Here's A Thought
Jan M Flynn
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A blogcast for people who overthink. I'm Jan M. Flynn, a writer who thinks way too much about all kinds of things, so I know what that's like. Sometimes you need a little break from your brain — so here's a chance to get out of your own head for a bit, by getting into mine. Short, weekly episodes give you a glimpse into what's been on my mind: thoughts about life, the universe, and the weird or wonderful things people do. Occasionally I'll share some short fiction or poetry. Think of this as recess for your mind. Join me on my website at www.JanMFlynn.net, where you can leave a comment or suggestion on my blog page, and join my email list and receive a free download of my audio short story, "The Collector". Music courtesy of lesfm at pixabay.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
1 day ago
How To Avoid the Use of Adverbs — While Telling You How My Husband Died
In which I consider rules of clear writing — and the challenges of applying them to communicate hard things.
Also, the truth of Albert Einstein's observation that life has more imagination than we do.
Background music by Pixabay Music
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Aug 10, 2022
Bill Gates, Come On Down!
In which a recent Twitter thread from Bill Gates announcing his newest gift to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gets me thinking — about our current Gilded Age, its billionaires, and the rest of us here in the shrinking middle class.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Information sources include:
* Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation website
* Tristan Bove article in Fortune magazine, July 13, 2022
* Quote from Bill Gates in benzinga.com re: moving off the list of world's richest people
* Warren Buffett quote on how much to "leave the children."
* Gobankingrates.com: Median U.S. household retirement savings, citing survey from ConsumerAffairs and study by Government Accountability Office
* Politifact : Elizabeth Warren tweet, "*"*The top 0.1 percent ... own about the same wealth as 90 percent of America."
* Time.com, "The Top 1% of Americans Have Taken $50 Trillion From the Bottom 90% — And That's Made the U.S. Less Secure"; Sept. 14, 2020, Nick Hanauer and David M. Rolf
* Time.com, "The Economy is Great. The Middle Class is Mad"; April 28, 2022, Alana Samuels and Belinda Luscombe
* epi.org, Economic Policy Institute: "CEO Compensation Has Grown 940% since 1978"
* bmj.com, "Diseases of Despair Have Soared Over Past Decade in U.S."
Background music: Pixabay Music
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Aug 3, 2022
On the Wrong Track
In which I take up the challenge to compose a story featuring a character who wakes up on a train, with no idea how they got there, no ticket, and no idea where the train is headed. And it's not slowing down . . .
Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay Music
Background music courtesy of Pixabay Music
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Jul 27, 2022
When You Find Your Old Friend on Facebook . . . And You Wish You Hadn't
In which we consider one of the more awkward aspects of social media. Yes, it lets you reconnect with friends you thought you'd lost touch with — but what happens when you realize you should have let that touch remain lost?
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Jul 20, 2022
My Family Is Of No Good Use
In which we explore the dilemma of a writer whose family refuses to supply the conflict and drama that makes for good storytelling.
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Jul 13, 2022
Adventures in Standby
In which we examine the existential weirdness of a long layover in Airport World. Sometimes the most interesting part of travel happens when you're not going anywhere.
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Jul 8, 2022
When Your Body Speaks To You, Believe It
In which I learn the wisdom behind the phrase, "Listen to your body" — the hard way.
Warning: some strong language
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Jun 29, 2022
The New Culture War: Cow vs Horse
In which we examine the most recent and arguably most ridiculous reason to be on opposite sides. Could we please stop handing the haters more gasoline to pour on their fires of controversy?
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Jun 22, 2022
How I Stopped Wishing My Sister's Ex Dead
In which we consider the challenges and rewards of forgiveness — how it can take a long time, and it doesn't usually happen all at once.
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Jun 15, 2022
In America, When Do You Learn What Race You Are?
In which we wrestle with a question that, for some of us, takes far too long to answer. Content advisory: themes of social justice and racism.
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Jun 8, 2022
The Single Best Motivation to Exercise as You Age
In which we acknowledge that we are perfectly aware that exercise is the best thing we can do to stay healthy as we age — but that doesn't mean we feel like doing it. Having stumbled upon a sure-fire method to motivate me to get moving, I offer it to you.
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Jun 1, 2022
Tell the Cat Where You Put Your Phone
In which we consider the befuddling aspects of short-term memory, as well as encouraging evidence that forgetfulness is not necessarily linked with aging. There are tricks and techniques to help with memory — mine involves the cat.
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May 26, 2022
My Husbands Get Along Well Now
In which I tell the story of meeting Husband Two long before I met Husband One — and how it took us all years to figure out our relationship. Especially after Husband One died. It's a love story, but it's complicated.
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May 18, 2022
Everybody Has a Stupid Side
In which we consider one of the characteristics all humans share, whether we want to admit it or not: stupidity. It's not as negative as it sounds — if we can just acknowledge it, our lack of smarts in certain situations can make us kinder, better people.
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May 11, 2022
Mother's Day is Weird — Can I Say That?
In which we consider the history, purpose, and sometimes awkward nature of a holiday we're all supposed to embrace with open arms.
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May 5, 2022
Hey Conservative Guy — Can We Talk?
In which I parse a recent New York Times panel discussion among men whom I'd expect to disagree with on almost everything — and make some surprising discoveries.
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Apr 27, 2022
Can We Be Happy in Times Like These?
In which we consider whether it's possible — or even appropriate — to find joy in life when the world is in such a tragic mess.
Does our happiness matter? Does it do anybody else any good? Join me in some overthinking about that.
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Apr 20, 2022
A Sure-fire Method For Effortless Weight Loss
Just in time for spring and summer: in which I give helpful tips on the one method I've found that's guaranteed to curb your appetite and melt those pounds away — along with your health and sanity.
Content warning: discussion of dieting and distorted body image.
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Apr 13, 2022
Potty Talk
In which we consider ordinarily hygiene-obsessed Americans' strange reluctance to adopt a personal cleansing routine considered crucial in other parts of the world.
To find out more about the product described in this episode, the Aquaus 360, visit Rinseworks.com
The producers of this show received no payment or incentives for this product mention.
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Apr 6, 2022
When Surrender Becomes Victory
In which we consider, when life hands us something we wish we could change but cannot, the crucial distinction between resignation and acceptance.
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Mar 30, 2022
The Last "Ism" We Really Need to Get Past
In which I consider the troubling topic of ageism. Don't assume it's only an issue for old people: ageism is the one bias that attacks a population we'll all be a part of — if we're lucky.
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Mar 23, 2022
The Day I Hit Back First
In which, in recognition of Women's History Month, I relate an episode from my own history as a young woman in the days long before the #MeToo movement. Be warned: there are a few unbleeped words and phrases you may find objectionable.
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Mar 12, 2022
Welcome Back to Here's A Thought!
In this blogcast for people who overthink, we return from a six-week hiatus to find that there's plenty to overthink about. From Putin's vicious invasion of Ukraine to Idaho liquor stores to an invention that could change women's lives, there's a lot to catch up on.
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Dec 29, 2021
Why Can't Time Allow Do-Overs
In which, during this last week of 2021, we consider the uni-directional nature of time — and how frustrating that can be. Wouldn't it be great if we could revisit past moments and fix them?
Following this episode, Here's A Thought will be on brief hiatus — but we'll be back in mid February with more distraction for your overworked brain!
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Dec 22, 2021
The Upside of Downsized Holidays
If the news on the Omicron variant is putting a damper on the plans you had for a Christmas that was supposed to make up for last year's — here are some suggestions for keeping your sparkle going.
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Dec 15, 2021
Beware Grimm's Fairy Tales (especially the grownups)
In which we reconsider the messages contained in one of the strange tales from the Brothers Grimm.
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Dec 8, 2021
The Next Big Thing (Somebody Needs to Invent)
In which acquiring a new assistive device leads me to consider the possibilities of taking it further.
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Dec 1, 2021
There's Glitter on the Dog and We're Running Out of Batteries
In which decorating for the holidays brings up thoughts of Christmases past — and a lot of vacuuming.
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Nov 24, 2021
I Kept A Gratitude Journal For Two Years, And Here's What Happened
In which I consider the effects of keeping a dedicated gratitude journal on my bedside table. Spoiler alert: it has not made me any richer or more famous, but perhaps less petty.
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Nov 17, 2021
Lip Service
In which my morning routine leads to a moment of gratitude for our signature human mouth parts.
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Nov 10, 2021
Discovering the Fountain of Youth
In which I overcome my skepticism and find that not all facial products are hogwash.
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Nov 3, 2021
Here's a Thought, Episode 2: Life Is A Road Trip
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Nov 3, 2021
Tripping Into Eternity
In which I ponder the growing evidence that psychedelics — which I've always been afraid of — could offer relief and peace when confronting mortality and loss.
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Oct 27, 2021
Halloween Story Time: "Dummy"
In which we celebrate the haunting season with a rather creepy short story. Ever regretted anything you did as a kid?
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Oct 20, 2021
Pack the Wine Last
Got stuff? In which I offer, based on recent experience, five simple steps to contain your worldly possessions and relocate them without losing too much of your mind.
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Oct 13, 2021
The Season of Letting Go
In which the ash tree outside my office window has something to offer about acceptance.
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Oct 6, 2021
Here's a Thought, Episode 2: How I (Almost) Cured My Claustrophobia
Are you, like me, are uncomfortable in tight spaces? Or do you tend toward anxiety like I do? Here's a brief story about the good that can result when you turn the power of your own mind in your favor.
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Sep 29, 2021
Here's a Thought, Episode 1: Of Wombats, Unicycles, Kitchen Sinks, and Karma
In which I take on a writing challenge that proves daunting, until someone comes up with a different challenge that gets me unstuck. What do wombats have to do with unicycles, karma, or the kitchen sink? Listen and learn.
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