The Extroverts Weren’t Okay

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Colleen

At first it was fun
Getting paid to stay home
Watching shitty reality TV, and
Documentaries about tiger kings and queens
Working from the dining room in our sweats
Planting flowers and baking sourdough bread

Then, the days turned deadlier, the situation got real
Actual reality was a somber, scary, frustrating deal
Divided by so-called leaders and bad faith actors
How can you stand united together when
Only half of you believe in truths and facts?

Oops, I digress.
It’s easy to do that with a topic like this.

So, there we were, all at home.
Emails became meetings.
Meetings became emails.
And we didn’t have to see anyone we didn’t want to!

And while we were home, working alone,
The introverts thrived
But the extroverts weren’t okay.

I got sadder and sadder, weirder and weirder
Without in-person social interaction,
My battery rarely recharged,
Often feeling like the world was ending in more ways than one
I am extrovert. I wasn’t okay.

My energy had no way out, and so it went inwards
Burning a hole in my chest, heart, and soul
Internally, I imploded.
Externally, I exploded.
The shrapnel barely missed those I cared most about.

I got tired, slept in more.
My beloved took on the early mornings,
and the daytimes and evenings,
and night times and life times…
While I struggled to function as a human being
And spent all of my time trying to remember what patience felt like

I was just so tired,
I needed something to light a fire.

It wasn’t just me
All of my fellow hard Es
Were collectively struggling
We needed connection, whether we knew it or not

So, the days passed, and we put on our masks
Left the house for our tasks
Living for the chance to conversate
It gave us a quick charge,
But it didn’t last long
Being cooped up at home just felt wrong

The introverts thrived
Alone time to recharge was their vibe
But the extroverts weren’t okay.

Still, we all did our best.
Zoom meetings! An excuse to get dressed!
Otherwise, doing work Slacks in sweats
Wondering when it would end
as we all hedged our bets
On just how long we could keep up the pretend.

Because while we were at home, coping alone,
The introverts thrived
But the extroverts weren’t okay.

Written 2021-2023; Put into poem form Oct 12, 2024-Feb 4,2025

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The Monsters Feast

Posted on June 21, 2025 by Colleen

Our age of power is coming to an end.
It’s being dismantled by monsters from within.
I think about it as I lie awake in bed.
How could we let this happen?

In a way, we did it to ourselves.
Easily distracted by shiny squirrels.
But these monsters had a long-term plan,
And they’re stomping all over us.

Power wrestled from the people, who willingly ceded it.
Watching helplessly as the monsters feast.

It’s hard to admit when you’re wrong.
The road to injustice is short, but the pavement is long.
And some prefer to ban all umbrellas,
Rather than help their own neighbors keep dry.

So, what can we do?
What else besides screaming ourselves blue?
Are the only people who’ll care
the ones who already knew?

The warning bell was ringing, but not enough heeded it.
And now we cling for our lives as the zone floods with shit.

Is it enough to share memes to make others aware?
And if they’re aware, will they even care?
Or will they scurry back to their echo chamber
and lock the door?

Are we too late to stop them?

Are the lines so drawn? Is the hate so strong?
Will you burn your block down and watch your own home burn?
Just so your neighbors know that they don’t belong?

Power wrestled from the people, who willing ceded it.
Throwing it all away just to help the monsters feast.

Our age of power is coming to an end.
It’s being dismantled by monsters from within.
I think about it as I lay awake in bed.
How could we let this happen?

Written February 12, 2025.
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25 Years is a Long Time.

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Colleen

My dear, sweet, talented, brilliant friend. I cannot believe it’s 25 years.

I have this memory of you from (I think) 5th grade. Our music teacher was working with you for a chorus solo. Maybe we were doing Grease, maybe it was just random. Anyway, she said something like, “It’s in this key” or “It’s these notes” and without hesitation, you went, “So like this?” and adjusted your singing on the spot. I was so impressed that you just knew how to do that. You were so cool and kind.

I miss you, Cassie. I hope you’re still sight-singing with the angels.

I am forever grateful to have known you for that short 14 years. You changed my life.

“Nothing ever so common.”
12.20.83 – 5.17.98
 💚💚💚

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The Broadcast Ep. 7.29 “Guten Tag! Guten Tag!”

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Colleen

I’m working on two different blog posts about our trip to Germany last week. I’m hoping to have one finished by this evening, but it always takes me forever to go through pictures! In the meantime, here’s the most recent episode of The Broadcast, in which I spend roughly a half hour talking about our trip. The blog post will be similar, only, as mentioned above, there will be pictures!

This morning, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, we will be hosting a champagne brunch over Zoom to celebrate episode #300!!! I can’t believe we’re at 300 and better go get to prepping for it (aka showering lol). If you’re seeing this before we start and can pop in, I hope you will. 🙂 Otherwise, you can listen to it when it’s released on Friday, February 17. 🙂

Official description:

Colleen is back from Germany and shares some tales from the trip. The Broads also discuss packing cubes (it’s way more interesting than it sounds!), long car rides, The Grammys, inappropriate songs that we sang as kids without knowing what the lyrics meant, TLC and the Spice Girls, and more. What book/author’s books are always in every Free Little Library?! Are macaroons a cookie or a pastry?

Here is our planned schedule from now until May. These are the notable dates/topics. Dates not mentioned indicate a regular episode or a week off.

  • February 12: Live champagne brunch to celebrate our 300th episode!
  • February 14: Wednesday (Netflix) (Release date: Feb. 24)
  • March 14: Now and Then and Stand By Me
  • April 11: Yellowjackets S2 The Handmaid’s Tale (season 5)
  • May 9: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Book and movie

Here’s a handy list of some of the platforms you can subscribe to and/or listen to The Broadcast on. If you’re searching for us on another platform or to add us to whatever app you use, you may have better luck searching for us as “The Broadcast with Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen” since there are a few other shows called The Broadcast.

Additionally, the audio from all of the Jay + Jack Productions podcasts get uploaded automatically to this YouTube channel, so if listening to podcasts that way is your thing, there you go!

Listen to “Ep. 7.29 “Guten Tag! Guten Tag!”” on Spreaker.

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The Broadcast Ep. 7.28 “Greek Life Gone Woke”

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Colleen

I hate doing back-to-back posts about the same subject, but it’s been a busy week. I was working on a book review post but ran out of time to finish it. More posts about things that aren’t The Broadcast episodes next week, I promise! I’ll also get back to my weekly challenge too.

This week’s episode of The Broadcast is dedicated to talking about Season 2 of “The Sex Lives of College Girls.” Of course, we go off on a few tangents, like the history of Greek life, but manage to pretty much stay on topic. Here’s the very to-the-point episode description. If you watched this season of the show, I hope you’ll give it a listen!

Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen talk about Season 2 of The Sex Lives of College Girls. Spoilers start around 15:20, give or take commercials.

Here is our planned schedule from now until May. These are the notable dates/topics. Dates not mentioned indicate a regular episode or a week off.

  • February 12: Live champagne brunch to celebrate our 300th episode!
  • February 14: Wednesday (Netflix) (Release date: Feb. 24)
  • March 14: Now and Then and Stand By Me
  • April 11: Yellowjackets S2
  • May 9: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Book and movie

Here’s a handy list of some of the platforms you can subscribe to and/or listen to The Broadcast on. If you’re searching for us on another platform or to add us to whatever app you use, you may have better luck searching for us as “The Broadcast with Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen” since there are a few other shows called The Broadcast.

Additionally, the audio from all of the Jay + Jack Productions podcasts get uploaded automatically to this YouTube channel, so if listening to podcasts that way is your thing, there you go!

Posted in The Broadcast | Leave a comment

The Broadcast Ep. 7.27 “Only Murders on the Podcast”

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Colleen

Another Friday = Another new episode of The Broadcast. This week’s episode clocks in at 1 hr, 5 min and covers a lot of ground, including a list of TV shows coming out in 2023. We also had an appearance by Shandy’s new kitten, Lina, while we were talking about new TV shows. We also did a bonus show for the Bonus-level Patrons that came out on Wednesday. On the bonus show, we switched it up a little bit from the usual clips that were cut from regular episodes and did two segments – “For Patrons’ Ears Only” and Mad Libs. The Mad Libs were so much fun.

But back to Ep. 7.27! Here’s the official description:

Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen make plans for their live 300th episode and announce their schedule from now through May. The Riccisance is coming! They also chat about flying internationally and getting a passport, Knives Out, and go through a list of new TV shows coming out in 2023.  The debate rages on regarding dog poop in trash cans and Shandy gets #vindicated about her great haircut question.

We also sat down to plan out the next several months of Broadcast episodes. Here are the notable dates/topics. Dates not mentioned indicate a regular episode:

  • January 27: The Sex Lives of College Girls S2 (Release date: Feb. 3)
  • February 12: Live champagne brunch to celebrate our 300th episode!
  • February 14: Wednesday (Netflix) (Release date: Feb. 24)
  • March 14: Now and Then and Stand By Me
  • April 11: Yellowjackets S2
  • May 9: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Book and movie

Here’s a handy list of some of the platforms you can subscribe to and/or listen to The Broadcast on. If you’re searching for us on another platform or to add us to whatever app you use, you may have better luck searching for us as “The Broadcast with Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen” since there are a few other shows called The Broadcast.

Additionally, the audio from all of the Jay + Jack Productions podcasts get uploaded automatically to this YouTube channel, so if listening that way is your thing, there you go!

Listen to “Ep. 7.27 “Only Murders on the Podcast”” on Spreaker.

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Breakfast Sliders!

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Colleen

We’re pretty basic, so when it comes to making a special occasion breakfast, 80% of the time, we will just default to cinnamon rolls and the other 20% of the time, donuts. We decided to change it up for our early Christmas morning breakfast last month and make a recipe for cheese and sausage breakfast sliders that I found on Pinterest. They were delicious and very filling. I only had two of them and I was full until late afternoon. The maple syrup makes them a bit decadent but otherwise, I’d recommend giving them a try if you’re looking to switch it up a little bit. Most importantly, the kids liked them. That’s a win. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

    • Ground pork sausage (We used the Jimmy Dean’s sausage rolls)
    • 12 Hawaiian rolls, or other slider buns
    • 8 large eggs, scrambled
    • 6 slices pepper jack or cheddar cheese
    • 8 slices American cheese
    • 1/2 cup butter, melted
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Continue reading →

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2023 Writing Challenge: Week 2

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Colleen

Woot, I made it back for week 2. I’m still trying to get my creative writing groove back, so to gently ease myself back into that mode, I went with a simple yet fun writing prompt. This prompt comes from the sequel to my beloved 642 Things to Write About book, titled, 712 More Things to Write About.

Write a haiku about breakfast.

Since only doing one haiku seemed like an easy way out, I decided to write four haikus, one for each person in my household. Let’s go.

Colleen:

Continue reading →

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The Broadcast Ep. 7.26 “Shandy’s Blowout”

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Colleen

A new episode of The Broadcast was released yesterday (Friday, January 20). This week, we were joined in the chat by some of our Hangout-level Patrons and had a grand old time, as always. As always, this episode went places, including a minor debate regarding whether or not your wash your hair right after you get your haircut. What team are you on? Happy Listening!

Official description:

On this week’s episode, there are three Broads having three different Januaries: Dry, damp, and wet. They also talk about Colleen’s upcoming Germany trip, DNA and serial killers, and how dental insurance in the United States is a racket. The Broads also go on an AITA blitz and Shandy seeks knowledge on an age-old question: Do you shower after a haircut? Also, let’s keep our intestines to ourselves!

Unfortunately, we are going to have to postpone our recording our annual crossover episode with The Real Weird Sisters. We hope to get a new date for that soon! On January 27, we’re going to be recording an episode talking about Season 2 of “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” which will be released on Tuesday, February 3.

Listen to “Ep. 7.26 "Shandy's Blowout"” on Spreaker.

Here’s a handy list of some of the platforms you can subscribe to and/or listen to The Broadcast on. If you’re searching for us on another platform or to add us to whatever app you use, you may have better luck searching for us as “The Broadcast with Amanda, Shandy, and Colleen” since there are a few other shows called The Broadcast.

Additionally, the audio from all of the Jay + Jack Productions podcasts get uploaded automatically to this YouTube channel, so if listening that way is your thing, there you go!

Posted in The Broadcast | Leave a comment

Movie Review: Plane

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Colleen

I love a good cheesy action flick. It if comes out in January or August, I’m probably gonna love it, haha. Extra points if things go boom and characters make such stupid decisions in an intense moment that it makes you laugh out loud. So, when we saw the trailer for an action movie starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter (Luke Cage!!!) with a mid-January release, I knew I was all in.

There’s not a ton to say about Plane other than it lives up to expectations. First, the fucking title is simply PLANE. That’s it. Not “Lost Plane” or “Plane Has Fallen” (see what I did there?) or “The Flight from Singapore” or even “From Singapore to Tokyo with CRASH.” Just “Plane.” I mean…respect.

The plot is simple: It’s New Year’s Eve and a Scottish widower/single dad pilot is making the last flight of his shift and it’s from Singapore to Toyko. Then, he’s supposed to join his college-age daughter in Hawaii to celebrate New Year’s. He promises her sooo hard that he’ll be there that really, he jinxed himself with that one. He flies for some super budget airline (like Spirit or what people keep telling us Southwest is, even though Southwest hasn’t been even close to an affordable airline in like 6 years lololll). ~Plot twist~ There’s a bad storm going down and even though the flight only has 14 passengers on the manifest, the budget airline orders him to take flight, right through the storm. As you can imagine, it goes poorly and the plane has to make an emergency landing on an island in the middle of nowhere.

Is it a deserted island? OF COURSE IT’S NOT!!

Continue reading →

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