The Problem With Perfect

Robin May and Denise Bickel

If perfection is an illusion, why are so many of us chasing it? We live in a world that is constantly telling us we need to be it all and have it all to be worthy. It leads us to hide our imperfections and overcompensate our strengths - and leaves us exhausted. Join hosts Robin May and Denise Bickel for meaningful, cross-generational conversations that will leave you uplifted and encouraged about a future freed from the problem with perfect.

  1. 2D AGO

    From Diet Culture to Self-Compassion: A Kinder Way Forward

    Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? You try harder, you push yourself, you chase perfection—but all it leaves you with is exhaustion and self-criticism. What if the answer isn’t doing more, but actually being kinder to yourself? This week, we sit down with licensed therapist and course creator Erica Thomas to talk about the radical (and practical) power of self-compassion. Erica shares her personal story of body image struggles, unpacks how diet culture keeps us stuck, and explains why self-compassion might be the missing piece in our own journeys toward peace with ourselves. From silencing the inner critic to modeling self-kindness for our kids, this conversation is full of wisdom and practical tools we can use today. If you’re tired of the hamster wheel of “never enough,” you don’t want to miss this episode. Special Guest: Erica Thomas Erica is a licensed marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, and the creator of an online course all about self-compassion as a practical alternative to diet culture. She works with families and teens, helping people navigate body image challenges and that ever-present inner critic, with a focus on healing and acceptance. She lives in Lafayette, California and sees patients virtually. To learn more about Erica and her course, go to: https://ericathomaslmft.com eatingwithselflove.com  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erica-fawn-thomas-lafayette-ca/239622 ONLINE COURSE: Heal Emotional Eating with Self-Compassion https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heal-emotional-eating-with-self-compassion-tickets-1097694837809?aff=oddtdtcreator

    56 min
  2. SEP 23

    How Embracing The Suck Changes our Brains and our Lives

    There’s a saying: “Change of any sort requires courage.” Courage and bravery are essential for making lasting and effective change. While we may have goals for success, greater happiness, or fulfilling relationships, we often feel overwhelmed by the time and effort that change demands. There is no magic formula for change; simply wishing and hoping are not enough. However, there are clear and concise steps that can increase our chances of success. With clarity, conviction, and commitment, change is indeed possible. When we shift our mindset from doubt to determination and surround ourselves with supportive people, we begin to believe in our ability to improve and succeed. As a result, we are more likely to challenge ourselves, persevere through setbacks, and ultimately achieve our goals. Sounds like success to us! Show Notes: Embrace the Suck article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-bravery/202505/embrace-the-suck-why-discomfort-builds-a-better-you The Gift of Starting Small  “Every great thing starts small - a tree begins as a seed, a journey begins with a single step. Don’t feel discouraged if your dream feels tiny right now. Each small effort you make is building something bigger than you can see. Trust the process and keep moving forward. Celebrate progress, even if it feels slow. One day, you will look back and realize how far you’ve come. Every step matters. Keep going, you’re building something beautiful, one piece at a time.”

    42 min
  3. SEP 2

    The Freeing Weight Of The Truth

    In this episode, we continue their journey through the Yamas and Niyamas, diving into the second jewel: Satya, or truthfulness. Join us as we reflect on what we’ve learned so far about courage, balance, boundaries, and self-love—and how those lessons prepare us to live authentically in truth. Together, we wrestle with what it means to be real instead of just nice, how to express ourselves without slipping into self-indulgence, and why truth has both a fierce weight and a freeing power. From the challenge of setting healthy boundaries to the courage of self-expression, this conversation encourages us to ask if ourselves some tough questions.  Join us as we explore Satya together and discover how living truthfully can bring both freedom and deeper connection. Show Notes: Discussion based on The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele This month, if you'd like to join us, we will dig deeper into Satya each week. Week 1: Observe the differences between times when you are "nice" versus "real." What were the circumstances? How did they make you feel and what were the results? Week 2: Focus on self-expression by expressing your hopes and dreams into the external world. Act on life-giving opportunities. Week 3: Slow it down this week and "do it right the first time" so that there are no apologies or do overs needed. Week 4: Look at ideas and beliefs that once served you but no longer do. Are you holding onto any of these beliefs that you need to release? Free yourself of them and watch how it energizes your quest for authentic realness.  Closing Meditation: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

    1h 3m
  4. AUG 26

    The Truth About GLP-1s With Dr. Nicole Dorotik

    It’s nearly impossible to turn on the television or open a magazine without seeing advertisements for the latest weight loss trend: GLP-1 medications, commonly known as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Approximately 15 million people are estimated to have tried these drugs for weight loss. However, as with any emerging health trend, it's important to consider whether these medications are safe and cost-effective. What are the risks and benefits of these drugs? Is the pharmaceutical industry providing a quick fix for the approximately 42% (or 100 million) U.S. citizens who are obese? Are these medications the only solution to the obesity epidemic, or are lifestyle and dietary changes essential for long-term success? Dr. Nicole Dorotik joins us in this episode to address these questions and more as we explore the latest trends in the pursuit of health and wellness. Special Guest: Dr. Nicole Dorotik Dr. Nicole Dorotik earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed her residency at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and has over 20 years of clinical experience. Along with her professional accomplishments, Nicole is the proud mom to three great kiddos.  Show notes: Weight Comes Back When You Stop Taking Drugs Like Ozempic, Study Finds. https://www.sciencealert.com/weight-comes-back-when-you-stop-taking-drugs-like-ozempic-study-finds# A new era of weight loss: Mental health effects of GLP-1 drugs. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/07-08/weight-loss-drugs-mental-health Rx History: The Rise of GLP-1s. https://www.innovativerxstrategies.com/rx-history-glp1s/ Unintended consequences: Weight loss drugs are changing the way consumers buy groceries. https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2025/08/17/glp1-ozempic-grocery-store-food-price-weightloss/stories/202508070069.

    59 min
  5. AUG 19

    Sarah Hill's Story: Lessons From Surviving A Heart Attack

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many of us don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late.  This week, we welcome Sarah Hill, CEO of Helium and former award-winning journalist. At just 53 years old, Sarah experienced a heart attack while on vacation in Las Vegas, despite being healthy, active, and having a normal EKG. It was only because of her husband’s persistence that doctors ran the tests that ultimately saved her life. In this powerful conversation, Sarah opens up about what happened, how it changed her perspective, and why every woman needs to take her heart health seriously. We talk about the risks, the signs you shouldn’t ignore, and what we can all be doing right now to protect our hearts and prevent more lives from being lost too soon. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired to prioritize your health.  Special Guest: Sarah Hill Sarah Hill is the CEO & Chief Storyteller of Healium, a mental fitness company blending neuroscience, immersive media, and storytelling to help people *see their feelings and learn to self-regulate. Backed by research in 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium’s clinically validated biofeedback experiences are used by the world's top health, education, and sports organizations. A 12-time Mid-America Emmy-winning journalist, Sarah spent 25 years leading media teams and reporting from global trauma zones working for NBC, ABC, and CBS news affiliates. After covering trauma for years, she flipped the script and began crafting stories that help people heal from it. A media technologist, Sarah holds multiple patents for biometrically-powered stories—experiences fueled by EEG, heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration. She speaks globally on media as medicine, AI, mental fitness, and the intersection of spatial and sentient computing. Sarah lives in Missouri with her husband (whom she lovingly counts as child #3), two grown kids, and a delightfully spoiled grandchild. And wait, there’s one more thing you should know about Sarah. She can now add to her long list of accomplishments - she’s a heart attack survivor! Show notes: 5 morning signs that signal heart trouble. https://share.google/?link=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/5-morning-signs-thatsignal-heart-trouble/photostory/122871717.cms&utm_source=sharelaunchiga,sh/x/discover/m1/5 Heart Attack: Men vs. Women: https://theheartfoundation.org/2017/03/29/heart-attack-men-vs-women/

    58 min
  6. AUG 12

    Made for Rest: Reclaiming the Sleep Your Soul and Body Need

    This week we’re talking about something we all need but often struggle to get—rest. Join us as we unpack why God created our bodies to need sleep, the science behind how rest impacts memory and aging, and practical tips from leading sleep experts that will help you drift off more easily. You’ll hear everything from circadian rhythm hacks to soothing bedtime rituals, plus a unique spiritual cleansing practice for those nights when sleep just won’t come. If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, or wondered why rest feels so hard to prioritize, this episode is your invitation to embrace the peace and restoration you were made for. Show notes: Aging vs. Memory: How Sleep Affects Both. Mindful Journal #8, March 28, 2025. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#label/Podcast/FMfcgzQZTqCVHqqHrSkDCKMnBfnxZPFC. How Sleep Rewrites the Brain to Strengthen and Optimize Memories. https://search.app/?link=https://neurosciencenews.com/sleep-memory-optimization-28509/&utm_source=dsdf,sh/x/discover/m1/5. 6 Little Things Sleep Doctors Actually Do Every Day for Better Shut-Eye.  https://search.app/?link=https://www.self.com/story/sleep-doctor-habits&utm_source=dsdf,sh/x/discover/m1/5. Cleansing a Poor Night’s Sleep by Sherianna Boyle. https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/cleansing-a-poor-nights-sleep?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4.2.25&vgo_ee=T9X1vsz90fDmnGqwvNxcgAa6dUHgNxiVaej%2Ftr2DULg%3D%3A1GnvbJnKaFFce7UqD9SU4XF%2FriJAgGpG. 3 deep cleansing breaths exercise Activate. See it! Visualize a release, calm, letting go, surrender, and peace that is as effortless as the way you might release a handful of sand back onto the beach. Nourish. Feel it! Imagine what it would be like to squeeze the sand in your hand and then let it go. Surrender. Say: “I allow release. I allow surrender. I allow freedom. I allow digestion. I allow feeling.” Ease. Say: “I am feeling. I am receiving. I am surrendering. I am at peace. I am free.” 3 deep cleansing breaths

    41 min
  7. AUG 5

    What Is A Sound Bath? (And Why You Might Need One) With Catina Topash

    We’ve explored many types of therapy on this podcast—from talk therapy to yoga and everything in between—but one powerful, ancient healing technique we’ve known little about is sound therapy. In this episode, we explore the surprising power of sound therapy with yoga therapist and sound healing expert Catina Topash. We sit down with Catina to unpack the science behind sound baths, how vibrational healing works, and why frequencies might just be the reset our nervous system needs. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or already obsessed with sound healing, this conversation will open your ears—and your heart—to a new form of wellness. Special Guest: Catina Topash Catina is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), E-500 RYT, YogaFit Yoga Therapy faculty member, Sound Healer, YogaFit Senior Master Trainer, and has specialty yoga training in trauma, chronic pain, nervous system disorders, heart disease, diabetes, back pain, pre/post natal, injury prevention and recovery, positive psychology, yoga for seniors, and other specialty areas. In addition, Catina holds over 25 additional certifications including American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer and DK Body Pilates. Along with her husband Bryan, Catina owns Breathe@JJ's Folly Retreat center and Bed & Breakfast in Fayette, MO, and is the Wellness Director at Wilson's Fitness in Columbia, MO.  Catina is passionate about helping individuals live their best lives and empowering them to find their innate healing and happiness. Catina lives each day with gratitude, in a way that brings santosha, a Sanskrit term for contentment, to her life.

    1h 14m
4.9
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

If perfection is an illusion, why are so many of us chasing it? We live in a world that is constantly telling us we need to be it all and have it all to be worthy. It leads us to hide our imperfections and overcompensate our strengths - and leaves us exhausted. Join hosts Robin May and Denise Bickel for meaningful, cross-generational conversations that will leave you uplifted and encouraged about a future freed from the problem with perfect.

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