Well, Not Perfect

Hi, everyone and welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.    This episode is going to be the last episode of season 2 and it's going to look a little different. Instead of having a guest with me this week, I'm going to share some of my own advice on a topic I talk to clients about all the time. I'm going to use this format for some of the episodes in season 3 and I'm excited for you to get a feel for them as we wrap up this season. I'm so grateful to all of you for being here and can't wait to come back for season 3 with more amazing guests and more episodes just like this one.   So today I want to talk to you about the art of letting go and moving forward and growing. This is a notoriously hard thing for people to do because change is hard and it's difficult to say goodbye.    I'm going to talk about the barriers to letting go, five steps to healing in this process of saying goodbye, and reflection questions that can help you stay in a growth mindset.   For more information on this topic, check out: Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic The Bee You Planner Series (use code 'wellnotperfect' for 10% off!)  

On today's show, I sit down with writer, actor, director, and TedX Global Speaker Cara Greene Epstein. She is the award-winning writer and co-directed of Dragonfly, streaming on Amazon Prime.    Today I talk to her about all things being a creative. We dive into the ways in which creatives think, feel and act. We discuss the benefits of being a free spirit and also the disadvantages that come with it.    In today's episode, you will learn: How to stop self sabotaging Why accountability is essential to reach your goals What to do when you fear failure   To connect with Cara and keep up with all the amazing work she is doing, you can find her at: Facebook: Cara Epstein Instagram: @caragreene37  TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/cara_greene_epstein_how_theater_weathers_wars_outlasts_empires_and_survives_pandemics; Twitter: @caragreene37; Website: https://www.caragreeneepstein.com/

We're back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect. This week I'm here again with David Gray, who shared his knowledge of psychedelic medicine with us in the last episode. In Part 2, we flipped the script and this time David asked me the questions. Our conversation dives into the reality of talking about controversial topics in the age of the Internet and social media. We discuss the risks we all take when we share our opinions and how to deal with naysayers.   David's questions encouraged me to get vulnerable with my own fears and limitations in a way that I hope many of you can relate to.   In today's episode, you will learn:   How to balance the fear of scrutiny with the desire to be authentic What to rely on in the face of criticism or backlash And the role that privilege plays in our ability to talk about controversial topics.   Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect!

Hello there and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect! I'm so excited to introduce this week's guest, David Gray. He is a fellow therapist and good friend of mine. He is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of Gray Matter Therapy, a private practice in the Chicagoland area.    He is a trained therapist who assists clients who use psychedelic medicine for therapeutic purposes and contributes to the growing evidence that psychedelic medicine is a promising option in the field of mental health treatment.    This treatment modality is up and coming in the therapy world, with groundbreaking research being done for its uses in treating major depressive disorder, PTSD, addiction, and so much more. Listen in to hear what David has to say about his professional and personal experiences with this type of treatment.   In today's episode, you will learn:   How psychedelic medicine improves people's biological and psychological well being  Where and why the stigma of psychedelic medicines came to be  And the importance of educating and empowering yourself to find the treatment method that work best for you   So without further ado, please listen and learn from my good friend David Gray. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.   To connect with David and his practice, you can find him at: https://graymattertherapy.net/.   Resources: California Institute of Integral Studies: https://www.ciis.edu/  Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies: https://maps.org/  Books: The Fellowship of the River by Joseph Tafur Sacred Knowledge by William A. Richards Consciousness Medicine by Françoise Bourzat and Kristina Hunter How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

Today on Well, Not Perfect, I sit down with Kati Wax. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Lincoln Park Psychology. Her passion is to affect others to make meaningful change. She is an extraordinary therapist and leader in the field of psychology in the Chicagoland area.   Listen in as she explains the power of boundary setting during the holiday season and how we can approach this time of year more skillfully.    In todays episode you will learn: How to set boundaries with others and within yourself Why it's important to stay non-judgmental during the holiday season How to go from a negative thought pattern to a productive and healthy reframing of those thoughts  To connect with Kati and her practice you can find them at www.lincolnparkpsychology.com and on Instagram @lincoln_park_psychology.

TW / Trigger Warning   Welcome back! This is your host and therapist, Audrey Grunst. Boy do I have a good episode to share with you today! It's a story that most of us could never imagine—yet somehow throughout this story, there's an interconnection between what my guest went through and what we experience everyday.    Today I sat with Elena Breese. She is a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. I was struck by her openness to talk about something that most people could never imagine. Elena helps us understand that life's biggest moments have long term impacts on our mental well being and how it's never too late to recover.    In today's episode you will learn:  How to find hope after hardship How to tap into your natural strengths  And the value of mindfulness    Listen in as she candidly shares her story of recovery and trauma. Her story gives us an insider's look into the resilience of the human spirit. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.    To connect with Elena, you can find her at:  Website: www.stillbloomingme.com Instagram: @stillbloomingme

Today on Well, Not Perfect I have a guest who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk. I would like to introduce you to Mason Spector, the Co-Founder of Madhappy, a global lifestyle and apparel brand on a mission to create a more optimistic and inclusive world. Mason has been named Forbes 30U30 and is changing the world through his platform and lifestyle brand. Sit down, get cozy and join us as we talk about our personal missions to continue to disrupt the stigma of mental health and use our platforms to make this world a more optimistic place.     Today you will learn: The benefit of therapy Why it's important to see mental health as a social issue And how businesses like Madhappy are using their platforms and brands to disrupt the mental health stigma    For tons of great, free resources, check out https://www.localoptimist.com/ and be sure to listen to The Madhappy Podcast for more conversations about mental health - available on all platforms.    Follow along on instagram: @masonspec @localoptimist  @madhappy

Hello hello and welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today I sit down with Whitney Reynolds, and let me tell you that my conversation with her left me feeling empowered to say the least. Whitney is the Emmy nominated host of The Whitney Reynolds Show, a talk TV show that is dedicated to being a safe space for delicate life stories.    Along with the production of her show that went national this year, Whitney is an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back to the community.    Today, Whitney gives us a real look into her life off the big screen. We get deep into what makes her life meaningful and how she finds balance through the many seasons of life.   In today's episode you will learn: Why the timing of life is important  How she balances being a host, mother, and an entrepreneur And what brings purpose into her life and her show   To keep up with Whitney and her show, you can find her at: Instagram: @whitney_reynolds  Website: www.whitneyreynolds.com  TV Show: The Whitney Reynolds Show Podcast: Pop & Positivity on iHeartRadio

Welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. Today I sat down with an extremely wise, humorous, and lovely guest who I absolutely admire in the field of counseling and entrepreneurship. I can't wait for you to meet her. Sarah Buino is the CEO, Founder of Heart Heart Therapy in Chicago, and podcast host of Conversations With A Wounded Healer. If you are someone who is on a journey of healing then listen in because Sarah takes us down a path of her own healing in conjunction with helping others heal. Sarah combines her own personal experiences with her clinical expertise to give us a refreshing look into the ways in which our behavior and identities are related to past traumas. Most importantly, her message shows us how we can find growth and joy beyond the pain of trauma.    In today's episode you will learn about: Common trauma How to heal from painful life experiences  And How to maintain hope and seek recovery    Make sure you check out the show notes and see where you can connect with Sarah to get inspired and continue to learn from her wisdom as I did throughout our conversation. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.   Show Notes:  Sarah is the Founder and President of Head/Heart Therapy and podcast host of Conversations with a Wounded Healer. Here's where you can find her:  Instagram: @headhearttherapy Facebook: @headhearttherapy and @woundedhealr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2UuMEyXcij3oK7qpT1K1A Website: www.headhearttherapy.com  Podcast: Conversations with a Wounded Healer Sarah's article "Your Therapist is Hurting"

Today October 10th, 2021, is World Mental Health Day.    On behalf of Simply Bee and our relationship with MTV Entertainment and Mental Health Is Health, we are using this opportunity for you to get inspired and take action towards mental health in your life and your community. This is on the heels of May 20th, the first inaugural Mental Health Action Day, where we along with 800+ other brands influenced the world to see mental health as health. This momentum is just getting started and we are back again today to inspire you to take action.    In this special edition episode, I sat down with Brent Draper, a MasterChef Australia contestant who is the BEST example of someone who took action towards his mental health and never compromised his well being for a winning title. In a world filled with competition at any cost and the fear of missing out, most people would hide their pain and suffer through a mental health crisis: but not Brent.    Listen in as Brent describes how it felt to raise his hand on national television and tell the judges that he was going home to take care of himself and why he never regretted his choice to choose mental health over all else.    On today's episode you will learn: Why action is required if you want to get better How to ask for help even when you don't feel like it What men can do to break the mental health stigma amongst one another   Please enjoy this special episode powered by simply bee and MTV Entertainment and Mental health is health. Welcome to another episode of well not perfect.  To connect with Brent, you can find him on Instagram @brentdraper_ or his website https://brentdraper.com.au/.

Welcome back, everyone! I have an AMAZING show for you today. I sit down and vibe with Lola Wright. When I mean vibe, I mean I sit down and find myself immediately absorbed into the conversation with her.    She is incredibly smart, insightful, and in tune with the world today. Every guest I have on the show is special in their own way and Lola is special because she is incredibly aware of the bigger picture that we often lose when we live our day-to-day life. She pulls the lens back and helps us see what it means to be part of a bigger system on a global scale and how we need to recalibrate and reconnect to others and build up a sense of community again after the impact of COVID-19.    If you are a personal growth junkie then this episode is for you. Sit back and enjoy as you listen to Lola's uplifting advice on how to achieve the life you've always envisioned for yourself.    In today's episode you will learn: How our individual experiences are connected to so much more than just ourselves How to find congruence between your internal and external world; and How to breakthrough old narratives to find growth for yourself and your community   For more thought-provoking insight from Lola, you can find her at: Instagram: @lolapwright  Facebook: @lolapwright Podcast: Find Your Fierce & Loving Website: www.lolawright.com - be sure to check out her 'Our Circle' membership community!

TW // Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive topics. Welcome back to Part II of the episode with Morgan's Message. I now sit down with Dona and Aberlee Rodgers, Morgan's mom and twin sister. Dona and Aberlee share their own experience and what they've learned through their tragic loss.    In Part II of this episode you will learn: How to talk about suicide The barriers athletes face when it comes to mental health  Why mental health is as important as physical health   Morgan's Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Here's where you can find Dona, Aberle, Clare, Kat & Morgan's Message: Instagram: @morgansmessage  @aberodgers @clare_kehoe @katzempolich @dkrodgers5 Twitter: @morgansmessage LinkedIn: @MorgansMessage Website: morgansmessage.org   To become an ambassador for Morgan's Message, visit morgansmessage.org/education-program  Podcast: The Mental Matchup   Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 Trevor Lifeline: Call 866-488-7386 SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-4357 for treatment referral and information NAMI Support & Education: Visit nami.org/Support-Education

TW // Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive topics. Welcome to a very special 2-part episode on Well, Not Perfect. This episode is close to my heart because it hits home for me. You guys may or may not know that I was a D1 volleyball player who experienced a sudden career-ending injury that caused me to spiral into anxiety and depression. In those years, I discovered the value of mental health and the importance of mental health in athletes. I have since dedicated my career to helping athletes never suffer in silence again and I did this over a decade ago because in mental health there was no support like there is today.   So In honor of World Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I am highlighting the very special nonprofit organization, Morgan's Message. Morgan's Message is an organization striving to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community. Morgan was a division 1 lacrosse player at Duke, and she silently battled depression after a career ending injury, Morgan died by suicide in 2019 at the age of 22.  After this tragic loss, her family and friends created a program that now helps hundreds of college athletes across the country.    I feel so deeply connected to this organization because, like them, I discovered the importance and my life's mission after the game was over. For me and the athletes who are involved with Morgan's Message, we pour energy into the athletic community so that no one has to suffer alone.    Join me in Part 1 and welcome Morgan's teammates and friends, Clare and Kat. Their words inspire all of us to care for one another and never be afraid to ask if someone needs help.    In today's episode, you'll learn:  How to balance the needs of friends with your needs as well   How to set gentle and loving boundaries  What to do when a friend needs your help    Morgan's Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Here's where you can find Dona, Aberle, Clare, Kat & Morgan's Message: Instagram: @morgansmessage  @aberodgers @clare_kehoe @katzempolich @dkrodgers5 Twitter: @morgansmessage LinkedIn: @MorgansMessage Website: morgansmessage.org   To become an ambassador for Morgan's Message, visit morgansmessage.org/education-program  Podcast: The Mental Matchup   Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 Trevor Lifeline: Call 866-488-7386 SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-4357 for treatment referral and information NAMI Support & Education: Visit nami.org/Support-Education

Today on Well, Not Perfect, I am so proud to have Dionne Miller. She is an incredibly talented female Sports Anchor and Reporter at ABC7 Chicago. Prepare to get a glimpse inside of her incredibly resilient mind and see the personal side of her life that often doesn't get seen on TV.  As I was talking with Dionne, I couldn't get over the fact that her story is just like so many other people I talk to who struggle with body image, perfectionism, and their relationship with food. What most may not know is that she has climbed the ranks in the broadcasting world all while battling an eating disorder and still fights for her recovery to this day. Dionne's inspiring story shows us how faith, family, and perseverance work together to create joy. She is proof that success co-exists with mental and physical challenges to make up a beautiful life full of ups and downs.  In today's episode you will learn about:  How to fight the inner critic that lives in our minds Ways to keep a balanced mindset Why you can find hope and purpose too  Dionne is a full-time, working mom of two and a hustler in an extremely cut-throat industry. She has a true passion for Chicago sports and Chicago sports fans and is the first full-time female in the ABC 7 Sports department. You can find her here:         Facebook: DionneMiller        Instagram: @DmillerABC7        Twitter: @dmillerABC7

So today's episode is with Amanda Jane Daley, she's a leading business mentor for health coaches worldwide. She's renowned for her marketing expertise with over 19 years of experience and has earned recognition by top advertising awards and has built her own 7 figure coaching business in under 5 years. Amanda combines her business coaching savy, mentorship, and other health coaching tactics to build a heartfelt business and freedom-based lifestyle. Amen! Don't we all want that? Today you will learn and understand why your mind is more powerful than traditional medical sources make you believe, how mindset can improve your health, the power of feminine energy in business, and why it's a powerhouse for success. And I'm going to add a fourth which I don't usually do but it's important for Amanda to get this message across which is, your health is never worth sacrificing in exchange for productivity at work. Amen to that, thank you Amanda for that! And let's get into another episode of Audrey Off The Cuff. Instagram and Facebook: @AmandaJaneDaley Audrey Off The Cuff listeners can go to www.AmandaJDaley.com/audrey and visit Amanda's Facebook group for health coaches called Healthy Wealthy Society (https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthywealthysociety). Money Mindset w/ Audrey: https://youtu.be/oOObwDCVigs

Today I have Jennifer Dopazo, who is a graphic designer and specializes in brand identity. She is the founder of the multimedia design studio, Candelita, and a three-time American graphic design award winner. She's worked with companies like The New York Times, Pepsi, Nickelodeon, along with authors like Danielle LaPorte.   So today is going to be awesome. What you're going to learn today is why success can only be defined by you and no one else, why plans are great but there's always a twist in the middle of the road, and with the right mindset you can do just about anything if you give it enough time. Welcome to another episode of Audrey Off The Cuff. Find Jennifer on Twitter and Instagram: @JenniferDopazo Website: www.candelita.is Freebie from Jennifer: https://candelita.is/membership-website-best-practices-pocketbook/

Today I have a slightly different episode for you, and I hope you listen because today I don't so much as an interview as I do listen.   Today's episode is not so much different from therapy lessons where the importance isn't in asking questions but deeply listening to the stories of a survivor.   If you or someone you know has ever been in an abusive relationship this is the episode for you today because I’m talking to Beth Watson, a survivor, and activist. Beth's Instagram account @yourinnersherlock gives you an honest look at the mindset of a survivor and the horrible manipulation that's called gaslighting.   Today she tells her story about the toxic relationship she survived and she's on a mission to help others understand so they can catch it and stop it.   Today you will learn, why people lose their intuition while they are in an abusive relationship, red flags of a narcissist, and the importance of setting boundaries. If this episode resonates with you make sure you check out the show notes and see where you can connect with Beth and learn more about how you can get help if you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.   This is a really important episode and I hope you enjoy another one of Audrey Off The Cuff. Instagram: @yourinnersherlock Website: yourinnersherlock.com Latest article: https://www.yourinnersherlock.com/post/can-you-tell-if-you-are-being-manipulated-know-these-25-signs

If you are a businesswoman, this is the perfect episode for you because I’m chatting with two inspirational sisters, Sarah and Erin Potempa the owners and creators of The Beachwaver and a local store which is my favorite, B.Bungalow here in Libertyville, Illinois.   This episode was recorded all the way back before COVID believe it or not, and we met at a really fantastic networking event that we partnered at their local boutique with Simply Bee Counseling and B.Bungalow.   So we couldn’t stop there so we had to meet up again and dive deep into the stories and the message that we want to relay to all business women out there and If we can do it, you can for sure do it too!   Today you will learn, the importance of empowering other women, how to share your stories of success unapologetically, and finally how to start before you're ready even if you're afraid to jump into your dreams.   Connect with Sarah Erin and Beachwaver below to watch them grow and reach all of their fantastic dreams. Welcome to another episode of Audrey Off The Cuff. Instagram: @sarahpotempa, @erinpotempawall @thebeachwaver @b.workbybeachwaver Website: https://beachwaver.com

Are you a woman growing a business but feel like the stereotypes are getting in the way of your success? If so then this is the episode for you because today I’m chatting with Rita Barry, marketing expert and the founder of Rita Barry & Co., a digital marketing strategist expert. For the past ten years, she and her team have been helping women-led online businesses get past the mindset that is holding them back. Today you will learn, how to cope with imposter syndrome and actually use it to your advantage with the right mindset, how to sit with guilt and shame and overcome it, and lastly how to get passed the stereotypes of being a woman in business and using that as power and not something to hide.  Welcome to another episode of Audrey Off The Cuff. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ritalbarry Instagram: @ritabarryco  Website: ritabarry.co Visit: ritabarry.co/aotc for resources for AOTC listeners   

If you are an entrepreneur, writer or artist then this episode is for you because today on AOTC we dive deep (and I mean deep) into the mindset of people who are creators and who have a mission to share their gift. Today I sit down with Jennie Nash, creator and owner of Author Accelerator Today you will learn, the money mindset that will mess with your success and how to turn it around, why it’s normal to have stress and pain during high intensity moments in your business, and how to make sure you are creating for the right reasons and getting the results you want. Welcome to another episode of AOTC.  Get exclusive access to FREE resources and link at authoraccelerator.com/audrey these are TOO GOOD to see! Instagram: @jennienashbookcoach Websites: www.authoracceleator.com www.jennienash.com www.bookcoaches.com