The Art Of Imperfect Adulting

Career Change and Rediscovering Adventure with Laura Ericson

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Laura Ericson about the bold journey of leaving a secure career to build an adventurous life and business around world travel. From her base in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (when she's actually home!), Laura details her transformation from director at a technical college to the founder of a thriving group travel company, designing immersive cultural experiences for curious adults. Listeners will walk away inspired by Laura’s candid perspective on divorce, navigating uncertainty, and the practicalities (and emotion) of starting over to pursue a more aligned and exciting life.About Laura Ericson:Laura Ericson is the founder of Laura Ericson Group Trips, a boutique travel company specializing in transformational experiences to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Morocco, India, Kenya, and Cuba. After spending 14 years in higher education leadership, she made the leap to entrepreneurship at 34, turning her post-divorce wanderlust into a business that has taken over 230 travelers to 9 countries. Laura believes in "Type 2 Fun"—those experiences that might suck in the moment but become your best stories later—and is passionate about responsible travel that gives back to local communities. She lives in Wisconsin (yes, really) and has a concerning habit of getting travel tattoos in foreign countries despite swearing she won't after each one.Main Topics Covered:Rethinking New Year’s resolutions: why personal growth isn’t tied to the calendar.The realities and misconceptions of technical colleges vs. four-year universities—and the impact on careers and debt.How divorce, solo travel, and the pandemic sparked Laura’s business transformation.Recognizing when you’re “playing it safe” in life—and how to awaken your adventurous spirit.The emotional process of leaving a secure job for entrepreneurial uncertainty.Overcoming fear: taking real steps (not just dreaming) toward career change.Building community and belonging for solo travelers craving authentic, meaningful adventure.Tangible travel hacks for life on the road—from luggage scales to navigating lost bags.Quote from the Episode: “A lot of people who get divorced, like, see it as the end of their life. I see it as the end of your life as you know it and the opportunity to start over.” — Laura EricsonTimestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & Laura’s rare appearance at home in Eau Claire, WI[00:00:35] New Year’s resolutions and perpetual goal-setting[00:02:29] Laura’s 14-year career in higher education and the decision to leave[00:03:42] The gap between studying and career path; value of technical college[00:13:21] Major life change: divorce, personal transition, and the pandemic’s impact[00:18:38] Rediscovering adventure through solo travel—and launching a group travel business[00:33:08] The logistics and fear of quitting a stable job[00:35:03] The power of the “decision moment” in career change[00:41:20] Starting a business with nothing but a passion for travel[00:46:36] What Laura Ericson Group Trips is—and who it serves[00:49:29] Favorite travel hacks, books, podcasts, and travel mishapsJoin the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadulting 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally

Sobriety Without Hitting Rock Bottom with Lesley Jones

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Lesley Jones about the journey of ditching alcohol and embracing sobriety without waiting for a traditional "rock bottom." Lesley offers candid insights on redefining what it means to have a problem with drinking, the invisible emotional battles behind high-functioning adulthood, and how choosing sobriety has transformed her sense of peace and purpose. The episode provides real strategies for navigating social situations as a non-drinker and explores the power of community support, including Lesley's own work building connections through storytelling.About Lesley Jones: Lesley Jones lives in Dayton, Ohio where she is a wife, mother or 3, writer and entrepreneur. She filled up with cocktails for a very long time, and now she fills up with connection. Lesley is the founder of Traveling Pendants, a jewelry-plus-tech company built on the belief that no one should feel alone in their journey. What began as a simple pendant passed among family members during times of illness has grown into a patent-pending digital storytelling platform where every pendant holds real stories of strength, resilience, and connection. Each time a pendant is worn and shared, its story log grows—creating a living chain of human connection.Main Topics Covered:Redefining "rock bottom" and why waiting for loss is a misconception in recovery.The role of New Year's resolutions and personal motivation in lasting change.Recognizing the emotional and mental weight of addiction—even in high-functioning lives.Sober curiosity, societal judgments, and shifting cultural norms around drinking.Strategies for handling anxiety and stress without substances.Navigating social situations and relationships while staying alcohol-free.The importance of support communities, connection, and sharing your story.Lesley’s entrepreneurial journey: creating Traveling Pendants to foster strength and connection.Quote from the Episode: "I always say quit before you lose because I hate losing. So I did the quitting before I did the losing." — Lesley JonesTimestamps: [00:00:04] Welcome & Lesley’s Ohio roots [00:00:38] New Year's resolutions and how they sparked Lesley's sobriety journey [00:01:53] Discussing the January cultural “reset” and indulgence cycles [00:03:09] Early relationship with alcohol, experimenting with sobriety, and family context [00:05:19] Breaking down the “rock bottom” myth and personal definitions of loss [00:07:05] Misconceptions that keep people stuck and the invisible cost of shame [00:08:38] Making the choice before crisis—internal motivation versus societal expectation [00:10:27] The danger of comparing drinking habits, self-negotiation, and feeling out of control [00:13:01] The mental energy devoted to planning and thinking about drinking [00:14:01] Parallels between food noise, invisible struggles, and substance habits [00:16:07] Why early change leads to easier recovery (“stage zero” analogy) [00:17:46] Why some people with extensive losses may still struggle to quit [00:19:51] Lesley’s turning point: community support and the “not yet” lesson [00:22:45] Reframing sobriety support as a positive group experience [00:25:11] Practical strategies for sober socializing and beverage choices [00:27:43] How sobriety transformed Lesley’s inner life, anxiety, and relationships [00:31:10] Connection between quitting drinking and reduced anxiety [00:33:27] Compassion, motivation, and the underlying drivers of addiction [00:34:45] Shame, invisible struggles, and the cost of high-functioning addiction [00:36:17] Lesley’s vulnerable story of using alcohol to cope with anxiety as a teen athlete [00:40:22] About Traveling Pendants: fostering connection and story-sharing for strength [00:42:03] Special offer for listeners: Traveling Pendants discount [00:43:33] Rapid fire fun questions: morning routines, favorite podcasts/books, and teen bedroom postersSpecial offer for podcast listeners 20% off entire purchase at www.travelingpendants.com Use the code Imperfect to get that deal.If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIf 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally

Welcome back, it's a new year. Here's a new trailer.

Happy New Year from your host, Amy Stone. This is a short introduction to season 2 of The Art of Imperfect Adulting. The purpose of this new short audio trailer is to wake up your podcast feed and let the robots know that new episodes are coming soon. Yay for technology! The mission of the show as we begin 2026 is to amplify voices of individual experience. Fresh and fun interviews coming up next.

Milestones, Misses, and Moving Forward: A Transparent Wrap-Up of the Podcast’s First Year

Amy Stone, host of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, wraps up her milestone year with episode #178, reflecting on launching the show in January 2025sharing honest lessons learned as a creator in the world of imperfect adulting and personal growth.Topics Amy babbles about in this episode include:• Amy’s heartfelt gratitude for listeners, supporters, and guests—plus a special shoutout to her running buddy Pepe• Behind-the-scenes recap: Amy shares top episodes (Devon Adrian, Jane Epstein), unexpected growth, and podcast milestones• Real talk: Honest reflections on guest feedback, bloopers (like the infamous misspelled name and broken Apple Podcasts link), and what it’s really like running every part of the show herself • Behind-the-scenes insights on finding community, guest surveys, and what’s next as she builds her production team.📧 Join Amy's email list for the real inside scoop: This is where Amy shares what she's working on, where she'll be, and how to work with her www.imperfectadulting.com🎧 If you're looking for the audio podcast you can find links here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/listen💭 What’s the biggest imperfect lesson you learned this year? Drop your thoughts below!#ImperfectAdulting #PodcastBehindTheScenes #RealStories #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #WomenCreators

Making Life Work When Your College Dream Doesn’t with Megan Okonsky

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Austin, Texas-based Megan Okonsky about the realities of letting go of “dream plans,” adulting without a roadmap, and how turning disappointment into adventure can lead to unexpected personal and professional rewards. Megan shares her journey from college graduation and Peace Corps rejection to two years of solo international travel, eventually making a home and career.About the Guest:Megan Okonsky is a professional ghostwriter specializing in memoirs and business books. After pivoting from a degree in public relations and missing out on her Peace Corps dream, Megan spent her early 20s traveling solo through Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America, all while building her writing career. Her work now helps entrepreneurs and everyday heroes share their stories with the world.Main Topics Covered:Facing rejection and disappointment after college graduationApplying to the Peace Corps and adapting when plans don’t work outSolo travel: Couchsurfing, working abroad, and building resourcefulnessProfound shifts that come with life on the road—and choosing to come homeStarting a freelance writing career on Upwork, turning travel experiences into professional growthThe realities and safety considerations of solo travel, especially for womenHow Megan became a ghostwriter, what ghostwriting involves, and why sharing stories mattersThe importance of community, support systems, and self-discovery in early adulthoodQuote from the Episode:“I decided after two years that I didn’t want to do all of this alone anymore. … I wanted a community. I wanted people to share the memories with.” — Megan OkonskyTimestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & intros; Megan’s home base and holiday travel talk[00:03:33] Megan’s Peace Corps dream—where it came from[00:06:53] Navigating college and career indecision[00:12:29] Peace Corps rejection and grappling with an uncertain future[00:18:34] How travel became the new plan—finances, flights, and backpacking[00:24:44] Summer trip turns into two years abroad: couchsurfing, hostels, and working[00:34:58] Moving home, searching for community, and planning for the future[00:36:37] Solo travel safety, challenges, and lessons learned[00:45:32] Megan’s ghostwriting career—what she does and who she helps[00:49:56] Lightning round: favorite meal, book recommendation, and running shoesSpecial Offer from the Guest:Megan is offering a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to podcast listeners interested in memoir or business ghostwriting. Mention TAOIA when you book via her website at https://www.meganokonsky.com for priority scheduling.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/supportIf 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. Click here and pitch yourself. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe 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 appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FMWebsite hosting with Siteground Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit. Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCartNetworking and support with Entreprenista LeagueConnection with Polka Dot PowerhouseBooks I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.orgGrab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol hereDo you need a bank account? Ally