Shows
The Problem With PerfectCaring To The End: Tom May's Story of Escorting His Mother to HeavenCaregiving is a sacred gift. Caring for someone who is chronically or terminally ill requires patience, understanding, and selflessness. Most caregivers are not professional healthcare workers; rather, they are loving family members who dedicate their lives to improving the well-being of their loved ones.Caregiving often presents significant challenges and in this episode, Robin's husband, Tom, is here to talk about them. His mother, like many individuals who are ill, required round-the-clock care. For Tom and other caregivers who work outside the home, this situation leads to difficult decisions: choose between paying for private care or providing t...
2025-12-091h 01The Problem With PerfectWhen The Body Breaks and the Soul SpeaksWhat happens when your body suddenly can’t do what it used to? In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, host Robin and her cohost Denise Bickel—who is recovering from a broken arm—are joined by Robin’s longtime friend Karen Sutterer, who also recently suffered a similar injury.Together, they open up about the physical and emotional toll of injury and recovery, especially as our bodies age. From frustration and grief to moments of spiritual growth and unexpected strength, this candid conversation explores what it means to adapt, heal, and move forward when life slows yo...
2025-06-1748 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy Pickleball Might Be the Perfect ExercisePickleball is sweeping the nation. Players of all ages and abilities are joining the ranks of approximately 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S. What about pickleball is so engaging? Is it the community, competition, exercise, or just plain fun?Although we may think of pickleball as being great for physical fitness, there are numerous psychological benefits including stress reduction, improved cognitive function, social connection, increased self-esteem and confidence, relief from anxiety and depression, and enhanced focus and mindfulness. Please join us as our very own Robin May and friends share their foray into pickleball an...
2025-02-1150 minThe Problem With PerfectHoliday Harmony: How To Set Boundaries (And Keep Them!)The holidays are meant to be a time of family and fellowship. When we remember the Reason for the Season, we may be motivated to pause, reflect, and cherish our time with family and friends. Or, we may feel anxious and exhausted. Both may be true. When you see a commercial reminding us the holidays are upon us, do you celebrate or cringe? The holidays are often a dichotomy of feelings. We love family time (or not), we enjoy finding the perfect gift for our loved ones (or not), and we cherish every moment (or we can’t w...
2024-11-1258 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story of Heartache & Redemption (Part 3)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 tr...
2024-07-3054 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story Of Heartache & Redemption (Part 1)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 cri...
2024-07-1649 minThe Problem With PerfectLooking Back And Looking Ahead With Special Guest Tom MayMost 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 ne...
2024-06-1838 min
Intentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsHow do YOU define Financial F.R.E.E.D.O.M?This particular episode was very special to me because Robin, my guest, is one of the women in my life that I am pretty transparent with on this topic. She has been my safe space to share freely when it comes to my own money mindset, and I think you will see why!In this episode, my friend Robin Young, is here to help us understand how to tap into our financial freedom! But not only that...Robin and I talks about about what it means (and even what it looks like) to create a life that...
2024-04-2957 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsBridging the Wealth CANYON!Welcome to this BRAND NEW series in the podcast! Topic: "MIND YOUR MONEY". Listen, over here with "Intentional Conversations with Robin May and Friends" my goal is to discuss ALL THE THINGS that concern us as women...and MONEY is definitely in that category!So, over the next 3 weeks we will lean in on the topic of your MONEY HONEY! First up, my friend and Soror, Dar'shun Kendricks will join us for this conversation. Dar'shun has a lot of fancy titles when it comes to her expertise in this area...so she is...
2024-04-1545 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsYou're the BOMB, but you're STUCK!Sis, this episode is one that you need. Trust me. During this episode (I keep wanting to call it a “session” but you know this is not really therapy! #Disclaimer) we are discussing the fact that YOU ARE THE BOMB. Let me say it again…sis, you are the bomb. But you are also stuck. But no worries, I got your back.As we close our Women’s History Month, I want to share with you the THREE reasons you may be stuck, and what you can do to get Unstuck!This may just be...
2024-03-2854 minThe Problem With PerfectWord Up: Are You Setting Yourself Up For Success In 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...
2024-01-0944 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsRELEASE so you can LIVE!As we wrap up SEASON ONE (I can’t believe it) of Intentional Conversations with Robin May and Friends, I wanted to leave you with something practical to APPLY to your life!If you are catching the episode in real time, it is being released towards the end of November. That means we have about 30 or so days to get our minds right for the NEW YEAR! And so, in this episode, I am sharing with you SIX THINGS EVERY WOMAN MUST RELEASE if she truly wants to LIVE LIFE!But even if you are ca...
2023-11-2734 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsProtecting your Safe SpacesOn this Episode of Intentional Conversations with Robin May and Friends, we continue our conversation on Friendship with my sister Shenikwa Cager!When you think of a real woman, Nikwa is your go-to-girl! What you see is what you get and she is going to give you the TRUTH!During our conversation we talk about so much including:• Managing Friendship will trying to manage all the other demands of life• Why SAFE SPACES are so critical at this season of our lives• Why Nikwa believes she has not always been a...
2023-09-1147 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Handle Unexpected Change“Change, of any sort, requires courage.” -Mary Anne RadmacherToday, 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...
2023-09-0548 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsYou Fight. I'll Flee. (Part 2 of 2)In this Episode of “Intentional Conversations with Robin May and Friends” we continue our conversation with my big sis…my only biological sister (She wants to make sure we know that! Lol!) Kimberly! We are in the middle of a series: “Friendship Therapy” and in the conversation with Kim, we are unpacking Conflict in Friendship. During Part 1 we unpacked, in great detail, how Kim handles (or handled) conflict in Friendship. When you think of the concept of: Flight, Flight or Freeze, then you will understand that Kim definitely was a FIGHTER! Not necessarily physically, but definitely...
2023-09-0432 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsYou are Enough!Did you catch Episode Two of Intentional Conversations with Robin May AND FRIENDS? If you didn't, I want you to pause this episode and go check it out, because this is a continuation of that Convo!In this Episode, my girl Dr. Tara and I turn the corner from our convo on Boundaries and we get into the OTHER "B" Word...BALANCE!Is it possible for women to handle it all? Plus, Dr. Tee reminded us all that we are enough for the many hats we wear!
2023-06-1226 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsReBranding MotherhoodHoney, this is IC with Robin May AND FRIENDS and for this Episode one of my BESTIES is HERE...and when I tell you we are bringing you in on our real conversations...with all the laughter (AND ACCOUNTABILITY) that we do almost daily! During this conversation we are talking about the "B" Word...Yep...BOUNDARIES and how to begin to set them, even if it is one small step at a time. Plus, we are talk about the PRESSURE so many women are under...and honey, we also spark a new idea for an event we w...
2023-06-0529 minIntentional Conversations with Robin May & FriendsMeet our Host Robin MayI am sure hoping that we are going to be spending a lot of time together for awhile, and so I want to introduce myself and share a bit of why we will be having our conversations. Allow me to introduce myself!(Oh and you want to see some visuals to this intro, head over to: https://youtu.be/29ivQn_PpDg )
2023-05-2501 minThe Problem With PerfectHow Acupuncture Helps With Pain, Anxiety and So Much More With Special Guest Cheryl WeatherbyAcupuncture 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...
2023-05-2354 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Leave a LegacyWhen 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 i...
2023-04-1151 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy Do I Procrastinate And How Do I Stop?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 of...
2023-03-0735 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy Taking The Trip of a Lifetime Was Worth Every DimeIf 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 o...
2023-02-2143 minThe Problem With PerfectThe Greatest Of These Is Love: Four Stories of Love, Laughter and Overcoming AdversitySongs 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 flowersand 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 extr...
2023-02-141h 39The Problem With PerfectHow To Find Peace With Your Financial FutureThe 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 e...
2023-01-3157 minThe Problem With PerfectHow Loneliness Is Impacting Us All - Even If We Don't Know ItHave 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 m...
2023-01-2438 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Improve Relationships and Increase Your JoyIn 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...
2023-01-1756 minThe Problem With PerfectHow NOT to Should on Yourself About Your New Year's GoalsAnd 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 y...
2023-01-1046 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Word Will Give Direction to Your 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 s...
2023-01-0345 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Word Mattered in 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...
2022-12-2734 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Is Anticipatory Grief And Is It Wrecking Your Holiday SeasonHave 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...
2022-12-2038 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Find Hope In Dark Times With Dr. Mark VellekChristmas 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? Ho...
2022-12-1343 minThe Problem With PerfectIs It Time For A Change To Help You Achieve Your Ikigai?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 s...
2022-12-0641 minThe Problem With PerfectAre You An Optimist Or Pessimist (And Why Does It Matter) with Special Guest Dr. Denise BickelIn 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...
2022-10-2532 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Live Life with Resiliency: A Life Update With Matt MayFor 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. Sp...
2022-09-0640 minThe Problem With PerfectDreams Do Come True With Special Guests Rachel Bryan and Danelle Prevette"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.
2022-07-1953 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Dads Don't Tell You With Special Guest Tom MayMany 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 s...
2022-06-1442 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Live with the End in MindThe 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 t...
2022-04-1238 minThe Problem With PerfectSingle All the Way - Valentines DayMost 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 sing...
2022-02-0841 minThe Problem With PerfectThe Problem With the Perfect Wedding With Special Guest Maddie MayThere’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.
2022-02-0134 minThe Problem With PerfectSigns You Might Benefit from Therapy With Dr. Denise BickelImagine 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 o...
2022-01-1845 minThe Problem With PerfectMajor Life Milestones And How They Change UsIn 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.
2021-11-3034 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy It Feels Like You're Never EnoughMany 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 N...
2021-11-0939 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Simone Biles Taught Us About Taking a Mental BreakIt'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 h...
2021-08-0335 minThe Problem With PerfectDo You Have Daddy Issues?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...
2021-06-1527 minThe Problem With PerfectAre You Really Happy? Here's How to Tell...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 HappySeven Happiness BoostersEight Happy NutrientsNine Tips to Feel HappyTo...
2021-06-0138 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat Your Mom Really Wants This Mother's DayMother'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...
2021-05-0438 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy We Can't Keep Our Kids From PainWe 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 cr...
2021-03-2340 minThe Problem With PerfectShould Christians Be Self Sufficient? With Guest Co-Host Matt MayAs 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 wa...
2021-03-0947 minThe Problem With PerfectLessons I Learned From Personal TragedyBittersweet. 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 i...
2021-02-0947 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy You Feel Emotionally ExhaustedDo 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 d...
2021-01-2645 minThe Problem With PerfectBridgerton & Sex: What Your Mother Didn't Tell YouSixty-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...
2021-01-1952 minThe Problem With PerfectChoose Your Word For 2021 With Matt MayChoosing 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.
2020-12-2928 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #18: Do You Know What you Need?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...
2020-09-2511 minThe Problem With PerfectIT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY!!!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...
2020-09-2246 minThe Problem With PerfectIs Your Faith Coasting?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
2020-09-0827 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #17 Measure Your WordsRemember 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.
2020-09-0412 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Find Blessings In Your BattlesIf 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.
2020-08-1847 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #16 It's Not Supposed to Be This Way...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.
2020-08-1408 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Laugh at YourselfWe'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 NOTESDiscussion 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...
2020-07-2837 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #12 How To Not Go Down the "What If" SpiralLife 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.
2020-07-0311 minThe Problem With PerfectHow Do I Stay Healthy As the World Opens Back Up?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...
2020-06-1634 minThe Problem With PerfectIs It Time for A Career Change? With Special Guest: Overanalyzed ThatImagine 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...
2020-06-0935 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #9 Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?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 f...
2020-06-0512 minThe Problem With PerfectThe Do's and Don'ts of ApologizingAs 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...
2020-06-0233 minThe Problem With Perfect4 Things Emotionally Intelligent People DON'T DoEver 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 t...
2020-05-2648 minThe Problem With PerfectSetting the Record Straight About MillennialsMillennials 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? S...
2020-05-1942 minThe Problem With PerfectThings I Wish I Would Have Known Before Getting MarriedNo 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 M...
2020-05-1235 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Build Resilience: Four Strategies for A Meaningful LifeIf 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...
2020-05-0532 minThe Problem With PerfectWhat to Say When Someone is HurtingWe'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 lo...
2020-04-2834 minThe Problem With PerfectThe Episode We Never Wanted to RecordIf 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...
2020-04-2142 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Stay Home & Stay Sane: Navigating Expectations with your Spouse & Surprise HomeschoolingWith 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 GarrettAfter 10 years of leading student ministry at...
2020-04-1452 minThe Problem With PerfectSurviving Social DistancingCreating 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...
2020-04-0727 minThe Problem With PerfectR&R #1: How to Hold Heartbreak and Happiness at the Same TimeNeed 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...
2020-04-0311 minThe Problem With PerfectAdvice From A Doctor: It's Okay if the Coronavirus Has You GrievingThe 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 Bic...
2020-03-3125 minThe Problem With PerfectBiblical Truths to Help You Stop Living In FearThere 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...
2020-03-2423 minThe Problem With PerfectBudget Tips For Beginners + Money & Relationships!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 s...
2020-03-1743 minThe Problem With PerfectJust Breathe! And Change Your LifeLet'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...
2020-03-1037 minThe Problem With PerfectThree Ways to Be Confident in Your (Beach) BodySpring 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...
2020-03-0333 minThe Problem With PerfectDoes Everyone Have a Dream?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 You...
2020-02-2518 minThe Problem With PerfectWhy Am I So Addicted to My Phone?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 r...
2020-02-1741 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Make Valentine's Day Special (Even if it's Not Your Favorite)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 NOTES2:30 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...
2020-02-1128 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Stop Negative Thoughts (According to Science!)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
2020-02-0430 minThe Problem With PerfectSuper Bowl 2020: How the KC Chiefs Brought Healing and Hope to One Special FanSuper 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...
2020-01-2820 minThe Problem With PerfectHow Do I Find A Mentor?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 NOTES4:20 How do you define mentorship? Let's get...
2020-01-2141 minThe Problem With Perfect3 Reasons Why You Need a Word for 2020Choosing 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/wordfortheyearSHOW NOTES 2:00: Learn what one word helped Robin heal in 2019 after her son's cancer battle.
2020-01-1419 minThe Problem With PerfectFind Your Flow in 2020Sarah 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...
2020-01-0726 minThe Problem With PerfectIncrease Your Productivity By 500 Percent in 2020Sarah 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...
2019-12-3131 minThe Problem With Perfect3 Reasons You Feel Like You Don't Fit In (And How to Fix it)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...
2019-12-2426 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Review Your DecadeThere 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...
2019-12-1741 minThe Problem With PerfectCan Winter Make You Sad?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...
2019-12-0827 minThe Problem With PerfectHow to Fake It Till You Make It & Build ConfidenceWe'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...
2019-12-0334 minThe Problem With PerfectHow To Set Boundaries Over The HolidaysIf 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 d...
2019-11-2034 minThe Problem With PerfectLove and the EnneagramLet'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, "...
2019-11-1930 min