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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

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: @drjonkedski  @drjonsadventures Website: https://jonkedrowski.com/home Books: https://jonkedrowski.com/books

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: https://www.simplybeecounseling.net/gratitude-meditation   And to connect with Michael, you can find him on instagram @gazzomusic!

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: https://besmartforkids.org/ April’s Instagram: @aoboikowitch Text-For-Help: https://linkingefforts.com/textforhelp-app/

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: https://www.thefertilitydietitian.health/ Instagram: @the.fertility.dietician Facebook: @BrookeTheFertilityDietitian

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: I Want This To Work Website: http://www.elizabethearnshaw.com A Better Life Therapy: https://abetterlifetherapy.com/elizabeth-earnshaw-lmft-cgt Ours Wellness: https://www.withours.com/about

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: https://www.thestigma.app/ Instagram: @thestigma.app Tik Tok: @thestigma.app LinkedIn: @ariana-gibson  

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  

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 Hops For The Day HFTD E-Learning

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 Bee You Planner Series (use code ‘wellnotperfect’ for 10% off!)  

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: https://www.ted.com/talks/cara_greene_epstein_how_theater_weathers_wars_outlasts_empires_and_survives_pandemics; Twitter: @caragreene37; Website: https://www.caragreeneepstein.com/

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!