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The Problem With Perfect

Robin May and Denise Bickel

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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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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 i…
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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 …
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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 Col…
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In this inspiring episode of The Problem With Perfect, we sit down with Angie Murdock, whose story of resilience and reinvention leaves us both challenged and encouraged. First, Angie reimagined her life as a newly divorced mom raising a young daughter. Then, years later, she did it again—packing up her life in small-town South Georgia and heading …
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We've all heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." While those encouraging words can provide hope and inspiration, one crucial aspect often goes unaddressed: the "how." What does it take to start over? How does someone completely restructure their home, family, and career to achieve their goals? And what about those nagging do…
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Have you ever taken a leap of faith? What would happen if you listened to your heart, followed your passion, and pursued the career you’ve always dreamt of? Or maybe you used to love what you did for a living, but you recognize it’s time for a change. The decision to make a midlife career change can be daunting. The security of what’s known and com…
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In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we dig into the soulful, restorative power of gardening with Master Gardener Donna Puleo. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting, Donna shares wisdom on how tending to plants can also help tend to your heart and mind. We explore the physical and mental health benefits of gardening, the jo…
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The typical patient/doctor experience is changing as younger generations demand holistic, convenient, and personalized care. To address these expectations, a new medical model is sweeping the nation that includes ample appointment availability, lengthier patient/physician visits, and enhanced continuity of care. In many ways, this model of care is …
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When you think of a luxury, is it a new car, a trip to Paris, or a cruise around the world that comes to mind? What if true luxury could be found right at home? Time, good health, and people who love us are all priceless luxuries. Likewise, no amount of money can buy a good night’s sleep or a meaningful conversation with people we love. Today’s epi…
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There comes a time in most of our lives when thoughts of finances, inheritance, and trusts or wills are in the forefront of ourlives. It is the hope of each generation that we leave behind the resources our children and grandchildren will use to live a better life – that’s what’s known as generational wealth. A recent article entitled, Radically Re…
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January is known for New Year’s Resolutions and Quitter’s Day (the 2nd Friday in January). Often we start with the best intentions only to lose our motivation and determination 14 days later. It’s a tradition as old as time. What if we postponed our goal-setting until spring? The weather is nicer, we are uplifted by the renewing nature of springtim…
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Our bodies are constantly evolving, yet embracing those changes can feel like a lifelong struggle. Whether you’re navigating the whirlwind of postpartum recovery, or facing the shifts that come with aging, body image is something most of us wrestle with at some point in our lives. In this episode, we’re having a raw and honest conversation about wh…
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As faithful followers, you know we love journaling - all kinds of journaling. Journaling is an opportunity to pour out your heart and soul without worrying about Sr. Mary Punctuation grading your spelling or sentence structure. Journaling is also meant to be a time for self-reflection and creativity. You can journal about anything, anyone, or what …
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Have you ever felt like traditional medicine isn’t giving you the answers you need? Struggling with fatigue, hormone imbalances, or gut issues and told “everything looks normal”? You’re not alone—and there is another way. In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we sit down with Dr. Michael Schmidt, a functional medicine practitioner who believ…
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Hey, friends! If you have been around here for a while, you know that we love our Kansas City Chiefs. So, when I (Robin) had the opportunity to attend the Super Bowl this year, I was beyond excited. But what I didn't expect was to walk away with more than just memories, I left with some powerful life lessons that go far beyond football. Yes, the ga…
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Pickleball 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 psych…
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It’s that time of year! The cold weather, the snow, the inability to go outside to walk the dog or enjoy nature, the darkness that prevails morning and night, tax season, the election; it seems everything contributes to an ongoing sense of gloom and doom. While it's common to feel temporarily "blue," it’s important to recognize when those feelings …
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Where would we be without our girlfriends? These extraordinary women bring light and love into our lives. They support us unconditionally and stand by us during difficult times. Indeed, they are among life’s greatest gifts. Female friendships are invaluable blessings. However, did you know that our girlfriends also provide psychological and emotion…
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Aging gracefully is an art- as our emotional, physical, and nutritional needs change significantly. Social media tells us we need products and procedures to remain vibrant and youthful. Today's guest, Ruthie Massman, is a fitness trainer and wellness coach who takes a more holistic approach, “I think it’s worth reframing how we think about aging. A…
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Many of us hoped the new year would bring a renewed passion and enthusiasm for our work. Maybe it did, and maybe it didn’t. Maybe some of us are still looking for inspiration to keep trusting that we’re on the right path. Tracy Smith’s story might be just what we need. When God called Tracy Smith, the owner of Long Row Lavender, to step out in fait…
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As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, sharing the lessons learned and how our guiding word shaped our journey. In this special episode, we’ll look back at how well we lived out our word for 2024, then turn our focus to the fresh start that 2025 offers. Join us as we reveal our new words for the …
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As 2024 ends, we are excited to bring you a truly inspiring story. Today’s guest, Lisa Kent, has embarked on a year-long journey, sharing a daily post of gratitude every single day in 2024. Each day, she shares a couple of sentences and a photo to show what she’s thankful for, and it’s all shared publicly on social media. We’ll dive into what inspi…
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In this must-listen episode of The Problem With Perfect, we’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Womack, a seasoned obstetric gynecologist with 25 years of experience, to demystify the options available for managing menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often at the center of the conversation about menopause, but how do you know if it’s ri…
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Menopause is a universal female experience, yet it remains one of the least discussed and most misunderstood phases of life. In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we take a deep dive into why menopause has been ignored by medical research and society, leaving countless women unprepared and unsupported. We’ll explore the common—and not so com…
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It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and to lose touch with the reason for the season. Although the gift-giving possibilities are endless, the most cherished gift is often time spent with loved ones and friends. Memories last a lifetime; batteries wear out and Barbies go bald. In this episode, with Christmas approach…
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The holidays are often the perfect time to reflect and reminisce. When was the last time you thought about your childhood and the traditions your family celebrated? What about the memories you’ve made with your children and grandchildren? Although holidays can be stressful, they can also be the perfect time to draw near to each other with love and …
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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 holid…
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As we step into November, gratitude is at the heart of the season—but why does it matter so much? In this episode, we explore the science and significance of gratitude in transforming our mental health, relationships, and even our work lives. Join us as we dive into research-based insights, including how gratitude can reduce anxiety, boost resilien…
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The Bible tells us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” James 4:8. If there was ever a time when prayer and faith were needed, it’s now. For the 73% of Americans who are experiencing election anxiety and stress, prayer can offer a sense of control and empowerment. Most of all, prayer can bri…
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We live in a hurried world. The modern conveniences that are touted to "save time’" are keeping us busier than ever. We over-schedule, over-commit, and end each day exhausted and already focused on the demands of tomorrow. Quite often, it is our relationships with God and our family that suffer the absence of our time and attention. Do you spend ti…
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Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process or determined to turn their dreams into reality. We’re sitting down with Michelle Collins Anderson, author of The Flower Sisters, a captivating novel that’s been making waves since its release earlier this year. In our conversation, Michelle opens up about the journey of…
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We are excited to kick off season six of The Problem With Perfect with a very special episode featuring none other than the podcast's original cohost, Rachel Keller! Now a marketing expert and AI enthusiast, Rachel joins us as we dive deep into how AI is reshaping both our personal and professional lives. In this thought-provoking conversation, we …
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Apologies are tricky. Even when we want to make amends, we can often make the situation worse by what we say (or don’t say), and how we say it. It takes humility and honesty to admit we are wrong and to apologize well. Although a simple, “I’m sorry” is better than not saying anything at all, there are better ways to acknowledge our mistakes. Quite …
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Today we’re tackling a topic that’s more urgent than ever: the rising tide of anxiety and depression among Gen Z. In a world where social media, smartphones, and video games dominate their lives, young people are grappling with an alarming increase in mental health issues, leading to profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilling life.…
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Today we’re diving into a topic that touches nearly everyone’s lives: the time we spend on social media and our smartphones. In this episode, we explore how the hours we spend scrolling, liking, and tweeting are not just fleeting moments but can be significant in shaping our daily lives and overall well-being. We’ll start by breaking down the probl…
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Although most parents would like to think their tweens, teens, and adult-ish kids would not view or access pornographic material, the statistics tell us differently. And while none of us want to talk about it, many of our spouses are doing the same. As school commences and our teens and young adults enjoy greater freedom than ever before, how can w…
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School days are upon us. The backpacks have been purchased and stocked. Lunch boxes have been prepared and a new pair of shoes await by the door. Hopefully, we’ve done everything we can to ensure a successful start to the school year. It can feel daunting to send our children out into the world without our guidance. We may have provided them with a…
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Welcoming a new baby to the family is a precious experience. It can also be a time of uncertainty, questioning, sleep deprivation, and unexplained emotions. Our guests, Maddie and Kyle Wolf, join us today to share their experiences as first-time parents of Baby Luka (aka Robin’s granddaughter). What do new moms and dads need? Which is best, breastf…
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As a new school year approaches, children, teens, and young adults will encounter a plethora of choices and challenging decisions. With the widespread availability of cell phones and computers, accessing online content, including inappropriate material, is easier than ever. So, how can we protect our children of all ages from harmful materials that…
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"Who are the people in your neighborhood?" Those of a certain age will remember Mr. Rogers singing that ditty. Once upon a time, we celebrated with our neighbors, borrowed a cup of sugar from the folks next door, and probably worshiped with some of them every Sunday. Busy schedules, a desire for privacy, or the simple fact that decks on the back of…
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Do you remember your first day of school? Regardless of one’s academic status, be it kindergarten, middle school, senior year, or a freshman moving into the dorms, the first day of school is a milestone moment. Quite often, more tears are shed by parents than pupils. There’s just something about witnessing your child embark on a journey independent…
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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 a…
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“In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” Andrea Dykstra Our guest is a man of faith, a proud Marine, a loving husband, and a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. At the tender age of 22, he was charged with a crime that shaped his life forever. For the next 13 years, he would be incarcerated, making rest…
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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 se…
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We live in troubled times. We are surrounded by demands, expectations, and frustrations. So often, the squeaky wheel gets the attention, not the gracious individual holding the door for us. Some might say we’ve become a culture of impatience, and many might agree. Impatience is easy to identify. We become irritable; we let anger and resentment surf…
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Imagine an inexpensive pastime that improves your mental and physical health and cognitive function. Welcome to the world of birdwatching. If you are a birdwatcher, you are in good company. Birdwatching is quickly becoming a national pastime. According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife, 57% of the US population 16 and old…
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Dr, Merry Lin says that the cultural clarion call to be your authentic self isn’t inherently wrong. The methodology is. While the popular world will tell you to “live your truth” and “trust your gut,” she argues that neither strategy brings you into contact with your essential, God-given identity. In this episode, Dr. Lin, author of Rebecoming: Com…
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Most of us agree that we can all use the wisdom of those who have gone before us. Whether it's a new career, a big life decision, or a transition to the "next" phase of life - some sage advice can go a long way. In this special episode, we surprise Tom May, Robin's husband and co-host for the episode, with words of wisdom from those who are seasone…
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Wondering what PMDD is after reading the title? You're likely in good company. Although Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects between 3 and 4 million women in the US, it is still a relatively unknown disorder that is often misdiagnosed. To help us understand what PMDD is and how it impacts women and their families, Marybeth Bohn joins Robi…
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The recent episodes of our podcast have explored challenging themes, and today's topic is no exception. Miscarriages touch the lives of many, whether it's a personal experience or through someone we know. Some mothers might not have been aware they were pregnant when it happened, while others felt an instant bond as soon as they saw the positive re…
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