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49 | Embracing Imperfection and the Nonlinear Path with Side-quester Carrie Andersen, PhD
For recovering perfectionists, type-A planners, and those of us who really just want to get an A at life, it can be extra hard to try new things. It can also be super hard when life throws us curve balls and those meticulous plans have to change. But it doesn’t have to be quite so bad! There are a lot of adventures to be had when we can loosen our grip on how things are “supposed” to be.
In this conversation with Carrie Andersen, PhD (former educator and valiant career changer), Carrie shares about her blog The Side Quest Project, her Brodents Podcast, and the joys of exploring the nooks and crannies of life without needing to follow a linear path.
It’s an affirming listen for anyone struggling with wanting to figure your life out (spoiler: you don’t have to!) or wanting some inspiration for adding a bit more curiosity, playfulness, and joy to your day-to-day routines.
To support this podcast and help keep the lights on, please consider joining my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SettlingIsBullshit
Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/08/08/embracing-imperfection-and-the-nonlinear-path-with-carrie-andersen-phd/
Connect with Carrie
Follow her on The Side Quest Project: https://thesidequestproject.beehiiv.com/
Listen to Brodents. Available anywhere you listen to podcasts! But here’s the spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/35NluNppY0VwTKWDS7eMUz?si=52a154207b794ac1
Resources, References, and Links
Hero’s Journey. The narrative archetype that most stories follow. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey
Legend Planner. https://legendplanner.com/
Skyrim. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim
Past life regression. “What Is Past Life Regression:?” https://outlanderpastlives.com/past-life-regression/
Kintsugi. Carrie’s post about it: https://thesidequestproject.beehiiv.com/p/side-quest-1-kintsugi-art
Radiolab rat laughter episode. “Is Laughter Just a Human Thing?” https://radiolab.org/podcast/91589-is-laughter-just-a-human-thing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy
View all episodes
By Cate BloukeFor recovering perfectionists, type-A planners, and those of us who really just want to get an A at life, it can be extra hard to try new things. It can also be super hard when life throws us curve balls and those meticulous plans have to change. But it doesn’t have to be quite so bad! There are a lot of adventures to be had when we can loosen our grip on how things are “supposed” to be.
In this conversation with Carrie Andersen, PhD (former educator and valiant career changer), Carrie shares about her blog The Side Quest Project, her Brodents Podcast, and the joys of exploring the nooks and crannies of life without needing to follow a linear path.
It’s an affirming listen for anyone struggling with wanting to figure your life out (spoiler: you don’t have to!) or wanting some inspiration for adding a bit more curiosity, playfulness, and joy to your day-to-day routines.
To support this podcast and help keep the lights on, please consider joining my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SettlingIsBullshit
Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/08/08/embracing-imperfection-and-the-nonlinear-path-with-carrie-andersen-phd/
Connect with Carrie
Follow her on The Side Quest Project: https://thesidequestproject.beehiiv.com/
Listen to Brodents. Available anywhere you listen to podcasts! But here’s the spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/35NluNppY0VwTKWDS7eMUz?si=52a154207b794ac1
Resources, References, and Links
Hero’s Journey. The narrative archetype that most stories follow. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey
Legend Planner. https://legendplanner.com/
Skyrim. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim
Past life regression. “What Is Past Life Regression:?” https://outlanderpastlives.com/past-life-regression/
Kintsugi. Carrie’s post about it: https://thesidequestproject.beehiiv.com/p/side-quest-1-kintsugi-art
Radiolab rat laughter episode. “Is Laughter Just a Human Thing?” https://radiolab.org/podcast/91589-is-laughter-just-a-human-thing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy