Whatever Amen : Happiness http://whateveramen.com/category/podcasts/happiness/ Whatever Whatever Amen Happiness Podcast Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:45:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=Whatever Amen : Happiness an inside-out view of being human Whatever Amen : Happiness no an inside-out view of being human Whatever Amen : Happiness http://whateveramen.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://whateveramen.com/category/podcasts/happiness/ H43 Introduction to Natasha and Season 8 http://whateveramen.com/h43-introduction-to-natasha-and-season-8/ http://whateveramen.com/h43-introduction-to-natasha-and-season-8/#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:00:20 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1780 Happy New Year Boys and Girls! Lucky 2013 to you, and welcome to Season 8. Whoot!

We’re bringing in the new year with an all-too-brief introduction to Season 8′s co-host, Natasha Clark – single mom of four, student, feminist, goofball, poet and author of the (currently dormant) blog Men Are Women Too.

I met Natasha [...]]]> Happy New Year Boys and Girls! Lucky 2013 to you, and welcome to Season 8. Whoot!

We’re bringing in the new year with an all-too-brief introduction to Season 8′s co-host, Natasha Clark – single mom of four, student, feminist, goofball, poet and author of the (currently dormant) blog Men Are Women Too.

I met Natasha during my year of bardo wandering, and later had the so-crazy-it-just-might-work idea of asking her to be my guest for a season of podcasts.  Even though she’s super busy going to school, raising her kids, having an adorable GF and being facebook friends with Mr. Deity – lucky us – she still said yes.

Natasha was a Mormon and now she’s not, and she has the sexy sundress and residual shame to prove it.

Today she tells us a little (way too little) bit about leaving home at 15, becoming a Mormon at 16, getting married at 18 – and somewhere along the way discovering the sweaty annoyance of magical underwear, ahem I’m sorry, I mean, garments.

Also covers (with equally frustrating lack of detail) the phenomena of Mormon happiness, anti-depressants, and whether or not life is meant to be a struggle (like “I think a lot of the things Mormons say have to be hard, don’t have to be hard; and the things they say are easy are actually hard.”)

I know you will be left wanting for more, so try to be patient – but also feel free to nag us relentlessly on the WWA facebook wall with your questions, comments and friendly enthusiasm as well.

And don’t forget to check out Ryan Tennis’s new CD, Pack Light But Bring Everything. Woo!Pack Light but Bring Everything cover art

Happy Thirteen,

Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h43-introduction-to-natasha-and-season-8/feed/ 0 Happy New Year Boys and Girls! Lucky 2013 to you, and welcome to Season 8. Whoot! - We're bringing in the new year with an all-too-brief introduction to Season 8's co-host, Natasha Clark – single mom of four, student, feminist, goofball, Happy New Year Boys and Girls! Lucky 2013 to you, and welcome to Season 8. Whoot! We're bringing in the new year with an all-too-brief introduction to Season 8's co-host, Natasha Clark – single mom of four, student, feminist, goofball, poet and author of the (currently dormant) blog Men Are Women Too. I met Natasha during my year of bardo wandering, and later had the so-crazy-it-just-might-work idea of asking her to be my guest for a season of podcasts.  Even though she’s super busy going to school, raising her kids, having an adorable GF and being facebook friends with Mr. Deity – lucky us - she still said yes. Natasha was a Mormon and now she’s not, and she has the sexy sundress and residual shame to prove it. Today she tells us a little (way too little) bit about leaving home at 15, becoming a Mormon at 16, getting married at 18 – and somewhere along the way discovering the sweaty annoyance of magical underwear, ahem I’m sorry, I mean, garments. Also covers (with equally frustrating lack of detail) the phenomena of Mormon happiness, anti-depressants, and whether or not life is meant to be a struggle (like “I think a lot of the things Mormons say have to be hard, don’t have to be hard; and the things they say are easy are actually hard.”) I know you will be left wanting for more, so try to be patient – but also feel free to nag us relentlessly on the WWA facebook wall with your questions, comments and friendly enthusiasm as well. And don't forget to check out Ryan Tennis's new CD, Pack Light But Bring Everything. Woo! Happy Thirteen, Amy Whatever Amen : Happiness no 22:49 H42: Dan Fincke on Replacing Religion (and all kindsa other stuff) http://whateveramen.com/h42-dan-fincke-on-replacing-religion-and-all-kindsa-other-stuff/ http://whateveramen.com/h42-dan-fincke-on-replacing-religion-and-all-kindsa-other-stuff/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:17:26 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1681 Freethought blogger and philosophy professor Dan Fincke talks with me today about all kinds of stuff, like…

Dan

How attending a very religious college helped him become an atheist (with help from Nietzsche); how his passion to further public discussion keeps him going; his thoughts about happiness and fulfilling human potential; the importance of building community that is based on common rational values, the process of “coming out” as an atheist; religious PTSD; struggle and growth; “A” week (soon!) and the Reason Rally (very very soon!)

(No wonder Dan was worried I wasn’t going to be able to edit this down to a half hour show….)

If you want the longer versions of any of these topics, you’re going to have to pay a visit to Dan’s blog Camels With Hammers, which he updates regularly – and with gusto, I must say.

Our closing musical treat comes to us from Australia – “Saved” by Shelley Segal is the hit single from her latest CD An Atheist Album.  You can go buy her record and/or you can hear her perform at the aforementioned Reason Rally next week.  So what are you waiting for? Tally ho!

Shelley
]]> http://whateveramen.com/h42-dan-fincke-on-replacing-religion-and-all-kindsa-other-stuff/feed/ 0 Atheism, philosophy, natural human powers, community, struggle, growth, happiness – and more! Atheism, philosophy, natural human powers, community, struggle, growth, happiness – and more! Whatever Amen : Happiness no 32:59 H41: Disillusionment, Not Belonging, and Offsetting Torture http://whateveramen.com/h41-disillusionment-not-belonging-and-offsetting-torture/ http://whateveramen.com/h41-disillusionment-not-belonging-and-offsetting-torture/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:07:45 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1558 “Contentment is pretty damn lucky.”
-Kara Tennis

The beloved Kara is back with us today talking about her journey toward being disillusioned (“in the good sense”), being aligned with her true being, and being allowed to breathe even if she doesn’t change the world.

We got talking about her new website (sorry I’m not allowed to give you the link until it’s perfect) and the reassurance, support and company that she offers clients as a self-possession specialist.  Good stuff, all real good stuff.

Kara briefly mentions that 1/3 of the income from her business goes directly to the Hunger Project and FeelGood, so I thought I would mention them here too, cause they are awesome and worthy organizations working to end hunger in really empowering and successful ways. Click now and donate today!!

The closing song is sung by Kara’s daughter Anna – ear candy, I tell you.  Enjoy.

So now let’s all hang out and “not-belong” together.
xoAmy

Kara Anna and Magia
]]> http://whateveramen.com/h41-disillusionment-not-belonging-and-offsetting-torture/feed/ 0 “Contentment is pretty damn lucky.” -Kara Tennis “Contentment is pretty damn lucky.” -Kara Tennis Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 35:20 H40: Happiness Along the Way http://whateveramen.com/h40-happiness-along-the-way/ http://whateveramen.com/h40-happiness-along-the-way/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:39:19 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1329 This episode (as well as the upcoming next three) are recordings of conversations that Jonathan and I had while I was on a quick mid-bardo trip back to Philly this month.

my kids getting me at the airport

Today you’ll hear us discuss how we are thinking and feeling about happiness, flow, our lives, our year, words and hallmark cards.

The show is brought to a close with Kirsti Gholson‘s “happysad poetry pop” tune, The Ice Is Melting.

Happy holidays and cozy dark nights,

Amy

 

 

 



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h40-happiness-along-the-way/feed/ 0 Happiness, the bardo year, going along with the universe, words as an art form, and the sentiment in hallmark cards. Happiness, the bardo year, going along with the universe, words as an art form, and the sentiment in hallmark cards. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 32:38 H39: Sam Harris Is Making Me Happy http://whateveramen.com/h39-sam-harris-is-making-me-happy/ http://whateveramen.com/h39-sam-harris-is-making-me-happy/#comments Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:13:06 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1263 In today’s episode I chat with Kara about my birthday and my recent explorations in happiness, wellbeing, ethics, Sam Harris, good, evil, hitchhiking, and eating moldy food.

I also want everyone to watch this TED talk by Sam Harris, or check out his books or his blog so we can have fun pondering these things together.

Today’s musical endnote is the song “The Secret in the Garden” by Chris Grunwald, aka Griz.

Thanks for everything, y’all.

Amy

 

 

 



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h39-sam-harris-is-making-me-happy/feed/ 1 My recent explorations in happiness, ethics, Sam Harris, good, evil, hitchhiking, and eating moldy food. My recent explorations in happiness, ethics, Sam Harris, good, evil, hitchhiking, and eating moldy food. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 33:01 H38: Kara Helps Me Talk About Fun (and other things) http://whateveramen.com/h38-kara-helps-me-talk-about-fun-and-other-things/ http://whateveramen.com/h38-kara-helps-me-talk-about-fun-and-other-things/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:11:43 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1221 Yes you heard me, Kara Tennis is back! Today she joins me “in the studio,” helping me to explore and express my “abnormalities,” talking about the word “fun,” explaining why people get triggered by me, and expounding a bit on the ways I do and don’t get hurt.

Just in case anyone wanted to know.

And if you’re in the mood to get jiggy wit it, Plume Giant gives us a sweet harmony to close out today’s show.  I hope you enjoy it.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h38-kara-helps-me-talk-about-fun-and-other-things/feed/ 0 Kara helps Amy talk about Amy's use of the word "fun," and other ways that Amy isn’t normal. Kara helps Amy talk about Amy's use of the word "fun," and other ways that Amy isn’t normal. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 33:32 H37: Life-Purpose: To Have fun? To Grow? Or um… What? http://whateveramen.com/h37-life-purpose-to-have-fun-to-grow-or-um-what/ http://whateveramen.com/h37-life-purpose-to-have-fun-to-grow-or-um-what/#comments Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:54:12 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1189 In my final four (“Season Six”) interviews with Daniel Mackler, I’ve decided to let our conversations (and therefore, these podcasts) remain mostly unedited, and to surpass their usual length.  So you’ve got a whole hour to listen to here!

Today we talk about all kinds of things, like: who is Daniel’s audience (and the brand new essay on his site); the difference between “teaching” and “sharing;” clues that Daniel gives and how to test his theories; the idea of “shoulds;” the purpose of life; and more debate (is that the right word?) about Amy’s methods vs Daniel’s.

To be continued, as always…

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h37-life-purpose-to-have-fun-to-grow-or-um-what/feed/ 1 The final 'Happiness' interview with Daniel Mackler for Season 6. The final 'Happiness' interview with Daniel Mackler for Season 6. Whatever Amen : Happiness no 1:01:28 H36: Season Six Intermission – Happiness http://whateveramen.com/h36-season-six-intermission-happiness/ http://whateveramen.com/h36-season-six-intermission-happiness/#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 13:18:53 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1168 While Daniel is off gallivanting around the world, back here in Philadelphia I continue to ponder.  Today’s show is a brief update on my latest thoughts about happiness, being a happiness consultant, the “gap” I sometimes perceive between Daniel and me, and thoughts about starting a whole new podcast.

Never a dull moment!



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h36-season-six-intermission-happiness/feed/ 3 Being a happiness consultant, the "gap" between Daniel and me, and thoughts about starting a whole new podcast. Being a happiness consultant, the "gap" between Daniel and me, and thoughts about starting a whole new podcast. Whatever Amen : Happiness no 22:57 Happiness35: Daniel vs. Amy http://whateveramen.com/happiness35-daniel-vs-amy/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness35-daniel-vs-amy/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:59:09 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1132 I chose the title for today’s episode with hopes that you would think it was funny. (Did you?)

What I’m trying to do in this and the next three shows (C35, S35, P35) is to pick at Daniel a little bit, in search for an explanation of why I feel such a gap between the way I am and the way Daniel is – even though I don’t quite disagree with a word he says.

So far, I haven’t gotten to it.  But today’s show is my first stab, for what it’s worth.

We also touch on various topics along the way, including objective truth, black and white thinking, our similar and dissimilar goals, and being a ‘Denial Buster.’

Today Daniel said “Ultimately, the real objective answer comes from within… because we are all perfect deep inside, we all know the truth deep inside.”  I’m going to be pondering that one for a good long while.

Another thing he said was “Just test it for yourself!”

And for that I’ll give him an Amen.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness35-daniel-vs-amy/feed/ 8 I’m searching for an explanation for why I feel such a gap between the way I am and the way Daniel is – even though I don’t quite disagree with a word he says. I’m searching for an explanation for why I feel such a gap between the way I am and the way Daniel is – even though I don’t quite disagree with a word he says. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 30:46 Happiness34: Daniel on the True Self http://whateveramen.com/happiness34-daniel-on-the-true-self/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness34-daniel-on-the-true-self/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:25:43 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=1039 In today’s show Daniel defines the True Self as: Who we really are as a person, the real honest core,  the essence of what makes us human, the part of us that is perfect, beneath all the traumas (all the hurt, wounds, rage, anger, frustrations, dissociation, fake happiness, projections, fantasies), the part that is connected to truth and knows truth.

When asked, How does one find one’s true self?  he said: Be as honest with yourself as you possibly can be.

Kinda really simple, and kinda really really really hard.

Daniel also lists several things you can do to connect with your true self (apparently the same thing as “self-therapy,” I realized today). If you want to see some of those ideas in black and white, here is an essay Daniel wrote on the subject.

I also recommend his little book on self-therapy (written with his best friend Fred, who I can testify is also a rare (and delightful) soul.) Even though it’s only 44 pages, I recommend taking a year to read it, because it’s not the reading that matters – it’s the actual doing that makes the difference.

So many people claim to know the secrets to being “happy, healthy and wise.” From where I’m sitting, it seems the only place you’ll ever really find those secrets are buried deep inside you.

So how ’bout go on in there, pull up a comfy chair with yourself, and stay awhile.

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness34-daniel-on-the-true-self/feed/ 2 "The True Self: Who we really are as a person, the real honest core, the essence of what makes us human, the part of us that is perfect, beneath all the traumas. The part of us that is connected to Truth and knows Truth." "The True Self: Who we really are as a person, the real honest core, the essence of what makes us human, the part of us that is perfect, beneath all the traumas. The part of us that is connected to Truth and knows Truth." Whatever Amen : Happiness no 30:45 Happiness33: Daniel on Happiness http://whateveramen.com/happiness33-daniel-on-happiness/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness33-daniel-on-happiness/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:57:14 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=991 Welcome to Season Six!

As you might recall, Season Six is dedicated to hearing the truth according to Daniel Mackler. Why? Because I said so. And I said so because I think he’s smart.

In today’s episode Daniel talks about why he’s really not at all into the idea of “happiness,” and thinks it’s a bit “ewww” that I call myself a “happiness consultant.”

He also touches on other things like addiction, success, dissociation, honesty and the true self.

One more note about the way we’re playing the “Season Six Game:”

After 12 Daniel-episodes (3 shows for each of WWA’s 4 threads), there will be a final interview on each thread, inspired by questions and comments from the audience.  As you’re listening to the next several conversations, please feel free to send me your criticisms, reactions and thoughts (via email or by posting a comment on whateveramen.com) and I’ll ask Daniel to respond to your feedback.

And in other news, did you notice that it’s almost spring?

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness33-daniel-on-happiness/feed/ 7 Happiness, addiction, success, dissociation, honesty and the true self. Happiness (real and fake), addiction, success, dissociation, honesty and the true self. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 31:26 Happiness32: Sister Sarah Asks Me Some Questions http://whateveramen.com/happiness32-sister-sarah-asks-me-some-questions/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness32-sister-sarah-asks-me-some-questions/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:44:47 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=866 Sarah asked me about composting, being the oldest of five, my favorite flowers, my childhood acting career, my latest projects… and other stuff, n stuff.

my family in 1979 ish

bleeding hearts in the garden at the river house

bleeding hearts in the garden at the river house (*love!*)

 

 

 

 

Amy as Peter Pan (1976)

Amy as Peter Pan (1976)

Amy as a parrot

Amy as "Some Dumb Parrot Thing" (1981)

the neverending (I hope) mural project

the never-ending (I hope) mural project

wintery wonderland

frozen rain barrel art

two of the sisters

somewhere along the side of the road in Mexico...
]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness32-sister-sarah-asks-me-some-questions/feed/ 4 childhood memories, compost, theater and flowers childhood memories, compost, theater and flowers Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:05 Happiness31: Veronica Asks Me Some Questions http://whateveramen.com/happiness31-veronica-asks-me-some-questions/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness31-veronica-asks-me-some-questions/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:25:29 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=849 Between friendly giggles, Veronica asked me some questions, like:

veronica lacerda arao

sweetness!

Why are you a happiness consultant, and what are the best and worst parts?
Where are all the places that you have lived?
How do you take care of yourself?
What’s your favorite kind of tea?

Lenine, a favorite Brazilian singer-songwriter of Veronica’s, sings the closing song called Paciência Acústico (or “Patience.”)  Veronica tells me it goes roughly like this:

Even when everything asks for a little more calm
Even when the body asks for a little more soul
Life doesn´t stop

When time goes fast and is on a hurry
I say not, I waste a time do a dance
Life is so rare

While everybody waits for a cure for evil
And the craziness pretends that everything is normal
I pretend having patience

The world keeps turning always faster
We wait from the world and the world waits from us
A little more patience

Is it time that we are missing to understand?
Will we have this time to waste?
And who wants to know?
Life is so rare, too rare

Even when everything asks for a little more calm
Even when the body asks for a little more soul
I know, life doesn´t stop



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness31-veronica-asks-me-some-questions/feed/ 0 tea and snacks, bedtimes, projections, and pina coladas tea and snacks, bedtimes, projections, and pina coladas Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 30:23 Happiness30: My Honeymoon and Season Five http://whateveramen.com/happiness30-my-honeymoon-and-season-five/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness30-my-honeymoon-and-season-five/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:08:16 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=722 At the end of today’s show, Jake Snider sings:

We could live up on a mountain.
throw our wishes in a fountain,
I throw my best wishes on you.
If we can share it, I don’t care.
United states of Anywhere with you, with you…
Love don’t have a destination,
you’re my favorite location,
United states of anywhere with you.

And that’s how I’ve been feeling about myself these days. That’s right, I said it. True love.

Today I talk about where I’ve been hiding for the past few months, and lay out the red carpet for Season Five, the season in which you guys run the interviews.

Or sumthin!

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness30-my-honeymoon-and-season-five/feed/ 2 True love, hiding and rolling out season five, the one in which the listeners ask the questions. True love, hiding and rolling out season five, the one in which the listeners ask the questions. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 30:01 Happiness28: The Rally for Sanity and/or Fear http://whateveramen.com/happiness28-the-rally-for-sanity-andor-fear/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness28-the-rally-for-sanity-andor-fear/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:23:29 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=655 On October 30, 2010 (“a date of no significance whatsoever”), Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert held a rally for sanity and/or fear.  I went because my kids wanted to go, Jon and Stephen wanted me to go, and because I hoped it would make me laugh.  Beyond those fine accomplishments we also enjoyed a warm fall day in DC, ate a picnic, found food for thought, and got to wear our new WWA shirts all around town!

rally for sanity and/or fear

Chicks... or death? Ummmm Chicks please!

rally for sanity and/or fear

You come here often?

Thanks to The Wood Brothers for the musical chocolatey treat at the end of today’s show.

And thanks to all the funny people in the world.  I need you.

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness28-the-rally-for-sanity-andor-fear/feed/ 2 I heart Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. That's alls I'm sayin. I heart Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. That's alls I'm sayin. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 30:54 Happiness27: Retreats http://whateveramen.com/happiness27-retreats/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness27-retreats/#comments Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:38:43 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=641 “Although it can be embarrassing and painful, it is very healing to stop hiding from yourself.” ~Pema Chodron

“Since you have to live in your own skin, you might as well feel at home in it!” ~Kara Tennis

One of the fastest ways to stop hiding from yourself is to stop doing everything else and just stare at yourself for a while.  That’s the kind of retreat I’m talking about in today’s show, and Pema is right about the embarrassing and painful parts, I s’pose I should warn you.

But it can be sweet and tender too, like holding a brand new baby, or going on a simple quiet honeymoon.  A worthy way to pass some time.

And maybe it has a little something to do with happiness, and feeling at home in your own skin.

And I do trust that if at all possible, you plan to be in attendance at Ryan Tennis’s Album Release Party this Saturday night, so I shan’t nag you ’bout it.

“TTFN – Ta Ta for now!” ~Tigger

“xo” ~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness27-retreats/feed/ 3 "Although it can be embarrassing and painful, it is very healing to stop hiding from yourself." ~Pema Chodron "Although it can be embarrassing and painful, it is very healing to stop hiding from yourself." ~Pema Chodron Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 33:24 Happiness26:Redefining ‘Family’ http://whateveramen.com/happiness26redefining-family/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness26redefining-family/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:36:05 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=609 In that little box under his picture on facebook, Phil Crimmins says “Life is so fucking awesome!”  So of course I had to interview him (to the extent that the internet and skype gods would allow, which was unfortunately limited) to find out How come so you’re so goddam happy?!

Not surprisingly, the answer was in part “because I’ve been through hell….”

Phil talks about his quest for truth and healing (of both the inner and outer varieties), Aristotle, living in the present moment, leaving his family of origin and finding/creating a new family who love and support him in being who he truly is.

Come to think of it, that does sounds pretty fucking awesome.

You’ll hear Phil briefly refer to this study that suggests that therapy is up to 24 times more effective as a tool for happiness-boosting, than money is.  (As I’m sure you can imagine, I don’t believe a word of it!  Cuz let’s face it: without money, how ya gonna buy a Hummer!??!)  But go ahead, read the study if it makes you feel better.  Maybe there’s  something to it.

xoAmy

Today’s “closing hymn” is So Full by Jim Boggia.  Once when I saw Jim in concert he played one of those little kid rainbow-colored xylophones in a couple songs, which really made me like him.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness26redefining-family/feed/ 1 Phil talks about his quest for truth and healing, Aristotle, living in the present moment, leaving his family of origin and finding/creating a new family who love and support him in being who he truly is. Phil talks about his quest for truth and healing, Aristotle, living in the present moment, leaving his family of origin and finding/creating a new family who love and support him in being who he truly is. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 32:51 Happiness25: Amy, Today http://whateveramen.com/happiness25-amy-today/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness25-amy-today/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:25:56 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=579 Today being September 22, 2010 – and Amy being Yours Truly.

For the last couple weeks I’ve been a bit too internally scattered to know much about who I am or what I think, so rather than trying to make something up that sounded good, I thought I’d just say a few words about who and what I am today (to the best of my ability, which I’m not claiming is much).

First I address a question I hear every now and then “How could I become a happiness consultant too?”

Then I mention the little stir I inadvertently caused by posting this on facebook for everyone to read (I meant it to be just for my kids), because it’s been on my mind, and because I think my solution of an “emotional reaction” button is a good one.

I round things out in the end by talking about my broken heart, my blown mind, and finish with another tear-jerker (at least, it jerked some tears out of me – though again, not saying much) from Bar Scott called Write Me a Love Letter.

C’est moi! (Aujourd’hui.)

xoAmy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness25-amy-today/feed/ 0 Random bits of nothing much in particular Random bits of nothing much in particular Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 33:32 Happiness24: Pros and Cons of Regret with Nikiah http://whateveramen.com/happiness24-pros-and-cons-of-regret-with-nikiah/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness24-pros-and-cons-of-regret-with-nikiah/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:15:05 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=540  

again with the baby bunnies

again with the baby bunnies....

When my youngest daughter Nikiah agreed to be interviewed on the topic of regret she warned, ” But I don’t believe in regrets – you know that, right?”

But then she changed her mind a few times, which kinda goes to show how smart she really is.

If all this only made you want to know more about Nikiah, click here to read her answers to all kinds of questions – or to ask her your own.

Thanks to Hezekiah Jones for sharing Agnes of the World with us in today’s show.  And hey – if you know a musician who would like to hear his music on this podcast, get a CD into Ryan’s hands and we’ll put it to good use!



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness24-pros-and-cons-of-regret-with-nikiah/feed/ 1 When my youngest daughter Nikiah agreed to be interviewed on the topic of regret she warned, " But I don't believe in regrets - you know that, right?" When my youngest daughter Nikiah agreed to be interviewed on the topic of regret she warned, " But I don't believe in regrets - you know that, right?" Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:41 Happiness23: Tantrums and Laughter With Kayla http://whateveramen.com/happiness23-tantrums-and-laughter-with-kayla/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness23-tantrums-and-laughter-with-kayla/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:12:16 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=513  

"A tiny bunny is one of the best things to hold"

"a tiny bunny is one of the best things to hold"

Today you get to meet the family’s laughing expert: Kayla Dawn Childs.

[While typing this she yelled up from downstairs "Thank GOD it's the day of rest!" (it's Wednesday) and I LOLed.]

Kayla’s sense of humor has always been difficult for me to capture or recreate, but she makes me laugh more than just about anyone.  We tried to talk about it on today’s show, but we didn’t really do it (or her) justice*.  Oh well, too bad for you.  Hope you enjoy it anyway!

xo ~Amy

* Maybe watching this video will help.  Or this one.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness23-tantrums-and-laughter-with-kayla/feed/ 3 My daughter is the Queen of both. My daughter is the Queen of both. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 23:34 Happiness22: Being Grumpy with Jonathan http://whateveramen.com/happiness22-being-grumpy-with-jonathan/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness22-being-grumpy-with-jonathan/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:50:06 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=495  

Jonny with wild baby bunnies

It’s hard to imagine someone who looks like this being grumpy, but that’s what my son Jonathan was this morning when I interviewed him for today’s show.

After we were done recording Jonny sent me a text that said “Stenson is really good at being grumpy.”  (Stenson is his owl tattoo, and if you want to see him for yourself, click here.)

And if you want to listen to Jonathan’s music, which of course you do, go here.

Happy grumping!

~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness22-being-grumpy-with-jonathan/feed/ 1 My son Jonathan (and his owl tattoo, Stenson) are both really good at being grumpy. My son Jonathan (and his owl tattoo, Stenson) are both really good at being grumpy. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:28 Happiness21: Abundance and Money http://whateveramen.com/happiness21-abundance-and-money/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness21-abundance-and-money/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:56:52 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=479 After years of secrecy, today I come out against the word “abundance” as it is most commonly used, as a way (IMO) of justifying and even glamorizing greed and over-consumption.

There. I said it.

Thanks to:

  • The Sun for the quote I read in today’s show (and for thousands of quotes I didn’t read);
  • Barbara Kingsolver for writing many gut-wrenchingly beautiful things;
  • Carsie Blanton for writing songs that I like getting stuck in my head;
  • Loren for sharing his A/C with me, even though it exposes my hypocrisy and forces me to admit my own shameful over-consumption right here for everyone to see.

Nobody ever said being human was easy.

Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness21-abundance-and-money/feed/ 0 After years of avoidance, today I come out against the word "abundance" as it is most commonly used, as a way of glamorizing greed and over-consumption. There. I said it. After years of avoidance, today I come out against the word "abundance" as it is most commonly used, as a way of glamorizing greed and over-consumption. There. I said it. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:41 Happiness20: Not So Smart, Not So Special http://whateveramen.com/happiness20-not-so-smart-not-so-special/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness20-not-so-smart-not-so-special/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:08:55 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=463 The warning label on this show would read: Beware! Amy doesn’t know a goddam thing!

Thus sets the tone for Season Four.  Enter at your own risk.

If you want to join the production team, contact my podcast therapist (and son) JonChilds@verizon.net.

And grateful thanks go out to Amy Regan for today’s tune It’s Gonna Get Better. Definitely what I needed to hear.

Happy heat stroke! ~ Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness20-not-so-smart-not-so-special/feed/ 1 Beware: Amy don't know a goddam thing. Beware: Amy don't know a goddam thing. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 42:05 Happiness12: Doom and Gloom (Part Two) http://whateveramen.com/happiness12-doom-and-gloom-part-two/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness12-doom-and-gloom-part-two/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:45:36 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=453 As Jonathan (my son) said when he was tiny “What’s going on, and what’s the meaning of it?”  Or as Wade (one of today’s guests) wondered as a teen (and many times since) “What’s going ON here!?!?!”

It can be tremendously confusing – not to mention agonizing – to awaken to the reality that being a conscious human includes the conflicting extremes of pleasure and pain.  Is it possible to live peacefully with awareness of the paradox that life is both heaven and hell?

Don’t get your hopes up – I don’t have the answer.  Which is why my new year’s resolution for 2010 was to watch more TV.

Thank you Thor, Megan, Aven, Mara, Aron, Wade, Sarah, Jonathan, Bobby, Nicole and Sam for playing along with me, and for contributing your thoughts about and encouragement for this episode.  You’re squarely on your way to Tshirt glory!

Also many thanks to Ryan Tennis, Dan Tharp and Music Alley for today’s music.

xo~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness12-doom-and-gloom-part-two/feed/ 8 "What's going on, and what's the meaning of it?" -Jonathan Childs (age 3) "What's going on, and what's the meaning of it?" -Jonathan Childs (age 3) Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 1:01:47 Happiness11: Doom and Gloom (Part One) http://whateveramen.com/h11-doom-and-gloom-part-one/ http://whateveramen.com/h11-doom-and-gloom-part-one/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:05:00 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=424 Well whaddya know…. it’s another podcast.  Believe me, I’m as surprised as you are.

So to review: “Part One” is the part in which Amy rambles.  “Part Two” comes next, after our friends, family, listeners and fans give us feedback.  We’re looking for comments, stories, concerns, questions, suggestions…. and without them, Part Two will have to patiently wait… forever.

As advertised in this show, at the end of Season Three (3 months from now) we will have sexy snazzy smart Tshirts ready, and YOU can earn your tee in one of two ways:

  1. send in a donation of $100 or more
  2. give us some kind of feedback to EVERY “part one” show in season three (there will be 12 such opportunities)

and voila (or “wala” as Kayla likes to say) – a tee shirt is yours!  You think you’re popular and cool NOW… well, just wait till you see what happens when you don the whateveramen shwag. The world at your fingertips, that’s what I’m talking about.

In the meanwhile… happy spring!

xo~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/h11-doom-and-gloom-part-one/feed/ 9 Well whaddya know.... it's another podcast. Believe me, I'm as surprised as you are. Well whaddya know.... it's another podcast. Believe me, I'm as surprised as you are. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 33:36 Happiness10: Amy’s State of the Whatever Address http://whateveramen.com/happiness10-amys-state-of-the-whatever-address/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness10-amys-state-of-the-whatever-address/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:44:38 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=414 Attention please: THIS IS NOT A NORMAL PODCAST.

Okay then, back to your (other) regularly scheduled programs.

xo~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness10-amys-state-of-the-whatever-address/feed/ 10 blah blah blah blah blah blah Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 59:59 Happiness9: Amy’s Turn http://whateveramen.com/happiness9-amys-turn/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness9-amys-turn/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:32:06 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=366 I’m not sure if it makes any sense to have a show “about Amy” – aren’t all the shows about me?  Or something like that?

Oh well… that’s just kinda how it came out today.  What I can’t believe is that I forgot to take the opportunity to brag about my new unschooling website that I built all by myself!

Speaking of which, now that I’m a web designer and all, this afternoon I got out my crayons and made a cute little temporary website for my little “podcast lite” (as Kara calls it) –   My Love Affair With Philly – coming soon to an iPod near you!

At the end of today’s ‘cast we’re treated to a new song by Carsie Blanton “Love Is All…” that she wrote after being a guest on the show a few weeks back.  I like it.

Okay I guess that’s it for now.  Happy February!

xo~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness9-amys-turn/feed/ 0 Whatever Whatever Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 26:09 Happiness8: My Mom http://whateveramen.com/happiness8-my-mom/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness8-my-mom/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:03:28 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=332 [...]]]> Before we go any further, let’s pause to give my mom a round of applause for successfully answering the skype call and not hanging up during the whole interview.  <cheers>

Hopefully this is only the first of many appearances made by my beloved mother on our podcast.  Today she talks about many things including truth-telling (without tipping her hand too much about her savvy pretending skills), her thoughts about happiness, and the ongoing disagreement we have about unlimited ice-cream eating in one’s old age.

You’ll notice that my brother Michael pays a surprise visit somewhere in the middle there.  Don’t mind him,  he’s harmless.

Oh I love my mommy.  I hope you do too.

xo~Amy

My adorable mom

My adorable mom
]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness8-my-mom/feed/ 2 Before we go any further, let's pause to give my mom a round of applause for successfully answering the skype call and not hanging up during the whole interview. Before we go any further, let's pause to give my mom a round of applause for successfully answering the skype call and not hanging up during the whole interview. <cheers> Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 25:51 Happiness7: More About the 12 Steps http://whateveramen.com/happiness7-more-about-the-12-steps/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness7-more-about-the-12-steps/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:49:37 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=315 In last week’s Consciousness podcast we talked about the challenges of questioning or leaving a 12 Step program that felt like a life-saver in the past.

Today we welcome Megan back to talk more about the 12 Steps themselves – addressing the concepts of “powerlessness,” “higher powers” and “character defects.”  (Hint: I come out in favor of only one of these… can you guess which one?)

And for the cherry on top, we are treated to the section of Kara’s book entitled Thirteen Steps to Feeling More Whole (You can’t possibly do them wrong).



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness7-more-about-the-12-steps/feed/ 1 Today we welcome Megan back to talk more about the 12 Steps themselves Today we welcome Megan back to talk more about the 12 Steps themselves Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:23 Happiness6: If You Want Happiness Tips, Don’t Ask Darla http://whateveramen.com/happiness6-if-you-want-happiness-tips-dont-ask-darla/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness6-if-you-want-happiness-tips-dont-ask-darla/#comments Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:58:10 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=286 …but that’s not to say that our dear friend Darla isn’t a happy person, because she so is (sickeningly so, she says) – and in today’s show you’ll get to hear some of the latest juicy tidbits of her frolicking life.  Also, you can hear her explain why she doesn’t give out any tips [...]]]> …but that’s not to say that our dear friend Darla isn’t a happy person, because she so is (sickeningly so, she says) – and in today’s show you’ll get to hear some of the latest juicy tidbits of her frolicking life.  Also, you can hear her explain why she doesn’t give out any tips on being happy (and you may end up being grateful).

xo~Amy



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness6-if-you-want-happiness-tips-dont-ask-darla/feed/ 3 ...but that's not to say that our dear friend Darla isn't a happy person, because she so is (sickeningly so, she says) - and in today's show you'll get to hear some of the latest juicy tidbits of her frolicking life.  Also, ...but that's not to say that our dear friend Darla isn't a happy person, because she so is (sickeningly so, she says) - and in today's show you'll get to hear some of the latest juicy tidbits of her frolicking life. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 27:46 Happiness5: Interview With Ryan http://whateveramen.com/happiness5-interview-with-ryan/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness5-interview-with-ryan/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:09:14 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=266 Withering wall-flower though he may be, Kara’s son Ryan agreed to join us in today’s episode talking about all kinds of things including but not limited to: his one-man crusade to convince Americans to travel; his recent success at connecting with boring people (ie everyone who’s not him); feeling like a 6th grader with a musician-crush on Amos Lee; and what it’s like to be the most interesting person he knows.

It’s not directly about happiness, but how could you listen to that stuff and not feel happy?!…



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness5-interview-with-ryan/feed/ 0 Ryan is the most interesting person he knows. Ryan is the most interesting person he knows. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 28:59 Happiness4: Truth-Telling (part II) http://whateveramen.com/happiness4-truth-telling-part-ii/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness4-truth-telling-part-ii/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:06:03 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=243 Telling the truth is great and all, but…

- “you have to be careful…”

- “I don’t want to…”

- “people will be mad…”

- “it will change my life forever…”

That’s the kind of stuff we talk about in this episode, the “yeah but”s.

Also, as you will hear, there’s a little bit of “Uh oh, someone let Amy play with the sound effects” going on in here.  Thanks for humoring me.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness4-truth-telling-part-ii/feed/ 2 Telling the truth is great and all, but... Telling the truth is great and all, but... Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 25:05 Happiness3: Telling The Truth http://whateveramen.com/happiness3-telling-the-truth/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness3-telling-the-truth/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:56:50 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=216 Kara says I shouldn’t talk so much smack about today’s show, but I can’t seem to help myself.  If you’re in any way put off by poor audio quality, please just don’t listen to this episode.   [But Kara says I'm wwaaaayyy too picky about the sound, and that what we say is well worth a listen.]

If you do listen, please don’t tell me about how annoying the sound was- I’ve cried about it three times already.

So there’s a little truth-telling fer ya.



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness3-telling-the-truth/feed/ 0 whatever whatever whatever whatever Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 23:19 Happiness2: Gift-Giving Is Usually Insane http://whateveramen.com/happiness2-gift-giving-is-usually-insane/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness2-gift-giving-is-usually-insane/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:03:07 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=158 Just in time for the holiday season, I’m here to rant against one the most significant rituals of the modern age: spending money we don’t have to buy things nobody needs.

Yippee!



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness2-gift-giving-is-usually-insane/feed/ 4 I'm here to rant against one the most significant rituals of the modern age: spending money we don't have to buy things nobody needs. I'm here to rant against one the most significant rituals of the modern age: spending money we don't have to buy things nobody needs. Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 24:41 Happiness1: Sad Is Not The Opposite of Happy http://whateveramen.com/happiness-ep-1/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness-ep-1/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:05:48 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=89 Wow, look ma!  I made a podcast!

Off to a roaring start, in this episode I let off a little steam about what I consider to be a grave misconception: that sadness is the opposite of happiness.  This is an especially irksome pet peeve of mine, perhaps because I am such a big fat crybaby, and don’t want people to think this weakens my credentials as a Happiness Consultant.  Au contraire!

In my world suffering is the opposite of  happiness, and in my experience the path to suffering is paved with a resistance to sadness (when it’s there).



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness-ep-1/feed/ 1 Wow, look ma! I made a podcast! Wow, look ma! I made a podcast! Amy Childs | Whatever Amen no 23:25 Happiness Promo http://whateveramen.com/happiness-promo/ http://whateveramen.com/happiness-promo/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:52:58 +0000 amychilds http://whateveramen.com/?p=94 Ooh look at me, such a fancy podcaster!

This is the first recording I did for the new podcast, then sent it off to iTunes to see if they would “approve” it…

(approve it you say? approve it?  Yikes.)

Well, at least I didn’t cuss in it or anything.

[spoiler warning - Update: they approved it!]



]]> http://whateveramen.com/happiness-promo/feed/ 0 Happiness: is it for you? Happiness: is it for you? Whatever Amen : Happiness no 32