The Kettle with Meagan Francis

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The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Reflections on living wisely and well in a manic modern world. Conversations about midlife motherhood, food, creativity, and living well, shared over a hot cup of tea. meaganfrancis.substack.com

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    February Journal: Care

    It’s February, and that means…we made it through January! In this episode I share my thoughts on the grounding joys of giving care. I also explore two beekeeping saints, teas with rose petals, new adventures in sourdough, some cozy reads and PBS shows to watch, and what it means to feel spring in your bones - even before you see it reflected in the temperatures, and read one of my latest essays aloud. Listen on for my February journal episode, and scroll down for links to the books, shows, teas and more! Featured Teas This month’s featured teas all contain rose, which is associated with love - and also, heart health. Drink up! * Love Tea by Mountain Rose Herbals - hearty, earthy rooibos and delicate rose petals complement one another, while cacao nibs add a touch of sweetness. * Milady Grey by Tealyra - a bright citrus take on Earl Grey, with rose petals to add a bit of delicacy to lemongrass and orange flavors. * Vanilla Rose Ceylon by Flying Bird Botanicals - sweet vanilla and complex rose in a black ceylon blend. * Tulsi Sweet Rose by Organic India. Tulsi is one of my absolute favorite herbs for tea, and combined with rose petals and chamomile, it’s just divine. Reading: * The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Note: These books (there are at least 26 of them!) are seriously binge-able, but I’ve been able to find most of them through my local library via the Libby app. Some of the covers are so pretty, I had to own a hard copy! * Dr Sharon Blackie also has an excellent article about female February saints, where you can learn more about Saints Brigid and Gobnait, in her latest Substack (this one is behind a paywall, but I find the subscription well worthwhile!) Watching: * Royal Palace Secrets, Royal Myths & Secrets, and Lucy Worsley Investigates, all hosted by Lucy Worsley. (And a big plug for a PBS Passport membership; as I’m slashing most of my streaming services I’m finding that this one is more than worth the low price.) Read-Aloud Essay: Continue the conversation Join paid subscribers in the private chat to share what you’re making, reading, watching, and sipping this month! About me: Hi! I’m Meagan, an author, podcaster, and midlife mom of five (mostly grown) kids. Here at The Kettle, I share my thoughts on how to live wisely and well in a manic modern world, and I look forward to hearing yours. If you want to connect more deeply, the private chat is open to paid members. I’m looking forward to getting to know you! Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  2. Exiting Instagram and investing in the real world with Sarah Powers

    JAN 15

    Exiting Instagram and investing in the real world with Sarah Powers

    More and more, people are talking about leaving social media for good. But how? It’s easy to feel trapped by these networks that have become so intertwined in every aspect of our lives, from shopping to socializing. In this episode of The Kettle, I catch up with my good friend and business partner Sarah Powers to discuss her decision to walk away from Instagram over a year ago, and how the exit impacted her: both the positive effects (a return to writing without self-consciousness; more engagement in her physical world) and more negative effects (turns out, she struggles with information FOMO.) We also discuss my new in-real-life tea business, and whether it’s necessary for small businesses to have a social media presence to thrive today. Episode Links: * Sarah's Substack, Home Again, and her series A Year Without Instagram: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 * This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick * If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Importance of Place In A Work-From-Anywhere World by Melody Warnick * The One Parenting Decision That Really Matters, by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz for The Atlantic * A past podcast interview: Cozy, Creative Spaces with Sarah Powers * Sarah’s and my other podcast, The Mom Hour * Join The Kettle community to access a private chat with other members, including a new conversation based on this topic. * My most recent Substack post: What If Things Don’t Get Better? Get full access to The Kettle with Meagan Francis at meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  3. January Journal: Easing into the New Year

    JAN 1

    January Journal: Easing into the New Year

    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

    27 min
  4. Letting literature inspire you in the kitchen, with C.J. from A Well-Read Tart

    12/15/2024

    Letting literature inspire you in the kitchen, with C.J. from A Well-Read Tart

    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 ColganThe Plot by Jean Hanff KorelitzHour of the Witch by Chris BohjalianHorse by Geraldine BooksChristmas Charms by Teri WilsonThe Wish List by Michelle MajorMaria by Michelle MoranUltra-Processed People by Chris van TullekenFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls WilderA Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty SmithMeet Felicity by Valerie TrippThe Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana TrigianiThe City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise MillerThere's Something About Christmas by Debbie MacomberChristmas Shopaholic by Sophie KinsellaAn 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

    48 min
  5. December Journal: Holiday Magic-Making For Moms Of Big Kids

    12/01/2024

    December Journal: Holiday Magic-Making For Moms Of Big Kids

    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

    28 min
  6. What is the liturgical calendar and how is it relevant today? with Kristen Haakenson of Hearthstone Fables

    11/15/2024

    What is the liturgical calendar and how is it relevant today? with Kristen Haakenson of Hearthstone Fables

    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: hello@theteasmade.com. 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

    49 min
  7. November Journal

    11/01/2024

    November Journal

    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

    32 min
  8. We're all dealing with content overwhelm (and what I'm doing about mine.)

    10/24/2024

    We're all dealing with content overwhelm (and what I'm doing about mine.)

    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

    15 min
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Reflections on living wisely and well in a manic modern world. Conversations about midlife motherhood, food, creativity, and living well, shared over a hot cup of tea. meaganfrancis.substack.com

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