That's Curious

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

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.

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Chapters

00:00 Understanding Self-Criticism

03:27 The Roots of Self-Criticism

07:12 The Role of Shame and Guilt

11:03 Practicing Self-Compassion

16:46 Strategies to Combat Self-Criticism

23:37 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]