The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone welcomes Catherine Crestani, leadership coach and former speech language pathologist from Australia. Catherine shares her transformative journey—from building a thriving business at the expense of her well-being, to restoring her health by embracing intuition and her psychic gifts. Together, they explore how chronic stress can sneak into our lives, what it looks like to be the bottleneck in your own business, and the power of spiritual reawakening to find true alignment and happiness.

Meet the Guest: Catherine Crestani focuses on empowering mothers  to find their voice in business, family, and health beginning with self-leadership. In 90 days, clients experience changes in self-belief, their focus, courage, health and business.

After experiencing chronic health crisis, Catherine chose to leave a 6-figure company that she built herself and was left to face her own worth story, living paycheck to paycheck weekly, and crises in her family life. Through her own experiences, she draws wisdom from this crisis and now teaches clients what it means to practically choose their own authentic path that allows them to voice this in business, family and health.

Main Topics Covered:

• Early morning routines and self-care as a busy mother
• Recognizing and facing chronic stress and adrenal fatigue
• The hidden costs of being the center of your business and family
• Catherine’s journey through spiritual reawakening and the discovery of her psychic gifts
• The power and practice of intuition in daily and professional life
• Creating new standards, values, and non-negotiables after stepping away from entrepreneurship
• How incremental change and energy work can bring lasting transformation
• Tips on aligning your life with your deeper values and spiritual insights

Quote from the Episode:"The biggest thing was learning to trust it. Because so often we have this guidance come from within us, but we don't know if it's that voice in our head, the ego... Or do we listen to a different voice that comes from within?" — Catherine Crestani

Topics and Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Amy and Catherine’s energetic 5am start; self-care routines for moms
• 00:03:00 – Chronic stress and the slippery slope of being the business bottleneck
• 00:07:28 – Catherine’s previous life: building and running a growing speech pathology company
• 00:16:43 – Recognizing intuition: early experiences, “gut feelings,” and psychic hits
• 00:20:51 – Developing and trusting psychic gifts, from inherited abilities to medical intuition
• 00:33:33 – The “dark night of the soul,” letting go, and selling the business
• 00:37:04 – Setting new boundaries, family time, and non-negotiables for a healthier life
• 00:45:19 – Catherine’s new work: leadership coaching, intuitive sessions, and how to connect
• 00:49:47 – Fun rapid-fire: morning beverages, roadtrip snacks, and favorite high school class

Connect with Catherine Crestani:

Authentically You Session - A 30-minute business energetic consultation to determine the blocks and steps forward on your journey. The session is worth $110 and can be booked using the following link https://calendly.com/willowhealing/authentically-me

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, Amy Stone welcomes Shannyn Schroeder, a former English teacher, curriculum writer, and executive function coach, who shares her journey from teaching and raising three children to launching a blog dedicated to providing resources and support for neurodivergent women. They dive deep into how unexpected life changes can inspire new paths, why adult ADHD and autism diagnoses are on the rise among women, and the importance of redefining self-care and success in adulthood.

About the Guest:

Shannyn Schroeder is a mom, teacher, writer, and executive function coach. After raising 3 neurodivergent children, she created EF Bomb Coach. Shannyn helps neurodivergent women who feel scattered, stuck, or burned out understand how their executive function actually works—so they can create systems that feel doable, not overwhelming. Shannyn’s work blends practical tools with self-acceptance—because they’re not lazy, stupid, or broken, their brains just work differently.

Main Topics Covered:

• Shannyn’s nonlinear career journey: from classroom to online business
• The modern (and still relevant) role of blogging as a platform
• Challenges and realities of balancing career and parenting, especially with neurodivergent children
• The rise in adult ADHD and autism diagnoses among women—and the power and pitfalls of self-diagnosis via social media
• What executive function really means (in science and in “adulting”)
• The meaning of neurodivergent, and why representation matters
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding purpose through serving others
• Building an authentic online community and the realities of slow and steady business growth

Quote from the Episode:

“Once I knew who I was writing for, then I knew what to write about. For me, it was that perfect intersection—knowing what my purpose was that made it make sense... and I was like, I can do this.” – Shannyn Schroeder

Timestamps:

• 00:00:06 – Welcome and intros; calling Chicago home
• 00:01:08 – Shannyn’s definition of self-care
• 00:04:15 – Shannyn’s background in teaching and career pivots
• 00:09:30 – What inspired Shannyn to start her blog
• 00:11:48 – The surge of adult ADHD/autism diagnoses in women
• 00:18:23 – Navigating imposter syndrome
• 00:22:32 – What is executive function?
• 00:24:08 – What does neurodivergent mean?
• 00:27:46 – Growth of Shannyn’s blog and online community
• 00:29:54 – How the blog has changed her life
• 00:33:23 – How to connect with Shannyn and a special free resource for listeners
• 00:36:22 – Fun rapid fire questions

Connect with Shannyn:

• Website & Blog: https://efbombcoach.com/
• Free Facebook Community: Executive Function Support for Women
• Special Offer for Listeners: Free Productivity Blueprint Course normally $27 but free with this link-- https://efbombcoach.com/PBfreebie

Note from the host. Guest offers are almost always limited time and limited quantity. If you have trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest.

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, Amy Stone speaks with Maureen Pound, entrepreneur, author, and single mother by choice, to explore imperfect adulting, intentional family planning, and rediscovering intimacy after years focused on parenting. Maureen shares her unique journey to motherhood via donor conception, the realities of online dating after kids, and how she ended up writing a book for men about getting laid on Tinder. Get ready for an open, practical, and uplifting conversation about reinventing family, sexuality, and village life in modern adulthood.

About the Guest: Maureen Pound is a solo mum to two, Entrepreneur and dating expert. Maureen Pound is helping Men and Women discover who they are, what they want and to go out and find it. She has supported millions of people through her podcast, book and 1:1 coaching and TikTok content. 

Main Topics Covered:

• Choosing single motherhood and family by design
• Handling judgment and support from family and friends
• Rediscovering intimacy and dating after a long hiatus
• The realities and rollercoaster of modern dating apps
• Why Maureen wrote "How to Get Laid on Tinder" and what she learned
• Building your village and redefining relationships as an adult

Quote from the Episode: "I declared then and there on that bike ride to the guys that I was going to go home and get laid. Yay." – Maureen Pound

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Amy welcomes Maureen, self-care, and marathons
• 00:58 – How Maureen chose single motherhood via donor conception
• 07:38 – Concerns and realities about single parenting
• 13:55 – Building a non-traditional support network (the village)
• 17:01 – Stepping back into dating and online apps
• 20:32 – Maureen’s Tinder experience: vulnerability, success, and lessons
• 28:27 – Writing "How to Get Laid on Tinder" and its reception
• 36:45 – Where to find Maureen’s book and podcast
• 40:30 – Final rapid-fire questions: books, pet peeves, and favorite Melbourne eats

Connect with Maureen: You can learn more about Maureen at howtogetlaidontinder.com.

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

Why subscribe?

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

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

If you 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, host Amy Stone welcomes Seattle-based writer and public health expert Ted Neill. Ted shares his journey from an early passion for writing, through a career dedicated to public health and humanitarian work across the globe, to finally embracing a full-time career as an author. Their conversation dives deep into the challenges of career pivots, self-care, the reality of non-linear adult lives, and the lessons learned from service in vulnerable communities.

About the Guest:

Ted Neill is a writer, journalist, and former global health professional whose work spans five continents. His books, including Two Years of Wonder and Twenty Years of Unraveling, explore themes of resilience, justice, and personal transformation. With a background in social advocacy and storytelling, Ted shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, navigating identity, and embracing life's unexpected turns. His work has been featured in The Washington Post and Recovery Today, and he is a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award.

Main Topics Covered:

• Ted's journey from aspiring writer to journalist, to a career in global public health, and back to writing full time
• The realities and challenges of working in the nonprofit sector
• The impact of global humanitarian work on mental health and personal identity
• Navigating burnout, depression, and the process of personal reinvention
• The business side of independent publishing and the blending of creative and business skills
• Ted’s prolific writing catalog, including middle-grade fiction, YA, memoir, and a nonfiction series on bias and equity
• Embracing a non-linear, imperfect adulting journey
• How past traumas and experiences shape our passions and careers

Quote from the Episode:

“...maybe we could have it all, but not all at the same time.” — Ted Neill

Connect with Ted Neill

IG @therealauthortedneill TikTok: @tedneillwrites

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 powerful and honest episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone sits down with Ray Martin to explore how a planned six-month sabbatical transformed into a 14-year journey of self-discovery across the globe. Ray shares his remarkable story of rebuilding a life after personal and professional upheaval, the lessons learned from letting go, and the unexpected turns that led to lasting change.

About the Guest:

Ray Martin, aka The Daily Explorer, is an entrepreneur and award-winning business leader. As a coach, mentor, facilitator, speaker, writer, and mindfulness teacher, he is a torchbearer for greater human consciousness. Ray is also a marathon runner and fundraiser. He’s on a mission to empower people to live authentically and to bring more joy and happiness into the world.

Main Topics Covered:

• Ray’s dramatic life changes: divorce, loss, and leaving behind a successful business
• The advice and events that sparked his global sabbatical
• Letting go of possessions and the emotional hurdles of starting over
• The transformative power of meditation and mindfulness, including a 10-day Vipassana retreat
• Living life untethered and the insights from 14 years of global travel
• Philanthropy, running the New York Marathon, and finding new purpose
• Reflections on identity, happiness, and writing Life Without a Tie
• Practicalities – how he funded long-term travel and the challenges of reinventing himself in midlife

Quote from the Episode:

"Ray the Businessman is just a character, like George Pigdon, who I learned how to play... I can change that character or drop it or write him out of the series. I can just kill that off." – Ray Martin

Timestamps:

• Ray’s life before the sabbatical & crisis point (00:02:04)
• Losing everything and the suggestion to take a sabbatical (00:04:41–00:08:14)
• The accidental path to acting in Australia (00:10:41–00:15:38)
• Epiphany: distinguishing self from life roles (00:15:38–00:18:21)
• Deciding to sell everything and embrace minimalism (00:19:50–00:22:10)
• Launching the six-month sabbatical & first travels to Thailand (00:25:40)
• Confronting guilt, shame, and the pivotal meditation retreat (00:29:11–00:31:12)
• How six months became 14 years: philanthropy, running a marathon, and following alignment (00:35:11–00:39:49)
• Returning to the UK and writing Life Without a Tie (00:41:45–00:44:21)
• Final rapid-fire questions and reflections (00:46:07–end)

Find Ray’s book:

LifeWithOutATie.com 

https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors

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, host Amy sits down with Kerry Komarov to discuss her transition from a decade-long teaching career to entrepreneurship. Kerry opens up about why she left her dream job, the challenges of balancing motherhood and work, and how she created a new, fulfilling path outside the classroom.

About the Guest:

Kerry Komarov is a former middle school reading teacher who, after starting a family, made the leap into entrepreneurship. She now runs her own business as a creative business strategist, helping other business owners maximize their digital presence and strategies.

Main Topics Covered:

• Self-care and the power of decluttering
• Kerry’s lifelong dream of teaching and what drew her to middle schoolers
• Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of leaving a beloved profession
• The pressures and mental load of being a working parent
• Logistical considerations, including health insurance and financial planning for a career change
• Kerry’s journey into entrepreneurship and what her business offers
• Reflections on identity, capability, and embracing change
• Fun rapid-fire questions about reality TV, space travel, and dream purchases

Featured Quote:

“Being a present and good and fun-loving mom is also something I always wanted. And I don't think that I personally could do both.” – Kerry Komarov

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Kerry’s background
• 03:32 – Why teaching was always her dream job
• 07:32 – Choosing to work with middle schoolers
• 08:34 – What changed after her second child and maternity leave
• 11:55 – Emotional challenges and letting go of identity as a teacher
• 14:24 – Family conversations and figuring out work-home balance
• 20:02 – Fears and anxieties about starting a business
• 23:18 – Navigating practicalities like health insurance
• 25:07 – What Kerry misses (and doesn’t) about teaching
• 27:54 – Overview of Kerry’s new business and services
• 31:12 – Final fun questions and closing thoughts

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

Amy Stone welcomes licensed professional counselor and foster parent Megan Hamm to discuss how becoming a foster parent transformed her approach to working with children and families experiencing trauma. Megan shares her personal journey, the challenges of supporting kids in crisis, and how her lived experience informed her work as a mental health professional.

About the Guest:

Megan Hamm, Ed.S., LPC-S, RPT, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and trauma-informed parenting expert. She specializes in helping foster and adoptive families turn emotional chaos into connection through her signature H.E.A.R.T. Framework. As the Amazon best-selling author of Heart of the Matter, Megan equips caregivers and professionals with practical tools to manage meltdown behaviors and foster healing. She’s passionate about dismantling mental health stigma and empowering families to thrive.

Main Topics Covered:

• Why lived experience is invaluable in trauma-informed care for children and families
• Megan’s journey from professional counselor to foster parent
• The emotional realities and surprises of fostering
• Redefining trauma—from past histories to the present-day realities for children in the system
• The importance of adult self-regulation and accepting children as they are
• Shifting traditional mental health perspectives in supporting foster and adoptive families
• Megan’s “HEART” framework and her approach to parent-child relationships
• Personal growth, challenging conversations, and the power of showing up for kids

Quote from the Episode:

“I, as the adult, am one of the, if not the most important intervention that they’ll ever have. It’s not about building skills…it’s about me being there, me being present, and me accepting them for who they are. Unapologetically.” — Megan Hamm

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Welcome & Introductions
• 0:47 – Megan on Self-Care and Nature
• 2:06 – Career Background: Licensed Professional Counselor
• 2:56 – How Foster Care Entered Megan’s Life
• 6:27 – Deciding to Foster with Her Husband
• 10:43 – Living the Experience: When Professional Training Meets Real Life
• 15:10 – Trauma: Defining it in the Foster & Adoptive Context
• 18:00 – How Foster Parenting Changed Megan’s Approach to Counseling
• 26:08 – Response from Clients & Peers to Her New Approach
• 31:31 – Megan’s Private Practice, Speaking, and Her Book
• 36:37 – Final Fun Questions & Wrap-Up

Connect with Megan Hamm:

Megan’s Book: The Heart of the Matter: A Compassionate Guide to Transforming Behaviors in Fostering and Adopted Children available on Amazon and other places that you shop for books like Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9798990309005

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

Today we're doing something a little bit different with the show.

Guest Information:

There is no guest in this episode—Amy Stone is solo, sharing stories, gratitude, and feedback from guests and listeners.

In this special solo episode, host Amy Stone celebrates the show’s journey so far by sharing a collection of thoughtful reviews and kind words listeners and guests have left about The Art of Imperfect Adulting. Amy offers a behind-the-scenes look at why she chose not to invite a guest for this July 4th episode, discusses the impact of podcasting algorithms and consistency, and reflects on what makes the show meaningful to listeners.

Main Topics Covered:

• Why there’s no guest this holiday episode and the importance of the release schedule
• How podcast reviews help the show grow and ways listeners can get involved
• Heartfelt listener and guest reviews about TAOIA’s impact and Amy’s interview style
• Reflections on the show’s broad approach and the value of authentic conversations about adulting
• Encouragement to subscribe, leave reviews, and participate in the Imperfect Adulting community

Enjoy and we'll be back soon with another fabulous guest sharing their story.

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, Amy Stone welcomes guest Sarah Roccisano for an engaging, honest conversation about navigating the ups and downs of a 20+ year career in finance, the impact of toxic work environments, and the courageous leap into a new, more authentic life. Sara unpacks her journey from Wall Street to wellness, touching on mental health, self-care, and the profound personal adventure that led her to leave the city behind for rural Connecticut and start Embolden Adventures.

About the Guest:

Sara Roccisano inspires personal, professional, and spiritual development through these extraordinary times of change and transformation. Sara made a hard choice to walk away from a successful career she built in finance and renewable energy across Wall Street and Corporate America to rediscover herself and reclaim her personal power. Now Sara motivates individuals and groups with her unique blend of optimism, effective communication, and a profound sense of connection to be emboldened in living life authentically and to unlock true potential. 

Sara is the founder of the award-winning travel inspiration site, Embolden Adventures. She is a world-traveling, spiritually transforming, International Public Speaker, Travel Storyteller, Author, and Embolden Adventurer

Main Topics Covered:

• Sara’s upbringing in New England and early ambition to work on Wall Street
• Navigating the post-9/11 job market and the highs and lows of her finance career
• The emotional and physical toll of layoffs and toxic work environments
• Her breaking point and decision to leave the finance world in 2022
• The role of travel, nature, and spiritual exploration in her healing journey
• Founding Embolden Adventures and her new life focus on self-discovery and inspiring others
• Reflections on self-care, transformation, and redefining success

Quote from the Episode:

"Everything’s great until you get punched in the face. That’s what Mike Tyson said, and that was the breaking point for me." — Sara Roccasano

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introductions & Sara’s New England roots
• [00:01:26] Sara’s self-care practices and encounter with nature
• [00:05:46] Starting out on Wall Street – childhood ambitions and influences
• [00:13:01] The highs of investment banking and impact of the 2008 financial crisis
• [00:17:33] Surviving layoffs and switching to renewable energy
• [00:21:47] The “decade of difficulty” and workplace challenges
• [00:22:23] The breaking point – choosing to walk away without a plan
• [00:27:35] Adventures and healing: travel, spiritual practices, and reclaiming self
• [00:32:44] Life post-Wall Street: founding Embolden Adventures
• [00:34:06] How to connect with Sara and learn about her upcoming book
• 
  
• [00:35:27] Lightning round questions & episode close

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
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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, host Amy Stone sits down with Carly Fauth, a fitness enthusiast, coach, and cancer survivor. Carly shares her journey of being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, her decision to keep moving through treatment despite medical advice to rest, and how exercise played a vital role in her healing—physically and mentally. The conversation also meanders into personal stories about hobbies, porch dreams, and even eating bugs!

About the Guest:

Carly Fauth is a fitness instructor, ACSM-ACS certified cancer exercise specialist, movement mentor, and founder of FitFunCarly, a virtual fitness program that helps people get fit in just 15 minutes a day. A lifelong advocate for mental health through fitness, Carly’s passion for wellness deepened when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in February 2024. As a survivor, she now uses her journey to inspire others to unlock their own extraordinary personal strength and overcome life’s obstacles.

During chemotherapy, Carly launched her podcast, Chemo Coffee Talk, straight from her infusion chair at Dana Farber. She continues the podcast from her home studio, offering hope, resilience, and real conversations to cancer patients and caregivers. She also wrote a book from her chemo chair called, "Pray for the Bear".

Main Topics Covered:

• What it means to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
• The lack of research on exercise during chemotherapy, especially for women
• Carly’s experience advocating for movement through cancer treatment
• How movement and exercise aid in physical recovery and mental health
• The importance of listening to your own body over outside advice
• Launching a podcast and writing a book during chemotherapy
• The value of trying new things and building resilience through adversity
• Fun detours into eating unusual foods, playing games (or not), and dream home upgrades

Quote from the Episode:

"I think there needs to be more emphasis on movement as well as rest." – Carly Fauth

Timestamps:

• 00:01:00 – Amy introduces Carly and the show’s theme
• 00:02:00 – Carly shares about her passion for exercise
• 00:03:04 – Explanation of triple negative breast cancer
• 00:07:38 – Carly’s lifelong relationship with exercise
• 00:13:30 – Exercising during chemo: what research—and doctors—say
• 00:24:00 – How Carly’s support system responded to her movement goals
• 00:28:29 – Carly’s podcast, book, and Fit Fun Community
• 00:34:15 – Final fun questions and wrap-up

Connect with Carly Fauth:

• Website: https://www.fitfuncarly.com/
• Podcast: Chemo Coffee Talk (Spotify & YouTube)
• Book: Pray for the Bear (available on Amazon)

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

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