Never Perfect

Dr. Beth
  • 5.0 (45)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. JAN 8

    Navigating Relationship Differences: Competing Needs, Agendas and Personalities

    In this solo episode, Dr. Beth dives into a topic that touches every relationship we have—navigating differences, competing needs, and the tension between togetherness and independence. From dating to long-term marriage, friendships to family life, differences are inevitable—but how we think about them can make all the difference. Using real client conversations, personal reflections, and everyday examples, Dr. Beth explores questions we often avoid but desperately need to ask: How much do you expect your partner to fulfill you? How much independence do you need to feel like yourself? What happens when the traits you once loved start to frustrate you? This episode covers: Competing needs and agendas in relationships Togetherness vs. individuality (and why there’s no “right” formula for achieving this) Why expecting one person to meet all your needs can backfire How honeymoon phases shift into real life—and what to do next Practical questions to help couples prepare for inevitable differences This is a realistic, compassionate conversation meant to spark reflection—not perfection. Whether you’re dating, married, or simply trying to understand yourself better in relationships, this episode offers food for thought, cognitive shifts to help with processing and accepting divergent needs and agendas , and tips for communicating about these struggles. 💛 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

    23 min

  4. JAN 5

    When Keeping the Peace Hurts: Why Peacemakers Should Speak Up

    In this episode, Dr. Beth tackles a topic she’s deeply passionate about—but has taken time to approach thoughtfully: conflict avoidance and peacemaking. While peacemakers often value kindness, harmony, and sensitivity, avoiding hard conversations can quietly erode relationships over time. Using real client stories, personal insight, and research from experts like Drs. John and Julie Gottman, Beth explores why holding things in often leads to resentment, emotional shutdown, or explosive anger—and how “being nice” can actually be a disservice to both yourself and the people you love. This episode covers: What it really means to be a peacemaker or conflict avoider How internalizing/“ under-reacting” can lead to  overreacting/exploding  Why honesty is often more loving than keeping the peace How avoiding conflict impacts respect, intimacy, and connection Practical ways to speak up without being aggressive Why clarity, boundaries, and assertiveness strengthen relationships If you tend to put your needs last, fear uncomfortable conversations, or pride yourself on being “easygoing,” this episode is a compassionate but challenging invitation to find your voice, advocate for yourself, and build healthier, more honest relationships. 💛 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

    37 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    Everyday Differences, Compatibility, and Making Love Last with Dr. Carol Stoney

    Today Dr. Beth sits down again with relationship expert Dr. Carol Stoney to explore one of the most common phrases couples use to describe their relationship: “We’re just not compatible.” Instead of couples seeing their differences as signs of failure, they unpack what actually lies beneath that thought—discouragement, unmet connection, and the skills we never learned but desperately need in relationships. Together they dive into: Why compatibility isn’t about agreeing on everything What happens when life stress wears down the “insulation” of congratulation Practical habits that rebuild connection (eye contact, reassurance, warm touch) How to tell disappointment from rejection The real math of healthy relationships (positive interactions vs. negative ones) If you’ve ever wondered whether differences mean you chose the wrong person—or whether love should feel easier—this episode offers a grounded, hopeful reframing and actionable insights for loving through incompatibilities. Listen, reflect, and grow together. 💛 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 7m

  6. 12/04/2025

    Getting Started Is the Hardest Part: ADHD-Friendly Tools to Beat Procrastination

    Why is it so hard to start the things we know we need to do? In this quick, solo, and spontaneous episode, Dr. Beth shares practical ADHD-friendly strategies to break through procrastination without shaming yourself or waiting for perfect motivation. Using real-life examples from her own school days and a recent session with a late-twenties client, she talks about why big-picture thinkers with ADHD struggle to break tasks into small steps, how perfectionism fuels putting things off, and why “all-or-nothing” workouts and work plans backfire. You’ll hear simple and helpful strategies such as: Creating fake deadlines and using accountability Setting 10-minute timers to make getting started easier Embracing Brené Brown’s “s****y first draft” instead of expecting the first draft to be nearly perfect Pairing boring tasks with something enjoyable Picking the right setting to get into a productive zone 💛 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

    15 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    How and When to Talk Diagnosis with Reluctant Clients

    In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with her friends Amanda (a business owner) and Stephanie (a therapist) to tackle a tough, real-world question: How do you talk about a diagnosis with someone who doesn’t want one—especially when daily weed, anger outbursts, or past substance use are in the mix? Through the story of a 30-something creative with possible bipolar disorder, they unpack self-medication (the classic “upper, downer, mood-stabilizer” pattern), why partners and employers draw hard lines (“it’s legal” ≠ “it’s okay at work”), and how shame keeps talented people from becoming their best selves. You’ll hear practical, compassionate ways to: Frame diagnosis as information, not identity Explain the bipolar spectrum (including agitated/hypomanic presentations) Explore roots vs. band-aids: trauma, lifestyle, and biology Talk with spouses about the real costs of daily use and rage cycles Use simple next steps (e.g., the MDQ screen, treatment options, boundaries) Honest, stigma-cutting, and immediately useful—for therapists, leaders managing teams, partners who are worried, and anyone wondering whether a label might actually unlock a path forward. Note: This conversation is educational and not medical advice. If you have concerns about mood or substance use, please consult a licensed professional. 💛 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

    31 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Dr. Beth’s Turn in the Hot Seat: ADHD, Parenting and Values

    In this special role-reversal episode, Beth hands the mic to her longtime friend of 40+ years, OB-GYN Dr. Patricia “Tricia” McClelland—a familiar voice on the podcast from past episodes on hormones and menopause. This time, Tricia interviews Beth, asking the questions Beth usually asks everyone else. Together they dive into the values that quietly steer Beth’s life—love, kindness, community, authenticity, using your gifts to help others, and treating everyone with dignity—plus how her Christian faith gives her peace with her own imperfections. Beth opens up about parenting three kids close together, her journey with ADHD, and how chronic people-pleasing and weak boundaries left her exhausted (and what she’s doing differently now). They talk honestly about: Growing through hard seasons like early motherhood How ADHD shows up as procrastination, overwhelm, and “inconsistent attention” Practical tools for focus in a distracted, social-media-driven world Boundaries, FOMO, and the myth that you can keep everyone happy Food, body image, and talking to kids about health without shame Self-care that actually fits real life: yoga, friendship, faith, and small doable practices If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to have it all together while secretly struggling, this conversation will make you feel seen, normal, and a little more hopeful. 💛 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 12m
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5
out of 5
45 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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Beth
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Explicit