The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

The Art of Imperfect Adulting is a podcast and streaming YouTube show for anyone who has ever looked at their own face peering back at them from a Zoom screen and thought: how did I get here, and what do I want to do next? This show is for you if life has taken a turn you didn't plan for and you're still working out what it means. Maybe it's a divorce that rewrote the story you thought you were living, or a health struggle including chronic illness, weight changes, or menopause that shifted everything. It could be a rapid unplanned professional shift like getting fired, laid off, or finally admitting that the corporate grind isn't compatible with the life you actually want. Perhaps your insomnia comes from worrying that you chose the wrong degree, didn't get the job, or that the path you were so sure about went somewhere you didn't intend. Or maybe you feel a sense of drowning in a caregiving season that is quietly consuming you like quicksand, whether you're showing up for a parent, a child, a spouse, or a sibling. It could be a sneaky adulting decision that feels like it should be easier, like choosing a school or curriculum for your kids that is keeping you up at night. Perhaps your Google search history is full of questions about how to move to a place that finally feels more like you, or how to stop putting down roots altogether and see what a life in motion actually looks like. If you've ever felt behind, off-script, or quietly wondering if you're the only one who finds this hard, you're not. This show exists to give you proof that change is possible, to be company for your journey, and offer the quiet relief that comes with being connected to like-minded people. We all know that real life doesn't come with an instruction manual. We also know that our real lives don't match the highlight reels we see on the red carpet or in our social media feeds. In a world where billions of bits of manufactured and altered information deluge us every day, the raw and honest stories of, “how did she do that?” are a welcome breath of fresh air. Each episode features honest conversations with guests sharing the choices and changes that shaped who they became, from unconventional career moves and unexpected reinventions to rebuilding after loss and choosing happiness on their own terms. These are not pitch decks, academic hypotheticals, or celebrity biopics. These are real accounts from real people who've been in the middle of it and stopped to share what they wish somebody had told them when they needed it most. What listeners come away with isn't a checklist, a hack or even a strategy. It's something harder to manufacture: a feeling that you’re not alone, a little more confidence in your own choices, and the quiet sense of belonging that comes from hearing someone else say out loud what you've been thinking. Your host is Amy Stone, a Gen X woman who knows what it means to be overlooked, underestimated, surprised by the impact of both small decisions and sudden life shifts, and expected to just figure it out. It turns out that might be exactly the right training for hosting a show about choices and change. She brings warmth, zero pretense, and a talent for drawing out the quiet turning points that rarely make it into anyone's highlight reel. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to join the email community at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

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  Episode #249

  Redefining Success After Divorce and Midlife Change with Camille Miller

  Sep 29, 202658 minS2

  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 Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting 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 Amy Stone speaks with Camille Miller about redefining success, breaking societal molds, and reinventing life after a major personal and professional crossroads. Camillie is from the East Coast, with her story rooted in New Jersey and a new chapter beginning in Delaware. Camille shares how checking all the life boxes, like, career, marriage and kids ultimately led to exhaustion and a complete overhaul of her life's definition of fulfillment. Listeners will learn about the real emotional and logistical challenges of stepping away from traditional success markers, the importance of self-work, and the empowering process of building an authentic life by your own design. About Camille Miller: Camille L. Miller is an entrepreneur, business strategist, author, and founder of the Soul Professional® Movement, a global initiative redefining success through purpose, authenticity, and conscious leadership. A former MBA professor and nonprofit CEO, Camille has spent more than a decade exploring what happens when we stop following traditional formulas for success and begin building our lives and businesses from the inside out. Her work brings together business strategy, personal growth, and subconscious transformation to help people create success that reflects who they truly are. She is the author of three bestselling books and host of The Soul Professional Podcast. Main Topics Covered: Breaking out of traditional definitions of success—and why achievement alone often leads to burnout for women The impact of unequal household labor and the mental load on working moms How subtle (and not so subtle) cracks in life and relationships lead to radical transformation Letting go of external expectations: marriage, career identity, material markers Navigating divorce, entrepreneurship, and single motherhood simultaneously Redefining family and holidays—forging new, self-honoring rituals The process and necessity of inner work for personal reinvention and authentic leadership How Camille helps others through her Soul Professional Movement and what it means to lead a soul-led business and life Timestamps: [00:00:19] Welcome & Camille’s East Coast roots and move to Delaware [00:01:52] Decisions that sparked deconstructing and rebuilding her life [00:02:49] Life “before”—career, family, and hidden exhaustion [00:04:35] The problem with “having it all” and what’s missing underneath [00:06:09] Inequity of workload in marriage and recognizing invisible labor [00:07:22] Generational myths about having it all and the reality of burnout [00:10:09] How caregiving and job shifts led to new questions about fulfillment [00:14:09] Inheritance, money, and “the final crack” that led to divorce [00:17:48] Defining success as a Gen Xer: chasing material markers in the ’80s and ’90s [00:20:44] What would have helped: the importance of support and equitable partnerships [00:23:03] Recognizing patterns, overperformance, and how therapy shifted Camille’s self-perception [00:27:42] Redefining success after divorce: from status to experiences and connection [00:31:39] The challenge of “seeing” unhealthy patterns while living them [00:34:40] Navigating divorce, single parenting, money narratives, and boundaries [00:41:01] How Camille’s values changed—authenticity, freedom, travel, and showing a new model for her kids [00:46:01] Building the Soul Professional Movement and helping others lead with purpose [00:47:27] What Camille hopes other overworked women will realize and why she shares her story [00:50:37] Reinventing holidays and family traditions to fit her own definition of joy [00:51:40] Show & Tell: Camille’s favorite podcasts by women [00:54:10] Camille’s recent unsupervised online shopping and life as a newly minted empty nester ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.soulprofessional.com/ GET CAMILLE’'S SPECIAL OFFER: FREE WORKBOOK, A guide on how to become a soul-led business owner and learn to lead your life with purpose! https://www.soulprofessional.com/ 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. 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

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  Episode #248

  Career Change After 50 Trusting Intuition for a New Life with Meryl Hayton

  Sep 22, 202644 minS2

  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 Meryl Hayton about embracing radical inner change, following intuition, and reinventing life after decades in the same career. Based in a vibrant beach community in New Jersey, Meryl shares her journey from salon owner to inner peace specialist, exploring the intersection of spirituality, self-development, and creating a life aligned with her deepest desires. Listeners will discover the power of small, intuitive decisions, overcoming fear of the unknown, and practical steps for transforming burnout into renewed purpose and joy. About Meryl Hayton: Meryl Hayton is an Inner Peace Specialist, Advanced Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500). As the creator of The Clearing Method, Meryl has spent years refining an integrative approach to healing that addresses the mind, body, and subtle energy field. Main Topics Covered: How following intuition—rather than logistics—drove Meryl's biggest life changes and career reinvention. The emotional challenges of closing a 28-year brick-and-mortar business and saying goodbye to loyal clients. Discovering and integrating practices like yoga, energy healing, and EFT tapping for personal transformation and supporting others. Facing financial fear, letting go of security, and building trust in uncertainty during major transitions. The physical and emotional tolls of service work, and the necessity of self-care and boundary setting. The power of micro-decisions and support—from yoga teachers to business coaches—to make impossible-seeming dreams (like moving to the Jersey Shore) attainable. How Meryl’s daily life and mindset shifted from fear to freedom, connection, and self-trust after embracing her new path. Why sharing her story is essential for inspiring others to take courageous steps toward their own growth, even when the path is messy and non-linear. Quote from the Episode: "You really do have a choice, right? You do have a choice to stay stuck where you're at, or you have the choice to take the leap to really what you want to do or be." — Meryl Hayton Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Amy welcomes Meryl Hayton; New Jersey beach life and what home means01:17 Meryl’s career origins—creativity, familial expectations, and early choices after loss04:07 The impact of her father’s passing and reorienting career ambition06:57 Realizations: grief, intuition, and how loss shaped her freedom08:21 Building a salon business from scratch and sustaining it for nearly three decades10:11 The decision to close the salon, burnout, and the journey to becoming a yoga teacher12:27 Spiritual awakening, training in mind-body medicine, and discovering EFT tapping16:01 The sequence: closing the salon, a physical injury, and learning to trust the next right step18:07 Turning dreams into reality—testing life at the shore and finally making the big move22:22 How long change really takes: fears, financial worries, loyalty, and letting go27:44 Why the salon industry can be so physically and emotionally taxing29:49 Transitioning fully to coaching, energy healing, and yoga instruction29:53 How life, mindset, and relationships look now—living from trust, joy, and abundance33:58 Why sharing this journey matters: inspiring others to take leaps, big and small35:04 Identifying the very first small step that set transformation in motion36:03 Meryl Hayton’s special offer: The Clearing Method Workbook and how to connect37:00 Show & Tell: podcast recommendation (“Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus)38:26 Unsupervised online shopping and the magic of cacao ceremonies41:18 Amy’s wrap-up, audience invitation, and show credits ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.merylhayton.com/ MERYL'S SPECIAL OFFER: The Clearing Method Workbook - A Self Care Guide to Happier Healthier Relationships and More Joy in Your Life. It's free for everyone with a $47 value because of its evergreen life long use. https://mailchi.mp/bd554dfe90df/ycy7syhk6b 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. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting 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

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  Episode #246

  Unexpected Job Loss and Finding Purpose with Charnisse Thompson

  Sep 8, 202640 minS2

  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 Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting 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 In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Charnisse Thompson about the connection between career upheaval, personal identity, and rediscovering passion after a layoff. Based in the Northeast, where she enjoys the vibrancy of major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, Charnisse shares how being laid off from her dream job led her to pursue a long-held love for fashion. The conversation uncovers her journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming a fashion stylist and entrepreneur, exploring the mindset shifts, financial realities, and self-permission needed to start over. Listeners will gain insights on resilience, redefining success, and embracing career pivots as gateways to renewed confidence and purpose. About Charnisse Thompson: Charnisse Thompson is a fashion stylist, personal style mentor, author, and founder of Maison Charnisse, a personal styling and fashion education brand dedicated to helping women reconnect with confidence through style. Through virtual styling services, digital guides, and practical fashion education, she helps women navigate body changes, life transitions, and wardrobe disconnects with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. After an unexpected career pivot led her to pursue her lifelong passion for fashion, Charnisse launched Maison Charnisse to empower women to show up confidently as themselves. She is also the author of Girl, Dress the Body You've Got and believes personal style can be a powerful tool for self-trust, confidence, and transformation. Main Topics Covered: The emotional impact of unexpected layoffs and the myth of job security Realities of financial preparedness, severance, and navigating major life changes solo Reframing traditional notions of success and identity beyond job titles How attending a women’s empowerment conference unlocked self-permission to pursue entrepreneurship The steps and mindset required to turn a lifelong passion for fashion and styling into a business Building a personal brand: from giving friends style advice to establishing Maison Charnise Practical support and confidence for women navigating wardrobe changes during life transitions The importance of a supportive network and starting before everything feels “perfect” Quote from the Episode: "I always thought that everything needed to be perfect in order to start a business.I learned so much at that conference that it doesn't have to be perfect. You just have to just start." — Charnisse Thompson Timestamps: [00:00:19] Introduction to Charnisse and the themes of career and personal identity [00:01:48] Charnisse’s origin story: from a medical school dream to pharmaceutical sales [00:04:43] The expectation of lifelong employment and the corporate “dream company” [00:05:12] The shock of layoff despite high performance and support system reassurances [00:08:13] Facing a layoff solo: emergency funds, severance, and financial mindset [00:10:18] Giving herself permission to pursue a passion for fashion after a pivotal women’s conference [00:13:09] The influence of entrepreneurial friends and the value of a supportive circle [00:14:22] Balancing a new business alongside a 9-to-5 job and redefining reliance on corporate work [00:16:41] Realizing the instability of corporate security and considering entrepreneurship as an option [00:17:12] Breaking free from the belief that starting something on the side requires permission [00:19:35] From sketchbooks to styling: the evolution of Maison Charnise [00:21:53] The role of a personal stylist and the emotional side of shopping and wardrobe consulting [00:26:44] Shifting identity from corporate job titles to entrepreneur and author [00:27:31] Redefining success beyond the “American dream” and celebrating small wins [00:30:19] How Charnisse introduces herself now—embracing multifaceted success [00:31:32] Final advice: Start before you’re ready, see a layoff as a potential blessing, and don’t wait for permission [00:33:16] Overview of Maison Charnise, services, and Charnisse’s book “Girl, Dress the Body You’ve Got” [00:34:20] Free Style Reset guide offer and how to connect with Charnisse [00:35:37] Book recommendation: "The Game of Life and How to Play It" [00:36:23] Unsupervised online shopping confession: thigh-high boots for fall [00:37:01] Wrap-up and gratitude for sharing a story of transformation through career change 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. These are conversations 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.maisoncharnisse.com GET CHARNISSE'S SPECIAL OFFER: Name of the product offered: The Style Reset The Style Reset is a free style and confidence guide designed for women navigating change, reinvention, or a new season of life. Through five intentional style shifts, it helps women reconnect with confidence, embrace who they are becoming, and create a wardrobe that reflects their current life, not a past version of themselves. Normally $27 Special offer for podcast listeners (free, discounted, or coupon code): Download at: https://maisoncharnisse.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1f8fe2e8d61f8e6bca1b0a57e&id=129bb482ff No code required. 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. 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

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  Episode #245

  Embracing Change and Authenticity After Divorce with Paige Lavelle

  Sep 1, 202650 minS2

  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 Paige Lavelle about letting go of the “picture-perfect life” to pursue true self-discovery and authenticity. Paige, who now lives in Rochester, New York, opens up about leaving behind a carefully curated adult existence to confront her dissatisfaction and embark on a journey of rebuilding. She shares candidly about cultural and family expectations, breaking away from perfectionism, and what it takes to publicly own our most difficult transformations. About Paige Lavelle: Paige Lavell is the author of Invisibly Unwell and host of the Invisibly Unwell podcast. She is also a fintech leader with over 18 years of experience working for companies including Etsy, Meta, Block, and PayPal. Through Invisibly Unwell, Paige explores chronic illness beyond wellness culture and the quiet suffering masked by achievement, perfectionism, and the pressure to keep it all together. Main Topics Covered: Why the “picture-perfect life” doesn’t guarantee happiness—and how societal, family, and cultural conditioning shape our adult choices The hidden misery behind checking all the right boxes: graduate degree, career, marriage, and home ownership Signs and symptoms of internal discomfort: boredom, lack of fulfillment, and wishing for “external” reasons to make big life changes Navigating pushback, judgment, and projections from friends and family after making unconventional choices, especially divorce The role of therapy and self-reflection in identifying true needs versus surface-level fixes (diet, wellness, decor) The non-linear, often uncomfortable process of self-discovery: trying on new identities, moving, and re-evaluating relationships Building a new life on your own terms: cultivating authentic friendships, trying new things, and facing loneliness and doubt Shifting from private struggle to public sharing: why Paige writes and podcasts about invisible health challenges and difficult transitions Quote from the Episode: “What I used to think was my own little special mixture of issues was not so special. Obviously we all have unique stories and unique circumstances, but there was definitely this underlying theme of women I met who were just going through this period or had gotten past this period of, like, is this really what I want?” —Paige Lavelle Timestamps: [00:00:19] Welcome and greetings from Rochester, NY; Paige on appreciating family, convenience, and this life chapter [00:03:10] Defining “picture-perfect”: owning a home, marriage, career, but feeling unfulfilled [00:05:18] Sources of the ideal: family, being “eldest daughter,” and cultural pressure toward conventional success [00:09:40] Signs of hidden misery: boredom, longing for more, self-doubt, and fantasizing about escape [00:12:31] Realization in therapy and wishing for something to end her marriage “for” her [00:16:20] Making the leap: divorce, moving, and the resulting feedback from friends, family, and others [00:18:18] Facing judgment tied to religion, family, and societal expectations about marriage and divorce [00:21:07] Attempts at self-discovery: going down the “wellness” rabbit hole before confronting deeper truths [00:24:22] Starting over: healing, moving “home,” re-evaluating friendships and self [00:31:03] The reality of rebuilding: finding solid friendships, facing singles/dating world, exploring new interests like yoga [00:34:51] Doubt, loneliness, and the emotional cost of transformation [00:37:25] Choosing to go public: shedding the stigma of invisible struggle and helping others feel seen [00:42:27] Paige’s recommendation: the ritual and mental escape of watching Jeopardy [00:44:28] Favorite online purchases: Lovevery toddler toys and a whole house water filter—small wins that matter 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. These are conversations 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.invisiblyunwell.com/ Invisibly Unwell Podcast https://feeds.simplecast.com/JI1lSIgc Invisibly Unwell Memoir https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9781990700972 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. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting 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

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  Episode #244

  Debt, Shame and Being Honest About Finances with Julian Kohlbrand

  Aug 25, 202653 minS2

  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 Julian Kohlbrand about navigating six figures of consumer debt, financial shame, and the path to authentic money management. Based just outside Seattle, Washington, Julian opens up about her experiences as an economics major, her personal struggles with debt despite a strong financial education, and how her journey led her to both self-acceptance and coaching others. Listeners will hear honest reflections on the emotional weight of debt, the power of open communication, and the practical, values-driven steps Julian took to change her financial future. About Julian Kohlbrand: Julian "Jewlz The Budget Nerd" Kohlbrand is on a mission to empower families to take control of their finances and reclaim their time. Through her coaching practice and podcast, she provides practical advice, actionable strategies, and ADHD-friendly support to help individuals and families achieve their financial dreams. Main Topics Covered: The emotional impact of consumer debt and why shame is so prevalent—even for those with financial know-how. How family values, generational beliefs, and upbringing shape our relationship with money and debt. The disconnect between academic economics and real-life personal finance skills (budgeting, debt management). Communication and transparency in relationships: aligning money philosophies with your partner. The role of ADHD in money management, executive functioning, and day-to-day financial decision-making. Creating actionable, judgment-free plans to dig out from debt—why talking about it is the first step to transformation. Rethinking social spending, boundaries with friends and family, and the tough adjustments that support financial health. Prioritizing values and intentional spending—how to manage your money without feeling deprived. Quote from the Episode: "It just felt like I had put on this backpack that I couldn't let go of. I carried it around with me everywhere. Then one day I said, we can't do this anymore. We have to rip the Band-Aid off. We have to figure this out and get rid of this because this is not how I envisioned my life to be." — Julian Kohlbrand Timestamps: [00:00:22] Julian introduced; Seattle life and love for Western Washington summers [00:01:38] Navigating generational identity and family patterns [00:04:10] Studying economics: college experience and the surprising lack of personal finance education [00:06:19] Choosing not to pursue grad school—financial motivations and career pivots [00:12:54] What qualifies as consumer debt? Differentiating mortgage, student loans, car loans, and credit cards [00:16:00] Real estate commissions, irregular income, prioritizing family over bills, and how debt snowballs [00:19:59] Breaking down the origins and weight of financial shame [00:21:35] The turning point: deciding to face the debt and rebuild as a couple [00:28:09] How talking about debt (and dropping the “backpack”) was key to overcoming shame [00:31:04] The ripple effect on friendships and the need to reset social spending habits [00:34:11] Calculating the true extent of debt years later; importance of facing the numbers [00:37:12] The first actionable steps: emergency savings, redefining what’s an “emergency,” and ongoing communication [00:40:32] Why Julian shares her story publicly: hope for others and the ADHD connection [00:45:15] How Julian helps others as a financial coach (and podcast info: Debt Rebel) [00:46:37] Special offer: free financial self-care journal for listeners [00:47:50] Recommendations—favorite podcast for family nostalgia [00:49:21] Online shopping and intentional splurges: golf clubs, joy, and mindful value-based spending [00:50:38] Closing thoughts on values-based money management and gratitude for community ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/ GET JEWLZ'S SPECIAL OFFER: Financial Self-Care Journal ($27 value) https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/financial-self-care-journal?coupon=IMPERFECT Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting 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

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