The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

Amy Stone speaks with Allison Carmen about rebuilding life and identity after the abrupt end of a long-term marriage. Based in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, Allison shares her journey from being blindsided by divorce after 27 years of marriage to reinventing herself as a financially self-sufficient and resilient advocate for women. Listeners will learn about the emotional upheaval of unexpected change, the importance of financial and emotional independence, and how embracing uncertainty can help lead to a more authentic and empowered life.

About Allison Carmen:

An author, podcaster, TEDx speaker, COO/General Counsel of the Motherhood Center (NYC), Allison Carmen writes for many national publications including Salon.com, Katie Couric Media, Maria Shriver Sunday Paper, Psychology Today and more on various topics from finances to women’s health and more.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the shock and aftermath of an unexpected divorce after 27 years of marriage.
• Building financial independence and addressing the risks of not pre-planning for uncertainty.
• The reality of co-parenting and supporting children through family upheaval.
• Why clinging to certainty can obscure our appreciation of life’s moments and derail personal growth.
• The value of maintaining hope, flexibility, and self-reliance through uncertain times.
• Challenges women face when stepping away or re-entering the workforce after prioritizing family.
• Societal messaging to young women about love, marriage, and practical planning for the unknown.
• Finding balance between open-heartedness and personal preparedness in relationships.

Quote from the Episode:

"When we cling to anything, we don't pay as much attention to it because we think we're always going to have it. ...People close their hearts so easily after pain, after disappointment. But if we could kind of live with the uncertainty and still love deeply, but always be able to take care of ourselves, I think that's the thing that I'm most concerned about." — Allison Carmen

Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction; Allison joins from Greenwich Village, NY01:18 – Discussing life in New York and generational identity02:55 – The moment Allison learned her marriage was ending06:46 – Processing shock, making choices after someone else’s decision09:53 – Life before the divorce: perceived wholeness, career, and family11:45 – Grappling with not seeing the signs and society’s discomfort with uncertainty14:50 – Any signs in hindsight? Learning to leave unanswerable questions behind18:35 – No financial pre-planning or prenup: why, and advice to younger women23:54 – Reconciling belief in forever with the need for practical independent planning26:06 – Luck, setbacks, and taking opportunities for reinvention after loss30:21 – Are younger women better prepared? Effects of societal narratives33:41 – Interpreting life data and statistics vs. living your own reality35:44 – The impact of divorce on children and prioritizing stability40:00 – Advice for one’s younger self: on love, self-reliance, and open-heartedness42:49 – How Allison’s life is different today: financial, emotional, and personal growth48:28 – Where to find Allison, her work, and personal recommendations51:33 – Lighthearted wrap-up: unsupervised online shopping and episode close

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.allisoncarmen.com/

Allison’s Podcast: 10 Minutes to Less Suffering https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-minutes-to-less-suffering/id1295280626

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

Amy Stone speaks with Paulette Erato about building inclusive podcasting communities and the challenge of sustaining access-driven creative spaces. Based in California, Paulette discusses her journey as a community founder and event planner, the story behind Latinas in Podcasting, and her mission to create spaces that elevate and support underrepresented voices in the podcasting industry. Listeners will learn about the realities of community building, the financial realities of sustaining open-access groups, and how Paulette’s personal transformation led to a vibrant, collaborative network for Latina podcast creators.

About Paulette Erato:

Paulette Erato is a speaker, podcaster, and founder of Latinas In Podcasting. She shows Latinas how to design their best lives without abandoning their roots. Because liberation isn’t about turning your back on la cultura. It’s about deciding what you carry forward.

In her free time, Paulette enjoys living near the beach with her husband, savoring a local craft beer, deadlifting more than her bodyweight, and simply living her vida más chévere.

Main Topics Covered:

• The lack of diversity in the podcasting industry and Paulette’s motivation for founding Latinas in Podcasting
• How to build a supportive, access-driven community from scratch—challenges, mistakes, and strategies for growth
• The importance of creating collaborative, “middle-out” leadership models rather than traditional hierarchies
• Financial transparency: how Paulette funds the community, the costs of inclusive events, and sustainable membership models
• The impact of grief and personal challenges on leadership, and how authentic community support can step in
• Why pod fade is real: sustainability, creative breaks, and the need to normalize non-linear podcasting “careers”
• Barriers women and BIPOC creators face in accessing industry resources, and how anti-DEI trends threaten community sustainability
• The shifting landscape of in-person versus digital events, and Paulette’s vision for meaningful, IRL connection

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://pauletteerato.com/

GET PAULETTE'S SPECIAL OFFER: LIP Podcast Episode Blueprint. A free plug-and-play PDF template that walks you through structuring engaging podcast episodes, whether you're flying solo or interviewing a guest.

Join Latinas In Podcasting and get instant access to the Podcast Episode Blueprint, plus our free Slack community, bi-monthly coworking sessions, monthly cafecitos, and our weekly newsletter. Todo gratis.

Visit LatinasInPodcasting.com/join to subscribe. You'll receive the Blueprint immediately, along with access to all our free community resources.

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Evelyn Levasseur about breaking generational cycles of body image struggles and the transformative journey to self-acceptance as a woman and a mother. Evelyn, based in Connecticut, shares how her lived experience as a Puerto Rican woman, chronic dieter, and eventually mother of two daughters shaped her understanding of self-worth, health, and identity. Listeners will gain actionable insight into recognizing damaging cultural narratives around body image, the complex intersection of motherhood and self-care, and how Evelyn learned to parent in a way that centers self-love, not self-neglect.

About Evelyn Levasseur:

Evelyn LeVasseur is the host of The Self-Centered Mom Podcast, a speaker, and founder of The Self-Centered Mom, a coaching brand for mothers who refuse to be defined by the roles they were given.

A former educator turned Identity Coach, Evelyn helps mothers rebuild the architecture of their lives so that they can live like they matter, without blowing up their relationships or feeling "selfish".

Main Topics Covered:

• Generational Impact of Body Image Messaging: How comments from family and pervasive diet culture shaped Evelyn’s early views on self-worth and appearance.
• Breaking the Diet Cycle: Evelyn’s realization of the yo-yo dieting trap, external validation, and what it takes to replace shame-based behaviors with healthy self-acceptance.
• Parenting Through Body Positivity: The intentional steps Evelyn took to raise daughters who love and accept themselves, and how that demanded deep self-reflection—and change.
• The Complicated Role of Food as Love: Exploring food as a signal of family, comfort, and celebration alongside contradictory cultural standards about appearance.
• Navigating Identity and Worth Beyond Motherhood: Evelyn’s journey through pregnancy loss, body changes, and redefining self-worth outside of reproductive identity.
• Moving from People-Pleasing to Centering Yourself: Why self-neglect is not a virtue, and the practical mindset shifts required to break the martyrdom cycle for women.
• Living and Coaching in Alignment: The transformation of Evelyn’s coaching practice to prioritize intrinsic self-worth and authentic connection, moving beyond quick-fix external changes.

Quote from the Episode:

"There's a difference in me lifting her up and putting myself down. I want her to love herself so deeply. And I'm not showing her how to do that. That is where I was able to say: something's gotta give." — Evelyn Levasseur

Timestamps:

[00:00:19] Introduction: Evelyn shares her Connecticut roots and what she loves about her home

[00:01:18] The topic: Body image, raising kids, and body positivity

[00:02:23] Childhood memories: Growing up Puerto Rican, favorite family foods, art, and athletics

[00:03:19] First body image messages and early cultural conditioning

[00:05:02] College, weight gain, crash diets, and the reinforcement of thinness

[00:07:54] Middle school peer comparisons and body talk in athletics/media

[00:10:11] When compliments reinforce unhealthy cycles

[00:12:27] Distinguishing between health and worth, the complex role of food as love

[00:14:36] Becoming a mother and intentionally raising daughters differently

[00:17:00] Pregnancy loss, body trust, and the emotional toll of early motherhood

[00:22:58] Navigating complicated advice, family support, and internalized pressure

[00:24:55] Why self-neglect is mistakenly glorified for women

[00:26:49] The moment Evelyn decided self-love was non-negotiable

[00:28:16] Cycle-breaking as a mother and the pivotal picnic incident

[00:31:18] Practical mindset and behavior changes Evelyn made for herself and her family

[00:36:27] Celebrating intrinsic worth, not external appearance

[00:38:42] The Self-Centered Mom podcast: Naming, intention, and centering the self

[00:41:38] Evelyn’s favorite books and podcasts for further inspiration

[00:43:13] Closing out, offers for listeners, reflection on the power of self-acceptance

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.theselfcenteredmom.com/ The Self-Centered Mom, https://feed.podbean.com/evelynlevasseur/feed.xml

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

Amy Stone speaks with Camille Miller about redefining success, breaking societal molds, and reinventing life after a major personal and professional crossroads. Camillie is from the East Coast, with her story rooted in New Jersey and a new chapter beginning in Delaware. Camille shares how checking all the life boxes, like, career, marriage and kids ultimately led to exhaustion and a complete overhaul of her life's definition of fulfillment. Listeners will learn about the real emotional and logistical challenges of stepping away from traditional success markers, the importance of self-work, and the empowering process of building an authentic life by your own design.

About Camille Miller:

Camille L. Miller is an entrepreneur, business strategist, author, and founder of the Soul Professional® Movement, a global initiative redefining success through purpose, authenticity, and conscious leadership. A former MBA professor and nonprofit CEO, Camille has spent more than a decade exploring what happens when we stop following traditional formulas for success and begin building our lives and businesses from the inside out. Her work brings together business strategy, personal growth, and subconscious transformation to help people create success that reflects who they truly are. She is the author of three bestselling books and host of The Soul Professional Podcast.

Main Topics Covered:

• Breaking out of traditional definitions of success—and why achievement alone often leads to burnout for women
• The impact of unequal household labor and the mental load on working moms
• How subtle (and not so subtle) cracks in life and relationships lead to radical transformation
• Letting go of external expectations: marriage, career identity, material markers
• Navigating divorce, entrepreneurship, and single motherhood simultaneously
• Redefining family and holidays—forging new, self-honoring rituals
• The process and necessity of inner work for personal reinvention and authentic leadership
• How Camille helps others through her Soul Professional Movement and what it means to lead a soul-led business and life

Timestamps:

[00:00:19] Welcome & Camille’s East Coast roots and move to Delaware

[00:01:52] Decisions that sparked deconstructing and rebuilding her life

[00:02:49] Life “before”—career, family, and hidden exhaustion

[00:04:35] The problem with “having it all” and what’s missing underneath

[00:06:09] Inequity of workload in marriage and recognizing invisible labor

[00:07:22] Generational myths about having it all and the reality of burnout

[00:10:09] How caregiving and job shifts led to new questions about fulfillment

[00:14:09] Inheritance, money, and “the final crack” that led to divorce

[00:17:48] Defining success as a Gen Xer: chasing material markers in the ’80s and ’90s

[00:20:44] What would have helped: the importance of support and equitable partnerships

[00:23:03] Recognizing patterns, overperformance, and how therapy shifted Camille’s self-perception

[00:27:42] Redefining success after divorce: from status to experiences and connection

[00:31:39] The challenge of “seeing” unhealthy patterns while living them

[00:34:40] Navigating divorce, single parenting, money narratives, and boundaries

[00:41:01] How Camille’s values changed—authenticity, freedom, travel, and showing a new model for her kids

[00:46:01] Building the Soul Professional Movement and helping others lead with purpose

[00:47:27] What Camille hopes other overworked women will realize and why she shares her story

[00:50:37] Reinventing holidays and family traditions to fit her own definition of joy

[00:51:40] Show & Tell: Camille’s favorite podcasts by women

[00:54:10] Camille’s recent unsupervised online shopping and life as a newly minted empty nester

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.soulprofessional.com/

GET CAMILLE’'S SPECIAL OFFER: FREE WORKBOOK, A guide on how to become a soul-led business owner and learn to lead your life with purpose!

https://www.soulprofessional.com/

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Meryl Hayton about embracing radical inner change, following intuition, and reinventing life after decades in the same career. Based in a vibrant beach community in New Jersey, Meryl shares her journey from salon owner to inner peace specialist, exploring the intersection of spirituality, self-development, and creating a life aligned with her deepest desires. Listeners will discover the power of small, intuitive decisions, overcoming fear of the unknown, and practical steps for transforming burnout into renewed purpose and joy.

About Meryl Hayton:

Meryl Hayton is an Inner Peace Specialist, Advanced Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500). As the creator of The Clearing Method, Meryl has spent years refining an integrative approach to healing that addresses the mind, body, and subtle energy field.

Main Topics Covered:

• How following intuition—rather than logistics—drove Meryl's biggest life changes and career reinvention.
• The emotional challenges of closing a 28-year brick-and-mortar business and saying goodbye to loyal clients.
• Discovering and integrating practices like yoga, energy healing, and EFT tapping for personal transformation and supporting others.
• Facing financial fear, letting go of security, and building trust in uncertainty during major transitions.
• The physical and emotional tolls of service work, and the necessity of self-care and boundary setting.
• The power of micro-decisions and support—from yoga teachers to business coaches—to make impossible-seeming dreams (like moving to the Jersey Shore) attainable.
• How Meryl’s daily life and mindset shifted from fear to freedom, connection, and self-trust after embracing her new path.
• Why sharing her story is essential for inspiring others to take courageous steps toward their own growth, even when the path is messy and non-linear.

Quote from the Episode:

"You really do have a choice, right? You do have a choice to stay stuck where you're at, or you have the choice to take the leap to really what you want to do or be." — Meryl Hayton

Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Amy welcomes Meryl Hayton; New Jersey beach life and what home means01:17 Meryl’s career origins—creativity, familial expectations, and early choices after loss04:07 The impact of her father’s passing and reorienting career ambition06:57 Realizations: grief, intuition, and how loss shaped her freedom08:21 Building a salon business from scratch and sustaining it for nearly three decades10:11 The decision to close the salon, burnout, and the journey to becoming a yoga teacher12:27 Spiritual awakening, training in mind-body medicine, and discovering EFT tapping16:01 The sequence: closing the salon, a physical injury, and learning to trust the next right step18:07 Turning dreams into reality—testing life at the shore and finally making the big move22:22 How long change really takes: fears, financial worries, loyalty, and letting go27:44 Why the salon industry can be so physically and emotionally taxing29:49 Transitioning fully to coaching, energy healing, and yoga instruction29:53 How life, mindset, and relationships look now—living from trust, joy, and abundance33:58 Why sharing this journey matters: inspiring others to take leaps, big and small35:04 Identifying the very first small step that set transformation in motion36:03 Meryl Hayton’s special offer: The Clearing Method Workbook and how to connect37:00 Show & Tell: podcast recommendation (“Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus)38:26 Unsupervised online shopping and the magic of cacao ceremonies41:18 Amy’s wrap-up, audience invitation, and show credits

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.merylhayton.com/

MERYL'S SPECIAL OFFER:The Clearing Method Workbook - A Self Care Guide to Happier Healthier Relationships and More Joy in Your Life. It's free for everyone with a $47 value because of its evergreen life long use.

https://mailchi.mp/bd554dfe90df/ycy7syhk6b

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Bekah Slider about the journey of deconstructing and rebuilding personal identity after leaving evangelical Christianity and a decades-long marriage. Based in Ohio, Bekah shares her path from corporate America to church leadership, and later, her transformations through coaching and creating adult content on OnlyFans. This episode does not ignore the tough questions. We go deep into themes of authenticity, the cost of belonging, overcoming shame, and ultimately, learning to refuse self-abandonment in the search for external validation.

About Bekah Slider:

Bekah Slider is an identity coach, speaker, and creator of The Inevitable Woman methodology. After deconstructing her faith, leaving a 22-year marriage, and rebuilding her life from the ground up, she went on to become a top 1% OnlyFans creator—one chapter in a much larger story about choosing herself before her life made sense. Today, she helps high-achieving women stop renegotiating who they've already decided to be and trust themselves before the evidence arrives. Her work challenges the belief that clarity comes first, arguing instead that self-loyalty is what changes everything.

Main Topics Covered:

• Deconstructing faith and identity after growing up in conservative evangelical Christianity.
• What it means to stop negotiating with yourself and start asking hard personal questions.
• Navigating the complexity of sexuality, shame, and coming out as bisexual after years of compartmentalization.
• The ripple effect of major identity shifts: leaving church leadership, ending a 22-year marriage, and finding autonomy.
• Exploring creativity, empowerment, and stigma as a top 1% OnlyFans creator.
• Real talk on the skills gained from preaching, coaching, and content creation—and how they overlap in unexpected ways.
• The pain and liberation of losing relationships (including family) in order to live authentically.
• Practical steps for reconnecting to one’s body, intuition, and self-trust after living under external authority.

Quote from the Episode:

"I would rather live true to myself even if that meant losing people than continue to fragment myself in a way that I had been doing my entire life at that point." — Bekah Slider

Timestamps:00:18 Meet Bekah Slider—origins, nature-loving in Ohio, and generational identity02:10 Bekah’s path: corporate work to lay church leadership to pastor03:21 What being a (female) pastor in a nondenominational evangelical church meant06:27 Growing up in conservative Christianity—strict home, questioning faith in adolescence08:06 What does “stopping negotiating with yourself” really mean?11:36 Identity bricks: reconciling sexuality, faith, and harmful constructs13:25 The ongoing, painful choice of releasing old identity—fear of hell and the unknown15:33 Timeline: leaving pastoring, deconstruction, ending marriage, and exploring sexuality17:51 Coaching, speaking, open marriage, then the decision to become an OnlyFans creator20:57 The decision process: sitting with potential stigma, honesty with children21:40 First baby steps: reconnecting to body, unshaming mistakes, intuitive self-trust24:33 OnlyFans Q&A—creative intentions, what content Bekah created, and surprises26:02 Stigma versus reality: intimacy, connection, and authenticity on OF28:06 Pre-deconstruction self—sexuality, shame, and differing conceptions of “freedom”31:28 Skill overlaps: how being a pastor shaped Bekah’s OnlyFans and coaching persona33:09 Wrapping up OnlyFans, why Bekah walked away despite financial success35:58 The high personal cost—losing family, refusing to abandon yourself for others41:24 Book & podcast recommendations: "You Are a Badass" and The Courage to Fully Live43:22 Recent online purchase: rainbow-colored mini mic windscreens for creative joy and self-expression44:32 Final reflections: the journey from external validation to feeling at home with yourself

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://theliberationlounge.netlify.app/

GET BEKAH'S SPECIAL OFFER: "Almost" A workshop for women who are done living one decision away from the life they want. Value $33 - free, link: https://theinevitablewoman.myflodesk.com/almost

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Charnisse Thompson about the connection between career upheaval, personal identity, and rediscovering passion after a layoff. Based in the Northeast, where she enjoys the vibrancy of major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, Charnisse shares how being laid off from her dream job led her to pursue a long-held love for fashion. The conversation uncovers her journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming a fashion stylist and entrepreneur, exploring the mindset shifts, financial realities, and self-permission needed to start over. Listeners will gain insights on resilience, redefining success, and embracing career pivots as gateways to renewed confidence and purpose.

About Charnisse Thompson:

Charnisse Thompson is a fashion stylist, personal style mentor, author, and founder of Maison Charnisse, a personal styling and fashion education brand dedicated to helping women reconnect with confidence through style. Through virtual styling services, digital guides, and practical fashion education, she helps women navigate body changes, life transitions, and wardrobe disconnects with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. After an unexpected career pivot led her to pursue her lifelong passion for fashion, Charnisse launched Maison Charnisse to empower women to show up confidently as themselves. She is also the author of Girl, Dress the Body You've Got and believes personal style can be a powerful tool for self-trust, confidence, and transformation.

Main Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of unexpected layoffs and the myth of job security
• Realities of financial preparedness, severance, and navigating major life changes solo
• Reframing traditional notions of success and identity beyond job titles
• How attending a women’s empowerment conference unlocked self-permission to pursue entrepreneurship
• The steps and mindset required to turn a lifelong passion for fashion and styling into a business
• Building a personal brand: from giving friends style advice to establishing Maison Charnise
• Practical support and confidence for women navigating wardrobe changes during life transitions
• The importance of a supportive network and starting before everything feels “perfect”

Quote from the Episode:

"I always thought that everything needed to be perfect in order to start a business.I learned so much at that conference that it doesn't have to be perfect. You just have to just start." — Charnisse Thompson

Timestamps:

[00:00:19] Introduction to Charnisse and the themes of career and personal identity

[00:01:48] Charnisse’s origin story: from a medical school dream to pharmaceutical sales

[00:04:43] The expectation of lifelong employment and the corporate “dream company”

[00:05:12] The shock of layoff despite high performance and support system reassurances

[00:08:13] Facing a layoff solo: emergency funds, severance, and financial mindset

[00:10:18] Giving herself permission to pursue a passion for fashion after a pivotal women’s conference

[00:13:09] The influence of entrepreneurial friends and the value of a supportive circle

[00:14:22] Balancing a new business alongside a 9-to-5 job and redefining reliance on corporate work

[00:16:41] Realizing the instability of corporate security and considering entrepreneurship as an option

[00:17:12] Breaking free from the belief that starting something on the side requires permission

[00:19:35] From sketchbooks to styling: the evolution of Maison Charnise

[00:21:53] The role of a personal stylist and the emotional side of shopping and wardrobe consulting

[00:26:44] Shifting identity from corporate job titles to entrepreneur and author

[00:27:31] Redefining success beyond the “American dream” and celebrating small wins

[00:30:19] How Charnisse introduces herself now—embracing multifaceted success

[00:31:32] Final advice: Start before you’re ready, see a layoff as a potential blessing, and don’t wait for permission

[00:33:16] Overview of Maison Charnise, services, and Charnisse’s book “Girl, Dress the Body You’ve Got”

[00:34:20] Free Style Reset guide offer and how to connect with Charnisse

[00:35:37] Book recommendation: "The Game of Life and How to Play It"

[00:36:23] Unsupervised online shopping confession: thigh-high boots for fall

[00:37:01] Wrap-up and gratitude for sharing a story of transformation through career change

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges. These are conversations with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: www.maisoncharnisse.com

GET CHARNISSE'S SPECIAL OFFER: Name of the product offered:

The Style Reset

The Style Reset is a free style and confidence guide designed for women navigating change, reinvention, or a new season of life. Through five intentional style shifts, it helps women reconnect with confidence, embrace who they are becoming, and create a wardrobe that reflects their current life, not a past version of themselves.

Normally $27

Special offer for podcast listeners (free, discounted, or coupon code):

Download at: https://maisoncharnisse.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1f8fe2e8d61f8e6bca1b0a57e&id=129bb482ff

No code required.

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Paige Lavelle about letting go of the “picture-perfect life” to pursue true self-discovery and authenticity. Paige, who now lives in Rochester, New York, opens up about leaving behind a carefully curated adult existence to confront her dissatisfaction and embark on a journey of rebuilding. She shares candidly about cultural and family expectations, breaking away from perfectionism, and what it takes to publicly own our most difficult transformations.

About Paige Lavelle:

Paige Lavell is the author of Invisibly Unwell and host of the Invisibly Unwell podcast. She is also a fintech leader with over 18 years of experience working for companies including Etsy, Meta, Block, and PayPal. Through Invisibly Unwell, Paige explores chronic illness beyond wellness culture and the quiet suffering masked by achievement, perfectionism, and the pressure to keep it all together.

Main Topics Covered:

• Why the “picture-perfect life” doesn’t guarantee happiness—and how societal, family, and cultural conditioning shape our adult choices
• The hidden misery behind checking all the right boxes: graduate degree, career, marriage, and home ownership
• Signs and symptoms of internal discomfort: boredom, lack of fulfillment, and wishing for “external” reasons to make big life changes
• Navigating pushback, judgment, and projections from friends and family after making unconventional choices, especially divorce
• The role of therapy and self-reflection in identifying true needs versus surface-level fixes (diet, wellness, decor)
• The non-linear, often uncomfortable process of self-discovery: trying on new identities, moving, and re-evaluating relationships
• Building a new life on your own terms: cultivating authentic friendships, trying new things, and facing loneliness and doubt
• Shifting from private struggle to public sharing: why Paige writes and podcasts about invisible health challenges and difficult transitions

Quote from the Episode:

“What I used to think was my own little special mixture of issues was not so special. Obviously we all have unique stories and unique circumstances, but there was definitely this underlying theme of women I met who were just going through this period or had gotten past this period of, like, is this really what I want?” —Paige Lavelle

Timestamps:

[00:00:19] Welcome and greetings from Rochester, NY; Paige on appreciating family, convenience, and this life chapter

[00:03:10] Defining “picture-perfect”: owning a home, marriage, career, but feeling unfulfilled

[00:05:18] Sources of the ideal: family, being “eldest daughter,” and cultural pressure toward conventional success

[00:09:40] Signs of hidden misery: boredom, longing for more, self-doubt, and fantasizing about escape

[00:12:31] Realization in therapy and wishing for something to end her marriage “for” her

[00:16:20] Making the leap: divorce, moving, and the resulting feedback from friends, family, and others

[00:18:18] Facing judgment tied to religion, family, and societal expectations about marriage and divorce

[00:21:07] Attempts at self-discovery: going down the “wellness” rabbit hole before confronting deeper truths

[00:24:22] Starting over: healing, moving “home,” re-evaluating friendships and self

[00:31:03] The reality of rebuilding: finding solid friendships, facing singles/dating world, exploring new interests like yoga

[00:34:51] Doubt, loneliness, and the emotional cost of transformation

[00:37:25] Choosing to go public: shedding the stigma of invisible struggle and helping others feel seen

[00:42:27] Paige’s recommendation: the ritual and mental escape of watching Jeopardy

[00:44:28] Favorite online purchases: Lovevery toddler toys and a whole house water filter—small wins that matter

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges. These are conversations with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.invisiblyunwell.com/

Invisibly Unwell Podcast https://feeds.simplecast.com/JI1lSIgc

Invisibly Unwell Memoir https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9781990700972

Note from the show: Guest offers are almost always limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julian Kohlbrand about navigating six figures of consumer debt, financial shame, and the path to authentic money management. Based just outside Seattle, Washington, Julian opens up about her experiences as an economics major, her personal struggles with debt despite a strong financial education, and how her journey led her to both self-acceptance and coaching others. Listeners will hear honest reflections on the emotional weight of debt, the power of open communication, and the practical, values-driven steps Julian took to change her financial future.

About Julian Kohlbrand:

Julian "Jewlz The Budget Nerd" Kohlbrand is on a mission to empower families to take control of their finances and reclaim their time. Through her coaching practice and podcast, she provides practical advice, actionable strategies, and ADHD-friendly support to help individuals and families achieve their financial dreams.

Main Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of consumer debt and why shame is so prevalent—even for those with financial know-how.
• How family values, generational beliefs, and upbringing shape our relationship with money and debt.
• The disconnect between academic economics and real-life personal finance skills (budgeting, debt management).
• Communication and transparency in relationships: aligning money philosophies with your partner.
• The role of ADHD in money management, executive functioning, and day-to-day financial decision-making.
• Creating actionable, judgment-free plans to dig out from debt—why talking about it is the first step to transformation.
• Rethinking social spending, boundaries with friends and family, and the tough adjustments that support financial health.
• Prioritizing values and intentional spending—how to manage your money without feeling deprived.

Quote from the Episode:

"It just felt like I had put on this backpack that I couldn't let go of. I carried it around with me everywhere. Then one day I said, we can't do this anymore. We have to rip the Band-Aid off. We have to figure this out and get rid of this because this is not how I envisioned my life to be." — Julian Kohlbrand

Timestamps:

[00:00:22] Julian introduced; Seattle life and love for Western Washington summers

[00:01:38] Navigating generational identity and family patterns

[00:04:10] Studying economics: college experience and the surprising lack of personal finance education

[00:06:19] Choosing not to pursue grad school—financial motivations and career pivots

[00:12:54] What qualifies as consumer debt? Differentiating mortgage, student loans, car loans, and credit cards

[00:16:00] Real estate commissions, irregular income, prioritizing family over bills, and how debt snowballs

[00:19:59] Breaking down the origins and weight of financial shame

[00:21:35] The turning point: deciding to face the debt and rebuild as a couple

[00:28:09] How talking about debt (and dropping the “backpack”) was key to overcoming shame

[00:31:04] The ripple effect on friendships and the need to reset social spending habits

[00:34:11] Calculating the true extent of debt years later; importance of facing the numbers

[00:37:12] The first actionable steps: emergency savings, redefining what’s an “emergency,” and ongoing communication

[00:40:32] Why Julian shares her story publicly: hope for others and the ADHD connection

[00:45:15] How Julian helps others as a financial coach (and podcast info: Debt Rebel)

[00:46:37] Special offer: free financial self-care journal for listeners

[00:47:50] Recommendations—favorite podcast for family nostalgia

[00:49:21] Online shopping and intentional splurges: golf clubs, joy, and mindful value-based spending

[00:50:38] Closing thoughts on values-based money management and gratitude for community

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more.

These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/

GET JEWLZ'S SPECIAL OFFER: Financial Self-Care Journal ($27 value) https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/financial-self-care-journal?coupon=IMPERFECT

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kristin Smith about the power of hard-won resilience, career pivots, and building a family-focused business from personal struggle. Kristin, based in Western Massachusetts, shares her journey from becoming a mother at age 19 in New York City to founding a nationwide postpartum care company. Listeners will take away insights on early motherhood, overcoming isolation, and the steps to turning life’s hardest moments into entrepreneurial fuel.

About Kristin Smith:

Kristin Smith is the founder of Well Supported Family, a newborn care and postpartum support agency with a national presence that connects families with experienced caregivers during the early stages of parenthood. She began her career as a professional nanny, and in 2008, she was named Nanny of the Year by Family Helpers, and the following year she was selected as a finalist for ABC’s America’s Supernanny.

Main Topics Covered:

• The profound impact of becoming a mother at a young age, and how it changed Kristin’s life trajectory
• Experiences of postpartum isolation—even in the middle of a big city and while working in childcare
• The practical and emotional micro-decisions involved in leaving an unsupportive relationship and starting over
• Turning personal challenges in early motherhood into a meaningful, sustainable career as a doula and eventually entrepreneur
• Building and scaling a postpartum support business (now Well Supported Family) from solo practice to a national team serving diverse families
• The logistics and realities of growing a service business as a single mother, with the help of family and later, a supportive partner
• Embracing bold choices, learning from mistakes, and cultivating confidence as a self-taught business owner
• Encouragement that it’s possible to find joy and purpose in work, and that past choices don’t define one’s future potential

Quote from the Episode:

"I just always had the mentality of go big or go home... I have to have the ability to kind of sit back within my own company and hand off all the tasks that I don't want to do so I can enjoy life. Because I've worked so hard and so long and put so many blood, sweat, and tears into this that I gotta make this bigger than it is." — Kristin Smith

Timestamps:

[00:00:19] Kristin’s introduction and life in Western Massachusetts

[00:01:38] Identifying as a Millennial and early life plans

[00:02:35] Nearly joining the military and pivoting to nanny work in NYC

[00:05:27] Experience of moving alone to New York and early motherhood

[00:08:01] Raising a newborn with minimal support and returning home

[00:09:34] Mindset and decision-making when isolated postpartum

[00:12:03] Reflection on giving her partner a “fair shot” for her daughter’s sake

[00:15:12] In-depth exploration of postpartum isolation—even with a childcare background

[00:18:13] Career pivots: training as an EMT, postpartum doula, home birth midwife, and starting solo practice

[00:22:09] The realities of balancing overnight client work and single motherhood

[00:24:58] Growing a solo practice into a team and national agency (Nightingale Night Nurses/Well Supported Family)

[00:28:33] First steps in hiring, business learning curve, and problem-solving through mistakes

[00:34:21] Kristin’s motivations for building a larger business and desire to help more families

[00:36:34] Kristin’s advice—on redefining yourself after setbacks, and building a joyful career

[00:38:23] About Well Supported Family: services, who they serve, and how to connect

[00:40:50] Kristin’s current TV recommendation and favorite purchase for new parents

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges. These are conversations with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://wellsupportedfamily.com/

We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.

Why subscribe?

• Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi

Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone

before that I used Kit.

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors