October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Every minute in the U.S., about 20 to 24 people are physically abused by an intimate partner, amounting to more than 12 million individuals each year. Domestic violence also impacts millions of children, and the economic toll is substantial, resulting in nearly 8 million lost workdays annually in the U.S. 

 Our guest today, June Sheehan Berlinger, RN, has authored a powerful account of her personal experience with domestic violence in her book, "Rising Above the Trauma of Abuse." June is a nationally recognized expert on this issue, and her dual perspective makes her book both deeply personal and practical. 

Given the prevalence of this social issue, along with the secrecy and stigma that often surround those affected, many victims suffer in silence. June urges us to speak out and take a stand against all forms of domestic violence. By doing so, you could help save a life.

Special Guest: June Berlinger, Author and Domestic Abuse Advocate 

June Sheehan Berlinger, BSN, is a survivor, mother, nurse, writer, and public speaker. She dedicated her career to helping women. June served on Florida’s Governor’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force from 1994–1997 and directed The Women’s Center at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare for 14 years. Her pioneering work includes developing Florida’s first hospital protocol for domestic violence and FIRST STEP, a victim handbook that was distributed statewide. A four-time published author, June has trained health and mental healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and legal teams across the U.S. She lives with her husband, Tom in Denver, CO. To learn more about June, go to risingabovetrauma.net.

Resources:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, 24/7 confidential help at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-domestic-violence-awareness-month
• Rising Above The Trauma of Abuse by June Sheehan Berlinger, BSN
• risingabovetrauma.net

Ever catch yourself brushing off certain behaviors the Bible would call sins because they don't seem "that bad"? In this episode, we get real about the “acceptable sins” so many of us excuse — things like anger, gossip, worry, pride, and discontentment. Drawing inspiration from Tim Keller’s book, Respectable Sins, we unpack why these habits feel so normal, how they quietly erode our peace, and what it looks like to bring them into the light with honesty and grace.

This honest, hope-filled conversation will challenge us to rethink the "little" sins that slip under the radar, and remind us that freedom isn’t found in perfection, but in surrender.

Show Notes:

Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Tim Keller

To resource the workbook Robin refers to, go to https://thecrossingchurch.com/Resources/Read/Free%20Downloads

If you’ve ever said, “What?” more times than you’d like to admit… or if someone you love turns the TV up louder and louder, this episode is for you.

This week, we’re diving into a topic that affects millions, but is rarely discussed: hearing loss. Our guest, Dr. Julie Prutsman, has helped thousands of people find relief from tinnitus and hearing challenges. In this episode, Dr. Julie shares why she’s passionate about helping us understand how hearing health impacts every part of our lives, including our memory and emotional well-being, as well as our relationships and even our balance.

Join us as we ask the hard questions. What's the truth between hearing loss and cognitive decline? Does it cause us to be more likely to develop dementia? How common is hearing loss? When should we start getting tested? 

This conversation will open your ears to why hearing health matters more than you think.

Special guest: Dr. Julie Prutsman

The owner and founder of Sound Relief Hearing Center, Dr. Julie Prutsman has dedicated her practice to treating tinnitus, decreased sound tolerance, and related hearing health issues. She is a third-generation audiology professional, with her grandfather entering the hearing healthcare field in the 1950s. After working in her family’s practice in Colorado and Las Vegas, NV, she decided to open one of her own, focused on tinnitus.

Since beginning Sound Relief Hearing Center in December 2011, her practice has helped thousands of patients and has grown to nine offices in Colorado and Arizona. Dr. Julie Prutsman grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado – Boulder for graduate school. Her husband, Patrick, is the General Manager and co-owner of Sound Relief. They have two wonderful teenagers and in her free time, Dr. Julie loves reading, traveling, skiing, and spending time with family.

Have you ever been accused of stealing? Probably not. Yet, most of us engage in various forms of stealing every day, often without realizing it. There are many ways in which we take from others, the Earth, future generations, and even ourselves.

The third Yama, Asteya, encourages us to become aware of how our words and actions may rob others of their time, joy, or sense of self-worth. It reminds us that the Earth deserves our attention and appreciation now so that future generations can also experience its wonders. Lastly, we are prompted to consider how we steal from ourselves. We often forget that “comparison is the thief of joy,” yet we regularly diminish our own happiness by comparing or criticizing ourselves. As Oprah wisely said, “When we know better, we do better.” This embodies the essence of Asteya.

Show notes:

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? You try harder, you push yourself, you chase perfection—but all it leaves you with is exhaustion and self-criticism. What if the answer isn’t doing more, but actually being kinder to yourself?

This week, we sit down with licensed therapist and course creator Erica Thomas to talk about the radical (and practical) power of self-compassion. Erica shares her personal story of body image struggles, unpacks how diet culture keeps us stuck, and explains why self-compassion might be the missing piece in our own journeys toward peace with ourselves.

From silencing the inner critic to modeling self-kindness for our kids, this conversation is full of wisdom and practical tools we can use today.

If you’re tired of the hamster wheel of “never enough,” you don’t want to miss this episode.

Special Guest: Erica Thomas

Erica is a licensed marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, and the creator of an online course all about self-compassion as a practical alternative to diet culture. She works with families and teens, helping people navigate body image challenges and that ever-present inner critic, with a focus on healing and acceptance. She lives in Lafayette, California and sees patients virtually. To learn more about Erica and her course, go to:

https://ericathomaslmft.com

eatingwithselflove.com 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erica-fawn-thomas-lafayette-ca/239622

ONLINE COURSE: Heal Emotional Eating with Self-Compassion

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heal-emotional-eating-with-self-compassion-tickets-1097694837809?aff=oddtdtcreator

There’s a saying: “Change of any sort requires courage.” Courage and bravery are essential for making lasting and effective change. While we may have goals for success, greater happiness, or fulfilling relationships, we often feel overwhelmed by the time and effort that change demands.

There is no magic formula for change; simply wishing and hoping are not enough. However, there are clear and concise steps that can increase our chances of success. With clarity, conviction, and commitment, change is indeed possible.

When we shift our mindset from doubt to determination and surround ourselves with supportive people, we begin to believe in our ability to improve and succeed. As a result, we are more likely to challenge ourselves, persevere through setbacks, and ultimately achieve our goals. Sounds like success to us!

Show Notes:

Embrace the Suck article:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-bravery/202505/embrace-the-suck-why-discomfort-builds-a-better-you

The Gift of Starting Small 

“Every great thing starts small - a tree begins as a seed, a journey begins with a single step. Don’t feel discouraged if your dream feels tiny right now. Each small effort you make is building something bigger than you can see. Trust the process and keep moving forward. Celebrate progress, even if it feels slow. One day, you will look back and realize how far you’ve come. Every step matters. Keep going, you’re building something beautiful, one piece at a time.”

Season 7 is here! 🎉 Since launching The Problem with Perfect in September 2019, we’ve released over 300 episodes and connected with listeners in 11 countries. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

We’re kicking off Season 7 with a conversation that applies to every relationship in your life—romantic, family, or friendship. Inspired by psychologist Mark Travers’ article “The 5 Weekday Habits of the Happiest Couples,” we’re breaking down five simple daily habits that help relationships thrive:

• Start the day with a shared routine
• Send thoughtful check-ins during the day
• Take individual reset moments
• Prioritize daily “us time”
• End the day with a connection check-in

Along the way, we share our own stories, challenges, and why these habits matter for connection, not perfection.

💡 Challenge for you this week: Choose one of these habits and practice it intentionally—whether with your spouse, a friend, or even just yourself.

Listen in as we celebrate the start of Season 7 and rediscover that the happiest relationships are built in the small, everyday moments.

Show Notes: 

To read the article in full, go to: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/13/psychologist-people-in-the-happiest-relationships-do-5-things-during-weekdays.html

In this episode, we continue their journey through the Yamas and Niyamas, diving into the second jewel: Satya, or truthfulness.

Join us as we reflect on what we’ve learned so far about courage, balance, boundaries, and self-love—and how those lessons prepare us to live authentically in truth. Together, we wrestle with what it means to be real instead of just nice, how to express ourselves without slipping into self-indulgence, and why truth has both a fierce weight and a freeing power.

From the challenge of setting healthy boundaries to the courage of self-expression, this conversation encourages us to ask if ourselves some tough questions. 

Join us as we explore Satya together and discover how living truthfully can bring both freedom and deeper connection.

Show Notes:

Discussion based on The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

This month, if you'd like to join us, we will dig deeper into Satya each week.

Week 1: Observe the differences between times when you are "nice" versus "real." What were the circumstances? How did they make you feel and what were the results?

Week 2: Focus on self-expression by expressing your hopes and dreams into the external world. Act on life-giving opportunities.

Week 3: Slow it down this week and "do it right the first time" so that there are no apologies or do overs needed.

Week 4: Look at ideas and beliefs that once served you but no longer do. Are you holding onto any of these beliefs that you need to release? Free yourself of them and watch how it energizes your quest for authentic realness. 

Closing Meditation:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

It’s nearly impossible to turn on the television or open a magazine without seeing advertisements for the latest weight loss trend: GLP-1 medications, commonly known as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Approximately 15 million people are estimated to have tried these drugs for weight loss. However, as with any emerging health trend, it's important to consider whether these medications are safe and cost-effective.

What are the risks and benefits of these drugs? Is the pharmaceutical industry providing a quick fix for the approximately 42% (or 100 million) U.S. citizens who are obese? Are these medications the only solution to the obesity epidemic, or are lifestyle and dietary changes essential for long-term success? Dr. Nicole Dorotik joins us in this episode to address these questions and more as we explore the latest trends in the pursuit of health and wellness.

Special Guest: Dr. Nicole Dorotik

Dr. Nicole Dorotik earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed her residency at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and has over 20 years of clinical experience. Along with her professional accomplishments, Nicole is the proud mom to three great kiddos. 

Show notes:

Weight Comes Back When You Stop Taking Drugs Like Ozempic, Study Finds.

https://www.sciencealert.com/weight-comes-back-when-you-stop-taking-drugs-like-ozempic-study-finds#

A new era of weight loss: Mental health effects of GLP-1 drugs.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/07-08/weight-loss-drugs-mental-health

Rx History: The Rise of GLP-1s.

https://www.innovativerxstrategies.com/rx-history-glp1s/

Unintended consequences: Weight loss drugs are changing the way consumers buy groceries.

https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2025/08/17/glp1-ozempic-grocery-store-food-price-weightloss/stories/202508070069.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many of us don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. 

This week, we welcome Sarah Hill, CEO of Helium and former award-winning journalist. At just 53 years old, Sarah experienced a heart attack while on vacation in Las Vegas, despite being healthy, active, and having a normal EKG. It was only because of her husband’s persistence that doctors ran the tests that ultimately saved her life.

In this powerful conversation, Sarah opens up about what happened, how it changed her perspective, and why every woman needs to take her heart health seriously. We talk about the risks, the signs you shouldn’t ignore, and what we can all be doing right now to protect our hearts and prevent more lives from being lost too soon.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired to prioritize your health. 

Special Guest: Sarah Hill

Sarah Hill is the CEO & Chief Storyteller of Healium, a mental fitness company blending neuroscience, immersive media, and storytelling to help people *see their feelings and learn to self-regulate. Backed by research in 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium’s clinically validated biofeedback experiences are used by the world's top health, education, and sports organizations.

A 12-time Mid-America Emmy-winning journalist, Sarah spent 25 years leading media teams and reporting from global trauma zones working for NBC, ABC, and CBS news affiliates. After covering trauma for years, she flipped the script and began crafting stories that help people heal from it.

A media technologist, Sarah holds multiple patents for biometrically-powered stories—experiences fueled by EEG, heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration. She speaks globally on media as medicine, AI, mental fitness, and the intersection of spatial and sentient computing.

Sarah lives in Missouri with her husband (whom she lovingly counts as child #3), two grown kids, and a delightfully spoiled grandchild.

And wait, there’s one more thing you should know about Sarah. She can now add to her long list of accomplishments - she’s a heart attack survivor!

Show notes:

Heart Attack: Men vs. Women: https://theheartfoundation.org/2017/03/29/heart-attack-men-vs-women/