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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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Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? You try harder, you push yourself, you chase perfection—but all it leaves you with is exhaustion and self-criticism. What if the answer isn’t doing more, but actually being kinder to yourself? This week, we sit down with licensed therapist and course creator Erica Thomas to talk about the radical (and practical) power of self-compassion. Erica shares her personal story of body image struggles, unpacks how diet culture keeps us st...
There’s a saying: “Change of any sort requires courage.” Courage and bravery are essential for making lasting and effective change. While we may have goals for success, greater happiness, or fulfilling relationships, we often feel overwhelmed by the time and effort that change demands. There is no magic formula for change; simply wishing and hoping are not enough. However, there are clear and concise steps that can increase our chances of success. With clarity, conviction, and commitment, cha...
Season 7 is here! 🎉 Since launching The Problem with Perfect in September 2019, we’ve released over 300 episodes and connected with listeners in 11 countries. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey! We’re kicking off Season 7 with a conversation that applies to every relationship in your life—romantic, family, or friendship. Inspired by psychologist Mark Travers’ article “The 5 Weekday Habits of the Happiest Couples,” we’re breaking down five simple daily habits that help relationsh...
In this episode, we continue their journey through the Yamas and Niyamas, diving into the second jewel: Satya, or truthfulness. Join us as we reflect on what we’ve learned so far about courage, balance, boundaries, and self-love—and how those lessons prepare us to live authentically in truth. Together, we wrestle with what it means to be real instead of just nice, how to express ourselves without slipping into self-indulgence, and why truth has both a fierce weight and a freeing power. From t...
It’s nearly impossible to turn on the television or open a magazine without seeing advertisements for the latest weight loss trend: GLP-1 medications, commonly known as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Approximately 15 million people are estimated to have tried these drugs for weight loss. However, as with any emerging health trend, it's important to consider whether these medications are safe and cost-effective. What are the risks and benefits of these drugs? Is the pharmaceutical in...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many of us don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. This week, we welcome Sarah Hill, CEO of Helium and former award-winning journalist. At just 53 years old, Sarah experienced a heart attack while on vacation in Las Vegas, despite being healthy, active, and having a normal EKG. It was only because of her husband’s persistence that doctors ran the tests that ultimately saved her life. In this p...
This week we’re talking about something we all need but often struggle to get—rest. Join us as we unpack why God created our bodies to need sleep, the science behind how rest impacts memory and aging, and practical tips from leading sleep experts that will help you drift off more easily. You’ll hear everything from circadian rhythm hacks to soothing bedtime rituals, plus a unique spiritual cleansing practice for those nights when sleep just won’t come. If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing d...
We’ve explored many types of therapy on this podcast—from talk therapy to yoga and everything in between—but one powerful, ancient healing technique we’ve known little about is sound therapy. In this episode, we explore the surprising power of sound therapy with yoga therapist and sound healing expert Catina Topash. We sit down with Catina to unpack the science behind sound baths, how vibrational healing works, and why frequencies might just be the reset our nervous system needs. Whether you’...
Despite increased awareness of the importance of mental health, many men still hesitate to seek support. While they may appear to manage their mental health challenges well, statistics tell a different story. Several factors contribute to men's reluctance to pursue counseling, including cultural and societal norms, issues related to masculinity, and fear of the unknown. However, research shows that the benefits of talk therapy far outweigh the difficulties of dealing with anxiety, stress, gri...
What does it really mean to be a man of faith in today’s world—and why should women care? In this powerful and timely episode, we sit down with Fred Parry, Christian author, to explore how a man’s journey toward spiritual growth, emotional maturity, and servant leadership impacts the women around him more than we often realize. If you’ve ever prayed for your husband to lead with love, hoped your son would grow into a man of character, or wondered how we can encourage healthier masculinity—thi...
Is it really possible to reset your emotions in just 90 seconds? In a world overflowing with stress, tragedy, and everyday annoyances, finding peace can feel impossible. But what if happiness was just a minute and a half away? In this episode, we explore the powerful “90-Second Rule” from happiness researcher Mo Gawdat — a rule born out of unimaginable personal loss, yet designed to help us all move from rumination to resilience. Join us as we reflect on their own struggles with letting go, d...
We often think about a yoga practice as being about physical movement. Many of us know about child’s pose, downward facing dog, and tadasana. However, it may surprise you to know that the basis for all yoga practices is found in the elements of Yamas and Niyamas. The elements of Yamas and Niyamas teach a practical, step-by-step methodology that brings understanding to our life experiences, while at the same time pointing the way to the next experience. They are like a detailed map, telling y...
Have you ever looked around your house, or in your closet, and wondered where did all that shtuff come from? Most of us have acquired a lot of shtuff over our lifetime, some are precious keepsakes, but the majority of our worldly possessions are just things. Have you ever wondered what would happen to all that shtuff if your children, relatives, or friends were responsible for disposing it? Research tells us our kids don’t want our shtuff, and the burden of disposing someone’s worldly possess...
What would we do without our four-legged family members? They bring us companionship, comfort, and laughter. They keep us healthy by inviting us to walk with them, and they gladly accompany us everywhere we go. Quite simply, they are man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Something you may or may not have thought about is what would happen to your pet if something happened to you? Often, the death of a pet owner leaves many unanswered questions. Are there family members willing to adopt the ...
What 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 conv...
Our children are God's greatest gifts. We pour into them with unconditional love, guidance and support - praying we have given them the tools to be successful in life. Yet, peer pressure, hormones, and unrealistic social expectations can undermine our best efforts. Then what? The teenage years can be challenging, especially for girls. Issues such as negative self-esteem, anxiety, depression and self-harm plague far too many young tweens and teens as they mature into adulthood. How can familie...
Our children are God's greatest gifts. We pour into them with unconditional love, guidance and support - praying we have given them the tools to be successful in life. Yet, peer pressure, hormones, and unrealistic social expectations can undermine our best efforts. Then what? The teenage years can be challenging, especially for girls. Issues such as negative self-esteem, anxiety, depression and self-harm plague far too many young tweens and teens as they mature into adulthood. How can familie...
It can be easy to become complacent. We have our routines and schedules that keep us organized and efficient. We know what we know and go where we go, without stopping to consider what else is available outside our daily regimen. What if we could do better? What if we took an opportunity to spend four days enriching our body, mind, and soul? What if we dedicated 40 hours of our time and attention to learning a new skill that will benefit us physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Would you ...
Have you ever had every detail of your life planned? Where you will go to school? Who you’ll marry? How many children you will have? They say, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” An unplanned, high-risk pregnancy, a newborn diagnosed with a terminal illness, and a failing marriage brought our guest, Angie Howell, to her knees. As a self-described “faithless woman,” she found herself on the bathroom floor, begging for mercy. Despite her anger at God, and the seemingly insurmo...
What happens when life doesn’t just take a turn, but turns completely upside down, more than once? In this powerful episode of The Problem With Perfect, we continue our Life Reimagined series with a story that will move you, challenge you, and leave you deeply inspired. Julie Barth is a writer, mother of six, trauma survivor, and founder of the Collin James Barth Outreach—a nonprofit devoted to supporting women-led households in times of crisis. In our conversation, Julie shares her incredibl...
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