In 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 spiritual identity involves sensitivity and care. Certain clichés and overused expressions are best left unsaid. Instead, finding the right language...

In 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 death of a loved one suffering from a terminal condition. Chronic Sorrow is another facet of grief, often described as 'a normal reaction to an...

Ever 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 considerations that play a significant role in ensuring that all of a person's preferences are fully honored.  Discussing finances and assets can...

Of 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're a daughter, daughter-in-law, distant relative, or simply a friend—often means taking on the responsibilities of caregiving with family and...

The U.S. population is older today than it has ever been. In fact, one-fourth of the total population is 65 or older. Researchers predict a 47 percent increase in this demographic between 2022 and 2050, resulting in 82 million citizens 65+ years old. Approximately 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day for the next few decades. The fact individuals are living longer, divorcing later in life, and choosing to live alone and age in their homes has resulted in a significant caregiver gap....

Today, we delve into the concept of toxic positivity. Recognizing and appreciating the optimistic intentions behind encouraging words from our loved ones is crucial. However, it's just as critical to remember that expressing our emotions authentically, including the painful, fearful ones, should come without the burden of guilt or shame. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how difficult or dire a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. We’ve all been there…the...

Inspired by the legacy of a mentor and friend, this episode is dedicated to remembering Melody Parry. A year after her untimely death, we honor Melody in this episode by highlighting the upcoming Columbia Women's Faith Conference. Created by Melody, this conference was her way of creating time and space for women to find deeper connections with God and other believers. This episode will unpack the theme for the conference; Breathe: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Presence of God, as well as...

Do you often find yourself struggling to maintain focus or feeling mentally drained? If your answer is yes, then buckle your seatbelt. This episode will take you on a ride your brain and body have been waiting for! Join us as Dr. Janine Stichter, an expert on human behavior, joins us to navigate the mental mazes that lead us toward or away from our peak cognitive potential. Learn how to harness the benefits of sleep, hydration, and nutrition, and incorporate them into even the most hectic...

If you've ever felt like your words were lost in translation, you're not alone. Join us as we unpack the complexities of communication in our latest episode of The Problem with Perfect. From the silent messages we send with our eyes to the unintended signals we give with a sigh, we're diving into the nonverbal cues that make or break our daily interactions. Discover how your communication style holds the key to stronger relationships and how even the smallest gestures can speak volumes. It's...

Navigating the financial landscape at any stage of life can be daunting. While situations may change, the pressures remain the same, as well as the cultural messages that tell us we need to have more to be more.  In this episode, we discover the hidden connection between money and self-worth as we're joined by financial therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle.  We tackle the emotional weight of managing money through evolving life chapters, from the youthful skepticism about the value of...

Every victory, on the field or in life, carries its own story—ours is no exception. As the confetti settles from the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win, Robin, Denise, and Rachel gather to share the intersection of triumph and trial that marks such monumental moments. But this episode isn't just a toast to sports and celebrities; it's a holistic look at wellness, from the empowering clang of weightlifting plates to the quiet introspection of journaling. We're assessing our fitness journeys...

We spend more time at work than we do anywhere else so it's no surprise that our work greatly influences our self-worth.  In this episode, we bring three generations together to discuss how to embrace self-love and align our work with our personal goals. With a rich tapestry of experiences in journalism, pharmaceutical sales, clinical therapy, and marketing, we've seen firsthand the importance of pursuing a job that encourages growth and resonates with one's values. Whether you're eyeing a...

This month we are focusing on self-love and acceptance at every age, sharing the perspectives of three generations as we explore societal issues that affect each of us in similar and dissimilar ways. For this series, we welcome back Rachel Keller, who offers a millennial viewpoint, while Robin represents the Gen X perspective, and Denise with Boomer’s insight. Our first episode focuses on issues every woman experiences throughout her lifetime -beauty and body image. It turns out that...

Have you ever found yourself smiling at the simplest of pleasures, like the sun breaking through the clouds or the smell of rain on the pavement?  This episode celebrates those moments, called "glimmers" by scientists, that brighten our days and bolster our spirits. In our discussion, we learn about tuning into the subtle yet impactful ways our nervous system responds to glimmers and uncover how they can help lead to a more peaceful and satisfying life. Show Notes: Discovering Your...

Ever felt like the quest for perfection is more of a curse than a blessing, especially when it comes to your career and emotional well-being? Join us as we navigate these treacherous waters, with Nancy Yeager, the entrepreneurial spirit behind two Fleet Feet stores, guiding us through her inspiring transition from a stable job to a fulfilling career aligned with her passions.  Also in this episode, we tackle the cold realities of staying active in winter and discuss the vital importance of...

As we embark on a new year, we often find ourselves asking what it would take for us to fulfill our deep spiritual longings. This episode is your invitation to walk with us and the remarkable Beth Bramstedt as we unwrap the complexities of identity, legacy, and purpose. With Beth's wisdom in spiritual formation and church ministry, we're ushering in an empowering discussion to rekindle the joy and vitality in these essential facets of our lives. In this episode, we recognize that spiritual...

What is it about the New Year that inspires us to focus on every little thing we don’t like about ourselves? Why do we start each year ‘doggedly determined’ to fix every flaw? (In case you didn’t know…doggedly determined is a synonym for the word resolution…as in New Year’s resolution.) Who wants to start another trip around the sun doggedly determined to do anything? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Join us on this episode as we encourage each other to ditch resolutions and make a case for...

As the final embers of 2023 glow softly behind us, we gather around the warmth of shared stories and revelations. This episode is a mosaic of triumphs, trials, and the heartfelt thanks we owe to the souls that touched our lives. We recount the victories, be it the thrill of the Super Bowl, the resilience in the face of illness, or the medical marvels that reshaped destinies. Our narrative invites you to sift through your own year's tapestry, to find the threads of experiences that will weave...

The holiday season is rife with images of perfection, but the reality seldom matches the dream. In this episode, we recognize the pitfalls of chasing a perfect holiday and offer tips for setting realistic expectations - focusing on what truly matters: connection, love, and the spirit of the season. The art of enjoying the holidays isn't found in flawlessness but in embracing each moment as it comes, complete with its imperfections. So come, join us in our quest for a merrier, stress-free...

Have you ever wished that you could wave a magic wand, and transform the holiday season from a stress-filled puzzle into a period of genuine joy and peace?  Let’s dive into that wish together. This episode is your guide to reclaiming the holiday season by navigating and managing its three primary sources of stress: parties, people, and pain.  For more...

Have you ever wondered what a mission trip across the globe might look like? Join us in an enlightening conversation where we welcome back our co-host, Denise, who takes us on her journey to India – from her struggles as a traveler to her observations about the country and its pressing issues. She paints a vivid picture of the living conditions there, highlighting the challenges of access to clean water, education, and healthcare.  She also shares her inspiring interactions with the Sanjeev...

Imagine letting AI whip up your workout plans, find recipes using what's left in your pantry, or even craft bedtime stories for your little ones!  Join us as AI wizard and guest co-host Rachel Keller and Robin delve into these mind-blowing applications of chat GPT, and also discuss how starting with chat GPT doesn't have to be daunting. This episode will guide you on how to navigate this space with beginner-friendly tips and discuss the promising future of AI in tasks in both our...

Nothing seems to fascinate us more than a good love story. And no love story has the world’s attention more than that of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.  So what is it about this power couple that intrigues us so much? Why do we read and re-read every article about them and replay their reels more times than we’d like to admit? Join us for this episode as Rachel returns to co-host with Robin to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. It turns out that there’s good evidence (and lots of fun...

The holidays are meant to be a magical, peace-filled time for families to reflect on the birth of Jesus, our many blessings, and precious moments spent with family and friends. So, what is it about Christmas that takes those well-intended precepts and turns them into a shopping frenzy, stress-filled expectations, and exhaustion? We’re here to help with that. Today’s episode offers some tried and true alternatives to hectic holidays. What to buy for new parents? We got you covered. What...