Here's A Thought

Send a text In which we explore how we constantly describe our lives as crazy, and why — what if we weren't? What would happen if we all chilled out at once and became perfectly content?  The impact on capital-M market would be unthinkable. Let's not even go there. Instead, let's examine just how crazy we need to be to keep the whole thing going, and how we can stay that way. Leave...

Send a text In which, with another election cycle bearing down on us, we consider the difference — if there is one — between being "political" and being responsible Americans. As citizens, what obligations do we have? Does it have to be a pain in the butt, or can we find some satisfaction in using our voices? Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another epi...

Send a text In which our faithful, wise, and highly pragmatic dog Molly takes us through an experience in which we are forced to come to grips with the fact that she's not going to be with us forever — or even for much longer, given that she's nearly fifteen. That doesn't worry Molly one bit. We're the ones who need some help with it, so she's showing us the way. Leave me...

Send a text In which we consider the common observation that people who own dogs tend to resemble their pets — or maybe it's the other way around. Either way, you can't really blame the dog. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music by Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share...

Send a text In which I consider rules of clear writing — and the challenges of applying them to communicate hard things. Also, the truth of Albert Einstein's observation that life has more imagination than we do. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Background music by Pixabay Music Support the show Do...

Send a text In which a recent Twitter thread from Bill Gates announcing his newest gift to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gets me thinking — about our current Gilded Age, its billionaires, and the rest of us here in the shrinking middle class. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com All opinions express...

Send a text In which I take up the challenge to compose a story featuring a character who wakes up on a train, with no idea how they got there, no ticket, and no idea where the train is headed. And it's not slowing down . . . Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay Music...

Send a text In which we consider one of the more awkward aspects of social media. Yes, it lets you reconnect with friends you thought you'd lost touch with — but what happens when you realize you should have let that touch remain lost? Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Background music courtesy of P...

Send a text In which we explore the dilemma of a writer whose family refuses to supply the conflict and drama that makes for good storytelling. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need someth...

Send a text In which we examine the existential weirdness of a long layover in Airport World. Sometimes the most interesting part of travel happens when you're not going anywhere. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an...

Send a text In which I learn the wisdom behind the phrase, "Listen to your body" — the hard way. Warning: some strong language Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need something over...

Send a text In which we examine the most recent and arguably most ridiculous reason to be on opposite sides. Could we please stop handing the haters more gasoline to pour on their fires of controversy? Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comment...

Send a text In which we consider the challenges and rewards of forgiveness — how it can take a long time, and it doesn't usually happen all at once. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? N...

Send a text In which we wrestle with a question that, for some of us, takes far too long to answer. Content advisory: themes of social justice and racism. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode?...

Send a text In which we acknowledge that we are perfectly aware that exercise is the best thing we can do to stay healthy as we age — but that doesn't mean we feel like doing it. Having stumbled upon a sure-fire method to motivate me to get moving, I offer it to you. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.co...

Send a text In which we consider the befuddling aspects of short-term memory, as well as encouraging evidence that forgetfulness is not necessarily linked with aging.  There are tricks and techniques to help with memory — mine involves the cat. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay...

Send a text In which I tell the story of meeting Husband Two long before I met Husband One — and how it took us all years to figure out our relationship. Especially after Husband One died. It's a love story, but it's complicated. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music...

Send a text In which we consider one of the characteristics all humans share, whether we want to admit it or not: stupidity. It's not as negative as it sounds — if we can just acknowledge it, our lack of smarts in certain situations can make us kinder, better people. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.co...

Send a text In which we consider the history, purpose, and sometimes awkward nature of a holiday we're all supposed to embrace with open arms. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episode? Need so...

Send a text In which I parse a recent New York Times panel discussion among men whom I'd expect to disagree with on almost everything — and make some surprising discoveries. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea f...

Send a text In which we consider whether it's possible — or even appropriate — to find joy in life when the world is in such a tragic mess. Does our happiness matter? Does it do anybody else any good? Join me in some overthinking about that. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixaba...

Send a text Just in time for spring and summer: in which I give helpful tips on the one method I've found that's guaranteed to curb your appetite and melt those pounds away — along with your health and sanity. Content warning: discussion of dieting and distorted body image. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThoug...

Send a text In which we consider ordinarily hygiene-obsessed Americans' strange reluctance to adopt a personal cleansing routine considered crucial in other parts of the world. To find out more about the product described in this episode, the Aquaus 360, visit Rinseworks.com The producers of this show received no payment or incentives for this product mention. Leave me a comment, suggest what...

Send a text In which we consider, when life hands us something we wish we could change but cannot, the crucial distinction between resignation and acceptance. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show Do you have comments to share or an idea for an upcoming episo...

Send a text In which I consider the troubling topic of ageism. Don't assume it's only an issue for old people: ageism is the one bias that attacks a population we'll all be a part of — if we're lucky. Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another episode, or just say hi at  HeresAThought8@gmail.com Music courtesy of Pixabay Music. Support the show...