The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone welcomes Shayna Bergman, a coach and former HR leader, to discuss a pivotal moment during the pandemic lockdown that changed the course of her professional and personal life. Shayna shares the story of a work incident that led her to reevaluate her career and take a bold leap into coaching, aligning her work with her true values and passions.

About the Guest:

Shayna Bergman is a passionate, results-driven executive and leadership coach who empowers parents in leadership roles to unlock their potential and achieve deeper fulfillment personally and professionally. With a background in global talent development, HR leadership, and university teaching, she brings perceptiveness, insight, and truth-telling to every client interaction. Certified by the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching and accredited by the ICF, Shayna has earned multiple awards, including Alignable’s 2024 Local Business Person of the Year and Marquis Who’s Who 2025. She lives in Fairfax, VA with her husband and two spirited kids, and when she’s not coaching, she enjoys dining out, hiking, and organizing everything from her calendar to her kitchen drawers.

Main Topics Covered:

• Shayna’s pre-pandemic “hamster wheel” lifestyle as a busy HR leader and mom of two
• The chaos and challenges of parenting and working during pandemic lockdown without local support
• The workplace confrontation that sparked Shayna’s realization it was time to make a major life and career change
• Navigating imposter syndrome and shifting from HR to a coaching practice
• Building a business aligned with one’s authentic self and values
• The impact of career changes on personal fulfillment, family, and day-to-day life
• The realities of managing the “emotional load” and gender dynamics in leadership
• Tips for finding alignment between family, work, and personal values

Quote from the Episode:

"I could keep working here and be a part of the problem, or I could actually help people like this not do this to other people... I need to step outside of it and help." — Shayna Bergman

Timestamps:

• 00:00:01 – Amy introduces Shayna and previews the episode
• 00:03:18 – Shayna describes life pre-pandemic and her work/family dynamic
• 00:04:51 – The reality of strict lockdown for Shayna’s family
• 00:08:37 – The snapping point: a rude workplace confrontation
• 00:11:53 – Gender dynamics and the emotional load at work
• 00:15:33 – Shayna’s path to HR and underlying desire to coach
• 00:20:59 – Recognizing “everything is great” might not be true fulfillment
• 00:22:17 – Shayna’s private journey toward making a career pivot
• 00:26:01 – Realizing her natural fit for coaching
• 00:30:39 – How Shayna’s life has changed and the impact of her work now
• 00:33:41 – Where to connect with Shayna and her free resource offer
• 00:36:00 – Rapid-fire questions; Shayna’s take on TV, movies, and dream shopping sprees

Special Offer:

Download Shayna’s guide, “Design You: A Guide to Thriving Personally and Professionally”—normally $499—for free via the link Visit https://shaynabergman.com/free-guide-design-your-year/

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 Megan Tobler—entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of the Together community for mompreneurs—about navigating job loss during pregnancy and redefining what “safety” and “success” mean in the world of modern motherhood and entrepreneurship. Megan shares her story of being laid off while pregnant, pivoting from a high-achieving corporate sales career to building her own business and supportive network for mothers with big ambitions and little kids.

About the Guest:

Megan Tobler is the host of the Self StartHER podcast, and founder of TogetHER a vibrant community designed for women who are building businesses while balancing life at home. As someone who transformed her own journey into a thriving space for connection and growth, Megan has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and life. She’s passionate about empowering women to pursue their ambitions unapologetically, sharing relatable advice, actionable strategies, and real-life stories. Through Self StartHER, Megan has cultivated a space where women can find the tools, inspiration, and confidence to thrive in both business and life.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating a mass layoff while pregnant and its impact on career direction
• Why traditional job security isn’t always as “safe” as it seems
• The emotional rollercoaster of job loss—sickness, panic, and unexpected relief
• Building a business (and a podcast) in uncertain times, including through her husband’s industry strike
• The realities of American maternity leave, benefits, and job search when expecting
• How Megan reframed risk, empowerment, and fulfillment from corporate to entrepreneurship
• The importance of supportive communities for women in similar seasons of life
• Embracing imperfection, adaptability, and rethinking what it means to “have it all”

Quote from the Episode:

“For me, the safety was betting on myself. I knew that I had the work ethic, I knew that I had the savings in place because I was making a really great salary and my husband, the two combined, we had savings in place... There was no safety [in corporate]. The companies no longer viewed the employees like a long term part, like piece of the family. It was just like, who's going to help take me to the next level and then you’re disposable when you’re no longer going to help them get there.” — Megan Tobler

Timestamps: [00:00:03] Warm-up, weather, and what makes Megan smile

[00:03:02] Losing her job while pregnant—mass layoff, details, and emotions

[00:05:22] Explaining the company’s pivot and layoff reasoning

[00:06:06] Megan’s corporate and entertainment journey; work/life balance dilemmas

[00:12:25] The timeline: layoff during pregnancy and the emotional response

[00:13:15] Finding support, aggressive networking, and realizing it’s not time to go back to corporate

[00:16:40] Launching the Self Starter podcast and building a side-hustle foundation

[00:19:36] Rethinking job security and reframing safety as empowerment

[00:23:24] Taking risks, family finances, and lessons from multiple layoffs

[00:25:10] Why Megan launched her business full-time instead of as a side hustle

[00:28:56] The Together community: what it is, who it’s for, and how to join

[00:32:50] Community, motherhood, and lessons that translate across adult life

[00:35:11] Rapid fire: motherhood surprises, bucket lists, and thermostat wars

Special Offer from the Guest:

This is a community for moms building businesses while juggling life at home. We provide networking and learning opportunities that fit the busy and complicated (in the best way) lives of these women.. Visit www.selfstarther.com/together for more details.

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.

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 talks with Kelly Morgan f about her lifelong journey with weight, self-image, and healing through self-expression. Kelly shares how writing her semi-autobiographical novel, "Weight for It," became a transformative act of self-care and self-discovery, and how helping fellow indie authors has become a new passion. Together, they explore themes of vulnerability, creative processing, and building supportive communities for underrepresented voices.

About the Guest:

Kelly Morgan is an author, publisher, and advocate for underrepresented writers. Based in Aurora, Colorado, she is the founder of Bright Headed Publishing and host of The Author’s Mic and Indie Reader Society. Kelly’s writing explores personal and social themes—her latest novel, "Wait for It," offers a candid, fictionalized account of her struggles with weight and acceptance.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kelly’s approach to self-care: meditation and morning affirmations
• The emotional roller coaster of weight loss and self-sabotage
• Writing as therapy—how "Wait for It" emerged from personal pain
• Fiction as a tool to process and distance oneself from heavy emotions
• Overcoming setbacks in the publishing industry and launching her own press
• Practical advice for indie authors and demystifying the publishing process
• Building spaces for authentic storytelling and underrepresented voices

Quote from the Episode:

"I can't be the only one crying in my closet. I can't be the only one that hears the scale when I step on it. Maybe this will help somebody else, knowing that they're not alone in this journey." – Kelly Morgan

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introductions and self-care routines
• 00:58 – Kelly’s meditation and affirmation practice
• 03:13 – Background of "Wait for It" and the messy middle of weight loss
• 09:28 – Early body image awareness and societal messaging
• 11:17 – Writing habits and harnessing creativity
• 14:11 – Deciding to publish and confronting feedback fears
• 17:38 – First publishing experiences and founding Bright Headed Publishing
• 22:56 – Relaunching projects post-pandemic and developing support resources for authors
• 30:29 – Writing as self-confrontation and therapeutic growth
• 35:39 – Navigating extremes in wellness culture and finding balance
• 37:22 – Other avenues for healing and the power of meditation
• 40:39 – How to connect with Kelly & special offers
• 43:05 – Final questions & fun rapid-fire round

Special Offer:

Listen for details on how to get a free digital copy of "Wait for It" via a link in the show notes or newsletter!

Connect with Kelly at BrightHeadedPublishing.com

Buy Kelly's Book: https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9798869232052

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

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 guest Jen Vertanen to unpack the raw story of calling off a divorce at the 11th hour. Jen shares what led her to the breaking point in her second marriage, the self-discoveries that followed, and how she spent the next decade rebuilding her sense of self from the inside out. Their conversation covers the complexities of adult relationships, healing childhood wounds, and finding joy and authenticity in midlife.

About the Guest:

Jen Vertanen is a coach, speaker, and founder of We The Unruly. Jen Vertanen is an expert guide for impatiently restless folks who are tired of waiting for 'someday'.Drawing from her own journey of transformation, Jen helps mission-driven people rediscover their spark, vision their future selves, and create lives filled with adventure, meaning, and joy.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating loneliness, resentment, and self-blame in marriage
• The decision and process of calling off a divorce (and telling the kids)
• Breaking cycles of trauma and learning self-compassion
• Rebuilding identity after crisis: kindness, autonomy, and becoming “the sparkly human” you want to be
• The realities vs. narratives about marriage, happiness, and self-fulfillment
• Approaching partnership repair and growth as a team
• Jen’s coaching work and unruly community

Quote from the Episode:

"My heart finally started talking louder than my ego... and it was like, you don't want this, you don't want this, you're making a huge mistake."

Timestamps:

• 00:00:06 – Introductions, Jen’s self-care ritual, and discussing the fun of reading smut
• 00:03:44 – Setting the scene: Jen’s backstory, blended family, and her first marriage
• 00:06:16 – What led Jen to consider divorce: childhood, resentment, and craving autonomy
• 00:15:53 – The “dark night of the soul”: telling her daughter, sleeplessness, and calling off the divorce
• 00:24:22 – The decade of rebuilding: self-mothering, trying kindness, and conscious reinvention
• 00:31:42 – Repairing a relationship: shared effort, conflict styles, and couples counseling
• 00:35:28 – Jen’s work with We The Unruly and her offer for listeners
• 00:37:52 – Rapid fire questions: favorite color, first job, and dream destinations

Connect with Jen Vertanen:

Website: WeTheUnruly.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/we.the.unruly/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@we.the.unruly

Special offer for the audience:FREE 30-minute “Get Out of Your Own Damn Way” call: wetheunruly.com/30-min-coaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

before that I used Kit.

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

If you 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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone chats with Laura Bratton. Laura shares her deeply personal journey of losing her vision as a teenager, navigating grief and identity, and building a life grounded in grit, gratitude, and purpose. Together, they touch on adapting to traumatic change, the power of support systems, and practical ways to embrace a new normal—no matter what life throws your way.

About the Guest:

Laura Bratton is a psychologist, theologian, author of "Harnessing Courage: Overcoming Adversity with Grit and Gratitude," and founder of Ubi Global, where she coaches and speaks on resilience in the face of adversity. Despite losing her vision to a rare retinal disease in high school, Laura is passionate about helping others find strength while moving through periods of change, loss, and uncertainty.

Main Topics Covered:

• Laura’s diagnosis and gradual loss of sight during her teenage years
• The emotional and practical realities of adapting to sudden life changes
• Navigating grief, depression, and anxiety as a young adult
• The critical importance of support systems: family, friends, teachers, and guide dogs
• How mindset, grit, and gratitude facilitate healing
• Accommodations and adaptations in school and college
• Building a life of purpose: studying psychology and theology, writing a book, and launching Ubi Global

Quote from the Episode:

"When we face change, when we face loss, when we're in the midst of grief, that's intense courage to choose not to be overwhelmed and shut down by the grief, by the loss. So that's why the title [of my book], Harnessing Courage, was very deliberate, very specific." — Laura Bratton

Timestamps:

00:00 – Amy introduces Laura and kicks off the conversation

00:12 – Laura describes her roots in South Carolina and self-care through nature

01:39 – The journey of being diagnosed with a rare retinal disease

03:54 – The grieving process and the emotional reality of losing vision

09:37 – The role of family and zero prior experience with vision loss

11:17 – School accommodations, learning braille, and technology access

13:45 – Support systems and Laura’s rearview realization of her mindset shift

18:24 – Practical school adaptations and learning to accept “being different”

21:14 – Navigating social transitions in college and finding confidence

23:10 – Deciding on psychology and theology as college and graduate studies

27:32 – Why Laura wrote "Harnessing Courage" and the meaning behind the title

30:43 – Founding Ubi Global and using her lived experience to support others

34:15 – Where to find Laura and connect with her work

35:00 – Fun rapid-fire questions: favorite foods, books, and bucket lists

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 Agatha Brewer—Atlanta-based business and marketing coach—to unravel the real-life journey from climbing the corporate ladder to launching a purpose-driven solo business. Agatha opens up about her family’s immigrant roots, how repeated layoffs and health challenges inspired her entrepreneurial leap, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.

About the Guest:

Agatha Brewer is the CEO and founder of Agatha Brewer Coaching, where she helps new entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. She combines 19 years of corporate marketing experience with her coach training to help clients build intentional and impactful businesses. She also hosts The Intentional Solopreneur podcast, sharing marketing and mindset tips for new entrepreneurs.

Main Topics Covered:

• The pressures of following the “traditional” career path—and how family and cultural expectations influence those choices
• Navigating repeated layoffs and what they reveal about real stability versus risk
• The role of self-care, meditation, and gardening in sustaining wellbeing during turbulent times
• Overcoming limiting beliefs and making space for new career possibilities
• The practical steps (and mindset shifts) to moving from employee to entrepreneur
• Building a business rooted in personal values and joy—not just business strategy
• Agatha’s approach to supporting women solopreneurs with both business foundations and marketing intuition

Quote from the Episode:

"I learned what a limiting belief was, and I really understood the power of changing your beliefs, changing your story. And I was doing it around my health. But it also opened doors for, okay, what. What is the story I'm telling about myself, about my career? What is the story I'm telling about myself, about what is possible for me?" - Agatha Brewer

Timestamps:

[00:00:06] Meet Agatha: Meditation, gardening, and life in Atlanta

[00:04:39] Pressure to climb the “corporate ladder” and immigrant family expectations

[00:08:08] Seeing entrepreneurship up close—the good, the hard, and the contradictions

[00:13:55] The checklist: education, career, family—and when it doesn’t lead to happiness

[00:18:07] The creative spark in marketing and what kept Agatha excited for two decades

[00:22:20] When layoffs, health, and burnout start whispering “try something different”

[00:30:53] Realizing limits, shifting beliefs, and choosing business ownership

[00:34:35] From reluctant job-seeker to certified business coach: Launching with ease

[00:39:28] Focusing on marketing that fits YOU, not just “best practices”

[00:42:49] Fun lightning round: morning routines, screen time, and learning Polish

Guest Contact Information:

Website: https://www.agathabrewer.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/agatha_brewer

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

Special Offer from the Guest:

Special offer: If you sign on as a new client for my LAUNCH WITH EASE program by Feb. 7, 2026, I will throw in an extra 60-minute coaching session free of charge. ($300 value)

Collect offer: https://agathabrewer.com/launch-with-ease/ Please write "Imperfect Adulting" when you fill out your application form to redeem your complimentary coaching 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.

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 conversation, Amy Stone welcomes Amy Grace to explore her experience becoming a mother at 17 and how that shaped her life. Yes there are two Amy's in this episode. Amy Grace opens up about the choices, challenges, and support systems that helped her transition from a teen mom to a therapist and coach supporting mothers today.

About the Guest:

Amy Grace is a therapist, and host of the "Everyday Super Moms" podcast. With experience as a young mom, single mom, stepmom, and now a bonus grandma, Amy is passionate about supporting mothers across all stages of parenting.

Main Topics Covered:

• Amy’s decision to become a mother at 17 and the family and social messages she received around teen pregnancy
• The role of self-care (including her “bougie” massage routine) in surviving and thriving through motherhood
• Navigating single motherhood, college, financial aid, government supports, and building her “village”
• Shifting hopes and dreams when life takes unexpected turns (from aspiring surgeon to therapist and coach)
• The importance of intentionality and not making decisions from a place of fear
• Advice for young moms or anyone facing unexpected parenting circumstances, and the crucial role of community
• Challenges facing modern mothers, such as affordable childcare and the mental load

Featured Quote:

“If you find yourself in that position, you’re not doomed.” – Amy Grace

Timestamps:

• 00:00:03–00:01:08 – Introductions and self-care routines
• 00:02:42–00:04:34 – Amy’s family structure today
• 00:06:20–00:07:25 – Early messages around teen pregnancy and faith-based choices
• 00:09:31–00:14:16 – Telling her family, reactions, and support systems
• 00:15:40–00:22:02 – Challenges, societal expectations, and the journey through pregnancy decision-making
• 00:22:02–00:29:11 – Surviving young single motherhood, college, and shifting career ambitions
• 00:32:23–00:34:33 – The transformation that came with finding her “mom friends” and building a support system
• 00:34:33–00:37:20 – Advice to young mothers: permission for intentional, fear-free decision-making
• 00:42:00–00:44:30 – Thoughts on affordable childcare and the invisible load of motherhood
• 00:46:21–00:47:50 – How Amy Grace supports moms today and how listeners can connect

Special Offer from the Guest:

Motherhood Mindset Reset Course. In this self-paced course, we address the mindset issues that may be making motherhood harder. We address patterns and behaviors and I offer concrete tools to help strengthen your mindset to be one of your superpowers. Currently on sale for $197, just for TAOIA listeners 60% off at only $79

The course can be found at www.amygrace.bio/motherhoodmindsetreset

The coupon code is: imperfectadulting

Note from the host: offers from the show guests are almost always limited quantity and / or limited time. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest.

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 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

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 inspiring episode, Amy Stone is joined by Amanda Bearce, who shares her story of leaving a “safe” eight-year career in IT to follow her passion for health and wellness coaching. Amanda opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from security towards a more fulfilling, self-directed career, and how her personal self-care journey fuels her work with clients.

About the Guest:

Amanda is a board-certified health and wellness coach and the founder of Simply Wellness with Amanda. After leaving the corporate hustle, she built a business dedicated to helping professional women prioritize themselves in small, sustainable ways. She believes self-care isn’t just about doing more—it’s about making space to slow down, connect with yourself, and care for yourself. Through her coaching, Amanda helps women find realistic ways to reduce overwhelm, build confidence, and create time for what truly matters.

Main Topics Covered:

• The internal process of realizing a “safe” job wasn’t a good fit
• The mindset hurdles and family influences when changing careers
• How values like authenticity and quality of life shaped her decision
• Amanda’s journey into health and wellness, both personally and as a business
• Advice for professionals feeling burnt out and craving work-life balance
• Overcoming the fears of entrepreneurship and embracing seasonality in business
• The importance of redefining self-care beyond the basics
• Special discount offer for listeners: 25% off Amanda’s Stress Reset session

Quote from the Episode:

"How am I supposed to help people be well when I’m not well?" – Amanda Bearce

Timestamps:

• [00:01:19] Amanda’s favorite self-care ritual: prioritizing alone time
• [00:02:49] What working in IT was like — high-pressure, reactive, and not fulfilling
• [00:10:28] How the job drained her wellbeing and affected family life
• [00:18:53] Mindset struggles around leaving a corporate role
• [00:20:14] Hopes and fears of starting her own business
• [00:22:46] Amanda’s personal health and wellness journey
• [00:35:00] How she helps clients today and where to connect

Connect with Amanda:

• Website & Newsletter: simplywellnesscoach.com
• Special Offer: 25% off a Stress Reset session. https://www.simplywellnesscoach.com/promo

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 Greg Wasserman—Los Angeles-based relationship broker and head of relationships at RSS.com—to talk about the intersection of mental health, career upheaval, and family milestones. Greg opens up about his struggles with depression, the impact of job loss, and how the birth of his niece set the stage for his own personal “rebirth.”

About the Guest:

Greg Wasserman is a seasoned former media professional turned relationship broker. Passionate about connecting people and supporting open conversations around mental health, Greg shares his personal journey from a Midwest upbringing to his life in LA, with a focus on authenticity and growth.

"Life is about Time & Relationships, as you never know where one conversation may go." Greg Wasserman doesn't just believe this, he proves it every day, in his personal and professional life.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating career transitions and burnout in the media industry.
• How losing a job and family dynamics impacted Greg’s mental health.
• The stigma and loneliness around depression and suicidal ideation—especially for men.
• The crucial role of support systems and asking for help.
• Greg’s experience with intensive outpatient therapy, and why self-care and open conversations matter.
• Rebuilding family relationships and redefining adult roles.
• Greg’s philosophy on time, relationships, and sharing your story to help others.

Quote from the Episode:

“If I can have one person go, ‘Greg conveyed what I needed to,’ then that’s it.” – Greg Wasserman

Timestamps:

• [00:00:04] Welcome & intros; where Greg calls home
• [00:01:11] Self-care and exercise as a mental health tool
• [00:01:41] A niece’s birth as a personal turning point
• [00:02:21] Greg’s career background, burnout, and job loss
• [00:06:29] On realizing the depth of depression
• [00:08:05] Social stigma and loneliness around suicide and mental health for men
• [00:09:39] Family dynamics and pivotal moments
• [00:12:05] Breaking down, asking for help, and the importance of partner support
• [00:22:58] Accessing Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and therapy lessons
• [00:26:49] Recognizing long-term unhappiness and family relationship patterns
• [00:35:16] Why Greg shares his story publicly
• [00:37:15] The value of being vulnerable and supporting others
• 
  
• [00:39:25] Greg’s offer to connect with listeners on LinkedIn and a special podcast hosting promo

Special Offer from the guest:

RSS.com, podcast hosting platform. A 1-month free promo code to the audience of The Art of Imperfect Adulting. RSSGETSTARTED. https://rss.com/?via=9f060f

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.

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 welcomes Laura Marie Rubin, founder of Wild Awake Woman, for a cconversation about embracing change and redefining fulfillment in midlife. Laura shares her journey from a decades-long career in office administration to building a life and business aligned with her true values—connection, joy, and freedom. Their conversation explores the concept of “the awakening” that often happens in midlife and offers inspiration for listeners questioning what’s next.

About the Guest:

Laura Marie Rubin is the founder of Wild Awake Woman and a passionate advocate for helping women in midlife break free from conditioned narratives and reconnect with their deepest truth. A former hustle-bunny turned life embodiment guide, Laura supports women who are done chasing who they think they should be—and are ready to ditch the rules, slow down, and come home to themselves.

Main Topics Covered:

• Laura’s background in office management and what led her to change careers after losing her job at 45
• The “illusion of safety” in following societal checklists and expectations
• The process of rediscovering personal values, preferences, and dreams in midlife
• The significance of self-care, with a unique perspective on the soothing power of horses and the barn environment
• The challenges and liberation of entrepreneurship, especially for women with no family precedent
• An introduction to Laura's work with Wild Awake Woman and equine-guided coaching
• The importance of joy, connection, and self-knowledge in creating a fulfilling life
• Navigating the shift from external validation to internal alignment

Featured Quote:

“I have spent 45 years living by everyone else’s rules, and at that moment I realized—I finally have a choice. What path am I going to take?” — Laura Marie Rubin

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Laura’s introduction, self-care, and the “barn”
• 2:10 – Laura’s career path in office management and admin
• 5:17 – Losing the job and the loss of “illusion of safety”
• 11:43 – The catalyst for change and awakening in midlife
• 17:27 – Rediscovering values, joy, and what matters
• 27:55 – Launching Wild Awake Woman and the power of equine-guided coaching
• 31:39 – Rapid fire questions and episode wrap-up

Resources & Links:

Unlock the 5 Secrets of the Wild Awake Woman

5-day audio series designed for ambitious women who are ready to break free from the relentless hustle, disengage from autopilot, and rediscover the exhilaration of vibrant living.

FREE

https://wildawakewoman.com/secrets/

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