I've Been Thinking

If you've been listening for a while, you might remember Brooke from a few years/a couple dozen episodes ago- she and her dog, Pippa, make up the social media/youtube full-time travel team "Brooke and Pippa". The two gained popularity and the ability to live full-time as content creators while living on the road out of Brooke's SUV, showing a very real and very imperfect version of the highly popularized van-lifestyle. Now, Brooke tells us about why she took a break from creating, and you'll understand why when you hear her stories. From creator's block to fans who forget she's a real life person, we dive into some of the realities of being a content creator in the real world. Alanna loved having this conversation with Brooke, and we are so excited to hear what you THINK about this one!Find Brooke and Pippa on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.Follow I've Been Thinking on Insta and TikTok, and check out our website. Support I've Been Thinking via our Patreon!

Hey there, Thinkers! This episode is a thoughtful meditation with just Alanna as she talks about and kind of works through some thoughts on the differences between being alone and being lonely. It's definitely a relevant topic in the lives of the IBT team right now, as well as being something a lot of people are thinking about this time of year- Valentine's Day is approaching, after all, and in many places it's the depths of winter. Feelings of loneliness might be creeping up on you, but please don't fret.This episode features the reading of a poem: "The Sound of One Fork" by Minnie Bruce PrattFind it online here.Learn more about the poet, Minnie- a southern lesbian-feminist- here.Support us on Patreon!Check out the website.

On this week's episode of I've Been Thinking, Alanna dives in to the importance of holistic health in today's world and how chiropractic can play in to that with practicing chiropractor Dr Letitia Smith- aka Dr Tish! Chiropractic is ultimately quite an ancient practice, something we don't dive into in this episode, but it is also very controversial- especially with gimmicky social media doctors and the study's history of associations with more "woowoo" ideas. Dr Tish tells us about her chiropractic philosophy, as well as the importance of considering many different factors in one's overall health. If you're a die hard chiropractic lover like Alanna, you may already know about some of the ideas we talk about in this ep- but if you're a skeptic (like Adam or Producer Tyler, for example) we just ask that you come into this episode with an open mind, because if nothing else it's an interesting perspective. And isn't that what I've Been Thinking is all about?

For the very first episode of 2024, Producer Tyler and Alanna hopped on together to talk about SETTING GOALS! Specifically, we talk about a lot of our own goals for ourselves and for IBT, as well as our thoughts on healthy vs. unhealthy goal setting and giving ourselves grace. This is a super fun episode, with some really good, thoughtful content and a handful of cute little sidebars where two besties just have some fun. Enjoy, and we hope this episode INSPIRES you (a hint from the episode) to think hard, live creatively and become your best self!!!PS join the patreon between 1/12/24 and 2/12/24 and Tyler will write you a custom haiku!!!

If you've ever seen Andi Tillman on TikTok or Instagram, you'll know her work- from lovingly recreating characters from our collective Appalachian childhoods like our Aunt Pam or cantankerous Papaw, to hilarious Characters like a slightly redneck Nosferatu. Basically, the girl knows how to tell a story and knows how to make the people laugh. But where does that come from? Well, listen up, and we might just tell ya. check out our patreon to support the pod financially, and check out the website for our story, blog posts, and more.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

We love a little Adam and Alanna episode, and what better time of year to hear our fave power couple bicker than Christmas? A & A take a little trip down memory lane on this one discussing childhood Christmas traditions, as well as how Christmas "feels" now, as an adult. It's interesting, thought provoking, and hopefully inspires a little introspection for all of y'all listening- or, if nothing else, it's a great road trip distraction! Enjoy, Thinkers! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a beautiful New Year!www.ivebeenthinkingpod.comwww.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpodThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

When you were a kid, obsessed with the Greek Pantheon and/or the Percy Jackson series, did you ever wonder what it would be like to have been a devotee of one of those deities? Working with them intimately, speaking with them daily, feeling their presence? Today's guest, Angelica Cresci, is an actual, real life devotee and priestess of Hades. She is a practicing witch. She is a Hellenic astrology and a tarot reader. She is basically a very cool witchy bitch with a lot of incredible experience for us all to learn from. Whether you're interested in finding your way into deity worship, or you're just an average Thinker who's curious about the whole thing- this is the episode for you, friends. I hope you enjoy!For more on the episode or to find Angelica, click here!find us on patreon.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

In this episode of I've Been Thinking, we are joined by Chelsea of Rednecks Rising- a podcast focusing on "the secret history of progressive revolution in Appalachia". Chelsea is an absolute angel, and is dedicated to educating the people on Appalachian history, on addressing stereotypes, and on empowering the people of Appalachia to embrace and fight for our culture. In this episode, we hit on a lot of these ideas- the media's portrayal of Appalachia and why it matters, the importance of "deep canvassing" (and what that is), and why our culture and land was sold off. Good stuff, y'all- seriously.SUPPORT THE POD!check out the show notes.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

THIS EPISODE TELLS YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTIANITY AND HALLOWEEN:and that is that Halloween is ancient and developed entirely seperately from Christianity, that Catholocim/Christianity adopted Samhain, and that observing any holiday in anyway is a choice entirely for you to make. The loads and loads of instagram and tiktok creators that I've seen spreading misinformation about the origins of Halloween and its implications for the eternal soul definitely inspired this one- so thanks, y'all!This is one of my lilttle rant-ish episodes, where we get to spend some time just the two of us, listening to me talk to myself. I hope y'all enjoy, because this was certainly cathartic to record. I kept is short and sweet, too, because I honestly have soooooo many thoughts!!!!!Let us know what you thought! While you're at it, consider joining our Patreon for exclusive and extra content!patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpodThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

This episode is a fun one- if y'all have ever heard of "Love, Al", it has been a pretty popular clothing brand since 2020, featuring artistic designs and political messages. In this episode, the creator/artist/visionary Allie gives us a walk through her story- what motivates her, how she started the brand, how her childhood formed her lifelong system of morals, the list goes on. This is a sweet, inspiring episode that gives incredible insight into the life and mind of someone who has dedicated their past 3 years to creating art to inspire activism. Thanks so much for listening!Find more info on Allie and her brand via our shownotes.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

Hey, Thinkers! Alanna is unfortunately under the weather this week, so with significant help from Producer Tyler we found this Patreon episode in the archives- and it turns out, it might be JUST what the doctor ordered. We know Alanna is a little woo-woo, and this is episode from Fall 2021 (!!!) is discussing the pagan holiday of Mabon and how it can be incorporated into anyone's life- from someone trying to celebrate as a budding pagan, to a Christian looking to understand their Celtic/Britton ancestors, anyone can benefit from the ideals encompassed by this sacred autumnal day of Thanksgiving. And as we move into that very transitional time of year, we want to let each of you know: we are thankful for you. Happy Mabon!Alanna will be back next time, don't worry. ;)This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

As with any episode featuring Producer Tyler, this one is goofy. We had so much fun spending time reflecting, talking about the major differences between our school experiences, and discussing how Tyler is trying to make sure things are very different for his own son. Join us for not only a trip down memory lane, but a bit of philosophizing on the social options for kids, the education system, and even a guest appearance from (Alanna's mom) Karen herself. www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogDon't forget to check out the Patreon for exclusive episodes, including the weird stuff Tyler and I will be dropping soon!Listen to the episode on being OUTED in our small hometown HERE!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

Join our friend, actor and fellow Appalachian Afsheen Misaghi for this enlightening episode on the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes here in the United States. Afsheen provides an insider's perspective on why writers and actors in the US are striking, what they're looking to achieve, and why the average "working class" American should care at all about how "entertainers" are treated by the industry. For more on the episode and to find Afsheen on socials, check out the shownotes!To support IBT and get extra content, check out our Patreon.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

(CW: alcholism, addiction)We are excited to share this episode with you, Thinkers. One of my artist friends, Nic Seegel, joins us on this episode to discuss his experience with an addiction to alcohol. This is an amazing insight into the mind of a person experiencing alcholoism, what brough him to his breaking point, and how he dug himself out. In true IBT fashion, I do want to remind you- every story is different, so this might be an entirely different experience and journey with addiction and sobriety than what you or someone you know experienced. You also may never have known a person to go through this experience (although it's more likely that you have and didn't know it), so you think it's not for you. But it's for that exact reason that it's important to listen to Nic's story.Find the shownotes HERE.Check out our Patreon for early, ad free, and EXTRA content!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

Hey, guys. Guess what? It's me- THE BIRTHDAY GIRL- and I'm coming in with a solo episode to chat with y'all a little bit about my goals for the year, where I'm at, my concept of birthdays as a clean slate AND some of my hopes and dreams. Just the usual, spilling my guts to whoever will listen on the internet lol. ANYWAY I hope this episode does something for you, or inspires you, or maybe enrages you, or at the very least entertains you. As long as you're engaging that noggin, I'm happy. Thanks, y'all!Check out the website HERE or our Patreon, HERE!Ad music: 'Dances and Dames' by Kevin MacLeod - released under CC-BY 4.0.Check out our sponsor, DEVKENYA- Go to devkenya.com and sign up for their waiting list. Use the coupon code DEVKENYAHASBEENTHINKING for 15% off your first website.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

CW: child loss, cancerHey, Thinkers. In this episode, I bring you Jessie Huisken; mother, children's developmental professional, and superhero. Jessie shares with us the story of her baby girl, Phinley-Kate, a courageous little babe who fought a hard fight against a rare leukemia. Sadly, Phinley succumbed to her disease in the Fall of 2022, but her legacy prevails. Jessie and family have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of other families in similar situations- by writing a book, Phundraising for a research grant, and raising awareness for how underserved children's cancer resesarch actually is. I want you to know, though- this episode is not just for families who are living in the hospital with a chronically ill child. This episode will give you such insight into what this entire experience is like- into the difficulties and pain that you don't even think of, but also into how life can't go on pause, even though it feels like it should. Phinley was the perfect example of that.I hope that her story touches your heart like it has mine, and I hope this episode helps you gain a new understanding of families experiencing the unimaginable. Please, if you're touched by this story- check today's shownotes on the blog for the links to Phinley's Facebook page, for Jessie's book, and for the Phinley's Phund Rally Fund donation site!Find the shownotes and ALL of the links HERE!Support the pod by sharing us with a friend and leaving us a rating and review wherever you listen. If you feel so inclined, we'd love if you join us on Patreon, as well! ad music:'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

We are rounding out Pride month at IBT with a bang, y'all- today's episode, with my mostly anonymous friend Alix, is a look inside the identity of an asexual, bigender, bisexual human. Alix patiently explains so much to us, doing a job that is not their responsibility- explaining the intimacies of their identity. But thankfully, they have taken the time and energy to do this with me, for you- to make an identity that might seem foreign to some of our listeners more understandable and more human. I hope that this episode maybe makes you think about the different ways a person can identify, and helps humanize the people that you might not understand. I hope this episode enlightens you on what asexuality is and how it can be experienced, as it did me. Overall- I hope this episode makes you think.check out the shownotes for more info, links, etc here.Support us on Patreon to help us continue this project. Ad music:"'Sunday Smooth' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au"This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

We know, we know- we do some heavy episodes. So, to break things up and remind you of the importance of YOU, ole boss man Nate and I recorded this awesome episode about the importance of treating yourself. I hope it inspires you to get yourself a lil treat, and I hope it encourages a litte critical thought, too. ;) https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpodThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

My friend Chris McLoone is an openly trans man here in the Florida panhandle, and has agreed to join us today to explain the contents of Senate Bill 254- and how they directly affect him as a trans adult. You see, I think it's very easy to hate someone you never interact with, and I think it's very easy to support legislation that limits a person's freedoms over their own body when you see them as less than human. So Chris is also here today to remind of us his humanity, and to elaborate on specific instances of this anti-trans legislation affecting his actual life. I think it's also very easy to take legislation at "face value", but the truth of the matter is that this bill is not written just for "protecting children", it is limiting the freedoms of adults to make decisions about their own bodies.We had a lot of fun in this episode, but also talked about some really real shit. So happy Pride, y'all, and don't ever forget that it is first and foremost a rebellion.show notes:www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

This episode is a discussion of goals, of thankfulness, of growth and of the future. Can you believe it? Three years ago, in May of 2020, we began this journey together. Since then, we've joined Stove Leg, gained an editor/producer in Tyler, and grown this project in so many beautiful ways. I'm so grateful for y'all!!!!! Enjoy!!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806483/advertisement

Checking in for a SOLO EPPY this week y'all- with a lil bit of one of my fave pagan sabbats, Beltane, a little bit of what's going on lately, and a lotta bit of my recent meditations on "motivation". I hope this episode inspires you; I hope this episode provokes thought; I hope this episode motivates you to just take a single step.

For this episode, I'm joined by artist and curator Josh Porter to discuss some of the topics he uses art curation to explore. We learn more about the processes behind curating an exhibition of different artists and work, as well as his motivations and some of the ideas these exhibitions explore. From modern masculinity, Queer history, and a whole bunch in between, this episode will really get the wheels spinning! Josh is so knowledgeable in his field, I highly encourage you all to listen to this episode with open ears and an open mind.show notes here: https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/post/119-curation-to-inform-and-modern-masculinity-with-josh-porterLooking to support the show? www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod

Two non-experts; get it, like two non blondes? ANYWAY, Alanna and Allison get into it in this episode about Florida's education restrictions, about book bans, and shocker- about Nazi Germany. We really hope you enjoy this episode, and that it gives you something to think about. CW: mentions of SA, holocaust, violence, racism, salvery etc. in discussion of banned books.Check us out on patreon HERE!

For some people, cancer is a defining moment in their life. For others, cancer is just another thing that happens to them. In this episode, my Phi Mu sister Catherine and I discuss her cancer journey- but more than that, we talk about the reality of living BEYOND cancer. The fact that it is simply something that happened to her, but not the experience that defines her identity. That idea- identity- is our recurring theme (not even on purpose). We hope y'all enjoy

In this shorty lil solo episode, I (Alanna) dive in to the idea of "VULNERABILITY"- and specifically in my life. Listen up for a chill, journal style episode that I have had my heart set on for a lil while. I hope you enjoy!check out the website: www.ivebeenthinkingpod.comsupport us on patreon!

You know when you watch your goofy ass college buddy grow up into a confident and brave stand up comedian? Oh- is that just a me experience? My old friend Collin joins us on this episode to talk about his journey to becoming a real, semi-professional comedian- and what it takes to do so. ENJOY! PS: links on the blog. ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog support the pod: patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all! In our tradition of Adam guest starring on holiday specials, I roped Adam in for this one. Honestly, who better to talk about a pagan festival of carnal pleasure and romance with than my partner? Our topic of today's episode, Lupercalia, is an ancient Roman festival that has been considered by some to be a precursor to modern Valentine's Day. Listen to the episode, and let me know what you think- is it a weird coincidence, or is there a missing link between these holidays? Support the pod: www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod Find the shownotes: www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TW: mentions of sexual assault, domestic violence, TBI, invisible injuries, combat trauma. Y'all, I'm joined on this episode by my friend Shannon- retired Air Force, three-time combat veteran and artist- to discuss some topics near and dear to my heart. Shannon shares with us some very high level accounts of her traumas and invisible injuries, how she sought help, and how she eventually found art therapy. This episode is super fun and conversational, but I have to forewarn y'all the sound is a little rough. I'll explain in the intro. OK ily guys thanks for listening, and check the blog for resources referenced in the episode and a link to Shannon's jewelry creations! https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/post/113-art-therapy-and-vet-mental-health-with-shannon Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to 2023, y'all!!! This ep is about goal setting tips and tricks, reflection, and what I've learned setting goals for myself the past few years. I was actually concerned about this episode, because I wasn't so sure about doing my first solo in a long while. But this episode ended up being cathartic, reflective, and inspirational for me. I hope that it can inspire you to set your goals, manifest your dreams and grow from your past year! Love you all, and pleaseeee enjoy!!! PS HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH! Sorry I don't mention it in the eppy

Happy Holidays!!!!! This Christmas special of IBT is 1) late 2) a hot mess 3) my audio is atrocious. I recorded from my literal childhood bed in Kentucky while I was at my parents for the holidays, Tyler recorded in between visits with the in-laws, this was done at 11 pm and all of our agreed upon talking points basically flew out the window. OH and Tyler basically runs this episode. If you're into literature, this is a GOOD one - we do have some good takes on the classic Louisa May Alcott novel "Little Women" and the Greta Gerwig film adaptation. If you want to hear bullshit, this is also a good one for that. I hope this episode brings you some relief and chuckles this holiday season! PS- if you like this, keep an eye on the IBT Patreon space for future *exclusive* episodes where Tyler and I get inebriated and talk about books/movies. check out the blog: www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musician, activist, tiktoker, incredible person- Lou Ridley is so much more than the many wonderful adjectives that describe her, and this episode will give you a hint of that. Lou joined me for this episode to discuss being an outsider in country music, the importance of activism when you have a platform, the importance of community- just to scratch the surface. Oh, and she finds out she's Y'allternative. This is a beautiful, deep conversation, and I hope that if you're just hearing of Lou for the first time, you check her music and her TT out. Thanks for listening, y'all! Find Lou and other links related to today's episode here: www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: violence, bullying, abuse On today's episode of IBT, I bring you a thoughtful and poignant discussion on bullying with children's therapist and author Eliza Scalia. Eliza's series of books, aimed at children around middle school age (give or take a few years) is a thoughtful and unique take on bullying in kids lives- and is an awesome resource for those children to learn coping mechanisms, empathy, and possibly change their outlook. She and I discuss our experiences with bullying, as well. I hope that y'all enjoy, that this sparks some thought for you, and that you consider checking out Eliza's books for the kiddos in your lives! www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were my classmate at Transy, you might remember Kristen Pope- she was an RA, and ADPi, and super involved all over campus. Also, a sweet angel who definitely kept some of us alive... and she had her work cut out for her. ANYWAY, fast forward a few years, and here she is: a REVEREND! married, and appearing as a special guest on my podcast. How crazy is life? This episode is beautiful, insightful, and potentially helpful. If you're on your own spiritual journey, I'd highly recommend this episode- then go have a talk with Rev Kristen yourself. www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, we all know I love bothering Adam, so in a great show of revenge (he really bothered ME this week) I forced him into recording an episode with me. We actually have a ton of fun on these spooky episodes, which you might not be able to tell because personally I think he's pretty dry in this one. BUT, I tell him some really cool paranormal "real" experiences and we talk about some theories around those. So if you like that kind of spooky but not scary vibe, you've found your episode. HOPE YOU ENJOY! Happy Halloweekend!!! www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Utilizing the dark arts, I've summoned the spirit of Constantine Rafinesque- a previous professor at my alma mater, Transylvania University. WHO ELSE HAS INTERVIEWED A GHOST? No one else. Anyway, this is an educational and poignant episode, discussing the life and times of a famous biologist, traveler, and linguist, as well as some of his realizations in the afterlife. This is especially interesting for Transy students/graduates; have you ever wondered if "the curse" is real? Listen for your answer. www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever heard of intersectionality? Have you ever heard of a "girl crush"? Well- this episode has both of those things- and MORE. Dakota tells us in detail about how climate change is having a direct affect on women's rights- and what we should learn from that realization. I cannot recommend this episode enough, if for nothing else but the absolutely fascinating explanation of intersectional politics and to learn more about that. www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Subscribe to our patreon for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAJOR CONTENT WARNING FOR THIS EP OK? Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Slurs, Suicidal Ideations, the whole shebang. This is a hard episode, but GOOD LORD I am so grateful to finally get to bring this to you and to be trusted with this story. Dallas Tate Brown, my friend of many years, was non-consensually outed as a gay man in our conservative community. This major decision, which should've been his to make, was made for him- and the experiences which ensued were nothing short of devastating. Listen to this episode to hear why I'm mad at Dallas, what brought him out of suicidal ideations, and what advice he would give to someone who feels that it's not safe to be themselves. ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog for resources/references. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of IBT, we hear from Brooke of tiktok/YouTube's Brooke and Pippa (I'm sure Pippa is very nearby, being a good girl) on living a budget nomadic lifestyle. What brought them to this point, travel safety, social media scaries and tips for if you're interested in "van life" are all included, don't you worry. This is an easy, compelling listen and Brooke is a wealth of knowledge, so BUCKLE IN! TW: brief mention of DV related to Gabby Petito. For show notes and to find Brooke's socials: www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TW: coal camps, Alanna crying, and lots of F bombs. In this episode, my friend Tyler, who grew up just down the road from me in Stinking Creek, KY, joins us ! We discuss the nuances and the context of Appalachia (and specifically Eastern Kentucky) in an effort to bring awareness to the devastating flooding in EKY and the callousness of internet people in response to it. don't be that person, btw. This is a long episode, I know- tyler and I are long winded when we talk about our home. It deserves it, though. Check out the blog for links to help the flood victims

A new chapter for I've Been Thinking, y'all- THANK YOU for ringing it in with me on this episode! Octavia, today's guest, is an absolute treasure. She has overcome severe chronic illness, learning to advocate for herself, learning about the nervous system and healing, and making it her mission to share that with others so that they don't have to suffer in the same ways. I hope that for anyone experiencing chronic illness, or in proximity to someone who is, this episode gives you what you need. I hope that for those who have never had to experience chronic illness in any ways, this gives you a new perspective on a life that someone else might be living. Whatever the outcome- I hope we've made you think. ;) Don't forget to check out Patreon for more content and to support the pod: https://patreon.com/ivebeenthinking

that's right y'all, it's episode ONE HUNDRED and we are talking ABORTION. Trigger warning, for real, if this is a discussion that's hard for you to hear for personal/emotional reasons this might not be the one for you. But, if this is a topic that is difficult for you to understand, a difficult topic for you to empathize with, a topic that you just don't agree with- I will challenge you to put yourself in a safe space, where you can relax and actually LISTEN, and listen to this episode. This is vulnerable and touching and real, and what many people might need to hear. This episode is also a little chaotic, because that's just what happens when Allison and I team up lol. Check the website for the blog post on today's episode:https:/ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogSupport the show

A chill, old fashioned episode where I just talk to you guys and share about my feels n stuff. I hope you guys enjoy it for what it is and can't wait to get back to regular guest episodes in July!!!

Pride month, "the pregnant man" of 2008, Tumblr, supportive highschool teachers and Benjamin Franklin... what do they all have in common? This episode. My friend Christopher (he/him) and I have an incredible conversation about his journey to becoming his "FAVORITE" self. His journey is unique and I am so glad our platform has been trusted with sharing it.I hope this episode makes you think. I hope it makes you consider what you know about the LGBTQ experience- and what you might think about "why" or "how" people realize that they don't fit into the "normal" (straight) narrative !Support the show

Y'all this is an incredibly heartwarming episode- if you know Adam, that might come as a shocker. This episode is about his "non-traditional" early years... about the times he wasn't a part of your "average" American nuclear family, the times he was lonely and longing.. and about how living through all of that has made him into the person he is, and who that person is. I am so grateful he trusted me enough to share this with y'all, and I hope that his story has the impact on you that is has on me. See this and other episodes in video form (and early!) on patreon. Support the show

This episode, we got to have an awesome convo with Kristen from the podcast/insta Confessions of a Chinese Adoptee- and ask her some incredible questions, sent in from y'all. She tells us about her experiences as an adopted child from China, knowing that she was given up likely because of the One Child Policy; her proximity to her heritage, living in a white family and predominately white community, and how that has affected her identity. We also touch on racism and bullying, and the INCREDIBLE importance of representation in media. Kristen also shares hopes for future transracial adoptees and her complicated opinion on international adoption.  This is such an interesting and insightful episode; I'm so glad to share this with everyone. Kristen's is such an important story and was so kind to take on "narrative burden" for one more explanation ;) OH and we finish up with some thoughts on Roe v Wade!!!https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogSupport the show

TW: Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, Mutilation and Religious TraumaIn this episode, former missionary and Biblical scholar Meghan Tschanz asks: “Is Jesus for this patriarchal system, or have we got it wrong?”We discuss patriarchal “Christianity”, abuse, intersectional Feminism and the example Jesus set. We also hit on some majorly upsetting points, so do be aware of those. This was a fun and insightful episode, though, and one I encourage everyone to listen- Christian, non-Christian, woman, man, non-binary, everyone. I think ANYONE can gain some serious insights from this episode. Hope you enjoy!https://ivebeenthinkingpod.com/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)

Happy Month of the Military Child y'all!!!!! Bet you didn't even know that's a thing. I only know it is because my mom always shares stuff on facebook about it lol. This week's episode is a little conversation between my pal Liam and I (remember ep 92?) where we kind of compare and contrast our experiences growing up as military children in the US and the UK, plus how it has shaped our lives and how we see the world. I loved having this talk with him- and hope y'all enjoy listening. So many good nuggets and soooo many places where that bit of perspective could maybe help someone see things in a new light. https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)

WELCOME to this incredible episode that I am so excited about. We fought through technical issues and came out the other side PRETTY victorious- plus, now we get to record more content together hehe. Bethany is a content creator whose focus is encouraging women (predominantly) to examine and potentially unlearn harmful and false beliefs taught to and about women in the institutional Christian Church- aka "The Church". This episode shares her perspective of being extremely traumatized through religion, through her parents understanding of what they "should" do and through Bethany's own treatment by church officials. TW- we talk a lot about religious trauma, we talk about the Rapture, and there is mention of abusive relationships. If these things aren't for you, I GET IT. But, if you can, I encourage you to listen to this episode and use it as a safe space for considering some experiences that you may not have shared, or some experiences that you walked away from with a different outlook, and I urge you to consider how Bethany and I have come to the conclusions that we have.PS I MISPRONOUNCE HER MAIDEN NAME it is Langland not England I'm sorry !!!!show notes and links to Bethany's media: https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)

Thanks to my dear friend Liam and his trip across the pond, I bring you a fun and funny episode where a Brit and an American discuss some cultural and political differences between our respective countrymen. Job culture and the Great Resignation, healthcare and mandatory time off- we even talk about the liberal/conservative scale. This episode is all over the place in the best way- if you're interested in living abroad, in understanding other nations' approach to the workplace, or even if you're interested in international politics... this episode is for you!@ivebeenthinkingpodhttps://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)

This episode we are joined by comedian, podcaster, YouTuber and doctoral student KYNDRA CRUMP. She shares her perspectives on a wide variety of topics, from Michael Jackson to childhood trauma and tons of in between. This is such a fun episode, with so many twists and turns and thought provoking moments. I hope y'all enjoy!www.ivebeenthinkingpod.comFind Kyndra:@thekyndracrumpshowYouTubeApple PodsSpotifySupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)

Thinkers! In this episode, my sweet friend Ellie Simms and I discuss our similar upbringings in conservative, small towns/families and being the black sheep. This is such a good, healing talk y'all. If you're looking for inspiration to eschew the box someone else has tried to put you in; if you're looking for PERMISSION to be who you want to be in spite of the expectations put on you; if you're in need of a little reminder to love who and where you are as best as you can while you're here- this episode is for you.  for Ellie's info:http://ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogfollow us on insta!!!:@ivebeenthinkingpod Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod)