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 using it to avoid one. When truth heats up a conversation, my instinct is often to reach for a joke and cool things down. Sometimes it works beautifully. Sometimes it doesn’t. Still, I’ve come to believe that laughter, especially the kind that makes us look at ourselves a little more honestly, may be one of the most generous gifts we can offer each other. And since humor seems to run in my blood, I suspect I’ll keep sharing it whenever the moment calls… or even when it doesn’t.

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.

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Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 unexpected awe, and the surprising wisdom that comes from knowing myself more honestly than before. If my everyday life is the path, then perhaps progress is found in slowing down, softening my judgments, and staying open to small joys (even the occasional ice cream cone) while doing the best I can to live with intention.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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, sometimes in a scoop of ice cream, sometimes in a nap, sometimes in biting my tongue. These tidbits of humor open the door to something deeper. I have found a renewed commitment to living with a glad heart, staying curious, and letting life surprise me, even now.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 determination not to go gently into forgetfulness, but to meet it with curiosity, patience, and a stubborn joy in being alive.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 ambiguity with courage and trust, and discovering that calm doesn’t come from eliminating uncertainty, but from meeting it with intention and self-belief.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 right direction or retreat when necessary. Ultimately, self-reflection and authenticity become our compass, leading us toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven journey.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 tender memories shared and the immense love Sid imparted. Reflecting on all those who have touched my life this year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for their presence and the unique imprints they left upon my soul.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 historically struggled with this virtue. While I fidget through this in-between time, the uncertainty of what the vet may find looms over me. Still, I understand that no matter the outcome, letting Sid know he’s cherished is paramount. Conveying that sentiment without overwhelming him is what I aspire to achieve, hoping to embody patience and presence, for his sake and mine, as we await the future together.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 discovered that starting anew can lead to the most rewarding experiences and self-discovery. As life presents fresh paths, listening to intuitive calls ensures my days are filled with the excitement of exploration, which is truly one of life’s greatest gifts.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

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 blame or martyrdom. As 2026 dawns, I have a resolve to ride the wave of the Horse’s energy, embracing unexpected gifts, creating new possibilities, and welcoming the unknown with open arms and trust.

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 listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com