The Imperfect Advocate Podcast

Food waste is a big environmental problem, but what if there were an easier way to keep it out of the landfill?

In the first installment of a new seasonal series, Green Products I Love, Karen combines more than 30 years of environmental experience with her perspective as a consumer to share products that solve real environmental problems.

First up is the Mill Food Recycler, affectionately known in Karen's house as Milly Bobby. Karen explains why food waste in landfills contributes to climate change, what methane has to do with it, and how Mill has changed...

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 one si...

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...

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 ho...

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 explores why happiness is not about perfection or constant positivity, but about crea...

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 of homes for Habitat...

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.

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 vibra...

In 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 d...

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 cultur...

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 calling out...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Bill share their own “stra...

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 journeys.<...

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 yo...

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!

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.

Along the way, K...

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-o...

In 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!

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 young Junior...

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.

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.

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 difference—one imperfect conv...

In this season-opening episode of the Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld dives into the beauty of winter as a time for rest, reflection, and visioning. Karen shares her journey from hustle culture to mindful living, embracing the cycles of nature and shares a little history about the celebration of the new year. From the ancient Babylonians' resolutions to the symbolism of Janus, discover how aligning with nature and harnessing winter’s restful energy can inspire a thriving year ahead. Tune in for inspiration to gather your seeds of possibility and embrace a more conscious way of setting intentions fo...

In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, Karen explores the spirit of giving during the holiday season, stepping away from consumerism and embracing gifts of love, kindness, and meaningful experiences. She guides listeners through the Buddhist practice of Metta, offering love and kindness to ourselves, loved ones, strangers, adversaries, and the world. Discover how intentional gifts—like the "Color Love and Kindness" book—can make a deeper impact while connecting us to our values. Plus, enjoy a special discount code to spread love this holiday. Tune in, take a breath, and give the most lasting gift of all: love...

In this heartfelt episode of The Imperfect Advocate, Karen Auld reflects on the challenges of navigating post-election uncertainty and shares how the renewable energy of love can guide us through fear. From the extinction of a Hawaiian songbird to Confucius’ timeless "Theory of Concentric Circles," Karen explores how personal actions rooted in love and advocacy ripple outward to create meaningful change. With insights from David R. Hawkins’ Power vs. Force and inspiration from the environmental movements of the 60s, this episode encourages listeners to pause, refocus, and fumble forward with love as their guide. Tune in for actionable wisdom, a sp...

In the Season 2 kickoff of The Imperfect Advocate podcast, host Karen Auld ditches her original plans to tackle a pressing topic—climate change. Inspired by recent extreme weather events and the urgency of environmental issues, she dives into the science behind climate change, breaking down the carbon cycle in simple terms. Karen shares her journey of overcoming discomfort with confrontation to address this crucial issue, and she encourages listeners to embrace imperfect action, lead with love, and find their own voice in advocating for the planet.

In the final episode of Season 1 of The Imperfect Advocate, host Karen Auld reflects on the theme of growth and how it has shaped both her podcast and her personal experiences. She explores the phases of grass—growing, dormant, and dying—and how they mirror stages of personal and professional development. Karen emphasizes that growth is often messy and nonlinear, sharing her fascination with the transformative process of caterpillars becoming butterflies and how we, too, can embrace our own metamorphoses.  As Season 1 concludes, Karen looks ahead to a new season filled with fun, abundance, and gratitude, promising listeners a virtu...

In this episode of the Imperfect Advocate podcast, Karen Auld shares some of her favorite eco-friendly products, focusing on natural deodorants and moisturizers perfect for the summer. Discover "The Greeench" deodorant by Lush, which keeps you fresh without harmful chemicals, and the "Kate McLeod Body Stone," a solid moisturizer with zero plastic packaging. Karen dives into the importance of being mindful about product ingredients and avoiding greenwashing while having a little fun along the way. Join Karen as she fumbles forward, making eco-friendly choices accessible and enjoyable for all. Remember, sharing is caring!

In this episode of the Imperfect Advocate podcast, host Karen Auld explores the beautiful practice of metta, or loving-kindness meditation. Discover how this mindfulness technique can help you connect with yourself and others, spreading waves of love and kindness into the world. Karen shares her personal journey with metta, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic and shares how metta relates to the four tenets of The Imperfect Advocate.  Tune in to learn how you can incorporate metta into your self-care routine and make a positive impact on the world. 

In this episode of The Imperfect Advocate Podcast, host Karen Auld, freshly recharged from a European vacation, delves into the profound relaxation and mindfulness that vacations can bring. Karen explores the scientific research behind the "vacation ahh feeling," highlighting a significant study by renowned institutions like Harvard Medical School and the Icahn School of Medicine. She discusses how vacations naturally activate our senses, making us more present. Karen shares personal anecdotes from her trip, emphasizes the importance of engaging our senses in daily life, and introduces a practical mindfulness exercise to help listeners replicate the relaxation of a vacation...

In this inaugural episode of "The Imperfect Advocate Podcast," host Karen Auld, also known as The Imperfect Advocate, introduces listeners to her podcasting journey. With a light-hearted tone, Karen shares her initial apprehensions, the support from her husband Bill, and the inspiration behind her unique jingle. She dives into the theme of growth, aligning thoughts with desires, and overcoming self-doubt. Karen reflects on the principles of being an Imperfect Advocate and the importance of a growth mindset. Through personal anecdotes, pop culture references, and heartfelt advice, Karen encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, take small steps forward, and enjoy the...

In this teaser episode of the Imperfect Advocate Podcast, Karen Auld, our host, shares why she started this podcast, what an imperfect advocate is, and how we can be imperfect advocates for the environment. Listen in as Karen shares how blame and shame, which has become the norm in environmental advocacy, is not a sustainable model for change.