The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Beans: It was my (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) WOTY for 2024, and eating more of them is my only New Year's Resolution. How am I doing with this very lofty legume goal?

Listen here for a free sneak peek of this exclusive subscriber-only episode, and if you'd like to hear the whole thing, you can find the full episode here. Or, just feel free to catch up on the archives while you wait. I'll be back next week with another free episode of The Tea's Made!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

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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

The winter is finally here in earnest, and right now I’m all about staying warm and cozy. Listen to learn a DIY idea to keep you snug, how I keep my hands and legs warm on long walks, my improvised, bean-forward soup recipe, and more!

Episode Links:

• Join me on Substack for exclusive episodes on the last Thursday of each month!
• The ridiculously soft and cozy Pottery Barn blanket Sarah Powers gifted me
• The WoolX Leggings I live in
• My Substack post about eating more beans in 2024
• The rechargeable hand warmers I’m eyeballing
• Leaning into a “tea lifestyle”

Featured Partners

Want to learn more about some of my favorite brands and show partners? Head over to my Shop page.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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!

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.

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

Feeling pressure to "reinvent" yourself this year? In this episode of The Tea's Made, I encourage a gentler approach to reimagining your life, plus share what I call the three C's - conviction, confidence, and consistency - that are vital to making lasting changes. Grab a cup of tea and your favorite journal - it's time for a cozy session of gentle reinvention!

Featured Links:

Check out my Substack article featuring my favorite teas of 2023 plus some thoughts about creating a "tea lifestyle".

Featured Partners:

Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Do you think of yourself as “the creative type”? Maybe you think creativity is something that’s only for artists with a capital “A” – people like painters, dancers, and writers. In our current production-oriented culture, we often overlook the creativity inherent in our daily lives, but the truth is: we are all creative people, and we all have the capacity to live more creative lives. In today’s episode of The Tea’s Made podcast I speak with writer and creativity coach Amy Suardi about how “normal” people doing everyday activities are more creative than you might think. Amy also shares some advice for infusing more creativity into. your life. Let this episode inspire you to approach the New Year with more creativity!

Featured Guest:

Amy Suardi is a writer, author, and creativity coach. Amy leads writing retreats and workshops, and facilitates a Co-Create Circle on Wednesday mornings at The Tea Circle community. Follow Amy on Instagram or sign up for her newsletter.

Featured Partners

Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

How do you feel about the winter? Do you embrace the frosty air and darker mornings and earlier sunsets…or do you find yourself gritting your teeth through it all and waiting for spring? A few years ago I realized I could use an attitude adjustment about this time of the year and I thought, who better to look to for inspiration than the people who live in Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland? 

In this episode of The Tea’s Made, we explore a handful of Nordic principles for good living. From cozy hygge to stalwart sisu, these words tell us a lot about the balance that allows northern cultures to thrive in harsh winter climates. So get your hot beverage and snuggle down under a cozy blanket, or, put on your boots and walk out into the fresh cold air - we’re going to explore both of these approaches to happy winter living and more.

Featured Tea:

• Paris blend from Apothica Teas 
• A similar Paris Decaf black tea blend is available from Harney & Sons

Featured Links:

• Current favorite N/A beer: Partake Blonde
• Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda – another great mocktail maker! I drink mine straight over ice.
• Article about fika on SwedishFood.com
• Article about friluftsliv on VisitNorway.com
• My article about hygge in Michigan Blue magazine.
• A blog post I wrote about sisu in 2021
• Wim Hof method I mentioned in the episode
• Join my year-long book club!

Featured Partners

Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

What could be cozier than a holiday crafting session? In this episode I share four simple projects that you can still squeeze into this holiday season. Each project should only take a couple of hours at most and the ingredients can easily be found online or at your local grocery store or craft store. So fill your cup and settle in for a holiday crafting sesh with me in this episode of The Tea’s Made podcast. 

Featured Tea:

Celebration from Harney & Sons is a black tea blend with hazelnut, apricot, and cinnamon flavoring. It’s a warming, mellow, festive tea that’s perfect for this time of year – and all winter long.

Featured Links:
Find the supplies and tutorials for today’s episode in this post!

Featured Partners

Looking for a sponsor promo or product I’ve recommended? Check out my favorite brands.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Raise your hand if you always intend to keep walking outside throughout the winter…but year after year, you find those walks dwindling away to “never” or “rarely.” There’s something about the mix of the weather getting colder, the days getting shorter, and the holidays crowding your time that can make it really hard to keep getting outdoors this time of year, but winter walking has amazing benefits – and it’s worth creating an intentional practice that keeps you moving! In today’s episode I share my strategies for getting outside on the regular all year long, including some recommendations of gear and clothing. So pull on your wool leggings and a warm hat, and take this episode of The Tea’s Made out on a walk with you! 

Featured Links:

• My favorite gear for walking outside all winter long

Featured Tea: Heartwarming Cinnamon from Light of Day Organics

A warming, cozy, naturally sweet rooibos tea – hearty and full-bodied, but caffeine free. Made here in Michigan!

Join A Super-Slow Book Club @ The Tea Circle!

My private community, The Tea Circle, will be hosting a year-long book club starting the first week of winter. We’ll be reading The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl, a week-by-week essay collection with themes of nature and the seasons. Join now to access the book club plus weekly co-create circles, monthly chats, goal-setting workshops and much more.

Featured Sponsor: Vionic

With unbelievable support and stability, to-the-minute style, and an unbeatable 30-day wear test, Vionic footwear is wearable well-being for your feet. The Regan Ankle Bootie is my new date-night fave. Use code TEASMADE at checkout for 15% off your first order when you log into your account!

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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

Do you think of yourself as a lapsed reader? Maybe you look back longingly to the days when you were always tied up in a book (or three) and wonder where all your former reading time goes. Here are some words that may reassure you: if you love books, you’re still a reader! It may just take some time to get back to thinking of yourself that way. In the thick of early motherhood I lost touch with my readerly self, but as my kids have gotten older I’ve found new ways to re-incorporate time with books into my life.

In this episode I share three habits, rituals, and mindsets that have helped me re-establish a strong reading practice. I also share a conversation with Amy Clark of the Mom Advice Book Club about why it’s never too late to get back to reading, how to motivate yourself and keep going, and the power of reading communities.

About The Guest:

Amy Clark is the host of the Mom Advice Book Club and the Book Gang Podcast. Follow @MomAdvice on Instagram for the latest!

Featured Tea: Harney & Sons White Christmas Tea

This delicate, yet flavorful white blend features strong cardamom plus hints of almond and vanilla for a festive holiday favorite. I let water come to a boil then cool for about a minute; steep for 2-3 minutes, and serve it straight up.

Join A Super-Slow Book Club @ The Tea Circle!

My private community, The Tea Circle, will be hosting a year-long book club starting the first week of winter. We’ll be reading The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl, a week-by-week essay collection with themes of nature and the seasons. Join now to access the book club plus weekly co-create circles, monthly chats, goal-setting workshops and much more.

Featured Sponsor: Vionic

With unbelievable support and stability, to-the-minute style, and an unbeatable 30-day wear test, Vionic footwear is like self-care for your feet. The Regan Ankle Bootie is my new date-night fave. Use code TEASMADE at checkout for 15% off your first order when you log into your account!

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

If you’ve ever made a statement that starts with “I’m not the kind of person who can…” – this episode is for you. Opting out of things that stress us out can be great, but learning new skills is good for us – and it can be especially freeing to re-try things we don’t think we’re “good at”, just for the fun of it. In this episode you’ll hear some of my thoughts about why new stages of life are a great time to try things you thought you “couldn’t” do, and how to set yourself up for success…whatever that looks like. You’ll also learn the secret to making a light, flaky pie crust – something I have been saying for years that I “can’t” do.

In This Episode:

Featured Tea: Smith Tea No. 25Morning LightAvailable in loose leaf or in sachets (tea bags)

Did you love hearing Kirsetin explain how to make a light, flaky pie crust?

Paid subscribers of my Substack can get access to a 23-minute long video showing Kirsetin making the pie (double-crust apple), plus her recipe and supply list, while members of The Tea Circle community get the recipe and supply list plus access to the entire 45-minute video, including a Q&A with community members, and an additional tutorial on how to make a yummy dessert from the pie-crust scraps. You’ll also be able to attend regular live events like this one in the future, and connect deeply with a group of creative, thoughtful, smart women in a social-media-free space.

Join my private community for women, The Tea Circle!

Featured Partner:

Vionic shoes keep my feet snug, stable, and supported, no matter the season. Get 15% off your first order at Vionic.com after you log into your account, with code TEASMADE!

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