Author: akashah

In this episode of Now That You Ask, I reflect on a curious bit of wisdom a friend once shared: “To get clear, you need to get as still and stupid as a stone.” At first, I bristled—me, stupid? But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how hard it actually is to be still, […]

Sometimes the feeling of immense joy and gratitude can be a little like getting drunk. From serendipitous events to the heartwarming experience of attending a dear friend's granddaughter's wedding, recognizing and appreciating the beauty and kindness around us is not only important but intoxicating. Embracing gratitude and humor can also transform our perspective and enhance […]

This week I'm thinking about the relationship between fear and excitement. Listen in as I talk about how combining these emotions has taken me to unexpected yet fulfilling places. Through my experiences overcoming initial career struggles and facing deep-seated fears during a ropes course, I advocate for embracing both fear and excitement to lead an […]

In this episode, I share my reflections on following the things I love, from the poetry of Rumi to my fascination with flowers, trees, art, and even vampires. Drawing connections between these diverse interests, I explore how each has uniquely enriched my life, grounding me, inspiring me, and offering new perspectives. I think it's important […]

Recently some respiratory issues disrupted my podcasting routine. This illness of all things lead me to a simple but powerful affirmation, 'I am enough,' and inspired me to overcome my anxiety and trust in my own abilities. Then through a dream, I found joy and motivation, transforming a stressful situation into a fulfilling creative process. […]

Join me as I explore the potent influence of words and the emotional journey of a writer. I have such deep admiration for words and how they inspire and fuel my creativity. And while they do inspire me, they also bring about some specific challenges like writer's block and feelings of doubt and these obstacles […]

From my childhood escapes through books, my varied career paths, and the connections I've forged around the world, my experiences have really shaped the person I am today. Listen in as I expound on how my upbringing in the South has influenced me, the lessons I've learned from living in the Middle East, and the […]

This week I found myself reflecting on the simple yet powerful quote by Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This idea resonated deeply with me as I considered how often I overlook the tools and wisdom I already possess. Listen as I share my personal journey with […]

In this episode of Now That You Ask, I reflect on a vivid nightmare that led me to confront the reality of my own mortality. I talk about regrets, hopes, and the quiet truth that my time is more limited now. It’s not all heavy—there’s also a thread of curiosity, a bit of grace, and the […]

In this episode, I reflect on a beautiful and haunting quote by Chief Crowfoot that I've come across many times — a poetic description of life as a firefly’s flash, a buffalo’s breath, a shadow across the grass. This time, instead of simply admiring the words, I let them stir something deeper. I explore what […]