The Problem With Perfect

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-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.”

Everyday Habits That Build Stronger Relationships

Season 7 is here! 🎉 Since launching The Problem with Perfect in September 2019, we’ve released over 300 episodes and connected with listeners in 11 countries. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!We’re kicking off Season 7 with a conversation that applies to every relationship in your life—romantic, family, or friendship. Inspired by psychologist Mark Travers’ article “The 5 Weekday Habits of the Happiest Couples,” we’re breaking down five simple daily habits that help relationships thrive:Start the day with a shared routineSend thoughtful check-ins during the dayTake individual reset momentsPrioritize daily “us time”End the day with a connection check-inAlong the way, we share our own stories, challenges, and why these habits matter for connection, not perfection.💡 Challenge for you this week: Choose one of these habits and practice it intentionally—whether with your spouse, a friend, or even just yourself.Listen in as we celebrate the start of Season 7 and rediscover that the happiest relationships are built in the small, everyday moments.Show Notes: To read the article in full, go to: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/13/psychologist-people-in-the-happiest-relationships-do-5-things-during-weekdays.html

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 AdeleThis 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"

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-healthRx 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.

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 HillSarah 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/m1/5Heart Attack: Men vs. Women: https://theheartfoundation.org/2017/03/29/heart-attack-men-vs-women/