In this episode, Maggie explores the often overlooked emotional space of grieving the potential selves we never became. She discusses the discomfort and sadness that arise from adhering to societal expectations and the pressure to be perfect while trying to figure out the next step in your journey. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings, allowing listeners to navigate their own middle spaces. The conversation encourages embracing uncertainty, taking time to let go, and ultimately finding joy in self-discovery and authenticity.

Episode Outline

Grieving Who You Never Got to Be

The Pressure of Perfection

Purpose in the Middle Space

Understanding Grief and Its Forms

Taking Space to Let Go

Finding Joy in Self-Discovery

Reflection and Moving Forward

New episodes every Thursday!

Podcast Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In this episode, Maggie explores the concept of the 'should trap,' where societal expectations and personal obligations can lead individuals away from their true desires. She discusses the transition from the setup phase of the podcast to a deeper exploration of internal reflection, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between 'shoulds' and 'wants.' Through personal anecdotes and psychological theories, she highlights how external influences shape our perceptions of success and fulfillment, ultimately encouraging listeners to pursue their authentic paths.

Episode Outline

Intro & big picture

Defining should v want

Origins of should

Types of should

Wanting a should is okay

Self Determination Theory

How we get trapped

Outcomes of following should

What do you want?

Going after wants when the world is screaming should

New episode every Thursday!

Follow the Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In this episode of The Dark Side of Perfect, host Maggie explores the myth of having it all together through routines and habits. She discusses the societal pressures surrounding perfect routines, the importance of understanding one's identity in habit formation, and how to create personalized routines that align with individual needs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding harmony in life and the role of self-acceptance in achieving personal goals.
Episode Outline:

Introduction to Routines and Habits

The Importance of Routines

Understanding the Pressure of Perfection

Identity and Habit Formation

Building a Personalized Routine

Creating a Routine Menu

Finding Harmony and Identity

New episodes every Thursday!

Podcast Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In this episode, host Maggie and guest Annie explore the dark side of perfectionism. They discuss its impact on relationships, mental health, and personal growth. They share personal experiences and coping mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and mindset shifts to manage perfectionist tendencies. The conversation highlights the need for safety and emotional regulation in overcoming perfectionism, encouraging imperfection and celebrating small victories.

Outline00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism

00:39 Defining Perfectionism

01:54 Personal Experiences with Perfectionism

03:26 The Impact of Social Media

04:41 Personifying Perfectionism

06:55 Coping Mechanisms for Perfectionism

08:12 Day-to-Day Impacts of Perfectionism

10:23 Mental Games of Perfectionism

11:05 Overthinking and Task Initiation

11:53 Finding Ways to Start and Finish

12:48 Reflecting on Achievements and Growth

15:33 The Impact of Perfectionism on Progress

17:56 The Role of Self-Compassion in Overcoming Perfectionism

21:25 Mindset Shifts for Embracing Imperfection

31:03 Finding Value in Good Enough Moments

31:03 Final Thoughts on Perfectionism and Progress

Reflection Questions

• In your own words what does perfectionism mean to you?
• When did you first start noticing it in your life?
• If you imagine your perfectionism as something separate from yourself what does it look like?
• How does it tend to speak to you, especially when doing something creative or something you love but could be seen as unproductive?
• Where do you notice it sneaking into your day to day choices?
• Are there patterns you only later realized were tied to perfectionism?
• Has it impacted your relationships with others and yourself? How?
• Are there any "good enough" moments you are secretly proud of?
• If your friend was going through a perfectionism spiral right now, what would you say to them?

New episodes every Thursday!

Follow the Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In this episode, Maggie discusses the importance of goal setting through the lens of a 2026 arc. She emphasizes the need for meaningful vision boards, the process of finding and setting goals, and the strategies for achieving them. Maggie also addresses common pitfalls in goal setting and encourages listeners to reflect on their personal priorities and motivations. The episode concludes with a reminder that goals are personal and should evoke inspiration rather than comparison.

Episode Outline

00:00 Introduction to Goal Setting

02:34 Creating Meaningful Vision Boards

05:07 Finding Your Goals

10:52 Setting Up Your Goals

20:39 Achieving Your Goals

25:06 Understanding Goal Failures

33:33 Wrapping Up and Reflection

New episodes every Thursday!

Podcast Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In this episode of The Dark Side of Perfect, host Maggie introduces the concept of perfection and its implications on self-worth, societal pressures, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own definition of perfection, the impact of external and internal pressures, and the results of striving for perfectionism. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on emotional intelligence, validation, and the journey towards self-discovery and happiness.

Episode Outline

00:00 Introduction to the Dark Side of Perfect

01:24 Defining Perfection and Its Impact

05:44 Exploring Internal and External Pressures

10:09 The Results of Perfectionism

15:56 Understanding Validation and Perception

22:01 The Should Trap and Its Consequences

24:47 Redefining Perfect and Its Implications

New episodes every Thursday!

Follow the pod on Instagram: @darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL

In the inaugural episode of 'The Dark Side of Perfect,' host Maggie introduces herself and the podcast's mission to explore themes of perfectionism, self-discovery, and authenticity. She shares her personal journey through grad school, societal pressures, and the importance of finding joy in life. The podcast aims to help listeners break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves through discussions on relationships, hobbies, and personal growth.

Episode 1 Outline

02:39 The Journey to Self-Discovery

05:30 Navigating Relationships and Perfectionism

09:29 Redefining Perfection and Authentic Living

12:14 Podcast Structure and Future Goals

New posts every Thursday!

Follow the Instagram! ⁠@darksideofperfect.pod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/fragmentationLicense code: SHGS6N0MJVDB8LXL