The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode, host Amy Stone welcomes Michelle Manley, a Reiki master and trauma survivor, who shares her story of leaving an abusive marriage and healing from the impact of both spiritual and emotional abuse. Michelle opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to break free, her journey to recovery—including a diagnosis of complex PTSD—and how she eventually turned her experience into a source of support for others. Her story is an honest and inspiring look at imperfect adulting and finding hope on the other side of hardship.

About the Guest:

Michelle Manley is a soma-spiritual mentor, Reiki Master Teacher, Jungian tarot reader, and multidimensional healer with a unique approach that blends somatic embodiment, energy work, metaphysics, and deep mindset transformation. As an overcomer of time in a cult, an abusive marriage, and debilitating chronic pain, Michelle has reclaimed her sovereignty and now guides others in doing the same. She helps her diverse clients cultivate a deeper relationship with Self and find their unique equilibrium. As a queer and neurodiverse practitioner, Michelle hears the voice of those who feel unheard and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing space for healing and expansion.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating and leaving an abusive marriage
• The role of mental health and misdiagnosis in abuse
• Living with and recovering from complex PTSD
• The impact of spiritual abuse and fundamentalist religion
• Self-care through nature and energetic healing
• Parenting and healing alongside children
• Building a new life and helping others heal

Quote from the Episode:

“I've reclaimed so many bits of myself that I hadn't given voice to for years, decades. I'm a better parent, I think, at this point. And I became a Reiki master… I get to watch my story actually have benefits, have goodness in it.” — Michelle Manley

Timestamps:

• 00:00:05 — Welcome, self-care, and getting to know Michelle
• 00:01:38 — The van incident: pivotal moment and aftermath
• 00:02:41 — Michelle’s background: spiritual abuse and abusive marriage
• 00:06:16 — Reflecting on the relationship and mental health
• 00:08:16 — CPTSD diagnosis and trauma recovery
• 00:11:00 — Michelle’s experience with a fundamentalist religion
• 00:14:27 — Parenting, isolation, and challenges in the marriage
• 00:17:54 — Life changes and becoming a healer
• 00:19:54 — Supporting other women through energy work
• 00:22:17 — Finding growth and acceptance after hardship
• 00:24:44 — Rapid fire questions and closing

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 sits down with Lisa Blaisdell to discuss what it means to start over after divorce at age 54. Lisa shares her personal journey of leaving both a long-term marriage and a successful career, digging deep into the challenges, fears, and possibilities that come with redefining life in midlife.

About the Guest:

Lisa Blaisdell is a coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for women navigating midlife transitions, especially those considering or experiencing divorce. After walking away from a 27-year marriage and a thriving business, Lisa now helps women in similar seasons find clarity, confidence, and support—without trauma or high conflict, but with honesty and compassion.

Main Topics Covered:

• Lisa’s story of divorce at age 54 after 27 years of marriage
• The emotional and practical complexities of ending a “good enough” marriage
• Navigating layered fears: impact on children, family, and community perceptions
• The importance of honesty with oneself when making life-changing decisions
• Rebuilding identity, happiness, and possibility post-divorce
• How Lisa now supports women facing similar crossroads through coaching and group programs

Quote from the Episode:

“I had to really just stand on my own two feet for the first time, really, in my life… I had to radically get out of my comfort zone.” – Lisa Blaisdell

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Lisa’s background
• 00:49 Walking away from business and marriage – the catalyst
• 05:34 Looking back to the early days of Lisa’s relationship
• 09:59 The “driver’s seat”: why Lisa initiated divorce
• 12:16 Division of household workload and emotional disconnect
• 16:03 Denial, guilt, and the fear of disrupting family life
• 21:29 The “explosion” and reality of separation
• 25:56 Things not to say to someone getting divorced
• 28:39 Life after divorce and helping others start over
• 34:01 Lisa’s coaching work and support group details
• 37:16 Final quick-fire questions with Lisa

Special Offer:

Free Midlife Journal to help women start the honest conversation with themselves. It's an easy way to answer questions about your life, how happy you truly are and if you are longing for change. They can download it at http://lisablaisdell.com .

As a note from the show host if you have trouble claiming the offer from the guest please reach out directly to the guest.

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

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

Why subscribe?

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

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

If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guest

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

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

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

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

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

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

before that I used Kit.

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone sits down with Martha Burich, who made the bold decision to reinvent her health and lifestyle after retirement at age 70. Martha shares candid stories about her journey to sobriety, the challenges and triumphs of finding new purpose post-retirement, and the practical habits she's built to stay healthy. This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your habits and refocus on your well-being.

About the Guest:

Martha Burich is a retired special education teacher, published author, and parenting course creator based in Michigan. After retiring, she embraced personal transformation through sobriety, community involvement, and daily movement. Martha now helps other parents by teaching transformative parenting strategies and continues to advocate for self-care at every age.

Main Topics Covered:

• Martha’s decision to prioritize health and movement at age 70
• Her path to sobriety after retirement and involvement in AA
• Finding community, purpose, and new passions post-retirement
• How daily routines like walking dogs and going to the gym created lasting change
• Overcoming intimidation and embracing new habits at any age
• Martha’s work as a parenting coach and her book “Yes, You Can Raise Happy, Responsible Children”

Quote from the Episode:

“It doesn’t matter our age—the things that are important. Health is wealth.” – Martha Burich

Timestamps:

• 00:01:04 – Introducing Martha Burich and her Michigan roots
• 00:04:40 – Reflections on lifestyle and fitness before retirement
• 00:06:16 – Martha’s sobriety journey and the role of community
• 00:13:23 – Creating new habits: from daily walks to gym routines
• 00:16:03 – How Martha kept herself motivated with challenges
• 00:25:39 – Martha’s new purpose: teaching parenting classes and writing
• 00:28:42 – Fun rapid-fire questions and Martha’s tips for adulting

Special Offer:

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Regular price $397.00. Special for this podcast listeners $197.00 a $200.00 savings.

https://buy.stripe.com/cN23fJaa3dPd0zm6oB

As a note from the show. Sometimes offers from the guests are limited-time or limited quantity. If you have trouble redeeming this offer please reach out directly to the host.

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

In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Amy Stone welcomes Mark Steven Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode, to discuss his unexpected journey into caregiving for his mother. Mark shares candid insights on shifting family roles, the realities of hands-on elder care, and how compassion and humor helped him navigate three and a half years as his mother’s primary caregiver.

About the Guest:

Mark is an award-winning designer, writer, director, and now a best-selling, award-winning author. He has written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny debut memoir—chronicles his multitasking adventures of filling his mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy.

Main Topics Covered:

• Mark’s move from a carefree bachelor life in LA to a full-time caregiver in New Jersey
• Family dynamics and shifting roles during aging and caregiving
• Navigating elder care, hospice, and medical decisions as a son
• The realities (and humor) of caring for a parent, including both logistical and emotional challenges
• The importance of supporting caregivers and sharing family history
• Mark’s writing process and the impact of his memoir

Quote from the Episode:

“She always took care of us. I never felt like mom wavered with me … so mom was always there for us. And I grew up in this family that we took care of each other, and it was important.” — Mark Steven Porro

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Mark’s life in France
• 00:46 – Adventures with wifi in 500-year-old buildings and living in a historic village
• 02:32 – Mark’s attempt to learn French and cultural assimilation
• 04:17 – Family roots: caregiving, family examples, and sibling dynamics
• 09:14 – Mark’s pre-caregiving life and career in LA
• 12:44 – The turning point: mother’s health crisis and hospice
• 17:21 – Deciding to become the primary caregiver
• 20:05 – Medical, memory, and daily care challenges
• 22:09 – Mom’s routine before and after Mark’s involvement
• 27:36 – Shifting family roles and the hands-on realities of caregiving
• 31:59 – Managing work, support structures, and sibling teamwork
• 34:39 – Mark’s book, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, and the importance of storytelling
• 39:42 – Broader context: growing need for eldercare and Mark’s contribution to the topic
• 40:51 – Rapid fire questions: daily routines, travel, and more about Mark’s life and creative projects

Find Mark’s book and learn more:

• Website: acupofteaonthecommode.org
• 
  
• Bonus materials, photos, and documentary information available on Mark’s website.

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, host Amy Stone welcomes Deb Krier to The Art of Imperfect Adulting to discuss Deb's decade-long journey through multiple cancer diagnoses—including stage four triple positive breast cancer and thyroid cancer. Deb opens up about the unexpected twists in her health, the emotional roller coaster of diagnosis and treatment, and how her experience inspired her to empower others facing similar battles.

About the Guest:

Deb is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in communications, marketing, and public relations but also a cancer advocate whose personal journey through Stage 4 triple-positive breast cancer and thyroid cancer has been truly transformative. In 2022, she founded tryingnottodie.LIVE is a commendable initiative empowering those navigating the complexities of cancer.

Her unwavering commitment to turning struggles into strengths, fostering hope in the cancer community, and promoting resilience aligns seamlessly with the values of your podcast as the founder of tryingnottodie.LIVE and the host of "The Business Power Hour" podcast.

Main Topics Covered:

• Deb’s background and passions, including showing beagles and her love for the University of Colorado
• Receiving a life-altering cancer diagnosis following a routine mammogram
• Coping mechanisms, the emotional process, and building a support system during serious illness
• Navigating treatment choices and medical emergencies, including a catastrophic complication during chemotherapy
• The importance of living wills, medical advocacy, and preparing for unexpected health crises
• Deb’s creation of the “Trying Not to Die Live” community and her mission to empower cancer patients and their supporters
• Encouragement for those feeling isolated or overwhelmed by diagnosis and treatment

Quote from the Episode:

“One of the biggest things I hear is, you know, people and no matter what their support system is, they still say, I feel so alone, and I don't know what to do.” – Deb Krier

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and welcome
• [00:01:06] Deb’s hobbies beyond work and family
• [00:02:41] Transition to cancer journey and diagnosis
• [00:04:08] Deb’s health today and her outlook
• [00:07:08] Discovery and escalation of cancer diagnosis
• [00:11:13] Timeline from first screening to aggressive treatment
• [00:12:20] Emotional response to diagnosis and shifting to treatment mode
• [00:14:49] Role of support systems and moving forward
• [00:17:06] Decisions around treatment and the treatment process
• [00:19:11] Hospitalization and medical emergencies
• [00:22:44] Family support and living wills
• [00:27:04] Turning her experience into a mission to empower others
• [00:30:36] Advice for building support systems and avoiding Dr. Google
• [00:32:19] Navigating medical conversations and advocating for yourself
• [00:34:55] How to connect with Deb and her community resources
• [00:36:14] Fun final questions with Deb

Links:

• Connect with Deb and find resources: www.tryingnotodie.live
• Join her private support community via the Facebook group link on her website.

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 sits down with guest Jocelyn Bates to discuss the unimaginable grief of losing both her parents within a week during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jocelyn shares her experience of navigating the trauma and aftermath, the unique challenges of multi-generational living, and the intensely personal journey to healing through spirituality, creative expression, and somatic practices.

About the Guest:

Jocelyn is a Cultivator of Curiosity and Creativity in the Human Experiment. She's a Soul Art Guide, Yoga Nidra Guide, Human Design Guide, Artist, Writer and Teacher as well as an unschooling mama to 3 beautiful children spreading inspirational creativity anywhere she can.

Main Topics Covered:

• Jocelyn's family background and the experience of being an only child in a close-knit household
• The sudden loss of both parents to Covid-related complications
• Challenges and trauma from hospital protocols during the pandemic
• The impact of multi-generational living and how it shapes adult identity
• Jocelyn’s journey through shock, dissociation, and PTSD
• The power of rituals and the harm of their disruption during Covid
• Tools for grief and healing: creative expression, soul art, yoga nidra, human design, and community support
• How Jocelyn rebuilt her sense of self and purpose after loss

Quote from the Episode:

"I'm gonna move toward... I'm gonna start saying, who the hell am I? Like, and where do my parents reside? In me still. And where... And what didn't I like about them? And what do I like? And I really stood and looked it in the eye, and I've been doing that since it happened." — Jocelyn Bates

Timestamps:

• Jocelyn’s background and daily grounding ritual (00:00–00:03)
• Family story, their relationship, and sudden illness (00:03–00:12)
• Covid hospitalization, loss of parents, and navigating trauma (00:12–00:23)
• The challenge of grieving in isolation and disrupted grief rituals (00:23–00:28)
• Jocelyn’s path to healing: therapy, spiritual modalities, creative work (00:28–00:44)
• Recognizing and addressing PTSD symptoms (00:39–00:44)
• Choices in grief and reclaiming agency (00:44–00:46)
• Jocelyn’s current work and how people can connect (00:46–00:49)
• Rapid fire questions and episode wrap-up (00:49–00:53)

Connect with Jocelyn:

Find Jocelyn on Insight Timer and jocelynbates.net

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 sits down with Jen Melville to discuss Jen’s unexpected journey from a career in higher education administration to entrepreneurship and coaching. Together, they dive deep into topics like career pivots, the pursuit of security, infertility struggles, and the evolution of self-confidence through adulthood. Jen shares her personal story of surviving burnout, navigating significant life changes, and ultimately finding fulfillment and purpose in relationship coaching.

About the Guest:

Jen Melville is a Relationship Coach and Household Systems Strategist who helps busy couples create fair, stress-free household systems that lighten the mental load—so they can actually enjoy their time together. As a mom to energetic six-year-old boy/girl twins and a ridiculously needy French Bulldog, she knows firsthand the chaos of balancing it all. She survives entrepreneurship and motherhood with a mix of sarcasm, iced coffee, and a deep passion for helping couples thrive.

Main Topics Covered:

• Overcoming burnout & leaving a stable career in higher education
• Navigating financial security, risk, and confidence as an adult
• Dealing with infertility and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF
• The realities of motherhood and work-life balance
• Reinventing oneself through entrepreneurship with Pure Romance parties
• Transitioning into coaching, especially for couples and families
• Using the "Fair Play" system to address household labor and intimacy
• The value of self-care through practices like “momcations”

Quote from the Episode:

“I was forced to do something that was probably beneficial to my health… I would have never excelled [in higher ed]. What I know my skills to be now, although I still doubt them sometimes, I would have not been successful there.” — Jen Melville

Timestamps:

• 00:00 — Introduction and Jen’s New England roots
• 02:13 — Hobbies, thrifting, and work-life quirks
• 03:29 — Jen’s background in higher education administration
• 04:42 — Choosing a career out of necessity and confidence
• 10:22 — Long-term job expectations and real-life transitions
• 12:46 — The exit from higher ed: burnout and being pushed out
• 16:59 — Life after higher ed: entrepreneurship and anxiety
• 23:16 — Personal stressors: infertility and miscarriage
• 28:25 — Never looking back at higher ed & redefining career ambitions
• 32:18 — Quitting the bank job and transitioning to coaching
• 33:59 — Adapting business during the pandemic & moving states
• 38:12 — Coaching focus: intimacy, communication, and “Fair Play”
• 43:23 — Details on Jen’s Divide and Thrive workshop
• 45:05 — Final three questions: introversion, momcations, and choosing courage

Connect with Jen Melville:

Website: jennifer-melville.com

Special Offer: Divide + Thrive Workshop

The Divide + Thrive Couple's Workshop is all about helping couples finally figure out who does what at home—without the nagging, frustration, or “I’ll just do it myself” moments. In this session, we’ll break down household tasks, make sure both partners take full ownership of their share, and create a system that actually works (so you’re not stuck managing it all). The goal? Less stress, more sanity, and a home that doesn’t run solely on your mental load.

Value: $399

Offered: $50 off

Use code BYE50 at https://link.automationonamission.com/payment-link/67c07b51eba43a791d3546ba

Note from the show host: Often special offers from the guest are limited time and/or limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming this offer please contact the guest directly. The Art of Imperfect Adulting and the host are simply sharing the information we make no representations or guarantees.

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 (TAOIA), host Amy Stone chats with Suzanne Jabour about rebuilding life after the loss of her adult son. Suzanne shares her personal journey through grief, the practical and emotional realities of loss, and her mission to create space for more open and supportive conversations around grief and healing. Together, they explore not only the pain, but also the opportunities for connection, growth, and compassion that arise in the aftermath of tragedy.

About the Guest:

Suzanne is a grieving mom who has found meaning in her loss through providing grief education – sharing how grief really works and how we can support people experiencing it. She works with grievers to chart their own path through Conscious and Curious Grief Coaching. She offers a regular rotation of workshops and sessions for grievers and people supporting them to share the information, skills and tools so we can respond to grief in a more meaningful way. Her TEDx talk “Grief is Hard - Let’s do Better” will be released in 2025. She is available as a speaker to share her story and help normalize grief as a healthy response to losses big and small. She has a BA and B Ed and decades of experience as a trainer. She is a certified Grief Educator, a Transformational Coach and Workshop Leader.

Main Topics Covered:

• Suzanne’s life before and after her son’s passing
• How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped her family’s experience of loss
• The realities of grief, including its physical, emotional, and mental impact (“grief brain”)
• Why our society struggles to handle grief and what needs to change
• Honoring loved ones by sharing stories and memories
• Practical advice for supporting grievers and having better conversations about loss
• The importance of foundational well-being in facing life’s challenges
• Suzanne’s new grief workshops and available resources

Quote from the Episode:

“If we were having more conversations about it, about grief and loss and rebuilding, we would be much better adulting.” — Suzanne Jabour

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introductions, Vancouver vs. Seattle, and Suzanne’s hobbies
• 02:04 – Discussing the loss of Suzanne’s adult son; the context of the pandemic
• 07:13 – Exposure to grief prior to Ben’s death; unique impact of losing a child
• 09:59 – How Ben passed away and reframing mental health loss
• 14:01 – Honoring and remembering Ben’s life
• 19:16 – The physical and mental impact of grief; normalizing the experience
• 22:05 – “Fork in the road” moments and puzzle pieces of identity
• 28:08 – Rebuilding life, shifting priorities and boundaries
• 38:18 – Supporting grievers: what helps, and what doesn’t
• 46:26 – Why we must get better at handling grief
• 47:00 – Suzanne’s workshops, resources, and special offer for listeners
• 49:15 – Rapid fire questions: fear, Mars, and beverages

Resources & Links:

• Special offer from Suzanne Jabour drop-in grief workshops (code “AIA” for 10% off) https://www.suzannejabour.com/
• Suzanne’s TEDx Talk: “Grief is Hard. Let’s Do Better.” https://youtu.be/3wRQTueKxJY?si=EaGmKD6jSrjqrZPx

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, host Amy Stone welcomes Kandas Rodarte to discuss the path that led Kandas to launch a coaching business after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 44. Together, they explore Kandas’s journey from custom furniture entrepreneurship to becoming the “Gratitude Geek,” focusing on resilience, gratitude, and empowering women to change the world through business ownership.

About the Guest:

Kandas Rodarte is a productivity coach for micropreneurs and the host of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, ranked #1 in sales and marketing on GoodPods. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she embraced gratitude as a daily practice and turned her experience into a mission to help solopreneurs build lasting relationships while growing their businesses. Through her group coaching program, Robusta, Small Business Percolator, she provides a supportive space for female solopreneurs to brainstorm, learn, and thrive. Kandas believes success comes from authentic connections, strategic marketing, and a strong support network.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kandas’s move from California to Michigan and her love of crochet
• The life-changing discovery of her cancer diagnosis, how she found her doctor, and the role of Herceptin in her journey
• Transitioning from custom high-end furniture business to coaching women entrepreneurs
• The power of gratitude—how Kandas integrated it into her brand and life, and practical tips for practicing gratitude, even on tough days
• The importance of imperfect adulting and representing real, authentic lives
• Kandas’s group coaching program for women over 40 and her mission to help women change the world through business ownership
• Fun side topics: favorite books, memorable gifts, and living with intention

Quote from the Episode:

“I think that women need to own businesses because we really can change the world and we can make it better for everybody, including men. Men will be better off if women owned more businesses.” — Kandas Rodarte

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introductions, getting off-topic, and Michigan living
• 02:46 – Hobbies, passion for crochet, and yarn shop woes
• 05:59 – Transition to today’s topic: Cancer diagnosis and launching a business
• 06:19 – How a breakthrough drug’s history changed Kandas’s prognosis
• 08:09 – The discovery of her breast cancer and life before diagnosis
• 13:17 – Kandas’s career as a custom furniture entrepreneur
• 16:50 – Childhood dreams, paleontology, and family connections
• 20:25 – What metastatic cancer means
• 21:43 – Choosing coaching after diagnosis and early online business communities
• 27:10 – Women, business, and why Kandas believes in changing the world
• 31:34 – Gratitude: before and after cancer diagnosis
• 36:16 – Honest talk about practicing gratitude, even when it’s hard
• 41:00 – Details on Kandas’s coaching program and where to find her
• 43:38 – Rapid-fire questions: color, favorite gift, and beloved books

Offer from the guest: You can connect with Kandas at www.kandasrodarte.com where you will find a 5-day gratitude journal. 

Note from the host: if you have trouble collecting or redeeming a guest offer - please contact the guest directly. 

Thank you for tuning into The Art of Imperfect Adulting! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. 

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 talks with adventure athlete and Paralympian Kyle Coon. Kyle shares his journey from a confident college graduate struggling to find work—even landing a rejection from a grocery store—to transforming his life through endurance sports and embracing imperfection. His candid conversation highlights the challenges and unexpected turns that shape our personal growth.

About the Guest:

Kyle Coon is a two-time Paralympian, endurance athlete, keynote speaker, and Exactly What to Say Certified Guide. After losing his sight at the age of six, Kyle has dedicated his life to pushing limits—whether summiting Kilimanjaro as a teenager, competing on the world’s biggest athletic stages, or helping individuals and teams unlock their highest potential. A passionate advocate for high-performance living, he shares his journey of resilience, adaptability, and achievement through speaking engagements, coaching, and content creation. When he’s not training for his next challenge, Kyle is focused on fostering a community committed to excellence and living without limits.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kyle’s experience growing up blind and developing a strong support network
• The reality check and emotional impact of post-college job hunting setbacks
• How rejection led Kyle to rediscover physical fitness and ultimately pursue endurance sports
• The transformative role of mentorship and community in finding new paths
• A behind-the-scenes look at competing in triathlon as a blind athlete
• Reflections on overconfidence, growth, and advice for younger adults
• Kyle’s current projects and how technology enhances his life

Quote from the Episode:

"At the end of the day, there is no best. There's only better." — Kyle Coon

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Kyle’s definition of “home”
• 01:12 – Kyle’s non-work passion: Chess
• 04:18 – Facing setbacks after college and personal reflection
• 10:53 – Losing his vision as a child and its life impact
• 18:38 – From adventure sports to marathons and triathlons
• 23:50 – Finding a running mentor and learning about triathlon
• 29:22 – Progression from entry-level running to Ironman and Paralympics
• 34:47 – The mechanics of racing as a blind triathlete
• 37:10 – Would Kyle have chosen endurance sports if life went different?
• 38:48 – Advice to his younger self
• 40:25 – Kyle’s current pursuits and where to connect

Connect with Kyle Coon:

• Website: KyleCoon.com
• Instagram: @ironkyle

Also mentioned in the show United In Stride https://www.unitedinstride.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 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