Mysterious Goings On with Alex Greenwood
Explore the world of creativity and writing with Mysterious Goings On with J. Alexander Greenwood. Named a 2022 Top 5 Literature Podcast by CrowdUltra and a "New & Noteworthy" show by Apple Podcasts in 2016, this show is a magnet for top-selling authors and creative minds. Subscribe to embark on an enthralling journey through the world of creativity and literature. Website: https://mgopod.com/ Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/j-alexander-greenwood/subscribe
Episodes
On this special Independence Day episode, Alex steps away from fiction and into the present-day reality of a nation at a crossroads.
Dispirit of ’76 (also published on Substack) is a personal roadtrip through American optimism—what it was, what it’s become, and whether we still have the will to pursue the “beautiful world” promised in Donald Fagen’s 1982 track “I.G.Y.”
Along the way, Alex revisits key moments in U.S. history—from 1...
In this episode, we explore the power of imperfection.
From fictional characters who’ve survived trauma, addiction, grief, and self-sabotage, to real-life reflections on what it means to show up anyway—this is a tribute to the flawed, the functional, and the quietly heroic.
✅ Why competence is its own kind of courage
✅ How storytelling helps us reframe resilience
✅ The link between emotional wounds and meaningful work
✅ ...
Host J. Alex Greenwood riffs on Harlan Ellison’s legendary “Pay the Writer” rant and explains why writing for “exposure” often ends in creative bankruptcy.
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What can a scrappy Little League C team teach us about courage, accountability, and democracy?
In this episode, Alex steps back into right field—the place where misfit ballplayers and underdogs get benched—only to discover it’s where some of life’s toughest (and truest) lessons are learned.
From a coach who looked more Grateful Dead than gridiron, to a ground ball that literally knocked the wind out of him, Alex unpacks why standing...
In this heartfelt Father's Day reflection, Alex Greenwood shares his evolving role as a father, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, protection, and trust in parenting.
Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, ultimately highlighting the goal of fostering a strong, trusting relationship with his daughter as she grows into her own person.
Alex Greenwood explores the multifaceted nature of persuasion, particularly in writing and storytelling. He discusses how writers use persuasion to create believable narratives, the ethical implications of persuasion in various fields, and the importance of trust in the writer-reader relationship.
Through examples from fiction, public relations, and law, he highlights the thin line between persuasion and manipulation, urging listen...
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Alex explores the decline of a shared sense of purpose in America, emphasizing the importance of civic understanding, empathy, and community. He discusses how societal divisions have been exacerbated by misinformation and a lack of civic education, leading to a fragmented democracy.
He advocates for a return to the American ideal of unity and cooperation, urging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and support civics educatio...
Alex shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples illustrating the theme that good intentions often lead to unexpected and ungrateful consequences. Through stories from his student government days and various historical examples, he reflects on the challenges faced by those who try to do good in the world, emphasizing the importance of perseverance despite the potential for backlash.
So, do your good deed for the day and listen ...
From “loosing” your keys to earning “money” in your “spare” time, we explore the accidental sarcasm of grammar gone rogue. If you’ve ever been personally victimized by a misused apostrophe or ironic quotation marks, this one’s for you.
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It's graduation season!
In his version of a commencement speech, Alex Greenwood shares candid insights and life lessons for graduates, emphasizing the importance of embracing luck, learning from failure, and building meaningful relationships. He encourages listeners to cultivate emotional intelligence, set boundaries, and live fully by appreciating life's seasons.
With a blend of humor and sincerity, Greenwood offers practic...
What if I told you that America’s real divide isn’t red vs. blue—but rule followers vs. reflexive rebels?
That we’ve mistaken rebellion for personality, and defiance for strength?
In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the rise of oppositional behavior as a dominant cultural force—why being told “no” is the new national trauma, and how it’s reshaping everything from politics to the office break room.
In this excerpt from our sister show PR After Hours, theatre critic and senior editor at Intelligent Relations guest Chris Caggiano delivers sharp, entertaining takes on George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck and Bill Burr’s Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross. If you love smart, no-nonsense theatre talk, this is for you.
Come for the theatre appetizer, stay for the AI meal — because the full conversation iterates into...
What do Dungeons & Dragons, TikTok, and 17th-century witch trials have in common?
They all played starring roles in full-blown moral panics—times when society lost its mind over exaggerated or imaginary threats.
In today’s episode, Alex explores how moral panics take hold, who profits from them, and why the real damage often lasts long after the headlines fade.
If you've ever wondered why outrage feels contagious—and ...
Alex explores the societal pressure to express outrage online, questioning the value of performative empathy versus meaningful action. He discusses the implications of outrage culture, emotional coercion, and the need for diverse forms of engagement in the pursuit of social justice.
He emphasizes that real change often comes from quieter, sustained efforts rather than loud displays of outrage.
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🩺 NEW Bonus Episode: “The Day My Doctor Snapped”🎧 Once only available for paid subscribers of Mysterious Goings On + and All the Fits That’s News. ... listen in now and get a sample of paid subscriber content!
For less than the price of a cup of coffee, get free episodes like this!
When my trusted doctor snapped at me during a recent visit, it wasn’t a betrayal—it was a warning sign. What followed was a reckoning with a he...
Alex explores the concept of the 'Mystery Box Presidency,' a political strategy that utilizes suspense and ambiguity to engage the public while diverting attention from concrete policies.
Drawing parallels between storytelling techniques in entertainment and political governance, Alex discusses the implications of this approach, including the risks of chaos, confusion, and erosion of accountability, warning against the pitf...
Alex explores the significance of names and identity in the digital age, reflecting on how social media has transformed our connections and interactions. He discusses the implications of tribalism, the loss of individual identity, and the importance of recognizing the humanity behind names and beliefs.
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Alex draws parallels between the ancient Library of Alexandria and the modern digital landscape, highlighting the gradual erosion of knowledge and truth in the information age. He discusses the historical decline of the library, the rise of misinformation, and the importance of critical thinking and information literacy in combating these issues.
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Alex discusses the evolving landscape of podcasting, emphasizing the lack of gatekeepers and the responsibility that comes with having a platform. He reflects on his journey from journalism to podcasting, the importance of vetting guests, and the challenges posed by misinformation in today's media environment.
Alex advocates for accountability and the need to provide meaningful content to audiences, rather than succumbing to se...
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