The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Mary Alice Stephens about her journey from high-functioning alcoholic housewife to sobriety and self-acceptance. Based in Marin County, California, Mary Alice Stephens shares candid reflections on growing up in a family with a deep culture of drinking, how alcohol shaped her adult social and professional life, and the pivotal moment that led to quitting for good. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone sober-curious, struggling with social anxiety, or navigating recovery—highlighting the emotional transformation and lasting inner peace Mary Alice discovered on the other side of addiction.Mary Alice Stephens is a creative nonfiction storyteller. A former television writer-producer for HGTV, Food Network, and other media outlets, Mary shares her powerful story of alcoholism, recovery, and starting life anew at 45 in her debut book, Uncorked: A Memoir of Letting Go and Starting Over, which was an Amazon #1 new release in both alcoholism recovery and midlife self-help. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Dominican University of California and lives in Northern California.Main Topics Covered:Family dynamics and the impact of generational drinking culture on identity.The connection between alcohol use and social anxiety, especially in adolescent and young adult years.Why high-functioning alcoholism often goes unseen and unaddressed.The emotional patterns underlying compulsive drinking and attempts to “fit in.”How motherhood, social circles, “wine o’clock” culture, and marketing influence women’s relationship with alcohol.The myth of needing alcohol for fun, relaxation, and connection.Breaking through denial: recognizing the “noise” and compulsion around drinking.Mary Alice’s turning point—her emotional “bottom” moment—and the first steps she took towards sobriety.The role of AA, supportive friendships, and the shift to genuine self-acceptance.What life after drinking really looks like: socializing, cravings, and building authentic peace.Quote from the Episode: "It was the first time that I thought quitting would bring relief." — Mary Alice StephensTimestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome and intro; Mary Alice’s Marin County roots[00:00:55] Mary Alice’s approach to planning and organization; past career as a producer[00:01:29] The fabric of family drinking—Irish Catholic traditions and first encounters with alcohol[00:03:54] Family sobriety “lore,” exposure to addiction, and role models[00:05:06] Alcohol as a social coping strategy—high school, college, TV & advertising industry culture[00:07:21] Early awareness of problem drinking; risky behavior and denial[00:08:26] Serious consequences: breaking her back while drinking abroad, denial, and hiding issues[00:09:35] The “happy drunk” vs. other archetypes, and why her habits flew under the radar[00:11:28] Drinking as self-medication—connection, anxiety reduction, grief, loneliness[00:13:24] Childhood social anxiety, disconnection, and perceptions of ease in others[00:16:37] Facing what quitting means—social isolation, mom groups, and the grip of habit[00:21:18] Emotional bottom: blackout in front of kids and the decision to quit[00:23:53] Turning to AA and finding help through community[00:25:00] Understanding alcoholism as compulsion and internal noise[00:27:16] Double standards and gender roles—women, moms, and the marketing of alcohol[00:30:19] The real first step towards sober living[00:32:23] Relief and internal transformation—moving away from shame, anxiety, and mom judgment[00:33:31] Life after alcohol—socializing, cravings, what changes[00:34:46] Favorite sober beverages and handling social situations[00:36:46] Comparing 2010 drinking days to life now—contentment and inner peace[00:38:25] Mary Alice’s book, memoir details, and listener special offer[00:39:25] Fun lightning round—potluck dish, favorite books, self-care splurges, and final goodbyesFree copy of the book to the first person who messages Mary at her instagram account. @maryalicestephenswritesABOUT 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.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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.comIf you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with D'Layne Benson about navigating burnout, self-abandonment, and the transformative power of breathwork for overwhelmed women. D'Layne shares her journey from the ski resort town of Haley, Idaho, highlighting the impact of over-functioning as a nurse, the emotional toll of family demands, and the personal reckoning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This conversation is packed with actionable insight on nervous system regulation, finding joy, and creating boundaries—key lessons for anyone feeling stretched too thin.D'Layne Benson is a former nurse turned nurse coach and breathwork facilitator, devoted to helping perfectionist, people-pleasing, and overachieving women move from overwhelm to balance, joy, and self-acceptance. Based in Idaho, she draws on her own experience of burnout, family caregiving, and personal growth to support women in uncovering their patterns and building tailored strategies for healing. D'Layne offers both group breathwork classes and one-to-one coaching, specializing in trauma-informed, transformative methods for nervous system regulation.Main Topics Covered:Caring for others vs. caring for yourself: How self-abandonment develops and shows up in high-achieving womenThe realities of burnout as a nurse in rural and pandemic-era IdahoUnderstanding the freeze response and nervous system dysregulation beyond “fight or flight”Breaking patterns of people-pleasing and perfectionism, especially at midlifeThe intersection of personal upheaval (career, health, family illness) and hormonal changes (perimenopause)How breathwork can foster insight, healing, and tangible emotional releaseSteps for moving from overwhelm to joy: list-making, boundaries, and intentional transitionsThe value of finding fun, building presence, and redefining achievement beyond productivityQuote from the Episode: "I was trying to control my husband, I was trying to control my stepson, I was helicopter momming him, I was trying to control my in-laws, I was trying to control my parents. I was trying to control every aspect of life. ... While I felt the control was giving me safety, it was actually the thing that was keeping me from living a beautiful life and thriving." — D'Layne BensonTimestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting; D'Layne’s Idaho mountain home[00:01:21] Motivation and how to find the fun in tough projects[00:02:55] List-making, overwhelm, and the power of single-task focus[00:05:33] Life before the pandemic: nursing, family setup, and being “the rock”[00:09:44] Family relationships: husband’s brain injuries, stepson, and self-development[00:14:13] Everything collapsing: pandemic stress, family illness, perimenopause[00:19:34] Why nursing and “helping” became an identity; childhood patterns of achievement and abandonment[00:26:50] Freeze response explained: hidden anxiety in high-performing women[00:32:11] Journey to breathwork: when self-help shifted from helping others to herself[00:39:29] Breakthrough in breathwork: realizing control and safety patterns[00:43:11] Explaining transformative breathwork vs. “just taking a deep breath”[00:47:34] What life looks like now: presence, intention, and happiness after transformation[00:51:27] D'Layne’s current work, virtual breathwork classes, and where to find her[00:54:24] Special listener offer: free live breathwork class (code: imperfectadulting)[00:54:10] Final lightning round: streaming apps, grocery cravings, best social media buy[00:56:06] Closing thank you and reflection on the episodeABOUT 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: [Guest Name]'s website and social media linksGET D’Layne Benson’s SPECIAL OFFER: Free Virtual Transformative Breathwork Class Use code IMPERFECTADULTING at checkout to join one live breathwork class of your choice — completely free. https://linktr.ee/dlaynebensonwellness?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=16708a11-6fed-4dc3-a19c-a46b7ad33c66Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadultingIf 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.comIf you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Joanna Lilley about supporting young adults who are struggling in college and navigating transitional moments in early adulthood. Joanna, based in Traverse City, Michigan, shares her experience as a therapeutic consultant working with students who step away from college, as well as the challenges faced by their parents. Joanna offers actionable insights for parents navigating this stage, highlights the developmental shifts in emerging adulthood, and discusses her journey from higher education to entrepreneurship.About Joanna Lilley: Since 2016, Lilley Consulting has been helping young adults (18+) find mental health, substance use, and wellness resources.  Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel in college or aren’t thriving in adulthood. She also hosts the “Success is Subjective” podcast, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.Main Topics Covered:The realities and pressures facing college students—including mental health, substance use, and identity formation.Why stepping away from college isn't a failure, and how families can reframe this experience for growth.The impact of technology and social media on young adult connection, comparison, and wellbeing.How parents can support their young adults with boundaries, communication, and community—especially when navigating house rules and independence.Joanna’s story: The pivotal moment when a student asked for direct help and how it led her to launch her consulting practice.Why stigma, secrecy, and “highlight reel” culture make it difficult for families to seek support when young adults struggle.The business side of helping families: Joanna’s role as a therapeutic consultant, speaking to both parents and young adults as distinct clients.The importance of community for parents of young adults—resources, vulnerability, and how to find safe spaces.Quote from the Episode: “It really begins with a reflection. Last year, how did things go? What are the areas that I want to work on? ... It starts with the reflection first and foremost to get that baseline and then identify kind of the visioning for change for the future.”— Joanna LilleyTimestamps: [00:00:06] Amy greets Joanna Lilley, who calls Traverse City, Michigan home. [00:01:19] Joanna discusses her approach to fresh starts rooted in self-reflection. [00:02:39] Joanna explains her former role as a college success coach and involvement in a suspension deferral program for students with substance issues. [00:04:37] Joanna describes her non-linear path into higher ed and passion for supporting young adults. [00:09:58] Joanna defines her current practice: helping “stepping away” college students—and why college isn’t for everyone. [00:12:21] The perfect storm facing today’s young adults: autonomy, connection, and the impact of tech and social media. [00:19:35] Tips for parents: shifting to a “parenting young adults” mindset, setting collaborative house rules. [00:23:50] The vulnerability and isolation of parents whose children struggle; finding supportive communities. [00:25:29] Joanna’s “lightning bolt” moment—helping a student who had been suspended and how institutional limitations inspired her business model. [00:31:01] Joanna navigates the intersection of service and entrepreneurship, helping parents and young adults. [00:39:20] Joanna’s official business description, what therapeutic consulting looks like, and how to get in touch. [00:41:26] Fun Questions: Joanna shares her passion for metalsmithing and a joyful home improvement. [00:44:29] Closing thanks and episode wrap-up.Connect with the guest: https://lilleyconsulting.com/ 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—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.Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Penny Rose about the wild adventure of downsizing, embracing nomadic living, and designing a work-life balance fueled by intention and financial freedom. Penny shares her journey from a packed 1,640 square foot “sticks-and-bricks” house to 250 square feet on wheels, revealing the joys, logistical hurdles, and inner mindset shifts that paved the way for her and her husband’s life on the road.About the Guest:Penny is a CPA who helps multi-six-figure creative business owners gain financial confidence, make fearless decisions, and unlock the freedom they crave. Her journey began not in a business school, but in a high-stakes, freedom-limiting career as a forensic accountant at the FBI. While chained to a traditional office, she knew that to achieve true location and time freedom, she had to build a bulletproof financial system for her own remote business. She successfully created that system, and it became her escape plan.Main Topics Covered:Why Penny and her husband downsized and chose the RV lifestyle—including insurance headaches and financial motivations.The planning, mindset, and logistical challenges of letting go of stuff, brick-and-mortar commitments, and local ties.Emotional resilience in the face of change and feedback from friends/community.The nuts and bolts of RV living: creating new traditions, maintaining community remotely, and the realities of “traveling too fast.”Domiciling in Florida and the tax/legal intricacies for nomads and creators.How Penny’s business “Penny in Your Pocket” supports influencers and travel creators with sound financial strategy—and her new micro podcast and online course for beginners.Quote from the Episode:“We obviously weren't using our space for very much besides storing stuff, stuff that we couldn't even get to... Once I met someone, I'm not only maintaining contact, I'm growing the community as I meet more people.” — Penny RoseTimestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome & where Penny calls home (Orlando, FL—and half the year on the road)[00:01:11] New Year’s traditions and Jeep culture[00:02:43] First RV night: breaking free at the end of 2019[00:03:26] Dreaming, planning, and facing “sticks and bricks” hassles[00:07:52] Financial and emotional motivation for hitting the road[00:09:00] How much stuff? Merging homes and the problem of “too much”[00:10:59] Cutting other ties—work, clubs, church, and setting a departure deadline[00:13:23] Early retirement timing and the role of benefits[00:17:12] Downsizing method and COVID-era logistics; avoiding the storage unit trap[00:20:13] Emotional vs. logistical challenge of letting go[00:22:59] Community response: safety concerns, admiration, and surprise[00:26:41] RV travel rhythm: “living” vs. “touristing,” building connection across states[00:31:13] Domiciling 101: Florida, Texas, South Dakota, and tax homes[00:34:43] Maintaining community online and in-person as a nomad[00:37:56] Boundaries while working and traveling; not “traveling too fast”[00:41:01] RV park favorites and growing new traditions[00:43:58] How Penny’s work supports creators staying on the road[00:46:53] Penny’s new micro podcast and online course for influencer finances[00:51:31] Favorite RV kitchen gadget—a countertop dishwasher![00:53:27] Podcast recommendation: Ramit Sethi’s Money for Couples[00:54:14] What makes RV life “homey”: a cherished quilt from Penny’s grandmotherConnect with the Guest:Website: https://pennyinyourpocketcpa.com/Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Laura Ericson about the bold journey of leaving a secure career to build an adventurous life and business around world travel. From her base in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (when she's actually home!), Laura details her transformation from director at a technical college to the founder of a thriving group travel company, designing immersive cultural experiences for curious adults. Listeners will walk away inspired by Laura’s candid perspective on divorce, navigating uncertainty, and the practicalities (and emotion) of starting over to pursue a more aligned and exciting life.About Laura Ericson:Laura Ericson is the founder of Laura Ericson Group Trips, a boutique travel company specializing in transformational experiences to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Morocco, India, Kenya, and Cuba. After spending 14 years in higher education leadership, she made the leap to entrepreneurship at 34, turning her post-divorce wanderlust into a business that has taken over 230 travelers to 9 countries. Laura believes in "Type 2 Fun"—those experiences that might suck in the moment but become your best stories later—and is passionate about responsible travel that gives back to local communities. She lives in Wisconsin (yes, really) and has a concerning habit of getting travel tattoos in foreign countries despite swearing she won't after each one.Main Topics Covered:Rethinking New Year’s resolutions: why personal growth isn’t tied to the calendar.The realities and misconceptions of technical colleges vs. four-year universities—and the impact on careers and debt.How divorce, solo travel, and the pandemic sparked Laura’s business transformation.Recognizing when you’re “playing it safe” in life—and how to awaken your adventurous spirit.The emotional process of leaving a secure job for entrepreneurial uncertainty.Overcoming fear: taking real steps (not just dreaming) toward career change.Building community and belonging for solo travelers craving authentic, meaningful adventure.Tangible travel hacks for life on the road—from luggage scales to navigating lost bags.Quote from the Episode: “A lot of people who get divorced, like, see it as the end of their life. I see it as the end of your life as you know it and the opportunity to start over.” — Laura EricsonTimestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & Laura’s rare appearance at home in Eau Claire, WI[00:00:35] New Year’s resolutions and perpetual goal-setting[00:02:29] Laura’s 14-year career in higher education and the decision to leave[00:03:42] The gap between studying and career path; value of technical college[00:13:21] Major life change: divorce, personal transition, and the pandemic’s impact[00:18:38] Rediscovering adventure through solo travel—and launching a group travel business[00:33:08] The logistics and fear of quitting a stable job[00:35:03] The power of the “decision moment” in career change[00:41:20] Starting a business with nothing but a passion for travel[00:46:36] What Laura Ericson Group Trips is—and who it serves[00:49:29] Favorite travel hacks, books, podcasts, and travel mishapsJoin the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally