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Artwork for The Problem With Perfect

The Problem With Perfect

Robin May and Denise Bickel
Mental Health
Gratitude
Social Media
Parenting
Pornography
Yoga
Christianity
Perfectionism
Anxiety
Personal Growth
Self-Care
Relationships
Faith
Thanksgiving
Family Dynamics
Depression
Body Image
Menopause
Expressive Writing
PMDD

If perfection is an illusion, why are so many of us chasing it? We live in a world that is constantly telling us we need to be it all and have it all to be worthy. It leads us to hide our imperfections and overcompensate our strengths - and leaves us exhausted. Join hosts Robin May and Denise Bickel for meaningful, cross-generational conversations that will leave you uplifted and encouraged about ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes353Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessChristianityMental HealthReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for The Problem With Perfect

Latest Episodes

Over the past 10 months, we’ve explored each of the Yamas and Niyamas: the ten ethical practices that form the foundation of yoga philosophy. In doing so, we discovered that these ancient teachings have as much to say about modern life as they did th... more

Parenting doesn’t end when your kids become adults. It just changes.

In this episode, Robin is joined by Kelly and Kenny Cook for an honest conversation about parenting adult children, family relationships, boundaries, and letting go with grace.

To... more

What actually makes a friendship last for decades?

In this deeply personal episode, Robin sits down with her lifelong best friend, Lori, Hutsell, to celebrate 40 years of friendship. From small-town beginnings and shared church pews to completely di... more

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck trying to control everything, this episode invites you into a different way of living: one rooted in surrender, self-awareness, and faith.

After a year of exploring the Yamas and Niyamas, we’ve arrived at ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Kenny Cook
Husband, wife team member; entrepreneur and author of viral parenting post
Self-Brand/Online Marketing Business
Episode: When They Grow Up: Navigating the Joy and Grief of Adult Children
Kelly Cook
Former news anchor; co-author; co-host
Self-Brand/Online Marketing Business
Episode: When They Grow Up: Navigating the Joy and Grief of Adult Children
Lori Hutsell
Robin May's longtime friend since middle school
Friend of the host
Episode: How to Build Friendships That Last With Lori Hutsell
Bridget Lolli
Public health professional, certified health education specialist and school wellness coordinator for the Columbia Public School District
Columbia Public School District
Episode: The Lies Women Believe About Strength and Size with Bridget Lolli
Ashley Gross Minor
Former Kanakuk camper, staff, Klife director, and Kanakuk affiliate
Kanakuk/Klife
Episode: When Silence No Longer Feels Faithful With Ashely Gross Minor
Kathy Hahn
A dear friend of Robin May, exploring her faith journey from Evangelical to LDS.
Episode: When Faith Shifts: A Journey from Evangelical Church to the LDS Church With Kathy Hahn
June Berlinger
Survivor, mother, nurse, writer, and public speaker.
Florida's Governors Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force, Former Director of Women's Center at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Episode: When Love Hurts: The Psychology of Abuse and Recovery With June Berlinger
Dr. Julie Prutsman
Owner and founder of Sound Relief Hearing Center, dedicated to treating tinnitus and related hearing health issues.
Sound Relief Hearing Center
Episode: Listen Up: What You Need to Know About Hearing, Aging, and Brain Health
Erica Thomas
Licensed marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, and creator of an online course about self-compassion
Eating with Self Love
Episode: From Diet Culture to Self-Compassion: A Kinder Way Forward

Hosts

Robin May
Host and journalist; co-host emphasizes storytelling and faith-informed perspectives.
Denise Bickel
Co-host and clinical therapist; brings clinical insight and compassionate guidance.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 91 ratings
  • 2025 Lessons

    I thoroughly enjoyed the recap of 2025. Your questions were thoughtful and gave me the courage to meditate on my year. I learn so much by listening and I’m grateful for both of you and for the work you put in to each episode. Best wishes Denise! I’m so glad we will still benefit from your wisdom. 😊 Thank you for the meditation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    #GiveMeSomeChocolate
    United States6 months ago
  • The Problem with Perfect

    Just listened to the review of 2025. I appreciate the questions and your honest answers. This will always be my favorite podcast. Thanks to the both of you for your authenticity. Wishing you both the very best in 2026 and thank you for making me smile.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Runningbuddies
    United States6 months ago
  • Profoundly Touching

    Every time I tune into Robin and Denise, I hear something that touches my heart in a meaningful way. Anyone looking for substance and significance will benefit from listening and becoming a follower.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    julesbk57
    United Statesa year ago
  • Encouraging and real

    I love The Problem with Perfect because it’s honest and relatable. The conversations help me focus on what really matters. Each episode offers encouragement for real life. A great way to start your week!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Small-town Listener
    United Statesa year ago
  • The Problem with Perfect

    Another great podcast! Thanks for the nod to renew our personal self in the spring. I finally started a gratitude journal. As always, it’s good to hear these podcasts. You are the best!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Runningbuddies
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Content is seen as practical, uplifting, and faith-centered
Guests are described as insightful and well-chosen
Production quality and conversational flow are frequently highlighted
Listeners consistently praise the hosts' vulnerability and authenticity

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Lies Women Believe About Strength and Size with Bridget Lolli
Q: How do you personally define health beyond weight or BMI?
Health is defined by what your body allows you to do and how well it supports your life, including movement without pain, energy, sleep quality, and a positive relationship with food.
When Silence No Longer Feels Faithful With Ashely Gross Minor
Q: What does accountability look like in this context, and who should lead the change?
Ashley argues for leadership overhaul, public apologies, and structural changes, including stepping down by key leaders, transparency about past actions, and reforms to ensure protections for children and accountability for institutions.
When Silence No Longer Feels Faithful With Ashely Gross Minor
Q: What prompted the shift from defense to acknowledgment of the Kanakuk abuses?
Ashley details how exposure to new information, the insistence on black-and-white facts, and concrete evidence presented by Elizabeth Carlock Phillips compelled her to reassess and ultimately choose to stand with survivors and advocate for change.
When Faith Shifts: A Journey from Evangelical Church to the LDS Church With Kathy Hahn
Q: What advice or insights would you give to listeners who find themselves exploring or questioning their faith?
Kathy emphasized the importance of having an open mind and heart, encouraging listeners to talk to missionaries and learn about different perspectives rather than making assumptions.
When Faith Shifts: A Journey from Evangelical Church to the LDS Church With Kathy Hahn
Q: What were some of the key factors or experiences that led you to explore this church and then eventually embrace it?
Kathy shared that she was intrigued by the kindness of the church members, particularly the missionaries, who showed her unconditional love and support, leading her to engage more deeply with their teachings.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Problem With Perfect

What is The Problem With Perfect about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, faith-informed conversation about perfectionism and how it shapes everyday life. Across episodes, hosts Robin May and Denise Bickel explore mental health, spirituality, and practical strategies to live with intention, gratitude, and healthier self-expectations. The show blends personal stories, therapeutic insights, and cross-generational perspectives to offer actionable tips—from mindfulness and journaling to boundary-setting and contentment—while weaving in Christian faith as a core lens. A standout aspect is the seamless pairing of spiritual reflection with concrete, coachable steps for reducing pressure to be perfect, making it helpful for listeners seeking balance without sacrificing meaning or values.

Noteworthy strengt... more

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How many episodes of The Problem With Perfect are there?

The Problem With Perfect launched 7 years ago and published 353 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Problem With Perfect?

Recent guests on The Problem With Perfect include:

1. Kenny Cook
2. Kelly Cook
3. Lori Hutsell
4. Bridget Lolli
5. Ashley Gross Minor
6. Kathy Hahn
7. June Berlinger
8. Dr. Julie Prutsman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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