Imperfectly Honest

Imperfectly Honest

Welcome to the real us. We’re shifting from the people we’ve felt obligated to be to the people we’re born to be. We welcome eavesdroppers to our conversations.

  1. Mother’s Day Special: An Honest Conversation About Our Moms

    MAY 9

    Mother’s Day Special: An Honest Conversation About Our Moms

    For some, Mother’s Day is a pure celebration. For others, it's grief, or just a day that's not quite easy peasy. Sometimes it's all of those things at once. If Mother's Day has ever felt more complex than the greeting cards suggest, this one is for you. In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with friend and fellow climate advocate, Max Scheder-Bieschin, who recently lost his mother. Max shares the lessons his mother left him, the things he wishes he'd said, and how she shaped the man he's become. Elizabeth brings her own truth about her loving relationship with her mother, and her own set of questions as well. Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - In Perfectly Honest: Mother's Day(00:01:39) - Max Shader Bashin on Mother's Day(00:02:19) - What Is Your Favorite Memory of Your Mother?(00:08:03) - What's Your Mother's Advice For You?(00:09:46) - When Advice Is More Important Than Joy(00:13:54) - What did you learn from your mother's high highs or your mother(00:15:24) - What Do You Do About Success and the High Highs?(00:17:58) - What's the Standard of Measuring Up(00:19:48) - The Ripples of Life(00:20:37) - The Secret to Leading the Climate Change Fight(00:23:37) - In the Elevator With My Mother(00:25:37) - The Funny Things Your Mother Said(00:28:53) - What Do You Wish You Had Said To Your Mother Before She(00:32:22) - Judging My Mother's Fashion(00:35:12) - MOTHER'S DAY

    35 min
  2. Are Women Playing the Wrong Game in Business? Rethinking Power, Femininity, and Success

    APR 30

    Are Women Playing the Wrong Game in Business? Rethinking Power, Femininity, and Success

    Should women use their looks, femininity, or sexuality to get ahead?  In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with CEO, investor, and author Jane Miller for a bold, unfiltered conversation about gender inequality, female leadership, and what it really takes to succeed as a woman in business and in love today.  Is gender inequality a problem – or could it also be an opportunity? And more provocatively: are women fully leveraging their strengths, or holding back to fit outdated expectations of success? For decades, women have been taught to succeed by playing according to male-dominated rules – competing harder, leading similarly, and minimizing femininity in the workplace. But what if that strategy is fundamentally flawed?  Elizabeth and Jane explore the complex reality of power dynamics in business and dating, and why the same patterns – competition, insecurity, and perception – are at play in both.  They dive into: The hidden rules of success for women in male-dominated environments Why women often compete with, rather than support, each other Confidence as the foundation of leadership and long-term success The nuanced question of leveraging beauty, sexuality, and femininity in business The personal cost of “making it” and the tradeoffs women aren’t always told about The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance—and how to “run your own race” This episode goes beyond surface-level conversations about equality to offer a more honest, nuanced look at how women can navigate power, identity, and ambition without abandoning themselves in the process. Show Notes: Connect with Jane and tune into her podcast at https://janesplace.com/.  Consider picking up a copy of Jane’s book, Sleep Your Way to the Top and Other Myths About Business Success via your favorite book retailer.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does It Really Mean to Success As a Woman?(00:01:32) - In the Elevator With Jane Miller(00:04:03) - Jane Knows: How to Sleep Your Way to the Top(00:07:05) - In the Elevator With Women(00:09:58) - Why I'm Always Competitive With Other Women(00:17:11) - The Secret to Being More Professional at Pepsi(00:24:13) - Jane Fonda on Plastic Surgery for Her Age(00:27:19) - How to Make It in a Man's World(00:29:57) - Gemma on Inclusion(00:31:46) - Competition in Women's Life(00:33:44) - Dolly Parton on Wealth vs. Poverty(00:34:46) - Jane's Place

    36 min
  3. An Honest Conversation About Body Image, Beauty Standards, and the Truth About Wanting to Look Good

    APR 15

    An Honest Conversation About Body Image, Beauty Standards, and the Truth About Wanting to Look Good

    In this episode of Imperfectly Honest, Elizabeth sits down with Kayla Gorski for a candid – and at times uncomfortable – conversation about body image, beauty standards, and the truth about wanting to look good. For many of us, thoughts about our bodies are constant, yet conversations about body image, self-image, and body confidence often stay surface-level. Together, Elizabeth and Kayla go deeper, exploring the internal “mental inventory” we keep and the evolving relationship we have with how we look and feel in our bodies. This conversation doesn’t stop at self-acceptance. They also examine the very real benefits of striving toward conventional beauty standards – from increased confidence and discipline, to feeling more energized, more attractive, and more connected to desire. What happens when looking good isn’t just about appearance, but rather is about motivation and how you move through the world? From disciplined routines and slipping back into old habits, to the way attraction, confidence, and even libido are tied to the physical self, they explore the tension between accepting yourself as you are and wanting to be better. This chat doesn’t promise easy answers, perfect solutions, or total body confidence. Instead, it offers an honest reflection on the complicated and sometimes contradictory relationship many of us have with our bodies – and the curiosity it takes to examine those patterns with compassion. Show Notes: Deepen your connection with food by visiting Kayla’s Substack at substack.com/@kaylagorski, or tuning into the Dish + Tell podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Chapters (00:00:00) - Imperfectly Honest: Body Image(00:01:11) - This Isn't Perfectly Honest About Body Image(00:07:57) - Are You Always Trying To Improve Your Body?(00:10:37) - Your Compliments Are Not For Me(00:17:09) - The First Time You Feelt Not Good Enough Physically(00:20:04) - Bob and Susan on Being Healthy(00:25:28) - Focus on Yourself(00:29:13) - Dish and Tell: To Tell or To Eat?(00:31:25) - Be Kind To Your Body(00:34:10) - Feeling Confident in Your Body

    36 min
  4. Could I, Would I, Donate a Kidney? A Living Donor’s Perspective

    APR 3

    Could I, Would I, Donate a Kidney? A Living Donor’s Perspective

    What if you knew that donating a kidney isn’t as extreme - or as impossible - as it sounds? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Liz Nelson for an honest, deeply personal conversation about her decision to do just that. Liz shares her experience as a living kidney donor, offering a transparent look at what the kidney donation process actually involves — physically, emotionally, and logistically. Rather than positioning the decision as heroic or extraordinary, she aims to demystify organ donation and help others better understand what’s possible. Together, they move beyond the initial question of “could I?” into the more personal reality of “would I?” — unpacking the motivations, misconceptions, and practical considerations that come with becoming a living organ donor. As conversations around organ donation and transplant waitlists continue to grow, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on generosity, agency, and informed choice. This isn’t about pressure or persuasion. It’s about expanding awareness — and inviting a more open, curious look at what it really means to give. Show Notes: You can learn about the National Kidney Registry’s innovative voucher program at NKR.org. Visit the National Kidney Donation Organization for more general information about living kidney donation. Check out Kidney.org for a great resource on kidney health. The documentary Liz mentioned is Confessions of a Good Samaritan, available on Netflix. Sue Heilbronner’s blog post about kidney donation is where Liz’s journey began. You can see Sue's own post about Liz's decision here. You can connect with Liz at www.essarynelson.com, or on LinkedIn.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - Donor's Donor: Imperfectly Honest(00:00:58) - Imperfectly Honest(00:02:08) - I Donated My Kidney to the US(00:08:34) - Donor Donates a Kidney(00:11:25) - Why I Donated My Kidney(00:13:01) - Donor's Donor's Story(00:14:32) - I Donated My Kidney To A Stranger(00:24:38) - Having Children Is a Personal Decision(00:31:56) - Donating a Kidney on the Podcast(00:36:35) - Donating a Kidney to a Cancer Patient(00:40:20) - Donor's Donor's Guide

    42 min
  5. Would an AI Partner Be Better Than a Human? Exploring the Appeal of Love Without Risk

    MAR 19

    Would an AI Partner Be Better Than a Human? Exploring the Appeal of Love Without Risk

    In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Sheila Lamont to explore a timely and deeply personal question: Could AI partners supplement—or even replace—human romantic relationships? As AI relationships and virtual partners become more sophisticated, technology offers a seductive promise: companionship without rejection, compromise, or heartbreak. An AI partner can provide attention, affirmation, and emotional support while eliminating many of the risks that come with human intimacy. But what if the very things we try to avoid—uncertainty, vulnerability, and the act of choosing and being chosen—are actually essential to authentic, nourishing relationships? Elizabeth and Sheila examine the growing rise of AI companionship, the psychological appeal of risk-free relationships, and what might be lost if technology begins to replace human connection. As artificial intelligence moves deeper into our personal lives, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the future of intimacy and ask an important question: What do we truly want from love and partnership? Show Notes: The article that inspired this conversation can be found in Psychology Today. If you haven’t already, we recommend you listen to Elizabeth and Sheila’s recent episode on “Default No." Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - Imperfectly Honest: Can AI Replace Love?(00:01:51) - Not All Relationships Are Without Risk(00:05:35) - Are You a Default Yes or No Person?(00:09:53) - Would You Rather Have a Robot in Your Home?(00:14:59) - Would a Relationship With a Robot Be Safer?(00:21:42) - "I Would Sexually Serve My Partner"(00:24:02) - Would You Choose a Robot Over a Human Partner?(00:33:00) - A Relationship With a Robot(00:36:30) - About Love and Loneliness(00:36:58) - A Question for Sheila

    37 min
  6. Shifting From Default No | Rethinking Decision-Making and the Perceived Safety of Hyper-Focus

    MAR 4

    Shifting From Default No | Rethinking Decision-Making and the Perceived Safety of Hyper-Focus

    In this episode, Elizabeth reunites with Sheila Lamont to explore the subtle but powerful difference between living as a default “yes” and a default “no.” Early in her career, Elizabeth was a self-proclaimed default yes who embraced every opportunity… but over time, she shifted to a default no as she strived to be more focused and efficient. Recently, she’s begun to question whether that reflex has quietly limited her growth and opportunities for meaningful, unexpected connections.  Together, Elizabeth and Sheila unpack how past experiences shape the speed and certainty of our choices. Is your no protecting your peace – or preventing possibility? Is your yes rooted in joy – or people-pleasing? This conversation invites a slower, more honest look at how you decide — and whether your default response still reflects the life you’re trying to build. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - Are You a Default Yes or No Person?(00:02:25) - Do You Want to Be a Default Yes Person or a Default No(00:08:12) - Are You a Default No-Person?(00:12:27) - Mature Me: Saying Yes to Things(00:20:48) - When Life Is Too Fast for Me(00:22:35) - The Real Cost of Planning Your Life(00:25:47) - Winter Skiing Is Back in the Northeast

    27 min
  7. When “Good” Is – and Isn’t – “Good Enough”

    FEB 19

    When “Good” Is – and Isn’t – “Good Enough”

    In this episode, Elizabeth and Kayla wrestle with a deceptively simple question: when should we strive to be better – and when is it wiser to accept what is, even if it’s imperfect? They explore the double edge of perfectionism, the pressure to optimize every part of our lives, and the recognition that improvement doesn’t always change the outcome. They talk candidly about the reality that life isn’t always an equal playing field, the underdog doesn’t always win, and sometimes, no matter how much effort is invested, you might never be “good enough.”  From career paths and leadership to body image, relationships, and self-compassion, Elizabeth and Kayla explore when to invest in potential and when to recognize limits. This isn’t about settling, and it’s not about striving endlessly either. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to be HONEST. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:01) - Imperfectly Honest(00:01:43) - When Better Isn't Good Enough(00:03:35) - What Do You Meant To Be Better?(00:07:07) - In the Elevator With Steve Jobs(00:10:19) - Celebrating the Growth of Others(00:19:24) - An Enneagram Person on His Type(00:20:42) - How to Striving to Be Better without Becoming Destructive(00:25:56) - The Perfect Body Doesn't Matter(00:28:21) - More Self-Compassion For Body Image(00:31:35) - A Year in the Life of Entrepreneurs(00:33:48) - Democracy on Listeners

    34 min
  8. Preventive Health | An Honest Conversation That Could Save Your Life

    JAN 29

    Preventive Health | An Honest Conversation That Could Save Your Life

    In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Dr. Dennis Lipton, a board-certified internal medicine physician who practices preventative, deeply personalized care. Together, they talk honestly about what it actually means to take responsibility for your health – before something goes wrong.  They explore why early detection matters; how to think differently about tests, medications, and lifestyle changes; and why so many of us underestimate the power we have over our future health. This is a conversation about curiosity over fear, information over avoidance, and finding balance between taking care of your body and still living your life, in full color. Show Notes: Learn more about Dr. Lipton’s practice at www.dennisliptonmd.com/. Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Welcome to the real us. We’re shifting from the people we’ve felt obligated to be to the people we’re born to be. We welcome eavesdroppers to our conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Imperfectly Honest
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Imperfectly Honest
  • Show Website
    Imperfectly Honest