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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Enjoying These Luxuries Can Change Your Life
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39:52When you think of a luxury, is it a new car, a trip to Paris, or a cruise around the world that comes to mind? What if true luxury could be found right at home? Time, good health, and people who love us are all priceless luxuries. Likewise, no amount of money can buy a good night’s sleep or a meaningful conversation with people we love. Today’s epi…
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Are You Leaving Generation Health To Those You Love?
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42:41There comes a time in most of our lives when thoughts of finances, inheritance, and trusts or wills are in the forefront of ourlives. It is the hope of each generation that we leave behind the resources our children and grandchildren will use to live a better life – that’s what’s known as generational wealth. A recent article entitled, Radically Re…
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How To Make Spring a Season of Personal Renewal
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43:29January is known for New Year’s Resolutions and Quitter’s Day (the 2nd Friday in January). Often we start with the best intentions only to lose our motivation and determination 14 days later. It’s a tradition as old as time. What if we postponed our goal-setting until spring? The weather is nicer, we are uplifted by the renewing nature of springtim…
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Learning to Love Our Bodies: From Motherhood To Menopause (With Special Guests Maddie Wolf and Rachel Keller)
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51:03Our bodies are constantly evolving, yet embracing those changes can feel like a lifelong struggle. Whether you’re navigating the whirlwind of postpartum recovery, or facing the shifts that come with aging, body image is something most of us wrestle with at some point in our lives. In this episode, we’re having a raw and honest conversation about wh…
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What Is Expressive Writing And How Can It Improve Your Life?
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40:30As faithful followers, you know we love journaling - all kinds of journaling. Journaling is an opportunity to pour out your heart and soul without worrying about Sr. Mary Punctuation grading your spelling or sentence structure. Journaling is also meant to be a time for self-reflection and creativity. You can journal about anything, anyone, or what …
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Is Functional Medicine the Missing Piece to Better Health With Dr. Michael Schmidt?
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57:26Have you ever felt like traditional medicine isn’t giving you the answers you need? Struggling with fatigue, hormone imbalances, or gut issues and told “everything looks normal”? You’re not alone—and there is another way. In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we sit down with Dr. Michael Schmidt, a functional medicine practitioner who believ…
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The 5 Lessons The Super Bowl Taught Me - And They Have Nothing To Do With Football
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54:28Hey, friends! If you have been around here for a while, you know that we love our Kansas City Chiefs. So, when I (Robin) had the opportunity to attend the Super Bowl this year, I was beyond excited. But what I didn't expect was to walk away with more than just memories, I left with some powerful life lessons that go far beyond football. Yes, the ga…
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Why Pickleball Might Be the Perfect Exercise
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50:30Pickleball is sweeping the nation. Players of all ages and abilities are joining the ranks of approximately 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S. What about pickleball is so engaging? Is it the community, competition, exercise, or just plain fun? Although we may think of pickleball as being great for physical fitness, there are numerous psych…
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Surviving The Long Winter: Differentiating SAD from Winter Blues and Finding Our Way Forward
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50:16It’s that time of year! The cold weather, the snow, the inability to go outside to walk the dog or enjoy nature, the darkness that prevails morning and night, tax season, the election; it seems everything contributes to an ongoing sense of gloom and doom. While it's common to feel temporarily "blue," it’s important to recognize when those feelings …
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Better Together: How Female Friendships Strengthen our Minds and Body
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42:57Where would we be without our girlfriends? These extraordinary women bring light and love into our lives. They support us unconditionally and stand by us during difficult times. Indeed, they are among life’s greatest gifts. Female friendships are invaluable blessings. However, did you know that our girlfriends also provide psychological and emotion…
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Rethinking Health and Fitness to Reclaim Our Aging Bodies With Ruthie Massman
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43:28Aging gracefully is an art- as our emotional, physical, and nutritional needs change significantly. Social media tells us we need products and procedures to remain vibrant and youthful. Today's guest, Ruthie Massman, is a fitness trainer and wellness coach who takes a more holistic approach, “I think it’s worth reframing how we think about aging. A…
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Trusting God's Purpose In Our Work With Tracy Smith
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44:51Many of us hoped the new year would bring a renewed passion and enthusiasm for our work. Maybe it did, and maybe it didn’t. Maybe some of us are still looking for inspiration to keep trusting that we’re on the right path. Tracy Smith’s story might be just what we need. When God called Tracy Smith, the owner of Long Row Lavender, to step out in fait…
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From Reflection to Intention: Your 2025 Word Journey
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52:12As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, sharing the lessons learned and how our guiding word shaped our journey. In this special episode, we’ll look back at how well we lived out our word for 2024, then turn our focus to the fresh start that 2025 offers. Join us as we reveal our new words for the …
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365 Days of Gratitude: How One Person's Journey Can Inspire Yours With Special Guest Lisa Kent
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57:36As 2024 ends, we are excited to bring you a truly inspiring story. Today’s guest, Lisa Kent, has embarked on a year-long journey, sharing a daily post of gratitude every single day in 2024. Each day, she shares a couple of sentences and a photo to show what she’s thankful for, and it’s all shared publicly on social media. We’ll dive into what inspi…
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Menopause: Breaking The Silence (Part 2) With Dr. Stephanie Womack
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51:23In this must-listen episode of The Problem With Perfect, we’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Womack, a seasoned obstetric gynecologist with 25 years of experience, to demystify the options available for managing menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often at the center of the conversation about menopause, but how do you know if it’s ri…
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Menopause is a universal female experience, yet it remains one of the least discussed and most misunderstood phases of life. In this episode of The Problem With Perfect, we take a deep dive into why menopause has been ignored by medical research and society, leaving countless women unprepared and unsupported. We’ll explore the common—and not so com…
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Gift-Giving Made Easy: How To Increase Our Joy and Decrease Our Stress
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46:52It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and to lose touch with the reason for the season. Although the gift-giving possibilities are endless, the most cherished gift is often time spent with loved ones and friends. Memories last a lifetime; batteries wear out and Barbies go bald. In this episode, with Christmas approach…
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Where Did Time Go: How To Cherish Holidays Past and Present
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46:15The holidays are often the perfect time to reflect and reminisce. When was the last time you thought about your childhood and the traditions your family celebrated? What about the memories you’ve made with your children and grandchildren? Although holidays can be stressful, they can also be the perfect time to draw near to each other with love and …
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Holiday Harmony: How To Set Boundaries (And Keep Them!)
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58:17The holidays are meant to be a time of family and fellowship. When we remember the Reason for the Season, we may be motivated to pause, reflect, and cherish our time with family and friends. Or, we may feel anxious and exhausted. Both may be true. When you see a commercial reminding us the holidays are upon us, do you celebrate or cringe? The holid…
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The One Thing We Can All Do To Shape The Rest of 2024
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42:48As we step into November, gratitude is at the heart of the season—but why does it matter so much? In this episode, we explore the science and significance of gratitude in transforming our mental health, relationships, and even our work lives. Join us as we dive into research-based insights, including how gratitude can reduce anxiety, boost resilien…
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How To Deal With Anxiety Around The Upcoming Election
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29:40The Bible tells us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” James 4:8. If there was ever a time when prayer and faith were needed, it’s now. For the 73% of Americans who are experiencing election anxiety and stress, prayer can offer a sense of control and empowerment. Most of all, prayer can bri…
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Does God Get the Best of You or What’s Left of You?
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47:35We live in a hurried world. The modern conveniences that are touted to "save time’" are keeping us busier than ever. We over-schedule, over-commit, and end each day exhausted and already focused on the demands of tomorrow. Quite often, it is our relationships with God and our family that suffer the absence of our time and attention. Do you spend ti…
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Turning Dreams Into Reality: Behind the Writing of The Flower Sisters with Michelle Collins Anderson.
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51:27Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process or determined to turn their dreams into reality. We’re sitting down with Michelle Collins Anderson, author of The Flower Sisters, a captivating novel that’s been making waves since its release earlier this year. In our conversation, Michelle opens up about the journey of…
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Season Six Premiere: How to Revolutionize Your Life With AI
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41:33We are excited to kick off season six of The Problem With Perfect with a very special episode featuring none other than the podcast's original cohost, Rachel Keller! Now a marketing expert and AI enthusiast, Rachel joins us as we dive deep into how AI is reshaping both our personal and professional lives. In this thought-provoking conversation, we …
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Sorry, Not Sorry: Mastering the Art of Authentic Apologies
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36:39Apologies are tricky. Even when we want to make amends, we can often make the situation worse by what we say (or don’t say), and how we say it. It takes humility and honesty to admit we are wrong and to apologize well. Although a simple, “I’m sorry” is better than not saying anything at all, there are better ways to acknowledge our mistakes. Quite …
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The Anxious Generation: Unpacking Mental Health in a Digital Age
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1:00:40Today we’re tackling a topic that’s more urgent than ever: the rising tide of anxiety and depression among Gen Z. In a world where social media, smartphones, and video games dominate their lives, young people are grappling with an alarming increase in mental health issues, leading to profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilling life.…
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Digital Detox: How to Overcome Our Smartphone and Social Media Addiction
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48:37Today we’re diving into a topic that touches nearly everyone’s lives: the time we spend on social media and our smartphones. In this episode, we explore how the hours we spend scrolling, liking, and tweeting are not just fleeting moments but can be significant in shaping our daily lives and overall well-being. We’ll start by breaking down the probl…
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Why Christians Can't Keep Ignoring The Pornography Problem (With Special Guest & Pastor Justin Garrett)
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46:16Although most parents would like to think their tweens, teens, and adult-ish kids would not view or access pornographic material, the statistics tell us differently. And while none of us want to talk about it, many of our spouses are doing the same. As school commences and our teens and young adults enjoy greater freedom than ever before, how can w…
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Are You THAT Parent: What are Lawnmower Parents and Is that YOU?
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41:29School days are upon us. The backpacks have been purchased and stocked. Lunch boxes have been prepared and a new pair of shoes await by the door. Hopefully, we’ve done everything we can to ensure a successful start to the school year. It can feel daunting to send our children out into the world without our guidance. We may have provided them with a…
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Celebrating Life and Supporting New Parents With Special Guests Kyle and Maddie Wolf
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43:20Welcoming a new baby to the family is a precious experience. It can also be a time of uncertainty, questioning, sleep deprivation, and unexplained emotions. Our guests, Maddie and Kyle Wolf, join us today to share their experiences as first-time parents of Baby Luka (aka Robin’s granddaughter). What do new moms and dads need? Which is best, breastf…
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Unpacking The Pornography Problem We'd Like to Ignore
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38:42As a new school year approaches, children, teens, and young adults will encounter a plethora of choices and challenging decisions. With the widespread availability of cell phones and computers, accessing online content, including inappropriate material, is easier than ever. So, how can we protect our children of all ages from harmful materials that…
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Are You The Neighbor God Calls You To Be With Special Guests Chris and Elizabeth McKinney
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55:10"Who are the people in your neighborhood?" Those of a certain age will remember Mr. Rogers singing that ditty. Once upon a time, we celebrated with our neighbors, borrowed a cup of sugar from the folks next door, and probably worshiped with some of them every Sunday. Busy schedules, a desire for privacy, or the simple fact that decks on the back of…
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How To Set Students Up For Success With Judi Schoonover
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35:20Do you remember your first day of school? Regardless of one’s academic status, be it kindergarten, middle school, senior year, or a freshman moving into the dorms, the first day of school is a milestone moment. Quite often, more tears are shed by parents than pupils. There’s just something about witnessing your child embark on a journey independent…
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What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story of Heartache & Redemption (Part 3)
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54:38Mistakes are made every day. Some require a simple, "I’m sorry." Others may result in lengthy conversations and a restructuring of the issue. And then there are mistakes that change a person’s life forever. Robin’s brother, Buddy, made that kind of mistake. Truth be told, we’ve all made mistakes. The hope with every error is that we learn from it a…
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What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story of Heartache & Redemption (Part 2)
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58:59“In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” Andrea Dykstra Our guest is a man of faith, a proud Marine, a loving husband, and a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. At the tender age of 22, he was charged with a crime that shaped his life forever. For the next 13 years, he would be incarcerated, making rest…
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What Does It Look Like to Love The Least of These: A Personal Story Of Heartache & Redemption (Part 1)
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49:17We hear them on the daily: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Turn that frown upside down. Just stay positive. Those adages may be helpful for some of life’s challenges, but what happens when a devastating life event brings pain and suffering? How do we continue to find hope and strength in the face of unimaginable hardship? This month’s se…
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How To Be More Patient In An Impatient World
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50:49We live in troubled times. We are surrounded by demands, expectations, and frustrations. So often, the squeaky wheel gets the attention, not the gracious individual holding the door for us. Some might say we’ve become a culture of impatience, and many might agree. Impatience is easy to identify. We become irritable; we let anger and resentment surf…
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Are You Missing Out On This Easy Way To Enjoy Life
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39:32Imagine an inexpensive pastime that improves your mental and physical health and cognitive function. Welcome to the world of birdwatching. If you are a birdwatcher, you are in good company. Birdwatching is quickly becoming a national pastime. According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife, 57% of the US population 16 and old…
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Are You Ready to Come Out of Hiding With Special Guest Dr. Merry Lin
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50:10Dr, Merry Lin says that the cultural clarion call to be your authentic self isn’t inherently wrong. The methodology is. While the popular world will tell you to “live your truth” and “trust your gut,” she argues that neither strategy brings you into contact with your essential, God-given identity. In this episode, Dr. Lin, author of Rebecoming: Com…
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Looking Back And Looking Ahead With Special Guest Tom May
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38:27Most of us agree that we can all use the wisdom of those who have gone before us. Whether it's a new career, a big life decision, or a transition to the "next" phase of life - some sage advice can go a long way. In this special episode, we surprise Tom May, Robin's husband and co-host for the episode, with words of wisdom from those who are seasone…
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The Cost of Suffering From PMDD: A Mother's Story of Her Daughter's Struggle
1:11:48
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1:11:48Wondering what PMDD is after reading the title? You're likely in good company. Although Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects between 3 and 4 million women in the US, it is still a relatively unknown disorder that is often misdiagnosed. To help us understand what PMDD is and how it impacts women and their families, Marybeth Bohn joins Robi…
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Miscarriages: How To Help Families Navigate Loss
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42:13The recent episodes of our podcast have explored challenging themes, and today's topic is no exception. Miscarriages touch the lives of many, whether it's a personal experience or through someone we know. Some mothers might not have been aware they were pregnant when it happened, while others felt an instant bond as soon as they saw the positive re…
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Kickoff To Wisdom: Analyzing Harrison Butker's Commencement Address Playbook
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49:14A lot has been said about a certain commencement speech…like, a lot a lot. In fact, so much has been said about the content and controversy the speech invoked, we decided to take a more elementary approach and consider what makes a successful commencement address. Using our backgrounds as former college instructors, we apply a robust framework of t…
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Tackling Taboo Topics with Sarah Miller, DPT
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51:01Pelvic floor therapy is all the rage these days. But what is it? And why is it so important? Join us for this episode as we discuss the transformative power of pelvic floor therapy with expert Sarah Miller, DPT. In it, Sarah demystifies the critical role pelvic floor health plays in our overall well-being, a topic that remains under-discussed yet i…
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Embracing The Next Season of Life With Joyful Anticipation
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45:22They say it takes a village to raise a child and the role of a grandmother is paramount to that success. Grandmothers offer a special kind of love and support to a grandchild and to the baby’s parents. Their previous parenting experience is often just what new mothers appreciate most (or not)! On today’s episode, Robin makes a special announcement …
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How to Boost Your Self-Esteem Through Life's Transitions
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40:51We live in a world of self-help books and self-proclaimed experts advising us on how to find happiness and fulfillment. Additionally, we are often encouraged to follow someone else’s experience to enhance our emotional well-being. But what happens when another’s journey is not in accord with our ideals or goals? Where do we find peace and purpose b…
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Unveiling End-of-Life Mysteries with Chaplain Richard Sullivan
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35:22In times of crisis or as individuals approach life's end, it's often said that doubts about faith and spirituality come to the forefront—even for those who don't consider themselves religious. This phenomenon is sometimes captured in the adage, "There are no atheists in a foxhole." Addressing the needs of those who haven't adopted a religious or sp…
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Navigating Grief and the Inevitability of Death
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45:58In this week's installment of What To Know Before You Go, we explore the complexity of grief. Grief is a universal and intrinsic aspect of what it means to be human. Each experience of grief is deeply individual and intricately linked to the nature of the loss. Some individuals struggle with Anticipatory Grief, a profound sadness that precedes the …
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Navigating the Future: The Guide to Estate Planning and Protecting Your Legacy With Attorney Brett Barton
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49:05Ever considered the unforeseen consequences of putting off estate planning? Let's face it, it's not just about drafting a document – it's about ensuring your legacy thrives and your wishes are honored. Advance care planning extends beyond creating an Advance Directive or discussing our end-of-life wishes. It encompasses crucial legal and financial …
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Caring for Caregivers With Lauren Eisleben
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47:54Of the many roles women undertake in their lifetime, the act of caregiving stands out as one of the most universal and demanding. The Institute on Aging reports that women make up roughly 75% of caregivers and typically dedicate up to 50% more time to caregiving duties compared to their male counterparts. It appears that being a woman—whether you'r…
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