The Problem With Perfect - podcast cover

The Problem With Perfect

Robin May and Denise Bickelrobinmayministries.com
If perfection is an illusion, why are so many of us chasing it? We live in a world that is constantly telling us we need to be it all and have it all to be worthy. It leads us to hide our imperfections and overcompensate our strengths - and leaves us exhausted. Join hosts Robin May and Denise Bickel for meaningful, cross-generational conversations that will leave you uplifted and encouraged about a future freed from the problem with perfect.
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Episodes

Did The Barbie Movie Rant Get It Right With Special Guest Kate Randolph

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...

Nov 07, 202358 minSeason 4Ep. 212

Why is "Gray Divorce" On The Rise And Is Your Marriage At Risk?

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 relati...

Oct 31, 202349 minSeason 4Ep. 211

How Setting Healthy Boundaries With Family Can Transform Your Holidays With Lauren Eisleben

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...

Oct 24, 202351 minSeason 4Ep. 210

Making Difficult Family Decisions: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

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 li...

Oct 17, 202347 minSeason 4Ep. 209

How To Be Yourself And Love Your Adult Children At The Same Time

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 ...

Oct 10, 202331 minSeason 4Ep. 208

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

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 relationshi...

Oct 03, 202336 minSeason 4Ep. 207

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

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...

Sep 26, 202348 minSeason 4Ep. 206

How To Have The Perfect Wedding & Celebrating Season Four With Rachel Keller

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 he...

Sep 19, 202349 minSeason 4Ep. 205

Are You a Stone Thrower or a Stone Catcher?

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 caugh...

Sep 12, 202346 minSeason 3Ep. 204

How To Handle Unexpected Change

“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 themselve...

Sep 05, 202348 minSeason 3Ep. 203

Understanding The Suicide Threat Facing Our Youth With Special Guest Lena McCain

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 thei...

Aug 29, 202348 minSeason 3Ep. 202

How To Help Your Students Manage Anxiety and Depression With Special Guest Khara Croswaite Brindle

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 contrib...

Aug 22, 202343 minSeason 3Ep. 201

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

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 fo...

Aug 15, 202359 minSeason 5Ep. 200

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

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 adole...

Aug 08, 202351 minSeason 5Ep. 199

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

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 Loga...

Aug 01, 202346 minSeason 5Ep. 198

What Brings Joy in Your Life?

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 re...

Jul 25, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 197

6 Things We Wish Someone Would Have Told Us About Aging

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 di...

Jul 18, 202340 minSeason 5Ep. 196

How To Overcome Burnout With Special Guest Jamie Hoos

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 heartfel...

Jul 11, 202358 minSeason 5Ep. 195

July 4th Is About More Than Just Freedom

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/cauli...

Jul 04, 202342 minSeason 5Ep. 194

How to Overcome The Suffering of Divorce With Author Brandi Wilson

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 s...

Jun 27, 202341 minSeason 5Ep. 193

How Minimalism Can Simplify Your Life and Reduce Your Stress

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 ...

Jun 20, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 192

How To Help Christians With Our Mental Health With Special Guest LPC Lauren Eisleben

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....

Jun 13, 202352 minSeason 5Ep. 191

The One Surprising Thing That Will Help You Live Longer

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: theproblemwithper...

Jun 06, 202346 minSeason 5Ep. 190

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

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 beh...

May 30, 202348 minSeason 5Ep. 189

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

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 fo...

May 23, 202354 minSeason 5Ep. 188

How Introspection Can Help You Reach Your Goals

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...

May 16, 202341 minSeason 5Ep. 187

Honoring Motherhood: Stories of Inspiration

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...

May 09, 202358 minSeason 5Ep. 186

How to Become More Positive and Confident By Asking One Question

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...

May 02, 202346 minSeason 5Ep. 185

When Is The Right Time for Palliative Or Hospice Services?

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, ...

Apr 25, 202347 minSeason 5Ep. 184

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

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 S...

Apr 18, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 183
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