In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kellie Grutko about the winding roads of creative ambition, career pivots, and rediscovering purpose after corporate life. Kellie candidly shares the story of following her dream to pitch a TV travel show pilot, why it never made it to air, and how the lessons from that risk-taking adventure eventually led her to coaching women through major life and career changes.

About the Guest:

Kellie Grutko is a women’s transition coach and founder of Purposeful Pivot. With a professional background in marketing and media, Kellie now helps women translate decades of corporate experience into fulfilling new phases of work and life. Her journey from high-powered executive, to travel show dreamer, to empowerment coach inspires her mission to support others navigating big changes.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kellie’s leap from corporate marketing to pitching a travel TV show pilot.
• The realities of navigating creative dreams outside one’s comfort zone and network.
• Lessons learned from “failure” and the value of trying, even if the project doesn’t take off.
• Identity, reinvention, and finding your next chapter after leaving a traditional corporate role.
• The importance of support systems, introspection, and celebrating small wins during transitions.
• How Kellie now guides women through similar transitions as a certified coach.

Quote from the Episode: “A lot of people would have the idea and never even give it a shot. I looked at it as, you know, I had an idea, I followed through. It didn’t work, but I learned from it. I had fun doing it. And eventually, in a weird, like you said, thread kind of way, it led me to where I am.” — Kellie Grutko

Timestamps: [00:00:04] Kellie’s background and move from Pennsylvania to Charlotte

[00:01:34] Life and career at a Fortune 50 company; the origins of her TV show idea

[00:08:59] Turning a dream into action: how Kellie developed, shot, and pitched her pilot

[00:14:03] Financial realities, support from her husband, and staying motivated

[00:21:03] The afterlife of a shelved project—accepting change and evolving goals

[00:23:10] Transition coaching: redefining career and identity for women

[00:28:22] Connecting the threads from past dreams to new purpose

[00:32:59] Being brave, introverted, and going after what you want

[00:33:39] Kellie’s business, Purposeful Pivot, and her “Celebrating Small Wins” offer

[00:35:17] Fun closing questions: monkeys, turn signals, and thermostat negotiations

Special Offer from the Guest:

Creating Small WIns Worksheet https://www.purposefulpivot.net/small-wins

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

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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Katrina Sawa—Northern California-based business coach, author, and publisher—about the pivotal moments that led her to leave situations that no longer served her, from quitting a draining corporate job to making bold moves in her personal and professional life. Katrina shares how her clarity around self-worth and refusal to settle shaped her journey into entrepreneurship, and offers insights for anyone feeling “stuck” or undervalued in their work or relationships.

About the Guest:

Business Coach & Book Publisher, Katrina Sawa, is CEO of JumpstartYourBizNow.com and JumpstartPublishing.net. For over two decades, Katrina has been helping entrepreneurs of all kinds get more comfortable and clarity around marketing, pricing to their worth, packaging and selling themselves. As the creator of the Jumpstart Your Sales & Systems Bootcamp, International Speaker and International Best-Selling author with 22 books, she hosts and speaks at events, workshops and webinars online and in person all year long and she’s been doing it since 2002. Katrina lives in Northern California with her husband Jason, stepdaughter Riley and their loving dog Luna. She loves entertaining, cooking, wine tasting and speaking to groups of all sizes.

Main Topics Covered:

• What it feels like to be in a job (or relationship) that’s no longer serving you
• How workplace burnout and a lack of support catalyzed Katrina’s leap into entrepreneurship
• The role of intuition, self-worth, and risk-taking in moving forward
• Practical support systems—from family help to lines of credit—that make transitions possible
• Identifying when you’re “settling” and why it’s okay (and necessary) to say no
• Parallels between quitting a job, leaving a relationship, and ending a business offer
• Navigating unsupportive relationships and finding people who lift you up
• Advice for anyone feeling stuck or undervalued in any area of life

Quote from the Episode:

“I want to empower people just to stop settling for not being totally happy. We deserve this. Life could be short. ... Let’s make it our happiest, most amazing life ever, with the right people around us, doing the things that we love and just embracing it all.” — Katrina Sawa

Timestamps: [00:00:04] Warm welcome & where Katrina calls home

[00:00:49] Katrina’s philosophy on kindness and real-life support

[00:02:36] The experience that led to leaving her last job

[00:07:03] Self-worth, intuition, and walking away from “bad bosses”

[00:10:32] Laying groundwork for entrepreneurship: networking & coaching

[00:12:11] The leap into business ownership: excitement, nerves, and risk

[00:15:26] What settling feels like—patterns in work and relationships

[00:17:39] The crucial role of family support and financial planning

[00:19:48] Are you a risk-taker? Katrina’s perspective

[00:22:23] Recognizing settling and trusting your gut

[00:26:34] The gentle process of deciding it’s time to move on

[00:28:31] Parallels in quitting jobs, relationships, and business offers

[00:29:19] Money, letting go, and making room for better opportunities

[00:30:10] Katrina’s work today—business coaching and book publishing

[00:31:32] Fun questions: favorite TV, networking, and desert island meals

Special Offer from the Guest:

Get a free audio version of Katrina’s book Love Yourself Successful and explore resources for launching your own story via collaboration or solo publishing. Visit LoveYourselfSuccessful.com for more details.

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...

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julia Chien—Vancouver-based registered dietitian and passionate world traveler—about the life-changing impact of booking a one-way ticket and embracing adventure after heartbreak. Julia shares her story of leaving behind a comfortable routine, overcoming the limitations of chronic eczema, and discovering both freedom and loneliness during her years of solo travel across Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

About the Guest:

Julia Chien is a registered dietitian based in Vancouver, BC, specializing in holistic nutrition and the root causes of chronic inflammation. Through her own journey healing from eczema and building a location-independent business, Julia helps others find balance and empowerment in their health and careers. She is also an avid solo traveler, digital nomad, and advocate for growth through risk-taking and self-discovery.

Main Topics Covered:

• What inspired Julia's decision to buy a one-way plane ticket to Costa Rica at the end of a long-term relationship.
• Navigating the healing journey from chronic eczema and what newfound health enabled Julia to do.
• The logistics, emotional experience, and practical strategies of working remotely while traveling solo through multiple countries.
• How spontaneous decision-making, risk-taking, and meeting new people shaped Julia’s self-discovery and spiritual healing.
• The challenges of being a digital nomad—including loneliness, burnout, finances, and adapting to different cultures.
• Insights into Julia’s work as a holistic dietitian and the unique pressures of entrepreneurship.
• Learning to nurture one’s own wellbeing and redefine what “home” and “success” mean.

Quote from the Episode:

“Traveling really showed me how much out there there is that we haven’t really seen as people... it was healing in the sense where I kind of finally was able to do things for myself, because I realized that I poured so much into my business... I started to not really do things for myself.”—Julia Chien

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & intros; where Julia calls home

[00:01:39] A one-way ticket to Costa Rica: the catalyst moment

[00:02:20] Healing, heartbreak, and remote work: what led to travel

[00:04:56] Leaving a healthy long-term relationship and mindset shifts

[00:06:46] Booking the ticket: doubts, freedom, and practicalities

[00:09:00] Choosing Costa Rica and first days as a solo traveler

[00:12:02] Combining work and adventure as a digital nomad

[00:14:25] From Costa Rica to Colombia: the spark for indefinite travel

[00:16:47] How Julia chose her next destinations and the power of nature

[00:18:25] Deciding how long to stay and returning home for milestones

[00:19:57] Letting go of “home” and going all in as a digital nomad

[00:21:48] Navigating logistics: connectivity, finances, and minimalism

[00:25:43] Solo travel: from loneliness to community

[00:27:11] Expanding to Europe and Asia: the full world tour

[00:29:38] Living from a suitcase; how her travel rhythm evolved

[00:31:13] Spiritual lessons, self-discovery, and redefining success

[00:34:56] Adventures, risk-taking, and pushing boundaries

[00:39:44] Could this transformation happen without travel?

[00:41:57] Julia’s business, nutrition practice, and special offer

[00:43:23] Fun questions & rapid-fire favorites

Special Offer from the Guest:

Journalling Guide for Busy Entrepreneurs

Value: $29 USD Special offer: FREE - https://julia-chien.mykajabi.com/journalling-guide

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...

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with JoNeil Conley—Michigan-based nurse, organizational leadership expert, and self-described “bullyologist”—about the reality of workplace bullying in healthcare and beyond. JoNeil shares her personal story of facing intimidation, sabotage, and toxic leadership in the operating room, how she turned that experience into a research-backed crusade against bullying, and why “miracles can be found in the messes” of adult life. Together, Amy and JoNeil explore how individuals can recognize, document, and respond to bullying, and why no one is truly a “hot mess”—just someone moving through life’s most challenging chapters.

About the Guest:

JoNeil Conley is a nurse, coach, speaker, and organizational leadership expert from Alma, Michigan. After decades in healthcare—including ER and OR nursing, leadership roles, and earning her doctorate—she specializes in coaching women through life’s “hot mess” moments and is dedicated to helping individuals and teams navigate bullying and toxic environments with courage and clarity.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the geography, culture, and quirks of Michigan (and why it matters!)
• JoNeil’s journey from hands-on nursing to academic research on bullying in the operating room
• The anatomy of workplace bullying: sabotage, power dynamics, and the “executive bully”
• Why documenting facts (not just feelings) is critical for real change at work
• Turning a personal ordeal into a movement: JoNeil’s meanness matrix tool and doctoral research results
• The enduring myth of “nurses eat their young”—how toxicity takes root in organizations
• Strategies for protecting yourself from bullies, rude people, and narcissists (at work, at home, and beyond)
• The power of speaking up, building alliances, and surviving the “hot mess” seasons of adulting

Quote from the Episode:

“We have a tendency to call everything bullying…and that’s not true. Some people are just rude. The differentiation between a rude person and a bully is the bully is intentional—it’s about you.” — JoNeil Conley

Timestamps:

[00:00:05] Where JoNeil calls home: Michigan “the Mitten” and the UP

[00:02:37] What brings JoNeil laughter—her grandbaby

[00:03:18] Childhood, nursing origins, “joiner” tendencies, and leadership

[00:08:35] On entering nursing, ER burnout, and the road to the operating room

[00:10:57] Team dynamics, hierarchy, and the anatomy of a sabotaging bully

[00:12:49] The incident that triggered JoNeil’s anti-bullying journey

[00:18:21] Recognizing bullying patterns, toxic cultures, and why people stay

[00:21:23] Turning experience into expertise: JoNeil’s dissertation and OR research

[00:27:27] The meanness matrix—you can’t stop all bullying, but you can protect yourself

[00:29:08] Power, influence, and the importance of documenting facts

[00:31:13] The confrontation: documenting, courage, and turning the tables on a toxic CEO

[00:39:16] How to document incidents (and why it matters in any environment)

[00:41:43] JoNeil’s work today—coaching women through “hot mess” seasons

[00:46:01] Rapid-fire: water preferences, books, Michigan travel, and haunted lighthouses

Special Offer from the Guest:

Hot Mess Hotline

The Hot Mess Hotline is a one-hour, one-topic laser coaching session for women who are overwhelmed, stuck, or facing one of life’s “what now?” moments. Whether it’s burnout, a tough relationship, workplace chaos, or an identity shift, this session is your space to breathe, unpack what’s really going on, and leave with clear, doable next steps—and a whole lot more peace of mind. Value of the product offered: $97

Special offer for the listeners of the show:

Audience of The Art of Imperfect Adulting can book their Hot Mess Hotline session for just...

In this milestone episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, the tables turn as career strategist Raquel Sands takes the interviewer's seat to explore the origin story, philosophy, and evolution behind Amy's podcast journey. Originally planned as the 100th episode celebration (better late than never!), this candid conversation reveals the "why" behind the show's inclusive approach to storytelling and the messy, non-linear nature of adult life.

From unexpected sources of wisdom (like exterminators offering grief advice) to navigating differing viewpoints on air, Amy opens up about creating space for authentic human stories while maintaining boundaries and building community. Raquel's spontaneous interviewing style draws out insights about the challenges of visibility, the power of lived experience, and why "imperfect adulting" resonates across generations.

Miriam Raquel Sands is a career strategist turned self-trust coach, podcast host, and creator behind A Work of One's Own and A Day in the Life. She helps purpose-driven, emotionally-aware Millennials and Gen Z professionals redefine success without toxic hustle or spiritual bypassing. Her work blends trauma-aware coaching, nervous system literacy, communications strategy, and storytelling to help clients reclaim self-trust, alignment, and capacity.

• The Origin Story Behind the Show

• The Art of Podcasting
• Holding Space for Different Perspectives
• Common Themes and Surprising Stories
• The Business of Storytelling
• Visibility and Boundaries

"Very strangely, being a child doesn't prepare you to parent children." - Amy Stone on the myth that life experience automatically creates expertise

"I find it very helpful to hear stories from people who have done the thing that I think I want to do, and they did it." - Amy on the power of practical inspiration

[00:00:04] Role reversal introduction and spontaneous energy [00:01:26] The origin story: from step-parenting focus to inclusive adulting [00:04:59] Unpacking the show title and the "art" of imperfection [00:05:37] Why podcasting as the chosen medium [00:09:14] Life moments that sparked introspection and the show's creation [00:14:28] The exterminator story: wisdom from unexpected sources [00:17:47] Navigating different viewpoints and guest perspectives [00:21:30] Visibility, boundaries, and the public-private balance [00:24:36] Behind the scenes: guest vetting and emotional readiness [00:27:13] Practical advice for pitching to the show [00:29:18] Surprising guest stories and common themes [00:34:43] Career and relationship changes as universal experiences [00:38:02] What Amy hopes listeners take away [00:41:35] Maintaining momentum and future vision [00:48:51] Dreams of expansion and the changing media landscape [00:54:53] Fun facts and closing reflections

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

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

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...

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Moira Mills about making unconventional choices around education, career, and family. Moira shares her upbringing as an unschooled Alaskan, her journey to becoming a solo parent by choice, and how she and her son have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, learning along the way. Together, they delve into unschooling, navigating the “shoulds” of adulthood, and finding growth and community off the beaten path.

About the Guest:

Moira Mills is a lifelong unschooler, entrepreneur, and former Rolfing practitioner who now helps entrepreneurs and families lean into their unique energy through human design. After raising her son on the road and embracing “road schooling” post-pandemic, Moira works with families making the shift to alternative education and supports business owners in authentic branding. She currently roams the eastern half of the U.S. with her son, London.

Quote from the Episode:

"I think that the way we're thinking about education is kind of inherently kind of backwards, because I think that we're really designed at a very core level [to learn]." — Moira Mills

Main Topics Covered:

• What “road schooling” and “unschooling” look like in real life
• Moira’s own education outside of traditional classrooms in Alaska
• The nuances behind school choice, including faith and family values
• Embracing flexibility, change, and a non-traditional path in career and family
• How milestones and benchmarks (in school and development) can be unhelpful or freeing
• Community, friendship, and socialization for families on the move
• Parenting as a single mom by choice and focusing on authentic living

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Moira’s background & current home on the road

[00:01:05] Warm weather memories and living locations

[00:02:10] Defining “road schooling” & “world schooling”

[00:02:45] Moira’s unschooled upbringing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula

[00:04:33] Diplomas, transcripts, and life after unschooling

[00:05:32] Family choices and motivations behind homeschooling

[00:07:16] Faith, stereotypes, and educational values

[00:09:09] Shifting to unschooling for her son during the pandemic

[00:10:03] What self-directed “unschooling” means

[00:12:57] Career shifts, Rolfing, and systems thinking

[00:16:02] The basics of Rolfing and fascia explained

[00:20:15] Single motherhood by choice and making decisions solo

[00:21:30] The leap to road schooling and embracing nomadic life

[00:24:46] Curriculum, benchmarks, and letting interests lead

[00:28:17] Socializing and building community as a roaming family

[00:32:57] Looking ahead: how long will they stay on the road?

[00:35:26] Moira’s business: human design for entrepreneurs and families

[00:38:59] Final fun questions: overstimulation & sources for answers in 2025

Guest Contact Information: Website: moiramills.com

Instagram: @moiramills.me

Special Offer from the Guest:

Name of the product offered:

Full Human Design Reading

A 60–75 minute session where we dive deep into your unique Human Design chart. You’ll walk away with clarity about your energy type, decision-making strategy, and core life themes—plus insight into how to align your relationships, work, and parenting with who you truly are.

Value of the product offered: $200

Special offer for the listeners of the show:$50 off your Full Human Design Reading

Visit MoiraMills.com and mention the code IMPERFECT50 in your message. I’ll follow up personally to schedule your session.

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time...

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Victoria Carrington Chavez—digital nomad, storyteller, and founder of The Story Saloon—about her journey from “main character” to “author” of her own life. Victoria shares her transformative experience navigating a major breakup, detaching from societal checklists, and embracing her childhood dreams through intentional storytelling, entrepreneurship, and travel.

About the Guest:

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a storytelling powerhouse, award-winning entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker. Her talk has been praised as "a masterclass in storytelling." Featured on Telemundo, FIERCE by mitú, and over a dozen podcasts, she brings bold, honest energy to every stage she steps on, from college campuses to global conferences. Victoria doesn’t just speak. She sparks transformation.

Through her platform, The Story Saloon™, she helps creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders distill and share their stories authentically and unapologetically, so they can build the community they crave and become unforgettable.

Her message is simple. It’s not too late to live the life you want. The best chapters are still being written, so make them legendary. Your story is too important to go untold.

Main Topics Covered:

• The difference between being the “main character” and the “author” of your story
• Navigating a late-30s/early-40s life shift and healing from heartbreak
• Learning to recognize societal pressures and rewrite your own personal “checklist”
• The role of storytelling and content creation in healing and belonging
• Building intentional community and support systems online
• Taking bold steps: from post-breakup blues to solo cross-country road trips and TEDx talks
• The process of distilling your story and using it to fuel your personal or business brand

Quote from the Episode:

“It’s not like, let me come and take center stage. It’s about taking my story, my values, and putting those things center stage in my life.” – Victoria Carrington Chavez

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Victoria’s digital nomad lifestyle & Carmen San Diego reference

[00:01:46] Giving kindness and compliments on LinkedIn

[00:03:23] Main character vs. author of your story—what it means

[00:05:51] Victoria at 35: teaching, engagement, outward perfection vs. inward emptiness

[00:08:50] Recognizing discontent, ignoring hobbies, and doubting self

[00:13:14] A telenovela-worthy breakup as plot twist and catalyst

[00:15:52] Choosing authorship at 40: launching a business, traveling solo

[00:19:47] Finding support and connection via TikTok, content creation

[00:22:25] Mentorship, entrepreneurship, and joining the HEFA in Training community

[00:24:07] Doing bold things—getting a passport, booking retreats

[00:27:50] Seven-month solo road trip & embracing other people’s opinions

[00:31:03] Claiming “storyteller” as a profession

[00:34:13] About The Story Saloon and Victoria’s current work

[00:36:54] Favorite activities, book recommendations, daily gadgets

Special Offer from the Guest:

The Story Spark: A 60-minute 1:1 deep dive to help you uncover your signature story and shape it into content that connects. Perfect for: creatives, coaches, speakers, and founders who are sitting on a powerful story but don’t know where to start in sharing it with clarity and authenticity.

Value:$297 Special offer for the show: As a thank you for tuning in, I’m offering your first Story Spark Session for FREE!

How to collect: https://tidycal.com/victoriacchavez/the-story-spark

Note from the host: All the offers from guests should be considered limited-time and limited quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest.

If you love the show and you'd...

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Caterina Rando about the realities of becoming financially savvy after divorce, the power of entrepreneurial confidence, and the personal journey of recovery from financial betrayal. Caterina candidly shares her story of rebuilding after her marriage ended in unexpected financial upheaval, and the lessons she’s learned about financial empowerment, self-advocacy, and supporting other women to thrive through entrepreneurship.

About the Guest: Caterina Rando is a woman on a mission to uplift the lives of women everywhere through thrive entrepreneurship. She is an author, sought-after speaker, podcaster, and business transformation coach who, for thirty years, passionately serves women leaders and entrepreneurs to massively monetize their mastery.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating marriage, divorce, and discovering financial betrayal
• How family history and cultural expectations shape money confidence
• Recovering from debt and building back savings and investments
• Why entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for women’s financial empowerment
• The importance of asking “beginner questions” and learning financial vocabulary
• Creating boundaries and autonomy with money, even within marriage or partnership
• Daily financial habits and the impact of financial trauma on future decision-making

Quote from the Episode: “Money gives you choices, and it can give you a feeling of freedom... If you don’t have the resources, you don’t have the choice.”—Caterina Rando

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Caterina shares her background and love for San Francisco

[00:02:06] Marriage, divorce, and family values around money

[00:06:09] Financial roles in marriage & discovering financial infidelity

[00:14:49] Recovering from debt after divorce and redefining financial savvy

[00:19:30] What it means to be financially savvy—in savings, investing, and entrepreneurship

[00:26:29] Why women should feel empowered to make financial decisions

[00:33:39] Caterina’s journey from cafe owner to business coach

[00:36:33] Caterina’s ongoing mission: empowering women through entrepreneurship

[00:38:35] Caterina’s favorite travel story & advice from her mom

[00:41:16] How Caterina uses tech and AI for learning and business

Special Offer from the Guest: Caterina invites listeners to attend her free monthly workshops on topics such as authentic selling, speaking to grow your business, business retreats, and more. Details and sign-up information are available at https://caterinarando.com/links

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.

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

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.

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