The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Carly Alyssa Thorne about navigating life with congenital rubella syndrome. Based in LA, California, Carly Alyssa Thorne shares her journey of balancing medical needs with pursuing a fulfilling career, relationships, and mindset work. This episode uncovers the challenges of living with visible and invisible disabilities, the evolution of self-acceptance, and the power of choosing authenticity and self-advocacy despite societal misunderstanding.

About Carly Alyssa Thorne:

Carly Alyssa Thorne is a Director, Producer, Actress, Author, and Speaker with over 30 years in the conscious transformation field. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies, she integrates wellness, spirituality, and storytelling to create media and experiences that inspire growth and healing. A former fitness and wellness center owner and certified Life Coach, Reiki Master, NLP and Hypnotherapy Practitioner, and Interfaith Ordained Minister, Carly brings a holistic lens to every production and collaboration. Her work bridges film, business, and consciousness—empowering others to embody their truth, elevate their message, and lead with purpose.

Main Topics Covered:

• Living with congenital rubella syndrome: understanding a rare, lifelong chronic illness and its evolving impact on daily life, health, and relationships.
• Invisible vs. visible disabilities: how Carly Alyssa Thorne navigates when and how to reveal her challenges, the emotional journey of self-acceptance, and combating stigma.
• Coping with ongoing medical needs: the reality of 67+ surgeries, ongoing treatments, restricted activities, and prioritizing quality of life.
• Mindset, mental health, and resilience: the work of managing depression, post-traumatic stress, and the conscious decision to choose life and positivity.
• Career and education obstacles: why chronic illness disrupted Carly Alyssa Thorne's academic pursuits, and how she pivoted to certifications and entrepreneurship.
• Self-advocacy and boundaries: learning to say no, educating others, and managing relationships with those who may not understand chronic illness.
• Blending Eastern and Western healing: embracing both medication and holistic practices to build a sustainable, flexible support system.
• Supporting others: Carly Alyssa Thorne's work as a coach, using multisensory and individualized approaches to help people through trauma and life transitions.

Quote from the Episode:

"I finally just stopped caring what other people stared, what their looks were, what comments were, you know, bullying, all that stuff. And I’m just like, I’m just going to be me—if you either like it or you don’t. If you need to ask me a question instead of staring, feel free to ask me a question. I’d be more than happy to answer." — Carly Alyssa Thorne 10:55

Timestamps:00:05 Introduction; where Carly Alyssa Thorne calls home and what she loves about LA00:50 Explaining congenital rubella syndrome and its effects01:27 How the syndrome uniquely affects each person; long-term medical complications03:29 Childhood experiences: isolation, allergies, and constant medical care05:21 Lung and respiratory challenges; living with additional illnesses06:07 Family dynamics and coming to terms with medical reality07:25 Impact on school, sports, friendships, and accommodations09:31 Navigating visible and invisible disabilities; decisions about self-presentation12:56 The mindset shift: from hiding to self-acceptance and advocacy18:40 The toll of chronic illness on mental health and resilience23:47 Coping strategies, mindset work, and building positivity26:38 Day-to-day impact: fatigue, self-care, and adapting professional life29:12 Educational and career roadblocks, inability to sustain traditional roles31:05 Losing freedom (driving), further adaptations across life32:58 Boundaries and relationships: support circles and letting go of judgment35:03 Cultural and family context; independent self-advocacy37:18 Carly Alyssa Thorne’s coaching work: blending modalities to support others

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: Www.carlyathorne.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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Becky Mollenkamp about navigating life’s most profound upheavals. Becky is based in St. Louis, Missouri. She shares about losing her brother to addiction, walking away from a “picture-perfect” marriage, and pivoting from print journalism to entrepreneurship. Listeners will discover practical wisdom on grief, resilience, and breaking free from “good girl” conditioning to create a life with more authenticity and meaning.

Becky Mollenkamp is a feminist business coach for service-based entrepreneurs who want to build human-first businesses that honor collective flourishing over profit-at-all-costs growth.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the triple upheaval of divorce, the loss of a sibling to addiction, and an unexpected career shift.
• The emotional complexities of ending a relationship—even one that looks “perfect” from the outside.
• Surviving and healing through grief after losing a loved one to heroin overdose, and the impact of sibling bereavement.
• The personal and systemic challenges of mental health, addiction, and the stigma surrounding both in America.
• How running and movement became a pathway for processing grief and reconnecting with self.
• Transitioning from journalism and marketing to coaching—empowering other women to break out of “good girl” conditioning.
• The ongoing journey from needing external gold stars and validation to living a values-driven, self-defined life.
• Insights on embracing imperfect adulting, intersectional feminism, and helping others rewrite their stories.

Quote from the Episode: “I may have made the bed, but I can make a new bed. Like, I don't have to lie in this bed just because I made it. ... I get to make my own rules for my life.” — Becky Mollenkamp

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Amy welcomes Becky; St. Louis roots and sharing love for the Cardinals. [00:01:18] Amy reflects on Becky’s concise podcast pitch and their prior connection. [00:02:24] Becky details the July 4th, 2010 turning point—leading up to and after. [00:03:01] Setting the scene: Becky’s life before upheaval—successful freelance writing, wealth, custom home. [00:05:26] Becky’s journalism journey, newspaper work in California, shift to magazine publishing. [00:07:56] Three life changes: Divorce, family death, career—discussion on agency and choice. [00:08:09] Honest reflection on ending her marriage, infidelity, and personal responsibility. [00:12:01] Brother’s death from heroin overdose—grief, family dynamics, and reevaluating life. [00:13:51] The challenge of grieving when “everything looks good on paper”—stigma, guilt, and validation. [00:15:19] Family history of addiction; choosing tough love and wrestling with guilt. [00:18:47] Systemic issues—mental health, addiction, and the gaps in support. [00:21:00] Stigma surrounding death and overdose; Becky’s commitment to speaking openly. [00:23:17] The isolation and judgment parents face when children struggle or die by addiction. [00:24:08] The overlooked grief of adult siblings and “disenfranchised grief.” [00:25:27] How Becky attempted to outrun grief—and how it always catches up. [00:26:05] Somatic healing: Running, movement, and processing emotions. [00:32:03] Career transition—rediscovering purpose, letting go of “good girl” conditioning. [00:41:09] Building a new life—remarriage, parenting, fulfilling work, and redefining happiness. [00:42:28] Becky's lifelong feminism and evolution toward intersectionality. [00:43:31] Becky's podcast “Messy Liberation,” her upcoming book, and how listeners can connect.

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://beckymollenkamp.com/

Listen to Becky’s Podcast: Messy Liberation https://feeds.transistor.fm/messyliberation

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

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Courtney Boyer about deconstructing religious beliefs, unraveling "goodness," and the path from purity culture to embracing polyamory. Courtney lives in Germany. She shares her journey from an Evangelical Christian upbringing in the U.S. through redefining her sense of self, sexuality, and fulfillment in adulthood. This candid conversation explores the intersections of faith, identity, marriage, and the courage to choose honesty.

About Courtney Boyer:

Courtney Boyer, M.Ed., M.S., is a therapist-turned-relationship coach, writer, and speaker whose work centers on love, desire, and authenticity. She has been featured in The New York Post, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, and BBC Radio Live. Drawing on her background in mental health and sex therapy, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to conversations around relationships and identity. When she isn’t writing or coaching, Courtney can be found chasing joy. This includes traveling, reading, or savoring delicious coffee and deep conversation. She is passionate about helping women break free from shame, reclaim their bodies and voices, and create relationships rooted in honesty and autonomy.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Growing up in a high-control Evangelical Christian environment and its impact on beliefs around gender, sex, and "being good."
2. The meaning and process of "deconstructing" faith, especially when beliefs no longer align with lived values.
3. Navigating marriage roles, motherhood, and self-sacrifice—plus the invisible labor women often carry.
4. Overcoming shame, disconnection, and body criticism rooted in purity culture.
5. The shift from therapist and wife “doing everything right” to embracing authentic self-expression and pleasure.
6. Opening the conversation around non-monogamy, polyamory, and sexual fulfillment in adulthood.
7. The complexity of honesty in intimate partnerships—and what it takes to rebuild a relationship on new terms.
8. Parenting with openness about faith, ethics, and personal choice.

Quote from the Episode: "I was so resolute in who I was at that point. I was so done with placating to other people." — Courtney Boyer

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Introduction – Where Courtney calls home and what she loves about Germany

[00:00:43] Exploring "goodness" and doing everything "right" in marriage and faith

[00:01:16] Early adulthood: marriage, Evangelical Christian context, and career beginnings

[00:03:00] High-control religion explained and how it shaped Courtney’s identity

[00:04:07] Becoming a sex educator and therapist as a Christian woman

[00:06:00] The "quiet erosion"—starting to question Evangelical beliefs (gay marriage, inclusion)

[00:07:26] Deconstruction: pulling apart faith, family, and community

[00:12:29] Motherhood, caretaking, and the emotional toll of self-sacrifice

[00:16:12] Shame, disconnection, and curiosity about sex as a teen in religious spaces

[00:19:49] The internalization of body criticism and purity culture

[00:21:00] The pivotal moment: choosing honesty and confronting marriage dissatisfaction

[00:22:33] Attempting non-monogamy to save the marriage; coming out as polyamorous

[00:31:00] Defining polyamory versus non-monogamy for listeners

[00:32:16] Couples therapy, growth, and life after honesty

[00:33:03] How Courtney’s life is different today—joy, freedom, and authentic connection

[00:35:19] Courtney’s professional work as a relationship and sexuality expert

[00:36:07] Books authored by Courtney and resources for listeners

[00:37:00] Fun reactions to being a sex and relationship therapist

[00:37:35] Book recommendations and where Courtney turns when seeking new information

[00:38:29] Closing gratitude and episode wrap-up

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: www.courtneyboyercoaching.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

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Sarah Dawkins about moving from traditional nursing to a career in holistic healing. Dawkins is based in Spain. Sarah shares the powerful story of how questioning established medical norms led her to an identity transformation and inspired her to help others heal naturally. Listeners will learn about the inner conflict of leaving a medical system she once cherished and the personal healing journey that changed her perspective.

Sarah Dawkins is a Holistic Health and Healing Coach, International Speaker, the Author of HEAL YOURSELF and the host of the popular health-focused podcast Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins. As a former Registered Nurse with over twenty years of medical experience, Sarah brings a unique, integrative perspective to her work. Sarah’s expertise spans from self-healing multiple chronic health issues to supporting clients in uncovering and addressing the root causes of their symptoms, empowering them to achieve vibrant, lasting health and transformative wellness.

Main Topics Covered:

1. How questioning professional norms in nursing led to a profound personal and professional transformation.
2. The influence of geographic moves (UK to US to Spain) on worldview and healing philosophy.
3. The emotional toll and identity crisis that arises when your values no longer align with your profession.
4. Differentiating traditional Western medicine from holistic and natural healing approaches.
5. The role of diet, lifestyle, and mindfulness in managing and healing chronic physical and mental health conditions.
6. Strategies for helping others tune into their own "innate wisdom" and address root causes instead of only treating symptoms.
7. Building a business around holistic health—transitioning from nurse, to entrepreneur, to holistic health coach.
8. Combining, complementing, and sometimes rejecting aspects of Western medicine for more integrated self-care.

Quote from the Episode: "I just wanted to help people, to have the knowledge to help themselves. …And for me, once I'd learned that, that truly is helping people to help themselves rather than helping them to stay in that medical model, in that western medicine." — Sarah Dawkins

Timestamps:

[00:00:05] Introduction & welcome—Sarah calls Spain home, discusses loving its tranquility

[00:01:20] Why Sarah became a nurse and the UK nursing education process

[00:04:02] Early nursing career and the first major challenge to professional beliefs

[00:05:22] The pivotal coworker conversation about vaccines that sparked months of research

[00:09:22] Expanding research beyond vaccines into pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and natural healing

[00:13:44] Applying new knowledge to personal health: overcoming chronic illnesses through lifestyle changes

[00:16:32] Living two lives: Integrating holistic habits at home and following protocols at work

[00:18:00] Attempt to practice Reiki in nursing, and the professional limitations encountered

[00:20:27] Specific patient interactions that deepened the conflict between values and job role

[00:24:13] The inner struggle: Reported for holistic advice, facing ridicule, and mounting anxiety

[00:27:17] The mental health crisis: Depression, suicidal thoughts, and the necessity of a "timeout"

[00:30:49] Leaving nursing: Exploring entrepreneurship and using transferable skills

[00:34:55] Earning new professional validation and certifications; becoming a coach, surrendering the nursing license

[00:37:30] Reconciling Western and holistic medicine—when each is appropriate

[00:40:20] Today’s work: Helping others get to the root cause of their symptoms

[00:42:49] Free eBook offer for listeners and podcast details

[00:43:38] Fun closer: favorite childhood TV show, book recommendation, and recent online purchase

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.sarahdawkins.com

GET SARAH'S SPECIAL OFFER: Understanding Your Core Beliefs https://mailchi.mp/7a6d66bbb5e1/core-beliefs

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Christine Davies about the journey from aspiring physician to hospital chaplain, and how living with epilepsy reshaped her personal and professional life. Christine joins the show from Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The audience will enjoy insights on medical advocacy, faith, self-care, and how adversity can guide us to new callings.

The Rev. Christine Vaughan Davies is an ordained Presbyterian Minister, ACPE Certified Educator, seminary professor and trained Spiritual Director. She runs the Spiritual Care Department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She lives with her family on a small farm in New Jersey and spends her time chasing chickens and chauffeuring her school-aged children to all their activities.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Facing medical gaslighting and learning self-advocacy through epilepsy diagnosis.
2. Differentiating spirituality and organized religion, and healing after negative religious experiences.
3. The emotional toll of pursuing difficult diagnoses and supporting loved ones through health uncertainty.
4. How changing career paths—EMT, medicine, therapy, social work—clarified Christine’s desire to help others deeply and holistically.
5. Lessons from life transitions, "dark night of the soul," and adapting to new normals after illness or loss.
6. The role and misconceptions of chaplains in hospital settings, plus Christine’s approach to soulful self-care.
7. How witnessing life’s toughest moments inspired her writing, teaching, and advanced care work.
8. The importance of advance directives and having crucial conversations about health care decisions.
9. Practical wisdom for balancing demanding caregiving/healing professions and personal mental health.

Quote from the Episode: “One of the things that I would encourage your listeners...and it became true for me from the diagnosis, is learning to trust your own body. And I sometimes tell my patients this. You know your body better than anyone else, so if something feels off for you, you are the expert.” — Christine Davies

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome & intros; Christine’s Jersey roots and hobby farm living

[00:01:24] Becoming a hospital chaplain: Early dreams in medicine and EMT experience

[00:04:04] The challenge & relief of epilepsy diagnosis; struggles with medical advocacy

[00:06:10] Types of seizures and impact on daily life, plus career pivots

[00:08:16] Persistence through the medical system; supporting loved ones with diagnoses

[00:12:46] What spirituality means beyond religion; deconstructing harmful faith structures

[00:16:07] Experiencing the “dark night of the soul” amidst health crisis

[00:18:41] Exploring therapy, social work, and ultimately chaplaincy—making tough choices

[00:21:29] Navigating career decisions & backup plans; learning through each transition

[00:22:05] Misconceptions around hospital chaplains; teaching, internships, and finding her calling

[00:25:34] Maintaining emotional balance in high stress roles; soulful self-care and nature on the farm

[00:28:09] Lessons from witnessing grief and death, and why sharing stories matters

[00:30:05] Advance care planning and having tough conversations with family

[00:32:15] Christine’s private practice and working as a spiritual director

[00:32:56] Rapid-fire questions: favorite pizza, rainy day relaxation, and parenting hacks

[00:35:06] Closing gratitude and where to find Christine’s free spiritual practices offer

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: www.christinevdavies.com

GET CHRISTINE'S SPECIAL OFFER: 5 simple spiritual practices you can do today - download https://www.christinevdavies.com/gift

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Peggy Sharr about the multi-layered journey of getting a burning mouth syndrome diagnosis, living with chronic pain, and the profound intersection of grief and physical health. Penny joins the podcast from Athens, Georgia. Listeners will gain insights into living with invisible illness, the maze of medical specialists, and the practical strategies Peggy discovered to reclaim agency and hope.

Peggy Sharr is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and the author of The Burning Mouth Syndrome Survival Guide and her new memoir soon to come out, Surviving the Family Kingdom, about growing up in a home-grown religious cult, which she escaped from at twenty-one and rebuilt her life from the bottom up. With more than twenty years of trauma-focused experience, Peggy blends clinical insight with the raw honesty of someone who has lived through a painful, poorly understood condition herself. Her work helps people navigate fear, medical dismissal, chronic symptoms, and the emotional toll of invisible illness. Peggy lives in Athens, Georgia, where she continues her private practice, writes, paints, and advocates for those searching for clarity, validation, and hope.

Main Topics Covered:

1. The elusive path to diagnosing burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and why so many patients feel misunderstood or dismissed.
2. Navigating overwhelming grief and how emotional trauma can influence physical symptoms.
3. The unique challenges of finding the right medical specialists—such as oral pathologists—and the realities of the “disease of exclusion.”
4. Why being your own detective, advocating for yourself, and tracking symptoms is crucial for rare and invisible illnesses.
5. Practical pain management: low arginine, high lysine diets, medication, and trial-and-error treatments for BMS.
6. The psychological isolation of invisible conditions—and how support groups and education help break the stigma.
7. How Peggy’s clinical experience as a psychotherapist shaped her approach to self-advocacy and later helped her support clients in new, more authentic ways.
8. Transforming adversity into activism: starting a nonprofit, writing a groundbreaking book for BMS sufferers, and the power of sharing your story.

Quote from the Episode:

"Sitting at a dinner, for example, or going out with friends, I’m sitting there, my mouth is on fire, and everybody’s just talking and enjoying themselves, and I’m just faking it... trying to go along and have a good time and not bring other people down. I’m not going to sit there and go, ‘By the way, everybody, my mouth is on fire.’" — Peggy Sharr

Timestamps:

00:06 Welcome, intros, and where Peggy calls home (Athens, Georgia)

00:58 Comparing Iowa and Georgia; reflections on Southern hospitality

02:13 Experiencing burning mouth syndrome after loss and grief

03:34 Using Dr. Google, self-diagnosis, and examining possible causes

04:41 The persistent, life-altering nature of symptoms

06:08 How foods and drinks affect BMS; coping and dietary adjustments

07:46 Description of burning mouth pain and daily challenges

09:49 Ulcers, lesions, and the frustrations of inconclusive medical visits

11:58 Peggy’s background as a clinical psychotherapist and self-advocacy

13:45 The long road searching for the right diagnosis and effective care

17:06 The meaning of "idiopathic" and the range of secondary BMS causes

18:10 Specialist referrals: MRI, food allergy testing, and the oral pathologist

20:17 Hearing the words “burning mouth syndrome” for the first time

22:32 Life impact: working, masking pain, TMJ, and invisible suffering

27:46 The psychological isolation of chronic invisible pain

34:50 The turning point: the “three years” prognosis and the search for answers

36:30 Diving into research, joining support groups, and lessons from others

41:00 The role of diet: arginine, lysine, and practical symptom relief

49:33 Why Peggy wrote her book and began sharing her research publicly

54:00 How experiencing chronic pain and loss changed Peggy as a therapist

56:09 Resources for listeners: the BMS survival guide, newsletter, and memoir preview

57:00 Fun wrap-up: hobbies, dancing, painting, and favorite music on vinyl

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: www.peggysharr.com

GET PEGGY'S SPECIAL OFFER: If you would like the first three chapters of Peggy’s upcoming memoir Surviving the Family Kingdom for free, you can go to the website www.peggysharr.com/kingdom and sign up on the popup form.

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jane Pilger about the reality behind polished public perceptions, the experience of living with binge eating, and the path to recovery and self-compassion. Jane calls Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

Jane Pilger knows what it’s like to look successful on the outside while struggling in silence on the inside. After years of battling binge eating while working in corporate accounting and commercial real estate, she made the leap to help others find the freedom she once thought was impossible. Today, she teaches people how to understand their behavior, trust themselves with food, and cultivate safety in their own bodies. Her work blends neuroscience, compassion, and lived experience—and her life outside coaching is filled with family, friends, and triathlon adventures.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Understanding binge eating: what it is, how it feels, and why shame keeps it hidden.
2. The difference between occasional overeating and binge eating—particularly the heavy burden of shame.
3. How “having it all together” on the outside can mask private struggles—and why perfectionism fuels secrecy.
4. Ways that secrecy, emotional labor, and self-judgement perpetuate unhealthy patterns.
5. The critical role of sharing your story and breaking the cycle of isolation.
6. How changing careers and discovering nervous system regulation contributed to recovery.
7. Practical steps to seek support, from therapy to coaching, and why “permission to be human” is vital.
8. Resources, offers, and tools Jane uses to help others change their relationship with food.

Quote from the Episode: “Shame thrives in the darkness...it wants to hide. And especially around food, any time any of us show up with a behavior that we wouldn't want other people to know, that's where the shame comes in.”—Jane Pilger

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & intros; Jane’s home in Albuquerque, NM; media impressions vs. local perspective

[00:00:53] Jane shares her love of the Sandia Mountains and the meaning behind their name

[00:02:22] Introduction of today’s topics: public perception, keeping secrets, and binge eating patterns

[00:03:00] Defining binge eating—beyond the clinical DSM criteria

[00:04:01] The role of shame and the feeling of being broken

[00:05:25] Brene Brown’s lessons on shame; shame as an isolating force

[00:06:36] Why food is a uniquely complex coping tool

[00:07:18] The challenge and benefits of self-diagnosis, social media influences, and finding community

[00:07:52] Jane discusses her own podcast and the power of hearing others’ stories

[00:09:16] Exploring behaviors as “lights on the dashboard”—the value of understanding root causes

[00:11:12] How people’s motivations and destructive habits often have hidden, rational reasons

[00:12:15] The reality of maintaining a successful image vs. inner struggle; perfection, vulnerability, and “permission to be human”

[00:15:04] Using food to soothe—is it always bad? Reflecting with compassion

[00:16:49] The pendulum swings: all-or-nothing thinking and cycles of binge eating

[00:17:07] Jane’s history—25 years of binge eating, how secrecy started, and telling her husband

[00:19:41] Isolation, secrecy, and the emotional labor of hiding disordered eating

[00:21:51] Did anyone know? Jane’s reflections on secrecy versus reality

[00:23:16] Tactics for concealment—replacing food and hiding evidence

[00:25:08] The gradual journey from secrecy to seeking help; finding support, therapy, and its impact

[00:26:29] Hunger cues, the complexity of physical vs. emotional hunger

[00:28:16] Career change: leaving accounting and real estate for coaching and helping others

[00:32:04] The nervous system’s role in relapse and recovery; making sense of protective patterns

[00:34:11] Examples of protective behaviors and what drives “revenge bedtime procrastination”

[00:35:23] How Jane helps others—podcast, YouTube, group and individual coaching

[00:41:08] Jane’s Binge Breakthrough Miniseries: resource for complicated relationships with food

[00:43:04] Podcast recommendations, kitchen gadgets, and closing remarks

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.janepilger.com

GET JANE'S SPECIAL OFFER: The Binge Breakthrough Mini Series — a free 7-part video series that helps you understand why you binge or feel out of control around food. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain and body and how to find lasting peace with food—without diets, rules, or willpower.

Link: https://www.janepilger.com/stop-binge-eating-mini-series?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=imperfect-adulting

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jessica Rector about the transformative power of saying yes, burnout prevention, and reconnecting to personal joy as an adult. Jessica is based in Texas. Listeners will learn how small, intentional acts of saying yes to novelty can shift mental health, improve family connections, and expand what’s possible in everyday life.

Jessica Rector is a personal development strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of the Say Yes Experience, a movement helping people step out of their comfort zones and into possibility.

After experiencing burnout firsthand, Jessica rebuilt her life and work around a simple but powerful idea—start saying yes--to what lights you up, scares you or things you've always wanted to do. That mindset now fuels her work with individuals and organizations, focusing on growth, mental wellness, resilience, and burnout prevention through curiosity, courage, and connection.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Burnout, mental health, and the myth that entrepreneurship solves all overwhelm.
2. The importance of novelty and small “say yes” moments to rekindle joy and presence.
3. How kids—and those close to us—can be honest mirrors helping us see when we’re not fully present.
4. The role of intentional fun and how scheduling joy impacts anticipation, well-being, and fulfillment.
5. Practical examples: ice cream outings, scavenger walks, and the real challenges of trying new things (like renting bikes or scooters with your child).
6. The expansion from saying yes to others, to saying yes for yourself—and the gradual process of reconnecting with your own wishes and desires.
7. Building your “courage muscle” through 100 Days of Say Yes, tackling discomfort, and reframing fear.
8. How cultivating curiosity, courage, and connection strengthens both relationships and self-discovery.

Quote from the Episode:

“Our brain is so hardwired to say no, and we don't even know why we say no most of the time. So I just encourage those listening that those moments don't wait. There's opportunities every single day to say yes. Just start saying yes and see what happens. Just try it.” — Jessica Rector

Timestamps:

00:06 Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting; Jessica calls Texas home

01:17 The origin of the “Say Yes” journey—sparked by her 9-year-old son

03:40 Burnout as an entrepreneur; loving the work but losing balance

05:42 Why working for yourself doesn’t guarantee ease or “boundaries”; myth-busting burnout

07:05 Honest parenting reflections; son as a mirror and catalyst

13:12 First “say yes” moments: ice cream, laughter, novelty, and brain science

16:13 Trying new things—bike rentals, European travels, and learning to pause

21:34 The gift of imperfect, messy experiences; why novelty (even when hard) creates memories

26:13 What changed over time—adventures, travel, and small moments at home

29:59 Saying yes to yourself (not only others); reconnecting with your wishes

32:49 Jessica’s process re-learning what she loves, bucket lists, and solo self-care

36:10 Evolution to keynote speaking, programs, and “100 Days of Say Yes” for courage

41:23 How to connect with Jessica; bucket list download and resource for listeners

43:05 Final playful questions—bowling, karaoke, and joyful purchases

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://SayYesExperience.com

GET JESSICA'S SPECIAL OFFER: FREE Bucket List Template to live out your bucket year now! https://go.sayyesexperience.com/list

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Lisa Manzo about unraveling childhood trauma, the path to sobriety, and the courage it takes to claim one's voice in adulthood. Lisa calls Las Vegas home. This episode delivers actionable insights for anyone navigating recovery, boundary-setting, and the journey of self-love after years of people-pleasing and perfectionism.

Lisa Manzo is an emotional trauma coach who helps others process and heal from deeply embedded childhood wounds. Drawing on her own story of recovery and resilience, Lisa guides clients toward peace and joy through mindset shifts, self-reflection, and energetic healing modalities. She is host of The Phoenix Mind podcast and offers programs for those looking to step into their own transformative journey.

Main Topics Covered:

1. The connection between sobriety and healing childhood trauma.
2. Growing up emotionally parentified and feeling unseen by parents.
3. How early experiences with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and compliance shape adult relationships and behavior.
4. The impact of family dynamics, divorce, and generational messaging (“be seen and not heard”) on self-worth.
5. Using personal development, NLP, and energetic healing as tools for recovery and rewiring.
6. The emotional residue of childhood stories—why memories like picture day or first communion can shape lifelong beliefs.
7. Navigating support through therapy, 12-step programs, and finding community after isolation.
8. Lisa’s journey from deep depression to peace, offering hope that joy is possible after transformation.

Quote from the Episode: "My voice didn't matter. What I had to say doesn't mean anything. And it still shows up in the fact that I have to really assert myself and people still aren't listening. Then I'll walk away and something bad will happen because they didn't listen to me." — Lisa Manzo

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & intros; Lisa shares her NYC roots and new home in Las Vegas

[00:01:33] The choice to get sober—and why ending drinking wasn’t enough

[00:02:28] The 12-step process: resentment, personal responsibility, and origins of trauma

[00:03:02] White-knuckling sobriety alone vs. seeking help and surrendering

[00:04:47] Family structure growing up: extended family, alcoholism, divorce, and its impact

[00:06:46] The “Pink Dress” story: picture day, parental control, lost joy, and lifelong emotional residue

[00:09:07] Reflecting as an adult on parentification, people-pleasing, and worth tied to compliance

[00:12:22] First communion and the struggle to belong; family choices eclipsing childhood desires

[00:17:56] Impact: Lisa’s voice and feelings not mattering—effects lasting into adulthood

[00:19:12] Early substance use, from childhood wine in soda to buzz-seeking at clubs

[00:20:57] When drinking becomes problematic: post-divorce stress management and unhealthy cycles

[00:22:19] The lack of coping tools, isolation, and why therapy and help are vital

[00:24:28] Beginning origin work: personal development, NLP, energetic healing, and the doors transformation opens

[00:27:31] What might have happened without sobriety—Lisa’s honest fear she wouldn’t be alive

[00:28:02] Finding peace and joy after years of unhappiness; helping others through emotional trauma

[00:28:51] Lisa’s podcast, The Phoenix Mind, and free program resources

[00:29:47] How Lisa uses free time: journaling, self-reflection, and making peace with triggers

[00:30:52] Dream vacation: summer city-hopping in Europe

[00:31:25] Junk drawers: Lisa’s philosophy on keeping organized “just in case” items

[00:32:28] Episode wrap-up; gratitude and closing exchange

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: www.ThePhoenixMind.com

LISA’S PODCAST: The Phoenix Mind Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1ATZIU7C73tO84LbELsvpu?si=aa79e9584b5f4734

GET LISA'S SPECIAL OFFER: https://thephoenixmind.com/free-certification

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

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Andrea Daley about the profound journey from the depths of victimhood to empowered ownership in the wake of divorce and major life transitions. Andrea Daley is based in Greenville, South Carolina. This conversation is a compassionate guide for anyone navigating big changes, delivering practical insights on identity, healing, and reclaiming purpose beyond life’s upheavals.

Andrea Daley is a Certified Coach, Life Transformation Specialist, Speaker, and Author with a Master’s in Psychology. With over 30 years of experience as a homeschooling mom of nine, she brings both professional expertise and lived wisdom to her work helping women navigate life’s biggest transitions; divorce, empty nesting, relocation, or reinvention.

After her own world was turned upside down, Andrea discovered the power of coaching and used it to rebuild her life with clarity, confidence, and courage. That transformation inspired her to create The Empowered YOU Method; a framework built on Rediscovery, Realignment, and Renewal, designed to help women move from uncertainty to empowerment.

Featured at national conferences, women’s events, and retreats, Andrea is known for her warmth, humor, and depth. Through her relatable storytelling and proven tools, she inspires audiences to embrace change, rediscover their strength, and confidently create lives they love.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Realizing no one is coming to save you: Breaking free from the victimhood identity after divorce.
2. Navigating major life transitions—separation, lost identity, and becoming an “empty nester.”
3. The limits of therapy alone and Andrea’s pivot to long-term self-help and coaching certification.
4. Practical tools for “washing yourself” in personal growth and why slow, intentional change works.
5. The role of self-awareness in interrupting destructive thought patterns and reframing the narrative.
6. How to distinguish your “normal” from unhealthy patterns and redefine your sense of worthiness.
7. Using adversity as fuel: How Andrea turned her healing process into a mission to serve others.
8. Insights for women struggling to process overwhelming changes and permission to ask for support.

Quote from the Episode:

“You just do what you do when you think it’s your normal. That’s why women who are physically abused will end up back in that same relationship—because they know how to navigate that. They don’t know how to navigate being loved. The abuse is their normal.”— Andrea Daley

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://andreadaley.com

GET ANDREA'S SPECIAL OFFER: Your Free Guide to Navigating Major Life Transitions

This gentle, practical guide will help you find steadiness in the “in-between” of any major life change; divorce, empty nest, relocation, career shifts, or those quiet now what? moments.

https://andreadaley.com/wp-content/uploads/Starting-Over-After-Divorce-or-Empty-Nest.pdf

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