Best Kettle Cups Podcasts (2026)

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We don't have to do so much. 15:03

Play Pause

6d ago15:03

15:03

There’s nothing like being taken out with a bad cold in the first week of December to humble and hobble one’s best-laid holiday plans, is there? And even before I started getting the sniffles on December 1, I had the nagging feeling I was already behind. But…behind on what? What if the problem isn’t that the season (or the year!) is too short, but …

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Episode 1: Let's Get Kettle On - Soraya Vivian & Shaun Banger Scott - Special Guest Matt Healy 54:52

18d ago54:52

54:52

Let’s Get Kettle On Soraya Vivian and Shaun Banger Scott have teamed up together again for a brand new podcast ‘Let’s Get Kettle On’. Every episode features a special guest who will join them over a cup of tea and biscuits to share memories past and present of favourite meals and songs. Following their weekly radio show on GlitterBeam Radio, this p…

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December Journal: Making 4:42

25d ago4:42

4:42

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com It's finally December, and my hands are itchy to make things. How about you? Today, I’m settling in with a cozy journal episode all about making (which includes, of course, baking)—the creative, connected kind that feels especially grounding this time of year. …

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November journal: readying for retreat 3:53

2M ago3:53

3:53

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com This time of year brings with it a certain tension: we want to soak up every last moment of the waning warmer weather, while also preparing to turn inward for the colder, shorter days, and longer, cozy nights ahead. How can we ease that inner conflict to get wh…

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Diving more deeply into the world of tea 17:48

2M ago17:48

17:48

The history and tradition of tea is so much richer than indicated by that little row of boxes on the supermarket shelf. In this episode I’m taking you behind the scenes of the process I’m undergoing to become a Certified Tea Sommelier: what the program is like, what I’m learning, and how I hope to use my newfound knowledge as I dive more deeply int…

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October journal: change 3:24

3M ago3:24

3:24

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com After spending nearly three weeks living in our RV in the Upper Peninsula, I’m back home and settling in, and in this month’s Journal - exclusively for paying members of The Kettle - I’m reflecting on my routines and priorities and how they evolve with the seas…

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20th century tea rooms and citizen history with Jan Whitaker 39:23

3M ago39:23

39:23

Have you ever wondered about the different paths available to becoming a historian - and how historians choose the topic areas that fuel their passions? In this episode I chat with author and consumer historian Jan Whitaker to explore a fascinating corner of American history: the rise of rural tea rooms in the early 20th century. These small, often…

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September journal: preparing 5:56

4M ago5:56

5:56

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com The idea of “prepping” often elicits eye-rolls. But you don’t have to be awaiting the apocalypse to find value in stocking your shelves. The truth is, a little pantry planning and preserving can help us ride out price spikes, lean times, and supply-chain issues…

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August journal: overwhelm 4:33

4M ago4:33

4:33

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com After a sad and stressful start to the month, I came home to a full house, stuffed fridge, bursting container garden, and some seriously disrupted routines. And while I once wouldn’t have recognized my all-over-the-place, can’t-focus-or-settle-down state of min…

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What is ours to do? 8:21

5M ago8:21

8:21

Hi friends. I usually publish my monthly Journal episode on the first of the month, but in the wake of a devastating loss in our family, I’m instead putting up a short (and, warning, hastily edited!) episode in the public feed. My sister-in-law, Jen, died on Tuesday, leaving behind her husband Adam (my stepbrother) and my niece and nephew Elia and …

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The joys of eating at home with CJ of A Well-Read Tart 42:41

5M ago42:41

42:41

Ever cringe at how much of your monthly budget goes to restaurants? Yeah, been there - and so has CJ, creator of the food and book blog, A Well-Read Tart and a self-described former “restaurant rover and takeout queen.” While CJ and I both know how easy it is for eating out to become the default solution for everything from boredom to overwhelm to …

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July journal: small 6:28

6M ago6:28

6:28

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com The July journal episode of The Kettle is all about the idea of “smallness” and what that means to me right now. In the episode I share some specific ways I’m leaning into smaller-scale efforts in my real life and the results. From working on my new book (a fic…

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The magic of good tea with Henrietta Lovell, the Rare Tea lady 42:42

6M ago42:42

42:42

Can you remember the first time you had a really good cup of tea, or maybe a tea experience that left you feeling inspired intrigued, and wanting more? Today’s guest Henrietta Lovell, the founder of the Rare Tea Company and author of the laugh-out-loud funny, informative, and inspiring memoir, Infused: Adventures in Tea, has made an entire career (…

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June Journal: Alive 3:32

7M ago3:32

3:32

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com Monthly Journal episodes and the accompanying post, which includes links to our upcoming community events, are a benefit for paying members of The Kettle. As a reminder, annual memberships to The Kettle are on sale through June 5 - just $30/year. Happy June, fr…

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May journal: generosity 19:42

8M ago19:42

19:42

Hello friend, Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve given eleven livestreamed interviews and three or four (or was it five?) podcast interviews. I’ve been on TV twice, done two in-person signing events and have two more coming this weekend. And my book has only been out for nine days. A launch is an exercise in stamina, and this one is hitting me pre…

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Experiencing family life in community, with Rebecca N. Thompson, MD 37:50

8M ago37:50

37:50

How might the experience of forming and raising a family change if we felt more able to share honestly and openly about our struggles, joys, and everything in between? Today I’m talking with Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, a family physician and public health physician who specializes in women’s and children’s health—and the author of the new book Held To…

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Gretchen Rubin on her "open door" approach to parenting young adults 36:41

9M ago36:41

36:41

When you think of your children growing up, do you view their leaving as the end of an era - or the beginning of something new? In this episode, renowned happiness expert, author, and podcaster Gretchen Rubin joins me to discuss her “open-door” approach to parenting young adults, her brand-new, instant-NYTimes-bestselling book Secrets of Adulthood,…

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April journal: planting seeds 16:50

9M ago16:50

16:50

This spring a lot of figurative “seeds” that I planted long ago, like my upcoming book launch and an expansion of my brick-and-mortar business, are starting to bear fruit - just at the time I am also hoping to literally put seeds in the ground. Sometimes, a bounty of good (but energy-consuming) things comes at the same time we’re also trying to inv…

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Is it possible to ditch the grocery store? 39:49

10M ago39:49

39:49

For most of us, getting groceries automatically equals “going to the supermarket.” But does that brightly-lit jumble of logos, packaging, and confusing nutrition labels have to be the only - or even the primary - way we fill our fridges and pantries? For the past few years, as I’ve been committed to sourcing more and more of my food locally and sea…

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The healing power of herbs with Christine Koh 48:10

10M ago48:10

48:10

Are you even a midlife lady if you don’t suddenly drop everything and start a garden? In today’s episode, I talk with Christine Koh about our shared adult-onset passion for herbal medicine and our attempts - with varying degrees of success - at growing things. Christine shares how her adventures in gardening and herbalism - part of what she jokingl…

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Exiting Instagram and investing in the real world with Sarah Powers 56:28

12M ago56:28

56:28

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 f…

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January Journal: Easing into the New Year 26:59

12M ago26:59

26:59

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 res…

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Letting literature inspire you in the kitchen, with C.J. from A Well-Read Tart 46:32

1y ago46:32

46:32

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 …

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December Journal: Holiday Magic-Making For Moms Of Big Kids 25:58

1y ago25:58

25:58

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! Episode Links: November Journal episode Episode 37: Why connecting with our food m…

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What is the liturgical calendar and how is it relevant today? with Kristen Haakenson of Hearthstone Fables 47:40

1y ago47:40

47:40

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 recogni…

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November Journal 29:35

1y ago29:35

29:35

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 supp…

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We're all dealing with content overwhelm (and what I'm doing about mine.) 14:59

1y ago14:59

14:59

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 fo…

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5 simple kitchen routines that help my life work 27:48

1y ago27:48

27:48

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 t…

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What does it mean to have wealth? More conversation with Shannon Hayes, author of "Redefining Rich" 28:26

1+ y ago28:26

28:26

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 be…

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The hidden cost (and value!) of food, with farmer and author Shannon Hayes 35:01

1+ y ago35:01

35:01

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 …

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Eating locally, preserving, and establishing your own "flow" in the kitchen 33:51

1+ y ago33:51

33:51

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…

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Why connecting with our food matters, with Alison Kay of Ancestral Kitchen 42:19

1+ y ago42:19

42:19

"But who actually has the time to cook this way?" Our guest Alison Kay hears that a lot when she shares about her passion for ancestral eating. But for Alison, sourcing ingredients locally and preparing it in a way inspired by our great-great-grandmothers isn't a chore or a time-suck, and it's definitely not romanticizing the past. Instead, it's a …

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What is eating "ancestrally"? with Alison Kay of the Ancestral Kitchen Podcast 40:38

1+ y ago40:38

40:38

With all the diets and nutrition trends that focus on exclusion and restriction, it can feel like food is being reduced to its components - not something I personally think is a very satisfying way to eat. But what if there was another way to view food - a way that leans on the wisdom of our great-great grandmothers, yet is adaptable to a modern ki…

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More book questions & my writing process 34:23

1+ y ago34:23

34:23

Why did I go the traditional publishing route vs. self-publishing? What did the writing process look like, beginning to end? And how do I feel about the idea of sh*tty first drafts? In this episode of The Tea's Made I answer all of these questions and more. Episode Links: Taking a book idea from proposal to contract. In this episode I answer listen…

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Taking a book idea from proposal to contract 27:30

1+ y ago27:30

27:30

I'm back from my book-writing break and ready to talk shop! In this episode I answer listener questions about the process of pitching your book idea to an agent or publisher, including: -How long should I expect it to take to hear back from an agent after I query them? -What questions should I ask a potential agent before I sign? -How hands-on shou…

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It's my birthday! A quick bonus episode to say hello and let you know what's next 8:13

1+ y ago8:13

8:13

Hi all! Hopping in from my podcasting break with a birthday message, some tips on staying connected and calm in a divided and noisy world, and a little preview of what you can expect when The Tea's Made returns on August 15. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mother-of-reinvention-with-meagan-francis/donations Advertising Inquiries: ht…

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I opened a tea shop! And other summer updates 34:21

1+ y ago34:21

34:21

From starting a brick-and-mortar retail shop, to putting the finishing touches on my book manuscript, to caring for my new chicks, to getting another son ready for college, this summer has already been jam-packed with activity. In the last episode of The Tea's Made before my midsummer break, I'm sharing more details about what's happening in my wor…

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How - and why - to get started foraging for wild plants 22:23

1+ y ago22:23

22:23

When I was a young girl, I was completely fascinated with the idea of being able to find food and medicine in nature. But in our modern world, eating anything that grows wildly can seem strange...undesirable...even dangerous. While it took me until my mid-40s, I've begun to embrace foraging and wildcrafting as not only a fun and mostly-free hobby, …

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Living authentically in midlife with Rachel Macy Stafford 42:25

1+ y ago42:25

42:25

From navigating relationships with our teenagers to how we engage with social media, the post-40 years offer many opportunities to rethink old patterns of people-pleasing and live more authentically. In this conversation with author Rachel Macy Stafford, learn how to create a "Soul Shift" that will help you slow down, connect, and live more in line…

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Loss, change, and the importance of feeling it all 10:55

1+ y ago10:55

10:55

Sometimes life is hard, sometimes life is exciting...and often, it's both at the same time. When that happens, it's not always easy to know how to feel from one moment to the next. In this episode I'm sharing some news from my life over the past week, and how I've been coping with some sad events and hard moments in the midst of the exciting things…

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Thriving when your plate is (really) full 26:17

1+ y ago26:17

26:17

With a graduation, a move, an anniversary, and travel all happening within a couple of weeks of each other during what was already a jam-packed spring, I've been giving a lot of thought to what helps particularly chaotic periods feel more manageable. In this episode, I'm reflecting on some of the practices, habits and mindsets, from sticking to hea…

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Why (and how!) to take yourself on a solo adventure 28:47

1+ y ago28:47

28:47

Have you ever dreamed about getting away from it all...all by yourself? Five years ago, a year or so after getting divorced when I desperately needed to do something just for myself, I went on a life-changing six-day solo hiking and camping adventure. In this episode I share why the trip was so meaningful, how I packed and prepared, how you can saf…

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How I more than doubled my steps-per-day + 5 ways to make natural movement a bigger part of your life 22:45

1+ y ago22:45

22:45

A few months ago I looked back over the last few years' worth of my smart watch data and was shocked to see my step average had plummeted by over half in the last year or so - coinciding with some other health issues that I believe were related. We're told to get in at least 10,000 steps per day, and while there's some debate over that number, I de…

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Herbal how-to: my favorite herbal teas & how I prepare them 26:12

1+ y ago26:12

26:12

Herbal teas (or to be more accurate, tisanes) are a delicious and approachable way to explore the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of herbs-- and I drink them literally every day! In this episode I share the herbal infusions I'm drinking most often right now, along with product recommendations and details about how I prepare them. I also unpack…

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Creating community & a connected life, close to home 24:23

1+ y ago24:23

24:23

With an abundance of technological tools at our disposal and endless options to "go out and do stuff", it would seem we'd feel more connected than ever. But we're in the midst of what's been called an "epidemic of loneliness" - and all those options seem only to have created more disconnection. What if the solution for loneliness is actually to do …

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Why I'm embracing a home-centered life 35:50

1+ y ago35:50

35:50

Moving, shaking, and constantly on the go? Been there, done that, and had the burnout to prove it. In midlife, I'm looking for a calmer, less-expensive and less consumption-oriented experience. In this episode I share why I'm happy to let my current lifestyle center around pursuits at home, what a "home-centered" life means to me, and the benefits …

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New thoughts on productivity & "getting things done" 28:49

1+ y ago28:49

28:49

When I was a younger mom, I put a lot of stock in "getting things done." I'll admit, I felt a little thrill of pride when people would ask "How do you do it all?" The reality, of course, is that I wasn't doing it all then...and I'm definitely not doing it all now! But the way I show up for my to-do list, and my relationship with ambition, are both …

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My skincare products, rituals, & philosophy 32:19

1+ y ago32:19

32:19

Which skincare products, rituals and routines really work (and how do we know they're "working"?) In this episode I share my skincare routine, including specific products I love and how they work together, plus my thoughts about how creating a "skincare philosophy" can make it easier to decide which products, procedures, and processes make sense fo…

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Eldercare, "stuff" & family responsibility 19:32

1+ y ago19:32

19:32

What do we owe our elders - and the younger generation who'll one day be in the position of caring for us? After spending a week helping an aging family member who is going through a lot of life changes, I'm reflecting on the misguided cultural idea that we can somehow plan, declutter, or outsource our way out of "burdening" our families with our c…

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5 things I've learned from 12 years of podcasting 27:12

2y ago27:12

27:12

I started my first podcast in 2012, and have been at it ever since - which means I've been podcasting continuously for twelve years! In today's behind-the-scenes episode I'm sharing my insights on creating a sustainable podcasting lifestyle based on what I've learned over the past twelve years. I'll share my thoughts on everything from choosing a f…