The Imperfect Advocate Podcast

Season 6, Episode 2: Fumbling Forward as a Helper: Using Your Strengths When the World Feels Heavy

When the world feels heavy, many of us feel the pull to help — and the paralysis of not knowing how. In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, Karen Auld speaks honestly about feeling powerless, naming the emotional weight many are carrying right now, and reframing what it means to “be a helper.” Drawing on positive psychology research from Martin Seligman, Karen explores how action — even small, imperfect action — restores agency and reduces helplessness when it’s aligned with our values and strengths. She shares a personal story about her husband and father-in-law designing dozens of homes for Habitat for Humanity, not by becoming different people, but by offering what they already do best. The episode also weaves in insights from Ben Zander and The Art of Possibility, including the idea of contribution as expression (not sacrifice) and the power of “shining eyes” — a sign you’re working in alignment. If you’ve ever thought “I want to help, but I don’t know what to do,” this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a practical next step — including a free character strengths assessment to help you fumble forward as the helper only you can be.

Season 6, Episode 1: Winter Solstice Reflections: Rest, Renewal, and Loving-Kindness

On the Winter Solstice—the darkest day of the year—we begin Season 6 of The Imperfect Advocate by turning gently toward the dark instead of away from it. Inspired by a quote from Rumi, Karen guides listeners through a loving-kindness (metta) meditation to help generate warmth, compassion, and light—even when everything around us feels dark. Includes a special 10% listener discount for the Color Love and Kindness coloring book.

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 11: love is the most powerful Energy

In the season finale of 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things, Karen and Bill explore the ultimate truth behind Hawkins — and our own hearts: love is the most powerful force in the universe. From Eleven’s childhood memory of her mother saying “I love you.” To Mike’s heartfelt confession and Max’s “good memory” that saved her from Vecna, we see that love is not weakness, it’s energy. It’s renewal. Karen connects these scenes to the groundbreaking work of Dr. David R. Hawkins (Power vs. Force) and Dr. Barbara Fredrickson (Love 2.0), explaining how love literally vibrates at higher frequencies, syncing hearts and strengthening health. Together, she and Bill show how love is both science and soul — a renewable resource we can all tap into. From Stranger Things to real life, this episode is your reminder that love restores, love expands, and love creates.

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 10: Make your own rules

In this episode of 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things, Karen and Bill talk about the power of making your own rules — not breaking them, but creating a life aligned with your own values. Inspired by Eleven’s evolution from following Hopper’s “Don’t Be Stupid” rules to defining her own path with Max, Karen explores how true empowerment means moving beyond templates and trusting your inner guidance. They discuss mentors like Robert Holden and Brené Brown, who remind us that joy and success can’t be lived by someone else’s definition. From neighborhood golf courses to drag queens hiking in heels, this episode celebrates creative courage, “good trouble,” and the ripple effect of living authentically. Making your own rules isn’t rebellion — it’s alignment. It’s how we stop playing small and start changing the world, one brave step at a time.

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 9: Meet people where they are

In this episode of 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things, Karen and Bill explore the power of empathy in driving change. Inspired by Murray Bauman’s advice to Nancy and Jonathan in Season 2, they unpack how meeting people where they are isn’t about deception—it’s about translation and understanding. Drawing on psychologist Dr. Renée Lertzman’s concept of radical attunement, Karen explains how real change begins when we tune into both our own emotions and others’—whether they’re anxious, ambivalent, or aspiring toward action. From the hive mind of the Upside Down to our own cultural habits, this episode reminds us that transformation starts with connection, not correction.