The anxiety and fear that the coronavirus pandemic is producing seems to be intensifying the longer we have to sit with our new reality.  It’s clear that many of us are worrying about life and death issues for ourselves or those we love, as well as the long list of unknowns to face after this is "over." But what might be less obvious are the emotions that come with the long list of things we've lost.

Psychologists have a word for these feelings associated with loss. It's called grief.

In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel helps us understand that it's important to acknowledge and grieve what the pandemic has taken from us. Whether it's our inability to keep our routines (and the comfort that comes from doing so), big life event celebrations, or our sense of security - the losses are real. Grieving them will help us move forward and, as Denise explains, help us create a new post-corona normal.

Guest:
Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW, has decades of experience as a palliative care social worker and is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Denise is also an avid Crossfit participant and former triathlete and marathoner. She is also Robin's mentor.

SHOW NOTES:

4:15 Do you feel like you're on the verge of losing it? (Join the club!) This explanation why might surprise you.

8:45 Listen to this checklist of behaviors to learn if you're struggling with grief and didn't know it.

9:15 Denise shares the one quote about control that you'll never want to forget.

10:45 We can't control the coronavirus, but what can we control to help process the grief that this new reality has brought us?

14:30 Are you holding in your tears? Burying your emotions? Here's the permission you need to cry when you need to cry and to sit with your feelings when you have them.

16:00 Waiting for this to all be over and for life to go back to normal? You might consider Denise's expertise on this subject to help you better prepare for what's ahead.

19:45 Find yourself in need of a counselor? Listen to these tips on how to find one rather than letting our emotions overwhelm us.

21:30 Why you should give yourself the grace to feel what you're feeling, rather than "shoulding" on yourself.

24:00 Don't miss this EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of this podcast!

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Email us @[email protected] with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

There is no denying that the Coronavirus pandemic has produced a collective fear like the modern world has never seen. In this unprecedented time, the unknowns seem limitless and even our most basic needs are at risk of not being met. The psychological and emotional stress of it all leaves us looking for answers and a path forward.

To help with this situation, we looked to the one place we believe has been and will always be reliable to guide us through the human experience - The Bible. In this episode, we discuss a recent sermon by Dave Cover, a pastor at The Crossing in Columbia, MO and highlight how it helped us in hopes it will be helpful to you as well. It turns out the Bible has a lot to say about fear and there's perhaps never been a more important time for us to listen.

SHOW NOTES:
Sermon entitled Fear, taught by Dave Cover from The Crossing Church, Columbia, MO.
https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/media-feeds/fear-2/


Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Email us @[email protected] with your questions or comments about this or any episode.

Imagine being 24-years-old and realizing that your debt is sucking the joy right out of your life. In fact, it's suffocating you. This is Rachel Pedersen's story, and it might be yours. A new college grad, Rachel was enjoying having the income of "a real job" and was trying to build her credit. But before she knew it, she added up her student loans and credit card debt and was horrified that it equaled $40,000.

In this episode, Rachel shares her story of going from being saddled by debt to achieving fiscal freedom.  Along the way, she learned some valuable insights and developed a passion for helping others manage their money. Now a small business owner and financial advisor, Rachel offers us some great practical advice, as well as some hope and inspiration for any one out there who is intimidated or frustrated by their financial situation.

Guest:
Rachel Pedersen is passionate about helping others, especially in the realm of personal finances. After completing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course in 2016, she set out to conquer her $40K debt and did just that in May of 2019. Since then, she has launched Three Pennies to share her knowledge and help others take control of their life by building good habits and becoming fiscally healthy.

Connect with Rachel at https://www.three-pennies.com/about
Rachelnpedersen on Instagram

SHOW NOTES
5:00 Our guest Rachel Pedersen explains how this podcast is a dream come true for her.

7:30 Did you keep track of your student loan debt or did you have a sticker shock moment like this one?

9:45 Hear how Rachel stumbled on to the $90 investment that changed her life forever.

14:00 Does the word BUDGET scare you? You're not alone, but listen to these tips to make it less intimidating.

16:00 Hear how Robin's experience of growing up in poverty has shaped the way she thinks about money.

17:30 Were you taught about managing money? If not, did we as women miss these lessons because we weren't interested or because of gender roles?

22:00 Listen to Rachel (Leigh) as she shares how she thought her life would look versus the independent life she's living now.

25:30 Learn how the 80/20 rule simplifies the complex world of personal finances.

27:00 How do we learn to have freedom in what we have versus in what we want?

30:30 How do you know when it's time to draw the line and change your relationship with money?

35:00 Is money a big deal in marriage? Hear how $10,000 changed Robin's marriage forever.

37:30 Find out what item Robin and her husband Tom consistently argue about buying.

38:15 After creating an emergency fund is complete, listen to what Rachel says to do next the app she suggests to help you do it.

41:30 Ready to take the next step? Here's how Rachel can help.

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in reading Robin's blog post about breathing and why it was her word for 2019: https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igs

Let's face it - we are not good at being still. We are so busy trying to control every aspect of our lives (and our children's lives) that our minds are racing even when our bodies aren't. This never-ending stress takes a toll on our emotional, physical and spiritual health.

What if there is one thing we could all do to minimize these impacts? To help decrease anxieties, improve concentration, boost our immune system and help us lose weight. Wouldn't you want to learn more and give it a try?

In this episode, Wellness Expert Catina Topash helps us understand the difference between automatic, sympathetic breathing (responsible for the fight or flight response) and para-sympathetic breathing (responsible for rest and digest) and offers hope for all of us who need to re-shape the way we think about breathing.

SHOW NOTES

Guest: Catina Topash is an E-500 RYT, Yoga Therapist Resident, YogaFit Master Trainer, a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, and has specialty yoga training in trauma, chronic pain, nervous system disorders, back pain, pre/post natal, injury prevention and recovery, positive psychology, and yoga for seniors. In addition, Catina holds overs 25 additional certifications including, American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer, and DK Body Pilates.

Along with  her husband Bryan, Catina owns Breathe@JJ's Folly Retreat center and Bed & Breakfast,and is the Wellness Director at Wilson's Fitness.  Catina is passionate about helping individuals live their best life and empowering them to find their own innate healing and happiness.

2:00 Are you a good breather? Or is your body begging you to become a better breather?

8:00 Why is breathing the MOST important thing we can do to improve our overall health?

12:45 Still wondering if you need to improve your breathing? Here's how to know if this podcast can help you.

15:30 What is the difference between reaction and response? And why is it worth you figuring it out?

19:30 Catina shares her "secret" to breathing and helps us all develop a plan for improving our Pranayama (the practice of directing the breath with intent and focus).

22:00 Join us as Catina leads us through a three-part breathing exercise that you can try along with us.

29:00 Here's how five minutes of focused breathing can change your day and prayer life, and improve your concentration.

33:00 You can kill yourself at the gym, but if you're not doing this one thing, then you might be wasting your time. 
 

Connect with Catina at:
https://www.breatheatjjsfolly.com/

https://www.wilsonsfitness.com/instructor/catina-topash-2/

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in reading Robin's blog post about breathing and why it was her word for 2019: https://bat-recorder-sznx.squarespace.com/config/

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or any suggestions at [email protected]

Spring is right around the corner. - thank goodness! But let's be honest, for many of us, the thought of spring break trips, summer vacations or even just putting on shorts and a t-shirt causes some anxiety. After all, we've spent all winter hiding behind our jeans and sweaters and we might not even know what is under them!

The increased skin exposure of Spring is also sure to expose some of our deepest insecurities about our body. As we battle the constant messages from the world around us, this episode is about redefining our own beauty and finding ways to feel more confident in our own skin. Whether you're heading to a beach or a barbecue, this episode will help you both psychologically and physically.

SHOW NOTES

4:00 Does the thought of doing this make you nervous? Us too!

7:15 Do you struggle to see your body accurately? How do you know?

8:00 How do our bodies (and the average females in America) compare with the images we see in the media?

11:00 Listen as Rachel explains how you (and everyone else on social media) can take years off of your face and pounds off your body for only $4 - compounding the expectation that our bodies should be perfect.

14:00 Since the struggle is real, where do we go from here? How do we overcome our temptation to fixate on our body's imperfections?

18:30 How can we use vacations and special occasions as God-honoring motivation for better health?

22:00 How do our physical disciplines reflect God's will for our lives?

24:00 Want some practical, quick and relatively inexpensive ways to help embrace the swimsuit season? From spray tans and sunless tanners to cellulite creams - here are some of the products/treatments that make us feel good in our skin.

Rachel's topic recommendations:
Get Kayla Itsines Sweat workout Ap:  https://join.sweat.com/en/signup/new
Best spray tan in Kansas City: https://celsiustan.com/about/spray/

Want to try Robin's favorite self-tanner?
https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Sublime-Self-Tanning-Natural/dp/B001QNWGW0/ref=asc_df_B001QNWGW0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312099682992&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=885403036232357547&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020268&hvtargid=pla-567849363307&psc=1

For Robin's favorite cellulite cream, find the NuSkin rep in your area and bless her with your business.

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anythin

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that shaped history. What about you? 

While most of us won't have the impact on the world that King did, are we aspiring to shape the world around us? Are we dreaming about doing big things for our lives or are we content with what the world throws at us? 

In this episode, self-proclaimed dreamer (Rachel) and self-proclaimed realist (Robin) discuss how dreams are born and squashed, and offer some practical ways to fan the fire of your aspirations. 

Resources:

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at [email protected]

Like all technological advances, smart phones promised to make our lives better.  They were supposed to make us more organized, connected and efficient - FREEING up our lives to enjoy doing the things we love with the people we love. For many of us, freedom might be the last thing our smart phones have given us.

In this episode, we take a quick quiz and quickly determine that we too have what psychologists would consider an addiction to our smart phones. How did we get here? How have smart phones shaped our life, our work and our relationships with the world around us, including the person on the road with you, the person in the elevator and the person lying beside you in bed.

If this struggle resonates with you, then challenge yourself to listen to the end and try at least a few tips to reduce your screen time and reclaim your life. You'll be "smarter" for it!

Resources:
Want to take the quiz and evaluate your level of addiction to your smart phone?
https://virtual-addiction.com/smartphone-compulsion-test/

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at [email protected]

Whether you're a hopeless romantic and LOVE everything about Valentine's Day or you're more of a realist: Valentine's Day is coming, like it or not! In this episode, we confess the reasons why we (and maybe you) struggle to enjoy the day and offer strategies/tips for overcoming our bias so that Valentine's Day can be a blessing instead of a curse.

SHOW NOTES
2:30 Finding love isn't a contest, or is it? Are you a winner this Valentine's Day?

4:40 Valentine's Day has been around for centuries but it's origins might surprise (and horrify you).

7:15 Maybe you don't have a "Valentine" to spend the day with, but you probably have one of these - thank Leslie Knope.

9:45 Avoid this on Valentine's Day and increase your chances not to be bitter and disappointed.

12:00 Set your relationship up for success by having this one conversation.

14:50 Want to avoid the stress of Valentine's Day? According to this research, you're not alone and there's a name for you.

17:30 What is the elephant in room when it comes to Valentine's Day? Yep - SEX! Does your sex life need a little spice this Valentine's Day?

21:00 How would focusing on what we have rather than what we don't change Valentine's Day this year?

24:00 Are you missing the love notes that God sends throughout the year?

27:45 This is the ONE thing that every partner wants you to give them on Valentine's Day - and it's FREE.

Resources

Valentine's Day Facts, January 31, 2019, History.com editors
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/valentines-day-facts

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at [email protected]

Ever wonder why we have a tendency to remember traumatic experiences better than joyful ones? Why we can recite insults word for word and forget compliments? Why we think more frequently about how things are likely to go wrong than right? The scientific explanation, according to psychologists, is a phenomenon called the negativity bias.

In this episode, we acknowledge the havoc the negativity bias can have on our minds and offer four simple scientific strategies that have been proven to combat negative thoughts and help you to lead a happier life.

SHOW NOTES
4:00 Are you as positive about life as you'd like to be? Well if not, you're in good company. Here's the why from psychologists.

10:30 Do you feel like you're not enough? This could be the reason...

12:30 These four science-backed strategies will help you live a more positive life.

17:30 You can do this hundreds of times a day without it costing you any time or money and yet has the potential to bring you more happiness.

21:20 This third strategy, according to one study, has the biggest potential to make a difference in your day to day life.

24:00 Learn how science and the Bible agree on this fourth strategy for overcoming the negativity bias.

Resources:
Cherry, Kendra, "What is the Negativity Bias?", (Verywellmind.com), April 11, 2019

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at [email protected]

Super Bowl Sunday is rapidly approaching and since it's the first time in 50 years that our beloved Chiefs have played in it, we decided to do something a little different this week.

Almost three years ago, Matt May, an 18-year-old, life-long Chiefs fan was told that he had leukemia. Determined not to let cancer steal their joy, Matt and his family decided to focus on things they love - including the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, three seasons later, Matt is healthy and so are the Chiefs. This podcast is about that journey. It's about living victoriously and enjoying the journey.

If you've been a Chiefs fan your entire life, this episode will make you love them even more! And if you know and care nothing about football, this podcast is one that will move your heart and challenge your mind.

Credits

This episode was hosted, produced and edited by Rachel Leigh

Guest: Matt May

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9

Email us your thoughts, questions or anything you want us to know at [email protected]