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.

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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: [email protected].

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

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at 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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe