SELF with Amanda

Yes, I've been avoiding you. Today, I'm talking about my three-month absence. I share about the loss of my great-aunt and the emotional challenges I've been facing including the struggle to find motivation and creativity during this period. But we are back... for now! Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show anywhere you get your podcasts. Please rate and review the show if you enjoy it. S...

Last week I visited my Bà Ý (great aunt) one last time to say goodbye to her. She was a pivotal figure in my life and today, I'm sharing personal stories and lessons learned from her. I reflecting on the profound impact she had on my upbringing and the foundational lessons she imparted. These lessons include the importance of independence, enjoying simple mornings, the essence of generosity, the p...

Today I'm fessing up and discussing the impact of honesty on personal growth and relationships. Inspired by my commitment to truth and a recent incident with my mum's car, I reflect on the dangers of deceit, drawing on my own life where I frequently found myself lying to avoid trouble or meet others' expectations. I share some personal details about lying regarding my virginity due to cultural and...

In this episode, Amanda delves deep into the personal and societal aspects of being in your thirties and choosing to live child-free. Amanda shares her reflections on societal pressures, personal growth, and the evolving understanding of fulfilment and legacy that comes with choosing not to have children. She openly discusses her journey from envisioning motherhood in her youth to embracing a chil...

Social media undeniably has an impact on how we form connections. Today I'm discussing the importance of strong friendships for a happy and healthy life and the challenges and complexities involved in sustaining and making new friendships. I talk about acknowledging the differences between acquaintances, peers, community, and true friends, noting the transient nature of many friendships versus the...

The focus is on understanding the crucial difference between gathering resources and information versus taking tangible action towards personal development. I talk about the idea that despite having access to the same information and resources, the distinction between individuals who experience radical change in their lives and those who remain stagnant lies in the readiness to take action and dis...

Joining me today is special guest, Francie Fishman, the founder of Pure Flow Yoga, a vocal empowerment coach, and a musician focused on sacred sounds. Francie shares her journey of moving to Bali, her experiences with running yoga retreats, and her path of reinvention following the closure of her yoga center due to COVID-19. She discusses the profound connection between trauma and voice loss, the...

Today we're discussing burnout. I was recently visiting Japan and reflected on how different it was for me when I was there last year. The last time I was there, I was burnt out and depleted, feeling hopeless and unmotivated. This time was different although I noticed early signs of burnout and managed to come out of it. I discuss what burnout is, signs to look out for and how to notice that you m...

Today I discuss the complex issue of dating people for their potential rather than who they currently are. I talk about the importance of self-awareness, and acceptance and how projecting our own goals, fears, and trauma onto our partners can create unhealthy dynamics within the relationship. There's a critical difference between being supportive of a partner's growth and trying to mould them into...

Happy lover's day to all the lovers out there. Today I'm sharing my love story with the most important person in the world to me. Enjoy! --- Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show anywhere you get your podcasts. Please rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Say hello or support SELF With Amanda: SELF With Amanda Instagram Email Patreon Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Today I'm sharing my journey through separation and divorce. Together, we'll explore the ups and downs of rebuilding and self-discovery after the end of a significant relationship. This episode isn't just about my marriage falling apart—it's about finding myself again when everything feels like it's crumbling. I'll talk about the pressure I felt from my religious community and the fear of being le...

I'm sorry. I know I disappeared for a few weeks there without notice. Well, I'm back with an episode to update you on what's been going on and what's head. Back to weekly episodes every Thursday! --- Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show anywhere you get your podcasts. Please rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Say hello or support SELF: SELF Instagram Email Patreon Website Hosted...

I'm here to share my journey of healing and self-discovery, recounting the significant chapters of my life and how an understanding of trauma and self-work helped me peel back the layers to be more me. Our discussion will centre on the concept of trauma, not as something that happens to us, but as something our bodies remember and hold onto. I share insights from my yoga teacher training and the t...

I unpack an uncanny experience where I lost my voice for nine months. I unravel the intriguing tale of how my usually vocal self underwent a dramatic transformation when I suddenly lost my voice and had a husky tone for 9 months. I share some realizations from my recent yoga teacher training about this experience and recount the journey of regaining my voice and relearning to advocate for myself....

Have you ever considered how the balance of masculine and feminine energies influences your relationships? In an insightful discussion with Ryan Moresby-White, we delve into the power of these energies, and how they shape not just our interactions, but also our personal development. Ryan’s journey from a depressed carpenter to a purpose-driven individual paints a vivid picture of the importance of...

Can you believe it's been a year already? As we commemorate the first anniversary of SELF, I'm taking a little walk down memory lane and back to the heart of some of my favourite conversations and episodes. From the candid stories shared by my courageous guests, to the technological hiccups I've faced, it's been a year of invaluable learning and authenticity. Join me in reliving these experiences,...

I found myself deep into the exploration of the concept of giving freely - from my personal experiences, and cultural influences to the quest for self-awareness. With anecdotes from my Vietnamese upbringing, I delve into a wide spectrum of giving - from the simple acts in everyday life to more meaningful ones - unearthing how our cultural context deeply influences our perspective on giving. ...

Picture an older, stern woman with a watch permanently affixed to her wrist, brandishing a clipboard like a weapon - meet my inner timekeeper. This ever-vigilant presence, constantly ticking away, was born from a deep-seated dread of disappointing others and the fear of trouble's consequence. With her ceaseless vigilance, my world was dominated by scarcity of time, a fear of missing out, and an ov...

Maria Antonia Vergara (Marianto) is back in the hot seat today as we explore the realities of our nomadic lifestyle. Listen in as Maria shares her journey from a government job in Panama to becoming a world traveler, fueled by her dream of international travel. Tune in as we uncover the struggles and triumphs of a nomadic life, discussing everything from the mental challenge of working amidst vaca...

Journey with me as I discuss the importance of compassion and understanding while setting boundaries in a parental relationship. I recount a conversation with my dad, sharing my experiences over the years and the reasons for my distance. Despite his defensiveness, I managed to stay grounded and reconnect with my own needs. This was a critical moment of healing and self-realization for me. In the f...

After releasing Episode 37 - Boundaries vs Control, I received many comments asserting that as a woman, I don't need to have male friends if I'm in a relationship. So of course, I had to invite my dear friend, Alejandro, back on the show to discuss whether men and women can be friends. Alejandro is the first guest to come back on the show twice and is someone who offers thoughtful perspectives. Al...

I've often felt the need to look for problems in my life being so accustomed to chaos. As someone who can et caught up in the constant need for growth, I am reminded of the importance of being present and appreciating what is, right now. I'd love to share your joy too so if you feel compelled, please share any goodness happening for you too! --- Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show any...

The stories we attach to things and the meaning we give to events profoundly impact how we operate in the world and with others. Today, I explore some of this for me and how challenging these narratives have helped me move past some challenges. --- Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show anywhere you get your podcasts. Please rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Say hello or support...

For a long time, I was someone who expected the best outcome from myself all the time, every time. Even when I looked at effort, I would measure it. It was exhausting for me and those around me because it also meant projecting this on to others. Today's episode is about recognising that people are just out there doing their best - regardless of how it seems to us. Whatever expectations we have are...

I competed as an athlete in my first-ever freediving competition. Having not had an athletic upbringing or been a competitive sportsperson, I had no idea what to expect. Starting out fresh as a woman in her 30s was exciting and taught me some valuable lessons that I'll be sharing today. --- Thanks for tuning in. You can listen to the show anywhere you get your podcasts. Please rate and review the...