The Art Of Imperfect Adulting
Real life doesn't come with an instruction manual, and most of our stories don't fit neatly into highlight reels or cautionary tales. Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting, where we explore the beautiful mess of real life decisions that shape who we become. In a world dominated by picture-perfect social media posts and dramatic reality TV extremes, this show carves out a space for the rest of us – the everyday adults working to figure things out as we go. Each episode features honest conversations with guests sharing their personal stories about 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 – both big and small. From choosing an unconventional path and setting unexpected boundaries to moving across the country or completely reinventing yourself, we dive into the decisions that seemed simple at the time but changed everything. Host Amy Stone brings warmth and authenticity to each conversation, drawing out the subtle turning points and quiet revelations that make up the tapestry of adult life. Whether it's a career pivot, a personal transformation, or simply choosing to do things differently, these stories remind us that there's no single "right way" to navigate life's challenges. What makes this show different? We celebrate the middle ground – the space where most of us actually live. Our guests aren't always gurus or influencers; they're real people sharing real experiences. They're the "adultier adults" who've walked similar paths and can offer insights from the other side of change. You'll hear about: The small decisions that led to big changes The moments of doubt and breakthrough The unexpected wisdom gained from "wrong" turns The reality of change versus the fantasy of perfection The ripple effects of choosing your own path Perfect for listeners who: Are navigating life's transitions Feel stuck between where they are and where they want to be Love hearing real stories from real people Are looking for inspiration without the pressure of perfection Want to feel less alone in their adult journey Join us for conversations that will make you feel seen, understood, and inspired to embrace your own imperfect journey. Because sometimes the best stories come from the moments when life doesn't go according to plan. Follow The Art of Imperfect Adulting wherever you get your podcasts and join us at http://www.imperfectadulting.com
Episodes
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Sheryl Ramstad about resilience, life-changing trauma, and finding meaning through unexpected adversity. Sheryl shares the riveting story of surviving a solo plane crash at age 29, her arduous physical and emotional recovery in a burn unit, and the surprising turn her career and personal life took as a result.
About the Guest:
Sheryl Ramstad is a survivor, trailb...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kathy Barron about launching a niche digital magazine for women podcasters, building creative community, and the realities of independent media. Kathy shares her unconventional journey into publishing, her motivations for centering and promoting women in the podcasting sphere, and her new initiatives to support indie creators at every stage.
About the Guest:
Kath...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Nicole Havelka—burnout recovery coach, ordained pastor, and founder of Defy the Trend—about the journey from institutional frustration in religious administration to finding wholeness at the intersection of spiritual practice and organizational change. Nicole opens up about the realities of working in faith-based organizations, facing resistance as an innovator...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kellie Grutko about the winding roads of creative ambition, career pivots, and rediscovering purpose after corporate life. Kellie candidly shares the story of following her dream to pitch a TV travel show pilot, why it never made it to air, and how the lessons from that risk-taking adventure eventually led her to coaching women through major life and career cha...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Katrina Sawa—Northern California-based business coach, author, and publisher—about the pivotal moments that led her to leave situations that no longer served her, from quitting a draining corporate job to making bold moves in her personal and professional life. Katrina shares how her clarity around self-worth and refusal to settle shaped her journey into entrep...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julia Chien—Vancouver-based registered dietitian and passionate world traveler—about the life-changing impact of booking a one-way ticket and embracing adventure after heartbreak. Julia shares her story of leaving behind a comfortable routine, overcoming the limitations of chronic eczema, and discovering both freedom and loneliness during her years of solo trav...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with JoNeil Conley—Michigan-based nurse, organizational leadership expert, and self-described “bullyologist”—about the reality of workplace bullying in healthcare and beyond. JoNeil shares her personal story of facing intimidation, sabotage, and toxic leadership in the operating room, how she turned that experience into a research-backed crusade against bullying, an...
In this milestone episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, the tables turn as career strategist Raquel Sands takes the interviewer's seat to explore the origin story, philosophy, and evolution behind Amy's podcast journey. Originally planned as the 100th episode celebration (better late than never!), this candid conversation reveals the "why" behind the show's inclusive approach to storytelling and the messy, non-linear nature of ...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Moira Mills about making unconventional choices around education, career, and family. Moira shares her upbringing as an unschooled Alaskan, her journey to becoming a solo parent by choice, and how she and her son have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, learning along the way. Together, they delve into unschooling, navigating the “shoulds” of adulthood, and finding g...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Victoria Carrington Chavez—digital nomad, storyteller, and founder of The Story Saloon—about her journey from “main character” to “author” of her own life. Victoria shares her transformative experience navigating a major breakup, detaching from societal checklists, and embracing her childhood dreams through intentional storytelling, entrepreneurship, and travel...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Caterina Rando about the realities of becoming financially savvy after divorce, the power of entrepreneurial confidence, and the personal journey of recovery from financial betrayal. Caterina candidly shares her story of rebuilding after her marriage ended in unexpected financial upheaval, and the lessons she’s learned about financial empowerment, self-advocacy...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Tina Palmgren, business owner and Excel specialist, about navigating one of the darkest chapters of her life—a sudden and tragic loss that forever changed her relationship with family, grief, and herself. Tina opens up about becoming a young widow, losing the stepchildren she loved, and the unique ways she rebuilt her life, moving from "just being alive" to tru...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Dr. Danielle Griffin about her journey through overwhelm, pandemic stress, and personal transformation. Danielle shares candidly about balancing multiple careers, family loss, and collective uncertainty, as well as how she rediscovered alignment through somatic practices and shifting her professional focus toward helping others heal from stress and trauma.
About...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Amy Taylor—a Missouri-based mental health advocate, podcast host, and social worker—about how a diagnosis of thyroid cancer sparked a transformative journey toward living more intentionally. Amy shares the realities of cancer treatment, going back to school in her fifties, pivoting careers, and launching her own podcast and side hustle to support conversations ...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson—an organizational psychologist, podcast host, and advocate for women’s voices—to explore what happens when life shifts beneath your feet. Julie opens up about her cascade of personal challenges, including a chronic illness diagnosis, the loss of her father, job upheaval, a major surgery, and the reckoning that came with the COVID lockdow...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julieta Duvall about her family’s journey from traditional schooling to an unschooling lifestyle. Julieta opens up about the challenges of upending societal expectations, the impact of the pandemic on her family’s choices, and the transformative work of shifting to a life built on partnership, flexibility, and intentional living.
About the Guest:
Julieta has spen...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kyla Holley, founder of the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour and host of the “Change Your Relationship with Food” podcast. Kyla shares her candid story of how gallbladder surgery in her early 40s became a turning point, leading to a personal and professional transformation—from navigating binge eating disorder to helping others heal their own relationship...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Tiffani Bibb about what happens when a Christmas Eve accident sparks a wave of life-altering decisions. Tiffani opens up about her journey through injury, divorce after 15 years of marriage, and a transformative reinvention of both body and career, all marked by self-honesty and bold, sometimes messy, action.
About the Guest:
Tiffani Bibb is a mom to a fearless 1...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Alli Williams, founder of Financialli Focused about the emotional and financial journey of canceling her first wedding, processing loss, and what it taught her about boundaries, money, and relationships. Alli candidly recounts how she called off her wedding just two months before the big day, the challenges of managing other people’s expectations and the realit...
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Janelle Martin about her transformative journey as a parent navigating her daughter’s struggle with addiction and the process of letting go of control. Janelle candidly shares how the experience forever changed her relationship with her daughter, her own healing journey through the 12-step process, and how this path shaped her life’s purpose and career.
About th...
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