Now That You Ask

What is the most unexplainable thing you've ever experienced? This is a story about the first time I visited Vienna. It is one of those stories that I wouldn't believe if it hadn't happened to me. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing...

Memories are funny things, aren't they? It is interesting to me what will trigger a memory and what I have come to love because of its connection to some of my sweetest memories. For example, peonies and gardenias are my favorite flowers. They make me nostalgic for the South I remember from growing up. I have some very specific memories and people linked to these lovely blooms. This piece is about...

I have been thinking about dying a lot lately. I have my preferences about how my life ends, but ultimately I don't have much say in how it happens. And what is it like after we die? For now, I am ok with the mystery of of it all. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listener...

Does Wonder Woman ever have bad days? How does she feel after she saves the day? I can definitely say that I am good in a crisis. When an emergency arises, I am clear-headed about what needs to happen and I take action. It’s afterwards when the threat has passed that the downward spiral begins. This is when self-judgment, anxiety, and mopiness sets in. When I lose my footing and slip into neg...

Someone recently remarked that I have a strange family and, after some reflection, I realized there might be a grain of truth in this statement. So, I'd like to introduce you to one of my quirkier family members, my grandmother on my father's side called Lizzie. She was a walking contradiction, a rigid rule follower, avid gambler, bourbon lover, and a character to say the least. I think of her oft...

How do you step away from self-centeredness when it's not serving you? I like to think that I will show up one hundred percent for other people in my life when they need me to, but the truth is sometimes I know I am not fully engaged. Perhaps I am being too perfectionistic, but I believe our attention is a precious gift we can give another human. This episode is about sharing our presence and the...

I'm a collector. My collection is varied and sometimes surprising and ranges from from greeting cards to dish towels. In fact, I have a bathroom towel that reads "Girl Scout Gone Bad." Is this quirky or questionable? I hope at the very least it is interesting and perhaps funny and memorable, too. I'll let you listen to this episode and decide for yourself if my beloved collections are tasteful or...

Do you trust your intuition? I do. Without questioning it, and somewhat automatically at this point, I always follow that feeling in my body that leads me to the right decision. It has been this way for as long as I can remember. This piece is about how that level of trust has played out in my life. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondro...

Have you ever been so happy when something good happens to someone else that you felt like it was happening to you? Do you just love when someone is so jubilant that their joy rubs off on you? This phenomenon, which is the opposite of jealousy, is something I like to call Second-Hand Happiness. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to...

Life is a tricky balance full of ups and downs and twists and turns. Those moments when we lose our balance (both physically and metaphorically) often lead us to where we're supposed to be going and the peace and calm we are seeking. As I get older, I am learning to trust myself and this process more and more. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and...

Crunchy. This is one of my very favorite words. It encompasses so much in so few letters. Crunchy conjures up images of everything from foods to feelings and even saying it involves all parts of the mouth, tongue, and teeth. In this episode, I claim crunchy as my word for everything that makes my mouth come alive. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire,...

My life has often felt like it was being directed by some unseen force and as a result I have had some unexpected and beautiful adventures. In fact, sometimes, I can't believe my life experiences actually happened to me. I'm beyond grateful for those wild experiences but as I get older, I have a new perspective on things and at its essence is gratitude. I will also admit I am grateful I won't be c...

How is fear holding you back? How is it serving you? What are the lessons, if any? This piece is about some of the unexpected side effects and revelations of living during pandemic and listening to the inner rumblings that drive you to push yourself to the edge of comfort and into the life of your dreams. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from...

What are your guiltiest pleasures? You might not think a chore like ironing would be one - and it isn't exactly - but it did indirectly lead me to a deeper understanding of what it means to really enjoy something. Listen to this episode to see what I mean. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Ha...

How do you access and connect to beauty? In my experience, there are many ways in and a multitude of deeply meaningful gifts in doing so. This piece is about the beauty that lives in our soul, how to draw it out, and seeing the beauty in others. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she...

The English language is at the same time confusing and fascinating. This week's episode is a musing on some of my most favorite confusing words. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent question...

We've all heard the expression, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, I have expanded this adage to encompass a whole new world of opportunity and purpose. This new perspective, I believe, is especially useful for those of us in the baby boomer age group. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join hos...

Do you simply choose to be alone or do you actively seek it out? How does the thought of being alone make you feel? My experience of being alone with myself has transformed dramatically over the years. From inducing anxiety to being a source of comfort, this piece is about how solitude has paved a path of self-discovery for me. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from dea...

Envy. It sure is a sneaky creature, isn't it? This is a story about the pitfalls of envy when combined with a desire to collect unique serving utensils. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent...

Are you a 1-ply or 2-ply person? This is a serious question. If you've been listening to this show for a while, you might not be surprised to learn that I have strong feelings about toilet paper. Yes, toilet paper. From the ply to the placement in the bathroom, these feelings of mine govern my buying habits and can be a deal breaker in my relationships. I am serious about toilet paper. Now That Yo...

My cat, Sid, has what I can only describe as a penchant for plastic. He simply cannot resist it. The danger and destruction that ensues is a constant source of frustration for me. But what can I do? I just love that cat! Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a jou...

Suspicious. Heavy. Comforting. Fog always stops me in my tracks when I see it. I hope you enjoy my reverie and piece of appreciation for this mysterious and wonderful natural phenomenon. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and exper...

Have you ever experienced a moment in time that changed you forever? A juncture that helped you know yourself a little better? Some might call it a loss of innocence or perhaps a moment of clarity. I call it The Beginning. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a j...

What is one of your quirks? Me? I can't stop smelling things. It's an automatic response at this point. Smelling gives me both pleasure and information I can't get anywhere else. Want to know what I mean? Listen to this week's episode. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes lis...

Sudden shifts and the shock of people passing can leave me stunned and without words. I attempt to reflect on these events but often I cannot find my way through the fog of disbelief. Here are some of the lessons I have found in the fog. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes l...