Now That You Ask

I am on a personal journey toward self-love and authenticity. There are both challenges and rewards for choosing to love oneself. Personally, I can recall many of my attempts to fit in and discover who I truly am, from childhood through adulthood, and it is through kindness, simplicity, and embracing my true self that I've learned to laugh at my imperfections and celebrate my uniqueness. The m...

I have a deep love for jewelry. Certain pieces speak to me in ways I can’t fully explain . Their energy, craftsmanship, and beauty resonate with something deep inside me. Over the years, I’ve collected pieces that felt like they were meant for me, even redesigning some to better fit my current lifestyle. Some pieces were inherited, others discovered unexpectedly, but all hold deep meaning. My jewe...

Laughter is transformative. It serves as a coping mechanism, a way to navigate life's awkward moments, and as a universal connector between people. In this episode, I share humorous quotes, amusing signs, and lighthearted stories that emphasize the importance of joy and humor in daily life. I hope it inspires you to embrace your own moments of hilarity and share them to spread positivity. Now...

My life has been a journey of self-discovery and this week I am contemplating what is means to listen to your genuine voice within. I've had many experiences in my life, from focusing on financial stability to moving to California, living abroad, and finally discovering my calling as a writer. Through all the challenges and transitions, I've learned the importance of embracing all parts of...

What is the difference between having things and simply appreciating them—and how has that distinction shaped the way we see the world? Inspired by a quote from Albert Hubbard and memories of flipping through  Town & Country  magazines with my mother, I take a sentimental and humorous journey through antique stores, high-end jewelry I’ll never own, and lavish homes I’ll never live in. But rath...

In this episode of  Now That You Ask , I reflect on a curious bit of wisdom a friend once shared: “To get clear, you need to get as still and stupid as a stone.” At first, I bristled—me, stupid? But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how hard it actually is to  be  still, let alone silent. I invite you to join me as I explore what it means to embrace stillness—not just as an act, but as a...

Sometimes the feeling of immense joy and gratitude can be a little like getting drunk. From serendipitous events to the heartwarming experience of attending a dear friend's granddaughter's wedding, recognizing and appreciating the beauty and kindness around us is not only important but intoxicating. Embracing gratitude and humor can also transform our perspective and enhance our experience...

This week I'm thinking about the relationship between fear and excitement. Listen in as I talk about how combining these emotions has taken me to unexpected yet fulfilling places. Through my experiences overcoming initial career struggles and facing deep-seated fears during a ropes course, I advocate for embracing both fear and excitement to lead an enriched life. Now That You Ask is a podcast...

In this episode, I share my reflections on following the things I love, from the poetry of Rumi to my fascination with flowers, trees, art, and even vampires. Drawing connections between these diverse interests, I explore how each has uniquely enriched my life, grounding me, inspiring me, and offering new perspectives. I think it's important to heed these unexpected pulls and I invite you to a...

Recently some respiratory issues disrupted my podcasting routine. This illness of all things lead me to a simple but powerful affirmation, 'I am enough,' and inspired me to overcome my anxiety and trust in my own abilities. Then through a dream, I found joy and motivation, transforming a stressful situation into a fulfilling creative process. And now I continue to reflect on the significan...

Join me as I explore the potent influence of words and the emotional journey of a writer. I have such deep admiration for words and how they inspire and fuel my creativity. And while they do inspire me, they also bring about some specific challenges like writer's block and feelings of doubt and these obstacles impact my creative process. But thankfully, I have my strategies for overcoming thes...

From my childhood escapes through books, my varied career paths, and the connections I've forged around the world, my experiences have really shaped the person I am today. Listen in as I expound on how my upbringing in the South has influenced me, the lessons I've learned from living in the Middle East, and the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability. As I look forward to the futur...

This week I found myself reflecting on the simple yet powerful quote by Arthur Ashe: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." This idea resonated deeply with me as I considered how often I overlook the tools and wisdom I already possess. Listen as I share my personal journey with starting over, the fears that come with trying new things, and the humor I find in my own m...

In this episode of  Now That You Ask , I reflect on a vivid nightmare that led me to confront the reality of my own mortality. I talk about regrets, hopes, and the quiet truth that my time is more limited now. It’s not all heavy—there’s also a thread of curiosity, a bit of grace, and the realization that letting go is part of the journey. If you’ve ever found yourself facing life’s big questions i...

In this episode, I reflect on a beautiful and haunting quote by Chief Crowfoot that I've come across many times — a poetic description of life as a firefly’s flash, a buffalo’s breath, a shadow across the grass. This time, instead of simply admiring the words, I let them stir something deeper. I explore what it means to see life not as a serious, pressure-filled pursuit, but as something fleet...

I like the idea that being odd is what makes us special. The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, and one quote in particular, reminds me of my childhood's limitless possibilities and I have learned that embracing my uniqueness is vital. I adopted the philosophy of "let your freak flag fly," celebrating my quirks and finding joy in being true to myself. This journey led to deeper connections with others,...

Allow me to take you through my peculiar daily ritual of getting dressed. Each piece of clothing seems to 'speak' to me, guiding my choices and influencing my mood. I often rely on black for its versatility and slimming effect, but I constantly find myself grappling with the right combination of colors and patterns. It is a daily journey of trusting my intuition for fashion decisions, occa...

What does it mean to live fully and wisely regardless of how much time we have left? Time is the only currency we spend without knowing our balance. And sure, we know we should use our time wisely, do our best to enjoy the present moment, and balance indulgence with maturity, but what does that actually look like in our lives. Listen as I share my thoughts about time lately. Now That You Ask is a...

Personal style is fascinating to me. My own experience has been an empowering journey of discovering and embracing my true self through fashion. In this episode, I explore personal style through the lens of two iconic women: Coco Chanel and Dolly Parton. Chanel's minimalist elegance contrasts with Parton's bold glamor, yet both women embody the principle of dressing for oneself. Listen in...

What does in mean to live "in the present moment?" To answer this I draw inspiration from poets, sages, and spiritual teachers. Listen in as I discuss the significance of being present, the challenges it poses, and how it has influenced my own life. I truly believe seizing the day, embracing simplicity, and being where you are is the best way to find inspiration and gratitude and I hope...

Allow me to take you on an evocative journey through my breakfast rituals. From the creamy pleasure of vanilla yogurt with fruits and granola to the incomparable satisfaction of a freshly toasted slice of bread, I explore the sensory delights and emotional connections of my morning meals. Listen in as I recall the joy of eating sun-ripened cantaloupe, weekend indulgences of bacon and eggs, and the...

 I've met many good men in my life, each of whom have helped me in their own way, but this episode is about the life of Elmo Brandon, a wonderful black man who worked for three generations of my family. Elmo played multiple roles in our lives, from running the warehouse to driving my youngest sister to school. His kindness, humility, and strong presence made him an integral part of our family....

On my journey of self-discovery, I often find myself reflecting on the concept of 'being called forth' and the importance of kindness. Simple acts of kindness, whether towards others or myself, can bring astonishing joy and fulfillment. To this day, I am blown away by the interconnectedness of giving and receiving kindness and how these small gestures can shift perspectives and brighten da...

2025 is the Year of the Snake. What does this mean for me, a Fire Dog born in 1946? Wisdom, charm, and introspection are often associated with snakes and I see these traits as positive possibilities for personal growth and transformation this year. Listen in as I share my challenges and plans to embrace change, shed old habits, and stay optimistic. How can the snake's energy influence your lif...

A recent trip to the grocery store made me realize how much Southern culture remains a part of my life. It also got me thinking more about various Southern idioms and their meanings, contexts, and the nuances of their usage. From Southern manners and expressions of surprise, to busyness, and critique, it seems there is a Southern idiom for everything. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at to...