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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- Yesterday1h 5m
Moving to Mexico for Six Months as a Pattern Interrupt with Brenda Florida
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 Brenda Florida about choosing radical change as a tool for personal transformation. Based in Southern California, Brenda shares her experience of putting her life in storage, temporarily moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and intentionally disrupting her routine in search of growth. Listeners will hear how Brenda used a six-month international relocation. This was not an escape, but as a catalyst to break deep-seated patterns, confront internalized beliefs around work, money, and identity, and ultimately emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.About Brenda Florida:Brenda is a certified life coach with over eight years of experience helping hundreds of clients break patterns that no longer serve them — like people-pleasing, guilt, overgiving, and overfunctioning. Her work focuses on pattern interruption at the identity level, helping people recognize the subconscious dynamics driving their decisions and consciously choose a new response. This includes ambitious women navigating major life and career shifts — retirement, reinvention, stepping away from leadership — and redefining who they are in their next chapter. Brenda’s approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real-time change — not theory, but lived experience.Main Topics Covered:How intentional relocation can catalyze deep personal transformationThe logistics and realities of being a digital nomad: minimalism, storage decisions, and AirbnbsDisrupting internalized patterns around work, money, and gender rolesNavigating loneliness and self-reflection during a “cocooning” season abroadOvercoming expectations: why outward adventure became a journey inwardThe challenges (and comedic realities) of living abroad without speaking the local languagePractical support tools for reinventing yourself later in lifeThe importance of reframing discomfort and uncertainty as growth opportunitiesQuote from the Episode:“It was very much a cocooning time for me...the whole six months ended up being so internally transformative. I was spending all my energy on myself... It totally changes the chatter—you’re not absorbing that noise from your regular environment. It leaves you to yourself in a different way.” — Brenda FloridaTimestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction to Brenda Florida and episode overview[00:01:05] Planning the Mexico move—timing, storage, logistics[00:03:28] Why Playa del Carmen? Geography, practicality, digital nomad research[00:05:16] The need to disrupt patterns: burnout, business plateau, and personal stasis[00:09:56] Family and friends’ reactions to taking a big risk[00:14:22] What she was trying to shake up—specific patterns and old beliefs[00:18:32] Approaches to “pattern interruption” before moving and why relocation was different[00:20:12] Living in Mexico with limited Spanish; daily challenges and language barriers[00:25:00] Adapting to new systems: grocery stores, finding familiar products, and reliance on tech[00:29:55] Socializing, expat communities, and why Brenda chose solitude[00:32:23] Dealing with environmental factors (like sargassum) and shifting expectations[00:35:13] The rooftop pool, redefining “beach” joy, and embracing what works[00:36:18] What she thought would happen vs. what actually transformed[00:37:36] The retreat analogy: why changing environment unlocks new insights[00:41:08] Mindful living: what daily “friction” reveals about subconscious beliefs[00:44:33] Unpacking deep conditioning around work, pay, and gender[00:47:11] Observing patterns, subconscious behaviors, and the reality of change[00:51:53] Would transformation have happened without the big move?[00:53:03] Third act reinvention and Brenda’s new offer for women[00:59:02] Favorite source of entertainment and closing fun questions[01:00:40] Cocktail talk: cultural differences and favorites[01:02:43] Wrap up and how listeners can connect with Brenda[01:03:16] Community reminders and final 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 moder
- 6 days ago48 min
Building a Business with Your Sister with Amy and Nancy Harrington
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 Amy and Nancy Harrington about the journey of building a values-driven business and community as sisters. Based in Los Angeles, California, but originally from Boston, the Harringtons reveal the inside story of launching The Passionistas Project, their mission-driven platform that uplifts women, especially those from marginalized communities. The conversation explores sisterhood, trust, and practical strategies for sustainable business partnership, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs eager to foster authentic connections in today’s rapidly-changing world.About Amy and Nancy Harrington:Sisters and business partners Amy and Nancy Harrington are the Co-Founders of The Passionistas Project Sisterhood, a global community for passion-driven women — especially from marginalized backgrounds — to find support, purpose, and empowerment. After leaving high-powered careers in Hollywood, where Amy worked on major films like Harry Potter and The Matrix, and Nancy created Academy Award campaigns, they now use their platform to uplift others. Through their Power of Passionistas Women’s summit, podcast, “Awakening Your Power” book series, and online global community, they foster connection, growth, and equality — rooted in sisterhood values like loyalty, empathy, and joy.Main Topics Covered:Creating and scaling a women’s empowerment community—from podcasting to global sisterhoodTransitioning from high-powered entertainment industry roles to entrepreneurshipStructuring a business with a sibling: navigating trust, corporate governance, and decision-makingThe importance of amplifying stories from women in marginalized communities and those outside the celebrity spotlightThe impact of authentic, vulnerable connection—online and (increasingly) in-personStrategies for business partnership: conflict management, profit sharing, and protecting each other and the companyHow The Passionistas Project supports women in business, personal transformation, and social impactThe evolving meaning of community—why it matters and how to nurture it todayTimestamps:00:00 Show opens: Amy Stone introduces Amy & Nancy Harrington, The Passionistas, and the episode’s dual audio/video format01:06 Where the Harringtons call home: LA by way of Braintree, MA02:48 The sisters’ impressive entertainment industry careers—Warner Bros, Matlock, Miramax, and more03:47 Forming a business partnership in 2003: why and how06:10 What sparked The Passionistas Project: navigating a patriarchal industry, supporting women in the MeToo movement, and elevating unheard voices10:16 The case for spotlighting ordinary women rather than celebrities12:25 Barriers women face—funding, equality, and isolation—and The Passionistas Project’s solution15:26 Why build a business as sisters? Trust, shared vision, and their unique approach16:45 Handling disagreements, business structure, and the “royal we”26:45 What The Passionistas Project is, and who it serves: solopreneurs, changemakers, marginalized voices28:35 Empowerment in practice: from community to podcast network, workshops, and publishing36:40 How needs have shifted: online and in-person connection in a post-Covid world41:01 Where to find The Passionistas Project and a special free journal offer42:02 The sisters share memories and rapid-fire final questions46:08 Closing notes, how to join the community, and the philosophy behind 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. Music written and produced by Todd Thompson at Dharma Bomb Studios.CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/ The Passionistas Project Podcast — https://feeds.megaphone.fm/CCLUC7621196190If 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 yo
- 1 weeks ago51 min
Solo Female Travel and Building Community with Liz Rivas
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 Liz Rivas about rediscovering self-worth and resilience after the collapse of a long-term relationship—one that ended with a dramatic wedding weekend in the Dominican Republic. Based in vibrant Miami, Florida, [Speaker B] shares how moving through heartbreak spurred her year-long solo travel adventure to 12 countries and inspired her to create a new kind of supportive community for women. Listeners will learn about the real emotional aftermath of addiction in relationships, the liberating (and challenging) nature of solo travel, and how intentional sisterhood can be an antidote to loneliness and self-doubt.About Liz Rivas:Liz Rivas is the founder of RoamCircle, a global women-first community platform helping women find authentic friendships and meaningful connection wherever they roam. After rebuilding her life through solo travel across 12 countries, Liz transformed her personal journey into a purpose-driven business that now connects a growing network of over 50,000 women worldwide. Through RoamCircle, she creates safe, intentional spaces for travelers, expats, digital nomads, and women seeking deeper community in their own cities. Liz is passionate about empowering women to choose themselves, trust their instincts, and build lives rooted in connection and belonging.Main Topics Covered:Navigating the end of a relationship marked by addiction, and the emotional impact of an unraveled wedding .The difference between the fantasy of a wedding and the true reality and demands of marriage—and what it means to lose oneself in pursuit of a life milestone .Recognizing and breaking the cycle of codependency, caretaking, and anxiety as a partner to someone struggling with substance abuse .Using travel as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and building self-trust; why solo travel is a radical act of self-reliance .The challenges and growth that come from managing loneliness, making micro-decisions daily, and cultivating new routines as a digital nomad .The importance of platonic, supportive, and safe women’s communities during times of change, and how sisterhood can be more healing than romantic entanglements .How Liz identified a gap in community for solo female travelers and built Roam Circle, an app that connects women seeking authentic relationships and support globally .Tips for making authentic connections in a digital world and why representation, inclusivity, and intentional curation matter in building community .Quote from the Episode:"One thing about solo travel, that it is a radical act of self-reliance... you’re making millions of micro-decisions every day... and all these micro-decisions that you’re making make bigger decisions a lot easier. It makes it a lot easier for you to make choices and to trust yourself and not...ruminating on the what-ifs." — Speaker BTimestamps:00:00 Introduction; both host and guest based in Miami01:16 Why [Speaker B] loves living on the water in Miami02:04 Wedding disaster story; end of a five-year relationship03:31 Addiction, relapse, and unraveling at the altar06:28 Deciding to start fresh and move out13:02 Realization of getting lost in the fantasy, generational patterns15:19 Codependency, hyper-vigilance, and emotional burnout as a caretaker18:48 Travel as healing; transitioning to digital nomad life22:14 List of countries visited and blending work with travel23:21 Sitting with loneliness, embracing uncertainty, building confidence26:02 Sisterhood over dating apps; the unique power of female community28:30 Identifying a need and building Roam Circle34:53 Creating authentic, inclusive digital connections and lessons from Miami42:17 Roam Circle’s story, name origin, and rapid launch45:06 The app-building process: failures, scams, and finding the right developer47:07 Fun questions: magical creatures, style preferences, and travel advice49:10 Wrap-up and how to connect with the show and Roam CircleABOUT 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 pe
- 1 weeks ago44 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
- 2 weeks 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
- 2 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
- 3 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
- 3 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
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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
What is Podzilla's The Art Of Imperfect Adulting daily summary?
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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