The Problem With Perfect

The Problem With Perfect

https://rss.buzzsprout.com/632383.rss
6 Followers 338 Episodes Claim Ownership
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.

Episode List

Are These Quiet Sins Stealing Your Joy?

Oct 21st, 2025 11:00 AM

Ever catch yourself brushing off certain behaviors the Bible would call sins because they don't seem "that bad"? In this episode, we get real about the “acceptable sins” so many of us excuse — things like anger, gossip, worry, pride, and discontentment. Drawing inspiration from Tim Keller’s book, Respectable Sins, we unpack why these habits feel so normal, how they quietly erode our peace, and what it looks like to bring them into the light with honesty and grace.This honest, hope-filled conversation will challenge us to rethink the "little" sins that slip under the radar, and remind us that freedom isn’t found in perfection, but in surrender.Show Notes:Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Tim KellerTo resource the workbook Robin refers to, go to https://thecrossingchurch.com/Resources/Read/Free%20Downloads

Listen Up: What You Need to Know About Hearing, Aging, and Brain Health

Oct 14th, 2025 11:00 AM

If you’ve ever said, “What?” more times than you’d like to admit… or if someone you love turns the TV up louder and louder, this episode is for you.This week, we’re diving into a topic that affects millions, but is rarely discussed: hearing loss. Our guest, Dr. Julie Prutsman, has helped thousands of people find relief from tinnitus and hearing challenges. In this episode, Dr. Julie shares why she’s passionate about helping us understand how hearing health impacts every part of our lives, including our memory and emotional well-being, as well as our relationships and even our balance.Join us as we ask the hard questions. What's the truth between hearing loss and cognitive decline? Does it cause us to be more likely to develop dementia? How common is hearing loss? When should we start getting tested? This conversation will open your ears to why hearing health matters more than you think.Special guest: Dr. Julie PrutsmanThe owner and founder of Sound Relief Hearing Center, Dr. Julie Prutsman has dedicated her practice to treating tinnitus, decreased sound tolerance, and related hearing health issues. She is a third-generation audiology professional, with her grandfather entering the hearing healthcare field in the 1950s. After working in her family’s practice in Colorado and Las Vegas, NV, she decided to open one of her own, focused on tinnitus.Since beginning Sound Relief Hearing Center in December 2011, her practice has helped thousands of patients and has grown to nine offices in Colorado and Arizona. Dr. Julie Prutsman grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado – Boulder for graduate school. Her husband, Patrick, is the General Manager and co-owner of Sound Relief. They have two wonderful teenagers and in her free time, Dr. Julie loves reading, traveling, skiing, and spending time with family.

Stop Stealing Your Own Peace: Asteya

Oct 7th, 2025 11:00 AM

Have you ever been accused of stealing? Probably not. Yet, most of us engage in various forms of stealing every day, often without realizing it. There are many ways in which we take from others, the Earth, future generations, and even ourselves.The third Yama, Asteya, encourages us to become aware of how our words and actions may rob others of their time, joy, or sense of self-worth. It reminds us that the Earth deserves our attention and appreciation now so that future generations can also experience its wonders. Lastly, we are prompted to consider how we steal from ourselves. We often forget that “comparison is the thief of joy,” yet we regularly diminish our own happiness by comparing or criticizing ourselves. As Oprah wisely said, “When we know better, we do better.” This embodies the essence of Asteya.Show notes:The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

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

Sep 30th, 2025 11:00 AM

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 ThomasErica 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.comeatingwithselflove.com https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erica-fawn-thomas-lafayette-ca/239622ONLINE COURSE: Heal Emotional Eating with Self-Compassionhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/heal-emotional-eating-with-self-compassion-tickets-1097694837809?aff=oddtdtcreator

How Embracing The Suck Changes our Brains and our Lives

Sep 23rd, 2025 11:00 AM

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-youThe 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.”

Get this podcast on your phone, Free

Create Your Podcast In Minutes

  • Full-featured podcast site
  • Unlimited storage and bandwidth
  • Comprehensive podcast stats
  • Distribute to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more
  • Make money with your podcast
Get Started
It is Free