Explore every episode of the podcast Never Perfect

Where do you fall on the assertiveness scale — doormat, brutally honest, or somewhere in between? In this completely unscripted episode, Dr. Beth turns the microphone on her own household… and her family does not hold back. What starts as a Saturday-morning kitchen cleanup becomes a hilariously honest (and surprisingly insightful) family therapy session. Recorded spontaneously from her farmers-market-cluttered kitchen, Dr. Beth sits down with her 16 year old daughter and then her 18 year old daughter and husband wandering in along the way to rate each other on assertiveness, reactivity, people-pleasing, and more. (The only one who never joined the conversation was her 20-year-old son.)   Between the laughter, interruptions, and sibling commentary, real wisdom emerges: why "being clear is kind," how people-pleasing blurs your own needs, why every family member processes conflict differently, and whether perfectionism is actually a problem (a debate that gets spirited). It's Never Perfect at its most literal: a real family, in real time, being really honest. In this episode, you'll learn: The 1-10 assertiveness scale and why landing between a 4 and 6 is the healthy sweet spot The three components of true assertiveness: expressing your feelings, saying no, and asking for what you need How people-pleasing and codependency blur your own needs and stress you out in the process Why we project our own standards onto others (and how that quietly damages relationships) The difference between high standards and perfectionism and where all-or-nothing thinking hurts your mental health Why parents should never put a child in just one "box" every family member has strengths and growth areas About This Episode's Guests: This episode features Dr. Beth's own family, proof that even a therapist's household is beautifully, chaotically, never perfect. No experts, no scripts, just a family being honest with each other (sometimes brutally). Connect with Dr. Beth Capecchi and the Never Perfect Podcast at www.neverperfect.org. And for a deeper dive on assertiveness, check out the earlier episode "Straight Talk." Ready to rate yourself? Hit play, grab a family member (if you dare), and ask: where do we each fall on the scale? If this episode made you laugh or think, share it with your family and leave a review, it helps more listeners find the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever skipped a coffee shop, a walk in the park, or even church,  just because you'd have to go alone? For so many of us, the fear of being watched, judged, or talked about keeps us from living the life we actually want. But what if the thoughts we imagine others having about us are the very thing holding us back? In this brief, spontaneous and deeply honest episode, Dr. Beth sits down with a brave 25-year-old client we're calling "Mary." Fresh out of a breakup and new to her city, Mary shares how social anxiety is what Dr. Beth calls "spotlight syndrome"  kept her from exploring life on her own. Then she took one courageous step: walking into church by herself. What happened next changed her entire outlook, and this conversation captures that transformation in real time. In this episode, you'll learn: What "spotlight syndrome" is and why social anxiety convinces us everyone is watching and judging How to challenge automatic negative beliefs by asking, "What positive things could people be thinking?" Why the question "Even if someone did think something bad how would it actually affect me?" is so freeing How facing one small fear can build momentum, confidence, and even carry you through an entire week Why doing things alone can actually open the door to new friendships and community The power of the simple challenge: do one thing every day that scares you About Our Guest: Out of respect for her privacy, this week's guest is sharing her story anonymously as "Mary", a real client of Dr. Beth's who bravely agreed to record just weeks after facing her fear for the first time. Her honesty is a gift to anyone who has ever felt held back by the fear of judgment. For more encouragement and resources from Dr. Beth Capecchi, visit www.neverperfect.org. You can do hard things. If Mary's story resonated with you, we'd love for you to listen, reflect on one thing you've been avoiding out of fear — and maybe take that first brave step this week. Don't forget to share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they're braver than they think. 💛 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like your dreams are just out of reach, like you're doing all the right things but somehow still scattered, stretched thin, and unsure if it's working? What if the secret isn't doing more, but learning how to do what you already know? In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with serial entrepreneur, media powerhouse, and dear mentor Deborrah “Deb” Drummond, a woman who has built seven businesses, mentored hundreds of women (and also  “cool dudes”) around the world, and lives by the belief that your body is your "most important real estate." Deb opens up about saying yes when life pushes you forward, the difference between a "journey" and "the stretch," and why most people are unintentionally "popcorning" their efforts instead of building with purpose. She explains that while our dreams and our Mission might be exciting and “sexy “, the tedious steps that it takes to get there are often not sexy, and not as dramatic as one might think. From a surprise pregnancy in her twenties that launched her first business, to building Mission Accepted Media and the celebrated 262 movement for women entrepreneurs, Deb shares the wisdom of a life lived intentionally  and the faith it takes to keep choosing your path. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why "pick your hard" is the most freeing reframe for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike How to recognize when you're "popcorning" your efforts and how to build a real intentional plan instead The difference between what you do and who you do (and why people buy the second one) How small, consistent baby steps create exponential growth over time Why your body, your inputs, and your community matter as much as your strategy How to build a team  and a life rooted in shared values, not just shared skills About Our Guest: Deb Drummond is the founder and visionary behind Mission Accepted Media, the Stand Up, Speak Up, Show Up Yes You women's summits, the Women's Channel, and the bestselling 262 book series spotlighting self-funding women entrepreneurs. A long-time coach, speaker, and media strategist, Deb helps women and the cool dudes in their corner become known not just for what they do, but for who they are. Connect with Deborrah Website: debdrummond.com Podcast: Mission Accepted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahldrummond If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the "somedays" stacking up on your dream list, this conversation is your permission slip to begin imperfectly, intentionally, and one beautiful baby step at a time. Listen in, take a breath, and remember: you don't have to be perfect to be powerful. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it today, and join us at www.neverperfect.org for more conversations on growth, faith, and the courage to keep showing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if menopause isn't an ending, but the beginning of your finest self? In Japan, the transition is called Konenki — the season of renewal and regeneration, a "second spring" that elevates women into a higher stature of wisdom and influence. Yet here in the West, nearly a third of women consider quitting their careers at the very height of their power, convinced that brain fog, anxiety, and hormonal chaos mean something has gone terribly wrong. Dr. Beth welcomes back Dr. Suzannah (Suz) Bozzone, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, educator, and opera singer — for an honest, hope-filled deep dive into perimenopause and menopause. Together they unpack the science of the hormonal "orchestra," the neuroplastic transformation of the menopausal brain, and the practical lifestyle shifts that help women not just survive this transition, but step into a new chapter of clarity, leadership, and authentic becoming. What You'll Learn: Why perimenopause is a brain transformation — like puberty in reverse — and what the temporary three-year dip really means for the decade that follows How to picture your hormones as a vocal trio inside a full endocrine orchestra, and why "one pill for every ill" falls short The Japanese concept of Konenki and how reframing this season as renewal, not loss, changes everything The gut–hormone connection: how your microbiome and "estrobolome" shape symptoms, and why 30+ plant species a week matters more than any single superfood Dr. Suz’s signature "crazy salad" — the daily, medicine-like meal that supports estrogen balance Why midlife women are uniquely positioned to lead, and how to advocate for yourself at home, at work, and at the doctor's office About the Guest Dr. Suz Bozzone is a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, speaker, and mom of three who partners with workplaces and women's groups nationwide. Her e-book and journal Chronic Power to Perimenopause releases late May 2026.  Connect with Dr. Suz: Website: drsuzb.com Instagram: @drsuzb YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drsuzb Get Konenki: Power to Perimenopause and Beyond If you're navigating puberty in your kids, perimenopause in yourself, or new caregiving roles with aging parents — this episode is a gentle reminder that you are not losing your mind. You are becoming. Press play, take what resonates, and share this with a friend, daughter, mother, or colleague who needs to hear that her finest self is still ahead. Visit neverperfect.org for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hidden heartaches and secret struggles with addiction are everywhere, including in the church.  What if the family that looks the most "put together" on Sunday morning is the one quietly falling apart by Monday night? Behind matching pajamas, anniversary posts, and small-group Bible studies, so many women are carrying a secret heartache they can't bring themselves to name out loud. In this honest, hope-filled conversation, Dr. Beth sits down with author and women's ministry director Jody Allen to talk about what happens when the marriage you prayed for, prepared for, and did "everything right" to build still doesn't turn out the way you imagined. Jody shares the long, painful road of loving a husband who battled a pornography addiction throughout their marriage, a struggle she discovered was far more common in the church than anyone wanted to admit. From discovery, to counseling, to a treatment center, to the eventual decision to divorce, Jody walks listeners through what God taught her in the valley, why she chose to write Hidden Heartache, and how she found that her life, though different than she planned, could still be deeply good. What You'll Learn: Why so many "hidden heartaches" — addiction, financial stress, mental health struggles, family secrets — worsen in silence, and how telling the truth begins to break shame's grip The staggering statistics about pornography use in the church (including among pastors) and why this conversation can't stay taboo any longer How to parent intentionally around screens, social media, and early exposure — especially when you've walked a hard road yourself Why "comparison is the thief of joy," and how to stop measuring your hardships/heartaches against everyone else's highlight reel The role of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and Christian community in rewiring a brain — and a heart — that has been hurt Why hope is still possible when life doesn't turn out the way you planned, and how God can use even your hardest season to build your future About the Guest Jody Allen has served on staff at her church for over 12 years, where she leads the First Impressions Team and Women’s Ministry. She is the author of Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, a book that helps women move from heartbreak to hope. Jody is passionate about helping women experience meaningful connection with Christ and with one another. She is the mom of young adult twins, loves chunky ice cream, still uses a paper calendar, and never turns down a chance to line dance.  Connect with Jody: Book: Hidden Heartache Website: jodyallenwrites.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jodyallenwrites Instagram: www.instagram.com/jodyallenwrites/ Whether you're walking through your own hidden heartache or sitting beside someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone — and that God meets us most powerfully in the places we feel most broken. Press play, take a deep breath, and let this conversation remind you: your story isn't over, and hope is still on the table. If it speaks to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the version of you that worked so hard in the morning of life no longer fits the afternoon? When the criticism becomes too heavy, the certainty starts to crack, and your body quietly tells you it's time to listen differently? For David Cook, a beloved teacher, longtime columnist, and founder of Food as a Verb — the answer began with silence, humility, and the courage to turn over his own stones. In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Beth sits down with David Cook to explore burnout, self-righteousness, shadow work, parenting through fear, the inner work of masculinity, and how contentment quietly outlasts every metric of success. David shares the moment he realized he had been "blinded by the log in his own eye," what teenagers are really aching for today, and how he rebuilt a life — and a media company — around food, story, and presence. What You'll Learn Why fear (not failure) is the hidden root of most parenting and teaching mistakes — and what to do about it How shadow work and "turning over your own stones" leads to deeper relationships and clearer purpose What David means by descending "below the neck" — and why so many men have never been invited to do it How to redefine success as contentment, generational healing, and a freer version of who you are Why trust, safety, and powerful questions transform a classroom (and a home) more than control ever could The "rhino in the room" practice — learning to name what no one else is willing to say out loud About the Guest David Cook is a writer, former English teacher at McCallie School, GPS, and Saint Margaret's, and the founder of Food as a Verb — a Chattanooga-based media company telling rich, soul-level stories about food, farming, chefs, and the land. His work invites readers to slow down, exhale, and remember what it means to be human at the table. Connect with David Cook Email: david@foodasaverb.com Website: foodasaverb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodasaverb/ If you've ever felt the quiet pull of midlife asking you to choose again, or wondered whether the rules you've been playing by still fit who you're becoming, this episode is for you. Press play, take a breath, and let David's words remind you that freedom, meaning, and a truer version of yourself are still waiting on the other side of your honesty.  If this conversation moves you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and visit neverperfect.org for more conversations that celebrate growth, faith, and the beautiful imperfection of being human. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very things that made you successful were quietly destroying you from the inside out? Paul Hutchinson built a $50 billion empire, married an NFL cheerleader, and rescued thousands of children from trafficking — yet found himself emptier than ever. In this raw and remarkable conversation, he reveals how the same darkness he was fighting in others (arrogance, greed, and lust) had quietly taken root in his own heart. Dr. Beth sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and child rescue advocate Paul Hutchinson — the real-life inspiration behind Sound of Freedom — for an unflinching conversation about transformation. Paul shares the story behind 70+ undercover rescue missions, the late-night phone call that began his journey of healing, and the powerful truth that we can't pull children out of hell until we pull the hell out of ourselves. What You'll Learn: Why the common thread among traffickers isn't what you'd expect — and what it reveals about unhealed trauma in all of us How generational and epigenetic trauma shapes us long before we're old enough to remember The science of neuroplasticity and why childhood wounds become so hard to heal as adults Why doing "good things" with the wrong motives can quietly destroy your life, marriage, and identity How to take a personal inventory of arrogance, greed, and lust — and what real healing actually requires Practical tools (breathwork, meditation, faith, self-defense, art therapy) for healing children and adults walking through trauma About Our Guest: Paul Hutchinson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the primary investor and executive producer of the film Sound of Freedom. He founded the Child Liberation Foundation and Liberating Humanity, and has led or participated in over 70 undercover rescue missions in 15 countries — directly impacting more than 8,000 children. He is a recipient of the 2022 Medal of Freedom Award. Today, alongside his wife Vanessa, he hosts sanctuary healing retreats around the world for trauma survivors, leaders, and those ready to break free of what's holding them back. Website: liberatinghumanity.com Book: Sound of Freedom  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liberating.humanity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Liberatinghumanity Whether you've walked through trauma, struggled with what success was supposed to feel like, or sensed that God is calling you toward something deeper — this episode is for you. Take a listen, share it with someone who needs hope today, and remember Paul's closing reminder: when you put the man (or woman) together, the whole world comes together with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the pain you've been carrying isn't actually yours to keep? What if your body — every ache, every heaviness, every story it whispers — is asking you for something different than what you've been giving it?  In this conversation, Dr. Beth sits down with trauma release practitioner Pearly Montagu, whose rare gift of seeing emotional and physical pain as colors and structures inside the body emerged after a profound near-death experience at age 29. Pearly shares the unexpected detour from a corporate finance career to a calling rooted in deep healing work, walking through her own journey of chronic pain, plant medicines, and surrender. Together, she and Dr. Beth explore how the body stores trauma — including the trauma we inherit from generations before us — and how shifting our narrative, our habits, and our fears can move us from pain to purpose. It's a tender, expansive conversation on faith, fear, food as medicine, the dying process, and the everyday rituals that keep us aging with grace. What You'll Learn Why 95% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle — and the simple morning and evening rituals Pearly swears by (turmeric chai, lemon water, miso, and more) How to build new habits that actually stick by piggybacking them onto what you already do The truth behind the body's seven-year renewal cycles and why pain often surfaces right on schedule How to stop identifying with your pain and rewrite the story your body is rehearsing The role of generational trauma in the patterns we keep repeating — and how to release what was never yours to carry Why community, not just nutrition or exercise, is one of the strongest predictors of a long, joyful life About the Guest  Pearly Montagu is a TEDx speaker and trauma release practitioner whose rare form of synesthesia — discovered after a near-death experience — allows her to perceive emotional and physical trauma in the body as colors and structures. Combining this gift with somatic and energy-based healing training, she now supports clients worldwide and has worked alongside leading voices in integrative health, including Dr. Nasha Winters and Dr. Zack Bush. Connect with Pearly: Website: manderley.org Instagram: @a.pearly.way.of.life If you've ever felt stuck in a chapter of pain — physical, emotional, or inherited — this episode is your gentle nudge that healing is possible, and it doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Take a breath, press play, and let this conversation meet you where you are. If something here lands, share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The majority of  individuals struggling with addiction experience a mix of shame and self-hatred, but does this improve their chances for getting healthy and sober? Accountability is essential, but self understanding and self compassion are as well. What if the path to healing isn’t choosing between accountability or compassion—but learning how to hold both at the same time? Sometimes rewriting the stories and narratives behind our addiction helps us identify risk factors and underlying mental health issues that increase susceptibility to our addictive  behaviors.  So many people struggling with addiction are caught in a painful cycle of shame, guilt, and self-blame… but what if that very shame is keeping them stuck? In this powerful and honest episode, Dr. Beth explores the delicate balance between taking responsibility for our choices and extending ourselves (or our loved ones) the compassion needed to truly heal. Through a real-life client story, she unpacks the difference between making excuses and understanding root causes—and why that distinction is critical in breaking free from addiction and preventing relapse. What You’ll Learn: The crucial difference between excuses and explanations in recovery Why shame and self-hatred often fuel addiction instead of stopping it How anxiety, loneliness, and unresolved pain contribute to substance use The danger of “quick fixes” vs. the power of long-term healing strategies Practical ways to balance personal responsibility with self-compassion How understanding root causes can help prevent relapse and promote lasting change If you’ve ever struggled with shame, self-blame, or watching someone you love battle addiction, this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect deeply, and consider how compassion and accountability can work together to create real, lasting healing. And if this message resonates, share it with someone who needs hope today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if healing isn’t about fixing yourself—but learning how to come back into balance? So many of us push through stress, pain, and overwhelm, searching for quick solutions… but what if real transformation begins when we slow down, listen, and reconnect with what truly matters? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Dr. Beth sits down with Dr. Lisa Piper and Wendy Cohn-Osborne, co-founders of CODE Health. With backgrounds spanning natural medicine, spirituality, law, and entrepreneurship, their journeys are vastly different—yet beautifully aligned in one shared mission: helping others rediscover healing through balance, awareness, and purpose. From trauma and spiritual exploration to reinventing life and career in their 50s, this episode explores what it truly means to care for your mind, body, and soul in today’s fast-paced world. What You’ll Learn: How trauma and life challenges can become a catalyst for growth and purpose Why true healing starts with awareness—not perfection The concept of “living in neutrality” and how it creates peace of mind How mindset, stress, and emotional balance impact your physical health Why small, sustainable habits matter more than extreme changes How gratitude and perspective can transform the way you experience life Why it’s never too late to reinvent your life, health, and calling About our Guests: Dr. Lisa Piper, Ph.D., DNM, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and a pioneer in holistic health, integrating science, spirituality, and mind-body healing. As co-founder of CODE Health, she leads innovation in bioenergetic therapeutics and is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their well-being through conscious, integrative practices. Wendy Cohn-Osborne is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across legal, medical, and business industries. As co-founder of CODE Health, she brings a practical and accessible approach to holistic wellness, helping translate complex health concepts into real-life solutions that support everyday people. Together, they are also the hosts of The C3 Podcast (CODE Conscious Conversations), where they explore conscious living, personal growth, and the future of wellness. Connect with them: Website: www.codehealthshop.com Podcast: The C3 Podcast – CODE Conscious Conversations Instagram: @codehealthshop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codehealthshop To learn more about CODE Health, visit https://codehealthshop.com/?ref=Neverperfectpodcast and use code neverperfectpodcast at checkout to receive 10% off regular-priced items. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of balance, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin healing. Take a breath, tune in, and share this episode with someone who needs a little more peace, clarity, and hope today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when college becomes overwhelming… and avoidance takes over? If you’ve ever felt behind, anxious, or unsure how to get back on track—this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, and it’s not too late. In this honest and encouraging episode, Dr. Beth sits down with Holden, a 22-year-old college student navigating ADHD and the intense transition into college life. From falling five weeks behind in assignments to catching up and regaining confidence, Holden shares what truly helped him shift his mindset, take action, and move forward. Together, they unpack the realities of college adjustment, the hidden challenges of ADHD, and the courage it takes to ask for help. What You’ll Learn: Why college can feel like a “boot camp” of independence—and how to adjust How ADHD impacts motivation, avoidance, and overwhelm The power of speaking up before things spiral further Practical strategies to catch up when you feel far behind Why “done is better than perfect” can change everything How to discover your personal “user’s manual” for success in college If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on where you might need support—and remember, progress matters more than perfection. Share this episode with a student or parent who needs encouragement today, and keep showing up, one step at a time. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About our Guests: Elena is a mother of a young adult son with autism spectrum disorder . She shares their journey of diagnosis, adapting, and advocating with patience and love. Rylee is an 18-year-old who shares her own  experience of being diagnosed with autism, offering insight into the inner world of sensory sensitivity, social challenges, and self-discovery. For many families and individuals, autism can feel confusing, isolating, and overwhelming—but it can also reveal unexpected beauty, strength, and purpose. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with Elena  and Rylee to explore real-life experiences of living with autism spectrum disorder—from both a parent’s and a young adult’s perspective. Together, they unpack the challenges of sensory overwhelm, social struggles, and misdiagnosis, while highlighting the power of acceptance, self-awareness, and faith in navigating a different kind of journey. What You’ll Learn: How autism often shows up in everyday life (beyond stereotypes) The emotional impact of feeling “different” and how to find belonging Practical ways to support sensory overwhelm and emotional regulation The importance of accurate diagnosis vs. self-diagnosis How parents can shift from control to compassion and connection Why embracing neurodiversity can unlock confidence, resilience, and purpose 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Beth Capecchi and the Never Perfect mission: Website: https://www.neverperfect.org If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to support someone you love—this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect with compassion, and share this conversation with someone who needs a reminder: different doesn’t mean broken—it means beautifully human. 💛 What if the behaviors we misunderstand the most are actually invitations to deeper compassion? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very thing you’ve struggled with most could become your greatest strength? What if your obstacles weren’t holding you back—but actually preparing you for your purpose? In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Never Perfect Podcast, Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with keynote speaker and world-class impressionist John Di Domenico. From a childhood marked by economic disadvantage, family conflict, ADHD, and a severe speech impediment, John shares how he transformed adversity into a thriving career on some of the world’s biggest stages. Through resilience, faith in his calling, and a commitment to growth, he reveals how your voice—both literally and metaphorically—can shape your confidence, connection, and influence. What You’ll Learn: How to turn personal struggles into strengths that set you apart Why your voice—not just your words—shapes confidence and credibility The hidden dangers of comparison in today’s social media world Practical ways to move through negative thinking and mental “funk” Why failure is essential for growth—and how to reframe it How small, meaningful human connections can transform your day (and someone else’s) About our Guest: John Di Domenico is a keynote speaker, host, and world-class impressionist who has mastered over 200 voices and performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. After overcoming a childhood speech impediment, he now helps professionals and leaders elevate their communication, confidence, and impact through the power of voice. His keynote, Winning Voice: The Lasting Impression, blends entertainment with actionable strategies for real-world communication. Connect with JohnnyDShow! Website: thejohnnydshow.com Instagram: @thejohnnydshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johndidomenicocomedy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/didonyc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejohnnydshow If you’ve ever felt held back by your past, your struggles, or your perceived limitations—this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect on your own journey, and consider: what if your “imperfections” are actually your greatest gifts? Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the way we grow and choose our food could change not only our physical health—but our mental well-being too? Many of us feel disconnected from where our food comes from, yet the journey from soil to plate has a profound impact on our bodies, our communities, and even our emotional health. In this episode of the Never Perfect Podcast, Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with farmer and entrepreneur Neil Smith to explore the powerful relationship between nutrition, agriculture, and mental wellness. Neil shares his journey from growing up on a farm to launching Grow United, a global platform focused on restoring trust in our food systems and supporting farmers worldwide. Neil used his economic success after selling a business to forge his inspiring life work which is difficult to do justice to. His life mission incorporates an incredible combination of farming, mental health, nutrition, banding together to build community and support networks for farmers, educating laymen about farming and nutrition, etc.  Together, Beth and Neil dive into why modern society has become disconnected from food, how that disconnect affects both consumers and farmers, and what small changes we can make to improve our health and reconnect with nature. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why nutrition plays a critical role in mental health and emotional well-being How being disconnected from our food sources impacts both consumers and farmers The surprising link between farming culture, isolation, and farmer mental health Simple ways to shop smarter and eat more nutritious, whole foods Why local and seasonal food choices can make a meaningful difference How small lifestyle changes can improve health, resilience, and community connection About the Guest Neil Smith is a lifelong farmer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Grow United, a platform designed to reconnect farmers and consumers while creating more resilient and transparent food systems. Through his work, Neil advocates for better nutrition, stronger agricultural communities, and innovative solutions to challenges facing farmers today. Connect with Neil Smith Website: https://growunited.com Podcast: Pasture Prime Time Shop: https://thenourishmart.com/shop/ Instagram: instagram.com/thegrowrenaissance If this conversation inspires you to rethink your relationship with food, take one small step this week—learn where something you eat comes from, try a new whole food, or support a local farmer. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the Never Perfect Podcast with Dr. Beth Capecchi. Together, we can grow healthier lives—one conversation at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when faith is manipulated, truth is twisted, and the people you love most are turned against you? In this powerful episode, author and former sports broadcaster Peter Young shares the deeply personal story of how he unknowingly became entangled in a destructive religious cult—and how faith ultimately helped him find freedom and healing. Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with Peter to explore his remarkable life journey—from college basketball and broadcasting to a devastating spiritual and personal crisis. Peter opens up about how a manipulative “family guru” slowly gained control over his marriage, faith, and family. Through heartbreak, loss, and rock-bottom moments, Peter discovered profound lessons about discernment, humility, and the true nature of faith. His story is both a cautionary tale and a testimony of God’s redemptive power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How spiritual manipulation and cult dynamics can subtly infiltrate everyday life The warning signs and red flags of destructive religious leadership Why vulnerability and isolation make people susceptible to cult influence The difference between authentic Christian faith and manipulative spiritual control How faith, community, and truth can help someone recover after deep betrayal Why sharing our failures and struggles can become powerful testimonies About the Guest Peter Young is an author, storyteller, former sports broadcaster, and real estate broker living near Bozeman, Montana. After a career that included college basketball, coaching, and broadcasting for networks like ESPN, Peter now focuses on writing and sharing stories that explore faith, resilience, and personal transformation. His memoir recounts his experience surviving a destructive cult and rebuilding his life. Connect with Peter Young Website: https://authorpeteryoung.com Memoir: Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger Novels: Blue Team and Wardrobe of the Wolf Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need encouragement or clarity in their faith journey. Remember—you don’t have to be perfect to experience transformation. Sometimes our hardest seasons become the very stories that help others find hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Brad Walsh—best-selling author and host of the top-rated podcast Empowerography—to explore how purpose often unfolds in unexpected ways. Together, they discuss how childhood experiences, life’s challenges, and career detours can merge to reveal a calling later in life. At age 50, Brad Walsh felt like he had won the lottery when the winding roads of his life finally converged at one powerful intersection—his life’s purpose. As a young boy, Brad was deeply inspired by the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the two women who shaped his heart and worldview: his mother and grandmother. Their influence stayed with him throughout his life, even as his career took many unexpected turns. Brad began as a photographer focused on landscapes and architecture, traveling extensively for work before eventually landing in the corporate world. But a seemingly simple assignment—taking professional headshots—changed everything. Through the lens of his camera, Brad began connecting with women one-on-one, hearing their stories and witnessing their vulnerability, courage, and beauty. He often describes this experience as being allowed to “sit in the passenger seat” of their lives. Those conversations sparked something deeper within him: a calling to help women see their strength, worth, and voice. Then the COVID pandemic arrived, bringing the kind of pause many people faced. Brad realized he had two choices: complain and shut down, or use the unexpected gift of time to build something meaningful. He chose the second path. During that time, he launched into podcasting, writing, and speaking—creating platforms that elevate and amplify women’s voices, stories, and gifts. Brad’s story powerfully normalizes something many people feel anxious about: purpose doesn’t always show up early. Sometimes it takes decades of living, learning, and listening before the pieces finally come together. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why finding your purpose later in life can still mean you’re exactly on time How to move through fear, comparison, and perfectionism The importance of being seen—and why women’s voices deserve amplification Why self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for mental well-being How celebrating small wins can create powerful momentum If you’ve been waiting until you feel ready, fearless, or “good enough,” this episode is your reminder: You don’t need perfect conditions to begin. Start small. Start scared. Start messy. Just start. Because what’s meant for you won’t pass you—but you do have to show up for it. Follow Brad Walsh on Instagram: @empowerographypodcast , and learn more at his website. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a world-class macromolecular scientist—who engineered innovations for NASA and the US Army—reaches the breaking point of burnout? You don’t just heal; you decode the biology of joy. In this powerhouse episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Dr. Mamta Bhatt, a scientist and executive consultant for J&J and Nike turned holistic wellness pioneer. After spending 20 years in a monastery, Dr. Bhatt synthesized her rigorous scientific background with ancient wisdom to create a revolutionary healing protocol to get herself well after years of being bedridden. Now she helps clients globally. From reversing 25-year insomnia to resolving chronic metabolic issues in just months, her results speak for themselves. If you have ever felt that your worth is tied to your "doing," or that rest is something you must "earn," this conversation is your biological "permission slip" to stop. Together, we explore: The NASA high achiever Perspective: How high-pressure created from within impacts the nervous system at a macromolecular level. The Science of Frequency: Why the words you speak have a physical, measurable impact on cellular health. The Achievement Trap: Identifying the "self-critique" hidden within the "strong one" archetype. The 3-Month Shift: Real-world case studies of total health transformation through protocol and presence Dr. Mamta Bhatt is a best-selling author, a 10-time featured guest on CBS and NBC, and a keynote speaker at the 2026 World Biohacking Event this November. Read her Books: Journey for Joy Recipes for Joy Work with Dr. Bhatt: Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/thejoyfulscientist?igsh=MXE1d2FsNGk1d3hvYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is “wellness,” really—and how do we know who’s credible in a world full of modalities, certifications, and strong opinions?  In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with Lawrence Ellyard, founder of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and the International Institute for Reiki Training, to explore what complementary care is (and isn’t), why healing doesn’t have to be medicine versus natural therapy, and how ethical standards help protect both practitioners and the people seeking care. Together, they dive into how environment, relationships, habits, mindset, and intention all play a role in healing. Lawrence introduces the ORABED framework, a powerful way to understand the difference between living with ownership, responsibility, and accountability versus falling into blame, excuses, and denial. The conversation weaves practical wisdom with humility, humor, and real-life examples—reminding us that growth isn’t about being perfect, but about showing up with courage and clarity. What You’ll Learn What “complementary” and holistic therapy actually mean—and what they don’t Why wellness works best when medicine and natural therapies work together How accreditation and ethical standards protect both clients and practitioners The ORABED framework and how mindset shapes empowerment or victimhood Why environment, relationships, and daily habits matter as much as treatments How intention, accountability, and community support real behavior change Why growth requires patience, humility, and a beginner’s mind—not perfection How to be intentional about what you consume—physically, mentally, and emotionally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we used money like a mirror in order to discover what your spending, saving, or your avoidance of financial matters reveals? What if the way you handle money isn’t about discipline or intelligence—but about what you learned growing up?  In this episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Doug Lynam, TEDx speaker, author, former Marine, Benedictine monk, and now money manager. He's been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Entrepreneur, and The Street. He's guided clients from Main Street to Hollywood and worked with businesses and faith communities across the county. Doug is the author of two books: From Monk to Money Manager: A Former Monk's Financial Guide To Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy—And Why That's Okay and Taming Your Money Monster: 9 Paths To Money Mastery With The Enneagram. Doug’s unlikely journey took him from Marine → Benedictine monk (for 20 years) → money manager and financial coach. Along the way, Doug discovered that money is rarely just about numbers. It’s about attachment, fear, shame, control, and the stories we carry from childhood. Today, Beth and Doug explore how our early experiences shape an anxious or avoidant relationship with money, why some people obsessively control finances while others avoid looking at them altogether, and what it means to develop a healthy attachment to money instead. Doug shares how he uses the Enneagram and attachment theory to help people identify their “money monsters” and align their financial habits with their deepest values. They also touch on ADHD, people-pleasing, rejection sensitivity, spiritual bypassing, and the way unhealed money trauma gets passed from one generation to the next—unless we choose to face it. This is a conversation about making peace with money, letting go of shame, and learning to use money as a tool for love, service, and freedom—without needing to be perfect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when life tells you there’s no future left to plan for? In this powerful episode of Never Perfect, Dr. Beth sits down with Sean Swarner, a two-time terminal cancer survivor who was once given just days to live—and went on to redefine what’s possible. With one lung, Sean became the first cancer survivor to climb Mt Everest and the only person in history to climb the highest mountain on every continent and ski to both the North and South Poles. There’s a reason Sean was voted one of the 8 most inspiring people of all time; he is a living testament to resilience. Given 14 days to live, he emerged as the first cancer survivor atop Everest, scaling all seven continents' peaks, skiing to both Poles, and completing the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. Beyond milestones, he founded The Cancer Climber Association, wrote "BECOMING UNSTOPABLE: Conquering Your Everest" and is a sought-after speaker. From crawling in a hospital to Everest's summit, Sean's journey inspires globally. Join him in defying odds and sharing his powerful message worldwide. Today Sean shares how shifting his focus from not dying to fully living changed everything. He also explains his distinction between “true summits” and “false summits”. Together, he and Dr. Beth explore resilience, identity, mental health, and the courage it takes to keep choosing life—especially when the odds say you shouldn’t. This episode explores: Turning impossible diagnoses into purpose-driven living Why failure is information, not identity Mental health, fear, and meeting life one minute at a time How redefining “possible” can transform everything 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does college feel so much harder than you expected it to be? This episode is about the struggles associated with adjusting to college, but many of the themes are universal and apply to other life stages and transitions as well.  Some of the biggest challenges in life involve managing expectations and dealing with disappointment. These challenges often come into play when you’re navigating unknowns and big milestones such as going to college, developing new relationships, getting a new job, and more. College can be one of the biggest transitions of your life—new routines, new expectations, new environments, new friendships… and often a lot of grief under the surface. Many college students may be grieving their high school experience, missing old friends and family, and feeling overwhelmed by a new environment. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are very common, especially during the first semester. However, some people do great at first, and difficult emotions may appear later as the novelty wears off and reality sets in. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of one student who almost transferred near the end of her first semester of college. So for those of you struggling in college—or with any phase of life—please remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE ❤️ Tessa is currently a junior in college, but she had a very difficult first semester and was seriously talking about transferring when things started to turn around. She shares how her first semester didn’t match what she expected, how it impacted her confidence, and why she felt like something must be wrong with her when it seemed like everyone else was having more fun. Dr. Beth and Tessa talk about how long it can take to build real friendships, how to handle uncomfortable social situations and loneliness, and why giving yourself time (often a full year) can make a huge difference. As you’ll find out in this episode, struggling doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice—it often means you’re right in the middle of adjusting. This episode is for anyone who feels behind, left out, or overwhelmed by the pressure to “love college immediately.” Never lose faith that things can get better and that you have so much to offer others and the world. Also remember: things are often not the way they appear on social media. Social media is full of false impressions and false advertising, and most people don’t post their lonely or anxious moments on Instagram. Some of the best advice from today’s episode: open up, share your struggles with others, reach out, and invite people to do things. It can change their lives—and it can change yours. When you start sharing, you often find that you’re not alone, and others feel less alone too. Life is very hard and incredibly beautiful at the same time. Share your unique and beautiful self with the world. You will find your people and your place—so never give up. 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Beth dives into a topic that touches every relationship we have—navigating differences, competing needs, and the tension between togetherness and independence. From dating to long-term marriage, friendships to family life, differences are inevitable—but how we think about them can make all the difference. Using real client conversations, personal reflections, and everyday examples, Dr. Beth explores questions we often avoid but desperately need to ask: How much do you expect your partner to fulfill you? How much independence do you need to feel like yourself? What happens when the traits you once loved start to frustrate you? This episode covers: Competing needs and agendas in relationships Togetherness vs. individuality (and why there’s no “right” formula for achieving this) Why expecting one person to meet all your needs can backfire How honeymoon phases shift into real life—and what to do next Practical questions to help couples prepare for inevitable differences This is a realistic, compassionate conversation meant to spark reflection—not perfection. Whether you’re dating, married, or simply trying to understand yourself better in relationships, this episode offers food for thought, cognitive shifts to help with processing and accepting divergent needs and agendas , and tips for communicating about these struggles. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Beth tackles a topic she’s deeply passionate about—but has taken time to approach thoughtfully: conflict avoidance and peacemaking. While peacemakers often value kindness, harmony, and sensitivity, avoiding hard conversations can quietly erode relationships over time. Using real client stories, personal insight, and research from experts like Drs. John and Julie Gottman, Beth explores why holding things in often leads to resentment, emotional shutdown, or explosive anger—and how “being nice” can actually be a disservice to both yourself and the people you love. This episode covers: What it really means to be a peacemaker or conflict avoider How internalizing/“ under-reacting” can lead to  overreacting/exploding  Why honesty is often more loving than keeping the peace How avoiding conflict impacts respect, intimacy, and connection Practical ways to speak up without being aggressive Why clarity, boundaries, and assertiveness strengthen relationships If you tend to put your needs last, fear uncomfortable conversations, or pride yourself on being “easygoing,” this episode is a compassionate but challenging invitation to find your voice, advocate for yourself, and build healthier, more honest relationships. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Beth sits down again with relationship expert Dr. Carol Stoney to explore one of the most common phrases couples use to describe their relationship: “We’re just not compatible.” Instead of couples seeing their differences as signs of failure, they unpack what actually lies beneath that thought—discouragement, unmet connection, and the skills we never learned but desperately need in relationships. Together they dive into: Why compatibility isn’t about agreeing on everything What happens when life stress wears down the “insulation” of congratulation Practical habits that rebuild connection (eye contact, reassurance, warm touch) How to tell disappointment from rejection The real math of healthy relationships (positive interactions vs. negative ones) If you’ve ever wondered whether differences mean you chose the wrong person—or whether love should feel easier—this episode offers a grounded, hopeful reframing and actionable insights for loving through incompatibilities. Listen, reflect, and grow together. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it so hard to start the things we know we need to do? In this quick, solo, and spontaneous episode, Dr. Beth shares practical ADHD-friendly strategies to break through procrastination without shaming yourself or waiting for perfect motivation. Using real-life examples from her own school days and a recent session with a late-twenties client, she talks about why big-picture thinkers with ADHD struggle to break tasks into small steps, how perfectionism fuels putting things off, and why “all-or-nothing” workouts and work plans backfire. You’ll hear simple and helpful strategies such as: Creating fake deadlines and using accountability Setting 10-minute timers to make getting started easier Embracing Brené Brown’s “shitty first draft” instead of expecting the first draft to be nearly perfect Pairing boring tasks with something enjoyable Picking the right setting to get into a productive zone 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with her friends Amanda (a business owner) and Stephanie (a therapist) to tackle a tough, real-world question: How do you talk about a diagnosis with someone who doesn’t want one—especially when daily weed, anger outbursts, or past substance use are in the mix? Through the story of a 30-something creative with possible bipolar disorder, they unpack self-medication (the classic “upper, downer, mood-stabilizer” pattern), why partners and employers draw hard lines (“it’s legal” ≠ “it’s okay at work”), and how shame keeps talented people from becoming their best selves. You’ll hear practical, compassionate ways to: Frame diagnosis as information, not identity Explain the bipolar spectrum (including agitated/hypomanic presentations) Explore roots vs. band-aids: trauma, lifestyle, and biology Talk with spouses about the real costs of daily use and rage cycles Use simple next steps (e.g., the MDQ screen, treatment options, boundaries) Honest, stigma-cutting, and immediately useful—for therapists, leaders managing teams, partners who are worried, and anyone wondering whether a label might actually unlock a path forward. Note: This conversation is educational and not medical advice. If you have concerns about mood or substance use, please consult a licensed professional. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special role-reversal episode, Beth hands the mic to her longtime friend of 40+ years, OB-GYN Dr. Patricia “Tricia” McClelland—a familiar voice on the podcast from past episodes on hormones and menopause. This time, Tricia interviews Beth, asking the questions Beth usually asks everyone else. Together they dive into the values that quietly steer Beth’s life—love, kindness, community, authenticity, using your gifts to help others, and treating everyone with dignity—plus how her Christian faith gives her peace with her own imperfections. Beth opens up about parenting three kids close together, her journey with ADHD, and how chronic people-pleasing and weak boundaries left her exhausted (and what she’s doing differently now). They talk honestly about: Growing through hard seasons like early motherhood How ADHD shows up as procrastination, overwhelm, and “inconsistent attention” Practical tools for focus in a distracted, social-media-driven world Boundaries, FOMO, and the myth that you can keep everyone happy Food, body image, and talking to kids about health without shame Self-care that actually fits real life: yoga, friendship, faith, and small doable practices If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to have it all together while secretly struggling, this conversation will make you feel seen, normal, and a little more hopeful. 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your pain is real—and also not the whole story? In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with two “pain whisperers” who bridge medicine and recovery: Dr. Matt McClanahan, an osteopathic physician (Neuromusculoskeletal & Family Medicine; Center for Insight Medicine), and Joe Timberlake, a 35-year sober addictions specialist and chronic-pain coach. Together, they explore how the brain processes danger—physical and emotional—in the same places, why neuroplasticity can both help and hurt us, and how grief, stress, and identity conflicts can keep alarms blaring long after tissues have healed. You’ll hear why “pain × resistance = suffering,” how fear (not pain) is often the real treatment target, and why changing our relationship to symptoms (curiosity over panic, safety over threat) can downshift nervous-system alarms. Beth shares her own recent back injury amid the loss of her father, and the three unpack how context, attachment, and meaning shape the “pain experience.” We get practical too: reframing, paced return to movement (yes, yoga!), breath-led state shifts, and the difference between coping vs. retraining for neuroplastic pain. If you’ve ever thought, “I just want an answer,” this conversation offers one that’s both compassionate and empowering: your pain is real—and there’s more hope than you’ve been told. Perfect for listeners who… Live with chronic pain, migraines, or panic flares Are navigating grief, stress, or recovery Want brain-based, skills-based ways to feel safer in their body 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast⁠) or email ⁠neverperfecteya@gmail.com⁠ to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting teens isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, honesty, and learning to let go. In this conversation, Beth welcomes Randi Crawford, a straight-talking parenting coach who brings humor, vulnerability, and decades of life experience to the table. From co-founding a women’s health company with her father to becoming an empty-nester, Randi shares her journey of reinvention and what it taught her about resilience, grit, and independence. Together, they dive into: Why letting kids sit in discomfort is a gift (not punishment) How to practice “tough love” without the toughness The importance of listening without trying to fix Modeling imperfection and apologizing as parents Why communication is the #1 tool for building trust with teens This episode is both refreshing and relatable—reminding us that our kids are not an extension of us, but their own people. If you’ve ever wrestled with how much to guide, when to step back, and how to stay connected through it all, this conversation is for you. 👉 To learn more about Randi, go to Randicrawfordcoaching.com 💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast) or email neverperfecteya@gmail.com to find out other ways to donate. 🎧 Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Figs o’Sullivan and his wife Teale are marriage therapists and relationship experts who developed the Empathi method. They are the architects of the Empathi Method and they think of themselves as “wounded healers and fellow strugglers.” Figs takes a casual approach in his work with couples and see himself as “just another wounded person trying to make his own relationships work.” Figs believes that “every person makes sense and every person is worthy of love”, AND if they can get beyond the narrative that one partner is right and one partner is wrong, they can find a neutral place to meet and talk and work through their issues.   He shares a bit about his approach to helping couples, and he believes that “although people are complicated, therapy shouldn't be. “  Figs views himself as a fellow traveler in life and a fellow struggler. He likes to remind couples that many of their conflicts and arguments are just evidence that they care so much about this relationship. O'Sullivan's approach encourages individuals to examine their own emotional responses and vulnerabilities, becoming more self-aware to attract and maintain a healthier relationship dynamic.  He shares the  3 pillars of relationships that he focuses on in couples work:      1    Attachment theory     2    Systems Theory     3    Transformation/Experiences To learn more about Figs and his work, go to empathi.com Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Carol Stoney, Beth’s most frequent (and very likely one of the most popular ) podcast guests returns to the show to talk about marriage. She likes to encourage married couples to ask themselves the question regularly: “ Why did we get  married?” Like when things get hard  or when transitions happen, she urges them to sit down and have a conversation “What’s our purpose?” Sometimes couples have change their mission, she said. Dr. Stoney stated “I don’t care what couples are fighting about, I care what they are fighting FOR“ “What is the mission and the purpose and the reason you are staying together?” In essence, it is important for couples to know and remember what it is they are trying to achieve and what stands in the way (or threatens) what it is that they are trying to recover to achieve that goal they never knew they had. She urges couples to consider, why is this so important to me? What is it that we’re fighting for? To hear more episodes with Dr. Stoney, go to your favorite podcast platform and Google Never Perfect Dr. Stoney To learn more about her, you can go to healingforcouples.com Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the difference between unconditional love and conditional love? Does healthy love have to include approval of all choices? Are we showing love to our children or our loved ones even when we don’t approve of their choices, or when we grieve their choices? Is our love for them more selfish or more selfless? Are we wanting them to make choices that are good for US or for THEM? How do we handle it if they have different priorities or make different choices than we want them to? Are we allowing them to be their healthiest best selves or are we trying to control them?  Do we punish people when they don’t do what we want? How can you provide guidance and rules without interfering with healthy development and choices? Today Dr. Beth records a conversation about these topics with a client, honing in on topics related to healthy parenting and unconditional love. This conversation was recorded spontaneously immediately following their therapy session. This client, who has several adolescent and young adult children, shared some great insights and questions, along with examples from her own childhood. Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do we need to know about midlife and how to navigate it? How does wellness intersect with women’s experiences of midlife? Today Beth discusses these topics with counselor Elizabeth O’Brien, the author of “The Power in the Middle”. Check out links to her book at sign up for her monthly  newsletter at her website HERE Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Wang, a leadership coach, corporate speaker, Podcast host and book author, is on a mission to empower Asian Americans to break through external and internal limitations in order to reach their full potential professionally and personally. Many of them get overlooked for leadership positions in spite of their brilliance and conscientiousness. John’s book, “Big Asian Energy: An Unapologetic Guide for Breaking Barriers to Leadership and Success” was published this month (May 2025) and can be found, along with information about his coaching and his podcast HERE Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before becoming a high performance relationship coach and gender dynamics social scientist Katarina Polonska struggled in her own relationship journey, calling off her first engagement. And today, this Oxford, trained therapist and relationship coach specializes in helping people figure out when to stay or when to go. She helps individuals as well as couples identify blind spots in their relationships and in their careers. Katarina has a podcast called Successfully in Love and a free 20 minute Masterclass outlining her  “Successfully in Love method”. For more information, check out  her website HERE Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Baumgardner has spent 35 years helping guide people to create healthy vibrant marriage relationships. Almost 28 years ago, she helped launch First Things First, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to helping people have healthy relationships. In this episode,  she addresses some common myths about marriage and shares some of her favorite research and advice, for walking through hard seasons of marriage and why building a culture of appreciation in marriage can make all the difference. She emphasizes the importance of individuals building their own happiness as a way to put less pressure on  their spouse to meet all their needs. Also be on the lookout for Julie‘s new project called “Marriage on the Daily” which should be coming in the Fall of 2025. Recommended Resources: - The Mindful marriage (Ron and Nan Deal) - Hold Me Tight and Created for Connection (Sue Johnson) - God, Sex and Your Marriage (Juli Slattery) - Hot Monogamy (Pat Love) - The Heart of Commitment (Scott Stanley) Listen to this episode and more: ⁠neverperfect.org⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Beth and her husband Remo experience the benefits of Enneagram coaching with Kat Smith, certified Enneagram teacher and co-host of the Enneagram + Yoga podcast.  Kat gives an overview of the Enneagram test and how it helps us in our journey of self discovery and understanding our loved ones better, and how it can help us reframe narratives. She then shares an overview of Beth’s type, which is 7, “The Enthusiast” and Remo’s type, 8, “The Challenger.” if you want to get a feel for what Enneagram coaching could do to strengthen your connection with your partner or loved ones, check this episode out. It’s full of information, insight, and laughter. Kat recommends reading “The Wisdom of the Enneagram “  or “The Road Back to You” if you’re interested in learning more. To book a coaching session with Kat, go to HERE Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Beth and one of her clients (a man in his 70’s) spontaneously record their conversation about nonverbal communication and its impact on relationships. Researchers suggest that nonverbal communication is more important than verbal communication, and comprises 70 to 93% of communication. Today’s conversation stemmed from a comment he made about two tour guides on a trip who didn’t seem to include him. Beth decided to get brave and tell Kim that she had misperceived his nonverbal communication on several occasions, thinking he was angry when he wasn’t… This sparked some soul-searching for Kim and he reflected on his resting facial expression and learned about RBF! Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is what happens when 3 therapists get together for coffee, and spontaneously invite Beth’s dietician friend Ellie Paulauskaite to join them. Today’s episode is a recording of this fun and informative discussion about body image, fat shaming, and nutrition. Things include societal perceptions around nutrition and body image, emphasizing that being thin does not equate to being healthy. It highlights the necessity for a balanced approach to nutrition, acknowledging the impact of modern conveniences on physical activity and the tendency for people to seek quick fixes for emotional and behavioral issues through medication . The importance of motivation to change eating habits is stressed alongside the need for safe spaces to discuss help without shame. Healthy lifestyle, self love and body positivity are highly encouraged by this group as a whole. With Brittanee Estes, MFT, Sharon Ratchford, LCSW and Ellie Paulauskaite, RDN. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Beth interviews Jordanne Sculler, a therapist who specializes in relationships, approaching her clients with a “ tough yet compassionate style”.  She challenges her clients to look in the mirror at themselves rather than pointing their finger at others in an effort to “bring the work back to them.” She also challenges the delusion that relationships can be perfect. For her, the heart of effective therapy requires two components: building  a strong bond and challenging clients with pushback. Jordanne says that her hope/goal for her clients (and all people) is 1) to be completely ourselves, 2) to be loved for exactly who we are, and 3) to be healed through this process. Enjoy this conversation with Jordanne and Dr. Beth regarding relationships. Learn more about Jordanne HERE and follow her on Instagram HERE. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In relationships, conflict is universal and unavoidable because we all have different viewpoints, opinions, needs and irritable moods and poor affect regulation often exacerbate these issues. Conflict itself is not the problem, but how we manage it can cause the problems. Today Dr. Beth shares several examples of common everyday conflicts and issues. She also includes several examples, including one with her 15 year old daughter and a client sharing her recent argument with her partner, both illustrating some classic communication issues. Dr. Beth suggests reviewing a previous episode called Straight Talk. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judith Belmont, best selling author of the TIPS series, has been practicing as a psychotherapist for more than 40 years, has recently published her favorite book with 110 cognitive behavioral therapy tips. It’s called 110 CBT Tips and Tools. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an empirically validated treatment for common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Today Beth and Judith share some clinical examples and stories. Beth also shares one of her favorite metaphors for self-esteem related to varieties of flowers and how they all have their unique traits and beauty. Judy Belmont wellness Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alicia Jones, who developed the program Over Fifty Fit & Fabulous, went through some pivotal experiences with her own mental health and the physical health of her loved ones, which lead her to a life, dedicated to healthy living at any age. In her early adulthood, Alicia was motivated to lose weight because she thought it would make her more beautiful or worthy, but eventually she realized that the main purpose of healthy eating and exercise is mental and physical health.  Alicia is a highly recognized health and fitness expert. Since 2006 she has transformed the health and lives of women over 50 through fitness and weight loss strategies. Her 12 week signature program Over Fifty Fit & Fabulous has helped countless women achieve a wide range of goals, from becoming beautiful and confident mother of the brides (and grooms) to fun grandmas who have the energy and strength to play with their grandkids endlessly. Find the link to her website and her free master class below:  Free Master Class Alicia Jones Healthy Living Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Stephen shares his story of living with cerebral palsy, explaining what it is, and what he wishes “normies” understood about it, such as how much mental energy it takes to simply live with pain or maintain physical balance, in the sense of walking without falling. At a young age, his mother instilled in him the importance of working as hard as possible to stay strong, and he describes how that has benefited him throughout his life. Stephen describes the growing acceptance and peace surrounding his disability, and reduction in worrying about what others think. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After serving as a judge in Los Angeles for 26 years, Anthony pursued his passion for writing and decided to write a book about growing up in a blended family in the 50’s and 60’s, going back-and-forth between his father‘s house and his mother‘s house. He describes “ living in the shadow of two larger than life men”, both of whom mentored and influenced him in distinctive ways. His father was a Hollywood actor, and his stepfather was a successful entrepreneur. Anthony’s book is called “Every Other Weekend: Coming of Age with Two Different Dads.” To learn more about him and his story, go VISIT HERE. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Dr. Beth has a fun discussion with her daughter, Cullie, and Cullie‘s boyfriend Bennett, who were both diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder about a year ago. After sharing some of the strengths and weaknesses of individuals with ADD, Beth asks them to share some a little bit about their experience with getting diagnosed, learning struggles, and reflecting on which traits they can and can’t relate to. They talk a little bit about everything, including the two dogs they gave away to a neighbor, etc. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today relationship expert Dr. Carol Stoney returns to Never Perfect to deliver more phenomenal nuggets on how to improve relationships and communication. She focuses on the importance of developing agreements on the front end rather than expecting your loved ones to read your mind or do guess work (Dr. Stan Tatkins developed this concept of agreements). Carol brings up a powerful exercise from Dr. John Gottman called “dreams within conflict” in which couples discuss core issues and longings that underlie conflicts. She also distinguishes between “actual crimes” a relationship from less serious issues (using the work of Dr. Brent Atkinson.) These crimes include lying/deception, sexual unfaithfulness, breaking clear agreements, bad, mouthing your partner, violating privacy/personal space, making big decisions without consulting your partner, etc.) To register for Dr. Stoney‘s webinars visit HERE. To hear previous episodes with Dr. Carol Stoney, look for the repairing relationships episode from November 2021, Our Body’s Response to Relationships in September 2022, and How to Manage Unsolvable Relationship issues from October 2023. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are your life and work aligned with your purpose? Are your efforts making a positive difference? These are questions posed by Annette Gulick in her latest book. She states “In a world overflowing with options—from which product to buy, to which job to take, and for how long—it can be overwhelming to figure out what truly matters. And even harder to know if our choices will foster our well-being.” Annette and her husband Tim have devoted more than a decade to training youth leaders and organizations all over the world, specifically those who are investing in the development of young people. After many years of doing this work and writing several books, Annette decided to write “Aligned: Flourishing in a World of Choice”, summarizing the principles that she and her husband Tim had been teaching for so many years. This work helps readers answer the question, "What can I do to fulfill my purpose and become the fullness of what I am designed to be?". The book includes activities to help readers discover what it means to live a more fruitful life.  To learn more about Annette’s book, go to annettegulick.com Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Vanderbilt trained physician Patricia McLelland addresses 10 common questions about menopause and hormones. Topics include how to know when you need hormones, how to decide which hormones to take, the benefits of hormones, the safest way to take them, etc. Patricia approaches medicine from an integrative standpoint, recommending holistic and botanical tools whenever possible. She focuses on nutrition, exercise, stress management, good quality, sleep, botanicals, and medications as the ways to stay as healthy as possible during menopause. She highly recommends Dr. Aviva Romm’s podcast and articles on the topic as well. Link to Dr. Romm’s podcast is HERE Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After raising two daughters with allergies and working in the health and beauty industry for over 20 years, Kim Grustas founded  Good For You Girls, the first clean skincare company for girls in the United States. Kim has spent many years studying puberty and views it as a miraculous phase to be celebrated. Today she shares her views on puberty and how she talks about it with young girls and parents, emphasizing the fact that it is not happening TO you as much as it is happening FOR you.  To learn more about Kim’s mission with clean and healthy living for adolescents and girls, VISIT HERE For a 20% discount, enter code neverperfect20 Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: neverperfectbeth@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices