Now That You Ask

If you could write your own obituary, what would it say? In my mind, I've had an uncommon life for a woman of my time with the ultimate prize being my own affection for who I have become. Yes, at long last I have found myself. But even after all the years, I am still finding and surprising myself with new adventures ... like this podcast for example! Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at top...

Humans are complicated and the world is a messy place. This is a story about how my faith in humanity was recently restored. 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 questions. Thank you for lis...

There is something about silver. It dresses up a table with its simple sparkle and implies something out of the ordinary is about to happen. More than that, silver reminds me of sweet celebrations and even sweeter people. 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 jo...

Beauty astounds me. It is truly everywhere, even where I least expect it. It is in the small things and the big moments. It has the capacity to change the way I feel and bring me into the present. I feel deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds me and the presence to be aware of it. How do you view beauty? Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, a...

From the young age of 16, I knew I needed to leave home. The South has many good qualities that I speak of often and fondly, but I still felt the undeniable push to get out. And that I did. This piece is about my exploration and adventures beyond the comfort of home and my Southern roots. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downr...

On the previous episode about Cemeteries, I made a reference and shared a little bit about someone named Kitty. Now I am going to let you get to know this special person in a more formal and intimate way. Kitty made me feel like a million bucks. She showed me the joy of knowing and loving myself and made me feel like I can do and be whatever I want. Please allow me to introduce you to my beloved G...

Cemeteries hold a special place for me. I especially love visiting my Aunt Kitty's family plot and her pink marble headstone. When I visit her I am flooded with memories which, along with her grave site, I visit happily. I enjoy walking through cemeteries and find them tranquil and beautiful. I am familiar with a number of them, which I have learned makes me a bit of a taphophile, a person who lov...

It's my birthday month. This, of course, got me thinking about presents. I'm a big believer in birthday and Christmas celebrations and I put a lot of thought into the presents I give. As for the presents I receive, well, I have had some truly wonderful presents given to me and also some that have made me wince. But they all left an impression! Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics tha...

When I was in my teens I loved watching a TV program called The Millionaire in which the host, John Beresford Tipton, would award a worthy person $1 million. I have my own version of this. While I don't have millions to give away, I have collected, inherited, and purchased many items that are unusual, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. They're all very meaningful to me and if I select you as the worthy...

I miss my daddy. I miss our morning walks. I miss lots of things actually. It is times like these I like to bring him close to me by indulging in memories and by reminding myself of the many gifts he gave me. From genetics to life lessons, he will always be with 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,...

An earthquake woke me up at 5am. This is not a metaphor. Although it does get me thinking about metaphors, mortality, and whether or not I am prepared for "the big one." It is a strange thing to prepare for catastrophe. I suppose the alternative is to choose to be in denial about it all together. This piece is about finding a healthy level of denial in order to stay sane. Now That You Ask is a pod...

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...