The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kyla Holley, founder of the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour and host of the “Change Your Relationship with Food” podcast. Kyla shares her candid story of how gallbladder surgery in her early 40s became a turning point, leading to a personal and professional transformation—from navigating binge eating disorder to helping others heal their own relationship with food. Together, Amy and Kyla explore medical interventions, midlife reinvention, body acceptance, and the evolving landscape of weight loss and wellness.

About the Guest:

Kyla Holley is a Therapist and Founder of the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour (ACFEB). She leads a community of over 1000 ACFEB trained health professionals, and continues to work in private practice to keep her clinical experience up to date. She also hosts an award-winning podcast Change your Relationship with Food.

Main Topics Covered:

• The life-changing impact of gallbladder surgery and the revelations that followed
• Kyla’s journey with binge eating disorder and finding self-acceptance
• The role of counselling and education in transforming relationships with food
• Bariatric surgery, the rise of GLP-1 medications (Ozempic/Tirzepatide), and global trends
• Why weight and body image are so complex—and why shame and judgment don’t help
• Building a new career and helping others after personal transformation
• The crucial value of laughter, partnership, and living authentically through midlife changes

Quote from the Episode:

“It was just a quest for the inside and the outside to match … This wasn’t really a quest for thinness. I wouldn’t put myself into that category even now. But it was just a quest for the inside and the outside to match.” — Kyla Holley

Timestamps: [00:00:00] Kyla’s background: from the UK to Australia; laughter & resilience in marriage

[00:02:30] The story behind gallbladder surgery and the “five Fs”

[00:04:15] When health forces a reckoning: self-acceptance vs. change

[00:09:24] Studying counselling, becoming her own case study, and life/career transformation

[00:15:04] Deciding to re-train, approach her surgeon, and start helping others

[00:18:46] Working with bariatric patients; realizing the need for eating disorder expertise

[00:23:10] The GLP-1 medication boom and what’s happening for patients in Australia

[00:29:02] Why relationship with food is key—beyond medication or surgery

[00:34:11] Bringing expertise to a global audience; Kyla’s podcast & training centre

[00:35:35] Fun questions: Princess Cake, favorite TV shows, and dream kitchen upgrades

Special Offer from the Guest:

Mention this episode of “The Art of Imperfect Adulting” to receive a 10% discount on Kyla’s online professional training courses for a limited time. www.acfeb.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 Tiffani Bibb about what happens when a Christmas Eve accident sparks a wave of life-altering decisions. Tiffani opens up about her journey through injury, divorce after 15 years of marriage, and a transformative reinvention of both body and career, all marked by self-honesty and bold, sometimes messy, action.

About the Guest:

Tiffani Bibb is a mom to a fearless 10-year-old girl, HR professional by trade, and personal reinvention coach for women who are ready to shake things up. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida, where sunshine and water adventures keep me grounded. Tiffany is a nonprofit executive and in my “free” time, she runs an HR consulting business and coach mid-life, mid-career women through the mindset shifts needed to stop fearing change and start chasing what they really want. 

Main Topics Covered:

• How a Christmas Eve accident led to months of forced stillness and deep self-reflection
• Navigating marriage, motherhood, and the choice to end a long-term relationship
• The role of therapy (individual and couples) and the importance of honesty with oneself
• Emotional and physical transformation through weight loss and lifestyle change
• Dealing with family, financial, and community reactions to rapid personal change
• Launching and relaunching a coaching business, and making the leap from side hustle to full time
• Supporting other women through periods of uncertainty, reinvention, and dreaming bigger

Quote from the Episode: “When you’re knocked on your butt, you have a lot of time to think. ... My mind got really busy and I started thinking about where I was in life—and was I truly okay with where I was? The answer was a resounding no in some places of my life.”—Tiffani Bibb

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Jacksonville origins, family warmth, and Florida quirks

[00:01:12] Laughter as medicine—finding joy in parenting

[00:02:18] What “normal” Christmas Eve looked like vs. what actually happened

[00:04:21] The accident: racing her daughter, refusing an ambulance, and urgent care visit

[00:08:13] The aftermath—months in bed, forced introspection, and relationship reflection

[00:09:57] Childhood dreams: a vision of career, independence, and family

[00:15:06] Deciding to leave a marriage, the process of realization, and seeking support

[00:19:11] The emotional and physical transformations post-separation

[00:21:19] Community reactions to big life changes—old friends vs. new friends

[00:23:02] Building a coaching business, setbacks, and relaunching with purpose

[00:26:40] Final fun questions: fears, secret wishes, and favorite way to listen to music

Special Offer from the Guest:

Tiffani is offering podcast listeners her “Rituals and Routines” Masterclass. Access this free resource by visiting https://tbibbcoaching.myflodesk.com/successrituals 

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 Alli Williams, founder of Financialli Focused about the emotional and financial journey of canceling her first wedding, processing loss, and what it taught her about boundaries, money, and relationships. Alli candidly recounts how she called off her wedding just two months before the big day, the challenges of managing other people’s expectations and the reality of “eating” the sunk costs. She also delves into her later marriage, where she and her husband faced $154,000 of combined debt, and how her experiences sparked a thriving career helping others pay off debt and take charge of their finances.

About the Guest: Alli is the founder and CEO of FinanciALLI Focused, a financial literacy company helping people create a flexible financial plan they can actually stick to (no deprivation here). She paid off over six-figures of debt while still saving, investing, and buying season football tickets.

She has her MBA in Finance and lives in South Carolina with her husband and 2 sons. She spends her time at football games (Go Gamecocks!) and with a Starbucks latte in her hand.

Quote from the Episode: “I was scared to lose that money… at 22, like $7 or $8,000 was like what we lost or in deposits, and at 22, I didn’t have that much money to start. Now, you know, in the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t matter. But for me at 22… losing that was a really big deal and definitely played a factor in, do I want to go through with this or not?” — Alli Williams

Main Topics Covered:

• Calling off a wedding: navigating social pressure, financial losses, and family reaction
• The regional and cultural influences on “right age” for marriage
• Money logistics: who pays for the wedding, what’s nonrefundable, and why deposits matter
• Processing guilt, fear, and relief when making “big” adult decisions
• Discussing money and debt openly in relationships—and why it matters before marriage
• Tackling $154,000 in debt as a couple: communication, teamwork, and creative strategies
• How Alli turned her journey with money into a business helping others pay off debt without giving up the things they love
• Generational shifts in student loans, debt obligations, and financial planning

Timestamps: [00:00:07] Alli’s intro, family, and rural South Carolina life

[00:02:11] College romance, engagement at 22, and wedding planning

[00:03:16] Marriage culture: North vs. South, family expectations

[00:05:25] Who paid for the wedding? “Mid-size” details and budget

[00:06:55] Why Alli began questioning her decision—and the “aha” moment with her friend

[00:12:25] The wedding was 60 days away: facing financial and emotional aftermath

[00:17:03] Family/friend reactions and letting go of people-pleasing

[00:23:33] Marrying into six-figure debt: open conversations and financial teamwork

[00:29:43] Paying it off: strategy, sacrifices, and realism

[00:32:59] Alli’s business: Financialli Focused—how she helps others tackle debt & win with money

[00:36:24] Special offer: Debt Free Blueprint and why budgeting doesn’t mean “beans and rice”

[00:37:07] Final three questions: best advice received, belly button piercing story, aging gracefully

Connect with the Guest: 

Website: www.financiallifocused.com

Instagram: @financiallifocused

Special Offer from the Guest:

The Debt Free Blueprint

This ebook shows you how I paid off $154K in under 4 years without giving up Friday night takeout, weekend getaways, or my sanity 

Normally $57 but only $27 for your listeners 

https://amy_stone--financiallifocused.thrivecart.com/ebook-welcome/

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 Janelle Martin about her transformative journey as a parent navigating her daughter’s struggle with addiction and the process of letting go of control. Janelle candidly shares how the experience forever changed her relationship with her daughter, her own healing journey through the 12-step process, and how this path shaped her life’s purpose and career.

About the Guest:

Janelle Martin is a licensed counselor, neurofeedback provider, and the author of two books, including her latest, Losing Her, Finding Us: A Mother’s Fight, A Daughter’s Journey and the Road to Recovery. Her life was forever changed by her family’s experience with addiction—a journey that reshaped not only her personal life but her professional path. Today, she owns a holistic mental health practice and works with individuals and families navigating trauma, stress, and substance use. Janelle also facilitates weekly PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) support groups and is passionate about helping others find hope in the midst of struggle. Her story, rooted in both pain and healing, is the heart behind everything she does.

Main Topics Covered:

• What it’s like parenting a child through addiction and crisis as a “regular” middle-class family
• Realizing the limits of parental control and shifting focus to self-healing
• The challenges of navigating boundaries, letting go, and processing grief as a parent
• The power and practicality of 12-step programs for parents (Al-Anon) as tools for growth
• How releasing control positively changed Janelle’s relationship with her daughter—from conflict to collaboration, and eventually, to becoming work partners
• The importance of sharing both parent and child perspectives around addiction and recovery
• The long-term, lifelong nature of recovery journeys and the impact on purpose and career

Quote from the Episode:

“You can’t rebuild a relationship from a standpoint of, I did everything right. You have the problem. So I’m going to let you figure out how to make it right. It doesn’t work that way.” — Janelle Martin

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome & introductions; where Janelle calls home

[00:01:13] Laughter, dogs, and the healing power of humor

[00:02:13] The beginning of her family’s experience with addiction

[00:05:08] Family background, divorce dynamics, and co-parenting struggles

[00:12:15] What “trying to fix it” looked like and early attempts at control

[00:16:04] Crisis point, choosing tough boundaries, and entering treatment

[00:22:14] Discovering healing and surrender through Al-Anon and the 12 steps

[00:24:22] The impact on her relationship with her daughter—and the slow, honest rebuilding

[00:32:11] Giving up control: school, sobriety, and patience with relapse

[00:38:07] The trauma and difficulty of letting her adult child make her own decisions

[00:40:28] Self-care: prayer, meetings, and the importance of supportive community

[00:42:54] Why recovery isn’t “over”—and how it continues to shape Janelle’s purpose

[00:46:49] On writing the book together and the importance of sharing both perspectives

[00:50:52] About Janelle’s counseling practice, books, and how to connect

Connect with the Guest: www.ourbeautifulrecovery.com

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. Angela Downey, Canadian family physician, podcaster, and author, to explore the realities of major career change, resilience, and pursuing childhood dreams—against overwhelming odds. Angela shares her remarkable journey from a blue-collar upbringing and early academic setbacks, through life as an accountant and mother of two, to ultimately achieving her lifelong goal of becoming a doctor in her 40s. Together, Amy and Angela unpack the influence of family messaging, gender expectations, self-doubt, and the invisible labor of parenting while juggling strenuous academics.

About the Guest:

Dr. Angela Downey is a family physician, host of The Codependent Doctor Podcast, and author of Enough As I Am. Downey’s work focuses on helping people heal from codependency, set healthier boundaries, and rebuild self-trust. Downey published a 365-day guided journal, Enough As I Grow, to support personal growth and reflection.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the transition from accounting to medicine as a full-time parent and mature student.
• Overcoming family beliefs and societal assumptions about women, career, and “who gets to become a doctor.”
• Busting myths around academic failure, resetting at any age, and the nonlinear path to success.
• The invisible workload for women: balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities.
• Building resilience, understanding self-worth, and reframing failure as growth.
• The power of supportive partners, therapy, and the ability to ask for (and pay for) help.
• Women in medicine: confronting gender bias and redefining professional boundaries.
• Creating new narratives for professional women through podcasting, writing, and storytelling.

Quote from the Episode:

"The more times I have failed, the easier it is for me to get back up. And now it's gotten to the point where I'm less afraid of failure and I'm okay to put things out there, and if it flops, it flops." — Dr. Angela Downey

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome & audio mishap story; where Angela calls home

[00:03:06] Angela’s childhood dream and early family messaging

[00:06:04] Real talk on gender bias in medicine and nursing

[00:09:11] The impact of early academic failure and shifting to accounting

[00:14:33] Facing rejection from med school; balancing risk/family

[00:21:54] Burnout, taking a break in med school, and hiring help

[00:26:15] Living lean, student debt, and leveraging Angela’s accounting skills

[00:28:45] Personal growth, therapy, and reframing failure

[00:32:57] The origins of resilience and overcoming “people-pleasing”

[00:34:44] Pivotal conversations and finally pursuing medicine

[00:37:46] Creating a sustainable, customized medical career

[00:39:32] About Angela’s podcasts, books, and how to find her online

[00:41:33] Fun questions: self-care, travel, and historical events

Special Offer from the Guest:

Dr. Angela Downey offers listeners of The Art of Imperfect Adulting a special promo: Download a FREE chapter of her codependency recovery workbook, Enough as I Am, by visiting thecodependentdoctor.com/free-chapter.

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 Jill Kaufman, a therapist, divorce coach, and author who splits her time between Colorado and New Jersey. Jill candidly shares her personal story of a 20-year marriage, enduring a high-conflict divorce, and ultimately finding happiness and healing as a single mom and later in a blended family. Together, Amy and Jill explore the realities of ending a long-term relationship, the emotional complexities of divorce for both parents and children, and why sharing our divorce stories reduces isolation and shame.

About the Guest:

Jill Kaufman is a Divorce Coach, Therapist, Mediator & Co-parenting Expert. After going through her own difficult divorce, she made it her life’s mission to help others not have it so tough. Her book, online course, and her transformational coaching program help parents navigate the overwhelming process of divorce both emotionally and practically with less stress, more confidence and a greater sense of peace. 

Main Topics Covered:

• Jill’s marriage story: college sweethearts, 20 years together, and raising kids in a faith-based home
• The isolating experience of divorce and the importance of support and community
• How therapy and counseling—with both successes and limits—factored into the marriage’s timeline
• High-conflict divorce: working with attorneys, mediators, and the impact of adversarial legal processes
• The difficult process of telling children about divorce and supporting them through the transition
• Living together during divorce and navigating finances, co-parenting, and shared assets
• Healing after divorce: rebuilding, single parenting, new partnerships, and shifting perspectives on marriage
• The role and value of divorce coaching, and how it differs from therapy

Quote from the Episode:

“You have this little baby and you’re going to protect it for the rest of your life... and you’re hurting your children. Not in the long term—you’re helping them in the long term—but immediately it feels like you’re hurting them. All those emotions are—you can’t describe what it is to go through all of that.”—Jill Kaufman

Timestamps: [00:00:07] Opening—Jill’s bi-coastal lifestyle and sources of daily laughter

[00:01:08] Life before divorce: Meeting her husband, raising kids, and faith traditions

[00:04:34] Therapy and counseling throughout marriage, and what finally led to divorce

[00:15:34] High-conflict divorce: attorneys, mediation, and adversarial pitfalls

[00:21:16] Why divorce was harder than grief, and the emotional toll

[00:23:35] Living together during the process, asset division, and legal considerations

[00:25:35] Telling the kids, their reactions, and how they’ve coped and thrived long-term

[00:32:01] Single parenting, blended families, and Jill’s path forward

[00:34:25] Jill’s approach to divorce coaching, therapy vs coaching, and available resources

[00:36:01] Special offer for listeners and how to connect with Jill

[00:37:22] Fun rapid-fire questions and show close

Special Offer from the Guest:

30 Minute Divorce Clarity Session, Value $175, Email me at [email protected]

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 Lola Maclean about navigating burnout, living with IBS, and making a major career and wellness shift from conventional Western medicine to functional medicine. Lola shares her personal health journey, what led her to leave traditional medicine, and how addressing the root causes of her digestive issues transformed her life and work.

About the Guest:

Lola MacLean, DNP, FNP, is a functional medicine practitioner and gut health expert who helps high-achieving women break free from chronic bloating, anxiety, and fatigue. After navigating her own burnout and IBS, she left conventional medicine to create Haelan Empowered—a practice focused on the gut-brain connection and root-cause healing. With over a decade in healthcare and advanced training from IFM and SAFM, Lola blends science with real-life strategies that stick. She’s passionate about making gut health and healing approachable - not just a long list of supplements. 

Quote from the Episode:

“I can’t do the conventional road anymore because I don’t have that time with people. I don’t have that way to address these things. I can’t go upstream when I’ve got 15 minutes and you’re asking me for a fix for this problem.” — Lola Maclean

Main Topics Covered:

• Lola’s lifelong interest in medicine and journey into nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner
• Her experience living with undiagnosed digestive issues and IBS, and how “normal” shifts over time
• Personal and professional burnout—especially during the early days of the COVID pandemic—and the limits of conventional medical advice
• The discovery of functional medicine and the difference between root-cause healing versus symptom management
• The gut-brain connection, why mindset matters, and becoming your own health advocate
• How Lola healed her IBS through functional medicine tools—and why she now helps other women do the same
• Working collaboratively between conventional and functional medicine providers

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & Lola’s home in Oregon wine country

[00:01:00] Laughter as medicine and parenting young kids

[00:03:54] Lola’s path from pre-med to nursing to nurse practitioner

[00:06:47] Early curiosity about medicine with no family background in health

[00:07:23] Struggling with digestive issues from childhood through adulthood

[00:10:25] Postpartum, anxiety, and hitting a health crisis during the pandemic

[00:11:52] Experiencing burnout and what it meant for Lola

[00:16:33] First awareness of functional medicine, and differences in medical culture

[00:20:26] Explanation of the low FODMAP diet

[00:22:19] Lola’s healing process: stool testing, addressing microbiome, mindset work

[00:25:52] What is functional medicine, and how is it different from conventional care?

[00:28:02] Healing outcomes and what “better” now feels like

[00:31:22] Making a professional leap into functional medicine

[00:32:32] Can conventional and functional medicine work together?

[00:35:12] Lola’s current work and how to connect

Special Offer from the Guest:

Lola is offering podcast listeners a free gut health assessment call to talk through your unique digestive challenges and map out next steps. Visit www.haelanempowered.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.

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 Kathi Burns—San Diego-based professional organizer, image consultant, and founder of OrganizedandEnergized.com—about the massive life and business changes she faced after 9/11. Kathi shares how a sudden and total business disruption led her to start over in a new state, with only $49, and ultimately to a fulfilling new career focused on helping women entrepreneurs clear both physical and digital clutter.

About the Guest:

Kathi Burns is a best-selling author, board certified professional organizer and personal stylist. Kathi is also the host of the Organized and Energized Podcast. Kathi is nationally recognized for her simple organizing and style solutions and featured on Good Morning America as a successful woman owned business. 

Main Topics Covered:

• Sudden career upheaval after 9/11 and the collapse of the hospitality marketing industry
• Making a cross-country move (from Florida to California) after losing nearly everything
• Taking a “year off” to reinvent herself, the impact of sabbaticals, and learning from life experience
• Starting a new business on a shoestring budget (just $49!)
• The evolution of print, marketing, and organizing in a digital world
• How writing a local newspaper column boosted Kathi’s business and developed her expertise
• The challenges of organizing paper and digital clutter for entrepreneurs
• Current work helping women entrepreneurs get “unstuck” and thrive with effective systems

Quote from the Episode:

“You can be broke in Florida, you can be broke in California. When you’re broke, you’re broke. It didn’t really matter. So that was our impetus to move to California, because who cares? We’re already broke.” — Kathi Burns

Timestamps: [00:00:04] Welcomes & Kathi’s location

[00:01:22] The 9/11 tourism shutdown and instant business collapse

[00:06:24] Reflecting on the obsolete print marketing industry

[00:07:36] Moving from Florida to California & starting over

[00:10:48] Purging belongings and the “ridiculous” moving experience

[00:11:57] Launching a business with $49: door hangers and business cards

[00:13:46] TV organizing shows, luck, and the “love offering” that started it all

[00:17:46] Life skills, forgotten talents, and the power of self-inventory

[00:22:14] Writing a weekly newspaper column to establish expertise

[00:24:58] Evolving services: from physical organizing to digital systems for entrepreneurs

[00:27:22] The pain of paper, digital overwhelm & modern organizing tips

[00:29:47] Offers: Google Workspace masterclass and free Inbox Hero Routine download

[00:34:45] Fun questions: coffee, Google Calendar, and lifelong friendships

Connect with the Guest: Website: https://organizedandenergized.com

Special Offer from the Guest:

6 Quick & Simple Steps to Organize Your Life —So You Can Finally Feel in Control ⏰✨

Finally, a stress-free way to take charge of your schedule, priorities, and goals—without the overwhelm.Value $19.95 and for listenres, it is completely FREE!

https://organizedandenergized.com/free-treats/6-steps-for-life/

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 

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Deanna Brakefield—Birmingham-based radio show host, neurodivergent mom of a blended family of nine, and co-owner of a digital marketing agency. Deanna shares how launching her radio show, “Neurodivergent News,” not only shifted the direction of her personal and professional life but also provided a welcoming, real-world platform for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parents to share their stories.

About the Guest:

Deanna Brakefield is a digital marketing strategist, radio show host, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent voices. As the host of Neurodivergent News, Deanna creates a space for authentic conversations, lived experiences, and community-centered storytelling. As a member of the advisory council for my host radio station, Deanna helps develop support systems for other hosts. 

Main Topics Covered:

• How starting a radio show catalyzed connections within the neurodivergent community and changed Deanna’s life path
• The journey of building a show without a prior broadcasting background
• Living as a neurodivergent family: diagnoses, genetic components, and blended family dynamics
• What “neurodivergent” and “masking” mean, and why representation matters
• The unique challenges faced by neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parents
• Shifting the focus from marketing to authentic storytelling and community support
• Finding balance and unity in family and business through the power of shared experience

Quote from the Episode:

“The reality is, what I experienced was that people just want to make connections. They want to hear your story and tell theirs and just understood that they were seen.” — Deanna Brakefield

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome and laughter; what brings Deanna joy

[00:01:08] Beginning the radio show—how it all started

[00:03:23] Deanna’s crash course in radio and the show’s focus

[00:04:05] Neurodivergent family dynamics, blended family structure, and what “neurodivergent” means

[00:05:14] Diagnoses and family patterns

[00:06:53] How the radio show changed Deanna’s business and life

[00:10:03] Handling guest interest and evolving the show format

[00:10:51] Scheduling and live radio experience

[00:12:07] Overcoming imposter syndrome and family reactions

[00:13:57] Hopes for the show, expanding the business, and drawing in her kids

[00:16:48] Life changes and achieving better balance through the show

[00:19:56] Explanation of “masking” for neurodivergent people

[00:22:52] How to connect, what Deanna offers, and special listener offer

[00:24:24] Final three fun questions

Special Offer from the Guest:

Brand Strategy Call & Social Media Profile Optimization

Listeners receive the 1-hour strategy call free and may access the Profile Optimization service for only $180 when they mention the show. Offer valid through 2025.

How listeners can collect this offer Mention The Art of Imperfect Adulting when booking your call. http://lionheartkingdom.com/

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 Jillian Scott—trauma-certified life and weight loss coach—about her journey from 14 years of binge eating to healing her relationship with food and body image. Jillian shares her personal motivations for change, the setbacks and mismatches she encountered in popular programs, and why feeling your emotions is often more nuanced than it sounds. This honest conversation dives into social programming around body size, dieting, the impact of trauma, and what it really means to “feel your feelings” as an imperfect adult.

About the Guest:

Jillian Scott is a certified, trauma-informed life and health coach, and creator of the Body You Crave Method. She specializes in empowering clients to overcome the aftermath of emotionally abusive relationships, heal their relationship with food and body, and develop unwavering self confidence and self belief. 

Main Topics Covered:

• Jillian’s personal definition of binge eating and how shame, secrecy, and emotional avoidance play a role.
• The key motivations and emotional “aha” moments that inspired her to break free from binge eating.
• Why popular advice like “just feel your feelings” didn’t work for her—and the step-by-step process that did.
• How childhood experiences, family comments, and diet culture shaped her self-image and eating behaviors.
• Practical strategies for tuning into your body and emotions, reframing expectations, and self-compassion.
• Perspectives on new weight loss medications, “food noise,” and why sustainable change involves more than willpower.
• The importance of addressing trauma in the healing process, especially for those who’ve experienced relationship dysfunction or childhood emotional neglect.

Quote from the Episode:

“I needed somebody to just break it down for me, like, step by step—not just this kind of vague, generic ‘feel your feelings.’ Even though that is part of the answer… I needed help identifying and understanding what I was thinking and feeling before I could really change.” — Jillian Scott

Special offer from the guest: You can find a free training called “Hungry for Love” on Jillian’s website: www.bodyyoucrave.com. 

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