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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Daily Life

03:08 Childhood Friendships and Social Dynamics

06:47 Adolescence and the Importance of Friends

13:09 Navigating Parenting and Friendships

14:31 Emerging Adulthood and New Connections

18:09 Reflections on Friendship and Life Changes

19:37 Navigating Adult Friendships

25:10 The Evolution of Relationships

30:18 The Grief of Changing Friendships

33:21 Determining Worthwhile Friendships

35:53 Sustaining Long-Distance Connections

40:35 The Role of Forgiveness in Friendships

43:06 Building Community: The Effort Involved

45:43 Advice to Younger Selves: Lessons on Friendship

47:30 Understanding Friendship Tiers

50:44 Defining Good Friendship

51:43 Friendship as a Mirror: Learning About Ourselves

55:14 Navigating Life Changes in Friendships

01:00:54 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 using
Resources 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

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Podcasting

00:27 Understanding Resilience

02:39 The Concept of Quitting

05:19 Defining Resilience

07:43 Personal Experiences of Resilience

10:07 Emotional Regulation and Resilience

12:22 Finding and Trusting Your Voice

14:36 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Professional Spaces

19:57 Navigating Professional Spaces Authentically

23:19 The Impact of Gender Dynamics in Professional Settings

26:48 Resilience in the Face of Microaggressions

28:45 Growth Mindset and Emotional Regulation

33:32 Building Resilience Through Adversity

35:18 Fostering Resilience in Children

43:09 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.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Emotional Toll of Teaching

02:09 Influence and Expectations in Education

04:33 Navigating Community and Professional Boundaries

06:32 The Impact of Administration on Teaching

08:52 Influences from Past Educators

11:22 Relating to Students in a Changing World

13:41 The Reality of Social Media and Bullying

16:07 Reflections on Adolescence and Growth

18:36 Political Influences on Education

22:03 Understanding Student Anxiety and School Attendance

24:25The Impact of Immigration Policies on Students

28:14 Changes in Education: Technology and Standards

30:51 Teacher Compensation and Workload Challenges

34:27 The Importance of Teacher-Student Relationships

37:59 Navigating School Safety and Gun Violence

48:10 Supporting Mental Health in Education

52:36 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

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Time stamps

00:00Reflections on Unrepeatable Experiences

00:29The Allure of Reality TV and Mormonism

02:43The Appeal of Trash TV05:13Understanding the LDS Culture

07:38The Intersection of Reality and Mormonism

10:27Feminism and the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

13:05Cultural Norms and Loopholes in Mormonism

15:18The Role of Appearance and Worthiness

18:05Exploring the Juxtaposition of Modesty and Behavior

20:51The Impact of Substance Use and Health Choices

25:37Exploring Ketamine Therapy Experiences

28:07The Ethics and Culture of Ketamine Use

29:35Surface-Level Interactions in LDS Culture

31:07Reality TV Trauma and Its Impact

32:17Unpacking the Drama: Relationships and Scandals

35:59Cultural Reflections: Living as an Out-of-State Mormon

38:45Character Analysis: Favorite Cast Members

40:20Navigating Relationships: Jen and Zach's Dynamic

42:46Family Dynamics: Taylor's Complex Relationships

48:40Navigating Personal Growth and Age Perception

49:28The Impact of Reality TV on Children

51:16Friendship Dynamics and Social Media Influence

52:24The Role of Alcohol in Reality TV Drama

54:23Nostalgia and Cultural Reflections in Reality TV

57:31Surprising Reactions to the Show

01:01:01Therapy Language and Its Misuse in Reality TV

01:03:39Authenticity and Friendship in Reality Dynamics

01:04:21Future of Reality Shows and Character Dynamics

01:05:32Exploring Reality TV's Cultural Impact

01:05:33The 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.

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Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

RAINN

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

00:34The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics

02:20Contrasting Memories: Before and After Addiction

03:18The Transformation of a Parent

05:34Discovering Hidden Truths

09:23Navigating the Aftermath of Loss

16:55Confronting Substance Misuse

18:35Family Dynamics and Trust Issues

20:47The Impact of Addiction on Relationships

23:41Navigating Responsibility and Guilt

26:26Cycles of Abuse and Helplessness

31:39Therapeutic Insights and Reflections

34:07Navigating Therapy and Family Dynamics

35:10The Impact of Loss: Personal Reflections

37:31Grief and Memory: Coping with a Mother's Death

40:22Complicated Grief: Unresolved Issues and Trauma

42:21The Weight of Expectations: Love and Responsibility

45:39Compassion vs. Forgiveness: A Complex Relationship

53:50Navigating Dysfunction and Humor

54:36 Financial Struggles and Family Dynamics

55:44Reflections on the Past and Personal Growth

57:20The Impact of Loss on Personal Development

59:29Resentments and Healing from the Past

01:03:39Cherishing Memories and Humor in Grief