With crisis comes lessons. In this episode, I reflect on the lessons I learned and the determination that arose from a medical event I experienced in my twenties. It was scary. It was frustrating. But with that challenge I discovered that I know my body best and made a vow to take control of my healthcare decisions. Please enjoy this intimate exploration of resilience and the power of self-advocacy.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

I recently had a truly transformative experience visiting Kehinde Wiley’s exhibit, “An Archaeology of Silence,” at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. In an attempt to capture the profound impact of the artwork, this episode is a heartfelt letter to the artist, expressing my gratitude and awe. Wiley’s colossal paintings of young black individuals, both living and deceased, set against nature and contemporary clothing, left an indelible mark on my soul. The sculptures, larger than life and brimming with life even in their portrayal of death, moved me from one existential moment to another. Wiley’s work has moved me in a way that no other art has in my 77 years, and this experience has rekindled a sense of newness in my life, and for that, I am endlessly thankful.

Admittedly, this lettertook days to write and still feels a paltry expression of all I experienced. Please take a moment to visitKehinde Wiley’s website athttps://kehindewiley.com/.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

I’m savoring the first rain of the fall season. Though fall isn’t my favorite season, the soft rain nurtures my plants and my spirit, making me grateful. In this episode, I reflect on and find solace in the rain’s soothing presence, making me smile and feel happy. Fall’s arrival prompts me to appreciate nature’s gentle transitions and the gift of continued experiences in life.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

What would you do if you only had six months to live? In this episode, I grapple with the profound question of how to make the most of one’s time on earth when faced with a limited six-month horizon. Finding joy in everyday moments seems like a good place to start. From laughter to savoring a warm dish and admiring Art Deco jewelry, I share the unique experiences and musings that shape my perspective. Join me as I explore the mysteries and lessons of starting over in the face of life’s finite nature, and the profound wisdom that can be gleaned from such a transformative journey. What would YOU Do?

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

I was raised with strict rules about how to be, how to act, and what to say. But I was born with the instinct to defy societal expectations and strict rules that don’t align with my true self. Despite getting caught and facing punishment as a child, I found joy in pursuing activities that resonated with me, ultimately learning the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. Today, I look back with a smile, cherishing the adventurous, quirky part of myself that I once felt compelled to hide.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

Amidst the chaos of today’s tumultuous world marked by a pandemic and global challenges, I have discovered the importance of fostering peaceful moments and embracing gratitude and cherished moments. I believe that even when times feel dismal and even dire we can add some some light and positivity to a world forever in flux. What do you think?

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

I try to pay attention to messages from the universe before they reach a critical point. I also have a love for shrimp, passed down from my father. Our family business sold shrimp in bulk, but it was rarely on our table. This is a story about how a surplus of shrimp lead to series of eerie events and reminded me to heed the universe’s subtle messages … or else.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

Recently I’ve been pondering ways to find deeper rest and contentment. I have managed to find a connection with my passion for football (especially Alabama football) of all things. Yes, watching football, despite not offering deep rest, reconnects me to joy and my family’s traditions. While there’s a fear of missing out on new experiences, I’m content with my quieter lifestyle, embracing football as a way to explore my inner self, find satisfaction, and reject FOMO. Right now, I’m saving my energy for those triumphant touchdowns that make me leap off the couch with joy.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

Today I am reflecting on the invaluable gift of deep connections with friends. From cherished childhood companions to the bonds formed in a foreign land, I truly treasure all of the moments of support, understanding, and companionship. Listen in as I celebrate the unique and enduring friendships that remind me of the beauty of vulnerability and the universe’s ability to provide us with the gift of friendship even when we least expect it.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/

Today, as I walked around my condo complex, lamenting the lack of amazement in my life, I stumbled upon a remarkable event. A distressed baby deer, trapped in a wrought iron fence, and its concerned mother and sibling became the unexpected stars of my day. This unexpected encounter left me in awe and served as a poignant reminder that amazement can still find its way into our lives when we least expect it, even during a routine walk in a familiar place.

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 athttps://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com/