Never Perfect

Dr. Beth

As a psychologist, I have a sacred opportunity to both teach and learn from my clients. It is my mission to bring honest, real life stories to the light in hopes that the listeners might grow from them and be as inspired by them as I am, because there is no better way to struggle than “together. As a psychologist, I am driven by curiosity to gain greater understanding of others, as we navigate our way through this “never perfect” life. 

  1. Nutrient Focused Living: Nourishing Mind , Body and Soul with Neil Smith

    2D AGO

    Nutrient Focused Living: Nourishing Mind , Body and Soul with Neil Smith

    What if the way we grow and choose our food could change not only our physical health—but our mental well-being too? Many of us feel disconnected from where our food comes from, yet the journey from soil to plate has a profound impact on our bodies, our communities, and even our emotional health. In this episode of the Never Perfect Podcast, Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with farmer and entrepreneur Neil Smith to explore the powerful relationship between nutrition, agriculture, and mental wellness. Neil shares his journey from growing up on a farm to launching Grow United, a global platform focused on restoring trust in our food systems and supporting farmers worldwide. Neil used his economic success after selling a business to forge his inspiring life work which is difficult to do justice to. His life mission incorporates an incredible combination of farming, mental health, nutrition, banding together to build community and support networks for farmers, educating laymen about farming and nutrition, etc.  Together, Beth and Neil dive into why modern society has become disconnected from food, how that disconnect affects both consumers and farmers, and what small changes we can make to improve our health and reconnect with nature. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why nutrition plays a critical role in mental health and emotional well-being How being disconnected from our food sources impacts both consumers and farmers The surprising link between farming culture, isolation, and farmer mental health Simple ways to shop smarter and eat more nutritious, whole foods Why local and seasonal food choices can make a meaningful difference How small lifestyle changes can improve health, resilience, and community connection About the Guest Neil Smith is a lifelong farmer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Grow United, a platform designed to reconnect farmers and consumers while creating more resilient and transparent food systems. Through his work, Neil advocates for better nutrition, stronger agricultural communities, and innovative solutions to challenges facing farmers today. Connect with Neil Smith Website: https://growunited.com Podcast: Pasture Prime Time Shop: https://thenourishmart.com/shop/ Instagram: instagram.com/thegrowrenaissance If this conversation inspires you to rethink your relationship with food, take one small step this week—learn where something you eat comes from, try a new whole food, or support a local farmer. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the Never Perfect Podcast with Dr. Beth Capecchi. Together, we can grow healthier lives—one conversation at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  2. Escaping a Religious Cult: Faith, Freedom, and Reclaiming Truth in Christ with Peter Young

    3D AGO

    Escaping a Religious Cult: Faith, Freedom, and Reclaiming Truth in Christ with Peter Young

    What happens when faith is manipulated, truth is twisted, and the people you love most are turned against you? In this powerful episode, author and former sports broadcaster Peter Young shares the deeply personal story of how he unknowingly became entangled in a destructive religious cult—and how faith ultimately helped him find freedom and healing. Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with Peter to explore his remarkable life journey—from college basketball and broadcasting to a devastating spiritual and personal crisis. Peter opens up about how a manipulative “family guru” slowly gained control over his marriage, faith, and family. Through heartbreak, loss, and rock-bottom moments, Peter discovered profound lessons about discernment, humility, and the true nature of faith. His story is both a cautionary tale and a testimony of God’s redemptive power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How spiritual manipulation and cult dynamics can subtly infiltrate everyday life The warning signs and red flags of destructive religious leadership Why vulnerability and isolation make people susceptible to cult influence The difference between authentic Christian faith and manipulative spiritual control How faith, community, and truth can help someone recover after deep betrayal Why sharing our failures and struggles can become powerful testimonies About the Guest Peter Young is an author, storyteller, former sports broadcaster, and real estate broker living near Bozeman, Montana. After a career that included college basketball, coaching, and broadcasting for networks like ESPN, Peter now focuses on writing and sharing stories that explore faith, resilience, and personal transformation. His memoir recounts his experience surviving a destructive cult and rebuilding his life. Connect with Peter Young Website: https://authorpeteryoung.com Memoir: Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger Novels: Blue Team and Wardrobe of the Wolf Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need encouragement or clarity in their faith journey. Remember—you don’t have to be perfect to experience transformation. Sometimes our hardest seasons become the very stories that help others find hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
  3. Inspired by Women: Empowering Women with Brad Walsh

    MAR 9

    Inspired by Women: Empowering Women with Brad Walsh

    In this episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Brad Walsh—best-selling author and host of the top-rated podcast Empowerography—to explore how purpose often unfolds in unexpected ways. Together, they discuss how childhood experiences, life’s challenges, and career detours can merge to reveal a calling later in life. At age 50, Brad Walsh felt like he had won the lottery when the winding roads of his life finally converged at one powerful intersection—his life’s purpose. As a young boy, Brad was deeply inspired by the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the two women who shaped his heart and worldview: his mother and grandmother. Their influence stayed with him throughout his life, even as his career took many unexpected turns. Brad began as a photographer focused on landscapes and architecture, traveling extensively for work before eventually landing in the corporate world. But a seemingly simple assignment—taking professional headshots—changed everything. Through the lens of his camera, Brad began connecting with women one-on-one, hearing their stories and witnessing their vulnerability, courage, and beauty. He often describes this experience as being allowed to “sit in the passenger seat” of their lives. Those conversations sparked something deeper within him: a calling to help women see their strength, worth, and voice. Then the COVID pandemic arrived, bringing the kind of pause many people faced. Brad realized he had two choices: complain and shut down, or use the unexpected gift of time to build something meaningful. He chose the second path. During that time, he launched into podcasting, writing, and speaking—creating platforms that elevate and amplify women’s voices, stories, and gifts. Brad’s story powerfully normalizes something many people feel anxious about: purpose doesn’t always show up early. Sometimes it takes decades of living, learning, and listening before the pieces finally come together. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why finding your purpose later in life can still mean you’re exactly on time How to move through fear, comparison, and perfectionism The importance of being seen—and why women’s voices deserve amplification Why self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for mental well-being How celebrating small wins can create powerful momentum If you’ve been waiting until you feel ready, fearless, or “good enough,” this episode is your reminder: You don’t need perfect conditions to begin. Start small. Start scared. Start messy. Just start. Because what’s meant for you won’t pass you—but you do have to show up for it. Follow Brad Walsh on Instagram: @empowerographypodcast , and learn more at his website. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  4. NASA Scientist to Monk: Is Your Achievement Drive Making You Sick? with Dr. Mamta Bhatt

    FEB 25

    NASA Scientist to Monk: Is Your Achievement Drive Making You Sick? with Dr. Mamta Bhatt

    What happens when a world-class macromolecular scientist—who engineered innovations for NASA and the US Army—reaches the breaking point of burnout? You don’t just heal; you decode the biology of joy. In this powerhouse episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Dr. Mamta Bhatt, a scientist and executive consultant for J&J and Nike turned holistic wellness pioneer. After spending 20 years in a monastery, Dr. Bhatt synthesized her rigorous scientific background with ancient wisdom to create a revolutionary healing protocol to get herself well after years of being bedridden. Now she helps clients globally. From reversing 25-year insomnia to resolving chronic metabolic issues in just months, her results speak for themselves. If you have ever felt that your worth is tied to your "doing," or that rest is something you must "earn," this conversation is your biological "permission slip" to stop. Together, we explore: The NASA high achiever Perspective: How high-pressure created from within impacts the nervous system at a macromolecular level. The Science of Frequency: Why the words you speak have a physical, measurable impact on cellular health. The Achievement Trap: Identifying the "self-critique" hidden within the "strong one" archetype. The 3-Month Shift: Real-world case studies of total health transformation through protocol and presence Dr. Mamta Bhatt is a best-selling author, a 10-time featured guest on CBS and NBC, and a keynote speaker at the 2026 World Biohacking Event this November. Read her Books: Journey for Joy Recipes for Joy Work with Dr. Bhatt: Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/thejoyfulscientist?igsh=MXE1d2FsNGk1d3hvYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m
  5. Healing From the Inside Out: Natural and Complementary Approaches with Lawrence Ellyard

    FEB 12

    Healing From the Inside Out: Natural and Complementary Approaches with Lawrence Ellyard

    What is “wellness,” really—and how do we know who’s credible in a world full of modalities, certifications, and strong opinions?  In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with Lawrence Ellyard, founder of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and the International Institute for Reiki Training, to explore what complementary care is (and isn’t), why healing doesn’t have to be medicine versus natural therapy, and how ethical standards help protect both practitioners and the people seeking care. Together, they dive into how environment, relationships, habits, mindset, and intention all play a role in healing. Lawrence introduces the ORABED framework, a powerful way to understand the difference between living with ownership, responsibility, and accountability versus falling into blame, excuses, and denial. The conversation weaves practical wisdom with humility, humor, and real-life examples—reminding us that growth isn’t about being perfect, but about showing up with courage and clarity. What You’ll Learn What “complementary” and holistic therapy actually mean—and what they don’t Why wellness works best when medicine and natural therapies work together How accreditation and ethical standards protect both clients and practitioners The ORABED framework and how mindset shapes empowerment or victimhood Why environment, relationships, and daily habits matter as much as treatments How intention, accountability, and community support real behavior change Why growth requires patience, humility, and a beginner’s mind—not perfection How to be intentional about what you consume—physically, mentally, and emotionally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  6. Money and the Inner Work: Enneagram, Attachment Theory, and Healing Our Relationship With Finances with Doug Lynam

    FEB 9

    Money and the Inner Work: Enneagram, Attachment Theory, and Healing Our Relationship With Finances with Doug Lynam

    What if we used money like a mirror in order to discover what your spending, saving, or your avoidance of financial matters reveals? What if the way you handle money isn’t about discipline or intelligence—but about what you learned growing up?  In this episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Doug Lynam, TEDx speaker, author, former Marine, Benedictine monk, and now money manager. He's been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Entrepreneur, and The Street. He's guided clients from Main Street to Hollywood and worked with businesses and faith communities across the county. Doug is the author of two books: From Monk to Money Manager: A Former Monk's Financial Guide To Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy—And Why That's Okay and Taming Your Money Monster: 9 Paths To Money Mastery With The Enneagram. Doug’s unlikely journey took him from Marine → Benedictine monk (for 20 years) → money manager and financial coach. Along the way, Doug discovered that money is rarely just about numbers. It’s about attachment, fear, shame, control, and the stories we carry from childhood. Today, Beth and Doug explore how our early experiences shape an anxious or avoidant relationship with money, why some people obsessively control finances while others avoid looking at them altogether, and what it means to develop a healthy attachment to money instead. Doug shares how he uses the Enneagram and attachment theory to help people identify their “money monsters” and align their financial habits with their deepest values. They also touch on ADHD, people-pleasing, rejection sensitivity, spiritual bypassing, and the way unhealed money trauma gets passed from one generation to the next—unless we choose to face it. This is a conversation about making peace with money, letting go of shame, and learning to use money as a tool for love, service, and freedom—without needing to be perfect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  7. Against All Odds: Climbing Everest with One Lung and Finding Purpose When Life Feels Over with Sean Swarner

    JAN 26

    Against All Odds: Climbing Everest with One Lung and Finding Purpose When Life Feels Over with Sean Swarner

    What do you do when life tells you there’s no future left to plan for? In this powerful episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Sean Swarner, a two-time terminal cancer survivor who was once given just days to live—and went on to redefine what’s possible. With one lung, Sean became the first cancer survivor to climb Mt Everest and the only person in history to climb the highest mountain on every continent and ski to both the North and South Poles. There’s a reason Sean was voted one of the 8 most inspiring people of all time; he is a living testament to resilience. Given 14 days to live, he emerged as the first cancer survivor atop Everest, scaling all seven continents' peaks, skiing to both Poles, and completing the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. Beyond milestones, he founded The Cancer Climber Association, wrote "BECOMING UNSTOPABLE: Conquering Your Everest" and is a sought-after speaker. From crawling in a hospital to Everest's summit, Sean's journey inspires globally. Join him in defying odds and sharing his powerful message worldwide. Today Sean shares how shifting his focus from not dying to fully living changed everything. He also explains his distinction between “true summits” and “false summits”. Together, he and Dr. Beth explore resilience, identity, mental health, and the courage it takes to keep choosing life—especially when the odds say you shouldn’t. This episode explores: Turning impossible diagnoses into purpose-driven living Why failure is information, not identity Mental health, fear, and meeting life one minute at a time How redefining “possible” can transform everything 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  8. JAN 16

    Managing Expectations and Disappointment in College (and in Life): Life Struggles No One Talks About

    Why does college feel so much harder than you expected it to be? This episode is about the struggles associated with adjusting to college, but many of the themes are universal and apply to other life stages and transitions as well.  Some of the biggest challenges in life involve managing expectations and dealing with disappointment. These challenges often come into play when you’re navigating unknowns and big milestones such as going to college, developing new relationships, getting a new job, and more. College can be one of the biggest transitions of your life—new routines, new expectations, new environments, new friendships… and often a lot of grief under the surface. Many college students may be grieving their high school experience, missing old friends and family, and feeling overwhelmed by a new environment. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are very common, especially during the first semester. However, some people do great at first, and difficult emotions may appear later as the novelty wears off and reality sets in. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of one student who almost transferred near the end of her first semester of college. So for those of you struggling in college—or with any phase of life—please remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE ❤️ Tessa is currently a junior in college, but she had a very difficult first semester and was seriously talking about transferring when things started to turn around. She shares how her first semester didn’t match what she expected, how it impacted her confidence, and why she felt like something must be wrong with her when it seemed like everyone else was having more fun. Dr. Beth and Tessa talk about how long it can take to build real friendships, how to handle uncomfortable social situations and loneliness, and why giving yourself time (often a full year) can make a huge difference. As you’ll find out in this episode, struggling doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice—it often means you’re right in the middle of adjusting. This episode is for anyone who feels behind, left out, or overwhelmed by the pressure to “love college immediately.” Never lose faith that things can get better and that you have so much to offer others and the world. Also remember: things are often not the way they appear on social media. Social media is full of false impressions and false advertising, and most people don’t post their lonely or anxious moments on Instagram. Some of the best advice from today’s episode: open up, share your struggles with others, reach out, and invite people to do things. It can change their lives—and it can change yours. When you start sharing, you often find that you’re not alone, and others feel less alone too. Life is very hard and incredibly beautiful at the same time. Share your unique and beautiful self with the world. You will find your people and your place—so never give up. 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
5
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

As a psychologist, I have a sacred opportunity to both teach and learn from my clients. It is my mission to bring honest, real life stories to the light in hopes that the listeners might grow from them and be as inspired by them as I am, because there is no better way to struggle than “together. As a psychologist, I am driven by curiosity to gain greater understanding of others, as we navigate our way through this “never perfect” life. 

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