The Problem With Perfect

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 diffi...

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 unpac...

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 th...

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 communi...

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 man...

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...

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 impo...

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 e...

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 unc...

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...

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 t...

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 tha...

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...

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...

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 information:  https://www.marketsatshrewsbury....

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

This summer’s surprise blockbuster, the Barbie Movie, included a rant that has touched a nerve with women of all ages. Some say, “I’ve never felt so heard.” Others remark, “It’s about dang time.” The rant speaks to the significant emphasis on body image. Do women still struggle with expectations to have a perfect 36-24-36 figure even though those measurements are based on a doll? It also mentions...

Marriage is hard. But what is it about the second or third chapter of life that increases the risk of marital discord and divorce? It's a question worth asking since "gray divorce" is escalating at surprising rates with the aging of baby boomers. Currently, more than 1 in 3 people who divorce in the US are older than 50, and the divorce rate for those 65+ continues to increase expon...

Yes, Jesus told us to love one another, but he never met Uncle Harold! What is it about the holidays and families that often result in angst and conflict? One day a year, maybe two, families gather to celebrate with folks who may seem more like strangers than relatives. Add a dash of politics, religion, and a few alcoholic beverages, and you may have a real hootenanny on your hands. Just in time f...

Families come in all shapes and sizes. None of them are perfect, but some are faced with more challenges than others. This week we are discussing Grandfamilies, the families with the grandparents parenting their grandchildren. The statistics on Grandfamilies are thought-provoking:  2.3M grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren via “kinship care” Approximately 1M grandparents raising gr...

We raise our kids praying they become independent thinkers ready to stand confident on their own two feet. But sometimes that answered prayer comes with struggles we don't see coming.  Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around your adult children? Or have you ever wished your relationship with them would be one of joy and mutual respect? Instead, it seems like you can never...

Some of us have difficulty being in the same room with our in-laws, let alone embarking on a big project. But that's just what Stacy Reaoch and her mother-in-law, Barbara Reaoch did. Together, they authored the book entitled, Make Room for Her – Biblical Wisdom for a Healthier Relationship with Your Mother-in-law or Daughter-in-law.  The topic is one of the most frequently requested episodes...