In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting (TAOIA), host Amy Stone chats with Suzanne Jabour about rebuilding life after the loss of her adult son. Suzanne shares her personal journey through grief, the practical and emotional realities of loss, and her mission to create space for more open and supportive conversations around grief and healing. Together, they explore not only the pain, but also the opportunities for connection, growth, and compassion that arise in the aftermath of tragedy.

About the Guest:

Suzanne is a grieving mom who has found meaning in her loss through providing grief education – sharing how grief really works and how we can support people experiencing it. She works with grievers to chart their own path through Conscious and Curious Grief Coaching. She offers a regular rotation of workshops and sessions for grievers and people supporting them to share the information, skills and tools so we can respond to grief in a more meaningful way. Her TEDx talk “Grief is Hard - Let’s do Better” will be released in 2025. She is available as a speaker to share her story and help normalize grief as a healthy response to losses big and small. She has a BA and B Ed and decades of experience as a trainer. She is a certified Grief Educator, a Transformational Coach and Workshop Leader.

Main Topics Covered:

• Suzanne’s life before and after her son’s passing
• How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped her family’s experience of loss
• The realities of grief, including its physical, emotional, and mental impact (“grief brain”)
• Why our society struggles to handle grief and what needs to change
• Honoring loved ones by sharing stories and memories
• Practical advice for supporting grievers and having better conversations about loss
• The importance of foundational well-being in facing life’s challenges
• Suzanne’s new grief workshops and available resources

Quote from the Episode:

“If we were having more conversations about it, about grief and loss and rebuilding, we would be much better adulting.” — Suzanne Jabour

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introductions, Vancouver vs. Seattle, and Suzanne’s hobbies
• 02:04 – Discussing the loss of Suzanne’s adult son; the context of the pandemic
• 07:13 – Exposure to grief prior to Ben’s death; unique impact of losing a child
• 09:59 – How Ben passed away and reframing mental health loss
• 14:01 – Honoring and remembering Ben’s life
• 19:16 – The physical and mental impact of grief; normalizing the experience
• 22:05 – “Fork in the road” moments and puzzle pieces of identity
• 28:08 – Rebuilding life, shifting priorities and boundaries
• 38:18 – Supporting grievers: what helps, and what doesn’t
• 46:26 – Why we must get better at handling grief
• 47:00 – Suzanne’s workshops, resources, and special offer for listeners
• 49:15 – Rapid fire questions: fear, Mars, and beverages

Resources & Links:

• Special offer from Suzanne Jabour drop-in grief workshops (code “AIA” for 10% off) https://www.suzannejabour.com/
• Suzanne’s TEDx Talk: “Grief is Hard. Let’s Do Better.” https://youtu.be/3wRQTueKxJY?si=EaGmKD6jSrjqrZPx

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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In this episode, host Amy Stone welcomes Kandas Rodarte to discuss the path that led Kandas to launch a coaching business after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 44. Together, they explore Kandas’s journey from custom furniture entrepreneurship to becoming the “Gratitude Geek,” focusing on resilience, gratitude, and empowering women to change the world through business ownership.

About the Guest:

Kandas Rodarte is a productivity coach for micropreneurs and the host of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, ranked #1 in sales and marketing on GoodPods. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she embraced gratitude as a daily practice and turned her experience into a mission to help solopreneurs build lasting relationships while growing their businesses. Through her group coaching program, Robusta, Small Business Percolator, she provides a supportive space for female solopreneurs to brainstorm, learn, and thrive. Kandas believes success comes from authentic connections, strategic marketing, and a strong support network.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kandas’s move from California to Michigan and her love of crochet
• The life-changing discovery of her cancer diagnosis, how she found her doctor, and the role of Herceptin in her journey
• Transitioning from custom high-end furniture business to coaching women entrepreneurs
• The power of gratitude—how Kandas integrated it into her brand and life, and practical tips for practicing gratitude, even on tough days
• The importance of imperfect adulting and representing real, authentic lives
• Kandas’s group coaching program for women over 40 and her mission to help women change the world through business ownership
• Fun side topics: favorite books, memorable gifts, and living with intention

Quote from the Episode:

“I think that women need to own businesses because we really can change the world and we can make it better for everybody, including men. Men will be better off if women owned more businesses.” — Kandas Rodarte

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introductions, getting off-topic, and Michigan living
• 02:46 – Hobbies, passion for crochet, and yarn shop woes
• 05:59 – Transition to today’s topic: Cancer diagnosis and launching a business
• 06:19 – How a breakthrough drug’s history changed Kandas’s prognosis
• 08:09 – The discovery of her breast cancer and life before diagnosis
• 13:17 – Kandas’s career as a custom furniture entrepreneur
• 16:50 – Childhood dreams, paleontology, and family connections
• 20:25 – What metastatic cancer means
• 21:43 – Choosing coaching after diagnosis and early online business communities
• 27:10 – Women, business, and why Kandas believes in changing the world
• 31:34 – Gratitude: before and after cancer diagnosis
• 36:16 – Honest talk about practicing gratitude, even when it’s hard
• 41:00 – Details on Kandas’s coaching program and where to find her
• 43:38 – Rapid-fire questions: color, favorite gift, and beloved books

Offer from the guest: You can connect with Kandas at www.kandasrodarte.com where you will find a 5-day gratitude journal.

Note from the host: if you have trouble collecting or redeeming a guest offer - please contact the guest directly.

Thank you for tuning into The Art of Imperfect Adulting! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.

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

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone talks with adventure athlete and Paralympian Kyle Coon. Kyle shares his journey from a confident college graduate struggling to find work—even landing a rejection from a grocery store—to transforming his life through endurance sports and embracing imperfection. His candid conversation highlights the challenges and unexpected turns that shape our personal growth.

About the Guest:

Kyle Coon is a two-time Paralympian, endurance athlete, keynote speaker, and Exactly What to Say Certified Guide. After losing his sight at the age of six, Kyle has dedicated his life to pushing limits—whether summiting Kilimanjaro as a teenager, competing on the world’s biggest athletic stages, or helping individuals and teams unlock their highest potential. A passionate advocate for high-performance living, he shares his journey of resilience, adaptability, and achievement through speaking engagements, coaching, and content creation. When he’s not training for his next challenge, Kyle is focused on fostering a community committed to excellence and living without limits.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kyle’s experience growing up blind and developing a strong support network
• The reality check and emotional impact of post-college job hunting setbacks
• How rejection led Kyle to rediscover physical fitness and ultimately pursue endurance sports
• The transformative role of mentorship and community in finding new paths
• A behind-the-scenes look at competing in triathlon as a blind athlete
• Reflections on overconfidence, growth, and advice for younger adults
• Kyle’s current projects and how technology enhances his life

Quote from the Episode:

"At the end of the day, there is no best. There's only better." — Kyle Coon

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Kyle’s definition of “home”
• 01:12 – Kyle’s non-work passion: Chess
• 04:18 – Facing setbacks after college and personal reflection
• 10:53 – Losing his vision as a child and its life impact
• 18:38 – From adventure sports to marathons and triathlons
• 23:50 – Finding a running mentor and learning about triathlon
• 29:22 – Progression from entry-level running to Ironman and Paralympics
• 34:47 – The mechanics of racing as a blind triathlete
• 37:10 – Would Kyle have chosen endurance sports if life went different?
• 38:48 – Advice to his younger self
• 40:25 – Kyle’s current pursuits and where to connect

Connect with Kyle Coon:

• Website: KyleCoon.com
• Instagram: @ironkyle

Also mentioned in the show United In Stride https://www.unitedinstride.com/

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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If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting...

In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone engages in a lively conversation with Clarissa Burt, who shares her journey of reinvention in her 60s. Clarissa discusses living a non-toxic life, starting a multimedia company, and the importance of strong self-esteem. The conversation dives into aging gracefully, personal development, and maintaining self-care through life’s changes.

Guest Information:

Clarissa Burt is an internationally acclaimed award-winning media personality, producer, director, writer, author, public speaker, former supermodel, and winner of the Celebrity Survivor show! With hundreds of television and film credits to her name, this Who’s Who of International and American Women brings over 35 years of entertainment industry experience in both international and American markets.

Published by New York City Publisher Roman and Littlefield, her internationally acclaimed, pluri- award-winning bestselling book entitled The Self-Esteem Regime has been on the shelves in Barnes & Noble stores nationally. Her book can be heard on Audible and found on Amazon and Kindle.

Main Topics Covered:

• Clarissa's passion for living a non-toxic life
• Starting over and self-reinvention in your 60s
• The role of self-esteem in public careers
• Experiencing life changes and caring for aging parents
• The significance of personal development and being social in later years

Quote from the Episode:

"You can either conform or transform." - Clarissa Burt

Timestamps:

• [00:00:04] Introduction and welcoming Clarissa Burt
• [00:00:43] Clarissa discusses her passion for a non-toxic lifestyle
• [00:01:45] Topic introduction: Starting over in your 60s
• [00:03:19] Clarissa shares her motivation for starting a multimedia company
• [00:08:53] Thoughts on caretaking and personal health
• [00:12:44] Balancing self-esteem and a public career
• [00:16:09] Building support and community in new ventures
• [00:18:57] Thoughts on conforming versus transforming
• [00:25:11] Clarissa discusses her book and self-esteem journey
• [00:34:39] Aging gracefully and inspiring the next generation
• [00:36:16] Clarissa wraps up with how listeners can connect with her

For more information and to connect with Clarissa Burt, visit her website at clarissaburt.com or find her on social media @ClarissaBurt. Her book "The Self Esteem Regime" is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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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• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Jackie Cote joins Amy Stone for a conversation about embracing life's transitions and finding freedom in unexpected changes. Jackie, a former restaurant industry leader turned life coach, shares her journey of self-discovery and growth after being fired from her corporate job in 2018. She opens up about her path to becoming a nomadic entrepreneur and the personal transformations that followed.

Guest Information:

Jackie Cote is your Freedom Mentor, International Speaker, Bestselling Author, and RV Adventurist. As the owner of Jackie Cote Coaching, she empowers ambitious women to simplify their lives, prioritize joy, and create purpose-driven lives filled with time, money, freedom, and love.

A Jersey girl at heart, Jackie loves cooking (especially Italian dishes), traveling, and experiencing life fully—she's even jumped out of a plane! After 30 years of leadership in the restaurant industry, mentoring hundreds to their next levels, she now lives her dream life as a full-time nomad with her husband and two pups, inspiring other women to awaken the badass within, own their magic, and unapologetically thrive in their freedom-filled lives.

Main Topics Covered:

• Jackie's life before and after being fired in 2018
• The impact of living a nomadic lifestyle
• Discovering personal freedom and alignment
• Transitioning from the corporate world to coaching
• The importance of inner work and self-awareness
• Creating a life that matches personal values and desires

Quote from the Episode:

I loved how much my dad created from nothing and being able to watch that, but then also scared because I'm like, I watch. And that's a lot of turmoil in the relationship and stuff. Jackie Cote

Timestamps:

• [00:00:05] Introduction and welcome
• [00:01:06] Jackie’s nomadic lifestyle
• [00:03:32] The significance of being fired in 2018
• [00:10:09] Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship
• [00:17:06] Discovering coaching
• [00:21:59] Jackie's personal growth journey
• [00:39:55] Jackie's current work and offerings
• [00:48:03] Final questions and wrap-up

Special Offer From Jackie Cote:

Free deep dive Vision call (Value $555)

Access it here: https://destinymakers.net/links

A note from the show: offers from the guests are sometimes limited-time or limited-quantity. If you have any trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest.

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

These are affiliate links :-)

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM

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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone sits down with Matthew James Jones—a Canadian writer, veteran, and educator living in France—to talk about his decision to leave a secure military career to become a writer. They discuss how his military experiences shaped his creative journey, the challenges of transitioning careers, and the personal cost of confronting trauma through storytelling. The conversation is candid, insightful, and sprinkled with humor about life, art, and the adventure of adulting imperfectly.

About the Guest:

Born in Canada, Matthew James Jones joined the military at 19 years old and learned to drive ships, eventually deploying to Afghanistan. With 13 years of military experience, including deployment in Afghanistan and work on drone warfare doctrine, Matthew now focuses on writing, teaching, and running a fitness group (the “log gym”) for veterans.

Main Topics Covered:

• Matthew’s journey from Canadian military officer to published novelist.
• The decision to leave the security of the military and pursue writing.
• How trauma and life experience inform creative work.
• The reality of becoming and being an author, including the ups and downs of publishing.
• Living and teaching in France; building a life abroad.
• The importance of healing, leadership, and redefining masculinity.
• Fun, personal stories—from log gyms to emotional support cats, and his affection for Paris.

Quote from the Episode:

"It's impossible for me to regret the path that I've taken because it's how I got here. And it is a big step to become an artist and to say, 'Oh, yeah, that's what I do now.'" — Matthew James Jones

Timestamps:

• [00:00:32] Matthew’s background: from Canada to Paris, hobbies, and log gym
• [00:02:15] Deciding to join (and leave) the military
• [00:07:34] Always wanting to be a writer—early ambitions and military writing
• [00:11:23] Making the leap: From military to writing, teaching, and global living
• [00:16:42] The personal cost of war, trauma, and the need to heal
• [00:20:10] Leaving Canada, starting over in France
• [00:23:11] The long road to publishing: 'Predators, Reapers, and Deadlier Creatures'
• [00:25:22] Book excerpt readings: blending reality, trauma, and magical realism
• [00:35:13] Next creative chapters: healing, leadership, and beyond
• [00:39:34] Reflections on regret, creativity, and living authentically
• [00:40:36] Rapid-fire questions: childhood foods, cat games, and learning French

Where to Find the Book:

Predators, Reapers, and Deadlier Creatures by Matthew James Jones available from Double Dagger Books https://www.matthewjamesjones.com/

At the time of the publication of this episode, the book is available on Amazon. If you have any trouble finding the book please reach out directly to the guest.

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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In this candid conversation, Amy Stone sits down with Endre Hoffmann, self-proclaimed “Doctor of Self Worth,” to dig into his remarkable story of spending over $100,000 on personal development—and discovering what actually leads to real transformation. Endre opens up about the decades-long search for self-worth, what motivated his investments, and how one critical moment (and a powerful mentor) finally shifted everything.

About the Guest: Endre Hoffmann is a coach and calls himself the “Doctor of Self Worth,” focused on helping people restore self-worth and move purposefully toward their goals. Operating primarily online and from Hungary, Endre draws from his unique experiences to support others in breaking lifelong patterns and embracing transformation.

Main Topics Covered:

• The motivation behind spending $100,000+ on self-development over 20 years
• How childhood experiences and family dynamics shaped Endre’s quest for self-worth
• An honest look at why many programs didn’t work—and the turning point that did
• The difference between self-improvement mode and true transformation
• Reflections on the coaching and self-help industry: what standards need to change?
• Endre’s current approach: creating a safe space for real breakthroughs and guaranteed results

Quote from the Episode:

“I did not need more IQ, I needed a new experience of myself… I was able to filter out because I was taking action on the books. I was a massive action taker. But I was probably focused on the wrong things and I was carrying out a lot of little things, trying to fix myself, but not what mattered.” – Endre Hoffmann

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro and welcome
• 03:10 – Endre’s passion for paragliding
• 05:18 – The $100,000 self-help journey begins
• 10:15 – Years invested and the breaking point
• 13:09 – The cost—financial, emotional, personal
• 16:56 – The pivotal shift: finding the right help and real commitment
• 22:03 – Self-improvement vs. true transformation
• 27:45 – What the industry needs: Endre’s new standards
• 29:47 – Endre’s current work and how listeners can connect
• 33:19 – Endre’s fun side: travel, color, and podcast picks

Special offer from the guest: GIFT 70-min Breakthrough Session 🎁 Valued at $375

https://calendly.com/doctor-of-self-worth/vip-90-min-rapid-breakthrough-session-clone

Note from the show: if you have any trouble redeeming the offer from the guest please reach out to the guest directly.

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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• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
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Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

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In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," Amy Stone welcomes Mary Vensel White, a writer turned publisher, to discuss her journey from being an author to starting her own publishing company. Mary shares insights into her career shift, the influence of her passion for dance, and the balance between work and writing. The conversation covers the importance of transparent partnerships in publishing and advice for aspiring authors.

Guest Information:

Mary Vensel White is the owner and publisher at Type Eighteen Books, an independent publisher based in southern California, and Type Eighteen Editing and Book Services. A published author of four novels, she started the press to provide transparent partnership with authors and to bring to life great stories by unforgettable voices, books that will have an impact and change lives. She also teaches English and writing to college and high school students and is the current president of her local branch of the California Writers Club. In her free time, she sees too many movies and hangs out with her adult kids, friends, and her two elderly dogs.

Main Topics Covered:

• Mary Vensel White's background and journey from author to publisher
• The influence of early reading and teaching aspirations
• The transition from being a stay-at-home mom to establishing a career
• The significance of a transparent partnership between authors and publishers
• The diverse paths available in the publishing industry and self-publishing
• Mary's advice for writers about passion, writing, and career choices

Quote from the Episode:

"I feel like there, there's always choices along the way and it's, it's constantly making assessments and, and that's why I say, even with the, the self publishing thing, like, it's okay if you don't want to do that." - Mary Vensel White

Timestamps:

• [00:00:04] Introduction and welcome of Mary Vensel White
• [00:00:24] Discussion of where Mary calls home
• [00:01:51] Mary talks about her passion for dance
• [00:02:52] Transition to discussing Mary's writing career
• [00:17:27] The decision to start publishing other authors
• [00:31:10] Transparent partnerships in publishing
• [00:38:09] Final questions and reflections on advice

Special Offer From The Guest: Coupon code ADULTING for 10% off books at typeeighteenbooks.com

Guest offers are sometimes limited-quantity or limited-time offers. If you have any trouble redeeming an offer please reach out to the guest directly.

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
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Are you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com

These are affiliate links :-)

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM

How to create/launch your own podcast.

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