Mysterious Goings On with Alex Greenwood

In this episode, we explore the power of imperfection. From fictional characters who’ve survived trauma, addiction, grief, and self-sabotage, to real-life reflections on what it means to show up anyway—this is a tribute to the flawed, the functional, and the quietly heroic. ✅ Why competence is its own kind of courage ✅ How storytelling helps us reframe resilience ✅ The link between emotional wo...

Host J. Alex Greenwood riffs on Harlan Ellison’s legendary “Pay the Writer” rant and explains why writing for “exposure” often ends in creative bankruptcy. 📢 Have thoughts? Want to be featured on the show? Record a voice memo and email it to us ! CONNECT: ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠All the Fits That's News on Substack (Free or Paid)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alex's Author Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

What can a scrappy Little League C team teach us about courage, accountability, and democracy? In this episode, Alex steps back into right field—the place where misfit ballplayers and underdogs get benched—only to discover it’s where some of life’s toughest (and truest) lessons are learned. From a coach who looked more Grateful Dead than gridiron, to a ground ball that literally knocked the wind o...

In this heartfelt Father's Day reflection, Alex Greenwood shares his evolving role as a father, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, protection, and trust in parenting. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, ultimately highlighting the goal of fostering a strong, trusting relationship with his daughter as she grows into her own person. Hey fri...

Alex Greenwood explores the multifaceted nature of persuasion, particularly in writing and storytelling. He discusses how writers use persuasion to create believable narratives, the ethical implications of persuasion in various fields, and the importance of trust in the writer-reader relationship. Through examples from fiction , public relations, and law, he highlights the thin line between persua...

Hey friends—can you do me a quick favor? I’m running a short survey to get your take on my podcasts and  All the Fits That's News  newsletter. It only takes about 2 minutes, and your feedback will help shape what comes next. Whether you're a regular listener or just pop in occasionally, I’d really value your input. Bonus: you can enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card just for participating. The surv...

Alex explores the decline of a shared sense of purpose in America, emphasizing the importance of civic understanding, empathy, and community. He discusses how societal divisions have been exacerbated by misinformation and a lack of civic education, leading to a fragmented democracy. He advocates for a return to the American ideal of unity and cooperation, urging listeners to engage in meaningful d...

Alex shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples illustrating the theme that good intentions often lead to unexpected and ungrateful consequences. Through stories from his student government days and various historical examples, he reflects on the challenges faced by those who try to do good in the world, emphasizing the importance of perseverance despite the potential for backlash. So, do yo...

From “loosing” your keys to earning “money” in your “spare” time, we explore the accidental sarcasm of grammar gone rogue. If you’ve ever been personally victimized by a misused apostrophe or ironic quotation marks, this one’s for you. CONNECT: ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠All the Fits That's News on Substack (Free or Paid)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alex's Author Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mysterious Going...

It's graduation season! In his version of a commencement speech, Alex Greenwood shares candid insights and life lessons for graduates, emphasizing the importance of embracing luck, learning from failure, and building meaningful relationships. He encourages listeners to cultivate emotional intelligence, set boundaries, and live fully by appreciating life's seasons. With a blend of humor and...

What if I told you that America’s real divide isn’t red vs. blue—but rule followers vs. reflexive rebels? That we’ve mistaken rebellion for personality, and defiance for strength? In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the rise of oppositional behavior as a dominant cultural force—why being told “no” is the new national trauma, and how it’s reshaping everything from politics to the office break room....

In this excerpt from our sister show PR After Hours , theatre critic and senior editor at ⁠ Intelligent Relations ⁠ guest Chris Caggiano ⁠⁠ delivers sharp, entertaining takes on George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck and Bill Burr’s Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross . If you love smart, no-nonsense theatre talk, this is for you. Come for the theatre appetizer, stay for the AI meal — becaus...

What do Dungeons & Dragons, TikTok, and 17th-century witch trials have in common? They all played starring roles in full-blown moral panics—times when society lost its mind over exaggerated or imaginary threats. In today’s episode, Alex explores how moral panics take hold, who profits from them, and why the real damage often lasts long after the headlines fade. If you've ever wondered why...

Alex explores the societal pressure to express outrage online, questioning the value of performative empathy versus meaningful action. He discusses the implications of outrage culture, emotional coercion, and the need for diverse forms of engagement in the pursuit of social justice. He emphasizes that real change often comes from quieter, sustained efforts rather than loud displays of outrage. CON...

🩺 NEW Bonus Episode: “The Day My Doctor Snapped”🎧 Once only available for paid subscribers of Mysterious Goings On + and All the Fits That’s News . ... listen in now and get a sample of paid subscriber content! For less than the price of a cup of coffee, get free episodes like this! When my trusted doctor snapped at me during a recent visit, it wasn’t a betrayal—it was a warning sign. What follo...

Alex explores the concept of the 'Mystery Box Presidency,' a political strategy that utilizes suspense and ambiguity to engage the public while diverting attention from concrete policies. Drawing parallels between storytelling techniques in entertainment and political governance, Alex discusses the implications of this approach, including the risks of chaos, confusion, and erosion of accou...

Alex explores the significance of names and identity in the digital age, reflecting on how social media has transformed our connections and interactions. He discusses the implications of tribalism, the loss of individual identity, and the importance of recognizing the humanity behind names and beliefs. Listen in! CONNECT: All the Fits That's News on Substack (Free or Paid) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alex on Medium⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Alex draws parallels between the ancient Library of Alexandria and the modern digital landscape, highlighting the gradual erosion of knowledge and truth in the information age. He discusses the historical decline of the library, the rise of misinformation, and the importance of critical thinking and information literacy in combating these issues. Listen in! CONNECT: ⁠⁠⁠Alex on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A...

Alex discusses the evolving landscape of podcasting, emphasizing the lack of gatekeepers and the responsibility that comes with having a platform. He reflects on his journey from journalism to podcasting, the importance of vetting guests, and the challenges posed by misinformation in today's media environment. Alex advocates for accountability and the need to provide meaningful content to audi...

In this special episode of Mysterious Goings On , we’re taking a brief departure from our usual content. As we transition back to our regular format, Alex is looking into a pressing issue: the dangerous idea that “all politicians are corrupt.” How does this belief shape the way we perceive our political systems—and what effect does it have on the world around us? Stay tuned for a deep dive into ho...

Here's a little something from my other show, PR After Hours ...I think you may need to hear it, no? -- Alex Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout, resentment, and an overstuffed calendar of obligations that don’t serve you. The real power move? Saying no. No isn’t about shutting doors—it’s about opening the right ones. It protects your time, energy, and mental clarity. It helps you...

In this heartfelt episode, Alex shares his personal experience with grief following the loss of his father. He reflects on the unpredictable nature of grief, the complexities of relationships, and the struggle to find purpose amidst sorrow. Through his narrative, he emphasizes that there is no template for mourning and that each person's journey is unique. Alex's candid exploration of his...

Alex shares what's happening with the show and what you can expect next. Thanks for listening. Links Mentioned: Alex on Substack Alex on Medium Alex on LinkedIn Alex's Author Website "Magic Escape Room" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, we explore the profound gift of being truly present during the holiday season. Discover how to prioritize connection, mindfulness, and meaningful moments over the hustle and bustle of giving and getting presents. Happy holidays! 🎄📖 Drop a buck in the tip jar ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a Voice Message!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Sonia Iris Lozada, a multifaceted artist whose creativity knows no bounds. Sonia’s talents span across poetry, acting , and podcasting, with her latest work, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams , offering a profound exploration of grief, hope, and healing. Throughout the episode, we dive deep into Sonia's artistic journey, discussing the inspiration behind...