Imperfectly Honest

For some, Mother’s Day is a pure celebration. For others, it's grief, or just a day that's not quite easy peasy. Sometimes it's all of those things at once. If Mother's Day has ever felt more complex than the greeting cards suggest, this one is for you. In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with friend and fellow climate advocate, Max Scheder-Bieschin, who recently lost his mother. Max shares the lessons his mother left him, the things he wishes he'd said, and how she shaped the man he's become. Elizabeth brings her own truth about her loving relationship with her mother, and her own set of questions as well. Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

Should women use their looks, femininity, or sexuality to get ahead?  In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with CEO, investor, and author Jane Miller for a bold, unfiltered conversation about gender inequality, female leadership, and what it really takes to succeed as a woman in business and in love today.  Is gender inequality a problem – or could it also be an opportunity? And more provocatively: are women fully leveraging their strengths, or holding back to fit outdated expectations of success? For decades, women have been taught to succeed by playing according to male-dominated rules – competing harder, leading similarly, and minimizing femininity in the workplace. But what if that strategy is fundamentally flawed?  Elizabeth and Jane explore the complex reality of power dynamics in business and dating, and why the same patterns – competition, insecurity, and perception – are at play in both.  They dive into: The hidden rules of success for women in male-dominated environments Why women often compete with, rather than support, each other Confidence as the foundation of leadership and long-term success The nuanced question of leveraging beauty, sexuality, and femininity in business The personal cost of “making it” and the tradeoffs women aren’t always told about The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance—and how to “run your own race” This episode goes beyond surface-level conversations about equality to offer a more honest, nuanced look at how women can navigate power, identity, and ambition without abandoning themselves in the process. Show Notes: Connect with Jane and tune into her podcast at https://janesplace.com/.  Consider picking up a copy of Jane’s book, Sleep Your Way to the Top and Other Myths About Business Success via your favorite book retailer.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode of Imperfectly Honest, Elizabeth sits down with Kayla Gorski for a candid – and at times uncomfortable – conversation about body image, beauty standards, and the truth about wanting to look good. For many of us, thoughts about our bodies are constant, yet conversations about body image, self-image, and body confidence often stay surface-level. Together, Elizabeth and Kayla go deeper, exploring the internal “mental inventory” we keep and the evolving relationship we have with how we look and feel in our bodies. This conversation doesn’t stop at self-acceptance. They also examine the very real benefits of striving toward conventional beauty standards – from increased confidence and discipline, to feeling more energized, more attractive, and more connected to desire. What happens when looking good isn’t just about appearance, but rather is about motivation and how you move through the world? From disciplined routines and slipping back into old habits, to the way attraction, confidence, and even libido are tied to the physical self, they explore the tension between accepting yourself as you are and wanting to be better. This chat doesn’t promise easy answers, perfect solutions, or total body confidence. Instead, it offers an honest reflection on the complicated and sometimes contradictory relationship many of us have with our bodies – and the curiosity it takes to examine those patterns with compassion. Show Notes: Deepen your connection with food by visiting Kayla’s Substack at substack.com/@kaylagorski, or tuning into the Dish + Tell podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

What if you knew that donating a kidney isn’t as extreme - or as impossible - as it sounds? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Liz Nelson for an honest, deeply personal conversation about her decision to do just that. Liz shares her experience as a living kidney donor, offering a transparent look at what the kidney donation process actually involves — physically, emotionally, and logistically. Rather than positioning the decision as heroic or extraordinary, she aims to demystify organ donation and help others better understand what’s possible. Together, they move beyond the initial question of “could I?” into the more personal reality of “would I?” — unpacking the motivations, misconceptions, and practical considerations that come with becoming a living organ donor. As conversations around organ donation and transplant waitlists continue to grow, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on generosity, agency, and informed choice. This isn’t about pressure or persuasion. It’s about expanding awareness — and inviting a more open, curious look at what it really means to give. Show Notes: You can learn about the National Kidney Registry’s innovative voucher program at NKR.org. Visit the National Kidney Donation Organization for more general information about living kidney donation. Check out Kidney.org for a great resource on kidney health. The documentary Liz mentioned is Confessions of a Good Samaritan, available on Netflix. Sue Heilbronner’s blog post about kidney donation is where Liz’s journey began. You can see Sue's own post about Liz's decision here. You can connect with Liz at www.essarynelson.com, or on LinkedIn.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Sheila Lamont to explore a timely and deeply personal question: Could AI partners supplement—or even replace—human romantic relationships? As AI relationships and virtual partners become more sophisticated, technology offers a seductive promise: companionship without rejection, compromise, or heartbreak. An AI partner can provide attention, affirmation, and emotional support while eliminating many of the risks that come with human intimacy. But what if the very things we try to avoid—uncertainty, vulnerability, and the act of choosing and being chosen—are actually essential to authentic, nourishing relationships? Elizabeth and Sheila examine the growing rise of AI companionship, the psychological appeal of risk-free relationships, and what might be lost if technology begins to replace human connection. As artificial intelligence moves deeper into our personal lives, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the future of intimacy and ask an important question: What do we truly want from love and partnership? Show Notes: The article that inspired this conversation can be found in Psychology Today. If you haven’t already, we recommend you listen to Elizabeth and Sheila’s recent episode on “Default No." Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth reunites with Sheila Lamont to explore the subtle but powerful difference between living as a default “yes” and a default “no.” Early in her career, Elizabeth was a self-proclaimed default yes who embraced every opportunity… but over time, she shifted to a default no as she strived to be more focused and efficient. Recently, she’s begun to question whether that reflex has quietly limited her growth and opportunities for meaningful, unexpected connections.  Together, Elizabeth and Sheila unpack how past experiences shape the speed and certainty of our choices. Is your no protecting your peace – or preventing possibility? Is your yes rooted in joy – or people-pleasing? This conversation invites a slower, more honest look at how you decide — and whether your default response still reflects the life you’re trying to build. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Kayla wrestle with a deceptively simple question: when should we strive to be better – and when is it wiser to accept what is, even if it’s imperfect? They explore the double edge of perfectionism, the pressure to optimize every part of our lives, and the recognition that improvement doesn’t always change the outcome. They talk candidly about the reality that life isn’t always an equal playing field, the underdog doesn’t always win, and sometimes, no matter how much effort is invested, you might never be “good enough.”  From career paths and leadership to body image, relationships, and self-compassion, Elizabeth and Kayla explore when to invest in potential and when to recognize limits. This isn’t about settling, and it’s not about striving endlessly either. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to be HONEST. Show Notes: Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Dr. Dennis Lipton, a board-certified internal medicine physician who practices preventative, deeply personalized care. Together, they talk honestly about what it actually means to take responsibility for your health – before something goes wrong.  They explore why early detection matters; how to think differently about tests, medications, and lifestyle changes; and why so many of us underestimate the power we have over our future health. This is a conversation about curiosity over fear, information over avoidance, and finding balance between taking care of your body and still living your life, in full color. Show Notes: Learn more about Dr. Lipton’s practice at www.dennisliptonmd.com/. Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with her friend Heather Grahame to talk about caring for others – while caring for yourself. Setting boundaries and giving without giving too much of oneself is an imperfectly honest art to master. The rewards of caretaking can be immense, but they are not always immediate or obvious, and the juice isn’t always worth the squeeze. If you're currently caring for someone, have done so in the past, or suspect that someday you may find yourself in that role, then this episode is for you. It's not about doing it perfectly; it's about learning how to be honest with the person you're taking care of and with yourself. Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Kayla share a conversation that is as winding as an Italian road trip! Back from a wine tour in Italy, Kayla shares her reflections, imperfectly honest moments, and sweet intention for the year ahead. As you listen, ask yourself what you’d like to invite more of in 2026—is there room for you to slow down and savor more of life’s pleasures?  Show Notes: “La dolce vita” is an Italian phrase that translates as “the sweet life” and refers to living fully in the moment, slowing down to savor life’s pleasures rather than rushing or letting stress rule.  Learn more about the wine importer Kayla referenced at https://tanarowineimports.com/.  Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Seth Levine, co-author of the new book Capital Evolution: The New American Economy. Seth explains how and why the American economy is changing and what the future could look like. Given the major realignment America is in, visible in our divided politics, fractured media, reshaped labor markets, and more, Seth shares his belief that businesses hold most of the power—and some responsibility—to shape the future. This thought-provoking episode, and book, is for anyone who buys things—which is EVERYONE. Show Notes: You can order your copy of Capital Evolution at TheCapitalEvolution.com. And, in the spirit of dynamic capitalism and the holidays, consider ordering one for a friend, local school, or library through Seth and his co-author Elizabeth MacBride’s Worthy Books program. For my listeners who prefer to shop local, check out Seth’s wife’s independent book store, Composition Shop, in Longmont, Colorado. Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.

In this episode, Kayla sits in for Elizabeth and connects with Dr. Andrea Wick about boundaries: physical, emotional, and energetic. As a chiropractor, applied kinesiologist, and energy worker, Dr. Wick shares tips on how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, particularly as we head into the holiday season. Show Notes To learn more about Dr. Wick or schedule an appointment, please visit www.drandreawick.com, or follow her on Instagram @dr.andreawick. While the workshop mentioned in the episode has passed by the time of airing, Dr. Wick will host a virtual Energetic Boundaries course in 2026!  Learn more about To Be Magnetic, the neural manifestation practice Kayla referenced, at www.tobemagnetic.com.   Consider reading Boundary Boss by Terri Cole to go deeper.   Connect with Elizabeth’s Imperfectly Honest perspective at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.