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.
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, a…
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…
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 s…
In which we explore the dilemma of a writer whose family refuses to supply the conflict and drama that makes for good storytelling.
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to ove…
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.
Leave me a comment…
In which I learn the wisdom behind the phrase, "Listen to your body" — the hard way.
Warning: some strong language
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overthink on another e…
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 controve…
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.
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to…
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.
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like…
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 up…
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 techniqu…
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 l…
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 l…
In which we consider the history, purpose, and sometimes awkward nature of a holiday we're all supposed to embrace with open arms.
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd like me to overt…
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.
Leave me a comment, sugg…
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 go…
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…
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 abou…
In which we consider, when life hands us something we wish we could change but cannot, the crucial distinction between resignation and acceptance.
Leave me a comment, suggest what you'd …
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 luc…