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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

00:08:29

249. Unexpected

Now That You Ask ·

2026/04/22

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to “get used to what I didn’t expect, ”especially now, when the unexpected seems to show up daily in the smallest and most persistent ways. In this episode, I reflect on everything from fading multitasking skills to ever-changing technology, and the strange new reality of talking to AI instead of a human being. Some of it works beautifully. Some of it leaves me completely undone.What I’m beginning to understand is that this “art” isn’t about

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00:08:26

248. Introvert

Now That You Ask ·

2026/04/16

I’ve come to realize that being an introvert doesn’t always look the way people expect. From the outside, I can seem fully engaged and chatting, laughing, showing up with energy, but what most people don’t see is the quiet retreat that follows. In this episode, I reflect on my need to step back, to be alone, and to recharge in order to return to the world as my best self.As I explore the push and pull between my social side and my need for solitude, I begin to understand that honoring my own rhythms

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00:06:33

247. Lighthouse

Now That You Ask ·

2026/04/09

This week, I found myself sitting at the edge of life ... twice. Now, I reflect on what it means to bear witness to the final moments of someone’s life, and the quiet, sacred privilege of simply being present. As I sat with a friend and later stood gently alongside a neighbor keeping vigil for her daughter, I began to understand that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is not to fix or save but to show up, to sit still, and to love.These moments have left with me a tenderness, a heaviness,

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00:08:02

246. Comparison

Now That You Ask ·

2026/04/02

For much of my life, I didn’t realize how often I was measuring myself against everyone else ... how I looked, how I showed up, how well I seemed to fit in. In this episode, I reflect on my long relationship with comparison and the quiet, powerful shift that happened when I finally let it go. From the clothes I wear to the way I move through my days, I’m learning to honor my own pace, my own needs, and my own sense of joy without apology. Letting go of comparison hasn’t made me perfect, but it has

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00:07:50

245. Signs

Now That You Ask ·

2026/03/26

When I’m unsure of what to do next, I’ve learned to ask for a sign and trust that something, somehow, will appear. In this episode, I follow a string of unexpected signs that showed up in the most unlikely places. Some made me laugh, some made me pause, and all of them nudged me to pay a little closer attention.As I reflect on these moments, I begin to see that signs don’t always arrive with clarity or purpose neatly attached. Sometimes they simply remind me to stay open, to find meaning where I

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00:07:42

244. Do Right

Now That You Ask ·

2026/03/19

Lately, I’ve been catching myself in a habit I don’t much like: quietly judging other people for the smallest things. A driver weaving through traffic, someone moving too slowly, a forgotten water bottle at the gym… and then, much to my surprise, I find myself doing the very same things. In this episode, I sit with that uncomfortable realization and what it reveals about the gap between who I think I am and how I sometimes show up.As I wrestle with my own impatience and assumptions, I begin to see

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00:08:16

243. Living From Within

Now That You Ask ·

2026/03/13

As I look back over the many turns my life has taken - the careers, moves, relationships, and the quiet inner thread that seemed to guide them all - I begin to see how much of my journey has been shaped by listening to that voice inside. I think about the different ways people choose to live: some rooted in one place with lifelong connections, others pulled outward by curiosity and change. Both, it seems to me now, require their own kind of courage. As I near eighty, I’m learning that daring doesn’t

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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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