In her recent blog post, Dr. Denise Bickel contemplates a quote she heard on a podcast: "You’ll have a happier life if you are an optimist. Choose that.” Not an optimist by nature, Denise explores what it means to be an optimist, a pessimist, and a realist.

This week, Denise joins Robin on the podcast to further the conversation. If you've ever wondered where you're at on the optimist/pessimist scale and how it impacts your life - then this episode is one you won't want to miss. 

Special Guest: Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.

7 Myths About Optimism and Pessimism 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/202104/7-myths-about-optimism-and-pessimism

All There Is With Anderson Cooper Podcast
https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/all-there-is-with-anderson-cooper/episodes/4273c25e-fc3b-450f-99b8-af320111295b

For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

Sources cited:
Atlantic Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/07/why-success-wont-make-you-happy/614731/
The Drive Podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/arthurbrooks/

If you achieve success, you'll finally be happy, right? Wrong. In this episode, Rachel breaks down the meaning of success addiction. You'll discover what it is, how to tell if you have it, and what to do about it in order to realign your priorities. 

Thanks to Dr. Arthur Brooks for the content of this episode! Please visit the links above to dive deeper into the topic and learn more from his inspiring work. 

Pride issues threaten nearly every main character in the Bible, so why wouldn't we think they would us as well? 

If you're wondering how pride shows up in your life, then this episode is for you. Join us for a conversation about the ways pride is threatening our spiritual and emotional health, even when we don't realize it - and how we can overcome it. 

We're all getting older. Some of us are having "BIG" birthdays, and others are becoming wives and mothers. As we mature, are there things we shouldn't wear based on our stage in life? Or should fashion always be defined by what makes you feel good?

Join us for this cross-generational conversation as we ponder all of this and why Tik Tok might be the best place to help answer all your fashion questions.

Psychologists tell us that perfectionism is often rooted in trauma and is connected to our need for survival and safety. Designed to help us fly under the radar to avoid negative attention, perfectionism may protect us from others but eventually can hurt how we relate to ourselves. The habitual need for things to be perfect can leave us unraveling and feeling like we're not enough. 

Join us for this episode as we discuss our own trauma experiences that have impacted our tendency for perfectionism and pose a few questions to help us evaluate the health of our relationships with ourselves.

10 Signs You Are In A Healthy Relationships With Yourself:
https://www.yogiapproved.com/10-signs-you-are-in-a-healthy-relationship-with-yourself/

The passing of Queen Elizabeth  II has caused many of us to pause and reflect inward on our own lives and our impact on the world around us. It’s been said that we can’t all live extraordinary lives (like she did), but we can all do small things that are extraordinary. 

Join us for this episode as we consider three simple ways we can be an inspiration to others and in doing so- make a difference in the lives of the people around us. 

We all want to live longer and healthier lives. It's why we exercise, eat right and try to get enough sleep. But what if I told you this desire for healthy longevity should be another reason for regularly attending a faith service? This is precisely what a group of scientists recently concluded in a new article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). And what's even more surprising is what generation seems to be ahead of the curve on this revelation.

Join us for a compelling discussion on faith, health, church attendance, and why it should matter to us all. 


Resources:

Spirituality in Serious Illness and Health
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2794049

Regularly attending Religious Services Associated with Lower Risks of Deaths of Despair: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/regularly-attending-religious-services-associated-with-lower-risk-of-deaths-of-despair/

A New Chapter in Millenial Church Attendance:
https://www.barna.com/research/church-attendance-2022/

For nearly half of his life, Matt May has been focused on ONE thing: becoming a teacher. Convinced by a special teacher in his life that he has something valuable to share with the world through his writings, Matt made it his life goal to share that passion and vision with others. 

Now a first-year English teacher and two-time cancer survivor, Matt is back on the podcast to update us on his life, hopes, and dreams for the future. With wisdom beyond his years, this episode is one that will leave you inspired and intrigued. 

Special Guest: Matt May
Matt May is the son of co-host, Robin, and is now known as Mr. May to his students at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO.  A gifted writer and speaker, Matt continues to be transparent in his journey as he processes his cancer experiences - in hopes that we can all be honest with one another about our struggles. 

Resources: School's Out for the Summer and Many Teachers are Calling it Quits
https://www.wsj.com/articles/schools-out-for-summer-and-many-teachers-are-calling-it-quits-11655732689