The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Michelle Spexarth, a trauma-informed coach, about the pivotal moment when she realized she needed to stop seeking external validation and focus on her self-worth. Michelle opens up about her journey of self-discovery, influenced by the teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay, and shares actionable advice on how to reconnect with and value oneself.

Guest Information:

Michelle Spexarth is a trauma-informed coach specializing in helping individuals recover from narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships. She is dedicated to guiding others towards healing and self-discovery, helping them to own their actions and resilience. Michelle runs a free Facebook group called "Soul Survivors," where she conducts weekly classes.

Main Topics Covered:

• Michelle’s background and family life
• The catalyst moment that led to her journey of self-discovery
• The role of external validation in her life and the shift towards internal validation
• The impact of the teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, and others
• Practices and techniques Michelle used to reconnect with herself
• The importance of owning one’s actions and choices
• Specific examples of how Michelle's perspective has changed through this journey

Quote from the Episode:

"Because I was just like this, I have got to find a place where I am not so vulnerable to others, also to where I feel okay within myself, no matter what’s going on outside of me." – Michelle Spexarth

Timestamps:

• 00:00:04
• – Introduction and welcome
• 00:00:28
• – Michelle shares her current location and weather in Kansas
• 00:00:45
• – Michelle's personal background and family details
• 00:03:22
• – Introduction to the topic: Seeking validation
• 00:03:44
• – Michelle’s realization journey about needing internal validation
• 00:05:02
• – The state of Michelle's life during the time she began this transition
• 00:07:00
• – The specific event with homeschool sports that triggered awareness
• 00:12:23
• – How Michelle felt and handled the situation at that time
• 00:13:44
• – Discussion on ways to own one's actions and control one's life
• 00:20:00
• – Tools and resources Michelle used for self-discovery
• 00:23:00
• – Practical exercises Michelle used to learn more about herself
• 00:26:27
• – Changes in perspective and handling situations today
• 00:30:10
• – Reflection if younger version of Michelle could have made this shift
• 00:34:05
• – Rapid fire questions
• 00:36:23
• – Closing remarks and final thank you

How to connect with Michelle Spexarth:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulsurvivorshealing

Special offer from the show guest:

Course called Heal you, Heal Your Kids that is free when you use this link.

https://www.udemy.com/course/heal-you-heal-your-kids-breaking-the-cycle-of-abuse/?couponCode=7B85A974B5D61C2FE971

Note from the show: sometimes offers from guests are limited quantity or time-sensitive offers. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest for support.

Before you go: Be sure to join the Imperfect Adulting Email community where you’ll get information about new episodes and special offers directly in your email inbox. www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone welcomes Beatrix Rausch, who shares her journey of balancing work, family, and caregiving. Beatrix discusses the complexities of reducing work hours to provide care for her aging parents, navigating cultural expectations, and finding unexpected support and community.

Beatrix Rausch goes by Bea. She is a dedicated professional and caregiver, Beatrix Rausch has been managing the challenges of supporting her aging parents while balancing her own life and career. She co-hosts the "Social Leopards" podcast, which explores themes of loneliness, social anxiety, and making connections.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Beatrix's Background
2. : Immigrant roots, family dynamics, and early career aspirations.
3. Caregiving Challenges
4. : The journey of identifying her mother's dementia, the difficulties in getting a proper diagnosis, and the evolution of her caregiving responsibilities.
5. Work-Life Balance
6. : The decision to downgrade her corporate job to part-time work to better support her parents.
7. Community and Support
8. : The importance of building a support network and seeking resources.
9. Cultural Expectations
10. : The pressures and expectations within her Ukrainian heritage regarding family caregiving.

Quote from the Episode: "I think we have to be... it's a cautionary tale for myself, for the future to not do this to my child and to take care of myself and figure something out beforehand." — Beatrix Rausch

Timestamps:

• Early Career Aspirations
• [00:01:49]
• Transition to Part-Time Work
• [00:03:30]
• Challenges in Diagnosing Dementia
• [00:12:42]
• Cultural Expectations and Family Dynamics
• [00:17:12]
• Isolation and Impact of Pandemic
• [00:29:53]
• Support Systems and Community Importance
• [00:37:32]

For more information on Beatrix Rausch and to listen to her podcast, visit https://SocialLeopards.com

We invite you to connect with Imperfect Adulting by joining the email community at www.imperfectadulting.com to get episode updates and special offers from show guests directly in your inbox.

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Rachel Zinman shares a transformative period in her life marked by the end of her marriage, a trip to India, and managing her type 1 diabetes. Her journey of self-discovery through yoga, music, and new beginnings offers a poignant narrative of resilience and reinvention.

Rachel Zinman: Rachel is a globally recognized yoga teacher, mentor, and author with over 40 years of experience in the world of yoga. She’s passionate about reconnecting modern yoga to its ancient roots, offering transformative practices like mantra, mudra, and pranayama. Rachel is also the author of the best-selling book Yoga for Diabetes and a devotional music artist with three award-winning CDs and a brand-new single just released.

• Personal upheaval 
• Journey to India and life changes including marriage ending and managing diabetes
• Relationship dynamics, including open marriage and subsequent divorce
• Career shifts from artistic pursuits to professional yoga instructor
• Creation of a new life with John and founding the Sundaram online ashram
• Reflections on intuitive dreams, family background, and personal growth

"Despite the chaos around me, yoga was my anchor—keeping me grounded and reminding me of the inner strength I often forgot I had." Rachel Zinman

• 00:00 - 02:30
• : Introduction to the episode and guest
• 02:31 - 07:15
• : Personal upheaval and reaching out to John
• 07:16 - 15:00
• : Move to India, managing diabetes, and ending her marriage
• 15:01 - 20:45
• : Open marriage dynamics and finding new love
• 20:46 - 30:50
• : Career transition to yoga and teaching experiences in New York
• 30:51 - 37:30
• : Influences of 9/11 and subsequent changes
• 37:31 - 45:10
• : Return to Australia and foundation of Sundaram online ashram
• 45:11 - 52:00
• : Reflections on intuitive dreams and family background

For more information and access to the free mini retreat offered by Rachel Zinman people can sign up here subscribepage.io/fZE1UF

If you have issues with the link please reach out to the guest directly.

To get information about new podcast episodes and special offers from the show guests make sure you are signed up as part of the Imperfect Adulting email community at www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone talks with Erin K. Courtney to explore her transformative journey from battling post-COVID fatigue to exploring a new hobby of endurance running and then later conquering her first sprint triathlon and beyond. Erin shares her personal experiences with mindset shifts, coping with an autoimmune disease, and balancing a culinary career with her newfound passion for endurance sports.

Erin K. Courtney describes herself as a middle-aged mom, chef, author, and newly crazed wannabe endurance athlete with a great sense of humor based in Lexington, South Carolina. After overcoming severe health challenges and a fixed mindset, she has become an inspiration in both the running and culinary communities. Erin is the author of cookbooks "Party Time," "What's for Dinner," and a recently published gluten-free cookbook, along with her motivational book "From Couch to Crazy."

Main Topics Covered:

• Erin's recovery and training post-COVID diagnosis
• Her journey from running a 5K to completing triathlons
• Impact of a growth mindset on personal and professional life
• Nutritional changes for managing autoimmune disease and osteoarthritis
• Balancing family life, career, and athletic pursuits

Quote from the Episode: "I went from thinking running wasn't for me to embracing it as a personal achievement and seeing every step as a win." Erin K. Courtney

Timestamps:

• [00:00]
• Introduction
• : Welcoming Erin K. Courtney to the podcast
• [02:45]
• COVID Recovery
• : Experiencing fatigue and the start of her fitness journey
• [07:30]
• First Triathlon
• : Preparing for and completing her first event
• [12:15]
• Mindset Shift
• : Transitioning from a fixed to a growth mindset
• [18:10]
• Culinary Career
• : From real estate to culinary school and becoming a cookbook author
• [23:50]
• Gluten-Free Journey
• : Adapting diet for improved health
• [28:35]
• Exercise & Family Life
• : Training while balancing family support and skepticism
• [35:20]
• Future Goals
• : Upcoming races and personal milestones
• [40:15]
• Impact of Community
• : The role of support systems in fostering new habits
• [44:30]
• Closing Remarks

You can find Erin’s books on Amazon. 

Special offers mentioned in the show are probably limited-time offers be sure to sign up to be a part of the www.imperfectadulting.com email community in order to get information about new episodes and special offers directly to your email inbox. 

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone and guest Carol J. Dunlop chat about her adventurous move to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, touching on cultural adjustments, linguistic challenges, and the surprising peace she has found abroad. Carol shares insights on embracing local life, the importance of adapting to a new environment, and her experiences in web design that follow her from the U.S. to Mexico.

Carol J. Dunlop is an Amazon Best-selling author, influential podcast host, and expert event producer. She teaches Purpose Driven Entrepreneurs to convert marketing into money using their WOW! Website, along with the Best UN-Marketing Strategy, so they can fund their lifestyle using their business. 

• Relocation Journey:
• Planning, secrecy, and transition to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
• Cultural and Linguistic Adjustments:
• Learning Spanish, interacting with locals, using technology for translations
• Lifestyle Changes:
• New pace of life, safety perceptions, cost of living
• Professional Insights:
• Tips for effective website design, transitioning from Flash to WordPress
• Personal Reflections:
• Family reactions, daily life improvements, and inspiring open-mindedness and exploration

"Freedom is the new flex." - Carol J. Dunlop

• 00:00 - 05:30:
• Introduction and background on Carol's move to Mexico
• 05:31 - 13:45:
• Cultural adjustments and learning Spanish
• 13:46 - 20:59:
• Differences between being a tourist and a resident
• 21:00 - 28:15:
• Moving logistics and handling belongings
• 28:16 - 34:59:
• Lifestyle improvements and cost of living in Mexico
• 35:00 - 44:30:
• Professional tips on effective web design and digital marketing
• 44:31 - 50:00:
• Personal reflections and interactions with locals
• 50:01 - End:
• Final thoughts and advice for those considering an international move

You can connect with Carol J. Dunlop  as www.csicorporation.com 

As a special offer for the audience you can Grab the WOW Website Planner at

Https://csicorporation.com/planner

This planner with a $47 value gives you all the information you need to include on your website, plus the pages needed to be part of your website to convert visitors into paying clients.

Note from Amy and the team at Imperfect Adulting… Sometimes these are limited time offers. Please contact the guest directly with redemption issues.

The best way to make sure you are informed about new guests and special offers is to be a part of the Imperfect Adulting email community sign up at www.imperfectadulting.com

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone welcomes guest Virginia Dale Manning, a seasoned mental health therapist and advocate for women experiencing burnout. They discuss Virginia's journey from the relentless 'hamster wheel' of work, school, and parenting, to a life of purpose and fulfillment, punctuated by moments of self-reflection and self-care.

Virginia Dale Manning is the mother of four outstanding adult children and the granny of eight adorable and awesome grandchildren. She enjoys cooking, traveling and family time. She lives each day of her life purpose driven and dedicated to living a purposeful life.

 Main Topics Covered:

• Virginia's background: Texas-born, mental health therapy since 2011.
• The concept of the 'hamster wheel' and recognizing burnout.
• Importance of self-reflection, self-care, and having a purpose.
• The impact of becoming a teen mother and breaking societal statistics.
• How to identify and embrace support systems outside of family and friends.
• Tools and strategies for resetting your life and finding meaning.

Quote from the Episode: "I think that people don't want to do that, like being stuck in, you know, task after task, not taking a break, not having self care, not being able to breathe... I think people don't know that education part, that there are options." - Virginia Dale Manning

Timestamps:

• 00:00:03
• - Welcome and Introductions
• 00:00:17
• - Where is Home? (Houston, Texas)
• 00:01:05
• - Virginia's Background: Profession and Family Life
• 00:01:53
• - The Concept of the Hamster Wheel
• 00:04:40
• - The Purpose Driven Life Book and How It Helped
• 00:06:03
• - Defying Statistics As a Teenage Mother
• 00:09:05
• - Do People Want to Stay on the Hamster Wheel?
• 00:11:45
• - Virginia’s Changes to Get Off the Hamster Wheel
• 00:18:45
• - Multiple Hamster Wheels and Seasons of Life
• 00:19:16
• - Support Systems During Transformative Periods
• 00:22:36
• - Virginia’s Current Work and How to Find Her Online
• 00:24:23
• - Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts about Virginia

Special Offer: Virginia is offering her burnout assessment, which is normally $97, for just $27. Use this link http://bit.ly/assessmyburnoutVIP or make sure that you visit www.imperfectadulting.com and join the email community so that these offers come straight to your email inbox.

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone engages in a deep conversation with guest Clarissa Castillo Ramsey about the nature of identity and the profound impact of life transitions. Clarissa shares her journey of being diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia and how it influenced her shift from a corporate career to exploring creative and entrepreneurial paths, focusing on self-expression and personal growth.

Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, PsyD, is a Best-Selling Author, Award-Winning Transformational Coach, and abstract artist. Her top-rated podcast “Painting Your Path” helps mid-lifers start living life on their terms by overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing their true self-expression, and moving past perfectionism. The heart of her work beats at the intersection of self-development, creativity, and wellness.

Main Topics Covered:

• Identity and self-reflection amidst personal and professional changes
• The impact of spasmodic dysphonia on Clarissa's life and career
• The importance and challenges of finding supportive groups and communities
• Misconceptions about vocal health and the significance of vocal therapy
• Transitioning from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship
• Clarissa’s coaching and workshops focused on self-expression, especially for women in midlife

Quote from the Episode: "I realized my lack of connection to my previous work was a sign to reconnect with myself and my true passions."

Timestamps:

• [04:45]
• - Clarissa shares her struggle with losing her ability to speak
• [07:30]
• - Diagnosis and explanation of spasmodic dysphonia
• [12:00]
• - Emotional and social impacts of the condition
• [16:20]
• - Importance of vocal therapy and misconceptions about whispering
• [20:45]
• - Clarissa’s transition from corporate job to creative entrepreneurship
• [25:30]
• - Cultural and familial expectations
• [28:55]
• - Importance of supportive social groups
• [33:20]
• - Clarissa’s creative workshops and current work with self-expression
• [38:10]
• - Discussion on burnout and health-related stress
• [42:00]
• - Final thoughts and future plans for Clarissa

Connect with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey by listening to her podcast 

https://paintingyourpath.buzzsprout.com/share

Be sure to visit www.imperfectadulting.com to subscribe to our email community. That way you’ll get all the information about new episodes and special offers direct to your email inbox. 

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting Stephanie Pellish shares with us her story of hitting rock bottom in her marriage and in motherhood. Stephanie also shares her personal journey through anxiety, depression, and the highs and lows of building a business and family amidst societal pressures and personal struggles.

Stephanie Pellish is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of "Teacup Entrepreneurship," a program designed to foster connection, collaboration, and growth among women entrepreneurs. From her roots in a small town in Pennsylvania to navigating life as a mother of four in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Stephanie's story is one of resilience, transformation, and community-building.

Main Topics Covered:

ADHD and Trauma: Understanding the complex interplay and the need for collaborative approaches.

Entrepreneurship: Stephanie's journey from a Vermont business retreat to launching "Teacup Entrepreneurship."

Modern Parenting: The hidden struggles and societal pressures faced by mothers today.

Mental Health: The importance of therapy, personal development, and evolving coping mechanisms.

Relationship Dynamics: Navigating marital challenges, particularly heightened during the pandemic.

Quote from the Episode: "Early access to therapy might have helped me identify and manage mental health issues sooner, but the stigma and misconceptions held me back for so long." -Stephanie Pellish

Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:45 – ADHD and Trauma: Amy's insights 08:10 – Stephanie's entrepreneurial journey and Vermont retreat 14:30 – Founding "Teacup Entrepreneurship" 20:55 – Parenting challenges and societal pressures on mothers 28:40 – Mental health, therapy hesitations, and stigma 35:15 – The shift in family dynamics during the pandemic 41:00 – Creating a supportive environment in business and personal life 48:20 – Rapid-fire questions with Stephanie Pellish 52:00 – Closing thoughts on community, healing, and shared experiences

Connect with Stephanie:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teacupentrepreneurs

Subscribe at www.imperfectadulting.com to get this information about new episodes and special offers from the guests delivered directly to your email inbox. 

In this episode, Amy sits down with Sherri Danzig, a wellness coach and mother of three, to discuss the turning point that led her to reassess her lifestyle and prioritize self-care. Sherri shares a candid and personal story about the challenges of juggling multiple roles, the impactful incident that served as a wake-up call, and the journey toward finding balance.

Sherri Danzig is a wellness coach, massage therapist, and mother of three. She is the founder of "Choosing Vibrancy," a brand focused on promoting natural wellness and self-care. Sherry also offers coaching and free discovery calls to help others bring balance into their lives.

• The incident that caused a neighborhood-wide power outage (9:45)
• Finding balance amidst the chaos of daily life (14:30)
• The cultural shift in gender roles and shared responsibilities (20:05)
• Importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care (25:50)
• Embracing imperfections and letting go of the "superwoman" persona (32:15)
• The significance of storytelling and changing personal narratives (41:00)

"You can't pour from an empty cup, and I learned that the hard way." - Sherri Danzig

Enjoy Sherri's inspiring story and tips on how to bring vibrancy into your life by choosing self-care and balance.

Sherri has a gift for the audience which is a discovery call that is normally $97 dollars. Free for listeners. This may be a time sensitive or limited-time offer so if you have issues with redemption please contact the guest directly. https://calendly.com/sherridanzig/self-care-discovery-call 

Connect with Sherri Danzig online:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/choosingvibrancy https://www.instagram.com/choosing_vibrancy/

When you want all the information about The Art of Imperfect Adulting delivered directly to your email inbox join our free email community at https://www.imperfectadulting.com 

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy welcomes Megan Dirks, a brand coach and nomadic pet sitter, to discuss her dramatic weight loss journey, living with PCOS, and the unconventional benefits of screen time and gaming. They dive into the complex balance of travel and work in a nomadic lifestyle and how Megan leverages her experiences to help others through creative solutions and relentless self-advocacy.

Main Topics Covered:

• Megan's weight loss journey and struggle with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• The positive influence of screen time and gaming as safe spaces
• The challenges and rewards of a nomadic pet-sitting lifestyle
• The importance of self-advocacy in personal and healthcare issues
• Career pathways emerging from gaming skills and online communities
• Investing in brand coaching and self-development

Quote from the Episode: "All tools have the potential to aid personal growth; it's about finding what works for you." - Megan Dirks

Timestamps:

• 0:00
• – Introduction to Megan Dirks and initial excitement
• 3:45
• – Megan’s background: From Nova Scotia to a nomadic lifestyle
• 7:30
• – The early struggles with PCOS and its impact on her life
• 12:15
• – Gaming as a safe space and social environment
• 18:05
• – Overcoming stereotypes: Gaming and weight issues
• 22:50
• – Discovering a hormonal imbalance and pursuing treatment
• 28:40
• – Undergoing bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes
• 34:20
• – The challenges of living and working on the move
• 39:55
• – Creative solutions and relentless self-advocacy
• 45:15
• – The anthology "The Girl on the Left" and its mission

You can connect with Megan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/megannovas/

@brandbosscoaching  @girlontheleftco 

Special limited-time offer for the audience Preorder The Girl On The Left book and get early access to the digital GOTL Guided Transformation Journal + a limited-time 25% discount!

When you want all the information about The Art of Imperfect Adulting delivered directly to your email inbox join our free email community at https://www.imperfectadulting.com