Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Art Of Imperfect Adulting: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Amy Stone
Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting. This is a show where we explore the beautiful mess of real-life decisions that shape who we become. Real life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Most of us make decisions without as much information or confidence as we'd like, and our stories don't fit neatly into highlight reels or cautionary tales. In a world of picture-perfect posts and reality TV extremes, this show carves out space for everyday adults figuring things out as we go. Each episode features honest conversations with guests sharing the choices, changes, and challenges that defined their journey. These aren't stories of flawless triumph or epic disaster. They're real accounts of life's pivotal moments, big and small. From choosing unconventional paths and setting unexpected boundaries to moving cross-country or reinventing yourself entirely, we explore decisions that seemed simple at the time but changed everything. Your host is Amy Stone. She's an adult herself—mortgage, kids, and all.
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- Yesterday44 min
Lived Experience Facing Genetic Diagnosis with Mindy Uhrlaub
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Mindy Uhrlaub about living with the shadow of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Based in Marin County, California, Mindy shares her family legacy of ALS, navigating life as a genetic carrier, and the complexities of caregiving for multiple family members while raising children. This deeply personal conversation explores not just illness and loss, but resilience, advocacy, and the evolution from creative professional to patient rights activist. Listeners will learn about genetic ALS, the realities of the Sandwich Generation, and how storytelling shapes healing and community.About Mindy Uhrlaub:Mindy Uhrlaub is a carrier of the fatal C9orf7 genetic mutation. She participates in twenty longitudinal studies of ALS and has testified before the FDA and the NIH about medical rights of genetic carriers. Mindy was nominated onto a committee at the National Academy of Science to write the 2024 report, Living with ALS. Her latest book, Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family, won the 2025 Nonfiction Book Award. For her ALS advocacy, Uhrlaub also received awards from the Les Turner ALS Foundation, ALS TDI, and the ALS Network.Main Topics Covered:The reality of growing up in a family with ALS: genetic risk, diagnosis, and evolving medical understanding.Mindy’s experience as both a caregiver for her husband (twice diagnosed with lymphoma) and her mother (diagnosed with ALS).What it means to be part of the Sandwich Generation—balancing care for children and aging parents, and why it’s different today than for previous generations.The transformation from creative writer and musician to ALS activist: how advocacy work and community organizing emerged from crisis.Coping strategies for simultaneous, overlapping life crises—parenting, spousal illness, parental illness, and grief.The need for better support systems and recognition for caregivers, especially mothers in midlife.The importance of telling authentic stories about ordinary adults facing extraordinary challenges—and why Mindy wrote her memoir, Last Nerve.Raising awareness about ALS: statistics, misconceptions, and the urgent need for research and community support.Quote from the Episode:"I just think that if you find out something horrible, then, you know, that there's something to do about it. But if you're just worried that something horrible might happen, then you're kind of just like Woody Allen, like, fluttering your hands and being like, oy vey, this might happen... So it's like, if you throw down the gauntlet and face the thing, the chances are you're gonna win, but if you ignore the thing, then you're gonna lose." — Mindy UhrlaubTimestamps:00:04 Amy welcomes Mindy and introduces the episode’s focus on living with ALS00:53 Mindy shares about living in Marin County and what she loves about her community01:28 The family legacy of ALS and first awareness of the disease02:58 Mindy’s mother’s ALS diagnosis and the challenge of multi-generational illness03:50 Undergoing genetic testing and learning her own ALS carrier status05:48 Mindy describes her life at the time of her mother’s diagnosis—parenting, caregiving, and stress07:47 The complexities of being in the Sandwich Generation14:27 Why being a caregiver today is different than for past generations17:51 On not feeling prepared for dual caregiving roles and the compounding nature of life crises22:18 Mindy’s journey from musician and creative writer to activist and ALS community organizer25:55 Mindy’s advocacy in Congo and how those experiences shaped her activism for ALS29:08 The impetus for writing Last Nerve and recognizing her own hero’s journey32:00 Building community for genetic ALS carriers and confronting the medical system33:40 Why Mindy believes her book is for anyone facing insurmountable midlife challenges—not just ALS families37:46 Mindy’s message about ALS, public awareness, and why it’s not a “rare” disease38:44 Final lightning round: favorite first album, concert merch, and “curling curious”41:40 Amy’s show outro and special offer details for listeners to get a signed copy of Mindy’s memoirABOUT 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
- 3 days ago47 min
Drawing Nude Art as a Woman Challenging Shame with Michelle Dovey
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Michelle Dovey about confronting self-imposed limits and embracing creative freedom through a unique art project centered on drawing the nude male form. Based in Wales and originally from New Zealand, Michelle shares how a pivotal solo trip to Florence during a major life upheaval led her to uncover hidden shame, challenge societal expectations, and transform her approach to asking for what she truly wants. Listeners will glean insights on the links between art, self-permission, and courageously redefining personal boundaries.About Michelle Dovey:Michelle Dovey is an internationally exhibiting artist and bestselling author whose pioneering work lives at the intersection of art, embodiment, and radical liberation. With over two decades immersed in transformational practices—including dance, shamanism, and somatic creativity—Michelle is a seasoned guide in breaking taboos, dissolving shame, and reclaiming the body as a source of power, truth, and pleasure. Main Topics Covered:How major life changes—like divorce—can prompt new creative exploration and self-dialogue.The challenge and revelation of “self-editing” in art, especially around drawing the male nude.Unpacking the male gaze vs. female gaze, and what that means for artists and viewers.Using a bold 100-drawing project to disrupt internalized shame and social taboos.The empowering skill of asking directly for what you want (in art, life, or even just how you like your coffee).How public vulnerability and sharing reduce shame and fuel genuine personal growth.The ripple effect: learning to prioritize your own desires influences daily choices and relationships.Why confronting limits and old stories can convert distant dreams into real-life possibilities.Quote from the Episode:“It was less and less and less about making everyone around me happy, and it was more and more and more about, like, what would Michelle like, what would I like, what would I like to ask for?” — Michelle DoveyTimestamps:00:00 – Amy Stone introduces Michelle Dovey; global upbringing and sense of home01:23 – What makes Wales special (dark sky country and secret wildness)02:30 – Michelle Dovey’s journey into art: early roots, art school, and international study04:08 – The end of a 20-year marriage catalyzes an artistic and personal turning point04:58 – Returning to Florence: reclaiming lost dreams and revising old stories09:28 – Using drawing as meditation and the shock of “self-editing” out the male nude11:07 – Growing up with subtle and overt shame around art and the human body14:03 – Introduction to the male gaze, female gaze, and how art history frames the nude17:01 – Drawing Michelangelo’s David in public: audience reactions and social discomfort18:27 – Turning embarrassment and self-limitation into a 100 nude men drawing project20:19 – External and internal barriers to public, boundary-pushing creative work24:16 – Practicing the muscle of asking for what you want, even amidst outside fear27:00 – Learning to lead, set boundaries, and navigate discomfort as a woman and artist28:25 – How artistic risk translated into greater self-permission in daily life31:01 – Using social media to process and share shame: “The medicine for shame is sharing about it.”34:23 – Real-world impact: from creative asks to everyday requests, and why clarity matters36:31 – Closing reflections: shifting from distant dreams to actively creating your path40:13 – Michelle Dovey shares about her coaching work around wealth mindset and desire42:19 – Final fun questions; travel dreams and the ongoing practice of asking yourself what you truly want45:35 – Amy Stone closes with community invites and parting thoughtsABOUT 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: Michelle Dovey can be found at www.michelledovey.com She also has a podcast: Shamele
- 1 weeks ago47 min
Moving Abroad After Divorce and Finding a New Community with Jennifer Sontag
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jennifer Sontag about navigating radical life transitions, from divorce and empty nesting to international relocation and career transformation. Jennifer currently calls Sicily, Italy home. Listeners and viewers will learn about the reality of moving abroad, how personal crises can lead to unexpected opportunity, and why adaptability matters more than ever when adulting gets messy.Jennifer Sontag is the founder of ViaMonde, a relocation agency which helps Americans relocate to Spain and Italy. Jennifer has always paved her own path, at just 19-years-old, Jennifer opened her first maternity boutique, The Stork’s Nest, that at the age of 28 she would sell to Macy’s — she’s always known how to turn a leap of faith into a thriving enterprise.Main Topics Covered:Overcoming the triple challenge of divorce, empty nesting, and a career change—all at once.The psychological impact of upheaval and why compartmentalization works in crisis.Rebuilding life after loss: moving cities, downsizing possessions, and taking bold leaps abroad.The real story of landing in China: dealing with scams, illegal visas, and pivoting into a new professional identity.Why adult expectations and flexibility matter when navigating unfamiliar cultures.The role of expat communities and relationships in shaping Jennifer’s European adventure.Key lessons for Americans considering immigration or expat living, including visa realities.The importance of following your own timeline and embracing change as a pathway to growth.Quote from the Episode:"I have journals, and so I know it was hard because I've read the journals. I've got the receipts... so I know that I was feeling down at that point and that it was really hard, but I don't remember it." — Jennifer SontagTimestamps:01:14 Jennifer shares why she calls Sicily home and the joys of living there02:10 The triple upheaval: divorce, kids launching, career change03:08 How all major changes happened simultaneously05:03 Moving from Cleveland back to St. Louis, then onward to China06:44 Jennifer’s reflection: journaling, memory, and finding silver linings08:10 Deciding to move abroad for personal growth and adventure11:54 Downsizing, leaving with two suitcases, and planning a "bridge year"13:13 Arriving in China: discovering job scams and quickly pivoting15:27 Landing on her feet: transitioning to teaching business management16:57 Adapting expectations at midlife—why adulting abroad is different18:34 Finding expat community and a new teaching career in Shanghai22:01 Navigating COVID, health setbacks, and the evolving global landscape27:22 About ViaMond: helping Americans and others with expat journeys34:23 Common expat misconceptions—especially among Americans41:06 Jennifer describes her perfect day of relaxation by the sea45:30 Wrapping up: reflections, takeaways, and how listeners can connectABOUT 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.viamonde.eu/Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadultingNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting</h2
- 1 weeks ago45 min
Leaving a Professional Career to Raise a Large Family and Entrepreneurship with Julie Cole
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julie Cole about making the choice to leave a professional law career and embrace entrepreneurship, parenting, and advocacy. Broadcasting from Burlington, Ontario, Julie shares her journey from lawyer to co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, her experiences as a mother of six, and her approach to balancing career, family life, and raising a child with autism. Listeners will learn about the realities of career pivots, the challenges of the traditional workforce for women and parents, strategies for embracing imperfection, and actionable parenting insights.About Julie Cole:Julie Cole is a co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, the award-winning company that grew from a basement startup to a multi-million-dollar brand. A recovered lawyer and mom of six, she’s now a Senior Director, bestselling author, and recognized voice in entrepreneurship and parenting. An award-winning speaker and media contributor, Julie is known for her wit, wisdom, and passion for supporting small businesses and women entrepreneurs.Main Topics Covered:Choosing to leave a professional career in law for entrepreneurship: motivations, fears, and realities.Navigating motherhood, including raising six children and parenting a child with autism.How higher education and a legal background inform entrepreneurship and advocacy.The unique challenges women face in professional careers and the “mother tax” of stepping off a traditional job track.Building a successful business from the ground up—Mabel's Labels—and addressing a real-world problem for parents.Parenting philosophies: acceptance, flexible routines, and meeting children where they are.The evolution of support and intervention for children with neurodiversity over the past two decades.Honest advice about work-life integration, family travel with a big crew, and encouraging connection with older kids.Quote from the Episode:“But I think if you're going to have a child, you must know at, in, in some way that whatever child you get, you get. Like, you don't get to construct this. Like, you get what you get, and you're better off loving the child you have than missing or grieving the child you, you imagined, because there's so much joy in the ones you have.” — Julie Cole 20:50Timestamps:00:01 Introduction: Amy introduces Julie Cole, making career changes, and overview of the episode01:05 Julie shares her home in Burlington, Ontario, and thoughts on cold weather and local life02:22 Education and career background—law, legal theory, and the pivot away from practice03:42 Practicing law while managing a growing family, early signs of career misalignment06:06 The challenges of balancing family and professional work; gendered expectations07:32 Parenting during law school, overlapping major life milestones, and widening care gaps09:07 Launching Mabel’s Labels from necessity and timing with family changes12:57 Decision to have a large family—childhood expectations, “not having the ‘I’m done’ gene”15:45 Receiving an autism diagnosis, grieving expectations, and the advocacy journey19:02 Thoughts on acceptance in parenting, celebrating small wins, and meeting kids where they are23:37 Process of leaving law, finding fulfillment and purpose in new endeavors26:13 The realities and “mother tax” of leaving a professional track28:46 Starting Mabel’s Labels; early business strategy, e-commerce before social media33:29 Scaling up with family and changes in technology for parents35:38 Parenting routines, independence, and transitions as children grow37:13 Big family travel tips—adjusting expectations, off-season travel, mindset for tough days40:10 Pro tip for staying connected with older kids: meet them where they are42:51 Language in parenting teens, empowerment, and ongoing family communication43:08 Amy’s wrap-up, joining the Imperfect Adulting community, and final wordsABOUT 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 individu
- 2 weeks ago49 min
Infertility Journey Facing Grief and Motherhood Hopes with Hope Alcocer
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Hope Alcocer about the transformative journey of giving up control through the challenges of infertility, miscarriage, and profound grief. Hope, who lives in the New York City tri-state area, shares candidly about her experiences navigating blended family dynamics, repeated pregnancy loss, the illness and loss of a parent, and how these crises led her to a radical acceptance of life’s uncontrollable moments. Listeners can expect deep insight into coping with loss, the pressure on women in motherhood journeys, and real-life tools for embracing imperfection and change.About Hope Alcocer:Hope Alcocer is a certified mental health coach, motivational speaker, and author whose work centers around resilience, recovery, and reclaiming your voice. Her journey includes surviving domestic violence, navigating infertility, and healing from grief and trauma—all of which have become central to her coaching and speaking approach.Main Topics Covered:The realities and emotional toll of infertility and recurrent miscarriage, including the financial, relational, and psychological stress.Navigating stepmotherhood and blended family dynamics, and the early conversations around family planning when dating someone with children.How compounded grief—losing a child at birth and a parent within days—forces a transformation in outlook and priorities.The pitfalls of trying to control life’s outcomes, even with careful planning, and the journey to radical acceptance.The stigma and isolation women (and couples) often experience when dealing with fertility struggles and pregnancy loss.Practical examples of letting go—how Hope’s perspective on daily frustrations, like traffic or children getting sick, changed after her losses.The double-blind of supporting a gravely ill parent while longing for and then grieving a child, and the emotional “sandwich” of adulting in multigenerational crisis.How Hope now uses her story to support others as a mental health coach and speaker, and the importance of holding space for complex emotions.Quote from the Episode:“I realized that we can control how we react to what we can’t control… Whatever comes at us, we have a choice in how we’re going to react to the uncontrollable.” — Hope Alcocer 38:07Timestamps:00:01 Introduction, trigger warning, and welcoming Hope Alcocer01:28 Hope shares about life in the NY tri-state area and blended family03:00 Early ideas about family, motherhood, and step-parenting05:05 Candid discussion about blending families and having “ours babies”07:15 Hope’s childhood exposure to infertility and miscarriage11:02 Losing control: multiple miscarriages, genetic testing, and the limits of planning14:08 Compounding grief—miscarriage and mother’s breast cancer diagnosis17:00 Putting motherhood on hold to care for an ill parent; guilt and family priorities18:43 Pregnancy after loss, the high-risk, closely-monitored journey19:05 Twin pregnancy, losing a twin, and managing mixed emotions22:25 Progesterone shots, medical interventions, and the role of a supportive partner25:18 Separation, costs, and isolation—fertility journey challenges28:13 The pressure of “making it work” and longing for parental connection30:16 End of pregnancy, mother’s transition to hospice, and hope colliding with reality33:51 Sudden placental abruption, emergency C-section, and infant loss36:45 Grieving the loss of both child and mother within days37:46 Realization and surrender: “We don’t control anything in this life.”41:23 The surprising freedom in letting go and living beyond minor grievances44:08 Hope’s work as a mental health coach; resources and special offers46:50 Rapid-fire: self-care, travel dreams, and a favorite book recommendationABOUT 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.hopealcocer.comMIA'S FOUNDATI
- 2 weeks ago42 min
Moving to Portugal and Embracing Uncertainty with Stephanie Benedetto
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Stephanie Benedetto about the transformative journey of moving from the United States to Portugal. Stephanie shares how an unexpected insight sparked her international move. Through vulnerability and humor, she details the emotional decisions, logistical hurdles, and personal growth that accompanied her leap into expatriate life, offering inspiration and practical lessons for anyone contemplating a major life change or cross-continental relocation.About Stephanie Benedetto:Steph (DragonHeart) Benedetto is a creative catalyst, transformative coach, and storyteller devoted to awakening the creative fire in visionary entrepreneurs, artists and their communities.Through The Awakened Business and her new body of work, Steph DragonHeart, she guides creators to bring their soul’s work to life — without the hustle, hype, or pretending.Steph has over two decades of experience in conscious business, creative entrepreneurship, and coaching transformation. A born storyteller and lifelong lover of dragons, she blends deep presence, irreverent humor, and fierce compassion to reveal the brilliance already within you.Main Topics Covered:The power of personal insight in making major life decisions—including moving abroad for love rather than logistics.Deconstructing the myth of extensive pre-planning: how taking action sometimes precedes clarity.Practical challenges of expatriate relocation: visas, residency, travel, and navigating foreign bureaucracy.Navigating endings—with partners, leases, and homes—and the emotional complexities of starting anew.Building community in a new country, including the role of shared interests like pole dancing and remote work networks.Cultural shocks and self-awareness—what it means to be an American abroad and adapting to new norms.Finding your footing financially and professionally while adjusting to a new environment.Following the call of your passions to create joyful, meaningful community.Quote from the Episode:"I had seen enough at that point to know that if I want something different on the outside, the place to really look is in me and how I'm showing up." — Stephanie BenedettoTimestamps:00:23 Introduction to Stephanie Benedetto and context for her move to Portugal02:54 Stephanie shares her initial lack of intention or planning to move abroad04:01 The inner insight that catalyzed Stephanie’s life change05:07 The book “Sane: Getting Real with Reality” and its influence06:44 Shifting from external to internal locus of control07:38 Life upheaval: new insights, surrender, and giving up expectations08:14 Age, season of life, and the impact of not owning property10:12 Navigating relationship changes before moving12:42 Going to Portugal as a tourist and the reality of remote/self-employed work13:04 New relationship develops during travel in Portugal14:54 Decision to stay and the visa process begins17:51 Ending rental lease and financial/logistical challenges19:40 Visa application difficulties and emotional impact22:09 Navigating tourist visas, back-and-forth travel, and timing24:17 The remote worker visa and changing residency rules in Portugal26:14 Relationship and cultural challenges as the biggest hurdles29:00 Observing and adapting to cultural differences as an American in Portugal31:01 How pole dancing led to unexpected community and friendships33:10 Navigating food and vegan options in Portuguese cuisine35:37 Stephanie’s coaching business and professional focus37:52 Light-hearted fun questions: daily rituals, self-care, and podcast recommendationsABOUT 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.theawakenedbusiness.com/GET STEPHANIE'S SPECIAL OFFER: The Paid to Be You Workshop: Realign Your Business to Create a Life You LoveIn The Paid to Be
- 2 weeks ago38 min
Finding Joy After Fatigue with Karen Rudolph
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Karen Rudolph about breaking the cycle of chronic stress, people-pleasing, and redefining boundaries during and after a major life upheaval. Karen, who lives in sunny Sarasota, Florida, shares her powerful journey through divorce, burnout, and learning self-compassion, offering transformational insights for "visionary" and transformational leaders.About Karen Rudolph:Karen Rudolf is an empowerment coach, speaker, an Int'l best selling author who supports people in making clearer decisions by learning to listen to themselves again. After years of “powering through,” her own body became her greatest teacher, leading her to a more honest, sustainable way of living. Today, she blends lived experience, self-awareness, and practical tools to help others navigate change without burning out. She believes clarity doesn’t come from fixing yourself—it comes from remembering who you are.Main Topics Covered:Recognizing the signs of chronic stress and the toll it takes on physical and mental health, including hair loss and deep fatigue.The impact of people-pleasing, over-functioning, and losing oneself in family and caregiving roles.How a "non-negotiable intervention" (life forcing you to stop) can trigger personal transformation.Developing self-compassion and learning how to say “no” as a complete sentence.Moving from victimhood to empowerment through self-inquiry, boundary-setting, and reframing identity.Shifting from resentment to freedom: building a new life post-divorce and helping others do the same.The importance of teaching personal responsibility and resilience to children and community.Building a holistic, mind-body approach for sustained personal growth—and sharing that wisdom through coaching.Quote from the Episode:"No is a complete sentence. And my children knew me as that old entity of being that victim and the people pleaser. And they would walk all over that. And it was a tough transition for us all. But I really had to start creating boundaries and saying, no, I'm not doing you any justice or doing you a service by doing this for you." — Karen RudolphTimestamps:00:06 Amy Stone welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of imperfect adulting01:44 [Karen Rudolph] shares what she loves about Sarasota, Florida02:02 Discussing the life-altering moment: non-negotiable intervention during divorce03:06 First symptoms of burnout—hair loss, chronic fatigue, and stress05:01 Life before: juggling nursing career, family, pets, carpooling, and self-sacrifice09:45 The slippery slope of never-ending responsibilities10:44 Facing the “great con” of parenting adolescents; coping strategies12:44 The turning point—learning to listen inward and make new choices13:10 The paralegal’s advice: taking charge of your future or others will14:40 Discovering self-inquiry and personal responsibility; quantum physics, religion, and compassion20:48 The transformation: boundaries, saying no, and living with authenticity22:00 Real-life examples of saying no: transitioning from “supermom” to self-advocate23:45 Navigating pushback and resentment when boundaries are enforced25:20 Why Karen chose to share her story and create resources for others28:45 Who benefits most from Karen’s message—visionary and transformational leaders31:24 Where to find Karen’s resources, her “Wired and Tired Reset,” and a free Clarity Compass guide33:47 Karen’s favorite meal, place to think, and recommended books36:07 Closing thoughts, how to connect further, and the journey of imperfect adultingABOUT 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.TranquilSOULutions.comGET KAREN’S SPECIAL OFFER:A free Clarity Compass Guide:A soul-guided framework to help you get unstuck and return to center—in just a few mindful moments. Inside, you’ll learn how to:
- 3 weeks ago43 min
Career Change From TV Actress to Retreat Leader with Zina Wilde
If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Zina Wilde about navigating radical career change, rediscovering purpose after success, and the healing power of travel and community. Zina is currently based in Los Angeles. Listeners will learn about Zina’s journey from TV actress (best known for her recurring role on "Billions") to wellness retreat founder, her immigration challenges, and the transformative magic she found in connecting to nature and somatic work.Zina Wilde is an actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur. As an actor she worked on the SHOWTIME series Billions for 7 seasons. Films like 80 for Brady with Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin and Sally Field, The Climb which received the audience award from Cannes and Chuck with Liev Schriver and Naomi Watts among others. As an entrepreneur she created a travel/ retreat company that started in Greece where she is from and has expanded in multiple locations like Italy, France, the US and Mexico in a very short amount of time. Her retreat business was recently featured on Vogue Greece and the Chicago Tribune. Zina's trips are all about personal growth while having fun and remembering that following your bliss is the most profound journey there is.Main Topics Covered:The reality of “dream jobs”: Why working as an actress on a hit TV show isn’t always the final destinationImmigration hurdles and the unique challenges of building a creative career as a non-citizenHow the COVID-19 pandemic and personal adversity inspired Zina’s transition from acting to founding international wellness retreatsThe importance of community, real-world connection, and “adult summer camp” in a digitally isolated eraThe role of somatic work, dance, and nature in healing depression and rekindling creativityChallenging expectations from family and friends when making unconventional life and career choicesHyper-independence: Its value in artistic careers—and how it can be both fuel and a growth edgePractical details: What to expect on Zina’s retreats, the themes, locations, and how to connect for a special offerQuote from the Episode:"I think that that was the biggest lesson for me to understand that there is no real safety anywhere, in any job, wherever they tell you that there is. Everything always changes... The point is to be present and do the best job that I can every day that I show up." — Zina WildeTimestamps:00:01 Show intro; Amy introduces the episode’s topic and guest01:47 Zina shares her multiple “homes”: New York, LA, Greece, and finding home within herself03:29 Zina’s dream: Choosing TV/film acting, theatre roots, and skill crossovers07:39 Reflections on landing the "Billions" role, immigration struggles, and hustling for a creative career15:00 The myth of job security in the entertainment industry—staying present amidst uncertainty19:27 How the pandemic and a “dark space” spurred Zina’s journey back to Greece and a new sense of purpose24:34 Founding a retreat company: Adult summer camp, community, and real shared experience31:00 Facing skepticism, fuel from being doubted, and lessons on hyper-independence33:34 Integrating somatic work, movement, and the healing force of nature34:47 Retreat logistics, themes, locations, and community experiences39:33 Fun wrap-up: Zina’s favorite food to avoid, most beautiful travel spot, and recommended books41:04 Amy wraps up the episode and offers ways to stay connectedABOUT 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,
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About The Art Of Imperfect Adulting
Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting. This is a show where we explore the beautiful mess of real-life decisions that shape who we become. Real life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Most of us make decisions without as much information or confidence as we'd like, and our stories don't fit neatly into highlight reels or cautionary tales. In a world of picture-perfect posts and reality TV extremes, this show carves out space for everyday adults figuring things out as we go. Each episode features honest conversations with guests sharing the choices, changes, and challenges that defined their journey. These aren't stories of flawless triumph or epic disaster. They're real accounts of life's pivotal moments, big and small. From choosing unconventional paths and setting unexpected boundaries to moving cross-country or reinventing yourself entirely, we explore decisions that seemed simple at the time but changed everything. Your host is Amy Stone. She's an adult herself—mortgage, kids, and all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Art Of Imperfect Adulting as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Art Of Imperfect Adulting product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Amy Stone.
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How often does The Art Of Imperfect Adulting release new episodes?
The Art Of Imperfect Adulting publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Art Of Imperfect Adulting cover?
The Art Of Imperfect Adulting covers topics including Education, Fitness, Philosophy, Culture, Health & Fitness, Society & Culture, Self-Improvement. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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