That's Curious

In Part Two, we go deeper.This episode explores birth charts as a powerful tool for self-awareness, revealing both your strengths and the patterns that challenge you. Alex breaks down how your chart highlights your natural gifts (your light) alongside the habits, blind spots, and growth edges (your shadow). Together, Alex and Amanda unpack how understanding both can lead to greater compassion, personal growth, and meaningful change.Whether you’re astrology-curious, cautiously skeptical, or already fluent in cosmic language, this conversation invites you to see astrology not as a label but as a mirror.

What started as a casual Sunday afternoon chat turned into a two-part episode when Alex Gunter joined Amanda (who is resistant to astrology) to talk all things astrology. Alex breaks down the basics of sun, moon, and rising signs, explaining how different planets influence who we are and how we navigate the world. This episode is about using astrology as a tool for self-understanding, growth, and embracing change, whether you’re astrology-curious or already lost in the stars.Chapters00:00 Understanding Astrology: A Simplified Overview02:21 The Big Three: Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs05:30 Exploring the Planets: Their Influence and Meaning08:00 Generational Planets: Societal Impact and Personal Influence10:45 Astrology in Modern Society: Accessibility and Community13:34 Astrology as a Coping Mechanism: Finding Certainty in Uncertainty15:49 Fate vs. Free Will: Navigating Life's Choices18:38 The Complexity of Natal Charts: Beyond the Basics21:26 Astrology and Social Connections: Belonging and Identity24:22 The Role of Astrology in Queer Culture27:16 Astrology's Historical Context: Evolution and Change29:50 The Elements and Modes: Building Personality Traits32:34 Astrology's Predictive Nature: Understanding Transits35:11 Astrology and the United States: Historical Patterns37:28 The Intersection of Astrology and Current Events39:49 The Future of Astrology: Trends and Predictions51:59 Exploring Natal Charts and Astrology56:20 Emotional Dynamics and Zodiac Signs01:00:32 Understanding Moon and Mars Influences01:03:49 Navigating Life's Purpose through Astrology01:08:39 Communication and Aesthetic in Astrology01:12:29 The Role of North and South Nodes01:17:12 Generational Planets and Their Impact01:22:02 Embracing Impermanence and Astrology01:36:49 Reflections on Astrology and Personal Growth

In this episode, Amanda introduces the practice of REST, an acronym for Reset, Embody, Space, and Tenderness. She emphasizes the importance of pausing in our fast-paced lives to reclaim agency and presence. The practice encourages listeners to align their minds and bodies, create emotional and mental space, and treat themselves with tenderness and compassion. Amanda provides practical exercises and insights to help individuals incorporate REST into their daily lives, highlighting that it can be done in just a few minutes and can significantly shift one's state of being.TakeawaysThe practice of REST stands for Reset, Embody, Space, and Tenderness.Pausing can create time and help us regain focus.Being on autopilot leads to mistakes and missed opportunities.Embodiment involves aligning our minds and bodies in the present moment.Creating space is essential for mental and emotional clarity.Tenderness towards oneself is crucial for resilience and motivation.Self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism.The REST practice can be done in two minutes or less.It's important to remember that this is a practice, not a performance.Coming back to oneself is a radical act in today's world.

In this episode of "That's Curious," host Amanda Jenkins and guest Ashley Porter discuss the often-overlooked topic of navigating grief during the holiday season. We explore the challenges of carrying loss into spaces filled with memories, and explore ways to honor your emotional reality while creating boundaries that protect your peace. Whether you're dealing with the absence of loved ones or the weight of changed traditions, this conversation offers insights and support for finding solace amidst the festivities.

In this episode, MJ Jenkins takes the mic to interview Amanad Jenkins, They explore common misconceptions, the realities of the profession, and the ethical boundaries therapists navigate daily. Whether you're considering a career in therapy or simply curious about what goes on in those sessions, this episode offers candid insights and unfiltered truths. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the stereotypes and highlights the human side of therapy.

In this heartfelt episode of "Growing into a Parent (the one you needed) ," Effie Wenke and Amanda chat about Effie's experience with the complexities of parenting within a blended family. They explore the challenges of maintaining personal identity while nurturing children, the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression, and the journey of self-discovery that accompanies parenthood. Through candid conversations, they share insights on resilience, accountability, and the evolving nature of love and boundaries.

Join Amanda and her guest Cory, as they explore the complexities of maintaining connections amidst life's transitions, the impact of proximity and shared experiences, and the delicate balance of expectations and forgiveness. Through candid conversations, they uncover the joys and challenges of nurturing meaningful relationships in adulthood. Tune in for insights on how friendships shape our lives and the lessons learned along the way. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Daily Life03:08 Childhood Friendships and Social Dynamics06:47 Adolescence and the Importance of Friends13:09 Navigating Parenting and Friendships14:31 Emerging Adulthood and New Connections18:09 Reflections on Friendship and Life Changes19:37 Navigating Adult Friendships25:10 The Evolution of Relationships30:18 The Grief of Changing Friendships33:21 Determining Worthwhile Friendships35:53 Sustaining Long-Distance Connections40:35 The Role of Forgiveness in Friendships43:06 Building Community: The Effort Involved45:43 Advice to Younger Selves: Lessons on Friendship47:30 Understanding Friendship Tiers50:44 Defining Good Friendship51:43 Friendship as a Mirror: Learning About Ourselves55:14 Navigating Life Changes in Friendships01:00:54 Nostalgia and the Evolution of Friendships

In this episode of  Amands speaks to the often unspoken experience of not feeling like oneself. Drawing from personal insights and practical strategies, Amanda explores the complexities of these moments, offering listeners tools for acceptance and self-compassion. Discover how naming emotions, embracing impermanence, and practicing mindfulness can help navigate these challenging times. Whether you're feeling disconnected or simply going through the motions, this episode provides a compassionate guide to finding your way back to yourself. Key Topics:The importance of naming emotions to regain control Embracing impermanence as a tool for resilience Practical mindfulness techniques to stay grounded The role of self-compassion in personal growth If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media usingResources Mentioned:"The Difficult Thing of Being Human: The Art of Self-Compassion" (Book) Thich Nhat Hanh's "No Death, No Fear" (Book)

In this episode of That’s Curious, Amanda sits down with Jo Chad (they/she), PhD, to talk about what it really  looks like to bounce back when life gets hard. Jo shares personal stories and practical tools for building resilience—from learning to manage emotions and trust your gut, to helping kids handle big feelings and finding support in your community. They also talk about what it’s like to stay true to yourself in work spaces that aren’t always easy. This is an honest, down-to-earth conversation about growth, strength, and showing up for yourself and the people you care about.Emotional Wheel Chapters00:00 The Journey to Podcasting00:27 Understanding Resilience02:39 The Concept of Quitting05:19 Defining Resilience07:43 Personal Experiences of Resilience10:07 Emotional Regulation and Resilience12:22 Finding and Trusting Your Voice14:36 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Professional Spaces19:57 Navigating Professional Spaces Authentically23:19 The Impact of Gender Dynamics in Professional Settings26:48 Resilience in the Face of Microaggressions28:45 Growth Mindset and Emotional Regulation33:32 Building Resilience Through Adversity35:18 Fostering Resilience in Children43:09 The Importance of Supportive Relationships

Amanda Jenkins, LCSW and Jessica Huntington discuss the multifaceted role of teachers and coaches in today's educational landscape. They explore the emotional and mental toll of teaching, the influence educators have on their students, and the challenges posed by societal expectations and school safety concerns. Jessica shares her insights on the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment, the need for mental health resources for teachers, and the impact of external factors such as gun violence on students' well-being. The conversation concludes with advice for parents on how to collaborate effectively with teachers to support their children's education.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Emotional Toll of Teaching02:09 Influence and Expectations in Education04:33 Navigating Community and Professional Boundaries06:32 The Impact of Administration on Teaching08:52 Influences from Past Educators11:22 Relating to Students in a Changing World13:41 The Reality of Social Media and Bullying16:07 Reflections on Adolescence and Growth18:36 Political Influences on Education22:03 Understanding Student Anxiety and School Attendance24:25The Impact of Immigration Policies on Students28:14 Changes in Education: Technology and Standards30:51 Teacher Compensation and Workload Challenges34:27 The Importance of Teacher-Student Relationships37:59 Navigating School Safety and Gun Violence48:10 Supporting Mental Health in Education52:36 Building Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships

Amanda sits down with MJ Jenkins and Becky Ablad, LCSW, to discuss the chaotic world of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. They explore how the show reflects and distorts reality—especially through the lens of Mormon culture, choice feminism, and the commodification of therapy language Follow that's curious ⁠Instagram⁠ Time stamps 00:00Reflections on Unrepeatable Experiences00:29The Allure of Reality TV and Mormonism02:43The Appeal of Trash TV05:13Understanding the LDS Culture07:38The Intersection of Reality and Mormonism10:27Feminism and the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives13:05Cultural Norms and Loopholes in Mormonism15:18The Role of Appearance and Worthiness18:05Exploring the Juxtaposition of Modesty and Behavior20:51The Impact of Substance Use and Health Choices25:37Exploring Ketamine Therapy Experiences28:07The Ethics and Culture of Ketamine Use29:35Surface-Level Interactions in LDS Culture31:07Reality TV Trauma and Its Impact32:17Unpacking the Drama: Relationships and Scandals35:59Cultural Reflections: Living as an Out-of-State Mormon38:45Character Analysis: Favorite Cast Members40:20Navigating Relationships: Jen and Zach's Dynamic42:46Family Dynamics: Taylor's Complex Relationships48:40Navigating Personal Growth and Age Perception49:28The Impact of Reality TV on Children51:16Friendship Dynamics and Social Media Influence52:24The Role of Alcohol in Reality TV Drama54:23Nostalgia and Cultural Reflections in Reality TV57:31Surprising Reactions to the Show01:01:01Therapy Language and Its Misuse in Reality TV01:03:39Authenticity and Friendship in Reality Dynamics01:04:21Future of Reality Shows and Character Dynamics01:05:32Exploring Reality TV's Cultural Impact01:05:33The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: A Deep Dive

Amanda and MJ dive into Alex Cooper’s allegations of sexual harassment during her time as a soccer player at Boston University. They unpack the rise of Call Her Daddy, the power dynamics in college sports, and the institutional barriers athletes face when reporting misconduct. The conversation also explores NIL deals, transfer portals, and the cultural silence that keeps victims quiet—and why public support matters more than ever.

With nearly a decade between them in age, Amanda and her youngest sister Allison lived through the same traumatic events but with very different lenses. In this episode they share their truths, laugh through the pain, and reflect on what it was like to witness their mom struggle and die from addiction.  If you’ve ever been touched by addiction, we hope it brings you comfort, connection, or even just a moment of resonance.If addiction has ever touched your life, we hope this offers comfort, connection, or simply a moment of being seen.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of substance use, abuse, and domestic violence. Please listen with care.Follow us That's Curious on Instagram Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineSAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)RAINNNational Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-723300:34The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics02:20Contrasting Memories: Before and After Addiction03:18The Transformation of a Parent05:34Discovering Hidden Truths09:23Navigating the Aftermath of Loss16:55Confronting Substance Misuse18:35Family Dynamics and Trust Issues20:47The Impact of Addiction on Relationships23:41Navigating Responsibility and Guilt26:26Cycles of Abuse and Helplessness31:39Therapeutic Insights and Reflections34:07Navigating Therapy and Family Dynamics35:10The Impact of Loss: Personal Reflections37:31Grief and Memory: Coping with a Mother's Death40:22Complicated Grief: Unresolved Issues and Trauma42:21The Weight of Expectations: Love and Responsibility45:39Compassion vs. Forgiveness: A Complex Relationship53:50Navigating Dysfunction and Humor54:36 Financial Struggles and Family Dynamics55:44Reflections on the Past and Personal Growth57:20The Impact of Loss on Personal Development59:29Resentments and Healing from the Past01:03:39Cherishing Memories and Humor in Grief

In this episode, Amanda Jenkins, LCSW explores self-criticism, where it comes from, why it’s so persistent, and how it holds us back. She unpacks how perfectionism, internalized societal expectations, and evolutionary survival strategies all play a role in fueling that harsh inner voice. Amanda breaks down the difference between shame and guilt and makes a compelling case for self-compassion as the antidote. You’ll hear practical tools for shifting your self-talk, real-life examples, and why modeling self-compassion, especially for kids, might be one of the most powerful things we can do.Follow that's curious Instagram Chapters00:00 Understanding Self-Criticism03:27 The Roots of Self-Criticism07:12 The Role of Shame and Guilt11:03 Practicing Self-Compassion16:46 Strategies to Combat Self-Criticism23:37 Modeling Self-Compassion for Others

Guest Dr. Amy Felhberg of Shoreline Psychology SLC joins Amanda for an honest and compassionate conversation about suicide. Together, they explore how to recognize the warning signs, respond effectively in a crisis, and offer support with empathy and understanding. You’ll also learn how to talk with kids and teens about suicide in age-appropriate, supportive ways. This episode aims to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and encourage open dialogue about a topic that touches so many lives.To learn more about Dr. Amy Fehlberg visit her website at https://shorelinepsychslc.com/

In this episode of That’s Curious, my guest MJ and talk I about the WNBA’s cultural impact to the rise of the Unrivaled. We explore players impact on rivalries, visibility, and mental health awareness.

Amanda and her guest Ashley Porter talk about a club no one asks to join: the Dead Moms Club.Whether your relationship with your mom was beautiful, brutal, or somewhere in between, losing her reshapes everything. We're exploring what it means to grieve in real life. Not in tidy stages or with inspirational quotes, but in the awkward, painful, sometimes hilarious truth of it all.

In this episode of That’s Curious, Amanda and her guests, MJ and Alex Gunter, continue exploring what day-to-day life with OCD can look and feel like. Alex and Amanda share examples of obsessions and compulsions, with a few tears along the way and lots of laughs. If you or someone you love has been impacted by OCD, this conversation is for you. Let’s get curious.

In this episode of That’s Curious, Amanda and her guests, MJ and Alex Gunter, explore the real and often misunderstood experience of living with OCD. They discuss daily struggles, the long road to an accurate diagnosis, and how OCD affects relationships. They also share a lot of laughter, because on the other side of the suffering caused by OCD, there can be a surprising amount of humor.If you or someone you love has been impacted by OCD, this conversation is for you. Let’s get curious.

On this episode of That’s Curious, we’re talking about something we all face but rarely discuss, death and dying. Rev. Catherine Linesch, a hospice chaplain, death doula, and spiritual counselor, joins us to explore how facing death with honesty and care can transform how we live. Whether you're grieving, curious, or just human, this conversation invites reflection, connection, and maybe even a little peace.Rev. Catherine Linesch may be contacted via [email protected]

What really drives us to change? In this episode of That's Curious, Amanda sits down with Dr. Brad Lundahl of the University of Utah, a clinical psychologist, professor, and expert in motivation, to unpack the psychology behind behavior change. From debunking myths about laziness to revealing the science of what makes change stick, Brad shares insights that can help you make lasting change. If you’ve ever struggled to stay on track with a goal, this conversation might just change the way you think about change.

In this episode of That’s Curious, we’re exploring the powerful connection between mind and body with Emma Pineda  Fortin, a somatic leadership coach. Emma shares how somatic work—an approach that integrates physical awareness with emotional healing—can transform the way we regulate stress, process emotions, and feel more grounded in our daily lives.

The first episode kicks off by digging into curiosity itself and how it helps us show up more authentically in our lives. Explore why it matters, how it drives personal growth, and how it helps us stay grounded in discomfort rather than running from it. You’ll hear reflections on shame, self-judgment, emotional resistance, and what it really means to hold space with yourself or someone else.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I feel this way?” “What’s going on here?” or “How can I be more present in my life?”—this podcast is for you.This isn’t about having the answers. It’s about being brave enough to ask the next question.

Life is a whirlwind of beauty, chaos, and sometimes unexpected humor. Join Amanda Jenkins, LCSW and a self-proclaimed, almost pathologically curious human, on That’s Curious. Through candid reflections and thought-provoking conversations with inspiring guests, That’s Curious explores what it means to be human and the experiences that shape us.This podcast is a space for connection, growth, and a deeper understanding of life’s ups and downs and everything in between. From the impact of our upbringing and relationships to the pull of pop culture and the wonder of awe-filled moments, even those wonderfully awkward ones—this is your guide to embracing chaos and finding humor and meaning in the mess.Ready to get curious?