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 #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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  Episode #243

  Finding Support in the Postpartum Experience with Kristen Smith

  Aug 18, 202646 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 Kristin Smith about the power of hard-won resilience, career pivots, and building a family-focused business from personal struggle. Kristin, based in Western Massachusetts, shares her journey from becoming a mother at age 19 in New York City to founding a nationwide postpartum care company. Listeners will take away insights on early motherhood, overcoming isolation, and the steps to turning life’s hardest moments into entrepreneurial fuel. About Kristin Smith: Kristin Smith is the founder of Well Supported Family, a newborn care and postpartum support agency with a national presence that connects families with experienced caregivers during the early stages of parenthood. She began her career as a professional nanny, and in 2008, she was named Nanny of the Year by Family Helpers, and the following year she was selected as a finalist for ABC’s America’s Supernanny. Main Topics Covered: The profound impact of becoming a mother at a young age, and how it changed Kristin’s life trajectory Experiences of postpartum isolation—even in the middle of a big city and while working in childcare The practical and emotional micro-decisions involved in leaving an unsupportive relationship and starting over Turning personal challenges in early motherhood into a meaningful, sustainable career as a doula and eventually entrepreneur Building and scaling a postpartum support business (now Well Supported Family) from solo practice to a national team serving diverse families The logistics and realities of growing a service business as a single mother, with the help of family and later, a supportive partner Embracing bold choices, learning from mistakes, and cultivating confidence as a self-taught business owner Encouragement that it’s possible to find joy and purpose in work, and that past choices don’t define one’s future potential Quote from the Episode: "I just always had the mentality of go big or go home... I have to have the ability to kind of sit back within my own company and hand off all the tasks that I don't want to do so I can enjoy life. Because I've worked so hard and so long and put so many blood, sweat, and tears into this that I gotta make this bigger than it is." — Kristin Smith Timestamps: [00:00:19] Kristin’s introduction and life in Western Massachusetts [00:01:38] Identifying as a Millennial and early life plans [00:02:35] Nearly joining the military and pivoting to nanny work in NYC [00:05:27] Experience of moving alone to New York and early motherhood [00:08:01] Raising a newborn with minimal support and returning home [00:09:34] Mindset and decision-making when isolated postpartum [00:12:03] Reflection on giving her partner a “fair shot” for her daughter’s sake [00:15:12] In-depth exploration of postpartum isolation—even with a childcare background [00:18:13] Career pivots: training as an EMT, postpartum doula, home birth midwife, and starting solo practice [00:22:09] The realities of balancing overnight client work and single motherhood [00:24:58] Growing a solo practice into a team and national agency (Nightingale Night Nurses/Well Supported Family) [00:28:33] First steps in hiring, business learning curve, and problem-solving through mistakes [00:34:21] Kristin’s motivations for building a larger business and desire to help more families [00:36:34] Kristin’s advice—on redefining yourself after setbacks, and building a joyful career [00:38:23] About Well Supported Family: services, who they serve, and how to connect [00:40:50] Kristin’s current TV recommendation and favorite purchase for new parents 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://wellsupportedfamily.com/ 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 #242

  Redesigning Life for Family with Kimberly Tara

  Aug 11, 202647 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 Kimberly Tara about navigating career pivots, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing family life with professional ambition. Kimberly Tara is based in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimberly shares her journey from aspiring chemical engineer to CPA firm owner. Listeners will gain insight into the pressures of high achievement, handling burnout, the challenges of growing a business while raising four young kids, and the confidence required to own both your finances and your dreams. About Kimberly Tara: Kimberly Tara is a CPA, Certified Tax Coach, author, podcast host and founder of The Tara CPA firm and TaxMove. She's also a wife and mom to four amazing kiddos all born in 5 and a half years (no twins!). She's on a mission to help profitable business owners have access to reliable tax strategy, so they can actually use their business to pay less taxes instead of more. Kimberly believes that the definition of success isn't about more money, it's about making the most of what you have on your terms. Main Topics Covered: Pivoting from chemical engineering to accounting mid-college: decision-making and overcoming feelings of failure. The realities of financial planning and debt after changing majors. Choosing between corporate career tracks and entrepreneurship, and how observing workplace role models can clarify life priorities. Experiencing and identifying burnout as a high-achieving parent and business owner. Transitioning from solopreneur to building and leading a team, including the operational and mindset shifts required. The societal pressures on women to “do it all,” people-pleasing, and the importance of setting boundaries. Strategies for sustainable business growth, scalable systems, and redefining personal and professional success. Empowering women to take charge of their finances and believe in their ability to thrive as business owners. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Show intro; Kimberly’s move from New Orleans to Charlotte, NC, and what she loves about it [00:00:44] Reflections on generational identity and why it matters for the conversation [00:02:39] Original college plans: chemical engineering, internships, and the hard pivot to accounting [00:04:25] The emotional process of changing majors and facing internalized feelings of failure [00:06:51] Financial impacts of switching majors, scholarships lost, and student debt [00:08:14] Starting a new career in public accounting; the importance of the CPA credential [00:09:39] Why Kimberly chose a medium-sized firm over the Big 4 [00:13:29] The partnership track in accounting and a moment of clarity: witnessing a manager balance work and motherhood [00:16:39] Choosing personal over professional milestones; how representation informs life decisions [00:22:04] Early career burnout, and feeling pressured to perform in every life role [00:27:17] The ongoing influence of people-pleasing and perfectionism [00:30:26] Deciding whether to stay small or grow the firm; math, motherhood, and management [00:35:35] The operational reboot: packages, team-building, and shifting systems to support scale [00:39:45] Why Kimberly shares her story—empowering women in business and financial confidence [00:41:11] Redefining business ownership for freelancers and digital creators [00:42:25] Kimberly’s recommended read: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” [00:43:30] Favorite practical purchase: The Dyson stick vacuum [00:44:53] Amy’s wrap-up, how to join the community, and podcast closing notes 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://taracpafirm.com or https://taxmove.io GET KIMBERLY TARA'S SPECIAL OFFER: Name: Free Tax Savings Calculator Description: Find out how much you're overpaying on business incomes taxes Value: Free Link: https://taxmove.io 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 #241

  Stand-up Comedy and Embracing Creative Risks with Lisa Reid

  Aug 4, 202642 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 Leisa Reid about facing fears and stepping onto the stand-up comedy stage for the first time as an adult. Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, CA, Leisa shares how she challenged her self-doubt, pushed personal boundaries, and translated her background in public speaking into a one-night-only comedy experience. Listeners will discover how leaning into discomfort can spark transformation, why resisting an opportunity can be a sign to pursue it, and the behind-the-scenes process of writing and performing a stand-up set. About Leisa Reid: Leisa Reid is known as The Speaking Strategy Mentor and is the Founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now™ and the CEO of the International Speaker Network™. Having delivered over 600 talks and authored 9 books, Leisa has helped business owners scale their impact beyond 1:1- through the power of speaking. She believes speaking isn’t just about giving a talk; it’s about creating a consistent strategy to get booked, stay booked, and attract clients for the lifetime of your business. Leisa is passionate about showing experts how to use speaking as a serious revenue pathway, without the pressure of being perfect or “salesy.” Her down-to-earth approach and proven system empower business owners to confidently share their message, grow their business, and make the impact they were born to create. Quote from the Episode: “There’s no one who can do your pushups for you when you’re on stage. It is you, you, and you, baby. And it can feel scary. It can feel vulnerable, but that’s also the juicy part of it.” — Leisa Reid Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to the show & what listeners can expect [00:00:41] Leisa’s home in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and what she loves about it [00:01:36] Generation identifier and connecting with the Gen X audience [00:02:21] How few people actually knew about Leisa’s stand-up comedy venture [00:03:44] Leisa’s lifelong resistance to stand-up comedy and why she thought it was the scariest speaking format [00:05:07] Quick-wittedness versus planned jokes; discovering personal comedic style [00:06:42] The story behind Leisa being invited — and initially refusing — to perform stand-up [00:08:26] Setting a personal deadline: making stand-up her birthday event [00:09:04] Why strong resistance sometimes means it’s time to say yes [00:12:20] Coaching preparations, writing struggles, and tailoring comedy to her true voice [00:16:07] Researching and choosing the right open mic environment [00:18:04] Doing a dry run and the contrast of performing for strangers versus a supportive crowd [00:19:25] Audience reactions and support from friends and family [00:21:12] Will Leisa keep doing comedy? Writing new material and documenting ideas [00:24:02] Stand-up comedy as a hobby, not a new career—balancing enjoyment and practicality [00:25:28] Reflecting on how trying comedy impacted Leisa’s confidence, life, and relationships [00:27:17] Hopes for listeners: pushing through discomfort and sharing your unique brilliance [00:28:32] Exploring vulnerability, fear, and the “safe, risky yes” in adult growth [00:30:09] Leisa’s professional work helping entrepreneurs craft their signature talks [00:33:07] Changing fears of public speaking and how social dynamics have shifted [00:36:04] Special offer for listeners: Leisa’s tips for public speaking and booking gigs [00:36:54] Leisa’s podcast/media recommendations and a lighthearted discussion of favorite shows 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://GetSpeakingGigsNow.com GET LEISA'S SPECIAL OFFER: Want speaking gigs? Get FREE Access to the “5 Top Tips to Get Speaking Gigs Now™” Link to ACCESS: https://GetSpeakingGigsNow.com/tips $97 Value 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 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 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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Recent guests on The Art Of Imperfect Adulting. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.