The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Chicago-based Valerie Friedlander about how intentional choices, including something as small as changing the music you listen to, can lead to major life shifts. Valerie opens up about her journey from family dynamics shaped by addiction, to her self-awareness breakthroughs in college, and her long-standing love affair with music as a tool for emotional processing and personal growth.

About the Guest:

Valerie Friedlander is a certified life coach, podcast host of Mindset Unlimited, and lifelong Chicagoan with deep roots in music, creativity, and self-development. Valerie is passionate about supporting women through life and career transitions, helping them unpack old patterns and create empowered, intentional lives. She offers coaching, workshops, and a powerful Energy Leadership Index assessment.

Main Topics Covered:

• Valerie’s roots in Chicago and her family’s musical legacy.
• The ripple effect of growing up in a family impacted by addiction and recovery.
• Why music is both an emotional touchstone and a tool for moving through difficult feelings.
• Valerie’s “epiphany moment” realizing she could make different choices about the soundtrack of her life—and what that symbolized for bigger life changes.
• The importance of intentionality, pausing before responding, and recognizing where we do (and don’t) have agency.
• Navigating relationships, boundaries, and self-awareness from college through adulthood.
• Playlists, parenting, technology, and evolving ways to connect with others.
• The distinction between self-reflection for growth and unhelpful self-judgment about past choices.
• How Valerie brings these insights to her coaching practice.

Quote from the Episode:

“I can choose what I resonate with and what serves me... I can choose not to stay there. I can choose to do things that allow me more room in my experience.” — Valerie Friedlander

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Introductions, Chicago roots, and indigenous land acknowledgments

[00:02:17] Valerie's love of celebrating with food and cake-making adventures

[00:04:03] How music—and Amy Mann’s “Magnolia” soundtrack—became the soundtrack to a pivotal life shift

[00:13:48] College, codependency, family recovery, and the toolbox of self-help

[00:20:50] The power of self-awareness and talking it out loud

[00:32:38] Navigating relationships with pause, consent, and intention

[00:40:27] Curating music, playlists, and the power of intentional emotional shifts

[00:44:27] Self-reflection, choices, and patterns across adulting

[00:55:24] Valerie’s coaching philosophy and how to connect

[00:57:38] Final fun questions: movement, research, and connection styles

Special Offer from the Guest:

The Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) Assessment. Normally $375. Use the code IMPERFECT for 60% off. https://valeriefriedlander.com/AdultingELI

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.

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.

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Connecticut based Karen C.L. Anderson about her decision to go “no contact” with a parent, the impact of childhood trauma and shame, and the path to healing and self-acceptance. Karen shares her own story of estrangement from her mother, breaking generational cycles, and creating a life rooted in intentional identity and boundaries.

About the Guest:

Karen C.L. Anderson is an author, coach, and sought-after voice in the field of mother-daughter relationships. Her latest book, You Are Not Your Mother, and her coaching practice help adult daughters and mothers understand and shift family patterns, recover from shame, and create healthier boundaries. Karen brings a blend of lived experience, deep empathy, and practical wisdom to the conversation.

Main Topics Covered:

• The slow, complicated process of deciding to go no contact with a parent
• Childhood trauma, neglect, and learning about shame
• Estrangement, cultural expectations, and family “rules”
• The emotional aftermath and healing that unfolds after setting boundaries
• Understanding nervous system responses, enmeshment, and generational cycles
• How new frameworks—including coaching and intentional identity—can change your relationship with shame
• The difference between reconciliation, boundaries, and acceptance

Quote from the Episode:

“I was trying and trying and trying and also thinking, well, there must be something wrong with me that I can't seem to get along with my mom... And then, I remember getting an email from her that said that she was disappointed in the person that I'd become. And it was like a knife in the heart.” — Karen C.L. Anderson

Timestamps:

[00:00:10] Welcome, where Karen calls home, and unconventional ways of celebrating

[00:01:27] Decision to cut off contact with her mom—process, context, and terminology

[00:04:47] Family structure, siblings, and growing up in blended families

[00:05:41] Parental loss and the compounding grief of estrangement

[00:07:28] Painful turning point: “I never felt safe with my mom”

[00:16:07] Substance abuse, neglect, and lack of support in childhood

[00:19:32] Adult friendship/enmeshment, codependency, and nervous system responses

[00:22:10] Recognizing shame—Brené Brown and the awakening to inner narratives

[00:24:33] Modalities and self-development: what helped (and what didn’t)

[00:29:50] Setting a boundary: the practicalities and emotional fallout of no contact

[00:36:02] Long-term impact, breaking generational cycles, and finding contentment

[00:38:18] Karen’s work helping adult daughters and/or mothers heal and set boundaries

[00:41:09] Fun quick questions—morning routines, favorite books, and Italian ice

Karen’s Book is on Amazon and Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9781684812660

https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Your-Mother/dp/1684812666

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.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Emily Guerra. Emily is a Los Angeles native, productivity coach, and founder of The Productivity Flow. The conversation is about navigating unexpected career upheaval, redefining family support systems, and finding mindful balance amid major life transitions. Emily shares her journey from collegiate event planner with a clear path, to a pandemic-induced detour that led her to entrepreneurship and personal growth. Through candid stories about living with ADHD, family dynamics, and pivoting careers, Emily offers hope, perspective, and practical advice for anyone facing life’s curveballs.

About the Guest:

Emily Guerra is a lifelong Angeleno and founder of The Productivity Flow. With a background in event planning, a passion for systems and mindfulness, and lived experience managing ADHD, Emily now helps individuals and entrepreneurs design balanced, sustainable, and productive lives—especially in the new era of hybrid and work-from-home routines.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the sudden loss of a planned career due to the pandemic
• Re-examining family support systems and expectations as a young adult
• Transitioning from event planning to launching a freelance business during lockdown
• The interplay between ADHD, systems creation, and productivity
• Building resilience, gratitude, and self-advocacy through therapy and coaching
• How the new work-from-home paradigm demands rethinking productivity and boundaries
• Importance of strong peer, family, and community support networks in young adulthood

Quote from the Episode:

"I need to take back control of my life. Like, this is ridiculous. I've really given all of my power away. I am placing blame on everyone but myself. And I need to take some accountability and, like, actually get my act together and see what I am able to do." — Emily Guerra

Timestamps:

[00:00:04] Emily’s LA roots, pandemic career plans, and rituals for transitioning from work to downtime

[00:04:41] Event planning background, childhood influences, and love for systems

[00:10:54] How COVID changed her graduation, forced moves, and revealed family realities

[00:16:19] Emotional impact of losing parental safety nets and therapy breakthroughs

[00:23:08] Reclaiming agency: from stuck to entrepreneurial action

[00:26:10] Navigating support, FOMO, and digital community during lockdown

[00:29:20] Launching a social media freelance business—and shifting to productivity coaching

[00:34:23] The through-line of systems and work-life balance

[00:38:05] Revisiting event planning and choosing self-employment

[00:40:11] Why old productivity advice doesn’t work in the work-from-home era

[00:42:12] Emily’s current offerings, community, and special session for listeners

[00:43:41] Final fun questions: LA weather, Justin Bieber, and event planner etiquette

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.

Special Offer from the Guest:

A Product: Productivity Alignment Session. We'll uncover what's keeping you stuck and reveal the next best step to take towards your most balanced and productive self.

Value: $150 Audience Special offer: FREE

Fill out this survey and book your call: https://download.theproductivityflow.com/free-productivity-alignment-session-survey

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.

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Sarah Waldbuesser, attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Destination Legal and Twist Law, about her remarkable journey from a “dream job” in global health law to building a thriving online legal business, all sparked by the inspiration of a podcast. Sarah shares what it was like to walk away from a traditional legal career, cash in her 401(k), and take a leap of faith into the world of digital nomadism and entrepreneurship, all while navigating family expectations, financial uncertainty, and the pursuit of happiness on her own terms.

About the Guest:

Sarah Waldbuesser, Esq., is a trademark attorney and owner of Destination Legal® and TWIST Law.  After several years at a law firm and a few career jumps, she ended up falling in love with online business and loves helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams in a smart and protected way.  She is also an adventurer, traveler, and food and wine lover.   When not at her computer, she loves hanging with her 2 little kiddos, having wine with friends, flying around the globe and connecting with other online business owners.  

Main Topics Covered:

• Why Sarah left a successful global health law career for the unknown
• The reality of quitting a secure job, including family reactions, student loan debt, and uncertainty
• The role of podcasts and online communities in finding purpose and new opportunities
• What it’s really like to be a digital nomad (the highlights and hardships)
• Building a business from scratch: trial, error, and eventual clarity
• How important community and environment are for growth and success
• The value (and challenge) of aligning your career with your definition of happiness
• Sarah’s advice for risk-taking, finding the right people, and embracing imperfect journeys

Quote from the Episode:

"I wasn't gonna let the fact that I had a law degree or a master’s stop me from figuring out how to enjoy my life. I just— I wasn't gonna sit and be miserable for the next 40 years. I just wasn't going to do it." — Sarah Waldbuesser

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Introductions; home and childhood in St. Louis

[00:01:28] How Sarah celebrates achievements in her family

[00:03:39] Early legal career: “dream” job and underlying discontent

[00:08:42] Decision-making process, first thoughts of quitting, and influence of podcasts

[00:13:47] Grappling with sunk costs of higher education and family advice

[00:21:20] Navigating friends and community reactions to big life shifts

[00:22:56] What Sarah hoped for vs. what happened in her journey

[00:29:17] The power of community and surrounding yourself with like-minded people

[00:33:54] Digital nomad reality, traveling while building a business, and relationship challenges

[00:37:00] The long-term impact: business success, family, and gratitude for risk-taking

[00:41:19] The ups and downs of online entrepreneurship and risk tolerance

[00:43:50] Sarah’s business today and how listeners can connect

[00:45:08] Podcast recommendations and final rapid-fire questions

Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Stephanie Sanz. Stephanis is a Brooklyn-based therapist, coach, and founder of her own private practice. They talk about her life-altering experience with a panic attack on the New York City subway and how it shaped her professional and personal journey. Stephanie dives deep into her history of anxiety, overcoming a nontraditional and challenging upbringing, and the surprising ways her struggles have informed her mission to make mental health support accessible to all.

About the Guest:

Stephanie Sanz is a licensed therapist, coach, and founder of a Brooklyn-based private practice dedicated to supporting clients struggling with anxiety and stress. Drawing from her own experiences with panic and overwhelm—including a formative episode in her college years—Stephanie now specializes in helping others build stress resilience through therapy, neuroscience-informed coaching, and spiritual practice. She is especially passionate about making therapy affordable for college students and those without traditional access to care.

Main Topics Covered:

• Stephanie’s formative panic attack on the NYC subway and its ripple effects
• Navigating college, instability, and career indecision without family support
• The realities and stigma of panic attacks and anxiety disorders
• The pressure of perfectionism, cultural narratives around success, and “nontraditional” adulting paths
• How Stephanie transformed her personal mental health journey into a professional calling
• Balancing therapy, neuroscience, spirituality, and accessible coaching
• The challenge—and importance—of building support networks and making room for imperfection

Quote from the Episode:

"I might be creating this panic situation, thinking that the result is going to be so dire, but it's not always going to be that way. The result is not always going to be the end of the world. And this is proof of that." — Stephanie Sanz

Timestamps:

[00:00:06] Intro & where Stephanie calls home

[00:01:45] On femininity, power, and motherhood

[00:03:03] The panic attack: scene-setting & aftermath

[00:10:17] How triggers, dread, and lack of control spiral anxiety

[00:14:44] Career indecision and life crossroads

[00:19:16] Overcoming family narratives and a nontraditional path

[00:27:20] The lesson: support, not catastrophe

[00:31:46] Pivoting professionally toward anxiety & stress support

[00:38:33] Making therapy more accessible, blending spiritual and neuroscience-based tools

[00:45:23] Brooklyn eats, dreams of bagels, local favorites

[00:46:39] Wrap-up & gratitude

Special Offer from the Guest:

Stephanie is offering a FREE ebook, “Four Things Your Therapist Wants to Tell You About Anxiety But Can’t,” available at stephaniesanz.com. She also has an on-demand course, Anxiety Rewired, and an upcoming neuroscience + spirituality card deck for rewiring stress—all details at her website. Affordable therapy rates are available for college students in New York.

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.

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