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Meagan Francis에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Meagan Francis 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis
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Meagan Francis에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Meagan Francis 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
Reflections on living wisely and well in a manic modern world. Conversations about midlife motherhood, food, creativity, and living well, shared over a hot cup of tea.
meaganfrancis.substack.com
…
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meaganfrancis.substack.com
77 에피소드
모두 재생(하지 않음)으로 표시
Manage series 2933672
Meagan Francis에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Meagan Francis 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
Reflections on living wisely and well in a manic modern world. Conversations about midlife motherhood, food, creativity, and living well, shared over a hot cup of tea.
meaganfrancis.substack.com
…
continue reading
meaganfrancis.substack.com
77 에피소드
모든 에피소드
×This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com Monthly Journal episodes and the accompanying post, which includes links to our upcoming community events, are a benefit for paying members of The Kettle. As a reminder, annual memberships to The Kettle are on sale through June 5 - just $30/year. Happy June, friends. I don’t know about you, but over the last week, I feel like the world around me has just come… alive . Everywhere I look, leaves are leafing, buds are budding, and blooms are blooming. Our world can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing place right now - but then, it always has been, hasn’t it? It’s equally true that it’s wild and wonderful and full of life - and how lucky we are, to quote the musical Hamilton , to be alive right now. In this month’s Journal episode - now reserved for paying members of The Kettle - I’m focusing on little things that feel alive - and help ME feel alive - in the place and season we’re in. From getting my kitchen routines back on track after the disruption of my book launch, to watching my garden grow, to starting a new fiction project (which I’ll tell you all about in the episode,) there are so many ways my world just feels ALIVE in this particular moment of time. I can’t to share them with you in the June Journal episode of The Kettle podcast. Listen here or in your favorite podcast app!…
Hello friend, Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve given eleven livestreamed interviews and three or four (or was it five?) podcast interviews. I’ve been on TV twice, done two in-person signing events and have two more coming this weekend. And my book has only been out for nine days. A launch is an exercise in stamina, and this one is hitting me pretty differently at 47 than it did when I wrote my last book as a wee lass of 34. Other things have changed since then, too; namely, how much I find myself leaning on the generosity of other writers and creators to help me get the word out. Between 2007-2011, when I wrote my other books, publicity looked pretty different. It was more about trying to hit up the big outlets and hoping you landed appearances on the Today show or Good Morning America ; maybe an op-ed in the New York Times. Today, in the age of social media, podcasts, and Substack, publishers expect authors to lean much more heavily on our personal networks to spread the word. It’s wonderful that so many of my friends have bona fide mini-media-empires of their own, but it’s also a little wearying to have to work my way around my circle of friends, friendlies, and not-exactly-friends-but-we-met-at-a-conference-one-time acquaintances, hoping they’ll have interest in my book and time to read and share it. But over and over again, I’ve been blown away by the generosity I’ve encountered. Starting with Gretchen Rubin , KJ Dell'Antonia , Mary Laura Philpott, Ashlee Gadd and Sarah Powers , who all agreed to “blurb” (provide advance praise) for my book, even though four of the five of them do not also own a business with me (in fact, Mary Laura didn’t know me at all.) Christine Koh and Laura Vanderkam were among the first to offer to interview me for their podcasts. Fellow West Michigan author (and Jenna’s-Book-Club novelist) Bonnie Jo Campbell sent me the most gracious and encouraging email offering to connect me to bookstore owners in her area. And eleven Substackers agreed to interview me LIVE on release day (all the recordings are linked up in this post .) When I say that these acts were generous, I don’t only mean the generosity of another creator offering me access to their audience or knowledge. Of course that is generous, but that’s also the way this business works - we swap promo for content and contact for contact; in many ways these exchanges are reciprocal. But in this experience, the generosity ran deeper than the simple exchange of value. I’ve come away with the feeling that people really showed up for me and this book - not just by doing the expected I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine stuff, but by putting all their attention into our live conversations (not a single phoned-in interview in the lot), by cheering my launch on social and at in-person events, by reading my words with a generosity of spirit, and by continuing to go above and beyond in sharing it after our scheduled interviews were over (I mean, just look at the display of writerly generosity in this lovely post by Asha Dornfest :) I’ve had a lot of conversations recently with other friends (both writers and non-writers) that seem to always, in some way, circle back around to generosity: how good it feels to be generous, and yet how difficult it can feel to make space for generosity when we all feel busy and overstretched in a world where there is both so much need and so much distraction. How hard it is sometimes to tell the difference between genuine generosity, the kind that pours out of the overflow, and the kind of giving where we just drain ourselves dry in order to feel more worthy or “good.” After feeling so inspired by the outpouring of generosity I’ve received, I have been reflecting on this for the last few days. A few ideas have come to mind: 1. It helps to make time and space for generosity. I like to think of myself as a generous person, but my best intentions can get the best of me. When I feel too busy or strapped for time, those generous acts I really want to make time for tend to slip through my fingers. I think somewhere in my subconscious I’ve held on to a belief that if generosity is scheduled or planned, that it somehow doesn’t “count” - that “true” generosity bubbles up spontaneously when a need arises. But for me, that kind of attitude just leaves a lot of good intentions unfulfilled, because when the urge strikes me to be generous, I am not always in a position to act on that urge. And by the time I can do something for the person I want to help, I’ve often gotten caught up in the next thing on my list, or I’ve literally forgotten. So the other day I thought: I wonder what it would look like if I actually set aside a chunk of time each week specifically to do things for others? Whether a small, simple thing, like sharing my writer friends’ work online - or something more resource-consuming, like volunteering time or donating money to a local nonprofit, what if I had a specific “container” for generous activity set aside on my calendar? I still won’t ever be able to do all the generous things I wish I could do, and I’ll probably miss opportunities here and there. But by approaching a block of time with that singularity of purpose, I am much more likely to not only actually remember to get those things done but to approach requests with a spirit of abundance, rather than the “I’d like to help, but where will I find the time?” feeling I’m prone to getting right now when faced with a need. Because I’ll already have time set aside, so it’ll just be a matter of filling it up. I’m thinking I’m going to make Wednesday afternoons that block of time for myself. Generous Wednesday has a nice ring to it, yes? 2. It can actually be generous to say “no.” Over the past few months I’ve done a lot - I mean, a lot - of outreach for my book, and as part of that, I’ve asked for a lot of favors: for blurbs, for reviews, for shares, for introductions, for access. And while I know that emails do slip through the cracks and certainly don’t blame anyone for a non-response (I know I’ve done this to others plenty of times myself) I have to say that I have a certain appreciation for a quick and definitive, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t.” Yes, the initial moment of rejection stings a bit, especially if it’s a person I really hoped would be interested in my book, but it’s better than following up into the void or vague suggestions of interest that never go anywhere…or worse big promises that disappear in a puff of smoke, as Amie McNee describes in this recent post: Everyone is telling everyone else how supportive they are of each other. Thy’re going to connect you, platform you, promote you, hire you. 99% of it never materialises. I have to admit that I felt both taken aback and extremely fortunate while reading her post, because while I’m not going to say I’ve never been let down, I have not experienced this en masse. It’s made me so grateful for the generosity folks have shown me, for the most part, in honestly summing up their own capacity and declining (or even just backing out with notice) when they can’t do something. I’m not sure I’m always as honest with myself and clear with others in this regard as I could be, so it’s also strengthened my resolve to show the same kind of generosity to others…even when that means saying “I’m so sorry, but I can’t.” 3. We can’t be generous to everyone at all times. These days we are so connected, aware of so much need, and often trying to please so many people at once (my personal Kryptonite.) I am so guilty of tying myself in knots to try to “be generous”, often offering more and more to people who aren’t even all that interested in what I have to give . But there will always, always be more demands on our time and attention than we can deliver on; there will always, always be more people we could give of ourselves to. So how do I balance my desire to give with my capacity, both as a human being and as a creative? I think the answer begins with simply trying to do less, but do it better . We live in a growth-oriented culture that glorifies “scale” and “optimization”, but reaching more and more people doesn’t actually do more good if it means spreading ourselves too thinly in the interim, running out of steam or burning out entirely. This is something I will be continuing to think about as I process my book launch experience, but in the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What are some ways you’ve experienced generosity lately? What are ways you aim to show generosity to others? Speaking of generosity: I’ve been so grateful to those of you who’ve generously supported my work as paid subscribers, even as I’ve been so head-down in book writing and promotion that I haven’t offered you much value in return. In the spirit of reciprocity, I’m working on ways to right that imbalance now. My first step will be putting these monthly Journal episodes and posts behind the Substack paywall starting on June 1, as a special way to acknowledge paid subscribers. If you aren’t currently a paid member of The Kettle and enjoy these monthly reflections, you’ll want to upgrade your subscription now . I’m offering a deep discount through June 5: annual memberships are just $30/year, less than $3/mo! And if you'd like to hear some more of my reflections on generosity and how I intend to use this space to give back to my audience, listen to the podcast episode linked in this newsletter. In it, I share some specific ways I’ll be narrowing my focus so that I can create a better experience here for the people who’ve so generously supported my work with their dollars, as well as those who would like to going forward. If you’re interested a deeper connection with my content and the community we’re building here, now is a great time to upgrade your subscription. And if you cannot swing the cost to upgrade but are an invested reader/listener, email me at Meagan at meaganfrancis dot com and I’ll happily comp your subscription. And speaking of giving back - my publisher is giving me TEN copies of The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Next to give away! Just fill out this quick & easy form by 11:59 PM on May 16 to be entered to win. Until next time, friends - I’m grateful for you. Warmly, Meagan This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 Experiencing family life in community, with Rebecca N. Thompson, MD 37:50
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How might the experience of forming and raising a family change if we felt more able to share honestly and openly about our struggles, joys, and everything in between? Today I’m talking with Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, a family physician and public health physician who specializes in women’s and children’s health—and the author of the new book Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love. In this episode, Rebecca shares the process of writing her book, in which she tells the stories of twenty-one mothers whose lives and experiences intersect with hers and one another’s. We discuss Rebecca’s experiences of navigating three complicated, life-threatening pregnancies and losses as a medical professional, how her bumpy path to creating a family inspired this collaborative storytelling project, and how the meanings of motherhood can evolve and change for each of us through the many seasons of our lives. episode links * Rebecca N. Thompson ’s author website, which includes links to upcoming events * Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love by Rebecca N. Thompson Reminder : my book The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Next is out May 6, and I’m offering free signed book plates for every pre-order! Email the receipt/confirmation with “Book Plate” in the subject line to meagan@meaganfrancis.com, and be sure to include your mailing address and any special directions (like if you want it made out to a specific person besides yourself.) I’ll be accepting those receipts until May 15 and mailing out the book plates later this month. And keep an eye out for an email on May 5 with my Virtual Book Tour lineup! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 Gretchen Rubin on her "open door" approach to parenting young adults 36:41
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When you think of your children growing up, do you view their leaving as the end of an era - or the beginning of something new? In this episode, renowned happiness expert, author, and podcaster Gretchen Rubin joins me to discuss her “open-door” approach to parenting young adults, her brand-new, instant-NYTimes-bestselling book Secrets of Adulthood, our midlife lady hobbies, the way we remember (and don’t remember) our kids’ childhoods, and even the possibility of new puppies. Episode links: Gretchen’s new book: Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths For Our Complex Lives HAPPIER with Gretchen Rubin - Gretchen’s podcast "Abandon the Empty Nest. Instead, Try the Open Door." Gretchen’s article in The Atlantic that inspired this conversation I’ll be featured in Gretchen’s “Five Things” newsletter on May 9. Sign up now so you don’t miss it! Pssst - my book release date is right around the corner, May 6! Pre-orders mean a lot to authors - I’d love if you’d order your copy today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
This spring a lot of figurative “seeds” that I planted long ago, like my upcoming book launch and an expansion of my brick-and-mortar business, are starting to bear fruit - just at the time I am also hoping to literally put seeds in the ground. Sometimes, a bounty of good (but energy-consuming) things comes at the same time we’re also trying to invest in the next thing, and we can’t always plan on a steady rhythm of planting and harvesting. In this episode of The Kettle podcast I share more of my thoughts about how to lean into busy seasons, whether they’re times of harvest, times of planting - or sometimes, both at once. related links Bevy, my tea + creative supplies shop, has a newsletter! If you love tea, are tea-curious, or just want a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to own a brick-and-mortar shop, subscribe for free here . My book, The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Next, is available for pre-order now! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
For most of us, getting groceries automatically equals “going to the supermarket.” But does that brightly-lit jumble of logos, packaging, and confusing nutrition labels have to be the only - or even the primary - way we fill our fridges and pantries? For the past few years, as I’ve been committed to sourcing more and more of my food locally and seasonally, it’s automatically led to me relying less and less on the supermarket - and I’ve learned a lot along the way. In this episode of The Kettle, I share some alternate ways I’m sourcing everything from fruits, veggies, grains, and beans to meat and dairy - as well as the surprising mindset shifts that have made this process easier. episode links: * Country Life Foods - this is where I buy bulk beans, grains, sweeteners, oils and more. Free delivery with minimum purchase size. Save 10% with my link! * Thrive Market - good for smaller portions of whole foods, supplements, cleaning supplies and more. I’ve bought everything from Safe Catch tuna and salmon to chia seeds from Thrive. My link gets you a free gift when you sign up. * The Guide to Getting Out of Supermarkets - an inspiring episode of The Ancestral Kitchen Podcast * Find a CSA (community-supported agriculture) near you * Loved this post by Sarah Cook : Biggest Grocery Store Scams * I’m currently reading The Secret Life of Grocerie s by Benjamin Lorr, and it’s blowing my mind. related links: My book, The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Next, is available for pre-order now! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
Are you even a midlife lady if you don’t suddenly drop everything and start a garden? In today’s episode, I talk with Christine Koh about our shared adult-onset passion for herbal medicine and our attempts - with varying degrees of success - at growing things. Christine shares how her adventures in gardening and herbalism - part of what she jokingly calls her #gloriouswitch transformation - were a force for healing as she came out of a stressful stage of life, and now provide her with a grounded, embodied way to connect her with the physical world, community, and tradition. We also discuss some of the specific herbal remedies both Christine and I have experimented with, some gardening successes (and a failure or two) from last year, and what we’re hoping to do in our gardens and kitchens this spring and summer. It’s the perfect cozy late-winter chat to get you thinking about working with your hands, growing green things, and making healing remedies for your family and friends. NOTE : Christine and I are planning a LIVE broadcast for later this week! We’ll be sharing more about our garden plans for spring, plus doing a show-and-tell of some of our herbal medicine projects. More details coming - make sure you’re subscribed to my Substack so you don’t miss it. Links from this episode: Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar Christine’s Wellness Brew My Journey to Becoming a Glorious Witch - Edit Your Life Better Homes & Gardens garden planner Morality, Politics, and How to Find Common Ground (with Dr. Kurt Gray) - Edit Your Life 162 Things To Do Instead Of Doomscrolling - There’s Always A Story (Christine’s Substack) My private subscriber chat has been busy lately, with conversations about college-aged kids, creative goals, and more. Join us! We’re also kicking off a weekly co-create circle on February 25 which will only be available to paid subscribers. Join The Kettle now to RSVP. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
It’s February, and that means…we made it through January! In this episode I share my thoughts on the grounding joys of giving care. I also explore two beekeeping saints, teas with rose petals, new adventures in sourdough, some cozy reads and PBS shows to watch, and what it means to feel spring in your bones - even before you see it reflected in the temperatures, and read one of my latest essays aloud. Listen on for my February journal episode, and scroll down for links to the books, shows, teas and more! Featured Teas This month’s featured teas all contain rose, which is associated with love - and also, heart health. Drink up! * Love Tea by Mountain Rose Herbals - hearty, earthy rooibos and delicate rose petals complement one another, while cacao nibs add a touch of sweetness. * Milady Grey by Tealyra - a bright citrus take on Earl Grey, with rose petals to add a bit of delicacy to lemongrass and orange flavors. * Vanilla Rose Ceylon by Flying Bird Botanicals - sweet vanilla and complex rose in a black ceylon blend. * Tulsi Sweet Rose by Organic India. Tulsi is one of my absolute favorite herbs for tea, and combined with rose petals and chamomile, it’s just divine. Reading: * The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Note: These books (there are at least 26 of them!) are seriously binge-able, but I’ve been able to find most of them through my local library via the Libby app. Some of the covers are so pretty, I had to own a hard copy! * Dr Sharon Blackie also has an excellent article about female February saints, where you can learn more about Saints Brigid and Gobnait, in her latest Substack (this one is behind a paywall, but I find the subscription well worthwhile!) Watching: * Royal Palace Secrets , Royal Myths & Secrets , and Lucy Worsley Investigates , all hosted by Lucy Worsley . (And a big plug for a PBS Passport membership; as I’m slashing most of my streaming services I’m finding that this one is more than worth the low price.) Read-Aloud Essay: Continue the conversation Join paid subscribers in the private chat to share what you’re making, reading, watching, and sipping this month! About me: Hi! I’m Meagan, an author , podcaster , and midlife mom of five (mostly grown) kids. Here at The Kettle, I share my thoughts on how to live wisely and well in a manic modern world, and I look forward to hearing yours. If you want to connect more deeply, the private chat is open to paid members. I’m looking forward to getting to know you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 Exiting Instagram and investing in the real world with Sarah Powers 56:28
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More and more, people are talking about leaving social media for good. But how? It’s easy to feel trapped by these networks that have become so intertwined in every aspect of our lives, from shopping to socializing. In this episode of The Kettle, I catch up with my good friend and business partner Sarah Powers to discuss her decision to walk away from Instagram over a year ago, and how the exit impacted her: both the positive effects (a return to writing without self-consciousness; more engagement in her physical world) and more negative effects (turns out, she struggles with information FOMO.) We also discuss my new in-real-life tea business, and whether it’s necessary for small businesses to have a social media presence to thrive today. Episode Links: * Sarah's Substack, Home Again , and her series A Year Without Instagram : Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 3 * This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick * If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Importance of Place In A Work-From-Anywhere World by Melody Warnick * The One Parenting Decision That Really Matters , by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz for The Atlantic * A past podcast interview: Cozy, Creative Spaces with Sarah Powers * Sarah’s and my other podcast, The Mom Hour * Join The Kettle community to access a private chat with other members, including a new conversation based on this topic. * My most recent Substack post: What If Things Don’t Get Better? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
Deep breath, friend: you don’t have to come into the New Year raring to go on January 1. In the first episode of the newly-named and slightly-refocused podcast, The Kettle (formerly The Tea’s Made) I take a different, slower approach. I reflect on my holiday celebrations, offer an alternative to the idea of ambitious (or restrictive) New Year’s resolutions and goals, reflect on the impact of small, embodied rituals and rhythms for keeping us grounded and rooted in what’s real, and also read one of my Christmas motherhood essays out loud. And, of course, you’ll get some tea recommendations (we’re exploring rooibos this month; links below.) Enjoy getting to know the newly ad-free podcast The Kettle in this January Journal episode, and also please consider supporting both the podcast and my writing here with a paid subscription. I appreciate you and I’m glad you’re here! All new essays and episodes at The Kettle are free. Consider joining the paid community to delve deeper and support my work. Episode Links: (many links are affiliates; buying using my link helps support the podcast!) Christmas gifts I talked about * Segretto Cast Iron Enameled Bread Pan - while my old Dutch oven worked just fine for baking bread, I’ve done a few loaves in this one already and it’s definitely a step up. Highly recommend if you are ready to elevate your bread game, or just want to take a new hobby more seriously. * Bread Scoring Tool - another very-nice-to-have tool; scoring is an important step in sourdough bread baking and while a sharp knife works fine, having a dedicated (and super-sharp) bread lame is a great way to achieve more precise and lovely cuts. Featured Teas I’ve been loving rooibos tisanes lately - teas made from this African bush are robust, hearty, and caffeine-free, making them perfect for a cold winter’s evening. Here are four I love: * Simpson & Vail White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos . Rooibos pairs really well with both white chocolate and mint, and this blend isn’t too strong - so it’s a beginner-friendly option for the wary rooibos novice. * Vahdam Chocolate Vanilla Rooibos . Rich chocolate, cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla combine to create a decadent tea fit for dessert. If you like a spiked hot chocolate or cider, try reaching for this instead. * Mrs. Rooiboson from Flowerhead Teas - Sarah Powers sent me this tea from California for Christmas and it.is.delightful. The mint and citrus are a fabulous foil for the red rooibos. Plus, look at that cute packaging. Highly recommend! * Lemongrass Rooibos from Terravita - Sarah also sent me a Swiss lemongrass rooibos after her family’s trip to Europe last winter (she’s like my international tea fairy!) The combination of flavors was such an unexpected pleasure and really helped kick off my deep dive into Rooibos. I can’t find the exact tea Sarah sent me (probably because it wasn’t written in English!) but this blend is a close approximation. Essays and more * In this episode I read a recent essay out loud - you can read it here , and I’ve also put together all the posts I wrote about holiday mothering with older kids . * And, I shared my New Year’s resolution from last year - to eat more beans! - and how it’s influenced a similar mini-challenge I’m embarking on this year; to drink a new-to-me tea every day in January. Here are some of my thoughts on the power of playful, non-restrictive New Year’s goals: Thanks for coming along on this journey as I transition my podcast and newsletter to The Kettle, friends! I am so excited to continue gathering with you here in 2025 and beyond. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 Letting literature inspire you in the kitchen, with C.J. from A Well-Read Tart 46:32
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What could be cozier than a holiday baking session based on your favorite book? In this episode I talk with CJ of A Well-Read Tart , a blog for book and food lovers, where CJ shares book reviews, food inspiration and recipes based on her favorite literature. Listen on to hear us share what we're each reading right now and some favorite cozy holiday food scenes from books, as well as CJ's ideas for letting literature inspire you in the kitchen. I also share some updates on what's happening in my kitchen now that Christmas is just around the corner. It's the perfect episode to keep you company while wrapping gifts or, of course, making cookies! Complete Episode Book List: Sunrise by the Sea: A Little Beach Street Bakery Novel by Jenny Colgan The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian Horse by Geraldine Books Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson The Wish List by Michelle Major Maria by Michelle Moran Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith Meet Felicity by Valerie Tripp The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller There's Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor Be sure to check out my Substack for a companion post with cookie recipes and more! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 December Journal: Holiday Magic-Making For Moms Of Big Kids 27:57
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In our monthly Journal, I share a special message for moms of older kids who aren't feeling quite so magical about the holidays these days, plus Christmas-inspired teas, my plans for decorating and baking, and some hopes for the Advent season. Listen for a cozy chat and be sure to check out the companion journal post at TheTeasMade.com for links, photos, updates and more! Episode Links: November Journal episode Episode 37: Why connecting with our food matters, with Alison Kay Smith Tea - Morning Light Harney & Sons White Christmas Harney & Sons Celebration Morning Light from Smith Teamaker Winter Wonderland Rooibos Herbal Tisane from Simpson & Vail Minimalist Advent candle holder Order your BevyBox by 12/7 to ship by 12/12. Nordic Winter Cookbook by Viola Virtamo The Calm Christmas podcast with Beth Kempton Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 What is the liturgical calendar and how is it relevant today? with Kristen Haakenson of Hearthstone Fables 47:40
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Rooted in locality, seasonality, and agrarian living, the liturgical calendar - the feasts, celebrations, and other observations that made up the early church year - can help root us in the natural rhythms of life. But while most of us are familiar with a few holidays from the early church year, modern living doesn't make a lot of space for recognizing the depth of the calendar that once dictated the rhythm of daily lives. In today's episode I speak to Kristen Haakenson of HearthStoneFables.com , who shares practical wisdom about how to incorporate elements of the historical church calendar into contemporary life. Whether you're hoping to enrich your faith, develop a stronger understanding of where these holidays fit in the context of history and agrarian life, or simply want to imbue more seasonality into your day-to-day life, you'll definitely want to listen to our conversation. And after the discussion, I share some ways I hope to let Kristen's advice inspire my holiday celebrations, including recognizing the Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany. Episode Links: November Journal episode Kristin's Substack, Hearthstone Fables Ancestral Kitchen This episode is brought to you by Bevy, my tea and craft-supply company! Order your holiday 2024 BevyBox - a gift box hand-curated by me and featuring tea, craft supplies and other special goodies - at BevyBox.co , and use code TEA15 for 15% off. PS: I'd love to hear from you at my new email address! Share your thoughts about today's episode, topics/guests you'd love featured on the show in the future, or just to say hi: hello@theteasmade.com . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
In this month's Journal, I share what's inspiring me going into November: my favorite cinnamon-spiced teas, embroidery projects as holiday gifts, making herbal tinctures, and an epic novel trilogy from medieval Norway. Episode Links: *most links are affiliates. If you make a purchase via my link, I will earn a small commission - a great way to support this podcast! Read my accompanying November Journal post at TheTeasMade.com Episode 32 - How and Why To Start Foraging For Wild Plants Light of Day Organics Heartwarming Cinnamon Tea Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Hot Cinnamon Spice decaf option Mountain Rose Herbs My Vitamin D supplement Stick N Stitch printable embroidery paper, or pre-printed designs: love these snowflakes , these fun designs for lovers of books (and cats!) , and vintage-inspired holiday designs. Only Murders in the Building the Kristin Lavransdatter Trilogy by Sigrid Undset This episode is brought to you by Bevy, my tea and craft company! Order your holiday 2024 BevyBox - a gift box hand-curated by me and featuring tea, craft supplies and other special goodies - at BevyBox.co , and use code TEA15 for 15% off. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…

1 We're all dealing with content overwhelm (and what I'm doing about mine.) 14:59
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Between social media platforms, email, blogs, podcasts, streaming video and all the rest, there are so many ways these days to consume (or create!) content. In this episode I share what taking social media breaks has done for my brain, how pressure to create and consume has impacted the way I feel about my work, and what I'm planning to do going forward - including a change to the format of this podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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When it comes to staying on top of meal planning and cooking, my solution to overwhelm and disorganization is simple: a series of weekly and daily routines that work for my home, family, and schedule. In this episode I share five kitchen routines that help me feel more connected and confident in my kitchen, from menu planning and grocery shopping to soaking beans and feeding sourdough starter. The idea isn’t to copy my routines exactly but to create your own based on your lifestyle and unique kitchen goals. Listen for inspiration and ideas! Episode Links: Check out BevyBox, my new curated tea + craft gift boxes for the holiday! Here's the Bokashi system I use and love! You can also start with a one-bucket system and add another bucket later. (I have it in the ecru/cream color.) Previous episodes about food: Episode 17: What’s happening in my kitchen right now Episode 36 What is eating "ancestrally" with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen Episode 37: Why connecting with our food matters, with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen Episode 38: Eating locally, preserving, and establishing your own “flow” in the kitchen Episode 39: The hidden cost (and value!) of food, with farmer and author Shannon Hayes Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first purchase Hatch – Well-rested mornings begin with relaxing bedtime routines, and the Hatch Restore 2 offers both. Hatch is having a big sale starting October 8 - don't miss it! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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1 What does it mean to have wealth? More conversation with Shannon Hayes, author of "Redefining Rich" 28:26
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In our culture we put a lot of emphasis on building wealth - but what, exactly, does that mean, and how does our view of wealth contribute to (or detract from) our flourishing as humans? In this continuation of Episode 39's conversation with author and farmer Shannon Hayes, we delve more into the economics of home and family life, the difference between an extractive and what Shannon calls a "life-giving" economy, and what wealth can really look like if we are willing to define it on our own terms. Episode Links: Read Shannon's blog and check out her family's farm The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow (Shannon's podcast) Find all of Shannon's books , including Redefining Rich Episode 38, The Tea's Made: Eating locally, preserving, and establishing your own “flow” in the kitchen Episode 39, The Tea's Made: The hidden cost (and value!) of food, with farmer and author Shannon Hayes Check out my recent blog post about developing a relationship with your kitchen Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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1 The hidden cost (and value!) of food, with farmer and author Shannon Hayes 35:01
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Everyone is talking about rising food prices these days, but we spend very little time talking about the value of food. In this episode I speak with Shannon Hayes, farmer and author, about her journey from academia back to the farm she grew up on. She tells us about her unconventional upbringing and how it led her to value a life connected to land and community - and the power of a home-cooked meal. Shannon also explains the real costs that impact the prices at her family farm, how those costs are often hidden from consumers at the supermarket, and the true value you're getting from nutrient-dense, farm-fresh, locally-grown food. For me this conversation raised the question: what if we all stopped talking about food in terms of its cost, and shifted the conversation to its value? Episode Links: Read Shannon's blog and check out her family's farm (I also noticed that Shannon is offering a free seminar called "Freedom in the Kitchen" as part of the School of Traditional Skills. Definitely worth signing up!) The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow (Shannon's podcast) Find all of Shannon's books (I recently read and adored Redefining Rich !) Check out my recent blog post about developing a relationship with your kitchen Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 Eating locally, preserving, and establishing your own "flow" in the kitchen 33:51
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Does shopping, cooking and eating locally and seasonally have to be time-consuming and difficult? As I've slowly added new kitchen skills to my repertoire, I've come to realize that the key to meal planning and preparation without burnout is developing the rhythms and routines that allow us to find "flow" in our kitchens. From preserving produce to dreaming about a root cellar to experimenting with sourdough bread, I'll let you in on some of the projects I'm working on in my kitchen right now and share what a typical day in my "food life" looks like, as well as a mindset shift that can help you stay in flow and keep from getting discouraged as you're learning new skills. Episode Links: Episode 17: What's happening in my kitchen right now Episode 36: What is eating “ancestrally”? with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen Episode 37: Why connecting with our food matters, with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen My steel-cut overnight oatmeal, made in the rice cooker The Sunday Steep #4: Eighty pounds of goat meat Check out my weekly newsletter about creativity and connection - and, of course, tea! - The Deep Steep Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 Why connecting with our food matters, with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen 42:19
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"But who actually has the time to cook this way?" Our guest Alison Kay hears that a lot when she shares about her passion for ancestral eating. But for Alison, sourcing ingredients locally and preparing it in a way inspired by our great-great-grandmothers isn't a chore or a time-suck, and it's definitely not romanticizing the past. Instead, it's a crucial way she expresses her creativity, connects with her community and the land around her, and cares for herself and her family. In this episode, a continuation of our conversation from Episode 36, Alison explains why this way of cooking and eating has been so life-changing for her, and offers a close-up look at how she actually incorporates ancestral philosophies into her modern kitchen. Episode Links: Ancestral Kitchen, Alison's site The Ancestral Kitchen podcast What ancestral eating isn't - the article we discuss in today's episode Episode 36 of The Tea's Made: What is eating "ancestrally" with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen . This is the first half of this conversation. A couple episodes of the Ancestral Kitchen Podcast that I love: #70 Fermenting Oats - this is the episode that convinced me to start souring my morning oatmeal! #66 50 Ways To Save Money On An Ancestral Diet - a great starting point if you're just learning about ancestral eating; especially if you're concerned about your budget. Check out my weekly newsletter about creativity and connection - and, of course, tea! - The Deep Steep Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 What is eating "ancestrally"? with Alison Kay of the Ancestral Kitchen Podcast 40:38
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With all the diets and nutrition trends that focus on exclusion and restriction, it can feel like food is being reduced to its components - not something I personally think is a very satisfying way to eat. But what if there was another way to view food - a way that leans on the wisdom of our great-great grandmothers, yet is adaptable to a modern kitchen? After a fraught relationship with eating impacted her mental, emotional and physical health for decades, our guest Alison Kay of ancestralkitchen.com and The Ancestral Kitchen Podcast found a path to health via ancestral eating and developing a true connection with her food. In this episode, Alison shares her backstory - including losing half her body weight as a young woman and later, struggling to conceive - and how ancestral eating helped her heal and thrive. Alison also explains what ancestral eating is - and isn't , how this way of eating works for her, and why the prices we see in the supermarket don't reflect the true cost of food. Episode Links: Ancestral Kitchen, Alison's site The Ancestral Kitchen podcast What ancestral eating isn't - the article we discuss in today's episode Check out my weekly newsletter about creativity and connection - and, of course, tea! - The Deep Steep Brand Partners: Find all of my brand partners and the latest deals on my Shop page! OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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Why did I go the traditional publishing route vs. self-publishing? What did the writing process look like, beginning to end? And how do I feel about the idea of sh*tty first drafts? In this episode of The Tea's Made I answer all of these questions and more. Episode Links: Taking a book idea from proposal to contract . In this episode I answer listener questions about working with an agent, platform and more. Head to TheTeasMade.com to read more of my writing! Brand Partners: OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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I'm back from my book-writing break and ready to talk shop! In this episode I answer listener questions about the process of pitching your book idea to an agent or publisher, including: -How long should I expect it to take to hear back from an agent after I query them? -What questions should I ask a potential agent before I sign? -How hands-on should I expect my agent to be in the proposal process? -What size audience/readership will an agent or editor be looking for in an author? And more! Look back next week for the follow-up episode: what it's like to actually write the book once contract is in hand! Episode Links: How a book proposal is made - This is a video I made a little over a year ago when my proposal was still out to editors! In it I detailed the process of writing the proposal and pitching agents. Brand Partners: OSEA – Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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1 It's my birthday! A quick bonus episode to say hello and let you know what's next 8:13
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Hi all! Hopping in from my podcasting break with a birthday message, some tips on staying connected and calm in a divided and noisy world, and a little preview of what you can expect when The Tea's Made returns on August 15. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

From starting a brick-and-mortar retail shop, to putting the finishing touches on my book manuscript, to caring for my new chicks, to getting another son ready for college, this summer has already been jam-packed with activity. In the last episode of The Tea's Made before my midsummer break, I'm sharing more details about what's happening in my world and what you can expect when I return in the early fall. Featured Tea: Harrod's English Breakfast Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

When I was a young girl, I was completely fascinated with the idea of being able to find food and medicine in nature. But in our modern world, eating anything that grows wildly can seem strange...undesirable...even dangerous. While it took me until my mid-40s, I've begun to embrace foraging and wildcrafting as not only a fun and mostly-free hobby, but also a way of looking at the world differently. In this episode I'll talk about what this journey has looked like for me and share basic tips for getting started, staying safe, and using what you find. Featured Tea: Yooper Yellow from S•TEA•P Featured Links: Learn more about my new tea shop on Instagram! Follow Bevy Tea on Instagram The Seek app from iNaturalist Midwestern Medicinal Plants by Lisa M. Rose Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt Here's a good basic blog post on starting foraging. I agree with the author that getting a book or two is a really good idea, as is getting mentored in real life from an experienced forager! Cotton mesh drawstring bags like these are great for collecting and drying herbs Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 Living authentically in midlife with Rachel Macy Stafford 42:25
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From navigating relationships with our teenagers to how we engage with social media, the post-40 years offer many opportunities to rethink old patterns of people-pleasing and live more authentically. In this conversation with author Rachel Macy Stafford, learn how to create a "Soul Shift" that will help you slow down, connect, and live more in line with your deepest values. Episode Links: Find Rachel Macy Stafford Online: Instagram Substack Facebook Rachel's website Rachel's Books: Hands-Free Mama Soul Shift Only Love Today Live Love Now Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Sometimes life is hard, sometimes life is exciting...and often, it's both at the same time. When that happens, it's not always easy to know how to feel from one moment to the next. In this episode I'm sharing some news from my life over the past week, and how I've been coping with some sad events and hard moments in the midst of the exciting things happening alongside them. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

With a graduation, a move, an anniversary, and travel all happening within a couple of weeks of each other during what was already a jam-packed spring, I've been giving a lot of thought to what helps particularly chaotic periods feel more manageable. In this episode, I'm reflecting on some of the practices, habits and mindsets, from sticking to healthy routines to leaving room for spontaneity, that I've learned can help me thrive - not just survive! - during really, really busy seasons of life. Featured Tea: Gorge Sunrise from Good Medicine Tea - use code TEASMADE for 15% off! Episode Links: Episode 27: Five ways to add more steps to your day Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Have you ever dreamed about getting away from it all... all by yourself? Five years ago, a year or so after getting divorced when I desperately needed to do something just for myself, I went on a life-changing six-day solo hiking and camping adventure. In this episode I share why the trip was so meaningful, how I packed and prepared, how you can safely plan your own solo getaway - and why you should consider it. Episode Links: Beginner hiking and camping gear guide for women A woman's guide to solo hiking and camping Episode 26: Herbal how-to: my favorite herbal teas & how I prepare them Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 How I more than doubled my steps-per-day + 5 ways to make natural movement a bigger part of your life 22:45
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A few months ago I looked back over the last few years' worth of my smart watch data and was shocked to see my step average had plummeted by over half in the last year or so - coinciding with some other health issues that I believe were related. We're told to get in at least 10,000 steps per day, and while there's some debate over that number, I definitely feel my best when I'm consistently getting in lots of natural movement - but sometimes tight schedules and modern conveniences conspire to keep us sedentary! In this episode you'll hear five ways I've gotten those daily steps back up - way up - and how you can create a more movement-oriented mindset, without ever going to the gym. Episode Links: My Garmin Vivoactive 4s - I've used this watch for daily movement and sleep tracking (as well as keeping time!) for over 3 years and it's still going strong. I love these 2-lb Velcro wrist weights with thumb loop . I wear them for the first part of my walk, while I do the stairs, and I incorporate lots of arm movements (both planned and more random) to maximize the "strength training" portion of the day. Then I ditch them in my car and enjoy the rest of my walk like normal. I also have a 20-lb kettlebell in my car and will often tack on a quick leg workout + kettlebell swings at the end of my walk. I LOVE wearing my Happy Feet toe aligner socks to show my feet a little love at the end of the day! Vionic insoles - I put these in all my non-Vionic shoes, including my regular sneakers and hiking boots. Vionic is a sponsor; use code TEASMADE at checkout for 15% off. A good magnesium supplement also helps a lot with foot and other muscle/joint pain. Brand Partners: OSEA - Use the code TEASMADE or MEAGAN for 10% off your first 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 Herbal how-to: my favorite herbal teas & how I prepare them 26:12
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나중에 재생
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좋아요
좋아요26:12
Herbal teas (or to be more accurate, tisanes) are a delicious and approachable way to explore the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of herbs-- and I drink them literally every day! In this episode I share the herbal infusions I'm drinking most often right now, along with product recommendations and details about how I prepare them. I also unpack why herbal "tea" technically isn't actually tea, and offer some words you can use instead. Episode Links: Lots of links in this episode! I've organized them by products + resources. Products: Wholesome Cleanse from Flying Bird Botanicals Queendom Reign by Modestine Tea Tulsi Citrus Soother from Light of Day Organics Warm Hugs from Good Medicine Tea **Use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order** Breathe Deep from Yogi Tea Mint Medley from Bigelow Chocolate Trufflemint from Good Medicine Tea **Use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order** Peppermint from Smith Tea Let Go by Modestine Tea Aphrodite from Good Medicine Tea **Use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order** Smooth Move from Traditional Medicinals Nordic Mug from David's Tea Resources: Blog post: 3 Herbal Tea Blends To Help You Sleep Blog post: Three Black Teas I'm Loving Lately Blog post: 3 system-supporting herbs that are always in my tea cabinet Episode 13: Tea as self-care with Laura Cepeda of Modestine Tea Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

With an abundance of technological tools at our disposal and endless options to "go out and do stuff", it would seem we'd feel more connected than ever. But we're in the midst of what's been called an "epidemic of loneliness" - and all those options seem only to have created more disconnection. What if the solution for loneliness is actually to do less, stay closer to home, and really make those connections count? In this episode I delve into some ways to create stronger ties with the friends, family, neighbors and people in our local area, while still living a home-centered life. Featured Tea Cardamom Noir from Good Medicine Tea **Use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order** Links Mentioned In Episode The Seek app by iNaturalist Episode 24: Why I'm embracing a home-centered life Episode 2: How to be a great host Brand 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Moving, shaking, and constantly on the go? Been there, done that, and had the burnout to prove it. In midlife, I'm looking for a calmer, less-expensive and less consumption-oriented experience. In this episode I share why I'm happy to let my current lifestyle center around pursuits at home, what a "home-centered" life means to me, and the benefits of looking "in here" instead of "out there" for entertainment, socializing, and creativity. Featured Tea: Decaf Paris from Harney & Sons : fruity, sweet and full-bodied. Featured Links: Episode 17: What's happening in my kitchen right now Brand 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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: Embracing skincare monogamy My midlife skincare routine How to make gua sha part of your skincare routine DIY facial oil blog post My favorite OSEA products 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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: Check out my blog! 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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: Peppermint from Smith 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 My talk at church, and a little something about me you may not know 35:17
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나중에 재생
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좋아요
좋아요35:17
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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

1 Why mobility training is an essential mind-body practice, with Angela Metrou, CPT 28:13
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좋아요
좋아요28:13
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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe…
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