What is one topic you love to talk about?

The fur babies. I can talk for days about my sweet pups and kitties — and yours too. I also love hearing about bunnies, hamsters, guinea pigs…I love to talk about pretty much any pet you’ve got. Then there’s this TikTok guy who feeds deer at his house. He’s named them, too.

@tiktoklynnsmith

♬ original sound – Deer Whisperer ATX

‘But so, suppose there was a magical wizard standing right in front of you and you could turn your life into anything you wanted, what would you do?’ For example: What, who, where, why?

Animal rescue. I’d create a sanctuary in the country where injured animals can rehab with space for cats and dogs to live if they run out of time at the shelter.

Could you adjust to life without any internet?

I like to think I can adjust to anything but I won’t lie, it would be hard. The internet gives me quick access to things like how long a basked potato can safely be stored in the fridge.

What do you think is unique about the human ‘animal’ (homo sapien)?

As far as I can tell humans are the only animals that can be convinced to work against their own self-interest. Everything else in the animal kingdom follows an instinct for self-preservation.

Share some encouraging words that you’d say to someone who was feeling down.

Honestly — and this might just be me — when I’m feeling down most encouraging words piss me off. Things like “this will pass” or “you’re strong enough to make it through” rub me wrong because damn, I feel like crap, stop trying to talk me out of my feelings. That’s why my version of encouraging words is something like “I’m sorry you’re struggling, I’m here if you want to talk” or “I’m bringing you dinner, what’s your favorite food?”

Sparks from a Combustible Mind hosts Share Your World.