Imperfectly Honest

Imperfectly Honest
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Finding Love After Divorce: Letting Go of the Checklist

    What if finding the right relationship isn’t about finding someone who checks every box, but about being open enough to recognize the right person when they show up? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with friend Al Musser for a candid conversation about finding love after divorce, dating later in life, and building a healthy, fulfilling relationship. After divorce, it can be tempting to approach dating with a checklist of qualities, expectations, and deal-breakers. But what happens when the person who turns out to be right for you doesn’t look anything like the person you imagined? Elizabeth and Al explore the unexpected ways relationships develop, why some of the best connections can’t be planned, and how learning to let go of control can create space for love to find you. They talk about recognizing when a relationship feels different, paying attention to compatibility beyond a checklist, and becoming open to possibilities that might not make sense on paper. In this episode, they explore: Finding love after divorce and navigating dating later in life How to recognize a healthy relationship and meaningful compatibility Why the right partner may not check every box The difference between forcing a relationship and allowing one to develop organically How to know when a relationship feels easy, natural, and right Letting go of expectations about what your ideal partner “should” look like Why being open to unexpected possibilities can lead to lasting love How relationships can challenge us to grow and become better versions of ourselves The importance of maintaining your own identity, friendships, and interests within a relationship Whether you’re dating after divorce, looking for love later in life, navigating a new relationship, or simply curious about what makes a partnership work, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder: sometimes the person we’re looking for doesn’t come in the box we expected. And maybe that’s exactly the point. Show Notes: As Elizabeth mentioned in this episode, she’s come up with 57 qualities she’d like to find in a partner, but has realized that she only needs seven. Elizabeth also committed to living in discomfort after her divorce in order to realize the true value of moving out of her comfort zone. Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - Finding Love After Divorce in Part 3(00:01:52) - Al Musser on His Search for a Partner(00:03:55) - How Much Time Should You Wait To Start Dating?(00:10:49) - How to Get Out of a Relationship(00:16:15) - How Many People Do You Need to Date?(00:18:12) - You're Working Too Hard For Love(00:21:13) - The Need to Cut Off The Boxes(00:22:57) - How to Get Out of a Relationship(00:23:56) - How to Get Out There With Guys(00:26:56) - What I Wish I Knew About My Marriage(00:33:12) - 7 of the Things I Want From My Partner(00:35:41) - Al Sharpton on Accepting People For Who They Are(00:41:39) - Why I Should Leave My Marriage(00:49:50) - The Importance of Don't Care About Relationships(00:53:29) - Alissa on Love Letter

    Finding Love After Divorce: Letting Go of the Checklist

  2. Aug 5

    How a Health Crisis Can Teach You How to Live Well

    What if one of the hardest seasons of your life became one of your greatest teachers? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with longtime friend, mentor, and entrepreneur Jimmy Calano for an honest conversation about navigating cancer, recovering from serious health challenges, and the unexpected perspective that can emerge when we’re forced to confront our own mortality. But this isn’t a conversation about death—it’s about how these experiences inspired them to live well. After facing acute leukemia and other health crises, Jimmy shares the mindset shifts that helped him navigate fear, uncertainty, and recovery. Elizabeth reflects on her own experience recovering from chronic pain and a tumor that curved her spine—and how those challenges transformed her relationships, priorities, and understanding of what it means to truly live. Together, they explore: How a cancer diagnosis can reshape your perspective on life Why listening to your body could save your life The emotional impact of serious illness and recovery Finding gratitude and resilience during difficult seasons How adversity can reveal unexpected opportunities for growth Navigating uncertainty, fear, and the loss of control Why healing isn’t always about returning to who you were The importance of advocating for your health and trusting your instincts Whether you’re navigating a health challenge, supporting someone you love through illness, or simply looking for a reminder to slow down and appreciate what matters most, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and the comforting reminder that even our hardest seasons can shape us for the better. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - Imperfectly Honest: Cancer and the Real World(00:01:47) - Jimmy Colano(00:04:36) - Jimmy on His Cancer Diagnosis(00:07:46) - Cancer of the Leukemia(00:09:58) - Leukemia Diagnosis: Is It Better to Know or Not to(00:16:22) - How to Deal With Cancer(00:21:43) - What Got Me Through My Leukemia Battle(00:24:50) - In the Elevator With Chronic Illness(00:26:31) - How to Respect Medical Restrictions During Tough Times(00:31:27) - Talking About Meds(00:33:12) - Having a Health Crisis on the Fourth of July(00:40:51) - Jimmy Buffet on His Death(00:42:21) - bye, bye, Jimmy

    How a Health Crisis Can Teach You How to Live Well

  3. Jul 20

    How to Trust Yourself: Letting Go of Control, Finding Flow, and Following Your Intuition

    How do you know when to keep pushing... and when it’s time to let go? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with friend and fellow truth-seeker Kayla Gorski to explore what it really means to trust yourself. Together, they reflect on perfectionism, burnout, intuition, synchronicity, and the courage to loosen our grip on life’s carefully crafted plans. Through stories of career transitions, unexpected opportunities, solo adventures in nature, and the quiet signs that often appear when we finally slow down, Elizabeth and Kayla examine how self-trust isn’t about having certainty – it’s about trusting you’ve already done the work and believing you’ll be okay no matter what unfolds. This episode is an invitation to trade control for curiosity and discover the freedom that comes from trusting your own inner wisdom. Together, they explore: How to trust yourself when life doesn’t go according to plan The difference between intuition, fear, and overthinking Letting go of perfectionism and the need to control outcomes Recognizing synchronicities and signs that you’re in alignment Why burnout can be an invitation to pause instead of push How silence, nature, and solitude help us reconnect with ourselves Why success doesn’t always require struggle Whether you’re navigating a career transition, recovering from burnout, searching for clarity, or simply wondering if you’re on the right path, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the greatest act of courage is trusting that you already have everything you need. As Elizabeth points out, “We are animals... and oftentimes we know what to do. We just need to trust that we know.” Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator: Trust Yourself(00:01:25) - In the Elevator With Kayla Gorski(00:04:04) - Elizabeth on Being in Flow(00:07:32) - When to Stop Burning Out?(00:09:16) - Signs That You Are In Flow(00:18:35) - How to Know When to Push and When to Accept?(00:26:24) - I Spent the Fourth of July Alone in the Woods

    How to Trust Yourself: Letting Go of Control, Finding Flow, and Following Your Intuition

  4. Jul 2

    The Courage to Change Your Mind: Lessons from 50 Honest Conversations

    Fifty episodes. Hundreds of questions. Countless opportunities to rethink what we thought we knew. In this milestone episode, Elizabeth reunites with co-founder Sheila Lamont to reflect on the conversations that have shaped the podcast – and the personal growth that came from having them. Together, they revisit some of their most memorable episodes, exploring how their perspectives have evolved on everything from living alone and setting boundaries to communication, relationships, and everyday disagreements. Along the way, they discover that changing your mind isn't a sign of inconsistency – it's often a sign of growth. They explore: Why changing your mind can be a sign of emotional growth The value of curiosity over certainty How communication styles shape our relationships Revisiting old opinions with compassion instead of judgement Why personal preferences – and perspectives – naturally evolve The importance of trusting yourself while remaining open to new ideas Lessons learned from 50 conversations about life, relationships, and being human Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're discovering Imperfectly Honest for the first time, this conversation is an invitation to embrace curiosity, welcome personal growth, and remember that we don't have to stay the same person we were yesterday. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:02) - Imperfectly Honest: Celebrating 1st Anniversary(00:01:56) - Incompletely Honest: The Podcast's 50th Episode(00:02:49) - What's Your Favorite Memory From The(00:04:38) - Favorite Episode of The Cathy Show(00:07:25) - The Taking Off Your Shoes Episode(00:10:28) - Living Alone(00:16:05) - Jimmy Colano on Email Response Time(00:19:22) - When to Reveal the Story?(00:25:24) - Imperfectly Honest: A Year in the Life(00:29:29) - In the Elevator With Women(00:34:51) - In the Inner Work

    The Courage to Change Your Mind: Lessons from 50 Honest Conversations

  5. Jun 18

    What Happens After “I Do”? A Conversation About Love, Growth, and Marriage

    What is a wedding really for? In this deeply personal episode, Elizabeth sits down with newlywed Morgan Klaas to explore a question that goes far beyond centerpieces, guest lists, and wedding traditions: What – and who – are we actually celebrating when we get married? Both Elizabeth and Morgan reflect on their weddings, but beneath the details of the celebration lies a larger conversation about love, commitment, family expectations, and the realities of modern marriage. This episode is an honest exploration of what happens when we stop asking whether a marriage will last forever and start asking whether it is helping us become who we're meant to be. Together, they explore:  The true cost of modern weddings – and why couples still choose them How Morgan created a nontraditional wedding experience in Moab Navigating family expectations, guest lists, and wedding politics The father-daughter moments that became the most meaningful memories What divorce taught Elizabeth about communication and partnership Why marriage doesn't always fit into neat, tidy definitions The difference between planning a wedding and building a marriage How love evolves through different seasons of life Whether you're planning a wedding, healing from a divorce, questioning traditional relationship milestones, or simply reflecting on what commitment means in today's world, this conversation offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective on love, partnership, and personal growth. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode on Cuban food and the joy of unconventional living on our Imperfectly Honest producer, Kayla Gorski’s podcast, Dish + Tell. Subscribe to her Substack here.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Unimperfectly Honest: A Wedding Talk(00:01:25) - This imperfectly honest bride's wedding(00:04:33) - How I Put On A Grand Wedding(00:12:35) - What Would Your Wedding Cost?(00:15:41) - What Do You Think Was The Most Priceless Moment Of Your Wedding(00:20:19) - The Imperfectly Honest Moments Of Wedding Planning(00:28:47) - What I Most Regret About My Marriage(00:32:00) - I Wish I Had Been Married Earlier In Life(00:39:08) - The Coziest, Warmest Moment Of My Wedding

    What Happens After “I Do”? A Conversation About Love, Growth, and Marriage

  6. Jun 4

    What Women Find Attractive: Confidence, Curiosity, and Unexpected Turn-Ons

    What makes someone attractive? Is it confidence? Physical chemistry? Shared values? Emotional intelligence? In this episode of Imperfectly Honest, Elizabeth is joined by her friend and Imperfectly Honest partner in crime, Kayla Gorski, to explore the psychology of attraction, modern dating, relationship compatibility, and the surprising qualities that create lasting connection. From confidence and curiosity to self-awareness and emotional intelligence, they unpack what women really find attractive—and how those preferences evolve over time. Drawing from their own dating experiences, conversations about dating after divorce, and reflections on healthy relationships, Elizabeth and Kayla discuss why attraction is often about far more than physical appearance.  Together, they discuss: Green flags, turn-ons, and unexpected relationship dynamics that influence who we choose to build a life with Why curiosity may be one of the most attractive traits in a partner The difference between confidence, self-worth, and arrogance Dating after divorce and navigating major life transitions Why close friendships matter in romantic relationships Masculine and feminine dynamics in modern dating The role self-awareness plays in attraction and compatibility How attraction evolves as we grow and change Whether you're actively dating, navigating a breakup, re-entering the dating world after divorce, or simply curious about human behavior, this conversation offers an honest look at attraction, relationships, confidence, and what truly creates connection. Show Notes: Deepen your connection with food and yourself by visiting Kayla’s Substack at substack.com/@kaylagorski.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Secret to Being Attractive to Your Friends(00:01:16) - Unexpected Turn Ons and Turn Offs in Love(00:02:54) - The Ability to See Both Sides of an Argument(00:06:43) - What Are Some Of Your Non-Annual Turn Ons?(00:16:27) - Have You Been Dating More People Than You Think You Are?(00:17:34) - Do You Expect A First Date To Be Like That?(00:20:11) - What Are The Traits I'm Looking For In A Partner?(00:27:12) - Are You More Attractive To A Venture Capitalist?(00:29:40) - In the Spirit of Self-Adspection(00:31:34) - The Importance of Deferential Relationships(00:35:15) - "Stay Curious!"(00:36:10) - Happy Birthday, Kayla

    What Women Find Attractive: Confidence, Curiosity, and Unexpected Turn-Ons

  7. May 22

    When to Sanitize and When to Let It Go: A Microbiologist’s Guide to Disease Prevention, Germ Anxiety, and Choosing Love Over Fear

    For many people, the pandemic changed more than just daily routines – it changed the way we think about safety, health, and germs. What starts as “being careful” can slowly become something heavier: contamination anxiety, obsessive cleaning, fear of getting sick, and stress that quietly impacts everyday life. In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with microbiologist and department head at Montana State University, Jovanka Voyich, for an honest and nuanced conversation about germs, hygiene, immune health, and the balance between protecting ourselves and still fully living. Together, they discuss: How the pandemic triggered contamination anxiety and OCD-like behaviors for many people What actually matters when it comes to staying healthy Common misconceptions about germs and hygiene Hand washing, sanitizers, gyms, public spaces, and household cleanliness Why some exposure to germs may actually support immune health The mental and emotional cost of living in constant fear This episode is not about dismissing health concerns — it’s about finding balance, reducing shame, and learning how to stay informed without letting fear take over your life. If you’ve ever wondered whether your “healthy habits” may have crossed into anxiety, this conversation is for you. Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com. Chapters (00:00:00) - How To Live With Fear of germs in 2020(00:01:40) - Incompetently Honest(00:03:50) - How to avoid staphylo in the workplace(00:07:29) - Hand washing, so important(00:14:09) - Guys Don't Touch Door Doors(00:17:16) - Do hand sanitizers actually help?(00:23:33) - Do You Need To Clean Your Home When You're Alone?(00:25:48) - Hand washing, sanitation, 9(00:32:18) - How to Clean Your Bathroom Biofilm(00:35:37) - Pandemaxi and the infectious disease fear(00:41:04) - How to prevent infectious diseases through the microbiome

    When to Sanitize and When to Let It Go: A Microbiologist’s Guide to Disease Prevention, Germ Anxiety, and Choosing Love Over Fear

  8. 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

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

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Imperfectly Honest
  • Show Website
    Imperfectly Honest