- New thoughts on productivity & "getting things done"
When I was a younger mom, I put a lot of stock in "getting things done." I'll admit, I felt a little thrill of pride when people would ask "How do you do it all?" The reality, of course, is that I wasn't doing it all then...and I'm definitely not doing it all now! But the way I show up for my to-do list, and my relationship with ambition, are both changing in midlife, which has led my crazy-busy 30s to give way to much-more-meandering 40s.
In this episode I share a handful of ways the idea of "productivity" is changing for me as a midlife mom of older kids, and how sometimes the unsung things that nobody sees you doing are actually the things that add up to a rich, full, and manageable life.
Featured Tea:
Aphrodite from Good Medicine Tea - use TEASMADE for 15% off your order.
Check Out Deals From Our Partners:
OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your entire purchase.
Vionic – with unmatched support and stability, Vionic’s line of shoes and boots are wearable wellbeing for your feet. Use code TEASMADE for 15% off after you log into your account.
Hatch – Well-rested mornings begin with relaxing bedtime routines, and the Hatch Restore 2 offers both. Use code TEA20 for $20 off.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m - Apr 18, 2024 - My skincare products, rituals, & philosophy
Which skincare products, rituals and routines really work (and how do we know they're "working"?) In this episode I share my skincare routine, including specific products I love and how they work together, plus my thoughts about how creating a "skincare philosophy" can make it easier to decide which products, procedures, and processes make sense for YOU.
Episode Links:
How to make gua sha part of your skincare routine
Check Out Deals From Our Partners:
OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your entire purchase.
Vionic – with unmatched support and stability, Vionic’s line of shoes and boots are wearable wellbeing for your feet. Use code TEASMADE for 15% off after you log into your account.
Hatch – Well-rested mornings begin with relaxing bedtime routines, and the Hatch Restore 2 offers both. I wind down AND wake up every single day with customizable colorscapes, sounds, and lighting. Use code TEA20 for $20 off.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy32m - Apr 11, 2024 - Eldercare, "stuff" & family responsibility
What do we owe our elders - and the younger generation who'll one day be in the position of caring for us? After spending a week helping an aging family member who is going through a lot of life changes, I'm reflecting on the misguided cultural idea that we can somehow plan, declutter, or outsource our way out of "burdening" our families with our care, needs, or even our stuff - and what we lose when we rob one another of the opportunity to connect by helping and being helped.
Featured Tea:
Scottish Afternoon Tea from Apothica Tea, or Harney & Sons
Featured Links:
Featured Partners:
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy17m - Apr 4, 2024 - 5 things I've learned from 12 years of podcasting
I started my first podcast in 2012, and have been at it ever since - which means I've been podcasting continuously for twelve years! In today's behind-the-scenes episode I'm sharing my insights on creating a sustainable podcasting lifestyle based on what I've learned over the past twelve years. I'll share my thoughts on everything from choosing a format to working with a cohost, creating a strategy that works with your overall goals, how much time and money to invest in your sound quality, and more. Listen whether you're an aspiring podcaster - or you're just curious how your favorite podcasts get made.
Featured Links:
- The Mom Hour turned 9 years old last week!
- Read the blog post that complements this episode, with specific tech recommendations and information about early access to my podcast mentoring program.
Featured Partners:
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy24m - Mar 28, 2024 - 7 ways to welcome the spring season
Spring is officially here, but after a winter that often felt like spring and with spring weather that still feels a little wintry, we may need to be a little more intentional to connect with the season this year. This episode contains seven simple ideas to help you make the most of the early spring, including:
- Switch up your skincare
- Plan a new daily routine to maximize outdoor time
- Watch wildlife in your backyard and beyond
- Ease into spring fashion from the feet up
Listen on for tips and ideas that will help you welcome the season, here on The Tea's Made podcast!
Featured Tea:
Featured Links:
*links below may be brand partners
- My skin care routine - use the code TEASMADE for 10% off your first order at OSEA!
- Uptown Loafer from Vionic Shoes - Use the code TEASMADE for 15% off plus free shipping when you create an account, valid for one time use.
- The platform bird feeder I have and love
- The Merlin Bird ID app
- The Seek app
- Midwest Foraging, by Lisa M. Rose
- Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn't Know You Could Eat, by Ellen Zachos
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy20m - Mar 21, 2024 - Family, legacy, and memoir with T. Marie Bertineau
How do memoirists manage to tell the truth about painful circumstances in their past, while still keeping a grip on compassion and levity? In today's episode I talk with memoirist T. Marie Bertineau about how she processed difficult childhood memories to write about her family of origin with both love and honesty. We also discuss her upbringing in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and what she's learned about life and legacy as a writer, midlife woman, and memoirist.
Episode Links:
- The Mason House by T. Marie Bertineau
- Follow T. Marie' on instagram
- The Great Lakes Review featuring T. Marie's short story
Featured Partners:
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy36m - Mar 14, 2024 - What's happening in my kitchen right now
From fermenting oatmeal, to making yogurt, to tending my own tea plant--I've been up to some fun experiments in my kitchen lately. In this episode I'll share some of the ways I've been focused on exploration in the kitchen, why kitchen creativity is one path to becoming more comfortable with the everyday jobs of meal-planning and dinner-making, which of my kitchen projects have worked out and which are still "in progress", why I'm not eating at restaurants very much right now, and how all this kitchen activity ties into self-care and my personal health journey.
Featured Tea
Gorge Sunrise from Good Medicine Tea - use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order.
Episode Links
- Deconstructing myself - the Substack post I referenced in the episode
- Ancestral Kitchen Podcast - in particular the episode about fermenting oats
- My blog post about making oatmeal in the rice cooker
- Finnish viili cultures from Yemoos
- Camellia Sinensis (tea) plant
- My subscriber-only podcast episode about soaking, simmering and preparing beans
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy22m - Mar 7, 2024 - My talk at church, and a little something about me you may not know
While I love sharing pieces of my life in this podcast, there's one big part that I haven't talked much about online--and that's my story of a midlife return to the Christian faith.
In this episode, I explain a little more about that reticence and also share a talk I gave at my local church last week, which features a funny story from my childhood and some of my thoughts and feelings about this stage of parenting, plus sheds a little light on my conflicted feelings about the Bible -- and how I came around to seeing the beauty in its stories of real people doing real things, while finding belonging and hope in its pages.
I hope you enjoy it - and if you feel moved by this episode or have questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you: email meaganfrancis@gmail.com.
Episode Links
Want to see me over-gesturing with my hands? You can watch the entirety of my talk on Vimeo, including the music: Gloria Gaynor, Killers, The Head & The Heart, and The Civil Wars. I come on around the 9:40 mark.
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy32m - Feb 29, 2024 - Cozy & Creative Spaces with Sarah Powers
Do certain areas in your home inspire you creatively? What's the link between comfort and creativity? In this episode I'm joined by Sarah Powers, my cohost at The Mom Hour, to talk about our favorite cozy spaces and why they help us feel more ready to create.
Episode Links
- Order Sarah's and my new guided journal, The Mother's Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone Moments, launching March 5!
- Milk Oolong Meagan was drinking
- Yogi herbal tisane that Sarah was drinking
- The Pottery Barn blanket that Sarah gifted Meagan
- Quince blanket that Sarah referenced
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy35m - Feb 22, 2024 - Why mobility training is an essential mind-body practice, with Angela Metrou, CPT
When you think about exercise, what moves you? Maybe you want to drop a pants size or tone up your arms. But movement isn't just about looking better - it's about staying active and vital for our entire lives. And it all beings with mobility: where flexibility, stability and strength, and the mind-body connection meet.
In this episode we revisit a 2023 interview with Angela Metrou of Modern Mind and Body Care to find out just why this under-looked aspect of our overall health is so important, and how to work with your body to move more efficiently and functionally, no matter your age or fitness goals.
Episode Links
Find Angela Metrou at her website or on Instagram. Also, check out her Ankle Mobility program!
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m - Feb 15, 2024 - Tea as self-care with Laura Cepeda of Modestine
Tea is a beverage, a trade, a historical phenomenon - and so much more. In this episode I revisit my 2022 conversation with Laura Cepeda, certified tea sommelier and owner of the wellness lifestyle brand Modestine. Laura was introduced to tea by her grandmother Modestine at a young age, and we talk about her early tea experiences while growing up in the Caribbean, how her grandmother's approach to community and wellness influenced her, her experience of becoming a tea sommelier, and just why tea and rituals around tea are so powerful.
Episode Links
Shop Modestine's line of teas, and follow on Instagram!
Featured Tea:
Queendom Reign by Modestine - a delicious and calming blend of herbs that support women's hormone health.
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy33m - Feb 8, 2024 - My book pile (+ evolving reading habits)
What books are on my bedside table right now? In this episode I share four titles - all of them featuring topics I love like nature, herbal medicine, winter appreciation, and gardening - plus a sneak peek at my ever-evolving reading life and habits.
Episode Links:
Listen to my episode about rediscovering reading in midlife and my daily reading practices
Learn more about the books in this episode in this episode's companion post!
Featured Tea:
Breakfast in ROC - A mild Earl Grey, blended in Rochester, NY!
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy17m - Feb 1, 2024 - All about BEANS: A sneak peek of this week's exclusive bonus episode!
Beans: It was my (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) WOTY for 2024, and eating more of them is my only New Year's Resolution. How am I doing with this very lofty legume goal?
Listen here for a free sneak peek of this exclusive subscriber-only episode, and if you'd like to hear the whole thing, you can find the full episode here. Or, just feel free to catch up on the archives while you wait. I'll be back next week with another free episode of The Tea's Made!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy8m - Jan 25, 2024 - 6 ways I'm staying warm & cozy right now
The winter is finally here in earnest, and right now I’m all about staying warm and cozy. Listen to learn a DIY idea to keep you snug, how I keep my hands and legs warm on long walks, my improvised, bean-forward soup recipe, and more!
Episode Links:
- Join me on Substack for exclusive episodes on the last Thursday of each month!
- The ridiculously soft and cozy Pottery Barn blanket Sarah Powers gifted me
- The WoolX Leggings I live in
- My Substack post about eating more beans in 2024
- The rechargeable hand warmers I’m eyeballing
- Leaning into a “tea lifestyle”
Featured Partners
Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy17m - Jan 18, 2024 - My #TeaLife + your tea questions, answered!
It's obvious: I love tea! But how do I incorporate it into my life, and what are my favorite ways to choose, brew, and enjoy it? In the tenth episode of this podcast, I dig a little deeper into my #tealife and share my rituals, practices, and preferences around tea – plus, I answer a bunch of great listener questions about how to brew tea, my favorite strainers and accessories, and more! Warm up that kettle and get out your favorite cup – it’s time for a #TeaLife primer on this episode of The Tea’s Made.
Featured Links:
- Here’s an inexpensive example of the kind of simple tea strainer insert I use. David’s Tea mugs often come with similar strainers and also feature a lid that doubles as a saucer.
- Help me choose a tea kettle – I’ve got three great contenders up on Substack!
- Check out my article featuring my favorite teas of 2023 plus some thoughts about creating a “tea lifestyle”, both on Substack!
Featured Partners:
Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m - Jan 11, 2024 - Reinventing gently in 2024
Feeling pressure to "reinvent" yourself this year? In this episode of The Tea's Made, I encourage a gentler approach to reimagining your life, plus share what I call the three C's - conviction, confidence, and consistency - that are vital to making lasting changes. Grab a cup of tea and your favorite journal - it's time for a cozy session of gentle reinvention!
Featured Links:
Check out my Substack article featuring my favorite teas of 2023 plus some thoughts about creating a "tea lifestyle".
Featured Partners:
Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy25m - Jan 4, 2024 - Yes, you ARE creative! With writer & creativity coach Amy Suardi
Do you think of yourself as “the creative type”? Maybe you think creativity is something that’s only for artists with a capital “A” – people like painters, dancers, and writers. In our current production-oriented culture, we often overlook the creativity inherent in our daily lives, but the truth is: we are all creative people, and we all have the capacity to live more creative lives. In today’s episode of The Tea’s Made podcast I speak with writer and creativity coach Amy Suardi about how “normal” people doing everyday activities are more creative than you might think. Amy also shares some advice for infusing more creativity into. your life. Let this episode inspire you to approach the New Year with more creativity!
Featured Guest:
Amy Suardi is a writer, author, and creativity coach. Amy leads writing retreats and workshops, and facilitates a Co-Create Circle on Wednesday mornings at The Tea Circle community. Follow Amy on Instagram or sign up for her newsletter.
Featured Partners
Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy31m - Dec 28, 2023 - Want to love winter? Borrow these Nordic ideas.
How do you feel about the winter? Do you embrace the frosty air and darker mornings and earlier sunsets…or do you find yourself gritting your teeth through it all and waiting for spring? A few years ago I realized I could use an attitude adjustment about this time of the year and I thought, who better to look to for inspiration than the people who live in Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland?
In this episode of The Tea’s Made, we explore a handful of Nordic principles for good living. From cozy hygge to stalwart sisu, these words tell us a lot about the balance that allows northern cultures to thrive in harsh winter climates. So get your hot beverage and snuggle down under a cozy blanket, or, put on your boots and walk out into the fresh cold air - we’re going to explore both of these approaches to happy winter living and more.
Featured Tea:
- Paris blend from Apothica Teas
- A similar Paris Decaf black tea blend is available from Harney & Sons
Featured Links:
- Current favorite N/A beer: Partake Blonde
- Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda – another great mocktail maker! I drink mine straight over ice.
- Article about fika on SwedishFood.com
- Article about friluftsliv on VisitNorway.com
- My article about hygge in Michigan Blue magazine.
- A blog post I wrote about sisu in 2021
- Wim Hof method I mentioned in the episode
- Join my year-long book club!
Featured Partners
Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy24m - Dec 21, 2023 - Easy holiday crafts you can still make before Christmas
What could be cozier than a holiday crafting session? In this episode I share four simple projects that you can still squeeze into this holiday season. Each project should only take a couple of hours at most and the ingredients can easily be found online or at your local grocery store or craft store. So fill your cup and settle in for a holiday crafting sesh with me in this episode of The Tea’s Made podcast.
Featured Tea:
Celebration from Harney & Sons is a black tea blend with hazelnut, apricot, and cinnamon flavoring. It’s a warming, mellow, festive tea that’s perfect for this time of year – and all winter long.
Featured Links:
Find the supplies and tutorials for today’s episode in this post!
Featured Partners
Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy21m - Dec 14, 2023 - How to keep walking (outside), all winter long
Raise your hand if you always intend to keep walking outside throughout the winter…but year after year, you find those walks dwindling away to “never” or “rarely.” There’s something about the mix of the weather getting colder, the days getting shorter, and the holidays crowding your time that can make it really hard to keep getting outdoors this time of year, but winter walking has amazing benefits – and it’s worth creating an intentional practice that keeps you moving! In today’s episode I share my strategies for getting outside on the regular all year long, including some recommendations of gear and clothing. So pull on your wool leggings and a warm hat, and take this episode of The Tea’s Made out on a walk with you!
Featured Links:
Featured Tea: Heartwarming Cinnamon from Light of Day Organics
A warming, cozy, naturally sweet rooibos tea – hearty and full-bodied, but caffeine free. Made here in Michigan!
Join A Super-Slow Book Club @ The Tea Circle!
My private community, The Tea Circle, will be hosting a year-long book club starting the first week of winter. We’ll be reading The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl, a week-by-week essay collection with themes of nature and the seasons. Join now to access the book club plus weekly co-create circles, monthly chats, goal-setting workshops and much more.
Featured Sponsor: Vionic
With unbelievable support and stability, to-the-minute style, and an unbeatable 30-day wear test, Vionic footwear is wearable well-being for your feet. The Regan Ankle Bootie is my new date-night fave. Use code TEASMADE at checkout for 15% off your first order when you log into your account!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy19m - Dec 7, 2023