difference in the lives of the people around us.

The Surprising Thing that Reduces Deaths of Despair and Improves Overall Health Sep 13, 2022

We all want to live longer and healthier lives. It's why we exercise, eat right and try to get enough sleep. But what if I told you this desire for healthy longevity should be another reason for regularly attending a faith service? This is precisely what a group of scientists recently concluded in a new article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). And what's even more surprising is what generation seems to be ahead of the curve on this revelation.
Join us for a compelling discussion on faith, health, church attendance, and why it should matter to us all.
Resources:
Spirituality in Serious Illness and Health
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2794049
Regularly attending Religious Services Associated with Lower Risks of Deaths of Despair: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/regularly-attending-religious-services-associated-with-lower-risk-of-deaths-of-despair/
A New Chapter in Millenial Church Attendance:
https://www.barna.com/research/church-attendance-2022/

How to Live Life with Resiliency: A Life Update With Matt May Sep 06, 2022

For nearly half of his life, Matt May has been focused on ONE thing: becoming a teacher. Convinced by a special teacher in his life that he has something valuable to share with the world through his writings, Matt made it his life goal to share that passion and vision with others.
Now a first-year English teacher and two-time cancer survivor, Matt is back on the podcast to update us on his life, hopes, and dreams for the future. With wisdom beyond his years, this episode is one that will leave you inspired and intrigued.
Special Guest: Matt May
Matt May is the son of co-host, Robin, and is now known as Mr. May to his students at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO. A gifted writer and speaker, Matt continues to be transparent in his journey as he processes his cancer experiences - in hopes that we can all be honest with one another about our struggles.
Resources: School's Out for the Summer and Many Teachers are Calling it Quits
https://www.wsj.com/articles/schools-out-for-summer-and-many-teachers-are-calling-it-quits-11655732689

Are You Quietly Quitting On Your Work and Relationships? Aug 30, 2022

Gen Z continues to shape how our society approaches all facets of life - including our work. Focused on maximizing their time connected to a deep purpose, this generation rejects the idea of going above and beyond in their careers. Instead, they've decided to do what they need to do at work and reserve their energy for the things that bring them the greatest joy.
Is Gen Z on to something that other generations have been missing? Or are they entitled and unmotivated and quitting on life? Join us as we ask these questions about quiet quitting in the workplace, with our friends, and even in our marriage.
Resources:
If Your Co-Workers are Quiet Quitting, Here's What That Means:
https://www.google.com/search?q=wsj+quiet+quitting&oq=wsj&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j35i39j0i20i131i263i433i512j0i131i433i512l2j0i67j0i512j0i131i433i512l2.3843j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Getting Over The "I'll Start Tomorrow" Mentality Aug 23, 2022

We all have things we know we should start and stop - or start and stop again. Yet the fear of failure and the shame that comes with it keeps us stuck in old habits.
Join us for this practical episode on how to embrace the change you start building habits to change your life.

5 Things I'd Never Say to Another Woman as a Former Perfectionist Aug 16, 2022

Growing up we learned to sing how sticks and stones would break our bones but words would never harm us. As adults, we can see the good intentions behind this load of crap. Words - those said about us and those we say to ourselves - shape how we see and feel about ourselves.
As recovering perfectionists, we know this all too well. So join us for this episode as we unpack five destructive things we were told and discuss why we'll never pass them along to the women in our lives.

How to Use 'Anti-Goals' to Figure Out What You Really Want Aug 09, 2022

What is an anti- goal, you ask?
Consider this: what is the one thing about your current job that you really dislike? The part of your job that if you never had to do it again would make you beam with excitement?
Then imagine a day when you never had to do it and find a way to make it your reality. This is an anti-goal.
Sometimes in life it’s easier to know what you don’t want than what you do, which is why anti-goals can be so helpful.
Join us as we explore this intriguing idea and play it out in our own lives.

Do You Use Distraction to Not Feel Your Feelings? Aug 02, 2022

Jesus told us that there would be no escaping the hardships of living here on this broken earth with broken people. Yet the pain, disappointment, and fear of day-to-day life can sometimes be more than we can handle. Instead of dealing with our emotions, we distract ourselves, numb ourselves and avoid them for as long as possible.
How about you? Do you find yourselves doing anything and everything but dealing with your painful emotions? If so, you'll want to give this episode a listen and consider how to set the distractions aside and make room to process the emotions that may be keeping you from moving forward.
Resources:
How to Cope With Emotion Using Distraction
https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-emotions-with-distraction-2797606
How to Stop Seeking Distractions from Your Emotions
https://www.wikihow.health/Stop-Seeking-Distraction-from-Your-Emotions
9 Really Bad Things that Happen to Your Health When you Avoid your Emotion
https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/9-really-bad-things-that-happen-to-your-health-when-you-avoid-feeling-your-emotions.htl

How to be Kind and Caring Even When we Disagree Jul 26, 2022

Kindness Matters - or does it?
In a country divided by everything from political parties to women's rights, and vaccinations - it's easy to find someone who doesn't see the world the way you do. What isn't so easy is showing them kindness.
But why? Why is it so difficult to be kind and caring to people who don't share our values? Our opinions?
In this episode, we discuss the science of caring - why we care about the people we do and why caring for others is so difficult - and the art of building bridges.
Resources: The Science of What Makes People Care
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_science_of_what_makes_people_care
Come Let Us Reason Together
https://www.whatwentwrong.us/come-let-us-reason-together-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2_OWBhDqARIsAAUNTTGTItFp20luDiiIDbAjGO8qXa52FpYxUuS6xkLBOObIy8B7U-kABh4aAuaxEALw_wcB

Dreams Do Come True With Special Guests Rachel Bryan and Danelle Prevette Jul 19, 2022

"If you build it, they will come" was made famous in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams. But it could just as easily be referring to The Toasty Goat coffee shop in Columbia, MO as a baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield.
Siblings Rachel and Nate, with their spouses Danelle and Josiah, dreamed of owning a place that was designed to connect their community with great coffee in an inviting and family friendly surrounding. Little did they know that when they opened their doors less than a year ago, it would be a overnight success.
Join us for this episode as Robin interviews sister-in-laws and co-owners Rachel Bryan and Danelle Prevette to discuss how their dream became a reality and how they now juggle owning a business with homeschooling, parenting seven children under the age of six and being wives.
Special Guests:
Rachel Bryan and her husband, Josiah, are co-owners of The Toasty Goat and parents to three children. The business mastermind of the coffee shop, Rachel's background is in education - which she puts to good use as she homeschools. She loves Sharpies, laminating things and bright colors.
Danelle Prevette and her husband, Nate, are also co-owners of The Toasty Goat and parents to four children. A nurse by profession, Danelle takes special care that everyone who comes to The Toasty Goat feels seen, known and at home. She loves animals and being outdoors and has a passion for houseplants (and a green thumb).

Six Predictors of Long-Lasting Friendships Jul 12, 2022

Good friends are good for our health but finding and maintaining friendships can be difficult. In this episode, we discuss a recent article on friendship and talk about all the likely (and unlikely) ways to make and keep life-giving friendships.
Conversation based on The Six Forces of Friendship by Julie Beck, June 10, 2022:
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/06/six-ways-make-maintain-friends/661232/
Other Resources:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-mindfulness-friendships-enrich-your-life-and-improve-your-health/

Midyear Check-up: Are You Making the Most of 2022? Jul 05, 2022

They say time flies when you're having fun, but we think time flies no matter what! With 2022 now halfway behind us, it's a good time to consider if we are making the most of our year. How is your health? Physically, emotionally and spiritually? How are you doing toward reaching your goals? What could you do differently to end the year in a better place than you are today?
Join us for this episode as we ask ourselves these questions and gently encourage ourselves (and you) to maximize the remainder of the year.

This is Your Sign to Foster a Dog Jun 28, 2022

It's no secret - we LOVE dogs. We love how they can bring calm to the chaos; how they love us unconditionally and how they lift our spirits when they meet us at the door. But we are deeply saddened by the reality that hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized each year.
This podcast explores the scientific reasons why dogs are good for our health, explains the current shelter situation in our country, and offers all kinds of ways that we all can do our part to improve it.
Special Guest
Jen Meyer
Statistics:

Petco Loves 2% Foster Stat -
https://petcolove.org/news-story/petco-love-and-skechers-mobilize-public-to-foster-shelter-animals-as-solution-to-help-eliminate-preventable-euthanasia/
No Kill/Misc. Stat -
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyQQl2plug/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= (This is best one IMO)
Questions to ask as a future foster parent:
https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/fostering-dogs/20-questions-before-you-foster-dogs/
Why go foster-based:
https://www.rescuedogs101.com/why-adopt-dog-from-foster-based-rescue/
Search rescues by breed:
https://www.petfinder.com
Rescues to support:
POSO Dog Rescue - Boulder, CO
https://instagram.com/poso_dog_rescue?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Needy Paws (St. Louis)
Columbia Second Chance

How To Know it's Time to Move On Jun 21, 2022

Most of know that feeling of being stuck- whether it’s in our routines, our jobs or relationships. But how do we know when it’s time to move on from these situations rather than stick them out?
Join us for this practical episode about letting go and moving on.

What Dads Don't Tell You With Special Guest Tom May Jun 14, 2022

Many of our problems with perfection begin with our family origin. We naturally seek pride and approval from our fathers; some of us spend our entire lives chasing it.
But fatherhood isn't as easy as it looks - especially in 2022. Just ask Tom May - the husband of co-host, Robin May. Our special guest for this Fathers Day episode, Tom transparently talks about the struggles of fatherhood, offering insights into how we all can work to build more meaningful and healthy relationships with the fathers in our lives.
Whether you're a father, mother, daughter or son, this tender episode will help us consider what every dad wants for Fathers Day - even if he can't tell you.
Special Guest
Tom May is the father of two adult children, Madison, 26, and Matt, 24. He has been a long-time advocate for building community for men. He's been a member of men's small groups for decades and has taken several courses on Godly parenting and marriage.

How to Help with Addictive Behaviors with Mental Health Professional Lauren Eisleben Jun 07, 2022

The world around us is anything but predictable and the recent mass shootings have proven it once again. For many of us (or for someone we love), the chaos and pain of life drive us to numb the pain. Whether it is with drugs or alcohol, pornography, gaming or smartphones - many of us understand the toll that destructive behaviors can take on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
In this episode, Therapist Lauren Eisleben joins us to discuss an innovative - and somewhat controversial - strategy for people who need to break the cycle of shame and addiction.
Special Guest
Lauren Eisleben has been counseling at Individual, Marriage and Family Enrichment since January 2019. She enjoys working with adult individuals and couples and practices EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy) in marriage and couple’s therapy.
https://imfcounseling.com/2019/lauren-eisleben/
To contact Lauren, email her at eisleben@imfcounseling.com or visit her on Instagram @ laurensthreecents.

How to Be Happier According to Science May 31, 2022

Funny story: During Covid lockdown both of us signed up to take an online course from Yale about Happiness, but never completed it. Now that same course is the most utilized online course in history and we are still left wondering about the science of happiness.
Resolved to get the nitty gritty of it all, Rachel did her own research on the course. Join us for this episode as we discuss her findings on the science of happiness and how it compares with our own experiences and yours.
Sources:

I Took Yale's Happiness Course and Here's Everything I Learned — Best Life

What Is Evolving In Your Life? Here's 3 Signs May 24, 2022

Seasons change and as they do, we grow older. But are we growing wiser? Becoming more interesting? Using our experiences to consider how to view the world around us?
Join us for this episode as we discuss three simple ways we can evolve- enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.
SHOW NOTES:
Sources;
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Book by Brené Brown

Myths About Females Lifting Weights With Brat Makes A Snack May 17, 2022

Wellness influencer Brittany Voges of Brat Makes a Snack didn't know how to transition from a cardio junkie to a weightlifter - or if she would even benefit from doing so. She also didn't know how to automatically create healthy versions of her favorite foods or how to be an balance-lifestyle enthusiast.
Motivated to maximize and enjoy both her food and fitness, Brittany's wellness journey has challenged her body and mind. As a result, Brittany found an inspirational balance that could be just what you've been looking for. Join us for an entertaining and informative conversation.
Special Guest; Brittany Voges of Brat Makes a Snack

Why Work-Life Balance Is a Big Fat Lie May 10, 2022

Do you find it difficult to separate your life from your work to achieve that illusive work-life balance? If you said yes, then you're in good company and this episode is for you.
What if work-life balance is so difficult because it isn't the way God intended for us to view our work? Or our life? What if He meant for our work to be a part of our lives that honored Him and pointed to His finished work on the Cross? And if this is true, what would that mean for our sense of purpose and the stress we put on ourselves to achieve success?
Join us for a conversation about these and other questions as we strive to strike a balance between honoring God and climbing the ladder to success.
Show Notes: Debunking the Work-Life Balance Myth by Denise Yohn
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/work-life-balance-myth/
The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap, 2021 Report
https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/simple-truth/

This Is Your Sign to Schedule Your Next Girls Night May 03, 2022

Want a tip to live a longer, healthier life? No, we're not talking about diet and exercise - but about connecting deeply with other people.
It might sound too good to be true, but scientists have found that connection with others helps relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system. It turns out that regularly making time for friends is good for the mind and the body - which is why we're dedicating this episode to making girls' night a priority.
Whether you're a girl or a guy - there's something for us all to consider in this episode on the why and how of girls' night out. We hope it will leave you reaching for your phone and connecting with friends!
Show Notes: For more information on the science of meaningful relationships, go to https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/strengthen-relationships-for-longer-healthier-life#:~:text=Dozens%20of%20studies%20have%20shown,well%20as%20with%20increased%20mortality.

How to Fight Fair Apr 26, 2022

Mental Spring Cleaning | 3 Mindsets to Throw Out Apr 19, 2022

We all recognize when our closets and drawers are so full of clothes that we can't fit any new ones in them. But do we recognize that same phenomenon when it comes to our minds and the thoughts that fill them?
Some of our old clothes don't fit us any longer. Others are out of style while many are just worn out. All of them need to be thrown out.
The same can be true with our thoughts.
Ready to rid yourself of mindsets that don't serve you to make room for ones that help you find greater contentment, deeper connection, and more joy? Yea, we do too - so join us for this conversation.

How to Live with the End in Mind Apr 12, 2022

The book of Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything under the sun; a time to be born and a time to die. Instinctively, we all know this to be true - yet we are much more comfortable with birth than we are with death. But what if we lived every day with the end in mind? What if we thoughtfully considered what we wanted to experience in life and then made a plan to accomplish it?
Meet Darrin Young, a longtime friend of Robin, who has done just that. With his life expectancy calculated to the day, Darrin has developed a timeline for living his life to the fullest - with the end in mind.
Join us for this conversation that is sure to help us think about how we might live like we are dying - because we are.
Special Guest: Darrin Young lives in Columbia, MO with his wife and three children. Darrin is an avid runner and adventure seeker and loves being a dad.
Show Notes: To calculate your projected time of death, go to the social security administration's longevity calculator at www.ssa.gov/oact/population/longevity.html

Are You Addicted to Drama? Apr 05, 2022

Most of us know drama when we see it, but do we see it when we are in the middle of it? Robert Palmer got rich singing that we might as well face it that we're addicted to love, but who is checking ourselves when it comes to drama.
The least recognized addiction in our society, the addiction to drama is worth exploring - evaluating our own tendencies and how they impact our relationships.
Join us as we ask ourselves, "Are we addicted to drama?"

Why Your Female Friendships Change So Much in Your 20s Mar 29, 2022

When Doctors Don't Have Answers With COMO Wellness Founder Erin Brown Mar 22, 2022

Erin Brown's life changed in an instant. One minute she was basking in the joy of bringing her newborn home from the hospital. The next minute she felt like she might be dying. What happened next was a months long search for answers that left her feeling lonely and hopeless.
The journey eventually led her to question her mental health, as well as her faith. But it also led her to a physician that introduced Erin to root cause medicine - and an answer to the reason for her life-alterating symptoms.
Now an advocate and successful wellness conference entrepreneur, Erin has used her experience to build a community founded on hope, healing and holistic health. Join us to hear her story.
Special Guest:
Erin Brown, founder of the Como Wellness Conference.
To register or learn more, go to https://www.comowellnessconference.com/ or follow it on Facebook.

Rethinking What You Want From Life Mar 15, 2022

Last week the Wall Street Journal printed an editorial about how millennials are rethinking their lives - and it got us to thinking. How are we thinking about what we really want rather than what the world tells us will make us happy? And if we know what would make us happy, what keeps us from doing it?
In this episode, we discuss how fear and faith can be present together and lead us into finding deeper contentment for our lives.
Discussion spurred by this article: wsj.com/articles/my-millennial-friends-rethink-life-i-should-too-11646342194

Haters Gonna Hate | Why It's So Easy to Be Judgemental Mar 08, 2022

Imagine being 26 years old and having the entire world scrutinize your every move. Imagine every where you go, every one you meet has an opinion on your life- what kind of wife you’ll be, what kind of mother you are and what values you hold.
This is Brittany Matthews’ reality. Once she and her boyfriend, Patrick Mahomes, lived a simple life in Texas. Now he’s her fiancé, father of her child and one of the highest paid athletes in the world.
And now their life is anything but simple. But what is it about Brittany that makes her an easy target for criticism? Why is it that people are so quick to judge?
Join us as discuss all this and more.

Why Choosing Sobriety Might Make Sense Mar 01, 2022

Eat organic. Watch your calories. Count your steps. Exercise and exercise some more. Then drink the benefits away at the bar.
With the ever-increasing focus on wellness in our culture, the fascination with alcohol consumption is becoming more and more counter-intuitive. This "sober curious" movement is growing in popularity, largely due to improved sleep, weight loss and increased productivity people are experiencing.
Join us as Lindsey Schwartz shares her experience with evaluating how alcohol served her life goals. Lindsey is a certified personal trainer, Orangetheory fitness instructor, and health and wellness coach and network marketing professional. She has been helping people feel healthier from the inside out for 10 years. A former urban high school teacher, coach, and counselor, she loves seeing people transform as they believe more in themselves in their capabilities. She is passionate about empowering women to live authentically full lives. She lives by the Maya Angelou “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

How to Not Be So Easily Offended Feb 28, 2022

Ever wonder if you're overly sensitive to unwanted feedback or if you're just surrounded by more than your share of insensitive people? If so, then this episode is for you.
Join us for this conversation as we discuss why we are easily offended, how it derails our relationships and mental health and how to get a grasp on it and move forward more constructively.

Helping Others (and Ourselves) Embrace Change Feb 15, 2022

Change is difficult for most of us. Whether it's how we think, how we act, or what we believe - these things don't come easy. What if there is a way to help others (and ourselves) think through change in a way that was able to truly help them make changes that will better serve them and those around them?
Join us for this episode and learn more about a technique called Motivational Interviewing.
Inspiration for this podcast is from A VeryWell Mind Podcast: Embrace Indecisiveness to Promote Change in Your Life With Author Dr. William Miller
You can listen to the podcast here:
https://www.verywellmind.com/dr-william-miller-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5216802

Single All the Way - Valentines Day Feb 08, 2022

Most girls grow up wanting to find their Prince Charming and live happily ever after. But to be clear, this isn’t God’s narrative
The Bible is clear about the benefits of being single, yet our culture persists with the narrative that our lives aren’t complete until we’ve found “the one.” So how does one overcome the cultural ideal and embrace singleness? And how do we who are married or coupled help reshape culture’s perspective on being single?
Join us for a special Valentines Day episode with Robin’s best friend, Lori Hutsell, a single woman who has learned to love her singleness.

The Problem With the Perfect Wedding With Special Guest Maddie May Feb 01, 2022

There’s only one problem with the perfect wedding- it doesn’t exist. Instead, the event joining two people, two families and all their friends brings tough decisions and difficult conversations.
Join us for this special episode as bride-to-be Maddie May joins us to share her perspective on wedding planning, managing expectations and keeping the first thing first.

How to Have a Miracle Mindset Jan 25, 2022

Do you believe in miracles? The Kansas City Chiefs sure do. Down by three points with only 13 seconds remaining, they not only marched down the field to kick a field goal to take the game to overtime but ended up winning it and advancing to this week's AFC Championship game.
So what is it about people like Patrick Mahomes that cause them to believe that the unexpected should be expected? Is there something you and I could be doing to harvest this Miracle Mentality in our life?
Listen in to see if these three roadblocks might be keeping you from experiencing all that God wants to share with you.
Show Notes:
Discussion based on Unlocking Your Miracle Mentality by Tim Storey
https://mariashriver.com/unlocking-your-miracle-mentality/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Midweek%20Edition%20No%2027%20April%2014%202021&utm_content=Midweek%20Edition%20No%2027%20April%2014%202021+CID_f28a7298ced048423940dad8bc5cc0eb&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=READ%20HERE
To listen to the audiobook in its entirety:
The Miracle Mentality: Tap into the Source of Magical Transformation in Your Life
By Tim Storey and Nick Chiles

Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy With Dr. Denise Bickel Jan 18, 2022

Imagine going your entire life without seeing a doctor; without getting your blood pressure checked, without routine lab work, or even a pelvic exam. Sounds ludicrous, doesn't it? Yet, that is exactly how the majority of Americans care for their mental health.
Depending on the statistic or study, only around 40 percent of American adults have seen a mental health expert at some point in their life. Maybe it's because of the stigma surrounding it or maybe it's because we don't really know when we need one. And if we know we need one, how do we find one? Or afford it?
Join us and Dr. Denise Bickel for this episode, as she shares her expertise on when it might be time to seek a counselor and how to find one that provides the biggest impact.
Guest:
Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW, has decades of experience as a mental health professional and as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Denise is also an avid Crossfit participant and former triathlete and marathoner. She is also Robin's mentor.

3 Dirty Little Secrets Stunting Our Spiritual Growth Jan 11, 2022

Being a Christ-follower doesn't automatically mean life will be easy and it certainly doesn't mean we won't struggle with temptations. Just look at the life of Jesus. After 40 days of fasting, the enemy found Jesus weak and hungry and used the same dirty little lies with Jesus as he does with us. Unfortunately, we often buy into these lies that Jesus rejected, resulting in disappointment, frustration and feeling far from God.
Join us for this episode as we discuss these three dirty little secrets that we need to confront in order to grow spiritually - deepening our relationships with God and those around us.

What Everyone Should Know about Vaginas Jan 04, 2022

Vaginas are important to us all. Whether you have one of your own or interact with someone else's, a basic knowledge of all things vagina is good for everyone.
So then, why is it so difficult to talk about vaginal and reproductive health? Why do women fear gynecologists? And how can we be more empowered by appreciating the female body and all it offers?
To answer these questions and a whole lot more, we asked Dr. Samatha McLean, DO to join us. A gynecologist passionate about women's health, Dr. McLean shares her knowledge and insight on this intriguing and informative episode.
Special Guest:
Dr. Samantha McLean, OB/GYN resident who is passionate about advocacy, reproductive justice, and my dog.
Dr. McLean's suggested resources:
Check out these books:

Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters—And How to Get It

by Laurie Mintz
Come as You Are by Emily Nagosk
Or listen to these podcasts: Sex With Emily or Sex Gets Real

Pick Your Word for the Year Dec 28, 2021

It’s the last podcast of the year- time to reflect on 2021 and look forward to the year ahead.
In this episode, we review our words for last year and evaluate our progress with them. And looking ahead, we discuss how to choose a word to guide our goals and give our life deeper meaning.
What will your word be for 2022? Give this episode a listen and we’ll tell you ours!

How to Give Yourself the Gift of Body Acceptance Dec 21, 2021

No matter what study you read on body image, the results are disturbing. One says that more than 90 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies. Another says that 46 percent of 9-11 year-old girls are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets, and 82 percent of their families are ‘”sometimes” or “very often” on diets. And it's not just an issue for women. It's reported that more than a third of all men are unhappy with their bodies and 20 percent say they would consider plastic surgery.
But why? Why are we so unhappy with ourselves? Where did we learn what our bodies "should" look like? And what would it take for us to be "happy?" To help us answer these questions, we turn to Certified Health and Wellness Coach Shelby O'Keefe in this episode.
Special Guest: Shelby O'Keefe
Shelby is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and an ADAPT Certified Functional Health Coach (A-CFHC). In addition, she is a 200 Registered Yoga Instructor with an emphasis in Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Her expertise is in positive psychology, body and mind connection and empathetic communication.
Learn more about Shelby at https://shelbyokeefehc.com/about/ or enroll in her upcoming Body Acceptance Project, go to https://marriageandfamilycenter.com/groups/the-body-acceptance-project-group/?fbclid=IwAR1qDpFY6NX3zPFGg1z5jCiFouZW7ZpJfBg1_mbNZRWbwAtH_UytNa8Gok0

What Is Intuitive Eating & Will I lose Weight? With RD Caroline Shermer Dec 14, 2021

Food Guilt & The Holidays With Guest RD Isabelle Bouchard Dec 07, 2021

Food. It’s everywhere! From Thanksgiving to Christmas and even into the New Year, food is at the center of all our celebrations.
But for many of us, it’s also the source of fear and guilt. We worry about over indulging and dread the emotions that come with it.
So what if this year could be different? What if we could enjoy food and listen to our bodies when they tell us they are hungry and when they are full?
In this episode, registered dietitian Isabelle Bouchard tells us how to make this holiday dream come true.
Special Guest:
Isabelle Bouchard, Bamboo Nutrition
https://www.bamboonutritionrd.com/

Major Life Milestones And How They Change Us Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, we are celebrating Robin's 50th birthday! We reflect on life's major milestones and how we can learn from them at any age.

How to Find Balance with your Physical and Mental Health Nov 23, 2021

“People overestimate what they can accomplish in a month but underestimate what they can accomplish in a year.” Lexi Johnson of Lexi J Wellness
Wellness is a complex state of being that combines our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Getting well is a challenge. Staying well is a lifestyle- one that includes a healthy amount of exercise and good nutrition.
But how much exercise is healthy? And how many calories do I need to burn to “feel” healthy? Or is there more to wellness than simple calorie eating and burning?
Join us for this interview with Wellness Coach Lexi Johnson to get the answers to these and other questions, as we search for the “perfect” balance with food and exercise.
Special Guest: Lexi Johnson of Lexi J Wellness -> https://www.lexijwellness.com/
Lexi's Mission: To create a community of uplifting, driven women with the common goal of self-improvement. We foster a bond of accountability while celebrating each others’ successes along the way. Lexi J Wellness exercises have no physical prerequisite and can be performed at any fitness level with the usage of modifications provided by Lexi. By approaching workout regimens with our physiology in mind, we will understand and anticipate what our bodies demand from us.
Watch Lexi's story read the letter she wrote to her dad: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWCCyuVAw_f/?utm_medium=copy_link

Is Your Perfectionism Creating Unrealistic Expectations? Nov 16, 2021

Psychologists tell us that unrealistic expectations form the core of perfectionism. As perfectionists, we expect ourselves to be perfect and are disappointed when we can't meet our unobtainable standards.
But our unrealistic expectations don't end there. They likely extend to most areas of our lives- including those around us. Whether it's our ideas about the perfect partner, the perfect date or the perfect family gathering - our quest for perfection might just be doing us more harm than good.
Join us for this eye-opening episode, as we hope to leave you resetting your expectations - making you and those around you happier in the process.

Why It Feels Like You're Never Enough Nov 09, 2021

Many of us who struggle with perfectionism often find ourselves thinking about how we're not enough. Not smart enough. Not successful enough. Not attractive enough. Not good enough to be loved and fully known.
Where do these thoughts come from? Why do they have so much power over us? And perhaps most importantly, is it possible to overcome them?
As we tackle this tough topic in this episode, we'll discuss two main reasons why we feel like we're never enough and offer some practical tips for moving forward knowing we are ENOUGH.
SHOW NOTES:
To listen to the podcast Robin guest hosted on Ten Minute Bible Talks: https://tenminutebibletalks.captivate.fm/episode/349b
To learn more about why we don't ever feel like we're enough:
https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/feeling-not-good-enough.htm
Interested in Compassion Focused Therapy:
https://psychwire.com/ask/topics/t552om/ask-paul-gilbert-about-compassion-focused-therapy-cft-
https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/compassion-focused-therapy.htm

How to Disappoint People During the Holidays Without Feeling Disappointed Nov 02, 2021

With the turn of the calendar to November, so comes the holiday season and all the hustle and bustle- and added stress- that comes with it.
So what is it about the holidays that make them so stressful? Whose expectations are we trying to meet? And how do simplify the holidays without disappointing someone?
In this episode, we tackle these questions and offer some practical and timely insight to help us keep the peace - both internally and with those around us.

How to Move Forward: A Father's Story of Grief and Redemption Oct 26, 2021

“There is always a seed of opportunity planted in the field of despair.”
-John Wampler, The Problem With Perfect

Lizzy Wampler was just 9 years old when she and her parents learned that the aches in her legs were not growing pains. Instead, they were something much worse. Lizzy had osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor in her bone, that would take her life just 15 months later.

Now nearly four years later, Lizzy’s parents, Jennifer and John Wampler, honor Lizzy’s life by finding the joy in the gift of today and encouraging others to do the same.

But how? How did these broken-hearted parents overcome the loss of their baby girl? What did they learn about God and their faith in the process? And what advice would they give to those of us who think we could never survive such suffering?

In this special episode of The Problem With Perfect, John Wampler shares his family’s story of how his daughter’s life and death transformed all those who knew her – and how her memory lives on in their passion for others and through Lizzy’s foundation.

For anyone who thinks God has given them more than they can handle, please give this a listen and share it with those who need to find hope for tomorrow.

Special Guest: John Wampler

How to Live Authentically Transparent Oct 19, 2021

We've never been more accessible and our lives have never been more on display. Undeniably, technology has transformed our interactions and shaped the way we communicate.
As a result, in some ways, we've never been more connected. Yet in other ways, we've never felt more insecure and disconnected - forever worried about showing others who we really are instead of who we want others to think we are.
At the heart of the worry is our fear that if people knew us they wouldn’t like us. And this fear doesn’t just impact our virtual interactions; it shapes what we do and do not allow people to see of us in our everyday lives. It keeps us from genuine vulnerability and transparent dialogue, leaving us isolated from others.

In this episode, we tackle what true transparency looks like, try to understand the why behind it, and suggest some tips for living a more transparent (and satisfying) life by being real with ourselves and others.

Why Making Decisions is So Hard Oct 12, 2021

Decisions, decisions.
What to wear to work. What to say in an email. How to respond to your partner or co-worker. What route to take home from work. How much money to spend on your upcoming vacation.
The list of decisions to be made seems never-ending which is why we find ourselves so worn out at the end of the day that something as simple as what to eat for dinner becomes OVERWHELMING?!
Psychologists call this feeling decision fatigue and in a post-Covid world where nothing can be automatic, it is plaguing us all - even if we don't know it. In this episode, we discuss the definition of decision fatigue, ways it rears its ugly head in our lives, and suggest some ways we can all be more energized and able to make good decisions.
Discussion based on the article originally published by the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/decision-fatigue-why-its-so-hard-to-make-up-your-mind-these-days-and-how-to-make-it-easier/

How to Get Out of Your Fitness Rut Oct 05, 2021

Did you know that more than 40% of Americans say they've gained weight since the beginning of the pandemic - with the average gain being 26 pounds.
Are you surprised that nearly 60% of us say that COVID has also negatively impacted our mental health?
Or that we've increasingly become accustomed to being and feeling disconnected from others?
While this podcast isn't going to magically impact these startling numbers, it could be helpful if you find you ARE one of these statistics. Or maybe you just don't enjoy exercising and need help with a new routine. Either way, join us for a conversation about the timely benefits of group exercise, how to get started and why you'll be glad you did.

3 Things Holding You Back From Your Best Life Sep 27, 2021

We all have lies we believe.
Some of them are preached loud and clear in our culture, while others have been subtly reinforced to us throughout our lives. Either way, it often takes decades to see these lies for the destructive thoughts they have become.
In this episode, we explore one of Brene Brown's teachings that discusses some of these lies and how they are holding us back. Listen in on this conversation highlighting three of Brown's takeaways and join us in challenging ourselves in making some practical applications to help us be freed from the chains that are keeping us captive.
Conversation based on: Brené Brown's Life Advice Will Leave You SPEECHLESS
Watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkte99B_xUc

When Your Faith Is On the "Slippery Slope" Sep 21, 2021

Let's be honest - Thomas isn't the only Jesus follower who has had doubts. In fact, most of us at one time or another in our lives find ourselves wondering about what we (really) believe.
Is God always for me and can he be trusted?
Is the Bible really God's infallible word?
If God is good, why aren't Christians?
Whatever your questions might be, what do you do with them? Who do you turn to to help you process them without judgment and without becoming someone's "project?"
In this episode, we ask these questions and others as we explore how the normal faith follower's questions can lead to a slippery slope of unbelief. Whether you find yourself on that path now or you desire to be the safe place for a fellow believer to come to with their doubts, we think this episode can help. Join us for this imperfect and messy conversation about a topic that is difficult to tackle.

How To Protect Your Energy & Avoid Burnout Sep 07, 2021

We all have limited amounts of energy, so protecting it, conserving it, and using it wisely is critical to our success and happiness. We intuitively know this, but yet we've likely found ourselves burnt out and exhausted.
So what does it mean to "protect" our energy? And how do we go about doing it?
Listen here for five extremely practical tips to help you take back your energy and reclaim your life in the process.
Hit the Highlights
3:30 LISTEN here as we set our intention for this episode and how you can benefit from it.
6:30 Is it OK to cancel an appointment? You betcha! And here is why,
14:00 Teaching people how to communicate with us is key to conserving energy. What does that look like? Listen here.
19:30 Think multitasking makes you more productive? Think again.
24;30 Does your email suck the life out of you? Let's consider how to change that with Unroll.me
30:00 Protecting our energy can often begin with this one FREEING word.

3 Bible Verses Christians Get Wrong Aug 31, 2021

Bible verses can be the reason we have hope during the hardest times in our lives, but what if we are getting them all wrong? In this episode, we go over three bible verses that are commonly misused and talk about the truth of what they are really saying in the context of our lives.

What Does Your Soul Need to be Satisfied? Aug 24, 2021

The Bible says to give thanks to the LORD because he is good and his steadfast love endures forever. But what do we do when that doesn't feel true for us? How do we recover from a season when God and his goodness feel far from us?
In this episode, we tackle this topic that is often tough for Christians to discuss - especially if you want the perfect life and the perfect relationship with God. (As if either of those things exists!) In this transparent conversation, we discuss what is a spiritual drought, how it looks for both of us, and how we might find our way to the satisfaction our soul desires with God.
Highlights:
2:30 It's been a big week around The May house and here's why.
5:30 Listen here for how Rachel has a history of saving the day at engagements, including Madison's.
11:30 Want to avoid wedding drama too? Listen to this episode https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/8889673
13:00 Can you relate to any of these feelings about your relationship with God?
16:00 What does it feel and sound like to walk through a season of drought authentically?
22:00 Even Mother Teresa struggled with feeling far from God. Read more here: https://www.robinmayministries.com/blog/didmotherteresahaveperfectfaith
28:00 Listen here for the first challenge for satisfying our soul.
36:00 How does your consumption impact your faith journey?
39:00 Having trouble praying? Try this suggestion.
42:00 Need more meaningful Christian community, here's how you might find it.

Going Through Extreme Body (And Mind) Transformation With Guest Amber Blumberg Aug 17, 2021

Beauty isn't just skin deep and neither is real transformation. Just ask Amber Blumberg.
After the birth of her second child, Amber found herself in her early 30s and sick and tired of being sick and tired. That's when she decided to make a change and like many of us, she started working from the outside in. Knowing she needed to drastically change the way she moved and fueled her body, Amber started logging every calorie she ate and dedicated herself to group fitness at her local gym. Two years later, Amber was 100 pounds lighter and a different person.
But how did the evolution of her body help transform her mind and enhance her spirit? And how did this life change lead her to the love of her life? And how does their shared passion for wellness help them create a community where transformation and hope are contagious?
Join us for this conversation with Amber and find out!

How To Ask For What You Want Aug 10, 2021

Why is it so hard to ask for what we want? This can be a problem in our career, relationships, intimacy, and even in our spiritual lives. In this episode, you will learn how to ask for what we want, why it’s so hard for us to make the ask, and how to move past it so you can have more opportunities given to you.

HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS

(6:08) What’s the research behind asking for what we want?

(12:13) Why do we struggle to ask for what we want?

(18:46) How does asking for what we want impact our relationships with others?

(32:50) Is it a sin to ask for what we want from God?

Source cited: https://hbr.org/2003/10/nice-girls-dont-ask

What Simone Biles Taught Us About Taking a Mental Break Aug 03, 2021

It's difficult for perfectionists to separate who we are from what we do. Unfortunately, we often define our worth by our latest achievements. But what happens when the pressure to do more and do it better drains us, leaving us physically and mentally exhausted?
In this episode, we look to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for the answer. With the whole world watching, Simone unapologetically decided to prioritize her mental health - challenging us all to evaluate our need to do the same. Join us for a conversation about how to know when you need a mental health holiday and get some ideas for what a day for YOU might look like.
Hit the highlights:
5:15 Would you have the courage to do this?
7:30 Is our culture the cause for mental exhaustion? What is behind our problem with performance?
12:30 Is our culture shifting to recognize the importance of this?
14:00 Listen here for the classic symptoms that it's time for you to take a mental health day.
15:00 Want more info on how worry keeps you awake at night, listen to this episode with guest Nick Wignall.
21:25 Listen here for Robin's "momming" moment with Rachel.
26:50 What do Simone Biles and Jesus have in common? Listen here to find out.
32:30 Here's what our perfect mental health day looks like. What is yours?

3 healthy habits to start in your 20’s Jul 27, 2021

What are the habits you need to start in your 20's to stay healthy later on in life? This episode gives you three tips to start living a healthy lifestyle now so you can thank yourself later.
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS
(08:13) how to not develop destructive habits in your 20’s that will carry out in the rest of your life.

(16:29) How to come up with a wellness plan for your life

(20:31) How to create an exercise routine if you hate working out.

(25:45) How to think about your health long-term.

How to Manage Wedding Drama Jul 19, 2021

If ever there is a day filled with hopeful expectations of perfection, it's your wedding day. We grow up dreaming and planning for the day when we walk down the aisle and ride off into the sunset. But somewhere between this fantasy and reality, things unravel.
What is supposed to be a day centered around celebrating love and commitment all too often becomes a source of conflict - especially for the bride. That's why our guest and bride-to-be Lisa Torres created a two-page letter for her bridesmaids - asking them to be a part of the special occasion, as well as outlining their financial and time obligations if they said yes.
Now nearly 7 million views later, Lisa's idea has created quite the stir, as well as an opportunity to ask some tough questions about weddings, brides, families and money.
Special Guest:
Lisa Torres
Hit the Highlights:
5:30 Listen here for the audio of Lisa Torres's Tik Tok video on bridal party expectations.
10:45 The average cost of wedding venues and weddings might surprise you.
13:45 What was Lisa's goal in writing the letter? And what did it include?
19:30 The average cost of being a bridesmaid in the U.S. might surprise you, which is why it can cause strain on friendships between the bride and her wedding party.
26:45 Here's what happened when one of Lisa's friends said no to her ask to be in her wedding.
30:00 The guest list - another sticky subject that can cause conflict between family members.
34:00 What generational differences are there these days when it comes to weddings?
36:00 Expectations around money make things complicated for the bride and groom and their parents.
42:00 What's the best way to get parents on the same page.
49:00 Listen here for what to do when a bride is being unreasonable.
53:30 How do you decide who to ask to be in your wedding party without feeling guilty?
55:00 Why do brides get a bad rap and is it fair?

Have You Been Hurt By The Church? Part Two Jul 13, 2021

In part two of our series, we continue our conversation with mental health expert Lauren Eisleben. In this installment, we shift our focus from defining church and trauma to the nitty gritty of what church hurts look like, why they occur so frequently, and how we can be part of the solution instead of the problem.
Want to learn how to make space for believers who are questioning their faith without letting our discomfort make them feel awkward and ashamed? Want to understand why hurts that occur in our own church feel so personal and threaten our comfort? Want to know how to allow someone else's feelings to be more important than your own?
Join us for all this and more.
Meet Lauren:
Lauren Eisleben has a B.S. in Mass Communication/Print Journalism and an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She worked in the marketing/advertising industry prior to starting her counseling journey in 2017. She also taught at the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri for 8 years. Lauren and her husband have three daughters and live in Columbia, MO.
Here are the highlights:
(3:00) Ever get a gut feeling like this one and don't know what to do with it?
(8:20) Multiple emotions can live at the same time and the same place. Here's how!
(11:00) Given Lauren's counseling experience, this is the ultimate church hurt.
(14:30) How does our own comfort unconsciously become the goal of uncomfortable faith conversations.
(22:00) Listen here to understand how the best-intended Christians hurt others who are struggling in their faith.
(24:00) The purity culture and prosperity gospel have left a mark on many church goers - and here's how.
(32:30) Have you ever been told that bad things in your life are caused by your sin? If so, listen here to understand how damaging this paradigm can be.
(36:00) Deconstruction is a popular buzz word, but what does it really mean? And is there a more practical approach to understanding the dissonance we experience.
Resources:
Sacred Wounds: A Path to Heal, by Teresa B. Pasquale

Have You Been Hurt By The Church? Part One Jul 06, 2021

Church is supposed to be a safe place where we can be transformed by the love of people and our God.

But for some people, nothing is further from the truth.

Betrayal, abandonment, and shaming are all real experiences for many who hoped and believed better from a community of believers. Even worse, these disappointments combined with religious rules, have left many people further from God than where they started.
These traumas aren’t new, but the psychological impact they cause is just beginning to get the attention it deserves. In this episode, we begin the important conversation around this topic with mental health expert Lauren Eisleben. A Christian, life-long churchgoer, and counselor who deals with religious traumas, Lauren's insights are both Biblical and practical for all those who have been hurt or know someone else who has been hurt by the church.
Meet Lauren:
Lauren Eisleben has a B.S. in Mass Communication/Print Journalism and an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She worked in the marketing/advertising industry prior to starting her counseling journey in 2017. She also taught at the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri for 8 years. Lauren and her husband have three daughters and live in Columbia, MO.
Here are the highlights:
(2:00) Why even dive into this messy conversation?
(6:15) What is the point of this episode and why we think it could be helpful for believers and unbelievers alike.
(14:00) Is it possible to love church and still understand how churches can be responsible for others' pain so that we can grow more secure in our faith?
(20:00) What happens when people start asking tough questions about our beliefs?
(25:00) How do we define "church"?
(28:00) How do you respond when people share their questions with you?
(32:15) Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. But what is religious trauma?
(37:00) When our emotions overwhelm our logic, this happens.

Defining Masculinity With Therapist Eli Weinstein Jun 29, 2021

How do we define masculinity? In this episode, we will do a deep dive into what it means to be "manly," why it's stereotypically harder for men to open up and be vulnerable with other men, and how to leave toxic masculinity in the dust.
The Cliff notes
(07:04) How do you define trauma?

(07:56) The difference between small t trauma and big t trauma

(11:00) How trauma impacts your day-to-day life.

(15:55) How do you define masculinity?

(32:22) How men can have deeper conversations with other men

(35:09) Masculinity and porn

(39:20) Can masculinity be on a spectrum?

(42:52) How can women help men be more vulnerable

All About Eli
Eli is a Social Work therapist (LCSW )who has worked in a psych hospital, intense outpatient clinic and currently works in a group and private practice in queens.

He created ELIvation and became a therapist to fill a need and create a modern outlook on mental health to create a more digestible and relatable view on mental health to help those in struggling times and add some extra inspiration and motivation into everyday life.

Eli has been featured on Kelly Clarkson show, IVF Warrior, Fruitful, Breaking Taboo and on multiple podcasts ranging from parenting, relationships, mental health, and infertility.

His main goal is to help people on their journey to add support, care, empathy, expertise, and insight.

He runs events, seminars, and individual coaching on topics from mental health awareness, public speaking coaching, relationship coaching, and confidence-boosting.
Follow Eli on Instagram at @eliweinstein_lcsw and @thedudetherapist

How to Love the Parts of Your Body You Hate Jun 22, 2021

How do you love the parts of your body that you hate? Or at least learn to not speak negatively about them. We all have a problem with perfection when it comes to our bodies. In this episode, we are giving you four ideas to ditch the negative self-talk and start learning to love yourself a little more.

Dive in deeper to the body image conversation on Body Image with Registered Dietitian Caroline

https://apple.co/35Oqw7H

4 Ways to Love Your Body

1. Challenge your belief that a certain body size is better
2. Find an exercise routine that you really love
3. Follow healthy fitness influencers on Instagram whose bodies challenge your beauty standards.
4. Learn to be grateful for your body… apart from how it looks

Do You Have Daddy Issues? Jun 15, 2021

When it comes to society's definition of "Daddy Issues," daddies and daughters both get a bad rap. In reality, dads aren't always all to blame for their daughter's relational insecurities. And daughters aren't the only one with attachment issues that arise as a result of their caregivers being emotionally unavailable.
In this episode, join us for a conversation that defines Daddy Issues in a meaningful way -providing hope and help for all of us who struggle with attachment issues. This might include you, even if you don't know it.
Show Notes:
Discussion based on the article, Yes, Daddy Issues are Real - Here's How to Deal
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-daddy-issues
4:00 Daddy issues are real, but here's what they really are and why we all have one.
7:30 Do you find yourself always wanting to please people? This attachment style might offer some explanation for why.
13:15 Listen here for Robin's explanation of her Daddy Issues that led her to search for love.
16:00 Ever wonder if you can overcome that feeling of being unworthy of love?
For more information on attachment styles, read this:
https://www.verywellmind.com/attachment-styles-2795344
To take a quick test to learn more about your attachment style, go to:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/relationships/relationship-attachment-style-test

How To Have Better Body Image With Registered Dietitian Caroline Shermer Jun 08, 2021

Body Image... if we're honest, it's something we all struggle with. If you've ever thought to yourself,
"I wish my stomach was flatter"
"If only I could lose 10 pounds"
"This new diet is what I need to finally get to the weight I want to be"
"I ate bad this weekend so I need to be good this week and go to the gym a lot"
You might have some body image issues or at least a complicated relationship with your body.
The perfect body is not attainable, and no matter how much we perfect ourselves to death, constant dieting and restricting ourselves will leave us feeling like we are not enough.
In this episode, Registred Dietitian Caroline Shermer helps us learn practical tips for a more positive body image and teaches us how to think about our relationship with food in a more healthy way.
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS
(03:47) Why dieting behaviors are actually considered disordered eating behaviors

(04:36) Why Caroline became passionate about the diet culture industry.

(05:59) The most common struggles with eating disorders and chronic dieting

(07:41) Why going on a diet will actually make you gain weight

(09:30) How to eat healthily and also not go on a diet

(11:03) Is BMI or weight an actual good indicator of health?

(14:02) where did we get the notion that a smaller body is a better body?

(16:32) Are body image issues the same across all generations?

(17:26) What is a food and exercise autobiography?

(19:30) How our mom’s patterns impact our eating habits and body image.

(23:00) How to test if your healthy habits are actually unhealthy.

(24:50) What moms can do to help their daughters have a better body image.

(28:54) What to say to someone who has unhealthy eating habits or body image issues.

(35:00) If you have an eating disorder or disordered eating habits, try this method to help cultivate a better relationship with food and your body.

(38:40) Is body image positivity actually a good thing?

Additional Learning

https://christyharrison.com/book-anti-diet-intuitive-eating-christy-harrison
Connect with Caroline
Caroline Shermer is a non-diet dietitian living in Nashville TN who believes you are meant to eat. She encourages and empowers women to find food freedom and body peace. She wants women to start living and stop dieting!

https://meanttoeat.com/

Are You Really Happy? Here's How to Tell... Jun 01, 2021

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence says these are three examples of unalienable rights given to each of us by our Creator.
So, what does it mean to pursue happiness? And how do you know when you've achieved it? How do you know if and when you're happy?
It's a simple question that's not so simple to answer. Maybe that's why the internet is full of posts like these:
Six Ways to be Happy
Seven Happiness Boosters
Eight Happy Nutrients
Nine Tips to Feel Happy
Top 80 Happiness Podcasts to Follow in 2021
In this episode, we ask ourselves this meaningful question, as well as explore how to know if you're happy and how to become happier. Join us for this personal and transparent conversation and in doing so, hopefully you'll become... happier!
Show Notes
2:00 Back together and live from the loft, Rachel talks about a new life change she's experiencing.
4:45 Ever wonder how we come up with podcast topics? Listen here for the behind the scenes WHY for this episode.
8:30 How do you define happiness?
12:00 Are we as Christians blowing off the happy question and not taking it seriously for our own well-being and for the benefit of those around us?
15:00 Still trying to decide whether or not you're happy? Take the quiz we took and let is spur your thinking.
https://www.oprah.com/spirit/take-the-happiness-test-quiz_1
17:00 Do you find the joy in the journey or do you play the IF, THEN happiness game?
20:00 Listen here to hear how Rachel sees the definition of happiness evolving as life unfolds.
23:00 Are you waiting for MORE and BETTER to be happy? If you made a list of what you need to be happy, would it look like ours?
28:45 Listen here for Robin's suggestion for the one activity that would make us all happier.
30:00 To learn more about the Authentic Happiness Theory, go to https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/martin-seligman-psychology/.
36:00 Are you being transformed by this one thing every day?

Behind the Scenes of the Famous Chick-Fil-A Rap May 25, 2021

Need a good laugh?
Join us for part two of our interview with comedian Jaron Myers - the mastermind behind the Chick-Fil-A rap that now has more than 2 million downloads. In this episode, Jaron takes us behind the scenes and explains how he pulled it off - including blowing up a car.
Special Guest: Jaron Myers
Jaron is a Missouri boy who became an internet phenomenon with his Chick-Fil-A rap video. Now with two successful Amazon Prime comedy specials, Jaron is living his dream - using comedy to connect people to the deeper meanings of life. The host of his own podcast, Things I Learned Last Night, Jaron also does comedy shows around the country.
Haven't seen the Chick-Fil-A rap? Watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyhf2DvFhIY

How to Find Happiness From Within With Comedian Jaron Myers May 18, 2021

Before Jaron Myers became a viral comedic phenomenon, he says he was an anxious, miserable mess.
Surprisingly, it wasn't success that made him into the genuinely joyful guy he is today. Instead, it was an intense moment of desperation with God that helped him replace his rule-following, box-checking religion for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus.
From high school worship leader to the star of his own Amazon Prime comedy specials, Jaron's success and life transformation didn't happen overnight. Known as the "Chick Fil A May I Help you Guy" for his novel rap that has more than 200 million downloads, Jaron combines his love for life, God and deep, meaningful connections in all he does.
In this special two-part episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look at this humble star. Not only does he love Jesus and people - he loves to use his platform to connect the two. Listen in to learn how we too can train our brains to find joy and share it with others.
Special Guest: Jaron Myers, host of Things I Learned Last Night podcast. To learn more, follow him on Instagram or to book him to speak at your next event, go to JaronMyers.com.
Show Notes:
6:00 Jaron became famous for his funny songs, which as he recounts here, started by mistake.
9:00 Genuine laughter makes people vulnerable and allows for real connection. It might surprise you who helped Jaron learn this lesson.
12:50 How does Jaron renew his mind and share that joy with his audience?
15:45 Hear how the book Telling Yourself the Truth by Marie Chapian and William D Backus has helped Jaron get more in touch with his emotions and root himself in truth.
20:20 Laughter, as Jaron explains here, helps tear down walls and builds vulnerability.
25:30 What makes Jaron cry laugh? Listen here
30:30 How does clean comedy come natural to Jaron?
35:00 Listen here to get the behind the scenes story for the Amazon show that almost didn't happen.
40:00 Jaron found himself a college drop out searching for meaning and how to prove his worth. Hear how that moment changed his life forever.
48:00 When you spend yourself measuring yourself, this is what happens next.
51:00 What does the research say about how many friends we have? These results will surprise you and help you understand why we have trouble being deeply connected to others.

Train Your Brain to Stress Less With Healium CEO Sarah Hill May 11, 2021

It is often our pain that fuels our passion. This is Sarah's story.
After 20 years as a TV reporter covering trauma, Sarah Hill's media diet of reporting the day's headlines ultimately had made her sick. Insomnia, forgetfulness, and anxiety culminated in terrifying panic attacks, shattering any illusion of perfection. In fact, the attacks led her down a road looking for help, where she eventually found it in the most surprising of places - storytelling.
A wife, mother, and now wildly successful CEO and entrepreneur, Sarah Hill is addressing what she calls a post-COVID mental health emergency head on. Using virtual and augmented reality, Sarah and her team have developed a clinically-validated method for managing stress and anxiety.
If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues, please give yourself the gift of listening to this episode. Not only is Sarah inspiring and grace-filled, she offers a non-pharmacological therapy with an encouraging dose of HOPE.
And who can't use HOPE for a better tomorrow?
SPECIAL GUEST: SARAH HILL
As recently featured in Forbes, Sarah Hill is the CEO of Healium, a virtual and augmented reality tool for human performance powered by the user's own brainwaves and heart rate. After 20 years as a TV reporter covering trauma, Sarah developed Healium to help herself as well as the 41 million others who struggle with anxiety. Not only is Sarah a former interactive TV news journalist for the NBC, ABC, & CBS affiliates in Missouri, she is mom to two adult children and has been married for 30 years.
To learn more about Healium and how to get started benefiting from it, go to https://www.tryhealium.com/.
Show Notes:
4:00 Stress and anxiety impacts more areas of your life than you might realize. Listen here to learn more.
7:15 Is your media diet making you sick?
11:00 Listen here how Sarah's work with Veterans shaped her vision to help others with insomnia, pain and anxiety.
14:50 Have you ever wondered if that feeling of dread and fear could be a panic attack?
19:00 If you find yourself feeling wobbly, listen here for some great practical advice to strengthen yourself.
24:00 Think you're productive by not sleeping? Think again. Your working memory needs sleep.
35:00 How can Healium help? Don't understand about virtual reality? Listen here to get the basics.
39:30 Think stress isn't a big deal? You'll be surprised how it impacts illness and diseases in our bodies.

What Your Mom Really Wants This Mother's Day May 04, 2021

Mother's Day can bring a mix of emotions, including appreciation, joy, sadness and PANIC. Whether you're a mother, a daughter or someone looking to bless a mom in your life, this episode is one you won't want to miss. No matter what your budget, we've got you covered on ideas for making this Mother's Day stress free and affordable. Because as we all know, often the best things in life are FREE.
Listen in for the lessons our moms taught us, gift giving ideas and how you can help a mom around you in need.
Show Notes:
Check out Robin’s last minute gift guide here:
https://www.robinmayministries.com/blog/lastminutemothersdaygifts

What Will Relationships Look Like Post Pandemic? Apr 27, 2021

The impacts of the pandemic are just now beginning to be realized. Some are disheartening, like the increase in depression and anxiety. Others are encouraging, like the decrease in smog and pollution. Others are just downright surprising, like the ones we are discussing on this episode.
According to a recent survey published by Cosmopolitan and Esquire, the pandemic might just be the catalyst for a sexual revolution. A revolution characterized by deeper, more meaningful relationships and a decline in the hook-up culture. Who would have guessed it?
Join us for this encouraging conversation about culture's search for deeper connection post pandemic.
Show Notes:
The Future of Sex
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a35841854/what-your-sex-life-will-look-like-after-pandemic/

3 Thoughts That Are Self Sabotaging Your Life Apr 20, 2021

Life isn't easy. There will always be roadblocks to our success and happiness that are out of our control - making life anything but perfect.
But what if we could recognize that perhaps the biggest roadblock to our own flourishing isn't external, but rather internal? What if we could open our ears and realize the biggest voice that is holding us back is our own?
Join us for this important conversation about how to recognize the thoughts that are sabotaging your joy and holding you back from pursuing your dreams.

Ditch Your Perfect To-Do List Apr 13, 2021

Remember when we were little and people would ask us what we wanted to be when we grew up? Somehow between here and there, we've lost sight of what we want "to be" and have replaced it with a long list of what "to do".
In this episode, we challenge ourselves and others to ditch the to-do list and instead, consider what we want to be. Life will always be full of tasks, but at the end of the day it is how we do them and how we make others feel in the process that really matters.
Show Notes:
What is on our reading list:
The Nickel Boys by Elwood Curtis
The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas
Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson
American Like Me: Life Between Two Cultures by America Ferrera

How Do You Get Over Getting Older? Apr 05, 2021

Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything under the sun- including a time to be young and a time to be old. Yet growing old is hard, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Join us for this conversation as we discuss three reasons why growing old is difficult for us all.

Flooded With Proverbs 31 Nicki Koziarz Mar 30, 2021

Have you ever doubted if God really cares about your pain? Wonder if His promises can be trusted?

If so, you're not alone.
Proverbs 31 Ministries author and speaker Nicki Kozairz knows these seasons well. Not only did 2020 bring upheaval to her life like it did yours and mine, it also came on the heels of the painful loss of her mom to a brain tumor and her brother to suicide.

In this episode (our 100th), Nicki joins us to discuss her brand new book, Flooded: The 5 best decisions to make when life is hard and doubt is rising. Based on the life of Noah, Nicki's book and this discussion help us:

Quiet the fear that God won't come through
Resist the urge to control the uncontrollable
Find the familiar faithfulness of God

GUEST: Nicki Koziarz is a best selling author and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is a national speaker and is the host of her own podcast, Lessons from the Farm. She and her husband Kris and their three girls have a small farm outside of Charlotte, NC which they call the Fixer Up Farm.

Why We Can't Keep Our Kids From Pain Mar 23, 2021

We all want to grow up and live happily ever after. But the problem with this fairy tale life is that it doesn't exist.
The reality is that our vision for a life filled with joy and prosperity doesn't include pain and suffering- which are inevitable parts of living in this world. Despite the fact that the Bible tells us not only to expect pain and suffering, but to rejoice in it, we continue to avoid it at all costs.
Join us for this episode as we discuss how this tension between fact and fiction create unrealistic expectations that set us up for disappointment.
SHOW NOTES:
1:30 Answer this question for yourself about what your perfect life looks like.
5:45 What is missing from your perfect life that we can't avoid?
8:00 Where does our idea of perfect come from anyway? How does this contrast with different cultures?
14:00 Are parents more concerned with controlling their kid's lives or preparing them for this?
17:00 How do best intentions go wrong for parents like Robin? Is this Biblical?
20:00 Does this surprise you when it happens to you? Can you rejoice in it? Embrace it?
23:00 When you're in a trial, here's what God says you need most.
25:30 How different would your life look if you could reset this one expectation?
27:30 Listen here to learn how to use the past to pave the future.
30:00 Can't find the words for your emotions? These two things could bring you comfort.
33:00 This tip is something we need to be reminded about daily.
35:30 Are you living for the dot or the line? Listen here to decide.
Previous episodes referenced:
Ep. 74 How to Make Peace with your Past with Psychotherapist Britt Frank
https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/8009361
Ep. 72 Lessons I Learned from Personal Tragedy (with Rachel's Mom, Linda Schisler)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/7726834
Books discussed:
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

3 Things Confident Women DON'T Do Mar 16, 2021

Helen Keller once said that nothing can be accomplished without hope and confidence.
Confidence doesn't just help us believe in ourselves, it helps others believe in us as well. As we strive to make a greater impact in our workplaces, communities and families, how do we build our confidence? Is it even possible? If so, how?
In this episode, we offer three things confident women don't do - giving a practical picture of what confidence looks and sounds like.
SHOW NOTES
Does confidence come natural to you?
2:30 Do you find yourself doing this? Sorry. Not Sorry.
5:00 Rachel gives an example of apologizing for her feelings. Do you identify with her story?
7:30 If you struggle with this, here's a way to help overcome it.
9:00 Confident women don’t do this second thing.

Should Christians Be Self Sufficient? With Guest Co-Host Matt May Mar 09, 2021

As believers, we know we are created in God’s likeness and as such are called to reflect his image. But that isn’t always what we really want to do, is it?
Unlike Jesus, we struggle to forgive and extend grace. We aren't curious to go have a meal with someone different than us. We don’t want to be selfless and our work to go unnoticed and we don’t like it when our love for others to come with a cost.

Instead - since we are being honest with ourselves - we simply want to be God. We want to be the one in control and not need anyone or anything.

Matt May joins Robin on this episode and we explore the ways this desire for self sufficiency shows up in our lives and in doing so, how it actually keeps us from experiencing the joy of relationship with God and those around us. As always, Matt’s insight is profound and he’s beautifully transparent about how his cancer taught him the value of interdependence.

SHOW NOTES:
Co-host: Matt May, son of co-host Robin and two-time cancer survivor. Matt holds an English degree from Truman State University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education degree. For more on Matt's story, visit www.RobinMayMinistries.com. or on Facebook.

Conversation based on Chapter 4 of the book None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (and why That's a Good Thing) by Jen Wilkin
7:00 Is independence the same as self-sufficiency? How are they connected?
9:00 God needs nothing from us. Why is this a good thing?
13:30 Listen here for the connection between asking for help and experiencing whole living.
18:30 Are you making this life-giving activity a priority in your life?
23:00 Matt admits he didn't want everyone to know he was a cancer survivor and this is why.
25:00 The lie the world tells us about doing life alone.
30:00 Each one of us have this special thing. Are you curious enough to find it and learn from it?
31:30 Do you find yourself consistently anxious and overwhelmed? Listen here for important, practical wisdom about how to overcome it.
34:00 Listen here for why Matt calls his cancer a "saving grace."
38:00 Are you waking up and asking God this question?
41:00 Matt hasn't ever been angry about getting cancer. But he was angry with God about this thing and the experience changed him to see "I am not on my own in my pain."
46:00 How is Matt's health as he's passing his four-year cancer anniversary?

Are You Lonely? Mar 02, 2021

One out of every three people who reads this considers themselves to be lonely on a regular basis. That means one out of every three people you interact with today struggles with loneliness.
The reality is that even if you’re not lonely, many people around you are. What’s more is that the subgroup who is most likely to be lonely is the one that is often seen as the most connected.
In this episode, we tackle the difference between isolation and loneliness, discuss the age group with the highest rate of loneliness and offer practical advice for making the world a kinder, less lonely place.
SHOW NOTES
Young Adults Hardest Hit by Loneliness During Pandemic
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/02/young-adults-teens-loneliness-mental-health-coronavirus-covid-pandemic/
Social Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/05/how-to-ease-loneliness-and-feel-more-connected/
Loneliness Quiz:
https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/the-loneliness-quiz_1
https://www.oprah.com/relationships/how-to-help-a-lonely-friend_1/all

How to Make Peace With Your Past with Psychotherapist Britt Frank Feb 23, 2021

Why is it that we are so haunted by our past? We spend hours awake at night, replaying situations in our life that we wish we could take back, change or forget altogether.
These traumatic experiences leave us feeling broken, alone, and full of shame.
But what if you could learn proven ways to make peace with the hard parts of your past?
In this episode, you will learn:

Why it's so difficult to make peace with your past
How your brain is wired to remember traumatic experiences
The difference between traumatic vs. painful experiences
Solutions to "digest" the hard situations you've gone through, not "get over" them.
How to know if therapy is a good solution for you.
Alternatives to therapy (at zero cost!)
Generational traumas, should we blame our traumas on our parents?
How perfectionism shows up in trauma situations
How to talk to yourself in order to cope with traumatic, or painful circumstances...

and so. much. more! Trust us, you'll want to take notes for this one! The bottom line, there is hope for you. It is possible to live a life freed from the hauntings of your past.
All about Our Guest:
Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP is a former New Yorker who now calls Kansas City home. She is a speaker, teacher, and trauma therapist who specializes in the physiology of mental health. Britt received her BA from Duke University and her master’s from the University of Kansas. She is certified in Somatic Experiencing, which is a post-graduate specialization that addresses the central nervous system’s impact on mood and wellness. Her experience includes work as a primary therapist at an Arizona-based drug and alcohol treatment center, an inpatient therapist for a children’s psychiatric hospital, and she currently has a private practice in Overland Park. She’s also an award-winning adjunct professor at the University of Kansas and will be launching her first book The Science of Stuck in Spring 2022.
Connect with Britt at https://www.thegreenhousekc.com/
Britt's Instagram: @brittfrank

Answering Your Burning Career Questions Feb 16, 2021

Best-selling author and leadership influencer John C. Maxwell once wrote, "Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you." If Maxwell is right, then our career decisions have massive implications for our future.
But how do we know when it's time to pursue a new job opportunity? How do we position ourselves for advancement? Negotiate a salary? Leverage our worth? How do we land our dream job or does one even exist?
In this episode, Career Consultant Maria Grasso joins us and shares her expertise, answering all these questions and more. The career mentor you've always wished you could have, Maria is yours for this empowering hour chocked full of advice that can help shape your future.
Special Guest: Maria Grasso
Maria is a Senior Career Transition Consultant with more than 25 years of leadership and organizational development experience to her role at Keystone Partners. She advises executives, managers, and individual contributors in career transition, helping clients successfully transition into new career opportunities.
Maria’s background includes senior management positions with Fidelity Investments, Engility (formerly Dynamics Research Corporation), Capgemini (formerly Capgemini Ernst & Young/Gemini Consulting) and consulting engagements in the financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services, hospitality, and biopharmaceutical sectors.
She is a certified Career Partners International Senior Career Transition Consultant and holds an MEd in Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
SHOW NOTES:
4:00 Maria is a life-long New England Patriots fan but her take on the recent Super Bowl might surprise you.
11:15 Ninety percent of job offers start with this one activity. Are you doing it?
14:00 Many of us find ourselves feeling like we're in dead end jobs that will be the death of our careers. If this is you, here's how you can control the situation.
19:00 Feeling like we are "not enough" wears many disguises in the workplace and some of these will surprise you.
20:45 This is THE NUMBER ONE predictor of success in the workforce. Are you poised for success?
23:00 "Make a choice and own it." Listen here to understand what Maria means by this and how this can help you.
27:00 Are women the only ones who feel like they aren't enough in their careers?
31:20 Do you have someone in your life who is struggling with career transitions? Want to help him/her? This is where to start. It sounds easy but it is anything but.
37:30 What is giving you cause to pause? Are you more committed to allowing space for that voice or what you thought your life and career should look like?
47:00 "Our net value is directly tied to our net worth." Listen here as Maria unpacks how our self-esteem is connected to our paychecks.
51:30 What is your personal brand and what are you worth on the open market?
59:30 What is the hidden job market and do you know how to tap into it for your benefit?
63:00 Most of us are missing the boat on this key thing when we network.
69:30 "HELP. My employer keeps asking me to do more and more. What do I do now?"
Resources:
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William L. Ury
Power vs. Force, The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by David R. Hawkins, MD
Knowing Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You're Worth by Mika Brzezinski

Lessons I Learned From Personal Tragedy Feb 09, 2021

Bittersweet. The one word that describes this episode so perfectly.
Bitter because it's a story of tragedy - a life lost too soon to suicide. Bitter because of the mess of emotions left behind to process and no way to get the answers she needed.
Sweet because Rachel's mom, Linda Schisler, is our special guest - and it's her birthday! Sweet because of Linda's heart to help others. Sweet because her message is ultimately one of hope.
Join us for this special episode as Linda tells us what tragedy has taught her, how it has made her more resilient and how it deepened her faith.
Special Guest:
Linda Schisler is a retired reading educator and life-long follower of Jesus. It wasn't until 10 years ago when her father died, that Linda was forced to let go of the life-sucking goal of perfectionism. Her story about personal growth and deeper faith through this past decade are inspiring and full of practical help. To contact Linda directly, email her at Lindalouschisler@gmail.com
Show Notes:
3:00 Robin is full of hope in this episode and here's why.
8:50 They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. How is this true for Rachel and Linda?
11:00 Want to make your mom's day? This will definitely do it!
13:00 Listen how perfectionism impacted Linda's life for 36 years and what it cost her.
17:30 Have you had one of these life-changing, defining moments where your life has forever been changed? How are we preparing for those times of tragedy?
20:30 Time does help heal wounds like the emotional tsunami of her father's death. Here's what else Linda found helpful.
23:30 Ever pray for something good and not understand God's silence?
26:20 Do you know what to say to someone who is struggling through tragedy? Can we learn to do better and be more helpful to those around us in these situations?
29:00 In the depths of despair, what was Linda's biggest learning?
32:30 How is losing someone to death by suicide different than losing them in other ways?
38:00 What is the worst thing you fear? Here's how to reframe that fear in a productive way.
42:00 Do you have these important people in your life?
Resources:
A Long Shadowed Grief - Suicide and it’s Aftermath by Harold Ivan Smith
Trust After Trauma: A Guide to Relationships for Survivors and Those Who Love Them by Aphrodite T. Matsakis
A Time to Grieve by Kennth C. Haugk
Conscious Transformation by Joey Klein
What to Say When People are Suffering

3 Reasons You Feel Like You're Never Enough Feb 02, 2021

No one wants to grow up and self-sabotage our success and happiness. But yet for so many of us, that is exactly what happens when three simple words take root in our hearts.
I'm not enough.
No, we don't say it out loud. And we probably don't even say it under our breath. But we say it to ourselves in the way we fear the unknown, how we easily get defensive, and how we compare ourselves to others.
In this episode, we continue confronting the tough realities of life that make us think that we aren't enough and that we have to be perfect to cover up our shortcomings. By understanding why we tell ourselves this lie, we can begin to overcome it and live in light of our true value and self-worth.

Why You Feel Emotionally Exhausted Jan 26, 2021

Do you find yourself chronically feeling overwhelmed and your cup empty? What is that feeling and where did it come from? Experts call it emotional exhaustion and there is a good chance many of us are battling it right now - increasing our frustration, irritability and creating a sense of hopelessness.
Join us this episode for a deep dive into emotional exhaustion: how do we define it, identify it and overcome it.
3:00 Wait, what was I saying? Does this happen to you?
5:45 Are you out of the capacity to execute our normal daily tasks? Here's how to know if you're struggling with emotional exhaustion.
10:40 These professions are most likely to be experiencing emotional exhaustion so let's give them some grace!
14:30 Emotional exhaustion has physical, mental and psychological manifestations. Do these sound familiar?
22:00 Removing the stress from our life is ideal, but what do you do when that isn't an option?
26:00 Robin reveals her secret for a good night's sleep here.
29:30 Establishing these boundaries will help refuel our tanks.
33:00 It's 9 at night and your coworkers exchange emails. What do you do?
36:00 Others' happiness is your not responsibility so is it time to stop acting like it?
39:00 Here's the other BIG thing that is impacting our tendency to feel emotionally exhausted.
40:00 Here's the one question you need to be able to answer during a season of emotional exhaustion.

Resources:
That Feeling you Cant' Name? It's Emotional Exhaustion
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/01/12/covid-mental-health-how-cope-emotional-exhaustion-and-burnout/4134289001/
Emotional Exhaustion During Times of Unrest
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/emotional-exhaustion-during-times-of-unrest

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Bridgerton & Sex: What Your Mother Didn't Tell You Jan 19, 2021

Sixty-three million households watched Bridgerton in the first four weeks after it was released on Netflix, making it the fifth-largest debut of any show on the service. One of the reasons the period drama is so incredibly popular is a credit to its steamy sex scenes between the absolutely sexually naive wife and her new husband. Watching it, it's easy to feel sorry for the poor girl and even a sense of anger toward her mother. After all, there was so much pretense around finding a husband yet no mention of what to do with that husband.
In this episode, we ask how parents today are dealing with this sensitive subject and what the surprising research on the subject says. We also explore what young girls wish their mothers were teaching them and get real about why parents find being honest with their kids about sex so difficult.
SHOW NOTES:
5:00 What surprised you most about Bridgerton?
7:30 Curious about the historical period depicted in Bridgerton? Listen here for some fun facts about the series and the Regency Period in England.
13:30 Mothers in this era seem to be out of touch, but are they that different than mothers today?
16:00 Listen here about the epiphany Robin had after watching Bridgerton.
19:00 The fear of judgement is what makes this conversation so difficult. Here's what we need from listeners during this conversation.
21:30 Talking about sex is difficult, even for Robin. Here's how that has impacted her relationship with her daughter.
23:20 Do you remember having "The Talk" with your parent? Here's Rachel's story about her talk with her mom.
27:30 Parents think they are educating their children about sex, but are they? Here's what kids have to say about what their parents are and are not talking to them about.
35:00 Here's one thing that Rachel thinks moms could do to truly help their daughters.
37:00 Listen here for Robin's two reasons why talking about sex has been difficult.
42:00 How do we stop the cycle of not being transparent and feeling shame about sex?
44:00 What is the end goal of conversations about sex with your kids?
47:00 Can we talk about the messages The Church is giving about sex?
49:00 Listen here to find out what girls are wondering about their moms?
Resources;
Article from Psychology Today referenced in the podcast: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-sexuality-and-romance/202004/should-parents-talk-their-girls-about-sex
Podcast that spurred this conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/7100524-what-i-wish-i-would-ve-known-about-getting-married-young

Purpose over Passion With Orangetheory Coach Brandon Jan 12, 2021

Brandon Adams believes you should leave people better than you found them. The son of a minister, Brandon treats the gym like his church and is determined to speak positive truth into the lives of those he encounters there.
Yes, Brandon is physically everything you might imagine he would be with an Instagram handle @ChocolateMuscle_. He's confident, outspoken and well, very muscular. But it was actually his slender build and dark skin that resulted in young Brandon wanting to transform himself. Now a coach at Orangetheory Fitness in Kansas City, as well as a private trainer, Brandon helps people embrace who they are as they grow in their strength and self-confidence. His enthusiasm and zest for life are undeniable and this interview will make you sad, happy and ready to live life to its fullest.
Special Guest
Brandon Adams

What I Wish I Would've Known About Getting Married Young Jan 05, 2021

If you grew up in church or have spent much time attending one, then you know the Church has a lot to say about marriage, singleness and sexual purity. Most of us, even if we don't recognize it, have been impacted in some way or another by the well-intentioned "purity culture" that the Church often promotes. In this episode, we ask tough questions about how this culture has shaped our decisions, and how it looks to live out a desire for spiritual purity and personal holiness.
Speaker, writer and passionate Christ-lover Kendra LeeAnne joins us to discuss how the church's expectations helped her create a picture of happiness through marriage that was unrealistic and destructive. Now a young, divorced mother of three, Kendra offers her wisdom on how this desire for marriage clouded her judgement and what she's learned about herself, her faith and God in the process.
Special Guest: Kendra LeeAnne, speaker and writer
SHOW NOTES
10:30 Have you ever felt the pressure to get married? Where does that narrative come from?
17:45 Do you believe if you do good then you'll get good? How does this belief impact our perspectives on marriage?
21:00 Listen as Kendra discusses how the purity culture impacted her and how she found her self worth and the impacts it made in her life and marriage.
25:00 Ever feel unlovable and ashamed of your past choices? You're not alone.
27:30 Think scandals are unique to our generation? Guess again. Sex, marriage and religion have always been messy.
30:00 Why do we have a desire for sex? And do we know what a Godly marriage is supposed to look like?
35:15 What Titles define you? How do you find your identity? And how is that working out for you?
38:30 What has marriage and divorce taught Kendra about her value and role in life?
41:30 Are we making room for singleness and our single friends? How do we help women create a vision for wholeness that doesn't include marriage?
48:00 What would we say to the woman who married young and is questioning her decision?
51:30 Can you identify what defines abuse and the different types?
55:00 What lies do you believe that are causing incorrect assumptions in your life?
Resources:
To learn more about Kendra, her story and her resources: http://www.kendraleeanne.com/
On Instagram: @Kendraleeannespeaks
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
I Survived Kissing Dating Goodbye Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYTkkQJw_M

Choose Your Word For 2021 With Matt May Dec 29, 2020

Choosing a word to help give your year direction and to help define your purpose has become increasingly popular. With the new year upon us, join Robin and special guest co-host, Matt May, as they discuss the value in choosing a word for the year and how to go about it. As a bonus, Matt shares his word from 2020 and how he saw God work through it as his cancer relapsed and he went through a bone marrow transplant.

How To Tell If You Have Impostor Syndrome Dec 22, 2020

We've been told to fake it til we make it our entire lives. But does there come a time where we can be confident in the value we bring to the table? Or are we all just trying to make people believe we are something we're not.
Resources:
NYT article: https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/

Quiz to test yourself of impostor syndrome:

https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3803

https://paulineroseclance.com/pdf/IPTestandscoring.pdf

When Pastors "Fall From Grace" With Special Guest Fred Herron Dec 15, 2020

Life is messy - even for pastors. Why? Because they are human.
In this episode, Fred Herron, former pastor of the Vineyard mega church in Kansas City joins us to share his story of how insomnia and ministry burn out led him down a dark path that ultimately caused him to spin out of control and be removed from his church. From pedestal to the front page of the Sunday edition of the Kansas City Star, Fred calls himself a prodigal pastor. His story is both gut-wrenching and refreshing for all of us who struggle with being the "perfect" Christian.
Now, two years later, Fred is brutally honest about his recovery, his shame and how he is trying to find hope again, both in his heart and in his work as he has launched Spirituality Adventures - a nonjudgmental place to explore spirituality.
Special Guest: Fred Herron
To learn more about Fred's story, listen to his podcast Spirituality Adventures, or go to www.RealFredHerron.com.
Resources on emotional intelligence:
It's Not Always Depression: Working the Change Triangle to Listen to the Body, Discover Core Emotions, and Connect to Your Authentic Self by Hilary Jacobs Hendel
Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive by Marc Brackett

Do I Need Therapy? With TV Anchor & Trauma Therapist Crystle Lampitt Dec 08, 2020

Crystle Lampitt understands the weight of perfectionism. In this episode, Crystle, a former model and television personality, shares her story about how the pressure to please led her to neglect her own needs. Hear about how she learned to smile and push through unrealistic expectations, not realizing the emotional and physical toll it was taking on her and her relationships.
It wasn't until she was diagnosed with a chronic illness that Crystle accepted that she had to make a drastic change in her life. This turn led her to understand and appreciate the value of therapy - transforming her life and her passion to help others overcome the traumas in their life.
There is something for us all to learn in Crystle's story of triumph.
Special Guest:
Crystle Lampitt
Follow her on Instagram@CrystleLampitt
To contact Crystle for an appointment, go to www.KCResolve.com.

R&R #20 Can't Find the Joy in Christmas Anymore? Dec 04, 2020

To help find deeper joy and contentment this Christmas season, join me for a 10-day challenge.
To learn more and to sign up, go to www. Robinmayministries.com/challenge

Why The Holidays Suck the Joy Out of You Dec 01, 2020

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or is it?

For many of us, the holiday season is a mixed bag. On one hand, we want to marvel at the beauty of Christmas with a renewed joyful awe. But on the other hand, there are budgets to keep, expectations to meet and, in 2020, a pandemic to maneuver.

In this episode, join us for a conversation about the things many of us think, but are afraid to say about the holidays. In it, we acknowledge the distance between where we want our hearts to be with the holiday season and where we are - AND offer a special invitation to help us all find the joy as we journey to Christmas.

To learn more about this invitation and to join us for the 10-day challenge to find joy and peace this holiday season, visit www.RobinMayMinistries/challenge.

Black Friday Shopping Tips with Closet 31 Nov 24, 2020

Looking for a new way to shop on Black Friday and this holiday season? Meet Chloe and Carly Walton - sisters, entrepreneurs and the creative masterminds behind Closet 31 - an online boutique that is changing the way women can shop together.
In this episode, Chloe joins us to give us an inside look at all of this year's top fashion trends. She also answers some tough questions about how to look your best no matter your age or body shape. This is a fun episode that will help get you in the Christmas spirit and make you want to start marking items off your shopping list.
And did I mention, Chloe offers a discount code? Stay tuned! Find it in the show notes below.
Special Guest: Chloe Walton, co-owner of Closet 31
https://www.facebook.com/Closet-31-Boutique-113092727227842/
Show Notes:
4:00 Learn why Chloe has Rachel's college address tattooed on her ankle.
9:15 If you had a Christmas party for just the girls, what would you wear?
12:00 How do you know if a piece of clothing is too old or young for you? Find out here.
17:30 Crop shirts are all the rave, but what body type is this style best suited for?
23:00 Sometimes you need someone to push you out of your style comfort zone and here's why.
28:00 Inspiration alone doesn't make a successful business. Here is how the Walton sisters developed their business plans.
33:00 If you could only have two accessories for the season, these are the two must-haves.
36:00 Want to find the perfect gift for a friend or family member but don't know where to start? Here's how Closet 31 can help.
38:00 Ready to make the most of Black Friday savings? Don't miss these tips.
42:00 Support Closet 31 and save some money with discount code PWP10.

R&R #19 The Latest Update On Matt Nov 20, 2020

Navigating the Mother-In-Law & Daughter-In-Law Relationship Nov 17, 2020

The holidays often magnify the tensions family experience - especially those between mother and daughter-in-laws. Despite good intentions and good hearts, conflict between mother and daughter-in-laws is more prevalent than we'd like to admit.
So whether we are the mother or the daughter-in-law, how do we improve these relationships? Given the frequency and severity of this problem, it's surprising how few resources are available to address it.
In this episode we tackle this difficult but important topic with special guest Sara Haslag. A longtime mentor of young women and young marrieds, Sara has taken the lessons learned from being a daughter-in-law to shape her approach to being a mother-in-law. Her three suggestions for improved in-law relationships are Godly, insightful and couldn't be more timely.

Bachelor Breakdown (Take a Mental Break) Nov 10, 2020

The election wasn't the only thing making history last week. In case you lost yourself counting electoral votes, in an unprecedented move Bachelorette Clare Crawley blew up the show as she declared her love and devotion to Dale Moss after only 12 days of filming. It was entertaining and mindless, which may be why 5.3 million Americans watched it.
Whether you love it or hate it, the Bachelor franchise has been entertaining us for nearly 19 years. But why? What is it about the show that makes it so popular?
Join us this week as we explore these questions and more as we share our very different opinions on this very important topic. Ok, so it's not really that important, but that's kind of the point.

3 Ways to Find Gratitude When Life is Disappointing Nov 03, 2020

November is here and with it comes a focus on gratitude. In an election year complicated by a global pandemic, gratitude doesn't come naturally for many of us. In fact, if gratitude was our default, we wouldn't need study after study convincing us of its benefits and encouraging us to practice it.
But what are those benefits to gratitude and how do we learn to become more grateful?
This podcast is a quick listen with a big return on your investment. Join us to find a greater appreciation for the benefits of gratitude and get some simple tips to help you start finding the good things in your life to be grateful for.
Hit the Highlights
3:30 Black Friday is right around the corner. How will you spend the day? Here's how we will be spending ours and why.
8:00 Want to be kinder and more empathetic toward the world? Here's a good place to start.
10:30 Have you watched the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma? If you haven't, here's why it might be helpful.
12:15 Want to improve your physical health and feel better? Have fewer aches and pains? The brain/body connection is a powerful one with big benefits.
16:40 Sleep is precious. Ready to learn the connection between good sleep and gratitude and improve your sleep?
18:15 This gratitude practice could benefit you and strengthen your relationship with your spouse.
22:00 Can you find blessings in the battle? Are you looking for the good or are you just looking for another reason to gripe?
24:20 This simple tip will help you take your attention off of yourself and help you make the world around you a better place.
Resources:
7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude that will Motivate you to Give Thanks Year-Round by Amy Morin
https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/?sh=627668e4183c
The Letters of Love Program
https://www.nextavenue.org/love-for-the-elderly/

Loving Your Husband Before You Even Have One Oct 27, 2020

What if you could learn to love your husband before you even have one? That’s what we are talking about today with author and speaker, Kim Vollendorf. Kim once thought Jesus was boring and irrelevant, but she changed her mind about Him in college. As a result, she has spent the past three decades working with the campus ministry Student Mobilization, discipling college women, and mentoring StuMo staff.

She made it through thirteen weddings as a single bridesmaid before she met and married her dreamy husband Sean. They have been married for more than twenty years, and have three sons.

As Kim has experienced the ups and downs of being both single and married, she found herself saying over and over again, “Young women need to know this.” One day she scribbled down on an index card the key lessons she learned as a single woman that really paid off in her marriage. The notes on that card became a series of talks which drew in thousands of young women, and those talks eventually became the book Loving Your Husband Before You Even Have One.

Hit the Highlights

(3:00) How Kim’s ministry began

(10:30) What are the biggest lies women believe before getting married?

(17:45) What to do if you waited until marriage, and the sex still isn’t that great.

(22:00) Kim’s own love story

(27:42) What to do if you’re thinking about breaking off a relationship

(36:40) Does the church contribute to unrealistic and unhealthy expectations in marriage?

Additional Resources

Get Kim’s Book

https://amzn.to/3jxQHUS

Sex is Like Legos

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/sex-is-a-creative-process/

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God

https://amzn.to/3mo35Zk

Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making?

https://amzn.to/3kvGj12

Behind the Scenes with News Anchor Michelle Linn Oct 20, 2020

For more than two decades, Michelle Linn has been getting up in the middle of the night to prepare to give the world the news when it wakes up. Originally anchoring the morning news in Columbia, MO on KMIZ-17 for 13 years, Michelle has spent the last decade waking up with audiences in Tulsa on KOKI Fox 23. In this episode, Michelle gives us a behind the scenes look at balancing her very public life with her role of wife and mother.
As the evolution of news consumption evolves, so does Michelle. A mother of four, Michelle's life experiences empower her both on and off the air. They also help her rise above the criticism that inevitably comes with being a public figure. Audiences may expect Michelle Linn to be perfect, but as you'll learn, she's comfortable in her own skin and confident to do her own thing. Join us for her refreshing and inspiring perspective.
Special Guest:
Michelle Linn Hodge, Morning Anchor
KOKI-TV Fox 23, Tulsa, OK.
https://www.facebook.com/FOX23MichelleLinn/
Former anchor on KMIZ Channel 17, Columbia, MO.
Show Notes
(6:00) God works in mysterious ways. This story of how Michelle ended up with her job in Tulsa is proof.
(10:30) Listen here to learn what a day in the life of a morning news anchor and mother of four looks like.
(11:45) Reporting (and consuming) the news has never been more challenging and here is why.
(15:30) Fake news? Real news? Here's how to discern the difference and open your eyes to views that are different than your own.
(22:00) Positive news stories are making a comeback and here is why.
(28:30) How does Michelle overcome viewer criticism and the pressure perfect to be the perfect mom?
(32:00) Here's how Michelle figured out how to embrace not being perfect and uses it to her benefit.
(35:30) Confidence was a game-changer for Michelle's career. Here's how you can learn from her in this area.
(40:00) Anything can happen when you're recording - even Rachel yelling at her dog, Ollie.
(41:00) Reporting COVID, the Trump rally and police killings took a toll and here's why.
(48:00) Feeling like you're not enough? Here's a simple take away to leave you feeling empowered and confident.
Resources:
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.

Lunchmeat & Life Lessons with Mary B. Lucas Oct 13, 2020

What will the epitaph on your grave say to the world?
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die," aren't just words on her parent's headstone for Mary B. Lucas. They are now her legacy.
The ninth of ten children, Mary was an adult before she realized that her father, "a butcher by trade with an eighth grade education was the smartest man I ever knew." When he died in 2004, Mary wasn't content to let all his years of wisdom die with him. She wanted her boys to be inspired and shaped by the same advice her father had given her, so she began writing his life lessons that had shaped her and made him an entrepreneurial success. Little did she know that her spiral bound memoir would explode, become an acclaimed best-seller and afford her the opportunity to speak to people around the world, sharing her father's wisdom.
This podcast isn't simply full of life lessons we all need to hear. It is inspiring and uplifting and will leave you motivated to bring out the best in yourself and those around you.
GUEST: Mary B. Lucas, author of Lunchmeat and Life Lessons, with more than 70,000 books in print. Now a motivational speaker and coach, Mary travels the world sharing the lessons her dad taught her.
(5:45) Hear how Mary come up with the idea for this best-seller
(11:00) Here's how John Bickelmeyer's secret to success can help shape your life?
(16:45) Rachel's biggest take-aways from the book and how it is helping her during her build her career.
(21:30) We can all benefit from developing our own "Comeback Sauce." Here's why and how to do it.
(26:45) Need the recipe for Comeback Sauce? Here it is!
(34:00) How can you give the people who come in contact with you a dose of something extra?
(42:00) Have someone negative in your life? Here's how to help them (and you) using the art of appreciative inquiry.
Want more from Mary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIT_I7xYrA8
or order her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Mary-B.-Lucas/e/B00MNTK1WI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Normalize Being Inspired By Your Friends Instead of Jealous Oct 06, 2020

Why is it that when our friends tell us good news, oftentimes our first reaction is to get jealous? We want to celebrate our friends and the happiness they feel, but if we are honest, it can be really hard. Especially when our own lives don't seem to be going so well. So how do we support our friends when we are secretly jealous of their success? We are diving deep into this topic to help you navigate this very normal part of life!
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS
8:30) This may be why your first reaction is jealousy when your friend tells you good news

(10:40) Do we stop getting jealous of our friends as we age?

(12:06) 3 tips to help you celebrate your friends instead of being jealous

(13:00) Bible verse to help us with comparison
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith." Hebrews (12: 1-2)

TIPS

Realize we are all on different paths
Have an honest conversation with your friend
Check your mindset - there’s no glass ceiling on happiness

Male Body Image with Matthew Bickel Sep 29, 2020

His mom calls him Matthew. His friends call him Bickel. After you listen to this episode, you'll call him inspirational.
A successful entrepreneur whose business sky rocketed, Matthew wasn't just living large. As his lifestyle escalated, so did his weight. Adding a pound a month for 10 years, it wasn't until Matthew found it difficult to tie his shoes that he realized he was pushing 500 pounds. Now a world-class CrossFit competitor, Matthew shares how he transformed the way he thinks about food and movement as he finds peace with his mind, body and spirit.
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS
(4:00) Here’s how Matthew’s health story got started

(11:30) Are some foods healthier than others?

(14:27) How do you tell your partner you want them to lose weight?

(20:31) Can weight loss put strain on a relationship?

(29:32) Do men get self-conscious about their bodies?

(34:25) What part of the body are men typically insecure about?

(35:05) How do you get healthy with your partner?

(36:57) What do men want most out of a marriage?

Additional Resources:
Andi’s scale
https://bit.ly/3iiqOb6
Follow Matthew on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bickelco/?hl=en

obese_to_beast
https://bit.ly/3iiqOb6

R&R #18: Do You Know What you Need? Sep 25, 2020

What do you need?
It's easy to ask but difficult to answer because few of us really know what we need. We think we need a new outfit, a more loving partner, more food, sex, sleep or security. In this whirly and twirly COVID world, our longings leave us discontent and disconnected from what our hearts really need.
Join Robin for this R&R as she discusses why it's so important to know what we need and hear her practical tips on how to get it.
SHOW NOTES:
Prayer Robin uses during her quiet times:
May TODAY (in this moment, right now, the present) there be PEACE (tranquility, shalom, serenity, calm, freedom from disturbances or distractions) WITHIN (inside of me).

May I TRUST (have confidence, faith, acceptance without evidence or investigation) GOD (my creator, sustainer, Faither, provider, El Shaddi; the Almighty, El Elyon; the Most High, Yahweh; the Great I Am, our victory, our warrior, our sacrificial lamb, our Shalom; peace, our Shepherd, sanctifier, and our righteousness) that I am EXACTLY (precisely, accurately, entirely, without discrepancy) where I am meant to be.

May I not FORGET (neglect or stop considering) the INFINITE (boundless, impossible to measure or calculate, limitless, immense) POSSIBILITIES (promises, alternatives, likelihoods, potentials) that are born BORN (come to life often through a painful process, awakened) of FAITH (complete trust, complete confidence, unwavering belief)

May I USE (display to accomplish a purpose or achieve a result for your glory) the GIFTS (something given freely without payment, a donation, a natural ability or talent) that I have RECEIVED (taken charge of, be responsible for).

And PASS ON (hand over) the LOVE (affection, intense feeling of deep joyful expression, showing care for) that has been given to me.

May I be CONTENT (a state of peaceful happiness, satisfied, pleased) KNOWING (being aware, realize, being conscious of) I am a CHILD (a descendant, an heir, offspring, influenced by my heritage, made in the likeness of, fruit) of GOD (see description above).

Let this presence SETTLE (make a permanent home) into my BONES (my body’s basic, fundamental framework that holds me up) and ALLOW (permit, authorize, grant, empower, enable) my soul the FREEDOM (power to act, speak and think without restraint, privilege, liberty, independence, openness) to sing, dance, PRAISE (admire, worship, glorify, honor and acclaim) and love.

It is there for each and EVERY ONE (all inclusively available) of us.

For more encouraging content, follow Robin at www.RobinMayMinistries.com and sign up to receive her emails. Or follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Email her at RobinMayMinistries.com or TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.

IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY!!! Sep 22, 2020

POP THE CHAMPAGNE because it's Robin and Rachel's one year!
We are getting dressed to the nines and hosting our very own Problem With Perfect awards show to reminisce on the past year!
To celebrate with us, we would love it if you would leave us a review or share the podcast with a friend!
This is just the beginning friends! Cheers to more years of renewing our hearts and minds to know we are all enough in Jesus Christ.
Funniest Moment:
Robin & Rachel: Fake It til You Make It https://apple.co/3mA3LM2
Best Insight From a Guest:
Robin: Find Your Flow in 2020 https://apple.co/33L9shC
Rachel: Things Emotionally Intelligent People DON'T do https://apple.co/2ZKTUdh
Favorite Episode of all time:
Robin: Superbowl 2020 https://apple.co/3cjx2ps
Rachel: 3 Ways to tell if you're a Perfectionist or High Achiever https://apple.co/3kI72HD

Perfectionism and Anxiety Sep 15, 2020

Tell me...
Have you ever felt anxious about performing a task perfectly at work?

Do you get so stuck making sure every detail is perfect that a task ends up taking way longer than you thought?

Do you feel pressure to be seen as the perfect person around your friends or family?

Do you find yourself showcasing only your mountain top moments on social media?

Do you like people believing you have your life together?

Do you have a hard time admitting you need help?

You might have a problem with perfection.

And I'm guessing that means you have some anxiety too.

According to Psychology Today, Perfectionists desire success, but they are most focused on avoiding failure. They don’t believe in unconditional love, expecting others’ affection and approval to be dependent on a flawless performance.

Friend, the truth is the quest to achieve the unobtainable often leaves us frustrated, exhausted, and anxious.

Our mission is to help you see that you are enough through Jesus Christ. But in order to move forward in a healthy way, we need to explore the relationship between perfectionism and anxiety.

Why are the two so closely related? How do these manifest themselves in ways that steal our joy? Is there hope to be freed from the problem(s) of perfect?
Hit play, friend.

We're right here with you 💗

SHOW NOTES
Perfectionism
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionism
The Link Between Perfectionism and Anxiety
https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2014/05/the-link-between-perfectionism-and-anxiety
Is There an Antidote to Perfectionism? https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21797 (study from 2014) published in Psychology in the Schools.
The Alarming New Research on Perfectionism
https://www.thecut.com/2014/09/alarming-new-research-on-perfectionism.html

Is Your Faith Coasting? Sep 08, 2020

It's been six LONG months since life went virtual. For some of us, a part of our new reality includes rolling out of bed on Sundays and watching church from the couch in our pajamas. It sounds relaxing and convenient, but is it good for our spiritual development?
In this episode, Rachel and Robin discuss how the changing landscape of virtual church has impacted their spiritual health. Is there a difference between watching church and worshiping? Is it possible to do both? And how can we keep from coasting (downhill) during this pandemic?
SHOW NOTES
2:00 Did you catch Robin and Rachel discussing this subject on their monthly segment on The Fox4 Morning Show last week?
4:15 What was your experience with Zoom before COVID? Here is Robins.
6:00 Listen to hear our struggle to attend small group meetings via Zoom?
7:30 Does this look anything like your worship from home?
10:00 Do you miss these things that Rachel misses about church?
12:15 Do you find yourself having a glass or two or three of this now that there is less to do? Us too!
13:30 What does it mean to coast? And where does it take us?
15:30 Hear about Robin's interaction with God in her new sun room reminded her of God's faithfulness.
17:30 How needy do you find yourself during this season? And what are you doing to get your needs met?
19:30 How is our problem with perfection impacting our thoughts with COVID and our faith?
22:30 Can't get together with your small group for face to face meetings? Maybe this is an alternative that would be helpful.
24:00 Struggling with prayer? These thoughts on your relationship with God may offer insight into why and help you get reconnected to God and community.

R&R #17 Measure Your Words Sep 04, 2020

Remember those scenes made famous by Viola Davis in The Help where she tells little Mae Mobley, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."? Words are powerful and images like this one remind us how they can bring things (and people) to life.
In this R&R, Robin explores the why behind the power of our words and gives us three challenges for using our words for good.

How to Be a Leader in the Online Space Sep 01, 2020

Our world might be changing but the need for leaders hasn’t. In this episode, leadership author and speaker Alex Demczak, helps us re-imagine leadership in the COVID era.
Whether you want to strengthen your family life, get ahead in the workplace or make your community a better place, Alex’s wisdom and insight will help you become the leader the people around you need you to be.
Special Guest: Alex Demzcak

R&R #17 Five Meaningful Conversations to Have With Your Grandparent Aug 28, 2020

Grandparents day is Septemeber 13th, so what is the perfect gift to give your grandparent? Sometimes the best grandparent gift idea is to is a meaningful letter to your grandparent. Still, finding the right word to express your love is difficult, so follow this easy template for the perfect gift for your grandparent.
Dear (insert grandparent's name)
Happy ____
I wanted to write you this letter to remind you how much you mean to me. You are very special to me, and I wanted to share a few reasons why.
You have taught me ____
It means so much to me that _____
Thank you for______
When I think of you _____
I love you!
5 Meaningful Conversations to have with your grandparent:
1. What was life like for you growing up?
2. What trait or quality about yourself are you most proud of?
3. Tell me a defining moment in your life. Why was it so pivotal for you?
4. What advice would you give my generation?
5. What hopes do you have for my life?

Who Run the World? Aug 25, 2020

August 26th is National Women's Equality Day, which commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. This year marks the 100th anniversary of this historic event and is a day worth celebrating how far we've come with women's rights and a time to recognize the work still to be done.
In this episode, we give some history behind all the efforts that led up to the passage of the 19th Amendment and celebrate the advancements of women. But we also take a look in- reflecting on ways that our hearts can be more pro-women and how we can support all women. Then we take a look out - and see the work yet to be done so that women of all races and backgrounds can achieve the American dream and offer simple ways you can join in those efforts.
Show Notes:
For more information on this event and the data discussed, visit https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/Womens-equality-day.
To register to vote or receive your absentee ballot, text DECIDE to 888111
6:20 How long did women (and men) work to get women the right to vote? The answer will surprise you.
11:30 Equality for all women starts in our hearts. How do you celebrate the achievements of other women?
14:30 Do you feel competitive with other women in a way that makes you jealous of them? Or do you know that God is a God of abundance and has enough success and accomplishments for us all.
17:00 Who has the starring role in your life's story? Is this a fundamental flaw in your pursuit of happiness?
19:30 How many CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are women? You might want to sit down for the answer.
22:00 What is the leaky pipeline in the workforce? And are you or women you know a part of it?
29:15 How have women historically positioned themselves unknowingly to be a part of the leaky pipeline? The number of women who quit working outside the home when they become a mother may surprise you.
34:00 We're always worried about how to reach our goals and manage what is best for our families, but how often do we think about the struggles of women who are different than us?
36:45 Ready to celebrate the women in your life who have helped create opportunities for you? Here's the first tip of how to do that.
43:00 Everyone can do this in honor of Women's Equality Day, and in doing so you will make someone's day and educate the world in the process. What a win-win.
45:00 This tip is more of a call to action. Let's all resolve to be educated, registered and exercise our right to vote in November.
46:45 Want to join Rachel and I in our challenge to learn more about women in history? Listen for the details here.
Statistics on women and poverty from the National Women’s Law Center.

How To Find Blessings In Your Battles Aug 18, 2020

If you’ve been following with #TeamMatt and tracking Matt’s (Robin’s son) stem cell transplant journey, then you know this road has been full of mountaintops and valleys. It has also been exhausting.
But in this episode, Rachel interviews Robin about the one thing that has been consistently life-giving in these four months of chaos— the ways God has shown up and blessed their family. There are always blessings in the battle, even yours.

R&R #16 It's Not Supposed to Be This Way... Aug 14, 2020

Life is full of disappointments. We all have them and some of them bring us to our knees.
In this episode, Robin talks about why we struggle with our imperfect lives and what to do to keep them from causing us to stumble.

Do You Have Bias? Here's How to Tell Aug 11, 2020

The division in our country is undeniable, prompting many of us to ask ourselves how we have been part of the problem. If we're honest, we all have bias. This isn't a surprise. But, what might be is how our experiences and culture are constantly unconsciously informing (and misinforming) our decisions and actions towards others. Without even realizing it, these unconscious bias are often shaping our realities, making it difficult to forge meaningful relationships with others who are different from us.
Join us for this transparent and raw dialogue of self-exploration as we explore how these unconscious bias keep us from loving our neighbors like we want to.

R&R #15 Take Better Photos With Your iPhone! Aug 07, 2020

Since COVID, we have all had to wear many hats, including being our own photographers for big events like graduations, back to school, and family portraits.
This week Rachel is giving you three tips on how to take better photos with your iPhone!

How to Help Your Mental Health When Things Suck Aug 04, 2020

We all are feeling it... our mental health is taking a hit during COVID. So when the weeks of quarantine turn into months of isolation, how do we keep our mental health in check when our resources are scarce?
In this episode, we are turning to a tried and true method that's helped to keep our mental health in check: journaling. Whether or not you like to journal, this episode is a great one to help you maintain your happiness when you are feeling down!
Huffington Post Article Discussed: https://bit.ly/3goU1Ri

How to Laugh at Yourself Jul 28, 2020

We've all heard that laughter is the best medicine, so why is it so hard for (some of) us to laugh at ourselves?
Science tells us that people who are able to laugh at themselves are more resilient, have a higher self-awareness and more self-acceptance. In this episode we review five tips to help us learn how to laugh at ourselves and reap the benefits that come with it.
SHOW NOTES
Discussion based on the article, 5 Tips to Learn to Laugh at Yourself at https://exploringyourmind.com/5-tips-learn-laugh-at-yourself/
3:30 Do you know someone who is able to laugh at themselves? Here's how they can inspire you to follow their lead.
7:00 Shame and should be combine to create this imbalance in our lives and keep us from laughing at ourselves.
10:00 Hear how this should be mentality has impacted Robin during the past week as they learned the news that her son's transplant had failed.
12:00 Do you find yourself wanting to be the best at everything you do? If so, here's why it makes laughing at yourself more challenging.
16:45 Do you set yourself up for failure in life by doing this one thing?
23:30 What are the messages you are consistently saying to yourself and how do they impact your sense of humor?
26:00 What is your go-to when you need a good laugh to bring out your lighter side?
28:00 Hear this simple tip of how Rachel makes fun a pillar of her relationship with her significant other.

Is Self Care Selfish? Jul 21, 2020

what’s the first thing that pops in your mind when you hear the words self care?
Maybe a relaxing bubble bath, a long walk, or some "me" time.
Or maybe you think self care is overdone, and just a trendy way our culture makes everything about me, me, ME!
In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we're settling the argument, "is self care selfish?" once and for all!
We will also go over the self care definition, scientific studies behind self care, ideas for self care, and some unconventional, but effective self care tips.

R&R #14 What To Do If You Feel Like God Is Nudging You Jul 17, 2020

3 Ways Perfectionism is Showing Up in Your Life & How to Stop It Jul 14, 2020

Hey Friend,

Does this sound like you?

You think you need to be perfect in order to be accepted by your friends and family...

You find yourself criticizing the people around you when they aren't working on their bad habits...

You have done everything you are "supposed" to do to achieve the life you want, but still, you feel like it's not enough...

You set very high standards for yourself, and if you're honest, it leaves you anxious and exhausted.

If you answered YES to any of these statements, you may have a problem with perfect.

In this episode, Rachel and I dive into the three ways perfectionism is showing up in your life, and discuss how you can break these patterns that are leaving you feeling like a hamster on a wheel...

Listen in friend, this episode is a good one.

R&R #13 How to be MAGNETIC in Your Job Interviews Jul 10, 2020

If you are looking for job interview preparation, I have three job interview tips that will help you to be MAGNETIC in your next job interview!
In this episode of R&R, I am going to tell you how to prepare for a job interview in less than 10 minutes. I'll go over job interview attire, how to prepare for a job interview before it starts, and how to be confident during those hard interview questions, like when they ask you about your biggest weakness. CRINGE!
Can't wait for you to nail your next job interview 😘

How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City, With Guest KC Local Events Jul 07, 2020

If you've ever googled, "Kansas city things to do" "tourist attractions near me" or
"kansas city restaurants" then you are going to love this podcast all about how to be a tourist in your own city!
Since almost all of our travel plans are on hold, in this episode we explore how to have new adventures in our own backyards!
In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, Rachel talks with Brittany Burdick who runs the account, KC Local Events. KC Local Events is a social media outlet that promotes local events and businesses around the Kansas City Metro. Moving to Kansas City 3 years ago, Brittany is a huge supporter of everything local KC!
Listen to learn how to entertain out of town guests with the best local finds, how to find new food and drink places in your city, best date spots, and much more!

HIGHLIGHTS
(6:23) Why is it important to shop local vs chains?

(9:24) Here's how to get started being a tourist in your own city

(13:55) Top 3 places to visit in Kansas City

(17:11) How to Scout out the best date night places in your city

(26:40) Here’s how to find new food and drink places in your city
You can follow Brittany on Instagram: @kclocalevents

R&R #12 How To Not Go Down the "What If" Spiral Jul 03, 2020

Life is fragile. Bad things happen to good people. We lose jobs. We lose people. And sometimes, we lose faith. This fear of the unknown makes it easy to worry about what is around the next corner of life.
In this R&R, Robin shares her strategies for staying present with the what is instead of worrying about then what if. Sometimes, we need to look back to have the courage to move forward.

Why Is It So Hard to Forgive? Learn the GRACE of Forgiveness Jun 30, 2020

Just thinking about forgiveness can get overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you do the hard work? And is it worth it in the end?
Today's episode unpacks this struggle and offers a practical strategy to address the need for us to ask for and extend forgiveness. Using the acronym GRACE, we acknowledge these volatile barriers that keep us stuck in an unforgiving pattern and offer a tool for moving forward.
G - Get real with yourself
R - Remember what forgiveness is, and isn't
A - Affirm the value of forgiveness
C - Commit to the process
E - Examples of forgiveness
Show Notes:
4:00 The first step in forgiveness might surprise you, but here's why Getting real about the difficulty of forgiveness is important to acknowledge.
6:10 It's easy to confuse what forgiveness is and isn't. Remembering this definition will help clarify what it means to choose to forgive.
9:40 Without this Affirmation, it will be easy to abandon the plan to forgive and sit in our unforgiveness.
10:30 Everyone says we should forgive others, but why? These physical benefits of forgiveness confirm what the Bible says on the topic.
13:00 Unforgiveness blocks us from experiencing this to the fullest and should be one of the biggest motivators to forgive others.
15:20 Want more control of your emotions? This advice is counter-intuitive but works.
16:00 Forgiveness won't happen overnight, which is why your Commitment to this is step is critical.
18:00 Listen here to understand how being image-bearers of Christ impact our desire for reconciliation.
19:30 Cultivate this "little" thing to help you forgive the big things.
20:30 Need encouragement to continue the forgiveness process? Remembering inspiration Examples of forgiveness can help keep you on track.
Sources:
The Forgiveness Instinct by Michael E. McCullough, March 1, 2008 published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Magazine.
Mayo Clinic Article
https://mayocl.in/2ZmuIrZ

How To Find New Friends After a Big Life Change Jun 22, 2020

It's no secret - we are built for community.
That's why it can be so hard to find new friends or meet new friends after a big life change. Whether that's moving to a new city, relationship changes, or having a baby, it's times like this that remind us that we need other people.
So what do we do when we know we want to meet new people, but just don't know how? Or maybe we just feel awkward about starting up a conversation with a stranger.
In this episode, we will give you four foolproof strategies for finding meaningful, lasting friendships after you go through a big life change. We give you non-awkward tips on finding new friends and meeting new people whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.

R&R #11 Matt May Answers Listener Questions Jun 19, 2020

Listen as Matt answers listener questions about his upcoming tranplant, faith, and staying positive during suffering. Stay until the end for some fun rapid-fire questions!

How Do I Stay Healthy As the World Opens Back Up? Jun 16, 2020

No matter what your level of comfort is in re-engaging with the world in this post-COVID era, one thing is for sure. COVID made us all stop and think about our own physical vulnerability. This experience has many of us re-evaluating what we can do to boost our own health and give our bodies the best chance at being healthy.
In this episode, we pose these immune-health related questions to Certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Karri Ball. And as an added bonus, we not only learn some simple tips for improving our overall health, we also get to hear Karri's inspiring story of leaving her well-paid, 9-to-5 job as a CPA to pursue her passion of helping others.
Special Guest: Karri Ball
Karri is the owner of Health=Wealth, a nutritional consulting firm that centers on the idea that real health can be achieved through a holistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle. Karri executes her mission of promoting health by providing nutritional education through one-on-one consultations and group classes. To learn more about Karri and her services, visit https://www.nutritionaltherapywithkarri.com/welcome.
Show Notes:
2:15 Hear what helped Karri decide to follow her dreams instead of settling for less.
7:30 Holistic health is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, but how does Karri define it and how does that fit into the "problem with perfect?"
9:45 How hard is your immune system working? The answer might surprise you.
10:50 We all know taking in water is important, but there is more to being hydrated than simply drinking.
13:00 Is all water created equal and how do we know which water to buy?
15:30 Surprisingly, it is possible to drink lots of water and still be dehydrated. This simple trick can help your water do more work for your body.
18:30 Don't like water? Neither does Robin, but don't fall into the same pitfall that she does with her water consumption.
20:20 We all know sweeteners aren't good for us, but what can we use that tastes good and is also full of minerals and electrolytes?
22:00 Want to have a healthy immune system? This is the place to start!
23:30 What are the five foundations of health that always need to be balanced in the body? And how do you know if you are having dysfunction in these systems?
26:40 How are you feeling and what is your body telling you?
27:50 When anxiety is high, many of us reach for food to comfort us. Why is that? And what is the connection between the mind and the gut?
29:00 Would you be surprised to know that the majority of your serotonin receptors are found in your gut? Listen here to understand how to "nourish" the body with these feel-good hormones.
31:00 You might be wasting money on vitamins and supplements if you're not doing this first.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #10 Motivation for When You Are Feeling Stuck in Life Jun 12, 2020

We all have seasons when we are feeling stuck in life! It's completely normal, however, we don't have to stay stuck in life. Sometimes our biggest motivator is ourselves, so today Rachel is giving three motivating tips for what you can do when you are feeling stuck in life.

Is It Time for A Career Change? With Special Guest: Overanalyzed That Jun 08, 2020

Imagine there is a list of things to accomplish to create a perfect life. Then imagine that once you’ve checked every item off, you realize that the perfect life isn’t the life that makes you happy. What do you do next?

Meet Kansas City attorney turned professional influencer Brea Vokolek, whose Instagram page has nearly 12,000 followers. On this episode with Brea, learn how she overcomes her perfectionist struggles to live an authentic life, all the while balancing an Instagram following her critiquing her every move. Plus, learn what Brea spends her days doing so you don’t have to!

Guest: Brea Vokolek, blogger and influencer “of all the things I’m overanalyzing” including faith, fashion, family and fitness at overanalyzedthat on Instagram.

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #9 Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Jun 05, 2020

Why do bad things happen to good people? If I do good, then I will get good, right? Sadly, if you live long enough you know that isn't always the case.
So how do we make sense of our lives when bad things happen to us, even when we have done our best to be good? Listen to Robin share tips that have helped her deepen her understanding of suffering, God, and why bad things happen to good people. If you've ever found yourself wondering, how to trust God when bad things happen, this is the episode for you.

The Do's and Don'ts of Apologizing Jun 02, 2020

As flawed, broken people, "I'm sorry" are two of the most important words we will ever hear and speak. Without the possibility of restoring relationships, our lives would be hopeless and tragic. Yet even given the benefits of it, we often resist apologizing. We rationalize our bad behavior, minimize its impacts and convince ourselves that the other person prompted your wrong doing.
In this episode, we discuss why apologies are so important - and so difficult, especially for those of us who struggle to reconcile our imperfections. And for those of us needing help with this skill, we'll offer our best advice for what to do and not to do in mastering the art of apologizing.
SHOW NOTES
1:15 For our black friends, this is our message and commitment to you in response to the killing of George Floyd.
3:45 If you're perfect, then you can stop listening. For everyone else, this is why this episode can be beneficial to you.
5:00 Ever consider apology as a tool for God's restoration for our world? This perspective might help us be motivated to
10:00 Taking responsibility for your bad behavior is key in apologizing, but it might be easier said than done. Listen here for some examples of how effective apologies might sound.
14:10 Hear Robin's example of what not to do and how building an apology habit can strengthen our relationships.
16:00 Are you like Rachel and want to "fix" things in the moment? Or do you need time to process the apology conversation?
18:00 Do you have trouble giving others grace when you have a misunderstanding? This tip is something that can benefit us all.
20:00 An apology without this is completely empty and will probably do more harm than good.
21:45 Here's the one word to avoid if you're serious about apologizing and restoring relationship.
23:00 Not paying attention to this during any conversations, especially apologies, is disadvantaging your effectiveness.
25:30 Is ghosting an acceptable form of apology? NO! How about a text? Or an email?
28:30 Has someone wronged you deeply and owes you an apology that's never come? You're not alone, but you are worthy.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

4 Things Emotionally Intelligent People DON'T Do May 26, 2020

Ever wonder how emotionally intelligent you are?
Emotional intelligence is one of those things that we all instinctively know we need and want, but yet few of us can actually define it. So, what does it mean to be emotionally intelligent and perhaps more importantly, how does it look (and not look) in our day to day relationships?
In this episode, author and psychologist Nick Wignall joins us to discuss what behaviors emotionally intelligent people DON'T do. Follow along and you might just get some insight into your level of emotional intelligence, as well as tips for avoiding bad habits that are keeping you from making emotional progress.
Guest: Nick Wignall, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in treatments for anxiety and insomnia. He is also the author of Find Your Therapy: A Practical Guide to Finding Quality Therapy. His writings have been featured in media outlets including NBC News, Business Insider, and Inc. Nick is also the host of Minds and Mics podcast.
Nick did his doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology, a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, as well as a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the New Mexico Psychological Association.
To learn more about Nick's work, go to www.NickWignall.com.

SHOW NOTES
6:15 So what's the big deal with emotional intelligence anyway? And why is it important for us to understand and work to develop it?
10:15 Being a critical thinker is different than being critical. Listen here to learn how this ties to the first thing Nick has found that emotionally intelligent people don't do.
15:00 It's difficult to be curious and critical at the same time and here's how to trade criticism for curiosity.
18:00 Do you find yourself being most critical of the people closest to you? You're not alone and here's why.
19:45 Planning for the future is good; worrying about it isn't. How do we know the difference and how do we keep ourselves from doing it?
23:00 If worrying is so unproductive, why do we keep doing it? What are we trying to overcome?
27:30 If worry is motivated by trying to control the future, ruminating on the past is motivated by the fear of feeling this.
31:30 Opportunity costs aren't just for economists; listen to how it impacts our emotional intelligence.
34:30 If you find yourself worrying about the future or the past, this tip is for you.
36:00 The fourth and final thing emotionally intelligent people don't do involves the people closest to them. It's an unconscious habit that is impacting the relationships around us, even if we don't realize it.
44:00 Expectations are natural but here's a better way to approach the people we love.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #8: When Life Feels Like it's Not Coming Together May 22, 2020

Do you have a goal, dream, or something you want for your life but it's not coming together? Then this episode is for you.

Setting the Record Straight About Millennials May 19, 2020

Millennials have now surpassed baby boomers as the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. As they continue to dominate the work place, their influence will also shape the world around us. So what do we know about millennials? What do millennials know and realize about themselves?
In this episode, Gen X representative, Robin interviews Rachel, The Problem With Perfect's own millennial, in effort to answer these questions and more, including do millennials get a bad rap for being self-entitled and thin skinned? Or are they leading our culture into more meaningful work and relationships?
Show Notes:
3:00 Have you been praying for a bone marrow match for Matt's transplant? Hear how God is answering those prayers and more.
7:00 Ready for something different? See how this episode is turning the tables and putting Rachel on the hot seat.
9:30 What generation are you a member of and do you fit the mold?
12:00 How loyal are millennials to their employers and how does that connect to how they think about money?
15:20 What is more important to you? Financial security or doing work that feels meaningful and purposeful?
17:00 Listen here to find out one of the things that Robin loves most about Rachel's millennial mindset.
20:15 Millennials, according to Rachel, are entitled and self-consumed but listen to why she thinks that can be a good thing.
22:30 If you find yourself frustrated with millennials, here are some qualities you might be overlooking.
26:30 Ever wonder what millennials admire about the generation that raised them? Find out here.
30:30 Gen Z is even more attached to technology than millennial and this might explain why.
31:15 This is the one thing that can frequently separate generations and Rachel and Robin have learned to overcome.
35:50 Listen to hear Rachel's best words of wisdom to the generation behind her.
38:00 Want to inspire younger women? Hear what Rachel says her generation needs from the older women in their lives.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #7 How to Have More Peace When Life Feels Uncertain May 15, 2020

This is your check-in, how it is going with your word for the year?
When I chose my word for the year, STEP, I had no idea what God had planned over the next few months. Remember, having a word for the year helps to give you a lens by which you look at the world. For me, it helps me think about what God is doing in my life.
Amidst a worldwide pandemic, a cancer diagnosis, and a move to be closer to Matt during treatment, my life feels pretty uncertain at the moment. Even though this last month has been hard, I have found peace knowing that I am exactly where God has planned for me to be.
Maybe you are like me, and the last few months haven't gone as planned. Let this podcast be an encouragement to you that no matter what you are going through, God is with you through it all.
"A heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9).
If you want to go back to listen to our podcast about 3 Reasons Why You Need a Word for 2020, click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-reasons-why-you-need-a-word-for-2020/id1482443584?i=1000462561437

Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Getting Married May 12, 2020

No one can look into the future, but we can look to the past and reflect on what it has taught us - which is exactly what Rachel and Robin do in this episode. Armed with a handful of tough questions from our listeners, Rachel interviews Robin about the lessons she's learned during her 25 years of marriage.
Whether you're single and interested in marriage or you've been married for 50 years, you will find yourself in some part of this insightful, encouraging and transparent discussion about marriage.
SHOW NOTES:
2:30 Don't miss the latest update on Matt's treatment, as well as our shout out to nurses for Nurse's week.
7:30 Here's how the content for this episode was developed and how you can have a voice for future podcast content.
10:00 Is there a perfect age or time in life to get married? Or should you just wait for THE knee-popping kiss that romcoms are made of?
12:30 Ever feel that you are not enough and that if you were you'd find the perfect partner? If so, let this encouragement replace this lie that the enemy is telling you.
14:45 Trying to develop the "perfect" plan for when to step away from your career and toward motherhood? This advice from Robin might be just the thing you need to hear.
16:15 This uncomfortably transparent conversation about sex and shame between Rachel and Robin hits a hot button and explores the reasons for difficulty in developing intimacy.
21:00 Money is a huge source of conflict for couples. Here are some tips for helping to stop those before they start.
26:00 How do you know that you know that you've found the right person and the right time to get married?
28:00 No relationship is perfect but what are the deal breakers that should make you think twice before getting married.
31:00 How God works in a relationship that started in a bar just as well as a relationship that started in a church?
To view the Ted Talk Robin refers to in this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB99HIBT9b4
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #6: Mother's Day During Quarantine?! (The Ultimate Activites Guide!) May 08, 2020

If you're like me, then you're wondering "what the heck do I do for Mother's Day during quarantine??"
That's why in this episode I am breaking down the Ultimate Mother's Day Guide plus giving you a template for a card to write to your mom this Mother's Day.
ACTIVITIES GUIDE
(1:42) Go to a dog park
(2:20) Go through old photos together
(2:40) Make a Tik Tok
(3:18) Activities to do in the park
(3:49) A city-wide scavenger hunt
(4:12) Make her breakfast or dinner
(4:32) Spend the day phone-free
TEMPLATE FOR LETTER TO MOM
(5:53) I'm so thankful you are my mom because...
(6:10) One special memory I have of us together is...
(6:44) One of my favorite things about you is...
(7:13) You don't hear this enough, but I want you to know...
(7:30) I really look up to you for...
(7:44) I'm so proud of you for...
(8:19) I love you
I hope this was helpful to you! Send it to a friend or tag us in your Instagram story!

How To Build Resilience: Four Strategies for A Meaningful Life May 05, 2020

If you are wondering how to build resilience in your life, you are not alone. Studies show that the people who emerge from seasons of distress and suffering the strongest are those who can find the good in the midst of it all. But how? How do we find hope and develop resilience in the midst of disappointment or despair?
In this episode, Rachel and Robin help answer this question by discussing an essay from author Emily Esfahani Smith, The 4 Pillars of Meaning That Will Help Us Emerge From the Pandemic Better Than Before. Based on her research from her best-selling book, The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters, Smith explains the four tools that can help us grow and learn from traumatic situations. It's a process that is sure to help us understand ourselves and the world around us in a more meaningful way.
SHOW NOTES
Discussion based on an essay, The 4 Pillars of Meaning That Will Help Us Emerge From the Pandemic Better Than Before by Emily ESfahani Smith. Smith is also the author of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters. Her TED talk based on her book, There's More to Life Than Being Happy, has more than 8 million views.
3:00 Want a quick update on the search for a match for bone marrow transplant for Matt? Want to join us in wearing a #TeamMatt bracelet? You're going to love this news!
7:00 We all enjoy life's ups more than the downs, but here's why the downs are just as important as the ups.
10:00 Tragic optimism sounds like an oxymoron, but does it have the opportunity to shape our crisis experiences?
12:50 Here's the first tool that can help us develop tragic optimism. It's something we all long for and can give others.
16:30 Rachel points out that Robin is grieving this during her time away from her home.
18:30 This second pillar is one that will suffer without it, no matter what we call it or how we define it.
This tip can help you when you feel like your not living your life's purpose.
This third tool is something we love to hear about others, but struggle to share our own. Here's why this pillar helps us make sense of the world and how it connects us to God's bigger picture.
Do you have trouble embracing the difficult, shameful parts of your life's story? You're not alone.
This fourth tool or pillar is the one that connects the other three together and all of us to something bigger than ourselves.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Get your #TeamMatt bracelet and frequent updates about Matt by signing up at www.RobinMayMinistries.com or by sending an email to TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com.
Find Rachel and Robin on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #5 You Don't Have to Be Perfect. It's Okay to Admit Your Weakness. May 01, 2020

I don't like feeling weak. Physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And it doesn't help that we live in a culture that says we have to "do it all" and "be it all" to feel worthy.
And yet, life throws us situations that remind us of our weaknesses. It leaves us feeling vulnerable and like we aren't enough. For me, it is my son's recent cancer diagnosis. For you, it may be a job loss, a new unwelcomed normal, or whatever is your personal "cancer" in your life.
So, what does scripture say we should do about our weakness? Listen to find encouragement for when you're afraid to admit the weak parts of yourself.
(1:58) Acknowledging Your Weakness
(4:03) What You Can Do to Help Weakness
(5:39) How to Accept Help in Weakness
(7:32) What Scripture Says About Accepting Help

What to Say When Someone is Hurting Apr 28, 2020

We've all likely found ourselves in that awkward situation where someone we love is hurting. Maybe they are grieving the loss of a relationship, the death of a family member, the fear of losing a job or even the sadness of having a sick child. In our search to find the perfect helpful words, it can be easy to say the wrong thing. or worse, not say anything at all.
In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel joins us again to give us practical wisdom about what to say - and not to say - when someone we love is hurting. Her decades of experience will help us all be wiser, and consequently, kinder the next time we find ourselves in this position.
Guest:
Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW, has decades of experience as a palliative care social worker and is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Denise is also an avid Crossfit participant and former triathlete and marathoner. She is also Robin's mentor.
(4:00) These are the things that are ALWAYS appropriate to say.
(7:00) Offering someone in need your help is a beautiful gesture, but Denise explains how it can actually be more stressful than helpful. Here are better ways to frame your desire to support your friends and family.
(10:30) Want to walk along someone during a hardship? Here is the best advice for doing so in the most meaningful way.
(12:45) Here is the one tip that Rachel and Denise have both found is helpful in encouraging people to open up during a conversation.
(17:30) The one thing you should never say to someone struggling through a difficult situation.
(24:00) Ever given well-intentioned advice to someone in the midst of their struggle? Here's why it might cause more harm than good.
(26:00) Want to truly be helpful? Here's why your job is to embrace the awkwardness.
(28:00) What do you do when someone says something (or nothing) and your feelings get hurt?
Suggested Resources:
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
By Sheryl Sandberg

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Follow Robin and get updates on Matt's treatment on Robin May Ministries Facebook page or at www.robinmayministries.com
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #4 How To Make the Best Decision When You Don't Know What to Do Apr 24, 2020

Hey friends! If you're like me, then you probably have had a few sleepless nights trying to make big decisions in your life. If you're wondering what's the best decision-making process, how to make the right decision in your life, or how to make God-honoring decisions, this podcast is for you.
I'm going to tell you the decision-making models that have worked for me over the years and how my thinking has been challenged in the decision making process.
Key Takeaways
(2:52) Ask Yourself this one question when making decisions
(3:000 The decision-making process you've probably never heard of (but need to know!)
(5:09) The conversation that changed my life
(6:49) Can you base your decisions on open or closed doors?
References:
Andy Stanley's Sermon Series on Decision Making
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ5rI02s1CY
Bob Goff's Love Does
https://app.neilpatel.com/en/ubersuggest/keyword_ideas?keyword=decisions&locId=2840&lang=en
The Crossing Columbia, Mo
https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/

The Episode We Never Wanted to Record Apr 21, 2020

If you're at all familiar with this podcast, then you know that Robin's son's leukemia has played an important part of Robin and Rachel's journey. It was this cancer that actually connected their lives and sharing Matt's story and God's faithfulness has become part of their shared passion. So, it is with heavy hearts that they recorded this episode, sharing publicly that Matt's leukemia has relapsed.
In this episode, Robin transparently shares the events of the past few days and the heartbreak that the diagnosis has brought to her family and so many people who love the May family. She also shares how listeners can join them in the long battle ahead and become a part of #teammatt.
Show Notes:
3:00 Hear how Covid and other inconveniences were actually a part of God's protection in getting the cancer diagnosed early.
6:30 Robin explains why it is necessary for Matt to be treated at the University of Kansas Medical Center rather than in Columbia or St. Louis like before.
10:00 As much as Robin and the family hate not being able to be in the hospital beside Matt, here are some of the ways God is using the situation to grow them all.
13:30 Here's the verse that God is using to speak truth to Robin and why.
17:30 Rachel shares how the diagnosis is shaping her picture of God.
18:30 Robin explains why being so loved by so many is bittersweet for her.
21:00 How is the May family really doing? Listen here for specific prayer requests for each of the family.
25:00 What does Matt's treatment look like? Robin outlines the plan here, which includes a bone marrow transplant.
27:40 Interested in being a bone marrow donor? Hear about it here and go to www.bethematch.com to learn more about how you could help someone in need.
30:45 Here's a quick summary of what you can be praying for to help the May family.
34:00 Want to stay up to date on Matt's treatment and ways you can help? Follow Robin at Robin May Ministries on Facebook.
37:00 Join Rachel and Robin as they close this episode in prayer.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Follow Robin and get updates on Matt's treatment on Robin May Ministries Facebook page or at www.robinmayministries.com
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #3 How to Battle Stress By Finding Your New Rhythm Apr 17, 2020

In my last R&R, I talked about holding happiness and heartbreak at the same time. With Missouri's stay at home orders extended, this conversation may be more important than ever.
We don't truly know when we will be able to leave our homes and gather with our friends, so in the meantime, how do we learn to create new rhythms to keep our cup full?
I'm giving you several strategies that I've used to keep me happy and in a routine. I hope this episode leaves you hopeful and encouraged as you endure another week at home.
QUICK TIPS:

Get outside and exercise as often as you can
Take in the beauty of God's nature
Make the most of your kid's sleep time
Keep a routine, anything that gives you a "normal"
Save time to get in God's word

How to Stay Home & Stay Sane: Navigating Expectations with your Spouse & Surprise Homeschooling Apr 14, 2020

With more than 360 million Americans sheltering at home, it's become obvious that spending all day, every day with those we love has the opportunity to bring out the worst in us.
The good news is you're not alone. In this episode, we give you tips to navigate surprise homeschooling, expectations with your spouse and kids, working from home, staying sane during the shelter in place order, and biblical truths to help you navigate all the uncertainty you may be feeling.
Guests: Justin and Jen Garrett
After 10 years of leading student ministry at The Crossing in Columbia, MO, Justin and Jen recently moved to Kansas City Missouri to plant a new church. It will launch publicly in September at Walden Middle School. For more information on the church or the information shared in this podcast, email them at Justin@thecrossingchurch.com.
SHOW NOTES
14:30 Do you find yourself juggling work with parenting, homeschooling and managing a household? These tips are for you.
17:30 You probably know your child better than anyone so it may surprise you that you don't know this about them, which is why homeschooling can be so difficult.
20:00 Hear why this is not the time to focus on perfection and how to give yourself grace.
22:30 The key to happiness may revolve around this one thing.
28:30 Does the pandemic have you doubting God's control and your faith? Hear how Justin struggles as well and how he overcomes it.
32:30 When you feel anxious, here's Jen's advice on what you need more (and less) of in your life.
34:30 Feeling like the pressures of staying at home are bringing out the worst in you? Here's why that happens and how it can be a blessing in disguise.
36:30 Do you expect your partner to do this for you and find yourself disappointed?
39:00 Quantity does not equal quality, especially with this one thing and especially now.
41:00 Do you have trouble owning your crap? Here's why it's so important and some great wisdom to help you get better at it.
45:00 Here's the one thing couples need to be doing and might not have the energy to do.
50:00 Here are a few resources Justin and Jen recommend to help us strengthen our faith and our relationships during this time: Psalms, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Wednesday's Word devotionals by Paul David Tripp and the Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren.
Enjoy this episode? Leave us a rating and a comment so more people will find our content!
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
To Join LIVE workouts, visit Robin May Ministries on Facebook or find her on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #2: I've Been Working From Home for Months... Here's How to Do It Well Apr 10, 2020

While the rest of the world is adjusting to working from home, it's business as usual for Rachel. As a seasoned freelance professional, Rachel knows all the struggles that come from at home working. In this episode of R&R, she shares all the lessons she learned the hard way to help you increase your productivity and maintain some sense of normalcy.

Surviving Social Distancing Apr 07, 2020

Creating a new "Coronavirus normal" isn't without its challenges. With the comfort of our routines and human interactions gone, we find ourselves searching for ways to fill the gap and keep our cups full. In this episode, we share our best tips for self-care to help us all find greater joy and peace in these days at home.
SHOW NOTES:
3:15 Learn about the online game pack that has Rachel reuniting, albeit virtually, with her family and friends.
7:00 What's your favorite television binge right now? Here are ours!
10:00 This was a little awkward and clunky at first, but was worth it for our mental health.
13:00 This tip is something that is always good for us, but might just be essential during the quarantine.
14:00 Want to get a good workout and get a sense of connection with Robin and Rachel? Join us! Here's how!
16:30 Hear about how one person is using this time at home to reconnect with her body and to get in shape.
19:00 Got some extra time on your hands? So did Robin and the May family before they did this! Maybe you want to join her and lots of Americans who are doing this to keep themselves happy during corona.
20:00 Hear the big reveal of Puppy May's name.
22:00 Want to get three months of free beer while you're stuck at home? Here's how!
23:30 Here's why animals are so good for us, especially now.
For a list of free online exercise options, check out this resource:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2020/04/02/best-online-fitness-classes-working-out-home/5067270002/
Want to see pics of Robin's new puppy Ty or join her for LIVE workouts, visit Robin May Ministries on Facebook.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

R&R #1: How to Hold Heartbreak and Happiness at the Same Time Apr 03, 2020

Need a little R&R heading into the weekend? Here's your bonus episode of The Problem with Perfect designed to give you just that.
This week it's one-on-one with Robin as she explains the tension created by her son's recent birthday. One one hand, after his battle with cancer three years ago, she is incredibly grateful for another birthday. And on the other hand, she mourns yet another birthday where the world seems out of control. The trick is learning for these two things to co-exist so that peace and joy abound.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19 on her website:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

Advice From A Doctor: It's Okay if the Coronavirus Has You Grieving Mar 31, 2020

The anxiety and fear that the coronavirus pandemic is producing seems to be intensifying the longer we have to sit with our new reality. It’s clear that many of us are worrying about life and death issues for ourselves or those we love, as well as the long list of unknowns to face after this is "over." But what might be less obvious are the emotions that come with the long list of things we've lost.

Psychologists have a word for these feelings associated with loss. It's called grief.
In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel helps us understand that it's important to acknowledge and grieve what the pandemic has taken from us. Whether it's our inability to keep our routines (and the comfort that comes from doing so), big life event celebrations, or our sense of security - the losses are real. Grieving them will help us move forward and, as Denise explains, help us create a new post-corona normal.
Guest:
Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW, has decades of experience as a palliative care social worker and is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Denise is also an avid Crossfit participant and former triathlete and marathoner. She is also Robin's mentor.
SHOW NOTES:
4:15 Do you feel like you're on the verge of losing it? (Join the club!) This explanation why might surprise you.
8:45 Listen to this checklist of behaviors to learn if you're struggling with grief and didn't know it.
9:15 Denise shares the one quote about control that you'll never want to forget.
10:45 We can't control the coronavirus, but what can we control to help process the grief that this new reality has brought us?
14:30 Are you holding in your tears? Burying your emotions? Here's the permission you need to cry when you need to cry and to sit with your feelings when you have them.
16:00 Waiting for this to all be over and for life to go back to normal? You might consider Denise's expertise on this subject to help you better prepare for what's ahead.
19:45 Find yourself in need of a counselor? Listen to these tips on how to find one rather than letting our emotions overwhelm us.
21:30 Why you should give yourself the grace to feel what you're feeling, rather than "shoulding" on yourself.
24:00 Don't miss this EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of this podcast!
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

Biblical Truths to Help You Stop Living In Fear Mar 24, 2020

There is no denying that the Coronavirus pandemic has produced a collective fear like the modern world has never seen. In this unprecedented time, the unknowns seem limitless and even our most basic needs are at risk of not being met. The psychological and emotional stress of it all leaves us looking for answers and a path forward.
To help with this situation, we looked to the one place we believe has been and will always be reliable to guide us through the human experience - The Bible. In this episode, we discuss a recent sermon by Dave Cover, a pastor at The Crossing in Columbia, MO and highlight how it helped us in hopes it will be helpful to you as well. It turns out the Bible has a lot to say about fear and there's perhaps never been a more important time for us to listen.
SHOW NOTES:
Sermon entitled Fear, taught by Dave Cover from The Crossing Church, Columbia, MO.
https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/media-feeds/fear-2/
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Email us @TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

Budget Tips For Beginners + Money & Relationships! Mar 17, 2020

Imagine being 24-years-old and realizing that your debt is sucking the joy right out of your life. In fact, it's suffocating you. This is Rachel Pedersen's story, and it might be yours. A new college grad, Rachel was enjoying having the income of "a real job" and was trying to build her credit. But before she knew it, she added up her student loans and credit card debt and was horrified that it equaled $40,000.
In this episode, Rachel shares her story of going from being saddled by debt to achieving fiscal freedom. Along the way, she learned some valuable insights and developed a passion for helping others manage their money. Now a small business owner and financial advisor, Rachel offers us some great practical advice, as well as some hope and inspiration for any one out there who is intimidated or frustrated by their financial situation.
Guest:
Rachel Pedersen is passionate about helping others, especially in the realm of personal finances. After completing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course in 2016, she set out to conquer her $40K debt and did just that in May of 2019. Since then, she has launched Three Pennies to share her knowledge and help others take control of their life by building good habits and becoming fiscally healthy.
Connect with Rachel at https://www.three-pennies.com/about
Rachelnpedersen on Instagram
SHOW NOTES
5:00 Our guest Rachel Pedersen explains how this podcast is a dream come true for her.
7:30 Did you keep track of your student loan debt or did you have a sticker shock moment like this one?
9:45 Hear how Rachel stumbled on to the $90 investment that changed her life forever.
14:00 Does the word BUDGET scare you? You're not alone, but listen to these tips to make it less intimidating.
16:00 Hear how Robin's experience of growing up in poverty has shaped the way she thinks about money.
17:30 Were you taught about managing money? If not, did we as women miss these lessons because we weren't interested or because of gender roles?
22:00 Listen to Rachel (Leigh) as she shares how she thought her life would look versus the independent life she's living now.
25:30 Learn how the 80/20 rule simplifies the complex world of personal finances.
27:00 How do we learn to have freedom in what we have versus in what we want?
30:30 How do you know when it's time to draw the line and change your relationship with money?
35:00 Is money a big deal in marriage? Hear how $10,000 changed Robin's marriage forever.
37:30 Find out what item Robin and her husband Tom consistently argue about buying.
38:15 After creating an emergency fund is complete, listen to what Rachel says to do next the app she suggests to help you do it.
41:30 Ready to take the next step? Here's how Rachel can help.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about breathing and why it was her word for 2019: https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igs

Just Breathe! And Change Your Life Mar 10, 2020

Let's face it - we are not good at being still. We are so busy trying to control every aspect of our lives (and our children's lives) that our minds are racing even when our bodies aren't. This never-ending stress takes a toll on our emotional, physical and spiritual health.
What if there is one thing we could all do to minimize these impacts? To help decrease anxieties, improve concentration, boost our immune system and help us lose weight. Wouldn't you want to learn more and give it a try?
In this episode, Wellness Expert Catina Topash helps us understand the difference between automatic, sympathetic breathing (responsible for the fight or flight response) and para-sympathetic breathing (responsible for rest and digest) and offers hope for all of us who need to re-shape the way we think about breathing.
SHOW NOTES
Guest: Catina Topash is an E-500 RYT, Yoga Therapist Resident, YogaFit Master Trainer, a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, and has specialty yoga training in trauma, chronic pain, nervous system disorders, back pain, pre/post natal, injury prevention and recovery, positive psychology, and yoga for seniors. In addition, Catina holds overs 25 additional certifications including, American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer, and DK Body Pilates.

Along with her husband Bryan, Catina owns Breathe@JJ's Folly Retreat center and Bed & Breakfast,and is the Wellness Director at Wilson's Fitness. Catina is passionate about helping individuals live their best life and empowering them to find their own innate healing and happiness.

2:00 Are you a good breather? Or is your body begging you to become a better breather?
8:00 Why is breathing the MOST important thing we can do to improve our overall health?
12:45 Still wondering if you need to improve your breathing? Here's how to know if this podcast can help you.
15:30 What is the difference between reaction and response? And why is it worth you figuring it out?
19:30 Catina shares her "secret" to breathing and helps us all develop a plan for improving our Pranayama (the practice of directing the breath with intent and focus).
22:00 Join us as Catina leads us through a three-part breathing exercise that you can try along with us.
29:00 Here's how five minutes of focused breathing can change your day and prayer life, and improve your concentration.
33:00 You can kill yourself at the gym, but if you're not doing this one thing, then you might be wasting your time.

Connect with Catina at:
https://www.breatheatjjsfolly.com/
https://www.wilsonsfitness.com/instructor/catina-topash-2/
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in reading Robin's blog post about breathing and why it was her word for 2019: https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or any suggestions at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Three Ways to Be Confident in Your (Beach) Body Mar 03, 2020

Spring is right around the corner. - thank goodness! But let's be honest, for many of us, the thought of spring break trips, summer vacations or even just putting on shorts and a t-shirt causes some anxiety. After all, we've spent all winter hiding behind our jeans and sweaters and we might not even know what is under them!
The increased skin exposure of Spring is also sure to expose some of our deepest insecurities about our body. As we battle the constant messages from the world around us, this episode is about redefining our own beauty and finding ways to feel more confident in our own skin. Whether you're heading to a beach or a barbecue, this episode will help you both psychologically and physically.
SHOW NOTES
4:00 Does the thought of doing this make you nervous? Us too!
7:15 Do you struggle to see your body accurately? How do you know?
8:00 How do our bodies (and the average females in America) compare with the images we see in the media?
11:00 Listen as Rachel explains how you (and everyone else on social media) can take years off of your face and pounds off your body for only $4 - compounding the expectation that our bodies should be perfect.
14:00 Since the struggle is real, where do we go from here? How do we overcome our temptation to fixate on our body's imperfections?
18:30 How can we use vacations and special occasions as God-honoring motivation for better health?
22:00 How do our physical disciplines reflect God's will for our lives?
24:00 Want some practical, quick and relatively inexpensive ways to help embrace the swimsuit season? From spray tans and sunless tanners to cellulite creams - here are some of the products/treatments that make us feel good in our skin.
Rachel's topic recommendations:
Get Kayla Itsines Sweat workout Ap: https://join.sweat.com/en/signup/new
Best spray tan in Kansas City: https://celsiustan.com/about/spray/
Want to try Robin's favorite self-tanner?
https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Sublime-Self-Tanning-Natural/dp/B001QNWGW0/ref=asc_df_B001QNWGW0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312099682992&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=885403036232357547&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020268&hvtargid=pla-567849363307&psc=1
For Robin's favorite cellulite cream, find the NuSkin rep in your area and bless her with your business.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anythin

Does Everyone Have a Dream? Feb 25, 2020

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that shaped history. What about you?
While most of us won't have the impact on the world that King did, are we aspiring to shape the world around us? Are we dreaming about doing big things for our lives or are we content with what the world throws at us?
In this episode, self-proclaimed dreamer (Rachel) and self-proclaimed realist (Robin) discuss how dreams are born and squashed, and offer some practical ways to fan the fire of your aspirations.
Resources:
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Why Am I So Addicted to My Phone? Feb 17, 2020

Like all technological advances, smart phones promised to make our lives better. They were supposed to make us more organized, connected and efficient - FREEING up our lives to enjoy doing the things we love with the people we love. For many of us, freedom might be the last thing our smart phones have given us.
In this episode, we take a quick quiz and quickly determine that we too have what psychologists would consider an addiction to our smart phones. How did we get here? How have smart phones shaped our life, our work and our relationships with the world around us, including the person on the road with you, the person in the elevator and the person lying beside you in bed.
If this struggle resonates with you, then challenge yourself to listen to the end and try at least a few tips to reduce your screen time and reclaim your life. You'll be "smarter" for it!
Resources:
Want to take the quiz and evaluate your level of addiction to your smart phone?
https://virtual-addiction.com/smartphone-compulsion-test/
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How to Make Valentine's Day Special (Even if it's Not Your Favorite) Feb 11, 2020

Whether you're a hopeless romantic and LOVE everything about Valentine's Day or you're more of a realist: Valentine's Day is coming, like it or not! In this episode, we confess the reasons why we (and maybe you) struggle to enjoy the day and offer strategies/tips for overcoming our bias so that Valentine's Day can be a blessing instead of a curse.
SHOW NOTES
2:30 Finding love isn't a contest, or is it? Are you a winner this Valentine's Day?
4:40 Valentine's Day has been around for centuries but it's origins might surprise (and horrify you).
7:15 Maybe you don't have a "Valentine" to spend the day with, but you probably have one of these - thank Leslie Knope.
9:45 Avoid this on Valentine's Day and increase your chances not to be bitter and disappointed.
12:00 Set your relationship up for success by having this one conversation.
14:50 Want to avoid the stress of Valentine's Day? According to this research, you're not alone and there's a name for you.
17:30 What is the elephant in room when it comes to Valentine's Day? Yep - SEX! Does your sex life need a little spice this Valentine's Day?
21:00 How would focusing on what we have rather than what we don't change Valentine's Day this year?
24:00 Are you missing the love notes that God sends throughout the year?
27:45 This is the ONE thing that every partner wants you to give them on Valentine's Day - and it's FREE.
Resources
Valentine's Day Facts, January 31, 2019, History.com editors
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/valentines-day-facts
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How To Stop Negative Thoughts (According to Science!) Feb 04, 2020

Ever wonder why we have a tendency to remember traumatic experiences better than joyful ones? Why we can recite insults word for word and forget compliments? Why we think more frequently about how things are likely to go wrong than right? The scientific explanation, according to psychologists, is a phenomenon called the negativity bias.
In this episode, we acknowledge the havoc the negativity bias can have on our minds and offer four simple scientific strategies that have been proven to combat negative thoughts and help you to lead a happier life.
SHOW NOTES
4:00 Are you as positive about life as you'd like to be? Well if not, you're in good company. Here's the why from psychologists.
10:30 Do you feel like you're not enough? This could be the reason...
12:30 These four science-backed strategies will help you live a more positive life.
17:30 You can do this hundreds of times a day without it costing you any time or money and yet has the potential to bring you more happiness.
21:20 This third strategy, according to one study, has the biggest potential to make a difference in your day to day life.
24:00 Learn how science and the Bible agree on this fourth strategy for overcoming the negativity bias.
Resources:
Cherry, Kendra, "What is the Negativity Bias?", (Verywellmind.com), April 11, 2019
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Super Bowl 2020: How the KC Chiefs Brought Healing and Hope to One Special Fan Jan 28, 2020

Super Bowl Sunday is rapidly approaching and since it's the first time in 50 years that our beloved Chiefs have played in it, we decided to do something a little different this week.
Almost three years ago, Matt May, an 18-year-old, life-long Chiefs fan was told that he had leukemia. Determined not to let cancer steal their joy, Matt and his family decided to focus on things they love - including the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, three seasons later, Matt is healthy and so are the Chiefs. This podcast is about that journey. It's about living victoriously and enjoying the journey.
If you've been a Chiefs fan your entire life, this episode will make you love them even more! And if you know and care nothing about football, this podcast is one that will move your heart and challenge your mind.
Credits
This episode was hosted, produced and edited by Rachel Leigh
Guest: Matt May
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How Do I Find A Mentor? Jan 21, 2020

A quick Google search will tell you what you already know: You need a mentor. But how do you find and keep one?
On today's episode, we discuss how to right set your expectations for a mentoring relationship and then offer suggestions to help you find and keep one. We also share what has worked and what hasn't both from a mentor and mentee perspective. Whether you are looking to find a mentor or be one, this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES
4:20 How do you define mentorship? Let's get on the same page of what a mentor is and is not.
8:15 The one question to ask yourself before you seek a mentor.
12:45 How to actually find your dream mentor.
17:10 Are you willing to invest in a relationship with a mentor or are you simply looking for their secrets to success?
20:45 How do you ask someone to mentor you? The NOT awkward way...
28:15 Why studying your mentor will pay huge dividends for you and the relationship with your mentor.
34:00 How do you know when you need a counselor instead of a mentor?
36:30 How to evaluate whether or not the mentoring relationship is working for you and your mentor.
39:00 What are the secrets to Robin and Rachel's mentoring relationship?
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

3 Reasons Why You Need a Word for 2020 Jan 14, 2020

Choosing a word for the year is all the buzz on social media these days, but is it worth the hype? In this episode we talk about how choosing a word for the year has helped shaped our year's past and give you three reasons why you should choose one NOW in 2020.
Ready to get your FREE step-by-step guide for Choosing and Using Your Word for the Year? Click here: https://mailchi.mp/88cd02892508/wordfortheyear
SHOW NOTES
2:00: Learn what one word helped Robin heal in 2019 after her son's cancer battle.
4:40: Which is more likely to stick, a New Years Resolution or a Word for the Year?
7:15: Can choosing a word increase your productivity?
14:45: Can a word help prepare you for the difficult days that lie ahead this year? Learn what one word transformed how Robin viewed a year of cancer treatment.
15:45: Convinced you need a word for the year, but not sure how to choose one? We are giving you a FREE step by step guide to choosing and using a word for 2020.
17:00: What's Robin's word for the year? The BIG reveal you've been asking for!
Want to read more about Robin's word for 2020, check out her recent blog post on it on her Robin May Ministries Facebook page.
We want to connect with you!
Find us on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Find Your Flow in 2020 Jan 07, 2020

Sarah Gregg's life looked perfect from the outside, but on the inside she found herself exhausted and disappointed. All this led her to bravely hit the "emergency re-start button" and eventually led her down a path where she discovered the psychological practice of flow. In this second of a two-part series with Sarah, she walks us through her innovative method of using flow which is the basis of her new book, Find Your Flow: Capture it, Use it, Make it Yours. Not only is Sarah gracious with sharing her secrets from the book, she also shares how the method helped her find the contentment her life was missing.
SHOW NOTES
Guest: Sarah Gregg, Author of Find Your Flow: Capture it, Use it, Make it Yours
3:00, How do three minutes of negative news in the morning impact the next eight hours of your day?
6:30: What is the connection between gratitude and productivity or is there one?
8:30: Being grateful sounds so simple. So why is it so hard to do on a regular basis? And can we learn to do it better?
10:15: What do you take for granted? Being more grateful might start here.
12:30: What does it mean to be "forward focused"? And what does that look like in the real world on a daily basis?
15: Is it possible to find flow with tasks you don't like doing?
18:45 Listen to how flow changed Sarah's life and see if it sounds like something you could benefit from.
25: Learn about the format of Sarah's new book and how to get a free resource that will help you get started in your own practice of flow.
To order the book and claim your free resource, go to https://findyourflowthebook.com/
To connect with Sarah on Instagram @thepowertoreinvent
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Increase Your Productivity By 500 Percent in 2020 Dec 31, 2019

Sarah Gregg isn't unlike you or us. She believed that if she did everything right and followed all the rules, success and happiness would follow. But when this self-proclaimed over-achiever from Northern Ireland achieved all her goals, happiness eluded her. Sarah's life looked perfect from the outside, but on the inside she found herself exhausted and disappointed. All this led her to bravely hit the "emergency re-start button" and eventually led her down a path where she discovered flow.
In this first of a two-part series with Sarah, she defines the psychological practice of flow and its benefits and even shares some of her innovative secrets from her new book, Find Your Flow: Capture it, Use it, Make it Yours. If you're searching for ways to improve your productivity and increase your happiness, then these are must-listen episodes.
SHOW NOTES:
3:15 Does Copenhagen really deserve to be on the "Happiest Places" list?
5:40: Why does achieving everything make us feel so exhausted and empty?
8:30: Can quitting your job to travel full time bring you true happiness?
13:00: Learn how flow can bring you both success AND happiness. Have your cake and eat it too, girl.
15:30: Learn the two types of flow: flow state, and unified flow and how each can be applied to your life.
23:20, Learn how you can increase your productivity by 500% by these core conditions of flow.
Stay tuned for part two next week!!
To order Sarah's book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45731554-find-your-flow
To connect with Sarah on Instagram @thepowertoreinvent
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

3 Reasons You Feel Like You Don't Fit In (And How to Fix it) Dec 24, 2019

We have all been in situations where we feel like we don't belong. Whether it's Christmas dinner with the family or in-laws, a New Year's celebration, or even feeling like you don't fit in at church - the opportunities to feel like we are alone are seemingly endless. So what is it about these occasions that make us feel uncomfortable? More importantly, is it possible to overcome this feeling and learn to flourish in new environments? Join us as we answer these questions and more in this episode of The Problem With Perfect.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How To Review Your Decade Dec 17, 2019

There will be "Top 10 Lists of the Decade" popping up everywhere during the next week. Instead of reading what some stranger says defined the last decade, why not do it for yourself? What did you learn about your personal development, romantic relationships, career, friendships and spirituality during the last ten years? In this episode, we discuss how time has changed us and offer you a template for doing this exercise in self-exploration. You might just be surprised at how far you've come in these five important areas of your life.
SHOW NOTES:
At 3:20, Rachel describes the template used to reflect on the key takeaway(s) in each of these core five areas of life. Then she explains how her comment, "All I know is that the more I know, the less I know" defines what she learned about personal development during the last decade.
At 7:00, Robin discusses how she overcame her fear of failure and decided to try new things, even as she moved into her 40's.
At 11:00, Robin talks about how the heartbreaks of life have changed her and transformed her relationship with her husband.
At 16:00, she shares how consistent love over time helped her believe she is enough.
At 17:45, Rachel shares how dating during the last decade has taught her to keep breakups and heartache in perspective.
At 20:00, she tells you how to know if the person you're dating is worth the effort.
At 22:00, Rachel shares how she had the perfect job as a high-schooler even though she didn't make a dime. This shaped her work ethic and set her on a career path that has been full of twists and surprises.
At 25:20, Robin explains how she learned that when she says "YES" to additional work responsibilities, she is saying "NO" to time she could be spending with family or friends.
At 28:00, Robin and Rachel talk about how their spiritual imperfections led them to shame and how God's love frees them.
At 32:00, Rachel talks about the painful process of letting go of high school and college friends, while Robin highlights how time changes everything.
At 37:45, the two help you take what you learn from doing this exercise to help set intentions for the decade ahead.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Can Winter Make You Sad? Dec 08, 2019

It's cold and dark outside. Soon Christmas will be over, leaving nothing but time between us and the saving grace that we affectionately call Spring. During these winter months, do you find yourself struggling to be productive? Is doing anything other than snuggling up on the couch a real feat? Or maybe you notice you're easily agitated with those around you? If so, then this episode about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) might help answer why.
In it, we talk to Amanda, a health and wellness guru who lives in Seattle who helps us understand what SAD is and isn't. She also explains how to recognize it in your life or in the life of someone you love, and offers practical tips for surviving a season with SAD.
SHOW NOTES:
Guest: Amanda from Every Day Wellness with Amanda: a certified athletic trainer, public speaker, and program manager (https://everydaywellnesswithamanda.com/). Amanda started Everyday Wellness as a way to teach real people how to mix practical wellness tips into their everyday lives.
At 3:45, Amanda defines what SAD is and discusses its prevalence.
At 8:30, she explains the factors that can contribute to SAD.
At 10:00, we discuss the telltale signs of SAD that can help us self-diagnose if we think we might be suffering from it.
At 13:30, we learn about some of the professional and personal consequences SAD sufferers can experience.
At 16:30, Amanda highlights how SAD prompts people to withdraw from others, increasing loneliness and isolationism.
At 18:30, we learn why some countries with the most amount of darkness surprisingly have the happiest people.
At 20:00, Amanda shares practical success tips that have helped her combat SAD.
At 24:30, we close the conversation with insight from Amanda on knowing when people should seek professional and/or peer support for SAD.
Resources:
https://everydaywellnesswithamanda.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-work/
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How to Fake It Till You Make It & Build Confidence Dec 03, 2019

We've all heard "fake it to you make it." In fact, we've all done it - maybe we still are! So how do we know when this old adage serves us well (both professionally and personally) and when it's time to be transparent and share our authentic self? In this episode, we get real about the tension of being the new kid on the block on the job, who's trying to make a positive impression and big impact. We also get personal about the one thing married women should not be faking and the potential benefits of faking it till you make it in your relationship with your significant other.
SHOW NOTES:
At 4:00, Rachel shares her surprise about how much on-the-job training her first "real" job required, even after graduating from one of the country's top journalism programs.
At 9:10, we talk about learning to be the varsity version of ourselves as opposed to the JV version of our bosses.
At 12:00, we acknowledge the stress of wanting people to think we have it all figured out instead of playing the newbie card and maximizing our learning opportunities.
At 14:00, we stress the importance of finding a mentor in the workplace.
At 19:30, Robin explains how to recognize dead-end thinking in an effort to re-train our brains. She shares what she and her bestie think women shouldn't be faking in their sexual encounters versus situations in which they might benefit from the re-training of the mind.
At 25:45, we introduce how to create new neuro-pathways and how they can eventually provide hope for transformation from the world's messages that constantly tell us we are not enough.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How To Set Boundaries Over The Holidays Nov 19, 2019

If ever there is a time when we can get overwhelmed and completely drained, the holiday season is it! These are the six weeks of the year where we take our already hectic and chaotic lives and add the additional stresses of shopping, decorating, entertaining and making sure everyone around us is happy.
In this episode, we empower ourselves and you to set healthy boundaries, allowing us all to find more joy in this "happiest season of all." We discuss how to know where our thoughts, feelings and actions end and where others' begins. We help you determine when it's time to say no, how that looks in real life and what to do when our boundary upsets someone we love.
SHOW NOTES:
At 1:30, Rachel and Robin share the unlikely story of becoming partners on the podcast, since they are 22 years apart in age and live 200 miles from each other.
At 8:00, Rachel and Robin discuss how the holidays become upside down, as our responsibilities (and expectations) exceed our resources and creating a need for better boundaries.
At 14:00, the pair define boundaries (what are we responsible for) and how they help us create balance and help us find joy.
At 17:00, Robin shares how her need for affirmation and her desire not to disappoint people have made it difficult to set boundaries.
At 24:30, Rachel talks us through how to know if our friends and family are capable of "going to the deep end" with us and how this impacts where we set boundaries with them. Robin argues that the pain (of setting boundaries) is worth the gain.
For more in-depth information on boundaries, check out the many resources by Drs. Cloud and Townsend who wrote the much of the ground-breaking thought on the subject.
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Other books in this series include Boundaries in Marriage, Boundaries in Dating, Boundaries with Kids and Boundaries for Leaders.
Or check out http://cloudtwonsend.com for a wealth of free resources, as well as a quiz to determine if you have difficulty establishing and holding boundaries.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Love and the Enneagram Nov 19, 2019

Let's face it - relationships can be challenging. You see the world one way; your partner sees it another. As a result, conflict can abound. In this episode, Certified Enneagram Facilitator Dr. Kelly Wright joins us to discuss how our Enneagram number or type can help us better understand ourselves and how we interact with those around us.
At 4:00, Kelly explains what the Enneagram is, the nine types and why we typically don't "like" our number.
At 7:20, Kelly explains the specific challenges that each type brings to relationships.
At 13:30, Kelly answers the question, "Is there an Enneagram match made in heaven?"
At 17:45, Kelly discusses how couples get "triggered" by one another and explains how long it takes to get "un-triggered."
At 20:00, Kelly, Rachel and Robin discuss how to be OK when the people we love aren't.
At 25:20, Kelly offers additional tips for individuals and couples who are interested in how the Enneagram can enrich their relationships.
Guest: Dr. Kelly Wright, LPC and Associate Pastor; Restore Ministries, Woodcrest Chapel, Certified Enneagram Facilitator, Columbia, MO.
To join Kelly for her next workshop, sign up here: https://woodcrest.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1076/responses/new
Recommended Readings:

The Road Back to You, Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile
The Path Between Us, Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile
Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram, Calhoun and Loughrige
The Wisdom of the Enneagram, Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson
The Enneagram, A Christian Perspective, Richard Rohr
The Enneagram in Love and Work, Helen Palmer
The Enneagram Made Easy, Elizabeth Wagele
The Nine Lenses on the World, Jerome Wagner
Are you my Type? Am I Yours? Relationships Made Easy through the Enneagram, Elizabeth Wagele
The Essential Enneagram, David Daniels

Helpful Websites:

Enneagraminstitute.com – Riso and Hudson
Don't know your Enneagram number? Take the Enneagram quiz using this link: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Does The Perfect Partner Exist? Nov 12, 2019

Maybe Disney and Rom-Com movies are to blame? Or perhaps it's social media? Or maybe it’s just that we are hard-wired for relationship? Whatever the reason, the desire for the perfect relationship often results in us trying to be the perfect partner, which is the perfect recipe for disaster.
In this episode, Dr. Kelly Wright, LPC, discusses how to overcome these unrealistic expectations so that we can move toward having healthier and happier relationships. Whether you are single, married, or single again, this podcast has something for everyone!

SHOW NOTES:
Guest: Dr. Kelly Wright, LPC and Associate Pastor; Restore Ministries, Woodcrest Chapel, Columbia, MO.
At 9:30: Kelly introduces the importance of the 12 stages of attachment and how couples problematically skip several stages and go right to sexual intimacy. To learn more about the stages of attachment, she suggest Bonding by Donald Joy.
At 16:00, Kelly discusses our greatest, deep desires: to be fully known, unconditionally loved and completely accepted.
At 23:00, Kelly shares what she's seen as the biggest struggle for married couples.
At 27:30, Kelly offers her best strategies to combat the challenges of perfectionism in relationships.
At 36:30, we preview next week's episode when Kelly returns to discuss how your Enneagram number impacts your relationships. Don't know you're Enneagram number? Get prepared for next week's conversation by taking the Enneagram quiz using this link: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram? Find them here: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How to Stop Feeling Guilty about Food Nov 05, 2019

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the opportunities to eat, overeat, and beat ourselves up about it will be endless. So, how do we have a healthy physical and emotional relationship with food? How do we recognize if we or someone we love (including our kiddos) is at risk for disordered eating, or even worse, an eating disorder? In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Owner of Bamboo Nutrition, Isabelle Bouchard answers all these questions and more as we work toward loving ourselves and the foods around us.
SHOW NOTES:
Looking for more podcasts on this subject, Isabelle recommends:
THE LOVE FOOD PODCAST
Julie Duffy Dillon, RDN http://www.juliedillonrd.com/lovefoodpodcast/
BODY KINDNESS
Rebecca Stritchfield, RDN https://www.bodykindnessbook.com/podcast/
NUTRITION MATTERS
Paige Smathers, RDN, CD https://www.positive-nutrition.com/podcast
DON’T SALT MY GAME
Laura Thomas, PhD http://www.laurathomasphd.co.uk/category/podcast/
YOU CAN EAT WITH US
Cara Harbstreet, RD http://www.libreconnections.com/home/podcast/
THE BODYLOVE PROJECT
Jessi Haggerty, RD https://www.jessihaggerty.com/blppodcast/
Other resources:
Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield

Sick Enough by Jennifer Gaudiani

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

Visit Isabelle's website for more information or if they’re interested in groups or individual sessions: www.bamboonutritionrd.com
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram? Find them here: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Read Robin's blogpost about food shaming at: https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/
Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Why am I Stressed? Helpful Ways To Overcome Anxiety Oct 29, 2019

Let’s face it, life is scary!

This week’s Halloween episode of the podcast tackles the very real and frightening subject of anxiety. Whether you are one of the 40 million Americans suffering from anxiety or not, we all experience the fears that come with living in this uncertain world.

In this episode, Patrick Miller, Podcaster and the Director of Twenties Ministries from The Crossing is our guest. You’ll want to compare your fears with the things Patrick sees people fearing most frequently, as well as his practical insight for overcoming those fears.

Show Notes

Guest: Patrick Miller, Crossing Twenties Director, The Crossing, Columbia MO

Check out Patrick’s podcasts:

Ten Minute Bible Talks
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ten-minute-bible-talks/id1477778533

and Bible Field Guide
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-field-guide/id1477196678

Other resources:

The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt

To read more encouragement from Robin (www.robinmayministriescom) on anxiety and worry:

How I Dealt with my Anxiety Attack https://www.robinmayministries.com/blog/howtodealwithanxietyattacks

Why Do I Worry?
https://www.robinmayministries.com/blog/whydoiworry

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram? Find them here: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries

https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:

https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

How Do I Survive If Someone I Love Gets Sick? Oct 22, 2019

Nothing has the potential of ruining our “perfect’ lives more than losing someone we love. Whether it’s a child, spouse, parent, significant other or friend - we all have those people in our lives that we can’t imagine living without. This episode is a raw and transparent look back to when Robin's worst nightmare came to life as her son was diagnosed and battled leukemia. No matter what the “cancer” is in your life, this conversation between Rachel and Robin can help you find hope in the midst of despair.

Show Notes:
To watch the video Rachel created in 2018 about our cancer story:
https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/stories/matt-mays-story/
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram? Find them here: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Are you or someone you know battling cancer? Find more transparent stories and words of encouragement from the May Family's on Robin's blog at
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/pages
Need more information on navigating the blood cancer journey? Contact the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at: https://www.lls.org/
Also connect with Robin on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

5 Ways To Tell Whether You Are a Perfectionist or Just a High Achiever Oct 15, 2019

Being a perfectionist gets a bad rap. But why? And perhaps more importantly, how do you know if you, or someone close to you, is a perfectionist? In this episode, Rachel and Robin discuss five tell-tale signs of perfectionists and share personal stories of how this has both positively and negatively impacted their lives.
Show Notes:
To read the article on diagnosing perfectionism that is referenced in the show: https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Want more on how perfectionism plays out in Robin's life, check out her blog post on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo or on Instagram at: https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

Things I Wish I Would Have Known In My 20's Sep 30, 2019

Rachel is preparing to celebrate her 25th birthday this week. What an exciting time of life, filled with endless possibilities - which is why it can also be an overwhelming. In this episode, Rachel tries to cheat the system as she and Robin chat about things Robin wishes she would have known in her 20s. Listen in as we talk about the struggles of adulting, being a wife and mother, and trying to fulfill the world's expectations - all while dealing with a denied shame-based identity.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Want more encouraging blog posts from Robin, visit her website at https://www.Robinmayministries.com or on Facebook at Robin May Ministries.
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com

When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan Sep 30, 2019

So you have a timeline for your life and you’ve executed every detail perfectly. You've followed through on your end of the deal, yet somehow life isn’t rewarding you for all of your hard work. You’re not where you want to be in your career, you still haven’t found your dream partner, and somehow your life is messier and less fulfilling than you’d like to admit. You’re left wondering: How did this happen? Will things get better?

Join self-proclaimed perfectionists Robin and Rachel as they discuss how this dilemma has played havoc in their day to day lives - leaving them overwhelmed, deflated and disappointed. You won't want to miss this conversation that offers help for the hopeless planner.
Want to connect with Robin and Rachel on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l
Want more encouraging content or information on having Robin speak at your next event, visit http://www.Robinmayministries.com
Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
Or Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at TheProblemWithPerfect@gmail.com