
Challenging the 'Naughty' Narrative: Dr. Gila's Journey to Parent Coaching
05/14/25 • 49 min
In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone chats with Doctor Gila, a psychologist and single parent coach, about her journey to incorporating parent coaching into her practice. They delve into understanding parenting challenges, especially for single parents of complex kids, and emphasize the significance of compassionate and connection-based parenting. Doctor Gila shares personal insights and professional experiences, offering valuable perspective on navigating the unpredictable paths of adulting and parenting.
Guest Information:
Dr. Gila (she/her) is a Jai-certified parent coach and certified Clini-Coach®, in addition to being a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. Most importantly, she’s a single mom.
Dr. Gila specializes in single parenting with connection, not perfection. She is passionate about helping single parents build healthy relationships with their kids AND themselves, through workshops, individual coaching, and her group program, The SingleParentologyTM Lab. Her motto is: Even if you're on your own, you don't have to do it alone!
Main Topics Covered:
- Doctor Gila's background and journey into parent coaching (00:00:06 - 00:04:17)
- The concept of "normal" in parenting and adult life (00:04:17 - 00:04:50)
- The importance of connection-based parenting (00:05:19 - 00:05:50)
- Impact of societal expectations on parenting (00:12:51 - 00:14:57)
- Challenges of being a single parent and the resources available (00:01:53 - 00:03:50)
- The distinction between therapy and coaching (00:35:21 - 00:42:26)
Quote from the Episode:
"Everyone goes to the beach for vacation. Everyone has, you know, the white picket fence lifestyle. And I just think the reality is so far from that." – Doctor Gila (00:03:50)
Timestamps:
- Welcome and Intro (00:00:03)
- Background on Doctor Gila (00:01:01)
- Parenting Philosophies and Challenges (00:05:19)
- Importance of Resilient Parenting (00:12:51)
- Exploring Single Parenthood (00:01:53)
- Therapy vs. Coaching (00:35:21)
Dr. Gila offers some free resources that you can find here. Sometimes these offers from guests are limited quantity, limited time or the guest simply changes things up. If you have any trouble accessing the resources we ask that you please reach out directly to the guest.
PDF GUIDE: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_tantrum_signup)
AUDIO: Guided Meditation for Single Parents (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_meditation)
VIDEO: What Every Parent Needs to Know When the S**T Hits the Fan. (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/3truths)
Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting
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
How to create/launch your own podcast.
Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic
Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCart
Connection with Polka Dot Powerhouse
In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone chats with Doctor Gila, a psychologist and single parent coach, about her journey to incorporating parent coaching into her practice. They delve into understanding parenting challenges, especially for single parents of complex kids, and emphasize the significance of compassionate and connection-based parenting. Doctor Gila shares personal insights and professional experiences, offering valuable perspective on navigating the unpredictable paths of adulting and parenting.
Guest Information:
Dr. Gila (she/her) is a Jai-certified parent coach and certified Clini-Coach®, in addition to being a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. Most importantly, she’s a single mom.
Dr. Gila specializes in single parenting with connection, not perfection. She is passionate about helping single parents build healthy relationships with their kids AND themselves, through workshops, individual coaching, and her group program, The SingleParentologyTM Lab. Her motto is: Even if you're on your own, you don't have to do it alone!
Main Topics Covered:
- Doctor Gila's background and journey into parent coaching (00:00:06 - 00:04:17)
- The concept of "normal" in parenting and adult life (00:04:17 - 00:04:50)
- The importance of connection-based parenting (00:05:19 - 00:05:50)
- Impact of societal expectations on parenting (00:12:51 - 00:14:57)
- Challenges of being a single parent and the resources available (00:01:53 - 00:03:50)
- The distinction between therapy and coaching (00:35:21 - 00:42:26)
Quote from the Episode:
"Everyone goes to the beach for vacation. Everyone has, you know, the white picket fence lifestyle. And I just think the reality is so far from that." – Doctor Gila (00:03:50)
Timestamps:
- Welcome and Intro (00:00:03)
- Background on Doctor Gila (00:01:01)
- Parenting Philosophies and Challenges (00:05:19)
- Importance of Resilient Parenting (00:12:51)
- Exploring Single Parenthood (00:01:53)
- Therapy vs. Coaching (00:35:21)
Dr. Gila offers some free resources that you can find here. Sometimes these offers from guests are limited quantity, limited time or the guest simply changes things up. If you have any trouble accessing the resources we ask that you please reach out directly to the guest.
PDF GUIDE: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_tantrum_signup)
AUDIO: Guided Meditation for Single Parents (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_meditation)
VIDEO: What Every Parent Needs to Know When the S**T Hits the Fan. (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/3truths)
Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting
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
How to create/launch your own podcast.
Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic
Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCart
Connection with Polka Dot Powerhouse
Previous Episode

Worms and Wellness: Cathy Nesbitt's Mission to Reduce Waste and Spread Joy
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, guest Cathy Nesbitt shares her journey into the world of vermiculture and composting with worms, discussing how a simple summer task turned into a passion that tackles waste management. Cathy, a health and wellness advocate with a penchant for laughter yoga, reveals how empowering communities with eco-friendly practices can make a significant impact.
About Cathy Nesbitt. Cathy is a Health and Wellness Advocate and Founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters (est. 2002), Cathy’s Sprouters, and Cathy’s Laughter Club. A multi-award-winning visionary who inspires individuals to live a more joy filled, sustainable life.
Cathy is a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher appointed Laughter Ambassador in 2017 by Dr. Madan Kataria, the pioneer of Laughter Yoga. Tapping, brain gym and other healing modalities are incorporated. She helps people get out of stress and into joy. When we feel good, we do good.
Main Topics Covered:
- Cathy’s unexpected foray into worm composting following Toronto’s landfill challenges.
- The mechanics and benefits of indoor composting using worms.
- Challenges faced in shifting community perspectives on waste management.
- Cathy’s journey into Laughter Yoga and its health benefits.
Memorable Quote: "Everybody needs worms." — Cathy Nesbitt
Timestamps:
- [00:00:03] Introduction and welcome.
- [00:01:10] Kathy's personal background and family life.
- [00:03:34] Importance of waste management and Cathy's journey into worm composting.
- [00:04:49] Cathy's realization about international garbage export.
- [00:06:25] Details on Cathy's red wiggler worms and composting process.
- [00:14:10] Journey from psych degree to worm composting advocacy.
- [00:17:55] Overcoming societal aversion to worm composting.
- [00:26:45] Cathy’s move into Laughter Yoga and its impact.
- [00:36:41] Conclusion and ways to connect with Cathy.
Cathy would love to invite you and your listeners to my free online laughter club.
Cathy's Chuckle Club (est. June 2020)
9:30 AM Eastern Time, Every Tuesday
30 minutes of super fun self care. All are welcome
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtd-6prjsvG90wmlw3tRazNqiTzSG4Qq_s
Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting
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
How to create/launch your own podcast.
Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic
Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCart
Connection with Polka Dot Powerhouse
Next Episode

Balancing Health and Heartbreak With Risa August
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, guest Risa August shares her transformative journey of receiving a life-altering diagnosis of a brain tumor while experiencing the dissolution of her 18-year marriage. Through resilience and introspection, she discusses how these major events became a catalyst for reevaluating her life and priorities, leading her to embrace a life filled with new adventures and personal growth.
Guest Information: Award-winning author, Speaker, Gestalt Practitioner, and Patient Advocate, Risa August has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for decades. Risa shares her insights and perspectives on stage, offering words of inspiration to audiences. Additionally, Risa works one-on-one with clients, guiding them through the many roadblocks of life and toward living more fully inspired.
Main Topics Covered:
- Risa's background and her love for travel and culture [00:00:15].
- The challenges of getting a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis and its impact [00:03:38].
- Navigating the dissolution of her marriage during a health crisis [00:10:00].
- The process of introspection and choosing to live life fully [00:23:11].
- Risa's commitment to checking off her bucket list and embracing new experiences [00:24:10].
Quote from the Episode: "I choose to live. And that means all of it. I don't expect every day to be rainbows and unicorns." – Risa August
Timestamps:
- [00:00:05] Introduction to Risa August
- [00:00:27] Risa talks about her base in Colorado and love for travel
- [00:02:13] Discussing Cleveland, Ohio, and fun trivia
- [00:03:21] Introduction to the life-altering diagnosis topic
- [00:05:56] Persistent health issues and seeking medical advice
- [00:06:20] MRI results and learning about the brain tumor
- [00:09:21] The beginning of the treatment journey
- [00:10:00] Navigating the end of an 18-year marriage
- [00:15:03] Risa's emotions during her medical and marital challenges
- [00:23:05] Risa reflects on life changes due to diagnosis and divorce
- [00:24:10] Embracing life and starting new adventures
- [00:26:34] Details about her 1800-mile bike journey
- [00:29:42] Choosing new paths and activities despite limitations
Connect with Risa through her website: https://www.risaaugust.com
Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting
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
How to create/launch your own podcast.
Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic
Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCart
Connection with Polka Dot Powerhouse
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