The Problem With Perfect

Today 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. In this episode, we dive deep into Jonathan Haidt...

Although 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 we encourage healthy, meaningful conversations abou...

School 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 all the material tools, but what about instilling c...

Welcoming 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, breastfeeding or bottle? How can family and friends help...

As 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 can affect their well-being and future relationsh...

"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 the house have replaced sitting on the...

Do 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 of you that creates a little (or big) tug at the...

Mistakes 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 and do not repeat it. It is not our job t...

“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 restitution, addressing the alcohol addiction he had n...

We 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 series includes Robin’s insight into one of life’s m...

We 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 surface; we may even articulate a few expletives just...

Imagine 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 older reported wildlife watching in 2022. Birdwatchi...

Dr, 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 R ebecoming: Coming Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essen...

Most 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 seasoned veterans of grandfathering...

Wondering 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 Robin for this important episode. Marybeth's...

The 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 result on a pregnancy test. Losing a pregn...

A 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 ten suggestions to evaluate his speech. Our analysi...

Pelvic 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 is vital for physical and emotional health. Listen...

They 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 about an upcoming addition to her family. And in s...

We 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 based on our individual beliefs and purpose? In an...

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 inv...

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 termin...

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 signific...

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 relati...

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, a...