In Part 2, we move beyond survival mode and into the question: What does it take to thrive — together?

Picking up where Part 1 left off, this conversation explores how our fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses can shape not only our personal lives but also the way we connect with others. We talk about the role of community in creating safety, the small actions that make a big difference, and how shared resilience can help us navigate uncertain times.

From nervous system regulation tools to real-world examples of neighbors, friends, and strangers coming together, this episode is a reminder that we’re wired for connection — and that healing often happens in relationships, not in isolation.

📼 If this episode had a mixtape, it would start with “Pressure” by Billy Joel… and end with “And She Was” by Talking Heads. 🎶

Because here’s what was happening behind the scenes:

I thought I’d silenced all my notifications. But mid-recording, I got one telling me that a publication interview I did — gone. My son was calling in pain because now his top wisdom teeth need to come out. My electronics were glitching. And of course… Mercury is retrograding. 🫠

Meanwhile, people are telling me they love the podcast—that they’re learning, laughing, and feeling seen.

So, I keep showing up. Because even through the chaos, I love what I’m doing. I get to share real conversations with good people, and that makes all the difference.

Was my brain scattered? Yes.

Did I say “so like” and “you know” a hundred times? Also yes.

Turns out, that’s what I do when my mind is overloaded—and it’s also just… me.

I thought about scrapping the episode. But this is what Think Piece is:

Unrehearsed. Messy. Laughable. Real life.

And you can’t script that.

You know. 😂

Welcome to Think Piece. 😁

Life Is Lifing.

So instead of a full episode this week, I’m sending you an update.

No polished edits. No studio finesse.

Just me — in the middle of the mess — showing up with my whole heart.

This one?

It reps me completely.

Because my janky is like:

A scratched-up mixtape that still makes you cry.

A favorite pair of Chucks with holes and a soul.

Unfiltered. Unscripted. Unapologetic.

Let’s go.

P.S. If you’re curious about the blog that started it all —

Will the Real Brett Goldstein Please Stand Up —

Head to my website:

thegirlwithkaleidoscopeyes.com

What happens when one person dares to follow the thread of their imagination—and what ripple effects does that choice send out into the world? In this episode of Think Piece, we sit down with Chet, an artist whose creative path is marked by courage, curiosity, and a refusal to conform.

This isn’t just a conversation about art—it’s about the creative force within all of us. The kind of thinking that invites possibility, challenges the ordinary, and reminds us that we are all creators of the world we live in.

We talk about the vulnerability of making something real, the struggle of staying true to your voice when the world wants you to play small, and the unexpected ways that creative energy becomes contagious. When one person lives authentically, it gives others permission to do the same—and from that, entire communities begin to shift.

Whether you’re an artist, an innovator, or simply someone searching for meaning in your work and life, this episode invites you to reflect on your own creative spark—and how it might just change the world around you.

This episode wasn’t the plan—but it was the moment.

Cracked Wide Open is my first solo episode, recorded in the wake of a shift I didn’t see coming. What was supposed to be a guest feature became something else entirely—an invitation to speak from a place of raw truth, vulnerability, and alignment.

In this episode, I share how Think Piece came to be, what it means to reclaim your voice, and why sometimes the universe has bigger plans than the ones we make.

This episode is for “the lovers, the dreamers… and me.”

In this episode of Think Piece, Francisca is joined by indie podcasting pro and Podtastic Audio creator, Chris Smith, for an honest, encouraging, and practical conversation about what it really takes to start a podcast.

From $20 headsets and “figuring it out as you go” to the deeper reason why so many people feel called to create something of their own, this conversation goes beyond gear talk—it’s about soul, intention, and community.

Whether you’re a new podcaster, a lifelong creative, or just curious about how people make magic from their laptops, Chris brings real-talk, humor, and accessible tips on how to make your show sound better—without breaking the bank.

Topics covered:

• Budget-friendly gear that actually works
• The emotional side of creating your own thing
• Why podcasting is more than numbers—it’s connection
• Audio vs. video (and why audio might still be your sweet spot)
• Building a grounded, authentic, creative community
• A behind-the-scenes look at The Podtastic Playbook

This episode is a love letter to indie creators—and a reminder that you don’t need to be famous to make something powerful. Just real.

Do you remember William’s little tape recorder in Almost Famous?

Do you remember how a cassette would sound played back through something like that—raw, fuzzy, real?

That’s exactly what the first three minutes of this recording sound like. Totally unintentional… but weirdly perfect for the vibe.

If you’re someone who appreciates that beautifully imperfect nostalgia, you’ll get it. If not—hang tight. Because after those first few minutes, I sit down with Rob for a conversation that hits deep. We talk about music, connection, and why sound sometimes says what words can’t.

Let the music play

Human Behavior

Welcome to the first episode of Think Piece. In this conversation, I sit down with my friend Matt to talk about human behavior—how we grow, why we sometimes get stuck, and what it means to truly see ourselves and each other.

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a thoughtful exchange between two people trying to make sense of the world and our place in it.

If you’ve ever found yourself reflecting on your own patterns, or wondering why people do the things they do… Lean in.

This one might just be for you.