That's Curious

Your Birth Chart: Where Your Light Meets Your Shadow

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.

Is Mercury in the microwave?

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. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Astrology: A Simplified Overview 02:21 The Big Three: Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs 05:30 Exploring the Planets: Their Influence and Meaning 08:00 Generational Planets: Societal Impact and Personal Influence 10:45 Astrology in Modern Society: Accessibility and Community 13:34 Astrology as a Coping Mechanism: Finding Certainty in Uncertainty 15:49 Fate vs. Free Will: Navigating Life's Choices 18:38 The Complexity of Natal Charts: Beyond the Basics 21:26 Astrology and Social Connections: Belonging and Identity 24:22 The Role of Astrology in Queer Culture 27:16 Astrology's Historical Context: Evolution and Change 29:50 The Elements and Modes: Building Personality Traits 32:34 Astrology's Predictive Nature: Understanding Transits 35:11 Astrology and the United States: Historical Patterns 37:28 The Intersection of Astrology and Current Events 39:49 The Future of Astrology: Trends and Predictions 51:59 Exploring Natal Charts and Astrology 56:20 Emotional Dynamics and Zodiac Signs 01:00:32 Understanding Moon and Mars Influences 01:03:49 Navigating Life's Purpose through Astrology 01:08:39 Communication and Aesthetic in Astrology 01:12:29 The Role of North and South Nodes 01:17:12 Generational Planets and Their Impact 01:22:02 Embracing Impermanence and Astrology 01:36:49 Reflections on Astrology and Personal Growth

The Practice of R.E.S.T

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. Takeaways The 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.

Grief and the holidays (Dead Moms Club Edition)

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.

Unfiltered interview with a therapist

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.