Here's A Thought
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.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 11 minutes
- Episodes
- 117
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2024
I'm Celebrating Summer! But Not Like This
In which we revel in the advent of summer at long last — and take a look at some of the weirder ways people choose to celebrate the season.
Sound Effect from Pixabay
Do y…
Why Am I Turning Purple?
With a milestone (millstone?) birthday coming up, I consider some of the more surprising signposts along the journey of aging — like, nobody told me my skin would turn bizarre colors. W…
Why We Drove Past A Dying Woman
An ordinary afternoon — until it wasn't. The paramedics were on the scene, and all we could do was witness it and stay out of the way.
Or is there something more?
Music by GuilhermeBernar…
Maybe You Just Need a Wider Window
In which I reflect on my recent experience with teletherapy — and share some of the more useful takeaways, like the Three C's and the Window of Tolerance.
References:
https://timothykelle…
What Was I Thinking? My Stupidest Moments, Ranked
This week, I reflect on 13 moments when my decisions ranged from questionable to I'm-lucky-to-still-be-alive. As someone smart once told me, we all have our stupid side. It's smart to r…
5 Reasons Why Self-Care Isn't Self-Indulgent
If you, like me, grew up with the belief that being a good person means putting everyone else's needs, feelings, and preferences ahead of your own, the whole concept of self-care is a t…
The Real — and Surprising — Story Behind Mother's Day
With the holiday fast approaching, it's a good time to uncover the little-known history of the day we choose to honor Mom. There's more to it than you might think (including an effort b…
What Is The Mystery Beast Stalking Suburban Backyards?
In which we examine whether or not a beast out of legend has arrived in a local neighborhood. Tread carefully after dark, my friends . . .
https://worldanimalfoundation.org/animal_encycl…
Hate Being the One to Break Up? Let a ChatBot Do It For You!
In this episode, we return to the amazing (and often unsettling) world of AI — but this time, with a look at an exciting potential.
What if ChatGPT — or one of its versions — can take s…
The Calfornia Gold Rush stagecoach driver who kept a secret until death
This week, Here's A Thought takes a side trip into history — namely, the wild days of Gold Rush California, where some of the most renowned badasses were the people who drove stagecoach…
5 Things to Stop Saying (To Anyone Younger Than You)
In which we examine five unfortunate phrases that we may find ourselves using when speaking to those in younger generations — and why we shouldn't, if we want to have a chance at being …
Feeling Like an Imposter? You're in Good Company
In which we consider the surprisingly common and weirdly persistent phenomenon of imposter syndrome: odds are you've experienced it too, at some point in your life. Don't fret: you're n…
The Genie Without a Bottle
In which we contemplate what happens when AI goes so far beyond what we expect . . . that we don't even know what to expect. The thing is, we may already have reached that point. There'…
The Question You'll Ask One Day — And Its Only Answer
At some point in our lives, we all ask God or the Universe the same question.
Here's a story that helped me understand the answer — even though that answer is another question.
Sound Effe…
How's That Springing Forward Working Out For You?
In which we consider why we keep up the absurd ritual of changing our clocks twice a year — and what it does to us, and how we got here in the first place.
If you're feeling out of sorts…
When It's Time For A Mental Health Checkup
We don't expect to get through our whole lives in perfect physical health, without ever having to see a doctor or a pharmacist or maybe even a personal trainer.
Why do we have such troub…
The Dog Story I Didn't Want to Tell
All dog stories should have happy endings. This one doesn't have the ending I'd hoped for — but maybe it will have an even better one.
Do you have comments to share or a…
Are You Still Using These Banished Words?
In which we consider the tired phrases, overworked buzzwords, and meaningless jargon that clogs our language like the freshwater clams that clog our lakes. It's time for a cleanout, and…
When a Compliment Means Well But Feels Weird
We've all had this happen: somebody says something that they mean nicely . . . but that lands on us uncomfortably. For instance, I think I recently received my first "old lady" complime…
What If You're Involved With a Narcissist?
We all run into people who we find to be overbearing, self-involved, and who like to dominate every conversation. But what if the domineering or difficult person in your life is truly…