Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

A big reason we make plans is to stave off stress–if you know what’s happening when it gives you a feeling of control and helps you know that you’re doing the things that you need and want to do.And there’s a certain type of planning that can also make you significantly happier, and not the kind of satisfaction that comes from having all your ducks in a row, but actual happiness that recharges your creativity, helps you be in the moment, and creates memories that can last a lifetime. What is this magical planning hack? Plan. More. Vacations!!Research quoted in this episode:1 in 4 Americans who work in the private sector get NO paid time off 700 million vacation days go unused each yearVacations really do help us feel less tired and more mindfulPeople are more engaged and productive at work after taking a vacationSurvey that found that taking time off reduces reports of depressionThat vacation feeling only lasts about 2 weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about getting older, or the elderly in general, what words come to mind? The answer to that question can have a big impact on your health–from how long you live to how high your risk of developing dementia is (even if it runs in your family!). I’m sharing some fabulous news about getting older all this week on the podcast. This is stuff that was pretty new information for me so I hope that it will be a pleasant surprise for you too (and that it might even help you live longer and better, which research suggests it could!). New York Times article on Dr. Levy’s research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast I'm taking a look at aging, and the simple but powerful things we can do to make our getting older experience better on many levels. And today I'm talking with someone who is a leading voice for women to re-think their attitudes toward aging, and to embrace some new tools and strategies to make aging just a new phase of life--and not something to dread.My guest today is Tamsen Fadal–as the evening news anchor for WPIX-11 in New York City, Tamsen has spent her entire career being told that at any moment, she would age out of her job. Now in her early 50s, she’s going stronger than ever, and has a lot to say on exceeding expectations (others’ and our own) as you get older. Plus, she is (and looks) amazing, so I get her to spill the things she does to keep herself in a good space as she constantly keeps her eye on what’s Coming Up Next (the name of her podcast). Listen to Tamsen’s Coming Up Next podcastFollow Tamsen on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have to actively try to counter the ideas about aging that we’ve been swimming in for years and years in order to truly get on board with the idea that getting older is something to not just make peace with, but also to actively celebrate. To help you do that, I’m sharing 3 major, huge, fricking fantastic benefits of getting older. It’s time to get pumped! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been talking to friends and hearing from listeners that a lot of you are pondering life changes–maybe it’s because the kids are grown, or just because it’s time to switch things up. Or maybe your hand is being forced because you’re dealing with some kind of health thing. The common theme I’ve detected is that it’s happening at midlife. It has also been a time that has been shown time and time again in research studies to be a time when we’re our least happy. Yep, there’s a U curve of happiness and midlife is the bottom of the U. That’s the bad news. The good news is…it goes up! But let’s talk about how to feel better about this naturally low point. This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m talking to Meagan Francis, host of the podcast Mother of Reinvention, mom of 5 kids (who range in age from 13 - 25), somewhat recently divorced, self-employed since she was 25 years old, and no stranger to pivoting. I asked Meagan about how motherhood–and women’s identities–change as kids get older, how to pick up the pieces when it feels like the chessboard of your life gets completely upended, and why you might not want to hold out for when the kids leave home to start reinventing yourself and your life. Follow Meagan on InstagramCheck out Mother of Reinvention (And subscribe! Rate! Review! Share!)Visit Meagan’s websiteThis episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midlife is basically puberty in reverse. Huge hormonal shifts. The dawn of a new phase of life. A body you may or may not recognize. As the mother of a now 15-year-old daughter, I can see the similarities between us and you know what? A lot of it is awesome. Come find out why.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds. 3 billion!! This is a problem because birds do so many important things – they eat pests, pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and protect ecosystems. They’re also direct descendants of the dinosaurs–they are living proof of life’s resilience and if they are dying in droves, it really doesn’t bode well for the rest of us. So let’s talk about some simple things you can do to help our feathered friends.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Jodi Helmer, it all started by adopting a rescue dog. That led to fostering other dogs in order to help them get adopted. That led to a move to the country in order to have more space. That led to taking in one very naughty donkey who was running out of a time at a kill shelter. And now, Jodi and her husband Jerry are caring for 48 rescued animals and are running a non-profit animal sanctuary.In honor of animal week, I interviewed Jodi about what rescuing animals has taught her about herself and life in general, why animal sanctuaries are so incredibly needed, and how you can support this important work without opening your home to 48 animals.Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary websiteNaughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary InstagramNaughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary Facebook pageJodi's books on gardening, farming, and living greenThis episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why am I talking about animals on a show about being a better person? Animals can really bring out our better instincts and give us an opportunity to get out of our own heads, thinking about our own problems. Plus, they're cute. I originally aired this episode in late winter, thinking it was the perfect time for a little cute infusion when our spirits could go for some lifting. But now that we’re experiencing the hottest summer on record, I think it’s a great opportunity for a re-listen!This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices