Imperfectly Honest

Should women use their looks, femininity, or sexuality to get ahead? 

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with CEO, investor, and author Jane Miller for a bold, unfiltered conversation about gender inequality, female leadership, and what it really takes to succeed as a woman in business and in love today. 

Is gender inequality a problem – or could it also be an opportunity? And more provocatively: are women fully leveraging their strengths, or holding back to fit outdated expectations of success?

For decades, women have been taught to succeed by playing according to male-dominated rules – competing harder, leading similarly, and minimizing femininity in the workplace. But what if that strategy is fundamentally flawed? 

Elizabeth and Jane explore the complex reality of power dynamics in business and dating, and why the same patterns – competition, insecurity, and perception – are at play in both. 

They dive into:

This episode goes beyond surface-level conversations about equality to offer a more honest, nuanced look at how women can navigate power, identity, and ambition without abandoning themselves in the process.

Show Notes:

Connect with Jane and tune into her podcast at https://janesplace.com/. 

Consider picking up a copy of Jane’s book, Sleep Your Way to the Top and Other Myths About Business Success via your favorite book retailer. 

Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode of Imperfectly Honest, Elizabeth sits down with Kayla Gorski for a candid – and at times uncomfortable – conversation about body image, beauty standards, and the truth about wanting to look good.

For many of us, thoughts about our bodies are constant, yet conversations about body image, self-image, and body confidence often stay surface-level. Together, Elizabeth and Kayla go deeper, exploring the internal “mental inventory” we keep and the evolving relationship we have with how we look and feel in our bodies.

This conversation doesn’t stop at self-acceptance.

They also examine the very real benefits of striving toward conventional beauty standards – from increased confidence and discipline, to feeling more energized, more attractive, and more connected to desire. What happens when looking good isn’t just about appearance, but rather is about motivation and how you move through the world?

From disciplined routines and slipping back into old habits, to the way attraction, confidence, and even libido are tied to the physical self, they explore the tension between accepting yourself as you are and wanting to be better.

This chat doesn’t promise easy answers, perfect solutions, or total body confidence. Instead, it offers an honest reflection on the complicated and sometimes contradictory relationship many of us have with our bodies – and the curiosity it takes to examine those patterns with compassion.

Show Notes:

Deepen your connection with food by visiting Kayla’s Substack at substack.com/@kaylagorski, or tuning into the Dish + Tell podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

What if you knew that donating a kidney isn’t as extreme - or as impossible - as it sounds? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Liz Nelson for an honest, deeply personal conversation about her decision to do just that.

Liz shares her experience as a living kidney donor, offering a transparent look at what the kidney donation process actually involves — physically, emotionally, and logistically. Rather than positioning the decision as heroic or extraordinary, she aims to demystify organ donation and help others better understand what’s possible.

Together, they move beyond the initial question of “could I?” into the more personal reality of “would I?” — unpacking the motivations, misconceptions, and practical considerations that come with becoming a living organ donor.

As conversations around organ donation and transplant waitlists continue to grow, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on generosity, agency, and informed choice.

This isn’t about pressure or persuasion. It’s about expanding awareness — and inviting a more open, curious look at what it really means to give.

Show Notes:

Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Sheila Lamont to explore a timely and deeply personal question: Could AI partners supplement—or even replace—human romantic relationships?

As AI relationships and virtual partners become more sophisticated, technology offers a seductive promise: companionship without rejection, compromise, or heartbreak. An AI partner can provide attention, affirmation, and emotional support while eliminating many of the risks that come with human intimacy.

But what if the very things we try to avoid—uncertainty, vulnerability, and the act of choosing and being chosen—are actually essential to authentic, nourishing relationships?

Elizabeth and Sheila examine the growing rise of AI companionship, the psychological appeal of risk-free relationships, and what might be lost if technology begins to replace human connection. As artificial intelligence moves deeper into our personal lives, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the future of intimacy and ask an important question: What do we truly want from love and partnership?

Show Notes:

The article that inspired this conversation can be found in Psychology Today.

In this episode, Elizabeth reunites with Sheila Lamont to explore the subtle but powerful difference between living as a default “yes” and a default “no.” Early in her career, Elizabeth was a self-proclaimed default yes who embraced every opportunity… but over time, she shifted to a default no as she strived to be more focused and efficient. Recently, she’s begun to question whether that reflex has quietly limited her growth and opportunities for meaningful, unexpected connections. 

Together, Elizabeth and Sheila unpack how past experiences shape the speed and certainty of our choices. Is your no protecting your peace – or preventing possibility? Is your yes rooted in joy – or people-pleasing?

This conversation invites a slower, more honest look at how you decide — and whether your default response still reflects the life you’re trying to build.

Show Notes:

Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Dr. Dennis Lipton, a board-certified internal medicine physician who practices preventative, deeply personalized care. Together, they talk honestly about what it actually means to take responsibility for your health – before something goes wrong. 

They explore why early detection matters; how to think differently about tests, medications, and lifestyle changes; and why so many of us underestimate the power we have over our future health.

This is a conversation about curiosity over fear, information over avoidance, and finding balance between taking care of your body and still living your life, in full color.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Dr. Lipton’s practice at www.dennisliptonmd.com/.

Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with her friend Heather Grahame to talk about caring for others – while caring for yourself. Setting boundaries and giving without giving too much of oneself is an imperfectly honest art to master. The rewards of caretaking can be immense, but they are not always immediate or obvious, and the juice isn’t always worth the squeeze.

If you're currently caring for someone, have done so in the past, or suspect that someday you may find yourself in that role, then this episode is for you. It's not about doing it perfectly; it's about learning how to be honest with the person you're taking care of and with yourself.

Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Kayla share a conversation that is as winding as an Italian road trip! Back from a wine tour in Italy, Kayla shares her reflections, imperfectly honest moments, and sweet intention for the year ahead. As you listen, ask yourself what you’d like to invite more of in 2026—is there room for you to slow down and savor more of life’s pleasures? 

Show Notes:

“La dolce vita” is an Italian phrase that translates as “the sweet life” and refers to living fully in the moment, slowing down to savor life’s pleasures rather than rushing or letting stress rule. 

Learn more about the wine importer Kayla referenced at https://tanarowineimports.com/. 

Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Seth Levine, co-author of the new book Capital Evolution: The New American Economy. Seth explains how and why the American economy is changing and what the future could look like. Given the major realignment America is in, visible in our divided politics, fractured media, reshaped labor markets, and more, Seth shares his belief that businesses hold most of the power—and some responsibility—to shape the future. This thought-provoking episode, and book, is for anyone who buys things—which is EVERYONE.

Show Notes:

You can order your copy of Capital Evolution at TheCapitalEvolution.com.

And, in the spirit of dynamic capitalism and the holidays, consider ordering one for a friend, local school, or library through Seth and his co-author Elizabeth MacBride’s Worthy Books program.

For my listeners who prefer to shop local, check out Seth’s wife’s independent book store, Composition Shop, in Longmont, Colorado.