Well, Not Perfect
Our biggest lessons in life come from imperfect moments. That is why “well, not perfect” is an honest yet encouraging phrase often heard inside Audrey Grunst's therapy practice, Simply Bee. Everyday we face messy, difficult and real life problems and striving for growth rather than perfection is the healthiest mindset to have. On this podcast, you will hear experts share their personal and professional experiences that aim to inspire and humble listeners to examine their own mindset through a therapeutic lens that only a mental health expert can offer. Join us and learn how our guests are breaking stigmas, raising awareness, providing support—and overall taking action to make this world a more mental health inclusive place, despite the process being…well, not perfect.
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The Inspiring Story of March Fourth and The Woman Behind It: Meet Kitty Brandtner
08/24/2022
The Inspiring Story of March Fourth and The Woman Behind It: Meet Kitty Brandtner
Today for our last episode of this season on Well, Not Perfect, I have a timely and important episode for you. In response to many recent events involving gun violence, today’s guest Kitty Brandtner went to social media with one thing to say: “You messed with the wrong mom.” The events following are nothing but heroic and nearly impossible. Kitty, who is a working mom of three kids under 5, became the lead activist for March Fourth in the span of just a few days. She and an amazing group of volunteers started March Fourth two days after the tragic Highland Park shooting on the Fourth of July. The mission behind this organization is simple: to federally ban assault weapons and to do it right now. In today’s episode you will learn: Who the woman is behind March Fourth How you too can have the tenacity to do the seemingly impossible What to do, if or when, you get called to join a social movement that lives close to your heart. And before we get into the episode, I just want to remind everyone that these conversations can be uncomfortable and triggering. I recommend you take your time to listen and understand your reaction to this conversation and seek out local resources if you want to get involved. Also, if you feel overwhelmed after listening to this episode, take a break, do some self-care and be gentle on yourself. With that being said, welcome to the final episode of Season 3 of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Kitty and March Fourth, and other resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them at: Website: www.wemarchfourth.org/ Instagram: @march_fourth_ Ways to act now: www.wemarchfourth.org/actnow
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Burn Out Prevention For Young Athletes With Kelly Oberle
08/17/2022
Burn Out Prevention For Young Athletes With Kelly Oberle
Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today I got to sit down with Kelly Oberle, and I was immediately struck by all the things we have in common. Kelly is a leadership development coach and founder of Access Human Potential, an emotional intelligence and performance enhancement organization working with corporations, schools, and athletic teams. Kelly and I both come from a background playing a collegiate sport that inspired us to help athletes with the mental side of their game. The work she is doing to develop the whole athlete and make system-level changes is so valuable for coaches, parents and players alike. Listen in to hear about all the ways she is helping people build upon their strengths and stay connected to joy. In this episode, you will learn: How positive psychology can benefit athletes, coaches, and parents; The importance of knowing your “why’; and How to prevent burnout and breed confidence in athletes Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Kelly & Access Human Potential, you can find her at: Website: Instagram: @access_human_potential Facebook/Twitter: @ahpnow LinkedIn: Access Human Potential
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Letting Go Of Fear, Avoidance & What If’s with OCD Expert Dr. Patrick McGrath
08/10/2022
Letting Go Of Fear, Avoidance & What If’s with OCD Expert Dr. Patrick McGrath
Hello again and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. I had an absolute blast putting on my clinical hat with our guest today. Dr. McGrath currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for NOCD, an app-based platform for the treatment of OCD. He leads their teletherapy services across the world. He is also a Lead Psychologist at Ascension Illinois Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where he opened Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospital, and Residential Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders, School Refusal, and OCD. I’ve known Dr. McGrath for years and it was a privilege to get to pick his brain on this episode. He shares with us some of the exciting developments in the treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders as well as some of the most interesting cases he’s dealt with in his career. There was an empowering golden thread throughout our conversation that I think is important for every listener to hear: that we as humans really are more capable of overcoming our fears than we may think. In today’s episode you will learn: The evolution of therapeutic treatments, including Exposure Response Prevention; Strategies for supporting a loved one who struggles with an anxiety disorder; and Why it's crucial for us to be okay with short term emotional discomfort in order to benefit in the long term Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Dr. McGrath & NOCD, you can find him at: Website: Books: “Don’t Try Harder, Try Different” & “The OCD Answer Book” LinkedIn: Study on the Effectiveness of Virtual ERP:
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The Truth About Influence, Asking For Help & Saying No With Professor Vanessa Bohns
08/03/2022
The Truth About Influence, Asking For Help & Saying No With Professor Vanessa Bohns
Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today I have Vanessa Bohns on the show and let me tell you, this was one of the most thought provoking conversations I’ve had on this podcast to date. Vanessa is a social psychologist and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University and an AB from Brown University. Professor Bohns is an expert on social influence, compliance, and consent; and investigates why it’s so hard to say no. Her research has been published in top academic journals in psychology, management, and law. And her first book You Have More Influence Than You Think was published in September. I found my conversation with Professor Bohns to be absolutely fascinating on both a personal and professional level. Her insights helped me understand a lot about myself and the people around me. In this episode you will learn: Why so many of us struggle to say no; Biases that influence the way we see the world and how the world sees us; and Why we tend to be harder on ourselves than others are on us. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Professor Bohns, you can find her at: Twitter & Instagram: @profbohns Website: Her book ‘You Have More Influence Than You Think’:
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Operationalizing Your Growth & Success With Green Beret Nick Lavery
07/20/2022
Operationalizing Your Growth & Success With Green Beret Nick Lavery
Hello & welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today’s guest is someone who knows first hand what it’s like to overcome a seemingly impossible challenge. Nick Lavery is an active-duty member of The United States Army Special Forces. In 2013, on Nick's second combat rotation to Afghanistan, he and his Detachment fell victim to an insider attack ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Following a year of surgeries and recovery, he returned to his Detachment and was deployed once again. Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee and I was honored to hear his story. This episode gives listeners an in depth look into the mindset Nick relies on to continuously achieve his goals. His story and outlook on life are testament to the power of committing to your purpose and developing a strong sense of self. Nick’s perseverance, humility, and intelligence were evident to me throughout our conversation. I know that you will walk away feeling inspired by his attitude and motivated to prioritize your own growth, too. In this episode, you will learn: How to compare yourself to others with gratitude instead of self-pity; How to become more systematic about achieving your goals; and How to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters most to you. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Nick, you can find him at: Website: Youtube: Instagram: @nick.machine.lavery Book:
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Raising Awareness on Men's Mental Health with Eric Stevenson
07/13/2022
Raising Awareness on Men's Mental Health with Eric Stevenson
Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. This week I got to sit down with fellow Simply Bee clinician Eric Stevenson. Eric is a licensed professional counselor and certified mental performance coach. He specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and athletes, helping them with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perfectionism and life transitions. I wanted to have Eric on the show today to talk specifically about the issue of men’s mental health. This is an issue that deserves a lot of attentionbecause suicide rates among men are on the rise and there is still a strong stigma around seeking treatment. Since joining my practice 2 years ago, Eric has seen a lot of our male clients and has great insight on common trends that we’re seeing today. Listen in to hear what he has to say about these issues and what parents and clinicians can do to provide support. Common issues that we see amongst male clients in our office How parents can help their kids make effective behavioral changes; and Coping strategies to help teens combat negative thoughts and emotions. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect! To learn more about Eric, you can find his bio on our website:
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Chicago Female Sports Reporter Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder (Re-Release)
06/29/2022
Chicago Female Sports Reporter Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder (Re-Release)
TW: Eating Disorders Hi everyone and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. This week we’re doing something a little different. I want to share with you again one of my favorite episodes from last season. Dionne Miller was my first guest on Season 2 and someone who I feel really embodies what this show is all about. So whether you’ve listened to this episode before or not, I encourage you to tune in and get inspired by Dionne’s resilience, bravery and honesty. _______ Today on Well, Not Perfect, I am so proud to have Dionne Miller. She is an incredibly talented female Sports Anchor and Reporter at ABC7 Chicago. Prepare to get a glimpse inside of her incredibly resilient mind and see the personal side of her life that often doesn’t get seen on TV. As I was talking with Dionne, I couldn’t get over the fact that her story is just like so many other people I talk to who struggle with body image, perfectionism, and their relationship with food. What most may not know is that she has climbed the ranks in the broadcasting world all while battling an eating disorder and still fights for her recovery to this day. Dionne’s inspiring story shows us how faith, family, and perseverance work together to create joy. She is proof that success co-exists with mental and physical challenges to make up a beautiful life full of ups and downs. In today’s episode you will learn about: How to fight the inner critic that lives in our minds Ways to keep a balanced mindset Why you can find hope and purpose too Dionne is a full-time, working mom of two and a hustler in an extremely cut-throat industry. She has a true passion for Chicago sports and Chicago sports fans and is the first full-time female in the ABC 7 Sports department. You can find her here: Facebook: DionneMiller Instagram: @DmillerABC7 Twitter: @dmillerABC7
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Life Lessons Learned On The Mountain w/ Dr. Jon Kedrowski
06/22/2022
Life Lessons Learned On The Mountain w/ Dr. Jon Kedrowski
We’re back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect. This week’s guest is someone who is literally overcoming mountains every day. Dr. Jon Kedrowski earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geography, Weather, and Climate and he is also the owner and founder of Dr. Jon’s Adventures, which leads expeditions to all corners of the globe. He has climbed 6 of the 7 continental summits, including 5 expeditions to Mount Everest. His most recent summit of Everest came while guiding and coaching singer/songwriter Mike Posner in June of 2021. Throughout our conversation I was struck by his laid back attitude and humility. These qualities have undoubtedly played a huge role in his ability to lead himself and others through great and often dangerous adventures. This episode is full of intriguing insights from someone who frequently encounters unpredictability and setbacks. Listen for an inside look into the mindset that allows Jon to per-sa-vere and push others to do the same. In this episode, you will learn: The attitude and mindset required to overcome adversity and uncertainty; Why athletes need focus on fun as the center to their spor; and The importance of spending your time looking forward instead of living in the past. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Dr. Jon Kedrowski, you can find him at: Instagram: Website: Books:
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An Intimate Look Into The Mindset Of Music Producer Michael Gazzo
06/15/2022
An Intimate Look Into The Mindset Of Music Producer Michael Gazzo
Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today I sit down with Michael Gazzo, a music producer with an absolutely fascinating story. Michael has been in the music industry for 10 years as an artist, songwriter, producer and artist developer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry from Jordin Sparks to the Backstreet Boys to Snoop Dogg. Through my conversation with Michael it was clear to me that his perspective is unique. He showed me the power of infusing spirituality into his personal and professional work and boy does he get some amazing results in the studio. In an industry that is known for its high stakes and intense pressure, Michael’s perspective and energy is benefitting the mental health of those he works closest with. In this episode, you will learn: About the intersection between music and mental health; The importance of infusing healing practices into your everyday routines; and How to let go of outcomes and focus on presence. Be sure to check out this gratitude meditation that Michael recorded for us: And to connect with Michael, you can find him on instagram !
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Normalizing the Conversation on Gun Safety With Be Smart
06/08/2022
Normalizing the Conversation on Gun Safety With Be Smart
Today on Well, Not Perfect, I have a timely and important episode for you. In response to many recent events involving gun violence, we at Simply Bee stepped back and asked ourselves, “How can we help?” To answer this question, I turned to our community and sought out a person who is initiating positive and powerful discussion. Today I interviewed April Oboikowitch. She is an attorney working as a clerk for an Illinois Appellate Court judge. She also volunteers for Be SMART, a program designed to prevent minors’ access to guns, promote secure gun storage and reduce the risk of suicide. She lives with her husband and three daughters in the north suburbs of Chicago and is a friend and neighbor of mine who I genuinely trust and respect immensely. In today’s episode you will learn about Be SMART, a non profit social movement aimed to change the narrative surrounding safe gun storage—because if we are open and talk about safe storage practices with our friends and family, the stigma will fade and our children and communities will be safer. In today’s episode you will learn: How to avoid politics and stay focused on goal to reduce incidences of gun violence Why it's important to ask friends and family how their guns are stored; and Why gun violence and suicide might be more common than you think And before we get into the episode, I just want to remind everyone that these conversations can be uncomfortable and triggering. I recommend you take your time to listen and understand your reaction to this conversation and seek out Be SMART if you want to get involved. Also, if you feel overwhelmed after listening to this episode, take a break, do some self-care and be gentle on yourself. With that being said, welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with April, Be SMART, and other resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them at: Be Smart Website: April’s Instagram: @aoboikowitch Text-For-Help:
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Mental Health, Nutrition & Infertility with Brooke Boskovich, RD
06/01/2022
Mental Health, Nutrition & Infertility with Brooke Boskovich, RD
Hi everyone, we’re back with another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today’s guest is someone who is passionate about helping women live their most healthful and happy lives. Brooke Boskovich, MS, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a functional & integrative practitioner. She focuses on nutrition and lifestyle to help women with issues from infertility to irregular cycles. It was fascinating to hear about all the ways that nutrition interacts with mental, physical and reproductive health and how seemingly small adjustments can make a huge impact on someone’s life. Brooke’s work is so essential in helping women broaden their awareness and more deeply care for their bodies. I walked away from this conversation feeling inspired to further educate myself and my daughter on all the things I learned from today’s episode. In today’s episode you will learn: Strategies for working with your body instead of against it; Tips on nutrients improve your mental and physical health; and The importance of educating yourself and having open conversations with your daughters. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Here’s where you can connect with Brooke: The Fertility Dietitian: Instagram: @the.fertility.dietician Facebook: @BrookeTheFertilityDietitian
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The Essential Elements of a Successful Partnership with Elizabeth Earnshaw
05/25/2022
The Essential Elements of a Successful Partnership with Elizabeth Earnshaw
Hello and welcome back! I had so much fun with my guest this week. She’s down to earth, funny and so relatable and I know what she shares with us today will be impactful for every listener. Elizabeth Earnshaw is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author and has one of my favorite Instagram accounts in the game. Make sure you follow her on @lizlistens. She is one of the founders of Ours, where she works to make couple's counseling mainstream and accessible. She also owns A Better Life Therapy in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, supporting clinicians who are helping couples every day. Released November 30, 2021, Elizabeth's debut book, I WANT THIS TO WORK, is a trustworthy, inclusive guide to navigating the most challenging relationship issues we face. In this episode, I got to pick her brain about all things relationships, from how to find balance in the roles and responsibilities to how to better communicate your needs. I walked away from our conversation with so many tangible takeaways that I’ve applied in my roles as a wife and mom. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to hear some insightful advice on creating a successful and fulfilling partnership. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to collaboratively manage the mental load of parenting 4 things to avoid when communicating with your partner; and How to set healthy boundaries to ensure a positive and productive relationship Ways you can connect with Liz: Instagram: @lizlistens Book: Website: A Better Life Therapy: Ours Wellness:
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Crowdsourcing Hope with Ariana Gibson from The Stigma App
05/18/2022
Crowdsourcing Hope with Ariana Gibson from The Stigma App
Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today’s guest is someone who uses her expertise to change the lives of people around the world. I’m thrilled to introduce you all to Ariana Gibson, a documentary filmmaker, mental health activist, and the founder and CEO of STIGMA. Stigma is a new mental health app that uses storytelling to fight loneliness and improve mental health. In addition to the app she has an amazing TicTok account that I can’t get enough of. Through her work, Ariana has given people a safe space to publicly share their stories, ask for help and see that they are not alone. As a mental health professional, I know firsthand how essential it is for people to have access to spaces like this. I’m so grateful to Ariana for the hope she is instilling in communities far and wide and can’t wait for you to get an inside look into her work. Listen now to hear the powerful ways that the STIGMA App is crowdsourcing hope. In today’s episode you will learn: The power of storytelling and its effect on breaking the mental health stigma; The role of social media can have in helping people feel connected; and How The STIGMA app helps people find purpose and can have a place to heal and find hope. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Ariana and The Stigma App, you can find it at: Website: Instagram: @thestigma.app Tik Tok: @thestigma.app LinkedIn: @ariana-gibson
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Raising an Inclusive Generation with Dr. Donna Baptiste
05/11/2022
Raising an Inclusive Generation with Dr. Donna Baptiste
We’re back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect. I’ve been looking forward to sharing this one with you all! I had the honor to sit down with Dr. Donna Baptiste, I had the opportunity to get to know Dr Baptiste in 2020 during Simply Bee’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel Discussion. Dr. Baptiste is the Department Chair of the Master of Arts Degree in Counseling at the Family Institute at Northwestern University as well as a licensed psychologist. She is an incredible human with a passion for mentoring other professional clinicians, treating families and promoting equity. In this episode you will hear me discuss both my personal and professional takeaways that have since then changed the way I parent and lead. Like me, I am confident you will walk away feeling inspired! Listen in as we dive deep into the hot topic of diversity and inclusion and the importance of raising informed children who appreciate diversity and value inclusion. We talk about tangible ways that parents can raise a generation who embody these values in their everyday actions. Donna’s insights provide us all with a powerful reminder that one of the most essential roles in a parent’s life is to bring up children who will create a world more equitable than the one we have now. In today’s episode you will learn: How to raise children to be inclusive members of society; The relationship between race, identity, and mental health; and finally Strategies and advice for how to have uncomfortable conversations with your loved ones. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Donna, you can find her at: The Family Institute at Northwestern: https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/staff/donna-baptiste LinkedIn: Donna Baptiste
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Breaking the Stigma & Taking Action with Hope for the Day
05/04/2022
Breaking the Stigma & Taking Action with Hope for the Day
Hello and welcome back! I’m so excited to be here for season 3 of Well, Not Perfect. We have so many amazing guests lined up this season and I can’t wait for you to meet them all. In this first episode, I want to introduce you to the amazing Allison Herman. Allison is the Director of Education at Hope For The Day. Hope For The Day is an incredible Chicago-based non-profit who’s mission is to empower the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. This episode comes at the perfect time because May is Mental Health Awareness month & May 19th is the second annual Mental Health Action Day. This is a time to educate, provide support and empower the world to move from awareness to action for mental health. Through our conversation, I was deeply inspired to learn about all the ways that Allison & Hope For The Day are taking action each and every day. Their work is making a huge impact and helping people truly know that “It’s Ok Not To Be Ok” — a message they’ve trademarked and spread across the globe. In today’s episode you will learn: The ins and outs of the essential work Hope For The Day is doing And how you can be a part of the efforts to break the stigma and take action for mental health. Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the episode for more on the worldwide Mental Health Action Day happening on May 19th! Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To learn more about Hope For The Day and how you can get involved, you can find them at: Website: www.hftd.org Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @hopefortheday LinkedIn: Hope For The Day
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The Power Of Learning To Let Go w/ Audrey Grunst
12/23/2021
The Power Of Learning To Let Go w/ Audrey Grunst
Hi, everyone and welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. This episode is going to be the last episode of season 2 and it’s going to look a little different. Instead of having a guest with me this week, I’m going to share some of my own advice on a topic I talk to clients about all the time. I’m going to use this format for some of the episodes in season 3 and I’m excited for you to get a feel for them as we wrap up this season. I’m so grateful to all of you for being here and can’t wait to come back for season 3 with more amazing guests and more episodes just like this one. So today I want to talk to you about the art of letting go and moving forward and growing. This is a notoriously hard thing for people to do because change is hard and it’s difficult to say goodbye. I’m going to talk about the barriers to letting go, five steps to healing in this process of saying goodbye, and reflection questions that can help you stay in a growth mindset. For more information on this topic, check out: Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic The (use code ‘wellnotperfect’ for 10% off!)
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Dropping Into Creativity with Cara Greene Epstein
12/15/2021
Dropping Into Creativity with Cara Greene Epstein
On today’s show, I sit down with writer, actor, director, and TedX Global Speaker Cara Greene Epstein. She is the award-winning writer and co-directed of Dragonfly, streaming on Amazon Prime. Today I talk to her about all things being a creative. We dive into the ways in which creatives think, feel and act. We discuss the benefits of being a free spirit and also the disadvantages that come with it. In today’s episode, you will learn: How to stop self sabotaging Why accountability is essential to reach your goals What to do when you fear failure To connect with Cara and keep up with all the amazing work she is doing, you can find her at: Facebook: Cara Epstein Instagram: @caragreene37 TedTalk: ; Twitter: @caragreene37; Website:
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Honesty in the Age of Social Media: Part II with David Gray
12/08/2021
Honesty in the Age of Social Media: Part II with David Gray
We’re back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect. This week I’m here again with David Gray, who shared his knowledge of psychedelic medicine with us in the last episode. In Part 2, we flipped the script and this time David asked me the questions. Our conversation dives into the reality of talking about controversial topics in the age of the Internet and social media. We discuss the risks we all take when we share our opinions and how to deal with naysayers. David’s questions encouraged me to get vulnerable with my own fears and limitations in a way that I hope many of you can relate to. In today’s episode, you will learn: How to balance the fear of scrutiny with the desire to be authentic What to rely on in the face of criticism or backlash And the role that privilege plays in our ability to talk about controversial topics. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect!
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An Inside Look Into The World Of Psychedelic Medicine With David Gray
12/01/2021
An Inside Look Into The World Of Psychedelic Medicine With David Gray
Hello there and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect! I’m so excited to introduce this week’s guest, David Gray. He is a fellow therapist and good friend of mine. He is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of Gray Matter Therapy, a private practice in the Chicagoland area. He is a trained therapist who assists clients who use psychedelic medicine for therapeutic purposes and contributes to the growing evidence that psychedelic medicine is a promising option in the field of mental health treatment. This treatment modality is up and coming in the therapy world, with groundbreaking research being done for its uses in treating major depressive disorder, PTSD, addiction, and so much more. Listen in to hear what David has to say about his professional and personal experiences with this type of treatment. In today’s episode, you will learn: How psychedelic medicine improves people’s biological and psychological well being Where and why the stigma of psychedelic medicines came to be And the importance of educating and empowering yourself to find the treatment method that work best for you So without further ado, please listen and learn from my good friend David Gray. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with David and his practice, you can find him at: . Resources: California Institute of Integral Studies: Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies: Books: The Fellowship of the River by Joseph Tafur Sacred Knowledge by William A. Richards Consciousness Medicine by Françoise Bourzat and Kristina Hunter How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
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Don’t White Knuckle The Holiday Gatherings with Dr. Kati Wax
11/24/2021
Don’t White Knuckle The Holiday Gatherings with Dr. Kati Wax
Today on Well, Not Perfect, I sit down with Kati Wax. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Lincoln Park Psychology. Her passion is to affect others to make meaningful change. She is an extraordinary therapist and leader in the field of psychology in the Chicagoland area. Listen in as she explains the power of boundary setting during the holiday season and how we can approach this time of year more skillfully. In todays episode you will learn: How to set boundaries with others and within yourself Why it's important to stay non-judgmental during the holiday season How to go from a negative thought pattern to a productive and healthy reframing of those thoughts To connect with Kati and her practice you can find them at and on Instagram @lincoln_park_psychology.
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3 Ways to Improve Your Financial Mindset with Angel Arnold
11/17/2021
3 Ways to Improve Your Financial Mindset with Angel Arnold
Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today, I want you to prepare yourself because this is a conversation most of us dread, and that is discussing our financial health. Now before you turn off this show, I want you to just take a moment and think about why this is one of the most important elements of your well being. On today’s show, you will learn How finances affect your mental & physical wellbeing The importance of financial tools, like budgeting And learn tools to cope with your anxiety while working to attain your financial goals Today I sit down with Angel Arnold, LPC and therapist at Simply Bee Counseling. During this webinar you will learn how financial wellness affects our mental health. When your relationship to money and finances is positive, then you can free up time, mental space and energy to focus on growth in other areas in your life. If your goal is to increase your overall wellness, but you’ve been unsure of how to balance your basic needs with things that feel like “extra”, such as therapy, taking a yoga class, cooking class, etc, then check out this conversation with Angel. Today she will provide you with tangible skills to overcome your fear, anxiety, shame and avoidance around your financial situation so that you can boost your self-esteem, your confidence and thrive in your life.
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Boston Marathon Survivor Elena Breese's Story of Hope
11/10/2021
Boston Marathon Survivor Elena Breese's Story of Hope
TW / Trigger Warning Welcome back! This is your host and therapist, Audrey Grunst. Boy do I have a good episode to share with you today! It’s a story that most of us could never imagine—yet somehow throughout this story, there's an interconnection between what my guest went through and what we experience everyday. Today I sat with Elena Breese. She is a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. I was struck by her openness to talk about something that most people could never imagine. Elena helps us understand that life’s biggest moments have long term impacts on our mental well being and how it’s never too late to recover. In today’s episode you will learn: How to find hope after hardship How to tap into your natural strengths And the value of mindfulness Listen in as she candidly shares her story of recovery and trauma. Her story gives us an insider’s look into the resilience of the human spirit. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. To connect with Elena, you can find her at: Website: Instagram: @stillbloomingme
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Making Mental Health Bright with Mason Spector
11/03/2021
Making Mental Health Bright with Mason Spector
Today on Well, Not Perfect I have a guest who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk. I would like to introduce you to Mason Spector, the Co-Founder of , a global lifestyle and apparel brand on a mission to create a more optimistic and inclusive world. Mason has been named and is changing the world through his platform and lifestyle brand. Sit down, get cozy and join us as we talk about our personal missions to continue to disrupt the stigma of mental health and use our platforms to make this world a more optimistic place. Today you will learn: The benefit of therapy Why it’s important to see mental health as a social issue And how businesses like Madhappy are using their platforms and brands to disrupt the mental health stigma For tons of great, free resources, check out and be sure to listen to The Madhappy Podcast for more conversations about mental health - available on all platforms. Follow along on instagram: @masonspec @localoptimist @madhappy
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Authenticity in All Seasons with Whitney Reynolds
10/27/2021
Authenticity in All Seasons with Whitney Reynolds
Hello hello and welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Today I sit down with Whitney Reynolds, and let me tell you that my conversation with her left me feeling empowered to say the least. Whitney is the Emmy nominated host of The Whitney Reynolds Show, a talk TV show that is dedicated to being a safe space for delicate life stories. Along with the production of her show that went national this year, Whitney is an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back to the community. Today, Whitney gives us a real look into her life off the big screen. We get deep into what makes her life meaningful and how she finds balance through the many seasons of life. In today’s episode you will learn: Why the timing of life is important How she balances being a host, mother, and an entrepreneur And what brings purpose into her life and her show To keep up with Whitney and her show, you can find her at: Instagram: Website: TV Show: The Whitney Reynolds Show Podcast: Pop & Positivity on iHeartRadio
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When Therapists Go To Therapy: Trauma Expert Sarah Buino Shares All
10/20/2021
When Therapists Go To Therapy: Trauma Expert Sarah Buino Shares All
Welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. Today I sat down with an extremely wise, humorous, and lovely guest who I absolutely admire in the field of counseling and entrepreneurship. I can't wait for you to meet her. Sarah Buino is the CEO, Founder of Heart Heart Therapy in Chicago, and podcast host of Conversations With A Wounded Healer. If you are someone who is on a journey of healing then listen in because Sarah takes us down a path of her own healing in conjunction with helping others heal. Sarah combines her own personal experiences with her clinical expertise to give us a refreshing look into the ways in which our behavior and identities are related to past traumas. Most importantly, her message shows us how we can find growth and joy beyond the pain of trauma. In today’s episode you will learn about: Common trauma How to heal from painful life experiences And How to maintain hope and seek recovery Make sure you check out the show notes and see where you can connect with Sarah to get inspired and continue to learn from her wisdom as I did throughout our conversation. Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. Show Notes: Sarah is the Founder and President of Head/Heart Therapy and podcast host of Conversations with a Wounded Healer. Here’s where you can find her: Instagram: @headhearttherapy Facebook: @headhearttherapy and @woundedhealr Youtube: Website: Podcast: Conversations with a Wounded Healer Sarah’s article
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Food for Thought with MasterChef Contestant Brent Draper *World Mental Health Day Special Edition*
10/10/2021
Food for Thought with MasterChef Contestant Brent Draper *World Mental Health Day Special Edition*
Today October 10th, 2021, is World Mental Health Day. On behalf of Simply Bee and our relationship with MTV Entertainment and Mental Health Is Health, we are using this opportunity for you to get inspired and take action towards mental health in your life and your community. This is on the heels of May 20th, the first inaugural Mental Health Action Day, where we along with 800+ other brands influenced the world to see mental health as health. This momentum is just getting started and we are back again today to inspire you to take action. In this special edition episode, I sat down with Brent Draper, a MasterChef Australia contestant who is the BEST example of someone who took action towards his mental health and never compromised his well being for a winning title. In a world filled with competition at any cost and the fear of missing out, most people would hide their pain and suffer through a mental health crisis: but not Brent. Listen in as Brent describes how it felt to raise his hand on national television and tell the judges that he was going home to take care of himself and why he never regretted his choice to choose mental health over all else. On today's episode you will learn: Why action is required if you want to get better How to ask for help even when you don’t feel like it What men can do to break the mental health stigma amongst one another Please enjoy this special episode powered by simply bee and MTV Entertainment and Mental health is health. Welcome to another episode of well not perfect. To connect with Brent, you can find him on Instagram @brentdraper_ or his website .
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Rebalancing The World w/ Lola Wright
10/06/2021
Rebalancing The World w/ Lola Wright
Welcome back, everyone! I have an AMAZING show for you today. I sit down and vibe with Lola Wright. When I mean vibe, I mean I sit down and find myself immediately absorbed into the conversation with her. She is incredibly smart, insightful, and in tune with the world today. Every guest I have on the show is special in their own way and Lola is special because she is incredibly aware of the bigger picture that we often lose when we live our day-to-day life. She pulls the lens back and helps us see what it means to be part of a bigger system on a global scale and how we need to recalibrate and reconnect to others and build up a sense of community again after the impact of COVID-19. If you are a personal growth junkie then this episode is for you. Sit back and enjoy as you listen to Lola’s uplifting advice on how to achieve the life you’ve always envisioned for yourself. In today’s episode you will learn: How our individual experiences are connected to so much more than just ourselves How to find congruence between your internal and external world; and How to breakthrough old narratives to find growth for yourself and your community For more thought-provoking insight from Lola, you can find her at: Instagram: @lolapwright Facebook: @lolapwright Podcast: Find Your Fierce & Loving Website: - be sure to check out her ‘Our Circle’ membership community!
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Morgan's Message Part II: The Sixth Stage Of Grief - Finding Meaning w/ Dona & Aberle *Special Edition*
09/29/2021
Morgan's Message Part II: The Sixth Stage Of Grief - Finding Meaning w/ Dona & Aberle *Special Edition*
TW // Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive topics. Welcome back to Part II of the episode with Morgan’s Message. I now sit down with Dona and Aberlee Rodgers, Morgan’s mom and twin sister. Dona and Aberlee share their own experience and what they’ve learned through their tragic loss. In Part II of this episode you will learn: How to talk about suicide The barriers athletes face when it comes to mental health Why mental health is as important as physical health Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Here’s where you can find Dona, Aberle, Clare, Kat & Morgan’s Message: Instagram: @morgansmessage @aberodgers @clare_kehoe @katzempolich @dkrodgers5 Twitter: @morgansmessage LinkedIn: @MorgansMessage Website: morgansmessage.org To become an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, visit morgansmessage.org/education-program Podcast: The Mental Matchup Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 Trevor Lifeline: Call 866-488-7386 SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-4357 for treatment referral and information NAMI Support & Education: Visit nami.org/Support-Education
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Morgan's Message Part I: College Athletes: Self Care, Boundaries, and Friendship w/ Kat & Clare
09/29/2021
Morgan's Message Part I: College Athletes: Self Care, Boundaries, and Friendship w/ Kat & Clare
TW // Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive topics. Welcome to a very special 2-part episode on Well, Not Perfect. This episode is close to my heart because it hits home for me. You guys may or may not know that I was a D1 volleyball player who experienced a sudden career-ending injury that caused me to spiral into anxiety and depression. In those years, I discovered the value of mental health and the importance of mental health in athletes. I have since dedicated my career to helping athletes never suffer in silence again and I did this over a decade ago because in mental health there was no support like there is today. So In honor of World Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I am highlighting the very special nonprofit organization, Morgan's Message. Morgan’s Message is an organization striving to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community. Morgan was a division 1 lacrosse player at Duke, and she silently battled depression after a career ending injury, Morgan died by suicide in 2019 at the age of 22. After this tragic loss, her family and friends created a program that now helps hundreds of college athletes across the country. I feel so deeply connected to this organization because, like them, I discovered the importance and my life's mission after the game was over. For me and the athletes who are involved with Morgan's Message, we pour energy into the athletic community so that no one has to suffer alone. Join me in Part 1 and welcome Morgan’s teammates and friends, Clare and Kat. Their words inspire all of us to care for one another and never be afraid to ask if someone needs help. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How to balance the needs of friends with your needs as well How to set gentle and loving boundaries What to do when a friend needs your help Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Here’s where you can find Dona, Aberle, Clare, Kat & Morgan’s Message: Instagram: @morgansmessage @aberodgers @clare_kehoe @katzempolich @dkrodgers5 Twitter: @morgansmessage LinkedIn: @MorgansMessage Website: morgansmessage.org To become an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, visit morgansmessage.org/education-program Podcast: The Mental Matchup Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 Trevor Lifeline: Call 866-488-7386 SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-4357 for treatment referral and information NAMI Support & Education: Visit nami.org/Support-Education
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Chicago Female Sports Broadcaster Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder
09/22/2021
Chicago Female Sports Broadcaster Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder
Today on Well, Not Perfect, I am so proud to have Dionne Miller. She is an incredibly talented female Sports Anchor and Reporter at ABC7 Chicago. Prepare to get a glimpse inside of her incredibly resilient mind and see the personal side of her life that often doesn’t get seen on TV. As I was talking with Dionne, I couldn’t get over the fact that her story is just like so many other people I talk to who struggle with body image, perfectionism, and their relationship with food. What most may not know is that she has climbed the ranks in the broadcasting world all while battling an eating disorder and still fights for her recovery to this day. Dionne’s inspiring story shows us how faith, family, and perseverance work together to create joy. She is proof that success co-exists with mental and physical challenges to make up a beautiful life full of ups and downs. In today’s episode you will learn about: How to fight the inner critic that lives in our minds Ways to keep a balanced mindset Why you can find hope and purpose too Dionne is a full-time, working mom of two and a hustler in an extremely cut-throat industry. She has a true passion for Chicago sports and Chicago sports fans and is the first full-time female in the ABC 7 Sports department. You can find her here: Facebook: DionneMiller Instagram: @DmillerABC7 Twitter: @dmillerABC7
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