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PODCAST

Now That You Ask

What happens when you ask a world traveler, a life-coach, a one-woman-show-stopper and (finally) sober woman from the South what she thinks about life? You get “Now That You Ask.” A podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Akasha Halsey is a woman who after seventy-five years on this planet, is ready to have her say! The podcasts are short (the time it takes to down a cup of coffee) and while they will often make you smile, they will always

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All Episodes

00:07:29

242. Humor

Now That You Ask ·

2026/03/05

I’ve always believed that humor lives very close to the fire of truth. In this episode, I reflect on my lifelong love of laughter. From comedians who challenge my thinking to the small, spontaneous jokes I slip into everyday conversation, humor has often been my way of easing tension, softening embarrassment, and making peace with the many little missteps that come with being human… and with getting older.But lately I’ve been wondering about the fine line between using humor to open a moment and

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00:07:51

241. Life

Now That You Ask ·

2026/02/26

What does it mean to say your life is your spiritual practice? In this episode, I wrestle with that question and what it asks of me in the ordinary moments - in traffic jams, sharp words, small kindnesses, and the quiet effort to be a little more patient than I was yesterday. I reflect on the gap between the person I am and the person I hope to become, discovering that spirituality may have less to do with perfection than with paying attention.Along the way, I consider gratitude, moments of

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00:07:48

240. Tidbits of Joy

Now That You Ask ·

2026/02/19

When I stumbled across a list of funny sayings my sister sent me 23 years ago, I didn’t expect to find a small treasury of perspective tucked inside an old file folder. In this episode, I revisit those wry one-liners about weight, wrinkles, wisdom, and time and discover how much more they mean to me now. What once felt clever now feels earned.As I reflect on midlife changes, the strange speed of passing days, and the quiet invisibility that can come with age, I find myself choosing joy anyway,

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00:07:50

239. Things I've Forgotten

Now That You Ask ·

2026/02/12

Lately, I’ve noticed something unsettling: I can no longer do two things at once. Where multitasking once felt effortless, now even a simple conversation while writing a check can bring everything to a halt. In this episode, I reflect on the small, strange lapses, miswritten appointments, mysterious Post-it notes, numbers that rearrange themselves, and what they reveal about growing older. Is this decline, adaptation, or an invitation to slow down? As my bright Post-its multiply, so does my

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00:07:43

238. Ambiguity

Now That You Ask ·

2026/02/05

What happens when your deepest need for clarity collides with a life full of unanswered questions? In this episode, I explore my personal relationship with ambiguity and how my intolerance for uncertainty shapes my desire for control, complicates decision-making, and heightens my reactions to surprise. Listen in I reflect on how words become my lifeline in the gray areas, helping me name discomfort, regain balance, and transform mental chaos into clarity. Ultimately, it is about learning to face

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00:07:29

237. Reality

Now That You Ask ·

2026/01/29

In the midst of uncertainty, we often find ourselves standing at a crossroads, unsure of which way to turn. Life's unpredictability requires us to let go of past learnings and embrace new paths with humility and openness. Reflecting on this, I realize that the journey is not merely about moving forward but also about taking the time to pause and assess my true feelings and desires. While the way forward might be challenging, it is in our stillness that clarity emerges, helping us to inch in the

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00:07:48

236. Reflecting on 2025

Now That You Ask ·

2026/01/22

As I reflect on 2025, I am reminded of the moments that have irreversibly changed my heart. I've had to say goodbye to my beloved cat Sid and his sister, Nancy, both of whom have accompanied me so loyally through life's ups and downs. Looking back, it feels as though 2025 was a year of significant shedding, akin to the symbolic Year of the Snake, where things holding me back were stripped away to reveal new beginnings. Now, as I navigate through the waves of sorrow, I find solace in the

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00:07:28

235. Help - I Need Patience

Now That You Ask ·

2026/01/16

Navigating life's uncertainties often demands a virtue that seems elusive: patience. As I sit here writing, my thoughts are consumed by concern for my 18-and-a-half-year-old cat, Sid. This past week has been a whirlwind as Sid hasn't been eating or drinking much, and last night was especially tough with him getting sick multiple times. At the emergency vet today, waiting for test results, I find myself desperately trying to embody the patience, a daunting task for someone like me who's

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00:07:49

234. Starting Over

Now That You Ask ·

2026/01/08

Starting over can be daunting yet wonderfully liberating, offering an opportunity to reimagine our lives and chart a new course. Reflecting on my journey from a commune in Oregon to San Francisco with just $200 and a thrift-store wardrobe, I realized that each step was a testament to resilience and adaptability. The belief in something greater kept me moving forward. Each decision, whether wise or not, shaped my evolving identity and embracing fear as a motivation rather than a deterrent, I

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00:07:57

233. New Year

Now That You Ask ·

2026/01/02

As we stand on the brink of 2026, the Year of the Horse beckons, symbolizing a shift into strength, momentum, and forward movement. It's a time for action with purpose and freedom with direction. 2025 proved to be a period of letting go, shedding relationships and attachments that no longer served a purpose, and embracing the relief and renewed sense of self that followed. It was a journey of acceptance, patience, and embracing truths that reshaped beliefs and encouraged me to step up without

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00:07:43

232. Living Life

Now That You Ask ·

2025/12/26

Have you ever thought about what your obituary might say and the life you need to live to deserve it? I recently found myself reflecting deeply on this concept. Life is filled with planning, from our legacy to our memorials, but how often do we pause to consider if we're truly living up to the lives we want to leave behind? This introspection led me to appreciate my quirks and realize that ultimately, it's about spreading joy and living authentically, being proud of the journey, and ready to

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00:07:52

231. Football

Now That You Ask ·

2025/12/18

Football season offers more than just exciting games; it brings unexpected reflections on life. As a dedicated fan, my connection to the sport reminds me of the human aspect of players and the parallel experiences we share. Even iconic quarterbacks have off days, echoing struggles we face in our lives. Allowing space for mistakes deepens my enjoyment, ensuring that I remain a supportive team player from my couch, fostering a win-win attitude throughout the greatest game and life.Now That You Ask is

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00:06:08

230. Satisfaction

Now That You Ask ·

2025/12/11

Taking a moment to appreciate the small blessings in life can lead to immense satisfaction and a deeper sense of happiness. Acknowledging moments of stillness and contentment can really transform our outlook on life. It's about finding the balance between responsibility for our emotions and the belief that there are benevolent forces aiding our journey. By leaning into gratitude, we open ourselves up to a world where happiness isn't a rare occurrence but a constant companion. So, I say

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00:07:29

229. A Place to Be

Now That You Ask ·

2025/12/04

Amidst the hustle and bustle, we often overlook the beauty and tranquility that nature offers right at our fingertips. As John Muir once said, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread." To me, this really highlights the intrinsic value of natural beauty in our spiritual and physical sustenance and serves as an important reminder of how reconnecting with nature can provide clarity and strength to both body and soul. No matter where we are, even a small step outside can revitalize and fill

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00:07:00

228. The Glass

Now That You Ask ·

2025/11/28

Sometimes people grapple with whether the proverbial glass is half-full or half-empty, often missing the crucial point: the glass is refillable. An empty or half-full glass signifies untapped potential, an opportunity to reconfigure our outlook and be grateful for what we have and what we can achieve. The glass remains open, accepting, and ready for us to decide its contents at any moment. What will you fill your glass with? Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to

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00:07:33

227. Unexpected Intimacy

Now That You Ask ·

2025/11/20

In this episode of Now That You Ask, I share a moment of unexpected intimacy during a visit to the emergency vet with my elderly cat, Sid. While there, I encounter a man who is devastated over his sick dog. My interaction with him was poignant reminder of human connection and the importance of being present for one another, even in the most random of moments.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

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00:06:29

226. Grief and Gratitude

Now That You Ask ·

2025/11/13

Life often hands us experiences that, while fleeting, leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. In pondering the delicate interplay between grief and gratitude, I find a profound truth in how both emotions closely coexist. They are two sides of the same coin, transient yet powerful forces that color our existence. Recognizing and allowing these feelings at both ends of the spectrum is essential, embracing the highs of gratitude even as we endure the lows of grief. As life progresses, my aim is

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00:07:40

225. Spiritual Electricity

Now That You Ask ·

2025/11/06

In life, embracing our authentic selves can illuminate the world around us in extraordinary ways. The path to self-discovery is often laden with doubts and fears about how our stories might portray us. Nevertheless, allowing our "spiritual electricity" to shine means celebrating our true selves, flaws and all, even when societal norms and expectations urge us to conform. By grounding ourselves in authenticity, we foster meaningful connections, respect individual journeys, and contribute

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00:07:03

224. Room for Everything

Now That You Ask ·

2025/10/30

Amid the noise and motion of life, I’ve come to see that within us lies a vast landscape where everything belongs. Grief and joy, confusion and calm, peace and surrender flow together like rivers through mountains. The words “There is room for everything” once felt impossible, yet they’ve become a quiet truth. When I meet each moment as it comes, I glimpse stillness beneath the surface, a rhythm that carries me. Peace is not a place I reach but a presence that walks beside me, reminding me that even

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00:06:12

223. Gorillas

Now That You Ask ·

2025/10/23

Inspired by Jane Goodall's work with gorillas, we're reminded of the difference one can make through dedication and understanding. Jane's journey encourages us to consider our daily impact, pushing us to act with more awareness. By making small, conscious decisions like offering kindness we can enhance our positive influence. It's not about being perfect. It's about setting the intention to bring positivity to each interaction, just as Jane did with her groundbreaking work.Now

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