Here's A Thought

Send a text To honor the fall of the year — the time when the veil between the worlds of the seen and unseen grows ever thinner with each passing, lengthening night — Here's A Thought offers a series of short, somewhat twisted stories, all written by me, that I hope you'll find suitable for the season. This one has some adult language and, of course, deals with the supernatural — so be w...

Send a text There are some things in life that are just the thing to do, even when we don't relish the thought of doing them. Going to funerals probably ranks below even paying taxes. And in a lot of cases, if we just don't go, who's going to know? In this episode, we consider how that's not really the point, and hopefully find some encouragement for showing up whenever we can....

Send a text  I've developed a strange compulsion. Maybe telling you about it will help. And maybe, just maybe, you've got a compulsion not all different from this one.  All I ask is that you don't judge me until you've heard me out . . . For information on the Pudelpointer dog breed:   https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/pudelpointer https://www.gundogmag.com/edit...

Send a text With the turn of the seasons, it's time to revisit my wardrobe, which leads me to consider fashion (intimidating), and then fashion trends (mystifying), and from there, trends in general — especially popular culture trends. What I notice is that very few of them have anything to do with me, now that I've joined a demographic that popular culture doesn't seem to register...

Send a text Welcome back! I've been on hiatus, and I've had some adventures to share. My trip to Kenya was a lifelong dream. I came home with a perspective that will never be the same — and questions I didn't expect. I invite you to spend a few minutes going on safari with me! Intro Music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an...

Send a text While I'm taking a break to do some traveling, research, and writing, I'm revisiting an older post from the first season of Here's A Thought — and with autumn now approaching (even if it doesn't feel like it), this one seems timely. If you missed it the first time, it's new to you, and if you heard it before, it could be worth another listen. Look for me to ret...

Send a text Maybe you've heard this one before, and maybe you haven't: it's a short, weird little story I wrote in response to a contest prompt. Think trains, think time travel, think Twilight Zone weirdness. Just know that this episode is a repeat of one I posted in 2022 during the first season of Here's A Thought. I'm on hiatus for a few more weeks, doing some traveling...

Send a text While I'm taking a few weeks to do some traveling and finish up some writing projects, I'm revisiting some of the Here's A Thought episodes from the first season. This one, I think, is worth a review if you've already hears it — because if you're an overthinker like I am, you're almost certainly a first-class worrier.  But the thing is, no matter what you&...

Send a text While I'm taking a few weeks off to do some traveling and tackle some writing projects, I'm revisiting some episodes from the first season of Here's A Thought. This one in particular, because it's a topic that was recommended by a listener. LOVE that! If you haven't heard it before, then it's new to you: and if you have, you may want to give it another lis...

Send a text While I'm taking a few weeks off to finish up some writing projects and do some traveling, I'm revisiting an episode recorded during the first season of Here's A Thought. If you missed it the first time, it's a new one on you -- and if you heard it once, it just might be worth hearing again. This one is an exploration of the exasperating way my brain has of remember...

Send a text While I'm taking a hiatus — working on another novel draft and doing some traveling — I'm revisiting a former episode from 2022. Given some of the recent Supreme Court rulings, this one seems especially timely. If you missed it the first time, it's a new one for you — and if not, it may just be worth another listen. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an id...

Send a text As I waltz happily into another decade, it seems part of me doesn't look as contented as I feel. It's developed a default expression that I don't agree with, and now I'm worried the gods are wreaking vengeance upon me for the Story Lady. Allow me to explain. Opening music  by geoffharvey from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an u...

Send a text Ozempic might be all over the news and the noxious term "heroin chic" may be seeping back into the culture, but body shaming is nothing new. Here's my own journey, and what it took to conquer my phobia about stepping on a scale. Content warnings: discussion of body shaming, disordered eating, drug use, menstruation, and a brief mention of sex If you suspect you or someon...

Send a text Just because July 4 has come and gone, there's no reason to stop celebrating now. Need a reason? I offer my birthday, with some virtual gifts to go around. You're invited! Opening Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need something overthought? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at HeresA...

Send a text With a milestone birthday and an overseas trip coming up, I'm putting some plans in place. Not the fun kind, but I think of it as a gift to my peeps who outlast me. And there are more options than you might expect . . . Music by Nesrality from Pixabay (Beethoven - Symphony #3 Eroica - Funeral March 2nd Mov. -Remix) Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an u...

Send a text In which we revel in the advent of summer at long last — and take a look at some of the weirder ways people choose to celebrate the season. Sound Effect from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need something overthought? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at HeresAThought8@gmail.com Or, contact me on my website at www. JanMF...

Send a text With a milestone (millstone?) birthday coming up, I consider some of the more surprising signposts along the journey of aging — like, nobody told me my skin would turn bizarre colors. Who knows what other non-returnable gifts are coming my way from the Wisdom Fairy? More about actinic purpura (if you want): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448130/ https://www.healthline.com/health...

Send a text An ordinary afternoon — until it wasn't. The paramedics were on the scene, and all we could do was witness it and stay out of the way. Or is there something more? Music by GuilhermeBernardes from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need something overthought? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at HeresAThought8@gmail.com...

Send a text In which I reflect on my recent experience with teletherapy — and share some of the more useful takeaways, like the Three C's and the Window of Tolerance. References: https://timothykeller.com/ https://drdansiegel.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation/dp/1501223585/ref=asc_df_1501223585/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=652424607838&amp...

Send a text This week, I reflect on 13 moments when my decisions ranged from questionable to I'm-lucky-to-still-be-alive. As someone smart once told me, we all have our stupid side. It's smart to remember that. Opening Music by SergeQuadrado from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need something overthought? I'd love to hear fr...

Send a text If you, like me, grew up with the belief that being a good person means putting everyone else's needs, feelings, and preferences ahead of your own, the whole concept of self-care is a tricky one. But if we want to live honestly and responsibly, it's an idea we need to get straight. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need somethi...

Send a text With the holiday fast approaching, it's a good time to uncover the little-known history of the day we choose to honor Mom. There's more to it than you might think (including an effort by its founder to get the holiday abolished). Opening Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need some...

Send a text In which we examine whether or not a beast out of legend has arrived in a local neighborhood. Tread carefully after dark, my friends . . . https://worldanimalfoundation.org/animal_encyclopedia/params/category/173341/item/993754/ https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/explore?name=Vombatus+Americania&category=All&idapa=All https://fanon.fandom.com/wiki/American_Wombat Opening Music...

Send a text In this episode, we return to the amazing (and often unsettling) world of AI — but this time, with a look at an exciting potential. What if ChatGPT — or one of its versions — can take some of the sting out of having to tell your romantic partner that it's time to call it quits?  Some people are already using AI to write their wedding vows; why not use it when  things just don&apos...

Send a text This week, Here's A Thought takes a side trip into history — namely, the wild days of Gold Rush California, where some of the most renowned badasses were the people who drove stagecoaches along terrible roads in all kinds of weather, facing down bandits along the way. One of the very best of them was Charley Parkhurst — whose lifelong secret was only discovered after death. Some s...