Lessons From a Year on the Road with Lauren Roche

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Lauren Roche about her transformative experience living as a digital nomad during the pandemic. Lauren is a Washington, D.C.-based wellness advocate, remote work consultant, and host of The Naked Truth with Lauren podcast. Lauren shares her honest reflections on hitting the road at 23, navigating remote work across multiple U.S. cities, the realities of loneliness and workplace stress, and the power of building resilience and community while on the move.

About the Guest:

Lauren Roche is a wellness entrepreneur, transformation coach, and podcast host dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and building supportive communities. With a background in consulting and user experience design, Lauren leverages her own journey—from Maryland to a year of nomadic living—to help others embrace vulnerability, gratitude, and growth. She is the founder of The Naked Truth with Lauren, an omnichannel brand focused on mindfulness, mental health, and manifestation.

Main Topics Covered:

• The impetus and planning behind Lauren’s year as a digital nomad (2021–2022)
• The unique challenges and joys of working remotely while traveling across the U.S.
• Coping with uncertainty, isolation, and career transitions on the road
• How to build connections and maintain mental health during big life changes
• The impact of support systems: family, friends, and virtual therapy
• Lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and intentional living
• Lauren’s mission to break the stigma around mental health and foster genuine community

Quote from the Episode:

"I built so much resilience with the things that, like, weren't on my bingo card or went sideways or went wrong. And having to be on our toes, moving around a month or two at a time...dealing with stuff that comes up that you're not expecting because you're still living everyday life." — Lauren Roche

Timestamps:

[00:00:14] Lauren calls Washington, D.C. home and shares her downtime rituals

[00:01:20] Launching her digital nomad journey during the Covid-19 pandemic

[00:03:03] Testing out new cities and searching for a long-term fit

[00:05:05] Finding a travel companion and planning the adventure

[00:07:21] Family and friends’ reactions; packing and storage logistics

[00:08:42] Using travel nurse housing platforms for extended stays

[00:10:41] Planning vs. spontaneity; dealing with last-minute housing issues

[00:13:26] Making friends and exploring communities on the road

[00:16:38] Work-life balance, bucket lists, and exploring new cities

[00:18:07] Social and work challenges: isolation and changing teams

[00:23:18] Adapting to new work environments and managing technology needs

[00:24:58] Favorite memories and weekday adventures in different time zones

[00:27:17] West coast exploration, wrap-up, and returning home

[00:28:53] Health on the road: dealing with Covid and finding a dentist

[00:32:58] The essential role of support systems

[00:34:37] Lasting skills and lessons: resilience, mental stamina, and seeking therapy

[00:39:48] Lauren’s current work and details about The Naked Truth with Lauren

Special Offer from the Guest:

Join Lauren’s free weekly Gratitude Newsletter to kick-start your abundance mindset and stay looped in for future events and workshops. Sign up at thenakedtruthwithlauren.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.

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life.