The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

Juggling Triplets and a Fresh Career Start with Marta Spirk

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 [https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support] In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Marta Spirk about navigating career change after becoming a mother to triplets. Based in Denver, Colorado, Marta shares her transformative journey from being a language professional in Brazil to launching her own business as a speaking coach for women entrepreneurs. Listeners will discover the unique obstacles and revelations that come with motherhood, especially for parents of multiples, and how Marta built a renewed career that blends her passion for language, music, and helping others share their story with impact. About Marta Spirk: Marta Spirk is a speaking coach, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and professional singer who helps women entrepreneurs turn their story into a powerful, revenue-generating signature talk. She supports her clients in clarifying their message, delivering it with confidence, and leveraging speaking as a strategic income stream - on stages, podcasts, and within their businesses. Through her coaching programs, keynotes, podcast, and award-winning book The Empowered Woman: The Ultimate Roadmap to Business Success, Marta blends storytelling, thought leadership, and practical speaking strategy so women can be seen, heard, and paid for their voice. Main Topics Covered: * The challenges and emotional realities of becoming a first-time mom to triplets, including grief over changed expectations and high-risk pregnancy concerns * How Marta’s background in languages, translation, and music informed her later work as a coach and speaker * The transition from traditional employment and contract work to seeking autonomy through entrepreneurship * Insights into network marketing and the appeal—and limitations—of direct sales businesses for mothers seeking flexible work * Grieving old identities and forging a new sense of self post-motherhood * The power and art of crafting and delivering a signature story or talk for women entrepreneurs * The role of mentorship, visibility, and storytelling in building a business and personal brand as a modern woman and mother Quote from the Episode: "It was a lot of grieving, I would say in the first trimester. It was the toughest, I'm going to say... coming to terms with, this is my future." — Marta Spirk Timestamps:00:18 Introduction to Marta Spirk and the topic of raising triplets and career change00:44 Marta shares why she loves living in Denver and her Brazilian roots02:12 Triplets turn 10—Marta reflects on a decade of motherhood03:06 Explaining her fertility journey, endometriosis, and PCOS diagnosis05:23 Discovering she was expecting triplets, fear, and shifting expectations07:35 The concept of “matrescence” and grieving old dreams in motherhood09:09 Marta’s early passion for languages, translation, and tutoring in Brazil13:19 Career path shifts after moving to the U.S. with three infants14:40 Infusing musical passion into work and identity as a singer16:42 Deciding between working, staying home, or building a new path20:13 Entering network marketing (Beachbody) and discovering entrepreneurship24:42 Moving from interpreting others’ ideas to owning her message27:47 Building a business helping women distill and present their stories32:07 Marta’s podcast, book, and signature speaking strategy offer34:00 Marta’s reading habits and favorite book recommendation36:33 On adapting to American culture and favorite Girl Scout cookies 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. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.martaspirk.com [https://www.martaspirk.com] You can find episodes of her podcast The Empowered Woman here: https://www.martaspirk.com/blog [https://www.martaspirk.com/blog] GET MARTA'S SPECIAL OFFER: Story to Stage Evaluation - Free speaking strategy call Whether you are already speaking or aspiring to, let's spend 30 minutes together and talk about your vision and goals and how I could support you: https://www.martaspirk.com/evaluation 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 [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] https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69 [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] Website hosting with Siteground [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590]https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590 [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590] Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic [https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj] https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] before that I used Kit. [https://partners.kit.com/oqgokeg23dkk] Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/shop/amysaysso] https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors [https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors]

Leaving Teaching for a Media Career in Midlife with Tiphany Kane

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 [https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support] In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Tiphany Kane about embracing passion and reinvention in adulthood. Joining the conversation from sunny Southern California, Tiphany shares her journey of escaping a restrictive upbringing, redefining her career path from teacher to media company co-owner, and why true opportunity lies in leaning into your authentic self. Listeners will hear how Tiphany navigated being told she was "too passionate," faced institutional barriers, and ultimately found empowerment and possibility through podcasting, entrepreneurship, and letting go of sunk costs. About Tiphany Kane: Tiphany Kane, M.Ed., is the CEO & co-founder of KaSa Media Productions, Executive Director of Sonic Bloom Podcast Awards, Public Speaker, Award-winning Podcast, Video, & Live Events Producer who brings her passion for the art of the spoken word to people who have a powerful story to tell. She is also a member of the AIVA (Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts) and serves as an AIVA juror. Tiphany is building Just 4 Feet Studio, a 5,500 sq ft state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos recording & post-production studio in Orange County, CA. Main Topics Covered: * Overcoming the limitations of a high-control, patriarchal upbringing and embracing education and independence * Navigating career transitions: from passionate teacher, to frustrated administrator, to dynamic entrepreneur * The impact of being labeled "too passionate" in the workplace, and how that informed Tiphany’s decisions and self-worth * Addressing inequity in education, especially for gifted and talented programs and underrepresented students * The power (and reality) of using podcasting and independent media to reinvent your life and build confidence—not just income * Dealing with sunk cost fallacy and fear in career changes—what to let go and how to trust your evolving journey * Women’s opportunities and challenges in independent media in the age of AI, gatekeepers, and authenticity * The nuanced truth about following your passion, accepting “not a good fit,” and the value of creating your own path Quote from the Episode: "This is something I really like about myself. This is something I’d like to lean into more. I am so sick and tired of feeling like I have to hide who I am to show up in a world where I’m showing up in the way they say I should show up. It’s exhausting. And I’m done with it." — Tiphany Kane Timestamps:00:00 - Amy welcomes Tiphany 01:13 - Tiphany’s upbringing, expectations as a woman, and experience with high-control religion03:04 - Discovering dinosaurs, geology, and leaving behind misinformation04:34 - Path to teaching: resisting gender expectations, working in sales during 9/11, the pivot06:46 - Loving teaching, working with gifted children, asynchronous development, and personal connections09:51 - Going back to school, financial logistics, pursuing a teaching internship and credentialing hurdles12:14 - Not getting the dream job, learning you can request a debrief, and hearing “too passionate” as feedback13:24 - Processing being “too much” and realizing it was time to make a change20:00 - Designing an exit plan for alignment; accepting when you and a system are not a good fit22:08 - Podcasting as a catalyst for reinvention: what starting a show actually gave Tiphany26:34 - Letting go of sunk cost fallacy, grieving lost paths, and building new ones32:13 - Missing the classroom, but embracing entrepreneurship and the risks involved33:31 - The necessity of independent, authentic media for women in an era of AI and misinformation37:25 - Tiphany’s current business, working with brands like Z Gallerie, and adapting to uncertainty41:32 - Book and podcast recommendations: "When Women Were Dragons" and Pod Save America44:09 - On cold plunges, health advice, and why universal solutions don’t exist49:06 - Empathy, advice-giving, and supporting people in difficult situations52:04 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. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://kasamediapro.com/ [https://kasamediapro.com/] TIPHANY’S SHOW: Shut up and Listen to Her https://www.youtube.com/live/e5LeCJT_Ctw?si=j9Dz4G6KevOExw3v [https://www.youtube.com/live/e5LeCJT_Ctw?si=j9Dz4G6KevOExw3v] 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 [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] https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69 [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] Website hosting with Siteground [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590]https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590 [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590] Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic [https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj] https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] before that I used Kit. [https://partners.kit.com/oqgokeg23dkk] Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/shop/amysaysso] https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors [https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors]

Moving to Mexico for Six Months as a Pattern Interrupt with Brenda Florida

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support [https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support] In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Brenda Florida about choosing radical change as a tool for personal transformation. Based in Southern California, Brenda shares her experience of putting her life in storage, temporarily moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and intentionally disrupting her routine in search of growth. Listeners will hear how Brenda used a six-month international relocation. This was not an escape, but as a catalyst to break deep-seated patterns, confront internalized beliefs around work, money, and identity, and ultimately emerge with a renewed sense of purpose. About Brenda Florida: Brenda is a certified life coach with over eight years of experience helping hundreds of clients break patterns that no longer serve them — like people-pleasing, guilt, overgiving, and overfunctioning. Her work focuses on pattern interruption at the identity level, helping people recognize the subconscious dynamics driving their decisions and consciously choose a new response. This includes ambitious women navigating major life and career shifts — retirement, reinvention, stepping away from leadership — and redefining who they are in their next chapter. Brenda’s approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real-time change — not theory, but lived experience. Main Topics Covered: * How intentional relocation can catalyze deep personal transformation * The logistics and realities of being a digital nomad: minimalism, storage decisions, and Airbnbs * Disrupting internalized patterns around work, money, and gender roles * Navigating loneliness and self-reflection during a “cocooning” season abroad * Overcoming expectations: why outward adventure became a journey inward * The challenges (and comedic realities) of living abroad without speaking the local language * Practical support tools for reinventing yourself later in life * The importance of reframing discomfort and uncertainty as growth opportunities Quote from the Episode: “It was very much a cocooning time for me...the whole six months ended up being so internally transformative. I was spending all my energy on myself... It totally changes the chatter—you’re not absorbing that noise from your regular environment. It leaves you to yourself in a different way.” — Brenda Florida Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to Brenda Florida and episode overview [00:01:05] Planning the Mexico move—timing, storage, logistics [00:03:28] Why Playa del Carmen? Geography, practicality, digital nomad research [00:05:16] The need to disrupt patterns: burnout, business plateau, and personal stasis [00:09:56] Family and friends’ reactions to taking a big risk [00:14:22] What she was trying to shake up—specific patterns and old beliefs [00:18:32] Approaches to “pattern interruption” before moving and why relocation was different [00:20:12] Living in Mexico with limited Spanish; daily challenges and language barriers [00:25:00] Adapting to new systems: grocery stores, finding familiar products, and reliance on tech [00:29:55] Socializing, expat communities, and why Brenda chose solitude [00:32:23] Dealing with environmental factors (like sargassum) and shifting expectations [00:35:13] The rooftop pool, redefining “beach” joy, and embracing what works [00:36:18] What she thought would happen vs. what actually transformed [00:37:36] The retreat analogy: why changing environment unlocks new insights [00:41:08] Mindful living: what daily “friction” reveals about subconscious beliefs [00:44:33] Unpacking deep conditioning around work, pay, and gender [00:47:11] Observing patterns, subconscious behaviors, and the reality of change [00:51:53] Would transformation have happened without the big move? [00:53:03] Third act reinvention and Brenda’s new offer for women [00:59:02] Favorite source of entertainment and closing fun questions [01:00:40] Cocktail talk: cultural differences and favorites [01:02:43] Wrap up and how listeners can connect with Brenda [01:03:16] Community reminders and final thoughts 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. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.brendaflorida.com [https://www.brendaflorida.com] BRENDA’S SHOW: Why Do I Keep Doing That? https://feed.podbean.com/whydoikeepdoingthat/feed.xml GET BRENDA'S SPECIAL OFFER:The Third Act Reset: A private guided audio and companion worksheet designed for ambitious women navigating identity shifts — retirement, career exits, reinvention, or stepping into a new chapter. Normally $47 but free for the audience of The Art of Imperfect Adulting Use this unique link: brenda-florida-coaching-jgbb8n.subscribepage.io [http://brenda-florida-coaching-jgbb8n.subscribepage.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. 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 [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] https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69 [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] Website hosting with Siteground [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590]https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590 [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590] Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic [https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj] https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] before that I used Kit. [https://partners.kit.com/oqgokeg23dkk] Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/shop/amysaysso] https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors [https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors]

Building a Business with Your Sister with Amy and Nancy Harrington

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support [https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support] In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Amy and Nancy Harrington about the journey of building a values-driven business and community as sisters. Based in Los Angeles, California, but originally from Boston, the Harringtons reveal the inside story of launching The Passionistas Project, their mission-driven platform that uplifts women, especially those from marginalized communities. The conversation explores sisterhood, trust, and practical strategies for sustainable business partnership, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs eager to foster authentic connections in today’s rapidly-changing world. About Amy and Nancy Harrington: Sisters and business partners Amy and Nancy Harrington are the Co-Founders of The Passionistas Project Sisterhood, a global community for passion-driven women — especially from marginalized backgrounds — to find support, purpose, and empowerment. After leaving high-powered careers in Hollywood, where Amy worked on major films like Harry Potter and The Matrix, and Nancy created Academy Award campaigns, they now use their platform to uplift others. Through their Power of Passionistas Women’s summit, podcast, “Awakening Your Power” book series, and online global community, they foster connection, growth, and equality — rooted in sisterhood values like loyalty, empathy, and joy. Main Topics Covered: * Creating and scaling a women’s empowerment community—from podcasting to global sisterhood * Transitioning from high-powered entertainment industry roles to entrepreneurship * Structuring a business with a sibling: navigating trust, corporate governance, and decision-making * The importance of amplifying stories from women in marginalized communities and those outside the celebrity spotlight * The impact of authentic, vulnerable connection—online and (increasingly) in-person * Strategies for business partnership: conflict management, profit sharing, and protecting each other and the company * How The Passionistas Project supports women in business, personal transformation, and social impact * The evolving meaning of community—why it matters and how to nurture it today Timestamps: 00:00 Show opens: Amy Stone introduces Amy & Nancy Harrington, The Passionistas, and the episode’s dual audio/video format01:06 Where the Harringtons call home: LA by way of Braintree, MA02:48 The sisters’ impressive entertainment industry careers—Warner Bros, Matlock, Miramax, and more03:47 Forming a business partnership in 2003: why and how06:10 What sparked The Passionistas Project: navigating a patriarchal industry, supporting women in the MeToo movement, and elevating unheard voices10:16 The case for spotlighting ordinary women rather than celebrities12:25 Barriers women face—funding, equality, and isolation—and The Passionistas Project’s solution15:26 Why build a business as sisters? Trust, shared vision, and their unique approach16:45 Handling disagreements, business structure, and the “royal we”26:45 What The Passionistas Project is, and who it serves: solopreneurs, changemakers, marginalized voices28:35 Empowerment in practice: from community to podcast network, workshops, and publishing36:40 How needs have shifted: online and in-person connection in a post-Covid world41:01 Where to find The Passionistas Project and a special free journal offer42:02 The sisters share memories and rapid-fire final questions46:08 Closing notes, how to join the community, and the philosophy behind Imperfect Adulting 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. Music written and produced by Todd Thompson at Dharma Bomb Studios. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/ [https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/] The Passionistas Project Podcast — https://feeds.megaphone.fm/CCLUC7621196190 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 [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] https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69 [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] Website hosting with Siteground [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590]https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590 [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590] Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic [https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj] https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] before that I used Kit. [https://partners.kit.com/oqgokeg23dkk] Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/shop/amysaysso] https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors [https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors]

Solo Female Travel and Building Community with Liz Rivas

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support [https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support] In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Liz Rivas about rediscovering self-worth and resilience after the collapse of a long-term relationship—one that ended with a dramatic wedding weekend in the Dominican Republic. Based in vibrant Miami, Florida, [Speaker B] shares how moving through heartbreak spurred her year-long solo travel adventure to 12 countries and inspired her to create a new kind of supportive community for women. Listeners will learn about the real emotional aftermath of addiction in relationships, the liberating (and challenging) nature of solo travel, and how intentional sisterhood can be an antidote to loneliness and self-doubt. About Liz Rivas: Liz Rivas is the founder of RoamCircle, a global women-first community platform helping women find authentic friendships and meaningful connection wherever they roam. After rebuilding her life through solo travel across 12 countries, Liz transformed her personal journey into a purpose-driven business that now connects a growing network of over 50,000 women worldwide. Through RoamCircle, she creates safe, intentional spaces for travelers, expats, digital nomads, and women seeking deeper community in their own cities. Liz is passionate about empowering women to choose themselves, trust their instincts, and build lives rooted in connection and belonging. Main Topics Covered: * Navigating the end of a relationship marked by addiction, and the emotional impact of an unraveled wedding (07:03). * The difference between the fantasy of a wedding and the true reality and demands of marriage—and what it means to lose oneself in pursuit of a life milestone (08:01). * Recognizing and breaking the cycle of codependency, caretaking, and anxiety as a partner to someone struggling with substance abuse (15:19). * Using travel as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and building self-trust; why solo travel is a radical act of self-reliance (23:21). * The challenges and growth that come from managing loneliness, making micro-decisions daily, and cultivating new routines as a digital nomad (23:34). * The importance of platonic, supportive, and safe women’s communities during times of change, and how sisterhood can be more healing than romantic entanglements (26:02). * How Liz identified a gap in community for solo female travelers and built Roam Circle, an app that connects women seeking authentic relationships and support globally (28:04). * Tips for making authentic connections in a digital world and why representation, inclusivity, and intentional curation matter in building community (34:53). Quote from the Episode: "One thing about solo travel, that it is a radical act of self-reliance... you’re making millions of micro-decisions every day... and all these micro-decisions that you’re making make bigger decisions a lot easier. It makes it a lot easier for you to make choices and to trust yourself and not...ruminating on the what-ifs." — Speaker B Timestamps:00:00 Introduction; both host and guest based in Miami01:16 Why [Speaker B] loves living on the water in Miami02:04 Wedding disaster story; end of a five-year relationship03:31 Addiction, relapse, and unraveling at the altar06:28 Deciding to start fresh and move out13:02 Realization of getting lost in the fantasy, generational patterns15:19 Codependency, hyper-vigilance, and emotional burnout as a caretaker18:48 Travel as healing; transitioning to digital nomad life22:14 List of countries visited and blending work with travel23:21 Sitting with loneliness, embracing uncertainty, building confidence26:02 Sisterhood over dating apps; the unique power of female community28:30 Identifying a need and building Roam Circle34:53 Creating authentic, inclusive digital connections and lessons from Miami42:17 Roam Circle’s story, name origin, and rapid launch45:06 The app-building process: failures, scams, and finding the right developer47:07 Fun questions: magical creatures, style preferences, and travel advice49:10 Wrap-up and how to connect with the show and Roam Circle 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. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: Elizabeth Rivas https://roamcircle.app/ [https://roamcircle.app/] GET SPECIAL OFFER: RoamCircle App – Women’s Global Friendship & Community Platform Download RoamCircle on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and create a free account. Website: https://roamcircle.app 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. 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These are affiliate links :-) For livestreaming and recording ECamm [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69 [https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69] Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi] Website hosting with Siteground [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590]https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590 [https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590] Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic [https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj] https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofj For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stone] before that I used Kit. [https://partners.kit.com/oqgokeg23dkk] Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/shop/amysaysso] https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors [https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors]