In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy welcomes Megan Dirks, a brand coach and nomadic pet sitter, to discuss her dramatic weight loss journey, living with PCOS, and the unconventional benefits of screen time and gaming. They dive into the complex balance of travel and work in a nomadic lifestyle and how Megan leverages her experiences to help others through creative solutions and relentless self-advocacy.

Main Topics Covered:

• Megan's weight loss journey and struggle with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• The positive influence of screen time and gaming as safe spaces
• The challenges and rewards of a nomadic pet-sitting lifestyle
• The importance of self-advocacy in personal and healthcare issues
• Career pathways emerging from gaming skills and online communities
• Investing in brand coaching and self-development

Quote from the Episode: "All tools have the potential to aid personal growth; it's about finding what works for you." - Megan Dirks

Timestamps:

• 0:00
• – Introduction to Megan Dirks and initial excitement
• 3:45
• – Megan’s background: From Nova Scotia to a nomadic lifestyle
• 7:30
• – The early struggles with PCOS and its impact on her life
• 12:15
• – Gaming as a safe space and social environment
• 18:05
• – Overcoming stereotypes: Gaming and weight issues
• 22:50
• – Discovering a hormonal imbalance and pursuing treatment
• 28:40
• – Undergoing bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes
• 34:20
• – The challenges of living and working on the move
• 39:55
• – Creative solutions and relentless self-advocacy
• 45:15
• – The anthology "The Girl on the Left" and its mission

You can connect with Megan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/megannovas/

@brandbosscoaching  @girlontheleftco 

Special limited-time offer for the audience Preorder The Girl On The Left book and get early access to the digital GOTL Guided Transformation Journal + a limited-time 25% discount!

When you want all the information about The Art of Imperfect Adulting delivered directly to your email inbox join our free email community at https://www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode, host Amy Stone talks with Katie Krimitsos about her entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from a successful podcast for women entrepreneurs to creating the Women's Meditation Network. They chat about the challenges of work-life balance, professional identity shifts, and the supportive dynamics of her relationship with her husband.

Katie Krimitsos is the founder of the Women's Meditation Network, a seasoned entrepreneur, and an inspiring meditation advocate. She resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband and two daughters, and has a passion for connecting emotional well-being with professional success.

Main Topics Covered:

• Katie's entrepreneurial journey and initial financial struggles.
• The intuitive shift from Biz Women Rock to the Women's Meditation Network.
• Balancing career ambitions with motherhood.
• The significance of supportive partnerships in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Insights into efficient work habits and task management.

Quote from the Episode: "Following that intuitive whisper, even when it scared me, led me to create something truly aligned with my passion and values." - Katie Krimitsos

Timestamps:

• [00:01:15] Introduction to Katie Krimitsos
• [00:05:40] Starting Biz Women Rock and early challenges
• [00:12:10] Reevaluating career direction during second pregnancy
• [00:18:25] Birth of the Women's Meditation Network
• [00:26:00] Overcoming imposter syndrome
• [00:35:45] Work and family balance strategies
• [00:42:00] The role of a supportive partner
• [00:50:30] Embracing outdoor life and personal interests
• [00:55:10] Rapid-fire questions: Favorite movie, karaoke, and more
• [01:00:55] Final thoughts and where to find Katie's meditations

You can find the Women’s Meditation Network wherever you listen to podcasts or at www.womensmeditationnetwork.com 

When you’re ready to get information about Imperfect Adulting delivered straight to your email box be sure to join the free email community at www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone sits down with the author of the book, "Kurt Cobain, Forever in Bloom," and explores the challenges faced during the creation of the book.

This show description has been updated to remove mentions of the name of the guest because the author has reported online backlash from public appearances.

The host of the show ... me, Amy has a favor to ask of the audience. Enjoy the story. Be inspired, be motivated to do something great for yourself, buy the book and also please be respectful and kind to my guest.

Order “Kurt Cobain, Forever in Bloom https://geniusbookpublishing.com/products/kurt-cobain-forever-in-bloom-hardcover?variant=50047241781527

You can join the Imperfect Adulting email community to get information about new episodes and special offers from the guests direct to your email inbox. www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting,"  host Amy Stone speaks with Angela Gallo about her transformative journey from a career in higher education to launching her entrepreneurial venture, Hemisphere Dancer Wellness and Travel. Angela shares insights into organizing wellness retreats, the impact of natural disasters, and the liberating, albeit challenging, experience of starting a new business.

Guest Information:

• Angela Gallo:
• Former dance professor, choreographer, and dean, Angela recently transitioned from higher education to establish Hemisphere Dancer Wellness and Travel. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband and 14-year-old son and is passionate about incorporating wellness, mindfulness, and movement into travel experiences.

Main Topics Covered:

• The transformative impact of travel and relocation.
• Organizing wellness retreats: details of an upcoming event in Asheville.
• Community rebuilding efforts post-hurricane.
• Transition from a 20-year academic career to an entrepreneurial venture in wellness and travel.
• The challenges of merging creative pursuits and administrative leadership roles.
• Offering personalized wellness experiences focusing on Pilates, somatic movement, and mindset work.

Quote from the Episode:

"It's exhilarating and scary at the same time, but having the freedom to choose meaningful opportunities has been incredibly rewarding." - Angela Gallo

Timestamps:

• 0:00
• - Introduction to the episode and guest Angela Gallo.
• 2:45
• - Angela's background in arts and higher education.
• 8:30
• - Challenges in higher education and the decision for early retirement.
• 15:00
• - Founding Hemisphere Dancer Wellness and Travel.
• 18:20
• - Details about the upcoming wellness retreat in Asheville.
• 24:00
• - Community involvement and rebuilding efforts post-hurricane.
• 30:15
• - The impact of family dynamics on career decisions.
• 35:45
• - The blend of structured activities and personal time in retreats.
• 42:00
• - Angela's transition from creative roles to leadership and back.
• 48:30
• - Rapid-fire Q&A with Angela.

Angela has a terrific offer for the listeners of a free virtual pilates session. Reach out to her directly to claim that at [email protected] This may be a limited time offer. if you have any issues with redemption please reach out to the guest directly.

If you want to make sure that you get great stories and offers like this delivered directly to your email inbox become a part of the Imperfect Adulting community at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone chats with Claire Ketchum, a health coach and mother who shares her journey through mindful eating, her daughter's type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and her mission to help teens manage chronic stress. Claire's insights unravel the complexities of diabetes management while fostering a mindful approach to health and well-being.

Claire Ketchum is a dedicated health coach residing in the northeast corner of Connecticut, passionately working to support teens and their families in overcoming stress and embracing healthier lifestyles. With personal experience in health coaching and a background in teaching, Claire has developed the "Balanced Body Blueprint" to help teens achieve a positive body image and manage stress effectively.

Main Topics Covered:

• Claire's personal history with food and mindful eating
• Her daughter's unexpected type 1 diabetes diagnosis and its management
• The challenges and solutions in managing diabetes as a family
• Claire's transition from teaching to coaching teens, focusing on chronic stress and healthy habit shifts
• Insights from Claire's "Balanced Body Blueprint" program

Quote from the Episode: "The diagnosis and management of diabetes brought immense stress and a new set of challenges, contrasting sharply with my mindful eating approach. It's been a journey of learning and adjusting for the whole family," said Claire Ketchum

0:00 - Introduction to Claire Ketchum 4:12 - Claire's early life and history with food 10:45 - Diabetic symptoms mistaken for a stomach bug 15:30 - Diagnosing type 1 diabetes and initial management challenges 21:59 - The role of continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps 28:16 - Dealing with judgment and stress from external sources 34:55 - Transition from teaching to health coaching 38:33 - Overview of the "Balanced Body Blueprint" 41:16 - Claire’s closing thoughts and thanks

You can connect with Claire Ketchum on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/claireketchum.ck/

She has also offered the Balanced Body Blueprint for the audience. Details are in the show and also in Imperfect Adulting email that comes straight to your inbox so be sure that you’re signed up to get that at https://www.imperfectadulting.com 

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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone welcomes Joel Oliver, a digital nomad and heart surgery survivor, to share his captivating journey. Joel discusses his unexpected heart surgery at a young age, his untethered lifestyle as a digital nomad, and how these experiences have shaped his outlook on life.

Guest Information:

Joel Oliver is the owner and founder of East Coast Studio, a podcast production company which was bootstrapped with no outside funding, from Joel’s small beginning as a freelancer over a decade ago. 

Main Topics Covered:

1. Heart Surgery Journey:
2. Joel’s experience with atrial fibrillation, leading to a mechanical valve replacement surgery at the age of 27. How he managed his recovery and the support he received from family.
3. Living as a Digital Nomad:
4. Joel’s transition from owning a home in Canada to embracing a full-time nomadic lifestyle. His experiences and insights on the logistical and emotional aspects of constantly moving.
5. Insights on Support and Community:
6. The importance of online communities and support systems for people undergoing significant medical procedures.
7. Professional Life:
8. Joel's work in the podcast production industry, including a special trial offer for listeners interested in starting their own podcasts.

Quote from the Episode:

"Even things that have been bad in life, I rarely will ever say I wish they never happened because otherwise I wouldn't even be who I am now." - Joel Oliver

Timestamps:

• [00:00:02]
• Introduction and Welcome
• [00:00:35]
• Where Joel is Currently Located
• [00:02:08]
• Joel’s Personal Life and Interests
• [00:03:18]
• Main Topics Introduction: Heart Surgery and Digital Nomadism
• [00:04:31]
• Discussing the Heart Surgery
• [00:08:54]
• Symptoms and Diagnosis
• [00:10:08]
• Type of Heart Surgery
• [00:11:21]
• Facing Surgery at a Young Age
• [00:13:39]
• Lessons Learned and Support Systems
• [00:19:36]
• Connection to Nomadic Lifestyle
• [00:21:07]
• Embracing the Nomadic Life
• [00:24:28]
• Logistics of Being a Nomad
• [00:26:44]
• Deciding to Become a Nomad
• [00:29:12]
• Joel’s Business: East Coast Studio

Connect with Joel and the East Coast Studio https://eastcoaststudio.com/

If you have a podcast Joel offered the audience Get $50 off your first podcast service with East Coast Studio when you mention this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting! Visit https://eastcoaststudio.com/podcast-vitality-call/ to book your Podcast Vitality Call.

Be sure to sign up for the Imperfect Adulting email community to get information about new episodes and special offers from the guests directly to your email inbox. https://www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode, Amy Stone chats with Ryanne Siddiq. Ryanne describes herself as a “car girl.” She is a resilient author and former financial professional who navigates life with chronic Lyme disease. Ryanne shares her journey from the world of finance to writing children's books, the role of cars in her life, and the challenges and triumphs of managing a long-term illness.

Main Topics Covered:

• Lyme Treatment:
• Experience of managing and treating chronic Lyme disease.
• Passion for Cars:
• The lifelong love of cars and driving, especially cornering on racetracks.
• Career Shift:
• Transition from finance to becoming a self-published children’s author.
• Life Philosophy:
• Embracing Mario Andretti's quote as a life mantra.
• Authorship:
• Writing and challenges associated with self-publishing.
• Resilience and Adaptation:
• Managing life changes due to illness and finding new passions.
• Family & Recovery:
• Balancing family life while dealing with chronic health issues.

How to connect with Ryanne Siddiq:

Buy Her Book: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0CQC5K21V

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryannesiddiq_author

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryannesiddiq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryannesiddiq

Website:  https://www.twupublishing.com/author-Ryanne

Be sure to join the Art of Imperfect Adulting email community to get information about new episodes, special offers and other fun stuff directly to your email. https://www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode, host Amy Stone welcomes Jane Epstein to discuss her personal journey through sibling sexual abuse (SSA), her transition from the entertainment industry to advocacy, and the publication of her memoir, "I Feel Real Guilty." Epstein shares her life experiences, the evolution of her understanding of her trauma, and her mission to raise awareness and support for SSA survivors.

Jane Epstein is an advocate for sibling sexual abuse awareness. She is an author, public speaker, and founder of the organization fivewaves.org.

• Jane's personal experiences with sibling sexual abuse
• Her career transition from the entertainment industry to advocacy
• Writing and publishing her memoir, "I Feel Real Guilty"
• Founding and work with fivewaves.org
• The dual nature of social media in providing support for SSA survivors
• Overcoming trauma in adult relationships and counseling experiences
• The evolving societal awareness and available resources for SSA

"Sharing my story isn't just about my own healing; it's about helping others realize they are not alone in this journey." — Jane Epstein

• [00:00 - 03:10]
• - Introduction and welcome
• [03:11 - 08:30]
• - Jane's early life and family dynamics
• [08:31 - 15:00]
• - Sibling abuse and its impact on her life choices
• [15:01 - 23:45]
• - Transition into the entertainment industry
• [23:46 - 30:50]
• - Marriages, counseling, and the resurfacing of trauma
• [30:51 - 38:20]
• - The writing of "I Feel Real Guilty" and subsequent public speaking
• [38:21 - 45:00]
• - Advocacy work and founding fivewaves.org
• [45:01 - 51:30]
• - Social media's role in connecting and supporting survivors
• [51:31 - 55:10]
• - Reflections on society's evolving understanding of SSA
• [55:11 - 58:45]
• - Jane's personal insights and concluding thoughts
• [58:46 - End]
• - Closing remarks and gratitude

Jane Epstein’s Tedx Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_epstein_giving_voice_to_sibling_sexual_abuse?subtitle=en

I Feel Real Guilty https://a.co/d/7QFXjwA

Contact FiveWaves via email: [email protected]

Make sure you are signed up as part of the Imperfect Adulting Email community to get content like this delivered directly to your inbox. https://www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone chats with Kathy Stowell about moving from a city in Calgary to her life on a hobby farm and her move back to a more urban setting.

Kathy Stowell is a mom coach and the founder of Mom Coach Coach School and Mom Coach Club. She lives in Nelson, British Columbia, and leverages her experiences from simplicity and creativity coaching to guide other moms in balancing their lives.

Main Topics Covered:

• Transition from living in Calgary to a rural hobby farm, then to an urban area
• Establishing her business as a mom coach and the creation of Mom Coach Coach School
• Personal stories about rural life, including the building of a straw bale house and adjustments after moving
• Impactful experiences like the evacuation due to a jet fuel spill
• Kathy's current offerings, including monthly memberships and workshops for mom coaches

Quote from Kathy Stowell "When we moved from the chaos of an urban lifestyle to a simpler rural existence, it wasn't just about slowing down; it was about rediscovering joy in small things, like puzzling and farming."

Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Introduction to the episode and Kathy Stowell
• [02:30] – Kathy's preferred jigsaw puzzle strategies: edges and corners
• [06:15] – Amy's insistence on starting with corners
• [07:45] – Kathy's background in simplicity parenting and creativity coaching
• [10:20] – Transition from Calgary to a rural hobby farm and lifestyle changes
• [16:50] – Building and living in a straw bale house
• [22:30] – The move back to an urban setting and new family dynamics
• [27:15] – Evacuation due to a jet fuel spill and its emotional impact
• [34:40] – Developing Mom Coach Coach School and Mom Coach Club
• [40:00] – Kathy's lighter side: childhood obsessions and favorite pastimes
• [44:20] – Kathy’s workshop 
• [47:00] – Final remarks

Kathy Stowell has a special offer for the audience. 

Find Your Life Purpose as a Mom Coach

Description of the product offered: Two Hour pre-recorded workshop to find clarity on what your purpose as a mom coach might look like

Value of the product offered: $67

Special offer for the listeners of the show: 75% off

Listeners can collect this offer (link & coupon code): https://blissbeyondnaptime.thrivecart.com/find-your-life-purpose-live-workshop/

code: IMPERFECT

This may be a limited time offer so if you have trouble redeeming the offer please contact Kathy Stowell directly. 

Be sure to join the Imperfect Adulting Email newsletter community so that this information comes straight to your email box www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone chats with Anne Alexander-Sieder, an American actor-turned-European-resident, about her journey from acting in summer camps to building a career and life in Munich, Germany. Anne’s narrative is filled with twists, including an unexpected pregnancy, a career break, and a reinvigorated return to acting in midlife.

Anne Alexander-Sieder is a versatile actor, voiceover artist, and life and career coach residing in Munich, Germany. With an impressive career spanning continents and decades, Anne has navigated the challenges of balancing family life and professional aspirations while redefining her personal brand in the acting industry. She is the creator of the "Passion Project to Pro" workshop and the founder of act-bold.com.

Main Topics Covered:

• Anne’s early life and move to Europe at 21.
• Meeting her husband on a blind date and starting a family.
• Transitioning from on-stage acting to voiceover work and back.
• The importance of human expression and Ann's background in American Sign Language.
• Midlife reclamation and reigniting creative passions.
• Building a personal brand and launching the "Get Better Roles" program.
• Overcoming societal expectations and limitations of middle age.

Quote from Anne Alexander-Sieder "Opportunities often come to us as whims or unplanned actions, and it’s the synchronicity that makes them so impactful."

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction and welcome
• [02:15] Anne’s move to Europe and early career in acting
• [08:30] Meeting her husband and starting a family in Munich
• [15:45] Transitioning to voiceover work
• [19:55] Midlife reclamation and returning to acting
• [24:10] Anne's workshops and the "Passion Project to Pro"
• [30:45] Michelin-starred restaurant experiences
• [36:20] Exploring societal expectations of middle age
• [42:55] Personal branding and marketing strategies
• [50:10] Overcoming limiting beliefs and relaunching her career
• [57:00] Final thoughts and closing remarks

Special offer from the guest: Name of the product offered:

Passion Project to Pro (P²) the Workbook

This workbook introduces the foundational steps to help individuals turn what they love into what they do—without having to be an expert, influencer, or coach. It’s a practical guide designed to kick-start the journey of creating an income-generating, fulfilling path around your passion or curiosity.

Value of the product offered:

Normally $27 Free with the link provided.

Special offer for the listeners of the show:

Free access to the workbook and an option to join the waitlist for my free upcoming live workshop, where listeners can ask questions and get additional guidance.

Listeners can download the free workbook and join the waitlist here: https://www.actboldtraining.com/p2

This may be a time sensitive offer if you have trouble redeeming the offer please reach out to the guest directly. 

Before you go be sure that you’ve signed up for the Imperfect Adulting email newsletter so that you can get content like this delivered directly to your email inbox. https://www.imperfectadulting.com