The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with JoNeil Conley—Michigan-based nurse, organizational leadership expert, and self-described “bullyologist”—about the reality of workplace bullying in healthcare and beyond. JoNeil shares her personal story of facing intimidation, sabotage, and toxic leadership in the operating room, how she turned that experience into a research-backed crusade against bullying, and why “miracles can be found in the messes” of adult life. Together, Amy and JoNeil explore how individuals can recognize, document, and respond to bullying, and why no one is truly a “hot mess”—just someone moving through life’s most challenging chapters.

About the Guest:

JoNeil Conley is a nurse, coach, speaker, and organizational leadership expert from Alma, Michigan. After decades in healthcare—including ER and OR nursing, leadership roles, and earning her doctorate—she specializes in coaching women through life’s “hot mess” moments and is dedicated to helping individuals and teams navigate bullying and toxic environments with courage and clarity.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the geography, culture, and quirks of Michigan (and why it matters!)
• JoNeil’s journey from hands-on nursing to academic research on bullying in the operating room
• The anatomy of workplace bullying: sabotage, power dynamics, and the “executive bully”
• Why documenting facts (not just feelings) is critical for real change at work
• Turning a personal ordeal into a movement: JoNeil’s meanness matrix tool and doctoral research results
• The enduring myth of “nurses eat their young”—how toxicity takes root in organizations
• Strategies for protecting yourself from bullies, rude people, and narcissists (at work, at home, and beyond)
• The power of speaking up, building alliances, and surviving the “hot mess” seasons of adulting

Quote from the Episode:

“We have a tendency to call everything bullying…and that’s not true. Some people are just rude. The differentiation between a rude person and a bully is the bully is intentional—it’s about you.” — JoNeil Conley

Timestamps:

[00:00:05] Where JoNeil calls home: Michigan “the Mitten” and the UP

[00:02:37] What brings JoNeil laughter—her grandbaby

[00:03:18] Childhood, nursing origins, “joiner” tendencies, and leadership

[00:08:35] On entering nursing, ER burnout, and the road to the operating room

[00:10:57] Team dynamics, hierarchy, and the anatomy of a sabotaging bully

[00:12:49] The incident that triggered JoNeil’s anti-bullying journey

[00:18:21] Recognizing bullying patterns, toxic cultures, and why people stay

[00:21:23] Turning experience into expertise: JoNeil’s dissertation and OR research

[00:27:27] The meanness matrix—you can’t stop all bullying, but you can protect yourself

[00:29:08] Power, influence, and the importance of documenting facts

[00:31:13] The confrontation: documenting, courage, and turning the tables on a toxic CEO

[00:39:16] How to document incidents (and why it matters in any environment)

[00:41:43] JoNeil’s work today—coaching women through “hot mess” seasons

[00:46:01] Rapid-fire: water preferences, books, Michigan travel, and haunted lighthouses

Special Offer from the Guest:

Hot Mess Hotline

The Hot Mess Hotline is a one-hour, one-topic laser coaching session for women who are overwhelmed, stuck, or facing one of life’s “what now?” moments. Whether it’s burnout, a tough relationship, workplace chaos, or an identity shift, this session is your space to breathe, unpack what’s really going on, and leave with clear, doable next steps—and a whole lot more peace of mind. Value of the product offered: $97

Special offer for the listeners of the show:

Audience of The Art of Imperfect Adulting can book their Hot Mess Hotline session for just $77.

Go to www.DrJoNeil.com/hotmess and enter the code IMPERFECT77 at checkout to unlock the special rate.

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this milestone episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, the tables turn as career strategist Raquel Sands takes the interviewer's seat to explore the origin story, philosophy, and evolution behind Amy's podcast journey. Originally planned as the 100th episode celebration (better late than never!), this candid conversation reveals the "why" behind the show's inclusive approach to storytelling and the messy, non-linear nature of adult life.

From unexpected sources of wisdom (like exterminators offering grief advice) to navigating differing viewpoints on air, Amy opens up about creating space for authentic human stories while maintaining boundaries and building community. Raquel's spontaneous interviewing style draws out insights about the challenges of visibility, the power of lived experience, and why "imperfect adulting" resonates across generations.

Miriam Raquel Sands is a career strategist turned self-trust coach, podcast host, and creator behind A Work of One's Own and A Day in the Life. She helps purpose-driven, emotionally-aware Millennials and Gen Z professionals redefine success without toxic hustle or spiritual bypassing. Her work blends trauma-aware coaching, nervous system literacy, communications strategy, and storytelling to help clients reclaim self-trust, alignment, and capacity.

• The Origin Story Behind the Show

• The Art of Podcasting
• Holding Space for Different Perspectives
• Common Themes and Surprising Stories
• The Business of Storytelling
• Visibility and Boundaries

"Very strangely, being a child doesn't prepare you to parent children." - Amy Stone on the myth that life experience automatically creates expertise

"I find it very helpful to hear stories from people who have done the thing that I think I want to do, and they did it." - Amy on the power of practical inspiration

[00:00:04] Role reversal introduction and spontaneous energy [00:01:26] The origin story: from step-parenting focus to inclusive adulting [00:04:59] Unpacking the show title and the "art" of imperfection [00:05:37] Why podcasting as the chosen medium [00:09:14] Life moments that sparked introspection and the show's creation [00:14:28] The exterminator story: wisdom from unexpected sources [00:17:47] Navigating different viewpoints and guest perspectives [00:21:30] Visibility, boundaries, and the public-private balance [00:24:36] Behind the scenes: guest vetting and emotional readiness [00:27:13] Practical advice for pitching to the show [00:29:18] Surprising guest stories and common themes [00:34:43] Career and relationship changes as universal experiences [00:38:02] What Amy hopes listeners take away [00:41:35] Maintaining momentum and future vision [00:48:51] Dreams of expansion and the changing media landscape [00:54:53] Fun facts and closing reflections

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Moira Mills about making unconventional choices around education, career, and family. Moira shares her upbringing as an unschooled Alaskan, her journey to becoming a solo parent by choice, and how she and her son have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, learning along the way. Together, they delve into unschooling, navigating the “shoulds” of adulthood, and finding growth and community off the beaten path.

About the Guest:

Moira Mills is a lifelong unschooler, entrepreneur, and former Rolfing practitioner who now helps entrepreneurs and families lean into their unique energy through human design. After raising her son on the road and embracing “road schooling” post-pandemic, Moira works with families making the shift to alternative education and supports business owners in authentic branding. She currently roams the eastern half of the U.S. with her son, London.

Quote from the Episode:

"I think that the way we're thinking about education is kind of inherently kind of backwards, because I think that we're really designed at a very core level [to learn]." — Moira Mills

Main Topics Covered:

• What “road schooling” and “unschooling” look like in real life
• Moira’s own education outside of traditional classrooms in Alaska
• The nuances behind school choice, including faith and family values
• Embracing flexibility, change, and a non-traditional path in career and family
• How milestones and benchmarks (in school and development) can be unhelpful or freeing
• Community, friendship, and socialization for families on the move
• Parenting as a single mom by choice and focusing on authentic living

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Moira’s background & current home on the road

[00:01:05] Warm weather memories and living locations

[00:02:10] Defining “road schooling” & “world schooling”

[00:02:45] Moira’s unschooled upbringing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula

[00:04:33] Diplomas, transcripts, and life after unschooling

[00:05:32] Family choices and motivations behind homeschooling

[00:07:16] Faith, stereotypes, and educational values

[00:09:09] Shifting to unschooling for her son during the pandemic

[00:10:03] What self-directed “unschooling” means

[00:12:57] Career shifts, Rolfing, and systems thinking

[00:16:02] The basics of Rolfing and fascia explained

[00:20:15] Single motherhood by choice and making decisions solo

[00:21:30] The leap to road schooling and embracing nomadic life

[00:24:46] Curriculum, benchmarks, and letting interests lead

[00:28:17] Socializing and building community as a roaming family

[00:32:57] Looking ahead: how long will they stay on the road?

[00:35:26] Moira’s business: human design for entrepreneurs and families

[00:38:59] Final fun questions: overstimulation & sources for answers in 2025

Guest Contact Information: Website: moiramills.com

Instagram: @moiramills.me

Special Offer from the Guest:

Name of the product offered:

Full Human Design Reading 

A 60–75 minute session where we dive deep into your unique Human Design chart. You’ll walk away with clarity about your energy type, decision-making strategy, and core life themes—plus insight into how to align your relationships, work, and parenting with who you truly are.

Value of the product offered: $200

Special offer for the listeners of the show:$50 off your Full Human Design Reading

Visit MoiraMills.com and mention the code IMPERFECT50 in your message. I’ll follow up personally to schedule your session.

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Victoria Carrington Chavez—digital nomad, storyteller, and founder of The Story Saloon—about her journey from “main character” to “author” of her own life. Victoria shares her transformative experience navigating a major breakup, detaching from societal checklists, and embracing her childhood dreams through intentional storytelling, entrepreneurship, and travel.

About the Guest:

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a storytelling powerhouse, award-winning entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker. Her talk has been praised as "a masterclass in storytelling." Featured on Telemundo, FIERCE by mitú, and over a dozen podcasts, she brings bold, honest energy to every stage she steps on, from college campuses to global conferences. Victoria doesn’t just speak. She sparks transformation.

Through her platform, The Story Saloon™, she helps creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders distill and share their stories authentically and unapologetically, so they can build the community they crave and become unforgettable.

Her message is simple. It’s not too late to live the life you want. The best chapters are still being written, so make them legendary. Your story is too important to go untold.

Main Topics Covered:

• The difference between being the “main character” and the “author” of your story
• Navigating a late-30s/early-40s life shift and healing from heartbreak
• Learning to recognize societal pressures and rewrite your own personal “checklist”
• The role of storytelling and content creation in healing and belonging
• Building intentional community and support systems online
• Taking bold steps: from post-breakup blues to solo cross-country road trips and TEDx talks
• The process of distilling your story and using it to fuel your personal or business brand

Quote from the Episode:

“It’s not like, let me come and take center stage. It’s about taking my story, my values, and putting those things center stage in my life.” – Victoria Carrington Chavez

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Victoria’s digital nomad lifestyle & Carmen San Diego reference

[00:01:46] Giving kindness and compliments on LinkedIn

[00:03:23] Main character vs. author of your story—what it means

[00:05:51] Victoria at 35: teaching, engagement, outward perfection vs. inward emptiness

[00:08:50] Recognizing discontent, ignoring hobbies, and doubting self

[00:13:14] A telenovela-worthy breakup as plot twist and catalyst

[00:15:52] Choosing authorship at 40: launching a business, traveling solo

[00:19:47] Finding support and connection via TikTok, content creation

[00:22:25] Mentorship, entrepreneurship, and joining the HEFA in Training community

[00:24:07] Doing bold things—getting a passport, booking retreats

[00:27:50] Seven-month solo road trip & embracing other people’s opinions

[00:31:03] Claiming “storyteller” as a profession

[00:34:13] About The Story Saloon and Victoria’s current work

[00:36:54] Favorite activities, book recommendations, daily gadgets

Special Offer from the Guest:

The Story Spark: A 60-minute 1:1 deep dive to help you uncover your signature story and shape it into content that connects. Perfect for: creatives, coaches, speakers, and founders who are sitting on a powerful story but don’t know where to start in sharing it with clarity and authenticity.

Value:$297 Special offer for the show: As a thank you for tuning in, I’m offering your first Story Spark Session for FREE!

How to collect: https://tidycal.com/victoriacchavez/the-story-spark 

Note from the host: All the offers from guests should be considered limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest.

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Caterina Rando about the realities of becoming financially savvy after divorce, the power of entrepreneurial confidence, and the personal journey of recovery from financial betrayal. Caterina candidly shares her story of rebuilding after her marriage ended in unexpected financial upheaval, and the lessons she’s learned about financial empowerment, self-advocacy, and supporting other women to thrive through entrepreneurship.

About the Guest: Caterina Rando is a woman on a mission to uplift the lives of women everywhere through thrive entrepreneurship. She is an author, sought-after speaker, podcaster, and business transformation coach who, for thirty years, passionately serves women leaders and entrepreneurs to massively monetize their mastery.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating marriage, divorce, and discovering financial betrayal
• How family history and cultural expectations shape money confidence
• Recovering from debt and building back savings and investments
• Why entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for women’s financial empowerment
• The importance of asking “beginner questions” and learning financial vocabulary
• Creating boundaries and autonomy with money, even within marriage or partnership
• Daily financial habits and the impact of financial trauma on future decision-making

Quote from the Episode: “Money gives you choices, and it can give you a feeling of freedom... If you don’t have the resources, you don’t have the choice.”—Caterina Rando

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Caterina shares her background and love for San Francisco

[00:02:06] Marriage, divorce, and family values around money

[00:06:09] Financial roles in marriage & discovering financial infidelity

[00:14:49] Recovering from debt after divorce and redefining financial savvy

[00:19:30] What it means to be financially savvy—in savings, investing, and entrepreneurship

[00:26:29] Why women should feel empowered to make financial decisions

[00:33:39] Caterina’s journey from cafe owner to business coach

[00:36:33] Caterina’s ongoing mission: empowering women through entrepreneurship

[00:38:35] Caterina’s favorite travel story & advice from her mom

[00:41:16] How Caterina uses tech and AI for learning and business

Special Offer from the Guest: Caterina invites listeners to attend her free monthly workshops on topics such as authentic selling, speaking to grow your business, business retreats, and more. Details and sign-up information are available at https://caterinarando.com/links

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

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

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

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 Tina Palmgren, business owner and Excel specialist, about navigating one of the darkest chapters of her life—a sudden and tragic loss that forever changed her relationship with family, grief, and herself. Tina opens up about becoming a young widow, losing the stepchildren she loved, and the unique ways she rebuilt her life, moving from "just being alive" to truly thriving.

About the Guest: T

ina Palmgren survived open heart surgery at the tender age of 15 months. Her passion is to strengthen the heartbeat of your business – the back-office processes needed to run your business.

With a BA in Accounting, a master’s in technology management, 25 years in accounting and finance, and 12 years as an entrepreneur creating customized systems to your business’s needs and teaching Excel, Tina’s well-positioned to help you strengthen your business’s heartbeat by finding efficiencies and errors most others overlook. 

Main Topics Covered:

• The sudden and traumatic loss of Tina’s husband in her early thirties and the immediate aftermath.
• Navigating grief, loneliness, and the loss of her stepchildren due to a high-conflict stepfamily dynamic.
• The challenges of social support, workplace misunderstandings, and rebuilding a sense of community.
• How Tina redefined her self-worth, learned to accept joy, and embraced the courage to thrive—not just survive.
• Practical tools Tina used to process grief: gratitude journaling, reading, and gradually re-engaging with joy through everyday moments and new adventures.
• Tina’s journey to entrepreneurship and her philosophy of having fun with both life and work.

Quote from the Episode: "I always heard 'you’re lucky to be alive' growing up... So you don’t deserve happiness, to thrive, to be abundant, to whatever. And didn’t know that. I incorporated that into my whole life. You’re alive, what more should you want? But it took me decades to realize: I deserve more than just breathing." — Tina Palmgren

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome & intros; where Tina calls home

[00:01:34] Tina’s marriage, stepchildren, and blended family background

[00:04:41] Sudden loss: Tina’s husband’s heart attack and hospital days

[00:07:05] The experience and aftermath of being widowed young

[00:10:00] Losing connection with stepchildren and facing isolation

[00:13:59] Family support, changes in communication, and small moments of laughter

[00:14:50] Finding the courage to re-engage with life and social circles

[00:20:12] From just surviving to thriving—defining what joy means

[00:27:39] Practical healing: gratitude, reading, and faith

[00:35:08] Starting her own business and embracing fun at work

[00:36:37] Special offer, favorite books, and closing thoughts on travel and happiness

Special Offer from the Guest: The Fortune Follow Up System

Special Podcast Sale: $222 

Link to purchase: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Z5SSTGB93LUSA

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer, please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

Join the conversation on social media. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Dr. Danielle Griffin about her journey through overwhelm, pandemic stress, and personal transformation. Danielle shares candidly about balancing multiple careers, family loss, and collective uncertainty, as well as how she rediscovered alignment through somatic practices and shifting her professional focus toward helping others heal from stress and trauma.

About the Guest:

Dr. Danielle Griffin is a leading speaker and coach dedicated to empowering busy professionals to overcome the complex interplay of physical discomfort and emotional overwhelm. As the award-winning author of Somatic Exercise Made Simple, she specializes in helping high-achievers reclaim their focus, boost productivity, and enhance their presence through accessible mind-body practices. With a doctorate and certifications in hypnotherapy and somatic approaches, Dr. Danielle provides tangible, actionable tools to reduce pain and stress, manage anxiety, and foster profound resilience. Her impactful presentations equip audiences with practical strategies to create positive change and unlock their full potential, even amidst demanding schedules.

Main Topics Covered:

• Danielle’s life pre-pandemic: balancing family, career, and entrepreneurship
• Navigating stress, uncertainty, and grief through COVID-19 and major life changes
• Outward resilience versus internal overwhelm
• The concept of collective stress and its impact on communities
• Healing with somatic practices: breathwork, movement, and mind-body awareness
• The role of hypnotherapy in shifting mindset and finding clarity
• Letting go of hustle culture and creating space for intentional self-care
• How Danielle helps clients implement practical, restorative routines

Quote from the Episode:

"We’re reminded that our mental health isn’t just within our mind, but it’s carried within parts of our body... It allows you opportunities to relieve the stress and embodiment of that tension from within you." — Dr. Danielle Griffin

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & warmup: Danielle’s background and where she calls home

[00:02:21] Life pre-pandemic: family, work, travel business, and daily routines

[00:05:21] Lockdown changes: loss of social connection, work/career pressures, and home responsibilities

[00:08:54] Outward resilience vs. internal overwhelm; family changes and stress compounds

[00:14:36] Realizing overwhelm after major loss, postpartum, and stacked life events

[00:20:28] Turning to yoga and somatic practices for relief

[00:23:49] Defining collective stress, why it matters, and pandemic as a global shared trauma

[00:37:24] What is somatic healing? Mind-body tools to release tension and heal

[00:43:53] Creating her program: supporting clients with stress, pain, and trauma recovery

[00:45:11] Fun questions: guilty pleasures, thoughts on aging, and favorite travel escapes

[00:48:39] Upcoming trips, Mexico favorites, and closing gratitude

Special Offer from the Guest:

Receive a free copy eBook, somatic exercise Made simple book 3 as well as any other books I release if they join my book review team https://mailchi.mp/33e037c9508c/free-e-book-reviewers-sign-up

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Amy Taylor—a Missouri-based mental health advocate, podcast host, and social worker—about how a diagnosis of thyroid cancer sparked a transformative journey toward living more intentionally. Amy shares the realities of cancer treatment, going back to school in her fifties, pivoting careers, and launching her own podcast and side hustle to support conversations around mental health and neurodivergence.

About the Guest:

Amy Taylor has nearly 30 years of experience as a social worker and recently obtained her MBA in her fifties. She believes fiercely in the power of choice—the right to love openly, to embrace every unique aspect of ourselves, and to live authentically. She has walked a path through mental health challenges, with the courage to face Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and ADHD, and she extends her hand to those who walk a similar road. As a single mom to a multiracial daughter on the spectrum, she has learned that differences are not barriers but gifts, bridging our understanding and compassion.

Main Topics Covered:

• Amy’s cancer diagnosis, treatment process, and experience with radioactive iodine isolation
• Realizations about “autopilot” living, and the decision to make bold life changes after illness
• Returning to school at age 52 to complete an MBA 20 years in the making
• Making a meaningful career pivot within social work and health advocacy
• Launching a podcast and side hustle as a first-time entrepreneur
• Breaking down stigma and building online support for neurodivergent families

Quote from the Episode:

“I had a lot of time to think, and I thought a lot about how cancer is pretty scary. And I was not happy with the way my life was going. And there were things that I had wanted to do for years and had not done. And I thought, you know what? I'm not going to put it off anymore. I'm going to make these changes.” — Amy Taylor

Timestamps: [00:00:08] Amy Taylor’s hometown and Kansas City connections

[00:01:54] Receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis and sharing her prognosis

[00:03:17] Life before diagnosis: career, family, and “autopilot” routines

[00:05:13] How Amy’s cancer was discovered through routine blood work

[00:07:58] Undergoing radioactive iodine therapy and isolation

[00:11:28] Complications in treatment and support from family

[00:14:27] Facing mortality and intentional living during isolation

[00:17:53] Decision to return to school and the challenges of finishing an MBA

[00:22:19] Switching jobs for more meaning and less burnout in social work

[00:25:57] Starting a podcast and side hustle for the first time

[00:29:00] Building community around neurodivergence and mental health

[00:30:03] Final fun questions: food, relaxation, and karaoke

Connect with the Guest:

Podcast: Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama https://open.spotify.com/show/6gSjJDMEff7WJr71zvZnwy?si=39cfbe74414442ea&nd=1&dlsi=33ee4d7fa9374faf

Special Offer from the Guest:

Get Amy Taylor’s “Who Am I?” guided journal for free—a resource designed to help you unlock self-understanding, clarity, direction, and mindfulness. Download available at advancingwithamy.com.

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson—an organizational psychologist, podcast host, and advocate for women’s voices—to explore what happens when life shifts beneath your feet. Julie opens up about her cascade of personal challenges, including a chronic illness diagnosis, the loss of her father, job upheaval, a major surgery, and the reckoning that came with the COVID lockdown. Through these tough transitions, she shares how she redefined her sense of self, found healing in storytelling and podcasting, and discovered a new purpose beyond the "traditional path."

About the Guest:

Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson is a Podcaster, Speaker, Coach, & Advocate empowering women to share their stories through podcasting. She coaches women to be awesome podcast guests and helps women launch and host their own show without breaking the bank. Julie has two podcasts, Podcast Your Story and The Story of My Pet. She also created the Women's Podcaster Party Networking Community and Podcast Your Story Community Membership to further support women and non-binary podcasters, podcast guests, and speakers.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating chronic kidney disease and the limits it set on Julie’s life and work
• The death of a parent and lessons in anticipatory and personal grief
• Losing jobs, financial anxiety, and the challenge of rebuilding in midlife
• The emotional toll of a hysterectomy and the stigma around being “childless”
• How COVID lockdown prompted a reevaluation of purpose and creativity
• Finding healing, identity, and connection through podcasting and storytelling
• The unseen value of women who don’t follow the traditional path of marriage and children
• Building community as a “proud auntie,” animal advocate, and support network for others

Quote from the Episode:

“I talk openly about a lot of this experience because I know so many people are going through it, either watching it happen or it already has happened and they don’t know what to do. And I think I’ve also found that podcasting is very therapeutic.”—Julie Marty-Pearson

Timestamps:

[00:00:05] Julie’s roots and home in Bakersfield, CA

[00:03:16] The “cascade” of life events: illness, bereavement, job loss

[00:08:34] How work and commuting shaped her relationships and self-image

[00:10:17] Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and learning to advocate for her needs

[00:16:53] Losing her father: anticipatory grief and community support

[00:33:49] Job losses, marriage stress, and the breaking point

[00:36:53] Hysterectomy, menopause, and identity as a woman without children

[00:44:16] Pandemic lockdown as a catalyst for reinvention

[00:46:09] Moving into coaching, animal care, and podcasting

[00:52:01] Spirituality, seeing “signs,” and learning from the universe

[00:55:14] Women’s invisible roles, “auntiehood,” and advocating for childfree women

[01:02:03] What Julie is doing now: podcasting, advocacy, and helping women share their stories

[01:03:36] Quickfire questions: routines, reading, and dream vacations

Special Offer from the Guest:

Julie is offering a complimentary “Podcast Clarity Call” to listeners of The Art of Imperfect Adulting. If you’re curious about guesting on podcasts, launching your own, or simply want to explore how to share your story, mention this episode when reaching out! https://www.juliemartypearson.com/

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julieta Duvall about her family’s journey from traditional schooling to an unschooling lifestyle. Julieta opens up about the challenges of upending societal expectations, the impact of the pandemic on her family’s choices, and the transformative work of shifting to a life built on partnership, flexibility, and intentional living.

About the Guest:

Julieta has spent 20 years as a flight attendant and now lives intentionally with her family. Their choice to home educate has brought them closer and fostered deeper alignment. She is dedicated to inspiring others to value and nurture living in partnership with their children.

Main Topics Covered:

• How the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual schooling prompted Julieta’s shift to homeschooling and unschooling.
• The difference between traditional schooling, homeschooling, and unschooling philosophies.
• Challenging societal and cultural norms around work, school, and parenting roles.
• The importance of reconnecting with your children and yourself as part of the educational journey.
• Finding community and support through mentorship and local unschooling groups.
• The emotional work and self-reflection required to model partnership, communication, and imperfection as a parent.
• Rethinking family priorities: work, money, and time as intentional, life-affirming choices.

Quote from the Episode: “The way I define unschooling, it's a life of partnership with your children. You meet in the middle. I don't have all the control, but they also don't have the control. And we are meeting everyone's needs in the middle.” — Julieta Duvall

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Introductions and Michigan geography

[00:01:02] Last compliment given—supporting a young instructor

[00:01:17] Family background & school changes in 2020

[00:03:11] Julieta’s educational path from Mexico to Michigan

[00:07:45] The value of learning for life

[00:08:40] Impact of pandemic on schooling decisions

[00:13:45] Julieta’s pre-pandemic struggles with the “busy” life

[00:20:39] Transition from traditional homeschooling to unschooling

[00:24:03] Letting go of curriculum; reconnecting with her son

[00:28:26] The philosophy of unschooling and “radical unschooling”

[00:35:18] Emotional labor and breaking societal conditioning

[00:41:08] Faith, parenting philosophies, and real life learning

[00:42:54] The personal (and ongoing) work behind family alignment

[00:47:52] Family communication and partnership in daily life

[00:49:02] Rethinking work, money, and intentional living

[00:53:57] Where to connect with Julieta, closing questions

Connect with the Guest: Instagram: @the_unschooling_lifestyle

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting 

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

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