Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

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

We can’t talk about how to get better and making more of your own food without also talking about getting better about grocery shopping. After all, you can’t cook what you don’t have.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who embrace leftovers, and those who turn their nose up at them. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll be firmly in the embrace ‘em camp, if you’re not there already.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you definitely don’t need any formal training to be a great home cook, having a couple of techniques up your sleeve can make things a lot easier. So today I’m sharing three cooking strategies that, over the years, have saved me weeks of time. I did learn them from a pro, but not in a class or culinary school.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices