The Aspiring Adult Podcast

Everyone dreams of sipping Aperol spritzes on a sun-drenched terrace all day — but what's the real life behind the Instagram highlight reel?

In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Elise—a U.S. native who packed her bags, moved to London, and built an entirely new life across the pond ✨We chat about:

What's it really like to uproot your life and move to Amsterdam? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Emily Budd, who shares the unfiltered reality of navigating expat life, grad school, and housing chaos in the Netherlands.

In this deeply personal episode of Her Journey Home, Sophia Graniela takes us through the highs and lows of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. From navigating failure to embracing new beginnings, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

In this must-listen episode, we dive into: ✨ The shift in social media & community

In this captivating interview, we sit down with Arianna Likouris, the visionary creator behind the D'ari Collection. She takes us on her journey from bustling New York City to her surprising move to New Jersey, a transition that sparked a creative revolution.

In this episode, I sit down with @StylexAnna, a powerhouse personal stylist who transformed her passion for fashion into a thriving brand. We dive into her journey from navigating Denver's fitness and lifestyle scene to the luxury styling world of Nordstrom, and ultimately launching her own styling business, Style by Anna.Tune in as we discuss: ✨ Transitioning from college dreams to styling luxury brands at Nordstrom ✨ Adapting to the pandemic's impact on career paths ✨ Building a personal brand on Instagram and mastering social selling ✨ The golden goose phenomenon and creative selling strategies ✨ Balancing corporate vs. freelance life & finding harmony between work and passion ✨ The art of client acquisition, social media collaborations, and word-of-mouth success ✨ Navigating trends, defining personal style, and styling tips for everyone ✨ Rapid-fire fashion questions to uncover Anna's styling secretsWhether you're an aspiring stylist or just love fashion, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss!

Ever wondered what it really takes to go from a 9-to-5 to full-time content creator? This episode dives deep into the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes of influencer life—navigating brand deals, balancing personal life with social media, and the surprising cost of organic food (yes, even the egg shortage).

Ever thought gardening was just for grandmas and backyard hobbyists? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with @GardenDaddyBrent

"MEOW CHICKS!" In this episode, Sarah Smiles sits down with MT (@thegoldcoastermt ), a multi-talented content creator, influencer, and fashion lover, to dive into her unique journey—from building a viral presence online to navigating the ups and downs of brand collaborations.

In this episode, Sarah Smiles sits down with Libby (@libbybonthelabel) to unpack her incredible journey—from navigating corporate life as an engineer to becoming a viral content creator and building financial independence.

Sarah invites Milo her live in maid, chef, and roommate back to AA to talk about sobriety and what his 22 years of it has consisted of- Sarah and Milo share each of their stories about sobriety and building healthy habits

In this episode Sarah Smiles asks Peepaw about how he defines success? As a man who is retired at 59, has raised 3 independent children, and is traveling around the world in a renovated Sprinter van

In this episode, Sarah has on her former schoolmate, Max! Max is an entrepreneur, engineer, real estate mogul, and is in his 20s. In this episode Max opens up on what it is like to wear all of these different hats and more on the podcast.

In this episode Sarah and Peepaw cover all of the important topics of retirement life, traveling to Alaska, getting an MBA in Europe, Costco memberships, protecting your peace and so much more

Sarah and Peepaw talk about 529 plans, Alaska, the glamorization of blue collar work, the pitfalls of being 26, and so much more

Meet Sarah's live in chef & maid! There's more to her new roommate than those titles go!

From Christmas stress and consumerism to modern day westward expansion, Peepaw is reporting in live from San Antonio and Sarah from Denver (per usual).

In this episode Sarah and Peepaw retire from recounting the past summer days. They instead explore new topics like generational wealth, hoarding, seasonal work for the geriatric, Milo's arrival in Denver, Sarah's ski plan for the season, communal saunas and everything in between :)

Got a lot going on in this episode. Lots of Peepaw yapping about his adventures of the west coast and Sarah talking about her final month on the ranch, plus some bonus content of career advice, retirement goals, the CCC, ideas for the future of transportation.

In this week's episode Peepaw hogs the mic to tell you all about his month of travel in July- From South Carolina to Texas to California and everywhere in between. Sarah talks about her month on the ranch and the rodeos that she went to out west.

WE'RE BACCCCCKKKK!!! After Sarah's summertime hiatus she is SO BACK.... and so is her dad? In this week's episode of The Aspiring Adult, Peepaw, from the Dad and Daughtering episodes is back on the podcast. In this episode you'll hear about Sarah's life on the ranch and Peepaw's life as an old man... jk he's just retired.

In this episode I interview Margaret who is a full time seasonal employee in Tahoe, California. Marge and I both went to Miami and studied engineering and both ended up in seasonal jobs BY CHOICE

In this week's episode I yap (verb To talk noisily or stupidly; jabber noun The mouth: Shut your yap) with Sofia, one of my childhood friends. In this episode we talk about changing careers, being in our childbearing years while being single, our relationships with our family, living in Ohio and pretty much everything in between .

Mental health is such an important topic that is extremely delicate to talk about. Nicole and I share our experiences around mental health, the stigmas around mental illness, and the importance of family.

Mother's Day was a day that I grew up celebrating my dad more than my mom- mostly because my mom wasn't there. In this week's episode I sit down with "the woman I used to hate" to have a discussion about the realities about being a parent, the struggles of finding an identity in oneself, abandonment issues, but most importantly healing.

In this episode Sarah brings on her boss, friend, mentor onto the show to discuss values, morals, and how to find others with similar values as you. What is The Aspiring Adult?"Aspiring Adult" is a podcast hosted by Sarah Smiles that explores various aspects of life, spirituality, and emotional intelligence. The podcast takes listeners on a journey of personal growth, incorporating humor and wit. Sarah fearlessly tackles the challenges and experiences of adulthood, sharing relatable stories that aim to make listeners nod in agreement, laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear. The show covers topics ranging from self-discovery to the how to do “simple” tasks as an adult, providing wisdom and insight in each episode. Whether listeners are seeking advice on navigating adulthood or a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, "Aspiring Adult" offers a blend of charm, enthusiasm, and valuable content. Each episode promises a mix of laughter, learning, and personal development. WELCOME TO AA!To request a topic or ask for advice fill out this google form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zsknheINmY6vIXqDo9jEUT32QX6u7AalRNxHrh60O9o/editIf you aren't already - you can connect with Sarah on Instagram and TikTok: @the_aspiringadult on all platforms! XO

In this episode of the Aspiring Adult, I answer my first letter from Dear Sarah and talk about what it is like to make friends in a new city... I mean after all I have moved from Boston to San Diego to Steamboat Springs all in the matter of a year... I would like to think I have gotten pretty good at making friends.

In this episode I answer questions that people dmed me on Instagram. Such as what does a work day look like for me, will I return to corporate America and more!

So you want to move across the country not once but twice in the span of six months?? Let me give you the masterclass.

After a two years in corporate America and taking life a little too seriously, and also putting a lot of my own value into work and what my salary and title are- I quit. In this episode I not only share why I quit but what I am doing next, because if not corporate America... what else is there??? What is The Aspiring Adult?"Aspiring Adult" is a podcast hosted by Sarah Smiles that explores various aspects of life, spirituality, and emotional intelligence. The podcast takes listeners on a journey of personal growth, incorporating humor and wit. Sarah fearlessly tackles the challenges and experiences of adulthood, sharing relatable stories that aim to make listeners nod in agreement, laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear. The show covers topics ranging from self-discovery to the how to do “simple” tasks as an adult, providing wisdom and insight in each episode. Whether listeners are seeking advice on navigating adulthood or a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, "Aspiring Adult" offers a blend of charm, enthusiasm, and valuable content. Each episode promises a mix of laughter, learning, and personal development. WELCOME TO AA!To request a topic or ask for advice fill out this google form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zsknheINmY6vIXqDo9jEUT32QX6u7AalRNxHrh60O9o/editIf you aren't already - you can connect with Sarah on Instagram and TikTok: @the_aspiringadult on all platforms! XO

In this episode Sarah talks about what her new series is going to largely be focused on. Which is going to require a lot of help from her friends, family and listeners to be successful! What is The Aspiring Adult?"Aspiring Adult" is a podcast hosted by Sarah Smiles that explores various aspects of life, spirituality, and emotional intelligence. The podcast takes listeners on a journey of personal growth, incorporating humor and wit. Sarah fearlessly tackles the challenges and experiences of adulthood, sharing relatable stories that aim to make listeners nod in agreement, laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear. The show covers topics ranging from self-discovery to the how to do “simple” tasks as an adult, providing wisdom and insight in each episode. Whether listeners are seeking advice on navigating adulthood or a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, "Aspiring Adult" offers a blend of charm, enthusiasm, and valuable content. Each episode promises a mix of laughter, learning, and personal development. WELCOME TO AA!To request a topic or ask for advice fill out this google form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zsknheINmY6vIXqDo9jEUT32QX6u7AalRNxHrh60O9o/editIf you aren't already - you can connect with Sarah on Instagram and TikTok: @the_aspiringadult on all platforms! XO

In this episode Sarah talks about her most recent experience of going to a Tarot card reader and what her life takeaways are from the reading

Solo. Party of One. Alone. Lonely? Being an extrovert I've notoriously had a hard time spending time alone. I grew up always needing to be around people, but now as an adult I spend a good portion of my time alone...

In this episode we're diving deep into the world of burnout, but with a twist. It's not just about the corporate grind – it's about the everyday challenges we all face in our lives.

Alright it was not exactly 365 days, but 12 months is close enough. In this episode I share what I learned about my mental well being but also my physical well being from my 12 month hiatus, and why my drinking habits will never be what they once were.

In this episode Sarah and her dad play the popular game. "We're Not Really Strangers" . Sarah learns a lot of not only her dad but how others perceive her.

In this episode Sarah's dad and her talk about Waffle House and the significance that it has to their family, their family group message, and "Dad-isms".

In this mini-series episode, Sarah's Dad takes the mic to ask Sarah questions about her personal growth, what her thoughts are on how he raised her and tells her what he is most proud of her about.

It is a wild concept to think that once you have kids you begin to lose yourself as you begin investing time and energy into your child(ren). In this episode Sarah and her dad talk about the proud moments of being a single father but also some of the challenges.

Since the announcement of this mini series it as been interesting to hear the feedback- some people can't believe that I am interviewing my dad every day of my road trip. It's dawned on me that people don't have conversations with their parents. They don't know there parents really at all. In today's episode and the rest of this miniseries I hope that it inspires you to ask questions to person in your life who raised you.

Explore the power of vulnerability in manifesting with the Law of Attraction!

Are you tired of the monotonous 9-to-5 routine and looking for an exciting new adventure? Do you want to experience the ups and downs of existence without any prior qualifications? Look no further than the "Life Internship"! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offers you a chance to participate in the ultimate cosmic rollercoaster, where no experience is required!Job Title: Life InternJob Type: Unconventional InternshipLocation: Everywhere (Remote and on-site)Job Description:As a Life Intern, you will be responsible for living life to the fullest without any prior experience or qualifications. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through various challenges and experiences, from the mundane to the extraordinary. You will be asked to make important decisions, face unexpected obstacles, and occasionally find yourself questioning the meaning of it all.Responsibilities:Embrace the unpredictability of life with a sense of humor and resilience.Engage in various activities, ranging from sleeping and eating to more complex tasks like making life-changing decisions.Deal with the universal truth of "Monday mornings" and other unpredictable events.Develop your own unique style of dance moves for impromptu celebrations (dancing skills not required).Test your courage by facing everyday fears like spiders, public speaking, or accidentally sending a text to the wrong person.Engage in occasional philosophical contemplations while staring at the night sky or sipping coffee at a cafe.Share your most embarrassing moments in team meetings for collective laughter and bonding.Qualifications:No prior experience or special skills are required! We are seeking candidates with a passion for living life to the fullest and a willingness to take on new challenges. However, a strong sense of curiosity, adaptability, and a good sense of humor are highly valued.BONUS: Learn about Sarah's holy trinity of: her adolescence, horses and steak. Really a lot to unpack there.

Join Sarah as she delves into the art of recognizing when relationships and friendships no longer serve your highest good. Discover the strength to walk away from draining connections and embrace the freedom to nurture your soul. Get ready to unlock the doors to a brighter, authentic life filled with genuine connections and self-love. It's time to break free and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Let's liberate your soul together!

Alright, y'all, buckle up 'cause we're diving into the wild world of soulful relationships – Karmic, Soulmate, and Twin Flame! Sounds like the start of a juicy gossip tale, right? First up, Karmic drama! Picture this: my toxic college crush, honey. A hot mess wrapped in a pretty package. But hey, I am not complaining 'cause it taught me some serious life lessons. Like, seriously that guywas my mirror, showing me the parts of myself that needed work.Now, Soulmate vibes – this is where it gets real good! Imagine meeting someone who's your soul's long-lost BFF. Yup, that's what happened to me. It was like finding my soul's partner-in-crime, no filters needed. He showered me with unconditional love and rocked my world with soulful companionship. I still get the chills just thinking about it.So, darlings, as you listen to my wild adventures, remember this: soulful connections aren't for the faint-hearted, but they'll shape you like nothing else. So go out there, take some risks, and let your soul do the talking! 'Cause love, in all its forms, is one helluva journey!

Corporate America is weird... and it is also weird that the "most monumental" moments of our lives seem to revolve around our careers. Weird. I mean we get asked in Kindergarten what we want to be when we grow up ... Anyways- in this episode Sarah shares some exciting news and talks about her relationship with career and career identity

The phrase "Karma is a B*tch" has been something I've heard hundreds of times, but why? Why does Karma get such a bad wrap? Sarah's here to discuss

In this episode I share experiences that I thought no one could possibly relate to and situations where I felt so alone that no one could have ever felt the way that I felt- so why express it? Why try and connect with people about these feelings... why not just bottle it up?!

NOT A LAXATIVE AD. However I am not opposed to Miralax giving me a little sponsorship. In this episode I talk about my blocked sacral chakra and what that really means. How it has affected my everyday life and what I am doing to UNBLOCK this chakra.

Manifesting is something that I have been doing as long as I can remember. in today's episode I will share with you how I manifested making two of my best friends and how I manifested working an engineering startup in Boston.

Join me in this captivating episode of my podcast as I sit down with Colin McNamara, the founder of More than Different, a clothing brand with a strong message supporting it. We delve into the art of habit creation, exploring how small actions can lead to extraordinary results. In this episode we share our secrets on building effective boundaries, empowering us to take control of our lives and stand out from the crowd. Get ready to be inspired, because with Colin, it's not just about being different—it's about being more than different. Tune in now and unlock the keys to living an extraordinary life!