Eternally Amy: Recent Episodes
Alternative Talk 1150AM | Hubbard Radio
After turning her love of writing into a book, Amy Harrison decided it only made sense to turn her love of talking, into a podcast. Stories of childhood, romance, marriage, motherhood, and a lifetime journey becoming comfortable in her own skin, all come to life in this honest, heartfelt, and humorous podcast. Not only is she relatable, she’s Eternally Amy.
Amy relates her Fireside quote from Ester Hicks about letting go of the oars to our need for control – she cites her kids learning to drive and how they white-knuckle it until they start to trust themselves as an example. Amy then fangirls over her guest Malorie (M.D.) Cooper; former IT professional turned author, maker, sci-fi universe creator, and boss babe. Amy has Malorie share more about herself before Stacy takes over asking Amy and Mal questions about their process creating and writing. Time runs out before Amy can focus on what’s really important, like where Mal gets her catsuits; it’s a conversation that’s Eternally Amy.
As she demonstrates through her Fireside Chat each week, Amy finds inspiration from EVERYWHERE. For this episode she draws inspiration from the Hall & Oates songbook citing specific songs and lyrics that she associates with certain life lessons such as self-care, saying no, and checking your motives. She has Eric and Stacy share some of their musical inspiration before they end with trivia involving song lyrics. Amy’s deep cut of random fun facts about the duo; from a cartoon featuring John’s mustache to the stories behind their lyrics, is partly startling and impressive and wholly, Eternally Amy.
What happens when Amy walks into the studio prepared for one show and another one presents itself unexpectedly in the form of past-guests Lisa and JD? It makes her Fireside Chat quote about losing control in order to succeed feel like Divine Intervention. Amy, Lisa, and JD talk about image and identity as it relates to recovery and the armor you hide behind to avoid feeling, and the “impression management” that can linger long into the recovery journey. They also touch upon emotional sobriety and the choice of whether to live in the problem or the solution. Amy successfully allows herself to lose control resulting in a conversation full of heart; and her Grandma shows up from beyond the grave, which makes it a quintessential Eternally Amy episode.
Amy starts the program very thoughtfully with a quote from Carl Jung about how, “What you resist persists.” She relates this to one of the challenges those new to sobriety deal with which is “future tripping.” She also suggests this relates to the challenge of facing difficulties and learning new things – the questions becomes, is it easier if you’re more invested in the outcome? With little effort or prompting, the program bobs and weaves from cheese platters and chocolate a la Alaska to “bedbands, a full face of makeup compliments of a “face box” and the best thrifted items like a Snoopy Sno-Cone maker in a way that is Eternally Amy.
Amy’s weekly Fireside Chat quote comes from Robin Arzon and is worth cutting and pasting into your brain: “Own your no so you can protect your yes.” Amy looks back on the relatable situation of being an elementary school room parent with another parent with a VERY different focus and style. She muses how it was just one example of a situation where she might have been better served saying no. She welcomes back her friend, Tori Berntsen to the program. As a coach and educator, Tori has experience balancing on the fine line between yes and no; a line that came into sharp focus after a family member’s health took priority early in her marriage. That experience proved to be a guiding force in her personal and professional life. The conversation is full of ah-ha moments, even rendering Amy’s producer Stacy speechless for a moment. The authenticity is real as Amy continues to embrace being, Eternally Amy.
Amy’s weekly Fireside Chat quote comes from the Big Book, “And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone - even alcohol.” She shares a story about a family member that became “addicted” to the crutch that ginger ale offered. Using this example, Amy talks about the importance of not just terminating bad habits or addictions, but exploring their root cause. Throughout the episode, Amy, Stacy and Eric partake in another generic brand, soda-cola-pop taste test that they take very seriously. At the heart of the episode is Amy reading aloud from her next book, Eternally Awkward. She shares a recollection from the book that is both funny and telling about Amy. That she would make peace with Resusci Anne as an adult, is Eternally Amy.
Amy’s weekly Fireside Chat quote was inspired by a retirement party she attended where the honoree deflected much of the attention suggesting their success stemmed from being in the right place at the right time. Amy unpacks that in more depth exploring whether it’s about the showing up, the timing or both. She then expands on the topic suggesting communication as another key to success. Citing personal customer service experiences, she invites her producers Stacy and Eric to share their thoughts. The conversation shifts from showing up to showing up for colonoscopies in a way that is, Eternally Amy.
Amy starts 2022 with a quote from Pema Ch?dr?n about simply starting from where you now. Amy shares her tendency to make too much of something so keeping it simple helps her accept what is and be flexible. Like when her teenagers, Austin and Ava have an unexpected snow day, she seizes the moment and gets them talking by pulling random topics from the fish bowl. For instance, Amy learns they prefer to “bee” and they learn Amy may put her ashes in an hourglass so she can truly be, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from Steve Jobs about how in business, great things result from teamwork, not individuals; Amy discusses how that philosophy is a guiding principle for her and Andrew in raising their children. Speaking of Amy’s children, Ava joins the show for a three-peat and a dialog about Enneagrams; what they are, what they tell us about ourselves, and what she numbers she most identifies with. They also touch on Love Languages a bit before spring boarding into the fishbowl for random topics to explore. From, “Is a taco a sandwich” to “What’s your favorite smell memory?” the topics and responses are varied and of course, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from Codependent No more author, Melodie Beattie for her Fireside Chat. Inspired by a recent parenting moment, Amy shares a universal truth for parents; you can’t help yourself. Amy’s guest Heidi Le knows a thing or two about codependency; in recovery for the same, she found inspiration as a singer/songwriter and author by sharing her experiences and learned resources with others. Amy and Heidi also explore how ADHD can impact mental health; from negative self-talk to forgetfulness to…wait, what were they saying again? The episode enlightens and entertains in a way that is, Eternally Amy.
For this special episode, Amy welcomes her mother Gerri back to the show along with Stacy’s mother Joan. For her Fireside Chat, Amy shares a quote from Mary Tyler Moore about having been around, or at least having been nearby. The quote reminds Amy of mothers; they’ve been around or at least nearby and have a wealth of experience to draw from most of us don’t appreciate. Then Amy asks Gerri and Joan some basic background questions before testing their pop culture knowledge with “Boomer” and current trivia questions. For a funny and endearing listen that proves moms are the GOAT, enjoy another episode that is, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares content she found on her guest Greg Kiper’s website for her Fireside Chat; focusing on his mention of mindfulness and creating balance between body, mind and spirit in order to be our best selves. An organic conversation leads Amy to ask Greg about moving past worry and ruminating thoughts that sometimes define our view of self. Greg shares his 4 P’s for being aware of the choices we make that keep us repeating the same behaviors and choices, and how being curious is a good way to explore our reactions without judgement. Amy offers her own nuggets of wisdom including one about shocking your system into awareness by adjusting your environment; an idea that came to her from dealing with fussy babies. After a powerful episode about getting to the root of whatever holds us back, Greg and Amy choose between time travel and teleportation in a closing conversation that is, Eternally Amy.
After a shoutout to Jose, for her Fireside Chat, Amy shares the Rumi quote, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” She expands on why it resonates explaining that it’s reassuring to know that there’s a place between failure and perfection. Amy’s guest is fellow author, Suzanne Park who wrote, Full Circle Recovery; Feeding the Body, Mind, and Spirit. The book is about tuning into intuition to gain awareness of addictive behaviors and habits, and taking a more holistic approach to integrating nutrition into a healthier lifestyle that includes sobriety. Suzanne shares a bit about her background, before she and Amy commiserate on the writing process. The episode ends with food trivia including a shocking factoid about nutmeg and a good guess by Amy about the origin of pizza. As always, the conversation is Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from a recent guided meditation for her Fireside Chat that likens feelings to clouds on a windy day with conscious breathing as an anchor when you’re feeling emotionally, psychologically, or physically blustery. Lane Kennedy, a calm-coach calls into the show to share what she has curated from her training, learning and experiences after over two decades as a meditator, into a business helping others. She shares her passion for coaching others to lead a more connected calm life through private, group and DNA Health coaching. You can learn more at https://lanekennedy.com/. After a short mindful moment (a.k.a. a break), Amy transitions to Pop Culture trivia with a smoothness that is Eternally Amy.
This time Amy shares a quote from beloved author, Judy Blume about the difficulty of writing and letting it out, before introducing her editor and friend, Becky Sasso to the show. Amy and Becky worked together for the first time on Amy’s book, Eternally Expecting and are together again for Amy’s next book coming out in 2022. They talk about collaborating and how the creative process gets easier when there’s a connection. Stacy tries to get the scoop on book two, only finding out that it’s comprised partly of book one leftover anecdotes and may reference some of Amy’s favorite music. The episode is filled with heart-to-heart conversation, learning through laughter and ridiculous trivia questions, that is as always, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from author, Mandy Hale about how life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly, rather merely lived. After a morning of feeling her imperfections, Amy expands on why this sentiment resonated with her. which acts as a nice springboard into the episode’s topic, navigating the holidays sober. She and Stacy have a candid conversation about how holiday hi-jinks can be holiday hell whether you’ve been sober for a week, a year or fifteen unless you handle it with community, an escape plan, and boundaries. To get in the right frame of mind Thanksgiving trivia is played (badly) in a way that is, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from local travel guru, Rick Steves about what travel can do for our perspectives and how it changes the palette from which we paint our story. Besides introducing us to other people and places, travel can introduce us to who we are and reflect the place we’re in. Amy’s guest Carolyn Bunn of @permanentvacationers demonstrates exactly that as she shares the story of her trip to sobriety and several sober travel tips worth noting. The episode ends with travel trivia and a nod to pop culture (The Climb) with a transition that is, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from His Holiness the Dalai Lama for her Fireside Chat, it’s about learning the rules so you know how break them. A philosophy Amy’s guest Alysse Bryson embraces fully in her sobriety journey and life in general. Alysse is the force behind The Sober Curator, a website for people have that embraced the “rules” of a sober lifestyle; however, still crave fun. She’s also the host of SOBER POP on the Clubhouse app, a place where conversation, connection and sober lifestyle tips – POP! Throughout the episode, Amy, Alysse, Eric and Stacy taste store-brand colas and rate them with all the seriousness and sass that is, Eternally Amy.
This week’s “Fireside Chat” featured the phrase, “the story I’m telling myself is…” from Brené Brown. Amy shares a story about her son’s Friday night football game and the stories she found herself telling as the game progressed. False narratives is exactly what Amy’s guest JD Wyneken and his cohost, Tawny Sanabria talk about on their podcast, Breaking Up with Our Bullsh!t. Amy and JD touch on where the narratives come from in terms of experiences, their recovery journeys and their upbringings around the church. Naturally they bond over bad soda which is, Eternally Amy.
This week’s “Fireside Chat” featured a quote by Oliver Wilkins Amy found via Evangeline Love about how true strength is not giving up even when others would understand if you did. Amy admits despite her love of wallowing, she tries to rise when faced with the hard stuff. The quote is the perfect set up for her guest Sarah to share her story of addiction. A multitalented creator, Sarah shares several key moments in her recovery journey; including learning it’s ok to experience joy during dark times and that no matter what, life goes on. The episode ends with a question inspired by Sarah’s perfect gift, which if you’ve been listening, is Eternally Amy.
For her weekly “Fireside Chat” Amy shares two quotes about criticism; one attributed to Aristotle and one from Oscar Wilde. Her choice of quotes was inspired by the narratives she has about perceived criticism and rejection; especially as a new author. Her guest Jesse Butterworth, joins the conversation and shares his thoughts on the topic of criticism and critics and his ideas for dealing with both; especially as a writer and musician. As always the episode swings from serious to silly in a way that is Eternally Amy.
For her Fireside Chat Amy uses a quote from American humorist, Edgar Allen Poe (not) about how truth arises from the seemingly irrelevant. Amy connects this to a conversation with her college-aged kids about why classes, experiences, people or situations, however seemingly inconsequential in the moment, can prove to be s profound as calligraphy was to Steve Jobs. She and Stacy also talk about how transparent parents should be when referencing their own life as examples if they even should. The conversation moves as quickly as a playground ball left unchecked in a way that is, Eternally Amy.
Amy shares a quote from Richie Norton for her Fireside Chat about how making our own choices versus allowing others to influence us, makes for intentional living. Conversation turns to the Oregon Trail game and fun on a bun once Amy introduces her guest Mary Fredrickson, a friend and mentor who practices intentional family relationships with her husband and kids. Mary shares what this means, how it looks for them and why it’s made a difference for their family. Amy’s enthusiasm for panning for gold comes in handy as she finds nuggets of wisdom in the everyday in a way that is Eternally Amy.
After summer travel, including a trip with the fam to a dude ranch, Amy is back in the studio live! For her Fireside Chat Amy shares a couple of lines from her guest Chris Joseph’s book, “Life is a Ride: My Unconventional Journey of Cancer Recovery.” The lines are about trusting you’re a subject matter expert on you and ONLY you. Amy and Chris talk about his cancer story and subsequent book, and his new book coming in October that Amy is a part of called, “The Epiphanies Project: Twenty Personal Revelations.” They end their thoughtful conversation with a round of questions that although random, are equally thoughtful. It’s another show with heart and humor, both of which are, Eternally Amy. To learn more, find her book or connect with Amy, go to www.amylizharrison.com
For Amy’s weekly fireside chat, she shares the hot button concept that family pushes our buttons because they were the ones who put them there. Naturally this leads to tangents that include, but are not limited to; Randy’s clippings, whether screenshots are essentially modern clippings, favorite emojis for texting, how to say gif (Jiff or giff) and the language of memes. Amy welcomes longtime friend Tori Berntsen to chat about “forced family fun” – what it means to moms versus kids, how to not hit the panic button as kids hit the eject button and what it becomes for everyone down the road a bit (right on the button). The show ends with 80’s TV trivia, which at the touch of a button, she can answer in a way that is, Eternally Amy. To learn more, find her book or connect with Amy, go to www.amylizharrison.com
Amy starts off sharing the Fifth Agreement - the freedom to be who you really are, inspired by her guest Jack. He shares his story of addiction and recovery and how everyday living can trigger his fear of rejection. He, Amy and Stacy have an awesome conversation about authenticity and showing up for yourself and as yourself in good times and bad before launching into a game. Amy shows off the depth of her 80’s trivia knowledge with her correct answer, “Truffle Shuffle.” The randomness is Eternally Amy. To connect with Amy go to www.amylizharrison.com
Amy shares a quote from Winston Churchill about how the price of greatness is responsibility. She reflects on the word itself and on how great things have happened when she’s taken responsibility especially in relation to her recovery journey. Joined in studio by daughters Annalise and Ava (with son 7 year old Archer), Amy talks with them about what responsibility means to them at 8 and 15. In between tangents about Costco, Cost Plus and Cragmont, Amy ties together estimable acts, responsibility and greatness in a way that is hilarious and heartfelt and also, Eternally Amy. To learn more about Amy Harrison and her book, Eternally Expecting, go to https://www.amylizharrison.com/
With a quote from Seth Godin about the surprise and delight of connection, Amy shares how she’s often reluctant to connect out of fear. She shares what Terry, a friend from recovery, believes - that addiction is the opposite of connection before welcoming Terry and Lisa to the show. They talk about what sponsorship means universally within the recovery space, and personally for each of them. With thoughtful insights and a willingness to be vulnerable, the conversation is a powerful one about the importance of connection with others and how it may lead to surprise and delight. Amy ends the show on a lighter note with a game of “Would You Rather?” that is Eternally Amy. To learn more about Amy and her book, Eternally Expecting, go to www.amylizharrison.com
Her former life as an English teacher emerges when Amy shares a poem by Shel Silverstein for her Fireside Chat. After hearing T Pain read the poem and have a different, darker response, Amy reflects on what it means to her. She illustrates her point by having 8-year-old daughter Analise, and 7-year-old son Archer on the show to answer important questions like, “What’s your favorite color? and “Do you like being part of a big family?” They answer with the candor of children who live in the moment, don’t see a difference and whose mother is, Eternally Amy
Love is the answer. Amy begins sharing a poem about love by E E Cummings; the poet known for turning his nose to the conventions of punctuation, structure and syntax. This leads to a deeper conversation about love and loss with guest Karla McOmber. Karla shares a series of stories about losing herself before finding true love, losing that love prematurely resulting in an addiction to feeling and needing love. It’s an episode that goes to the root of the root while blooming with hope. Amy finds a way to relate and elevate that is Eternally Amy.
What would Ronald Reagan do? For her weekly Fireside Chat, Amy shares a quote from Ronald Reagan about surrounding yourself with like-minded subject matter experts, delegating to them and staying out of the way. This leads to a conversation about some of the universal truths Amy has collected, customized and put to good use. From advice and stories about adjusting to the whims of Maltese terrors, the benefits of early Sunday dinners, bang-for-your-buck volunteering and where to get great smoked turkey – Amy knows what Ronald Reagan would do, eat jellybeans lying down and delegate! Now if she could just figure out the capital of Australia…the message and delivery are, Eternally Amy.
Amy begins with a reading reflecting on our tendency to resist happiness in our need for control. She ties that to a recent trip to Alaska with three of her four eldest children that she describes as a “unicorn” of a trip mostly because of managing her expectations and going with the floe. Naturally a conversation about worst trips ensues with Amy sharing misadventures that are Eternally Amy.
Amy starts the episode having just barely recovered from choking on a Tylenol which obviously leads to a story about Resusci Anne and the origin of her face. Once composed, Amy welcomes her guest Sarah Alaimo; a healthcare recruiter, certified Career Happiness Coach and soon to be published author. Her book, “Pearls and Probation; Adventures of An Alcoholic Good Girl” will be released in late August. They discuss their mutual connections including sobriety, being “good Christian girls,” new authors and LA experts. In fact, Amy ends the show answering LA trivia; while producer Eric may win, the answers and anecdotes are Eternally Amy. To learn more about Amy’s guest Sarah, go to www.sarahalaimo.com
Gerri is no joke! Amy welcomes back her daughter Ava and for the first time, her mother Gerri. Amy shares a quote from Joan Chittister about how navigating big decisions is rarely clear; however negotiating them with an open mind promises a life well-lived. Amy learned about opening the doors of possibility from her mother. Their intergenerational conversation will make you laugh and might even inspire you to carry a clear plastic sleeve. The banter is Eternally Amy.
Amy starts with her weekly fireside chat sharing the quote, “I’ll Take Care of Me for You, if You Take Care of You for Me,” before welcoming her friend Kelli to the show. They talk about meeting in recovery and the connection, comfort, and community that can be found in unexpected places if you’re open. Kelli shares her story of addiction and recovery and together Amy and Kelli muse on the indelicate journey it takes to get sober, how baking was the first ingredient in making amends and how laughter is a medicine you can be addicted to and should.
Today Amy shares a passage from Melodie Beattie about being responsible first for yourself, before feeling obligated to manage others. Amy is joined by in-studio guest and friend Jayne and call-in guest and Jayne’s sister, Julie. They talk about the baggage their faith upbringing added to their sense of responsibility for others and lack of control for themselves. Peppered with musical memories, 80’s trivia, heartfelt connection, and laughs, the show is as always, Eternally Amy.
Amy is joined by longtime friend Marisa Butterworth. In her weekly “Fireside Chat,” Amy shares a passage by Melodie Beattie about having fun and finding joy even in the face of difficult circumstances. Using the example of a Disney World hotel transfer van-ride gone wrong, Amy and Marisa talk about the importance of finding your fun and allowing others to find theirs. In addition to telling stories from their shared past, they talk about surviving the pandemic, it’s lasting impact and the power of the word AND.
Amy is joined by her husband, Alaska Airlines exec, Andrew Harrison. First Amy gathers listeners close for a “Fireside Chat” about how detaching with love is the ultimate love. She and Andrew then demonstrate exactly what that means as they talk about their life and love together and how their “for worse” made their connection “for better.” The show ends with a little He Said/She Said fun.
This episode is the start of something BIG! After publishing her first book, Eternally Expecting, Amy Harrison kicks off her podcast, Eternally Amy with a bang (and a bell)! There’s stories, pop culture callbacks, tangents, trivia with her daughter Ava and more. Listen to learn about Randy, Gerri, Bonnie and why there was always a pizza in the oven while Amy was growing up. It explains why she will always be, Eternally Amy.