Well, Not Perfect

Audrey Grunst
Well, Not Perfect Podcast

Our biggest lessons in life come from imperfect moments. That is why “well, not perfect” is an honest yet encouraging phrase often heard inside Audrey Grunst's therapy practice, Simply Bee. Everyday we face messy, difficult and real life problems and striving for growth rather than perfection is the healthiest mindset to have. On this podcast, you will hear experts share their personal and professional experiences that aim to inspire and humble listeners to examine their own mindset through a therapeutic lens that only a mental health expert can offer. Join us and learn how our guests are breaking stigmas, raising awareness, providing support—and overall taking action to make this world a more mental health inclusive place, despite the process being…well, not perfect.

  1. The Inspiring Story of March Fourth and The Woman Behind It: Meet Kitty Brandtner

    24/08/2022

    The Inspiring Story of March Fourth and The Woman Behind It: Meet Kitty Brandtner

    Today for our last episode of this season on Well, Not Perfect, I have a timely and important episode for you.    In response to many recent events involving gun violence, today’s guest Kitty Brandtner went to social media with one thing to say: “You messed with the wrong mom.”    The events following are nothing but heroic and nearly impossible. Kitty, who is a working mom of three kids under 5, became the lead activist for March Fourth in the span of just a few days. She and an amazing group of volunteers started March Fourth two days after the tragic Highland Park shooting on the Fourth of July. The mission behind this organization is simple: to federally ban assault weapons and to do it right now.   In today’s episode you will learn: Who the woman is behind March Fourth  How you too can have the tenacity to do the seemingly impossible What to do, if or when, you get called to join a social movement that lives close to your heart.    And before we get into the episode, I just want to remind everyone that these conversations can be uncomfortable and triggering. I recommend you take your time to listen and understand your reaction to this conversation and seek out local resources if you want to get involved. Also, if you feel overwhelmed after listening to this episode, take a break, do some self-care and be gentle on yourself.    With that being said, welcome to the final episode of Season 3 of Well, Not Perfect.    To connect with Kitty and March Fourth, and other resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them at: Website: www.wemarchfourth.org/ Instagram: @march_fourth_ Ways to act now: www.wemarchfourth.org/actnow

    26 min
  2. Letting Go Of Fear, Avoidance & What If’s with OCD Expert Dr. Patrick McGrath

    10/08/2022

    Letting Go Of Fear, Avoidance & What If’s with OCD Expert Dr. Patrick McGrath

    Hello again and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect.    I had an absolute blast putting on my clinical hat with our guest today.    Dr. McGrath currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for NOCD, an app-based platform for the treatment of OCD. He leads their teletherapy services across the world. He is also a Lead Psychologist at Ascension Illinois Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where he opened Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospital, and Residential Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders, School Refusal, and OCD.    I’ve known Dr. McGrath for years and it was a privilege to get to pick his brain on this episode. He shares with us some of the exciting developments in the treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders as well as some of the most interesting cases he’s dealt with in his career.    There was an empowering golden thread throughout our conversation that I think is important for every listener to hear: that we as humans really are more capable of overcoming our fears than we may think.   In today’s episode you will learn:  The evolution of therapeutic treatments, including Exposure Response Prevention; Strategies for supporting a loved one who struggles with an anxiety disorder; and Why it's crucial for us to be okay with short term emotional discomfort in order to benefit in the long term   Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.   To connect with Dr. McGrath & NOCD, you can find him at:  Website: www.nocd.com Books: “Don’t Try Harder, Try Different” & “The OCD Answer Book” LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcgrath-37b981/ Study on the Effectiveness of Virtual ERP: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/could-virtual-erp-be-the-new-standard-of-treatment-for-ocd

    1h 22m
  3. Operationalizing Your Growth & Success With Green Beret Nick Lavery

    20/07/2022

    Operationalizing Your Growth & Success With Green Beret Nick Lavery

    Hello & welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.    Today’s guest is someone who knows first hand what it’s like to overcome a seemingly impossible challenge.    Nick Lavery is an active-duty member of The United States Army Special Forces. In 2013, on Nick's second combat rotation to Afghanistan, he and his Detachment fell victim to an insider attack ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Following a year of surgeries and recovery, he returned to his Detachment and was deployed once again. Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee and I was honored to hear his story.   This episode gives listeners an in depth look into the mindset Nick relies on to continuously achieve his goals. His story and outlook on life are testament to the power of committing to your purpose and developing a strong sense of self.    Nick’s perseverance, humility, and intelligence were evident to me throughout our conversation. I know that you will walk away feeling inspired by his attitude and motivated to prioritize your own growth, too.    In this episode, you will learn:   How to compare yourself to others with gratitude instead of self-pity; How to become more systematic about achieving your goals; and How to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters most to you.   Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.   To connect with Nick, you can find him at: Website: http://www.machinenick.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNVniNJKTYRZpTmfyJJjtA Instagram: @nick.machine.lavery Book: Objective Secure

    52 min
  4. Chicago Female Sports Reporter Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder (Re-Release)

    29/06/2022

    Chicago Female Sports Reporter Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder (Re-Release)

    TW: Eating Disorders   Hi everyone and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect.    This week we’re doing something a little different. I want to share with you again one of my favorite episodes from last season. Dionne Miller was my first guest on Season 2 and someone who I feel really embodies what this show is all about.   So whether you’ve listened to this episode before or not, I encourage you to tune in and get inspired by Dionne’s resilience, bravery and honesty.   _______   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

    48 min
  5. Life Lessons Learned On The Mountain w/ Dr. Jon Kedrowski

    22/06/2022

    Life Lessons Learned On The Mountain w/ Dr. Jon Kedrowski

    We’re back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect.   This week’s guest is someone who is literally overcoming mountains every day.    Dr. Jon Kedrowski earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geography, Weather, and Climate and he is also the owner and founder of Dr. Jon’s Adventures, which leads expeditions to all corners of the globe.    He has climbed 6 of the 7 continental summits, including 5 expeditions to Mount Everest. His most recent summit of Everest came while guiding and coaching singer/songwriter Mike Posner in June of 2021.   Throughout our conversation I was struck by his laid back attitude and humility. These qualities have undoubtedly played a huge role in his ability to lead himself and others through great and often dangerous adventures.   This episode is full of intriguing insights from someone who frequently encounters unpredictability and setbacks. Listen for an inside look into the mindset that allows Jon to per-sa-vere and push others to do the same.   In this episode, you will learn:  The attitude and mindset required to overcome adversity and uncertainty; Why athletes need focus on fun as the center to their spor; and The importance of spending your time looking forward instead of living in the past.    Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.     To connect with Dr. Jon Kedrowski, you can find him at: Instagram: @drjonkedski  @drjonsadventures Website: https://jonkedrowski.com/home Books: https://jonkedrowski.com/books

    35 min

About

Our biggest lessons in life come from imperfect moments. That is why “well, not perfect” is an honest yet encouraging phrase often heard inside Audrey Grunst's therapy practice, Simply Bee. Everyday we face messy, difficult and real life problems and striving for growth rather than perfection is the healthiest mindset to have. On this podcast, you will hear experts share their personal and professional experiences that aim to inspire and humble listeners to examine their own mindset through a therapeutic lens that only a mental health expert can offer. Join us and learn how our guests are breaking stigmas, raising awareness, providing support—and overall taking action to make this world a more mental health inclusive place, despite the process being…well, not perfect.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada