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 nowBrand 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What 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 monogamyMy midlife skincare routineHow to make gua sha part of your skincare routineDIY facial oil blog postMy 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 offf.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 & SonsFeatured 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 more.Find out more about 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 skincarePlan a new daily routine to maximize outdoor timeWatch wildlife in your backyard and beyondEase into spring fashion from the feet upListen on for tips and ideas that will help you welcome the season, here on The Tea's Made podcast!Featured Tea:Peppermint from Smith TeaFeatured Links:*links below may be brand partnersMy 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 loveThe Merlin Bird ID appThe Seek appMidwest Foraging, by Lisa M. RoseBackyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn't Know You Could Eat, by Ellen ZachosSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 BertineauFollow T. Marie' on instagramThe Great Lakes Review featuring T. Marie's short storyFeatured 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 TeaGorge Sunrise from Good Medicine Tea - use code TEASMADE for 15% off your first order.Episode LinksDeconstructing myself - the Substack post I referenced in the episodeAncestral Kitchen Podcast - in particular the episode about fermenting oatsMy blog post about making oatmeal in the rice cookerFinnish viili cultures from YemoosCamellia Sinensis (tea) plantMy subscriber-only podcast episode about soaking, simmering and preparing beansFeatured PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 LinksWant 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 PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 LinksOrder 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 drinkingYogi herbal tisane that Sarah was drinkingThe Pottery Barn blanket that Sarah gifted MeaganQuince blanket that Sarah referencedFeatured PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 LinksFind Angela Metrou at her website or on Instagram. Also, check out her Ankle Mobility program!Featured PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 LinksShop 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 PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 practicesLearn 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 PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 meThe WoolX Leggings I live inMy Substack post about eating more beans in 2024The rechargeable hand warmers I’m eyeballingLeaning into a “tea lifestyle”Featured PartnersWant 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 PartnersLooking 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 & SonsFeatured Links:Current favorite N/A beer: Partake BlondeFever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda – another great mocktail maker! I drink mine straight over ice.Article about fika on SwedishFood.comArticle about friluftsliv on VisitNorway.comMy article about hygge in Michigan Blue magazine.A blog post I wrote about sisu in 2021Wim Hof method I mentioned in the episodeJoin my year-long book club!Featured PartnersLooking 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What could be cozier than a holiday crafting session? I love the idea of making holiday gifts and decor, but I also have a tendency to spend all my time over-thinking or just watching other people doing projects on Instagram, and then not actually get around to making anything myself. But to me, the opportunity to slow down and make something with my hands is one of the best parts of the holiday and definitely in line with the slower lifestyle I’m trying to cultivate. So this year I decided to set aside time for making gifts and decor, and it’s been really rewarding so far. In today’s episode I’m going to 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:Easy Embroidery Ideas:Here are some cute monogram letters in case you want to do personalized hankies like me! I also love these nature-themed iron-on designs and have made many tea towels with them!You can also design your own with the following supplies:Method 1: Create your own design on Canva or another program. Remember that your design will be reversed once transferred to the fabric, so flip it if necessary. Print, and trace onto tracing paper. Then place a piece of carbon transfer paper, carbon side down, on your fabric. Place the tracing paper on top and use a tracing tool or other dull tool to trace over the design. Use a firm hand to be sure the entire design transfers onto the fabric.Method 2: Using carbon paper, transfer your traced design onto Sulky Stick & Stitch adhesive stabilizer. Cut out the design and stick to your fabric in your desired position. Stitch through the stabilizer, and when your project is complete, the sticker will easily wash away with a little warm water.I also use Sulky Tender Touch Iron-On Backing to cover the back side of my design to keep it from unraveling!DIY Beeswax WrapsYou’ll need beeswax pastilles, parchment paper, thin cotton cloth (I used a vintage tea towel, but muslin would work just fine too) a cookie sheet, and a paintbrush. Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay your fabric on top, then sprinkle the beeswax pellets on the fabric, making sure to get some near the edges. Put in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the wax is completely melted and soaking into the cotton. Remove from the oven and use the paintbrush to spread the wax evenly all over the cotton, then pick it up and wave it back and forth a few times to start the cooling process. After this you can hang it up with clothes pins to dry, or find a place to drape it where you don’t mind a little beeswax residue (I spread mine over a cardboard box.) For a more complete tutorial with photos check out this blog post:Dried Citrus GarlandSlice citrus fruit (as evenly as possible, 1/4″ – 1/8″ thick) and dry either in the oven on cookie sheets at 170-200 degrees, turning every 1-2 hours, or in a food dehydrator (expect it to take 8-12 hours or more in the food dehydrator, 3-5 hours in the oven, depending on the thickness of the slices and the temperature of the oven.Placing the slices on cooling racks in the oven will help speed up the dry time.) When dry, thread citrus slices onto jute twine with an embroidery needle, or just poke a hole in each slice with a pin or paper clip and thread the twine through. I interspersed my citrus (oranges and grapefruit) with stars cut from gold card stock.Homemade Vanilla Extract:A super-simple (and tasty) project that’s easy to make in bulk and great for gifting. Cut vanilla bean pods in half lengthwise and trim ends to make sure they will fit in your container, like these clear glass bottles with hanging tags or these amber bottles with pre-designed stick-on tags.If you like, scrape the seeds out of the inside of the pod with a spoon and place in the bottle or jar. This is an optional step but may lead to the vanilla being ready to use sooner and/or having a stronger flavor. Plus, it’s fun!Cover with spirits of at least 80 proof (40% alcohol.) Vodka is traditional but if you’ve got a bottle of bourbon or rum wasting away in the back of your liquor cabinet, it could be fun to try it out. Use about 5-6 beans per cup of spirits.Featured PartnersLooking 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy