The Imperfect Advocate Podcast

The Imperfect Advocate is a podcast that celebrates imperfect action. A podcast that explores how our inner world, creates our outer world and how showing up imperfectly is OK. Host Karen C. Auld, is an environmentalist and mindset coach who wants to inspire her listeners to: (1) Acknowledge the inner connection between people, animals, plants, bugs, birds, and their shared environment. (2) Fumble forward - because some action, even if not perfect, is better than none. (3) Lead by example and lead with love. (4) Make the hard work fun by creating a culture of collaboration and joy.

35 episodes

2mo ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

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Episodes 35

Season 8, Episode 2: Plastic Free July: It Starts with Noticing
2mo ago · 17:30
In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, Karen Auld invites listeners to kick off Plastic Free July with curiosity instead of perfection. Australian educator Rebecca Prince-Ruiz grew a global movement from just forty participants, Karen explores why meaningful environmental change begins with something much simpler than most people realize: noticing. On the pod, Karen also asks for a moment of silence for Recyclops. Don’t know who Recyclops is? Tune in to find out and be inspired by his mastermind daddy, Rainn Wilson. Karen also shares her own Plastic Free July experiment, including
Season 8, Episode 1: Weeding, Watering & Wonder
2mo ago · 15:30
Summer has always been Karen Auld's favorite season. The warm air, longer days, birdsong, and blooming flowers serve as a reminder to slow down and pay attention. In the Season 8 premiere of The Imperfect Advocate, Karen explores what it means to tend not only our gardens, but our lives. Using the garden as a metaphor, she reflects on the "weeds" that quietly steal our energy, the relationships and habits that nourish us, and the importance of trusting that growth can't be rushed. Just as a garden needs healthy soil, sunshine, water, and time, our dreams require encouragement, rest, community,
Season 7, Episode 2: Messy, Muddy, and Blooming
2mo ago · 14:30
Spring may bring flowers, but it also brings mud. In Episode 2 of the Imperfect Advocate Podcast spring season, Karen explores the messy beauty of living systems through the work of author and systems thinker Margaret Wheatley. From Vermont’s famous “mud season” to ecosystem diagrams that mysteriously leave humans out of the picture, this episode examines how modern life has conditioned us to see ourselves as separate from nature, from each other, and even from our own humanity. Karen reflects on why we crave certainty, why disorder often signals growth rather than failure, and how systems thi
Season 7, Episode 1: Emerging From a Long Winter
3mo ago · 16:02
After a longer-than-expected winter break, Karen returns for Season 7 of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast with reflections on growth, happiness, and what it means to move through life seasonally rather than linearly. In this episode, Karen shares what she’s been learning while pursuing her Master’s degree in Happiness and Overall Wellbeing at Centenary University, including the SPIRE model for whole-being happiness: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing. Through stories about graduate school, surgery recovery, spring planting, and messy personal growth, Karen exp
Season 6, Episode 2: Fumbling Forward as a Helper: Using Your Strengths When the World Feels Heavy
6mo ago · 18:12
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 o
Season 6, Episode 1: Winter Solstice Reflections: Rest, Renewal, and Loving-Kindness
8mo ago · 14:42
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
10mo ago · 24:44
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, sy
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 10: Make your own rules
10mo ago · 14:49
IIn 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 hee
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 9: Meet people where they are
10mo ago · 21:35
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
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 8: Use your voice
10mo ago · 15:30
Life Lesson #8 — Use Your Voice — Karen and Bill celebrate the strong, outspoken women of Stranger Things. From Nancy calling out the “bullshit,” to Eleven’s quiet but powerful “No,” to Erica’s confident demands for free ice cream, the gang explores what it means to speak your truth, set boundaries, and ask for what you want. Karen also opens up about her own journey—physically and mentally—toward reclaiming her voice after vocal cord surgery. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that using your voice isn’t about perfection—it’s about honesty, courage, and self-advocacy. Whether you’re calli
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 7: Get a Coach
10mo ago · 16:08
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, Karen and Bill explore what it really means to get a coach and why even heroes need help to level up. From Kali guiding Eleven to unlock her full power, to Karen Wheeler reminding Nancy to go for it, to Steve Harrington (yes, Steve!) teaching Dustin how to find his confidence at the Snow Ball—Stranger Things shows us that great coaches help us see what’s already inside us. Karen and Bill share their own experiences being both coaches and the coached, reflecting on how support, mentorship, and teamwork can help us fumble forward with purp
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 6: embrace the hero within
10mo ago · 24:29
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, Karen and Bill dive into Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and explore how every character in Hawkins—from Murray and Joyce to Eleven and Max—answers their own call to adventure. Using Campbell’s classic framework, they show how the heroes of Stranger Things mirror the journeys we all take in real life. Whether you’re facing fear, loss, or change, this episode reminds you that the hero you’ve been waiting for is already inside you. It’s about hearing the whisper to grow, following your bliss, and coming back from your own “Upside Down” tr
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 5: We all have demons
10mo ago · 14:35
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, In this episode, Karen and Bill explore one of Stranger Things’ deeper life lessons — We All Have Demons. From Hopper’s grief and guilt to Billy’s trauma and Eleven’s inner battles, the Upside Down becomes a metaphor for our own internal struggles. Karen and Bill unpack how many of our “demons” live in our minds — the stories, fears, and critical voices that whisper we’re not enough. Karen opens up about her own “inner Vecna” — the perfectionist voice that chases the illusion of a perfect 10 — and how she’s learned to quiet it through ac
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 4: Music is medicine
10mo ago · 16:23
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, Karen and Bill turn up the volume on one of Stranger Things’ most powerful themes — the healing power of music. From Max escaping the clutches of the Upside Down to your favorite song lifting you out of a funk, music truly is medicine. Karen explores the science behind why the right song can change everything, sharing insights from Dr. Daniel Levitin’s book This Is Your Brain on Music. You’ll learn how the brain releases dopamine when you hear a song you love, why music helps us process emotions, and how it can literally calm a “broken b
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 3: Stay Strange
10mo ago · 19:28
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, Karen and Bill celebrate the beauty of embracing your quirks, differences, and glorious weirdness — because as Eddie Munson reminds us, “Forced conformity is the real monster.” From Jonathan and Will’s brotherly bond over The Clash to Eddie’s unapologetic leadership of the Hellfire Club, Stranger Things reminds us that it’s our individuality that saves the world — not fitting in. Karen connects this lesson to the wisdom of Brené Brown and Rick Rubin, exploring how authenticity and creativity are rooted in imperfection. Together, she and
Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 2: Be curious
10mo ago · 20:49
In this episode of 11 Life Lessons From Stranger Things, Karen and Bill channel their inner Dustin as they dive into Life Lesson #2: Be Curious. From Mr. Clark’s late-night science calls to Dustin’s “Curiosity Voyage,” they explore how curiosity isn’t just for kids — it’s the secret to staying vibrant, adaptable, and creative at any age. Karen shares research from Stanford’s Dr. Gary Swan showing that curiosity actually helps people live longer and cope better with change. Together, she and Bill reflect on their own “Mr. Clark” — science teacher Peter Puglia — and how curiosity shaped their jo
Season 5, Special Series | 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 1: Trust Your Vibes
10mo ago · 28:11
In this first episode of our special series 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things, Karen is joined on the mic with her own Billy (IYKYK), her husband, Bill Auld. They explore why Stranger Things has captured their hearts and what it was like to grow up in the 80s. Together, they unpack Life Lesson 1: Trust Your Vibes and discuss how Joyce Byers teaches us the power of trusting our vibes. When everyone thought she was losing it, Joyce trusted her intuition—and she was right. Karen shares insights from intuitive expert Sonia Choquette, who teaches that your intuition is like an internal radio sta
Season 4, Episode 3: Something Strange Is Happening on The Imperfect Advocate podcast
10mo ago · 13:43
Grab your Eggos, friends — something strange is coming! In this special teaser episode, host Karen Auld (aka the chick who puts the care in Karen) shares a mysterious new project inspired by her favorite show, Stranger Things. Tune in to discover how the Upside Down connects to the four tenets of an Imperfect Advocate and why she and her co-host (her own “Billy”) are launching 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things on 11-01. Get ready to celebrate, reflect, and have some 80s-style fun before the final season drops!
Season 4, Episode 2: Refuel Your Hope Tank
1y ago · 15:20
n this episode of The Imperfect Advocate, Karen Auld explores the wisdom of Jane Goodall and how her words embody the four tenets of being an Imperfect Advocate: recognizing interconnection, fumbling forward, leading with love, and making the hard work fun. Drawing on quotes from The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, Karen reflects on how compassion leads to action, why “oops” moments are part of progress, and how small daily choices create real impact. She also shares Goodall’s powerful approach of storytelling over shaming, and how empathy transformed scientific practices. Alo
Season 4, Episode 1: Finding My Voice for the Planet (Again) – Because advocacy starts with using the voice you've got—even if it's imperfect
1y ago · 14:10
After a season of silence for healing, Karen Auld is back behind the mic with a full heart and a mending voice. In this joyful relaunch of The Imperfect Advocate, Karen shares her deeply personal journey through vocal cord surgery, a painful bout of COVID, and the slow, steady return of her voice—physically and metaphorically. Karen also revisits why she started the podcast in the first place. She highlights three powerful quotes that shaped the show’s mission—reminding us that love, not guilt, is the most renewable resource we have. Whether you’re an eco-optimist, a recovering perfectionist,
Season 3, Episode 6: A Season of Renewal – Embracing Change and Finding Your Voice
1y ago · 13:15
IIn the season finale of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld reflects on the themes of renewal and transformation as spring approaches. She shares a personal journey of stepping into a new season of change, highlighting the importance of using one's voice and embracing moments of pause for growth. Karen also shares what you can expect in Season 4 of the podcast! Please listen, subscribe, and share!
Season 3, Episode 5: My First Protest: Protecting Our National Parks
1y ago · 29:16
In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld takes listeners on a journey through her first protest experience. Inspired by a social media post from ALT National Parks, Karen learns about a nationwide protest organized by Resistance Rangers in response to unjust layoffs of park rangers. With her husband, Bill Auld, she sets out to Jockey Hollow National Park to stand in solidarity with the cause. Karen and Bill share the emotional and eye-opening encounters they had, from meeting impacted rangers to engaging in conversations with fellow protesters, including a family with
Season 3, Episode 4: Love Without Borders
1y ago · 13:56
The Vice President recently invoked the theory of concentric circles, but his take came with an “and then” hierarchy of compassion. In this episode, Karen Auld breaks down what Confucius actually taught, why love isn’t a checklist, and how it all ties back to the four tenets of an Imperfect Advocate. With humor (yes, there’s a Dude, Where’s My Car? reference), insight, and a reminder that love is a renewable resource, this episode is all about expanding our circles—no “and then” required. Please listen, subscribe, and share!
Season 3, Episode 3: Valentine’s Day edition
1y ago · 17:42
In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld chats about Valentine's Day and how you can radiate love all year long by developing a metta practice. Please listen, subscribe, and share!
Season 3, Episode 2: Reclaiming Karen
1y ago · 16:53
In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld shares her experience of being called a "Karen" and why it didn’t silence her. She reflects on the challenges of speaking up, especially for those who have been conditioned to avoid confrontation, and explores how to build resilience in difficult conversations. Through personal stories and insights, Karen encourages listeners to develop their advocacy skills, lead with love, and stay engaged in important discussions. With a focus on growth and perseverance, this episode serves as a call to action for those striving to make a di

Episodes

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The Imperfect Advocate Podcast

Episodes 35

Season 8, Episode 2: Plastic Free July: It Starts with Noticing

Season 8, Episode 1: Weeding, Watering & Wonder

Season 7, Episode 2: Messy, Muddy, and Blooming

Season 7, Episode 1: Emerging From a Long Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 8: Use your voice

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 7: Get a Coach

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 6: embrace the hero within

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 5: We all have demons

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 4: Music is medicine

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 3: Stay Strange

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 2: Be curious

Season 5, Special Series | 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 1: Trust Your Vibes

Season 4, Episode 3: Something Strange Is Happening on The Imperfect Advocate podcast

Season 4, Episode 2: Refuel Your Hope Tank

Season 4, Episode 1: Finding My Voice for the Planet (Again) – Because advocacy starts with using the voice you've got—even if it's imperfect

Season 3, Episode 6: A Season of Renewal – Embracing Change and Finding Your Voice

Season 3, Episode 5: My First Protest: Protecting Our National Parks

Season 3, Episode 4: Love Without Borders

Season 3, Episode 3: Valentine’s Day edition

Season 3, Episode 2: Reclaiming Karen

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Episodes 35

Season 8, Episode 2: Plastic Free July: It Starts with Noticing

Season 8, Episode 1: Weeding, Watering & Wonder

Season 7, Episode 2: Messy, Muddy, and Blooming

Season 7, Episode 1: Emerging From a Long Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 8: Use your voice

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 7: Get a Coach

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 6: embrace the hero within

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 5: We all have demons

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 4: Music is medicine

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 3: Stay Strange

Season 5, Special Series |11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 2: Be curious

Season 5, Special Series | 11 Life Lessons from Stranger Things – Lesson 1: Trust Your Vibes

Season 4, Episode 3: Something Strange Is Happening on The Imperfect Advocate podcast

Season 4, Episode 2: Refuel Your Hope Tank

Season 4, Episode 1: Finding My Voice for the Planet (Again) – Because advocacy starts with using the voice you've got—even if it's imperfect

Season 3, Episode 6: A Season of Renewal – Embracing Change and Finding Your Voice

Season 3, Episode 5: My First Protest: Protecting Our National Parks

Season 3, Episode 4: Love Without Borders

Season 3, Episode 3: Valentine’s Day edition

Season 3, Episode 2: Reclaiming Karen