Andrea Rathborne and Krista Gruen join in conversation with Jocelyn Pepe, whose extraordinary journey - from moving through divorce and single motherhood to surviving a life-altering brain injury and ultimately becoming a global keynote speaker and bestselling author - reveals the power of grit, healing, and claiming your own mind. As a dedicated mother of three children, author of her first book, Claim Your Brain, and committed mental health advocate, Jocelyn emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, community support, and shifting the narrative from “me” to “we”.
Our conversation explores Jocelyn’s pivotal life moments, her ongoing balance between personal growth and professional purpose, and the central role that both intuition and connection have played along the way. She also sheds light on the increasing mental health crisis shaped by modern pressures and emphasizes the urgent need for accessible resources and collective well-being.
Bio
Jocelyn Pepe is the author of Claim Your Brain, a book that brings science and soul together to help us understand our mental health in a way that feels genuinely human. She’s also the founder of TrU, where she combines research, real-life experience, and meaningful coaching to help leaders and teams grow stronger, perform at their best, and live with more intention.
Jocelyn has a master’s in the psychology and neuroscience of mental health, along with multiple coaching designations - but what truly sets her apart is how she uses all of it with intuition and heart. She’s reshaping how we think about mental health, not just at work but in everyday life, making it more accessible, compassionate, and relatable.
Instagram TrU Living
Instagram personal
Instagram Book Claim Your Brain
Website TrU Living
Jocelyn’s Five Words - Mother, Visionary, Humanitarian, Deep, intuitive, Nurturing,
References
Book Claim Your Brain
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit - from casual to chic - they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last - without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Connect with us
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Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Voes and Company
In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, Founder and Host Andrea Rathborne and Producer/ Co-host Krista Gruen connect across time zones - from Vancouver to Bali - with Desiree Dupuis, founder and vision-keeper of Voes & Co, a vegan fashion and design brand rooted in sustainability and soul.
Desiree opens up about the wild, beautiful path of entrepreneurship - from leaving Vancouver to building a life and business in Bali, and what it means to find belonging far from home. She shares her honest reflections on growth, partnership, and the power of knowing when to invite others in. Through her story, we explore what happens when we stop believing we have to do it all alone and begin to trust collaboration, community, and intuition as the most essential parts of success.
Enjoy this candid conversation about redefining strength, leading with heart, and staying grounded, in business, in life, and in the stories we tell ourselves along the way.
Bio
With over two decades of experience in brand development, storytelling, and purpose-driven marketing, Desirée Dupuis is a force for conscious change. As a social entrepreneur, author, and speaker, she is redefining industries through sustainability, ethics, and innovation.
Desirée is the founder of Voes & Co, an iconic global vegan footwear brand on a mission to revolutionize fashion with next-generation materials - proving that style, comfort, and sustainability can coexist without compromise. Beyond business, Desirée is deeply committed to global impact and education. As Chair of Ruben’s Shoes Society, an international NGO she co-founded, she helps provide high-quality education to over 600 students in the Dominican Republic, breaking the cycle of poverty through learning.
A passionate vegan advocate since 2008, Desirée is on a mission to challenge the status quo, amplify conscious consumerism, and inspire others to create lasting change. She's the author of "Consciously Chic: A Playbook for Ethical Fashion" and is proud to share and discuss her thoughts about the future of fashion beyond animals and plastic. Desirée’s insights, experience, and unwavering commitment to impact make her a guest you don’t want to miss.
Instagram Voes and Co
Desiree’s Five Words - ambitious, kindhearted, fun, intuitive, and curious, intentional, loyal
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Voes and Company
In this episode of Half Betty, Andrea Rathborne and Krista Gruen strike up a conversation with filmmakers Kate Green and Amber Orchard as they share the story behind their upcoming feature documentary Menopause: Coming In Hot! The film is set to have its World Premiere at the Whistler Film Festival this December, 2025. Directed by and starring Kate Green, the film captures her real-time journey through perimenopause with honesty, humour, and heart.
Coinciding with World Menopause Day (October 18), Kate and Amber open up about the making of this empowering, insightful, and deeply relatable film that amplifies women’s voices and sheds light on the menopause experience.
The trailer for Menopause: Coming In Hot drops October 18th 2025 on World Menopause Day!
Director: Kate Green
Producer: Kate Green, Amber Orchard, Jessica Young and Olivia Fellows
Writers: Tami Gabay, Jessica Young and Olivia Fellows
Story Consultant: Kate Green
Cinematographer: Kate Smith
Editor: Erin Cumming Assistant Editor: Chloe Bottrell
Menopause: Coming In Hot!
When a strong-willed perimenopausal documentary filmmaker is told there isn’t a lot of help available for her multiple symptoms, she goes on a mission to find out more about menopause, and finds herself on a quest that makes her relearn everything she thought she knew about aging.
Bio
Kate Green is an award-winning director and producer known for her cinematic storytelling and ability to connect deeply with audiences. A creative leader committed to telling vibrant, authentic stories by and for women, Kate brings a strong visual and emotional sensibility to every project.
Her feature documentary Menopause: Coming in Hot (TELUS Originals) will premiere at the Whistler Film Festival. She is also releasing her WWII short drama Breakthrough (starring William B. Davis) in 2026.
Kate created and directed the sci-fi series NarcoLeap (TELUS OptikTV, CBC GEM, Highball TV), which earned multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations, Writers Guild of Canada, and Leo Award nods, and international festival wins, including “Best Sci-Fi” at Miami Web Fest, Baltimore Next Media Web Fest, and Asia Web Awards. With over 300K views and 2.4M in social media reach, NarcoLeap Season 2 continued its success, winning Best Digital Series at the Blood in the Snow Festival.
Her earlier documentaries Not a Stranger and Melting Stars received multiple festival awards, while her short film Murphy’s Law (CBC, CBC GEM) won Best Horror Thriller at the Wild Bunch Film Festival.
Kate has directed and produced factual and lifestyle programs for major networks, including Oxygen, HGTV, W Network, CBC, History, Discovery, Fuel TV, and Channel 4. Most recently, Kate contributed to the Challenge Department on Fear Factor: The Next Chapter alongside Johnny Knoxville.
She is an alumna of Vancouver Island University, University of British Columbia, Women in the Director’s Chair, the National Screen Institute, and the Reykjavík International Film Festival Talent Lab.
Amber Orchard began her producing career at the age of nine on the school playground and has been driven by a passion for entertainment and storytelling ever since. For over 30 years, she has produced events across the non-profit, corporate, and private sectors, building a reputation for thoughtful, high-impact experiences. She also previously served as the Association Manager for Screen BC, supporting advocacy and industry-wide initiatives for British Columbia’s film and television community.
In 2020, Amber shifted her focus to screen production, joining Kate Green Productions as Production Manager on Murphy’s Law (CBC), Co-Producing NarcoLeap Season 2, and, most recently, the documentary Menopause: Coming in Hot. Her screen credits have since grown to include Bush Wreck Rescue (Discovery), Pamela’s Garden of Eden (HGTV), Million Dollar Secret (Netflix), and Extracted (Fox), along with several acclaimed short films.
Most recently, Amber joined Industrial Light & Magic as Studio Operations Manager, bringing her production and operations experience to one of the world’s most iconic studios.
Film Menopause: Coming In Hot
KGP Films Kate Green
Website: Kate Green Productions
Amber Amber Orchard
For PR regarding the film please reach out to Callista Ryan at Coldwater Communications
Five words
Kate - confident, fun, loyal
Amber - Resourceful, Fun, Loyal, Caring, Dependable, Positive, Organized
References
Janet Ko & Trish Barbato - Founders of The Menopause Foundation of Canada
Article in Playback Magazine (Canadian trade publication covering the country's production, broadcasting and interactive media industries) announcing their world premiere.
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as ve...
In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, Founder, Host, and Producer Andrea Rathborne and Producer and Co-Host Krista Gruen sit down with sisters Jess and Moonie Desvarieux. Once navigating careers in journalism and law, Jess and Moonie have pivoted to include comedy, screenwriting, and directing, letting their authentic voices shine. They discuss their award-winning web series Moonie, their feature script Butch Baby Mama, and their vision to honour their late mother, Jessie, by supporting education and healthcare projects in Haiti.
The sisters share their journey through grief, revealing how humour became both survival and healing. Their work is sharp, funny, and unflinchingly honest, yet rooted in purpose: carrying forward their mother’s legacy and creating opportunities for children and families to thrive. They explore ambition that defies convention, the courage to stay true to oneself, and the power of stories to inspire and rebuild communities.
Amid laughter and heartfelt moments, Jess and Moonie remind listeners that joy and justice often go hand in hand, inspiring us to show up fully, authentically, and with purpose.
Bios
Moonie Desvarieux is a Haitian-American lawyer turned stand-up comedian, TV & Film writer, and actor. As a comedian, she has opened for D.L. Hughley & Bob the Drag Queen. She has also made it to the finals of Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson’s National Comedy Competition and has performed several times in the New York Comedy Festival, The New York Queer Comedy Festival & The Black Women in Comedy Laff Festival.
Moonie co-wrote the comedic screenplay, Butch Baby Mama, with her sister/creative partner, Jess Desvarieux. This movie was a finalist in Stage 32’s Best Comedic Screenplay competition. Butch Baby Mama was also selected to partake in TIFF’s 2024 Inside Out Finance Forum, where it was pitched to major executives at Netflix, NEON and A24, to name a few.
Moonie is also the co-creator & lead actor in the award-winning episodic web series, Moonie, the Black, Queer version of “Seinfeld, “ which has been selected and screened in over fifteen national and international film festivals. Moonie was also nominated for a 2023 Queerties award for Best Web Series.
Jess Desvarieux is a former Time Magazine award-winning journalist and now a screenwriter and director based in Washington, DC. She is the co-creator, head writer, and director of the comedy web series MOONIE. The series was nominated for a Queerties Award for Best Web Series and screened in fourteen national and international film festivals.
She co-wrote the screenplay, Butch Baby Mama, with her sister and creative partner, Moonie Desvarieux. This movie was a finalist in Stage 32’s Best Comedic Screenplay competition, and they were selected to participate at TIFF's ‘Inside Out’ Finance Forum where they pitched to major executives at Netflix, Neon and A24, to name a few.
The dynamic duo also have their own podcast called A Good Laugh - a podcast centred on how humour isn’t just an escape but a path to healing and resistance.
Website
Phases of Moonie
Moonie The Webseries
A Good Laugh
YouTube
Five words
Moonie - powerful, loving and connected leader, entertainer, empath, and visionary
Jess - brave, resilient, authentic, and compassionate
References
Fav Quotes
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"It truly is a great paradox that death is the greatest teacher about life. No person or situation could ever teach you as much as death has to teach you. While someone could tell you, you are not your body. Death shows you. Though someone can remind you of the insignificance of the things that you cling to, death takes them away in a second. While people can teach you that we are all equal between the races and there is no difference between the rich and the poor, death instantly makes us all the same. The question is, are you going to wait until that last minute to let death be your teacher?" - Michael Singer
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
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LinkedIn link here
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Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host/Producer: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: <...
This week, Andrea and Krista sit down with Mary Lynn Cloghesy - mother, author, entrepreneur, and creative force. Her midlife years brought with them profound change: the end of a marriage, a significant brain injury, the dissolution of a company, and the unexpected challenge of starting over in school.
Instead of breaking her, these experiences became catalysts for transformation. Mary Lynn learned to listen to her intuition, care for herself deeply, and choose courage, joy, and new beginnings again and again.
Her journey weaves through storytelling, healthy living, and community-building, and led her to create the Leadership Literary Lab - a space that helps aspiring authors find their voice and navigate publishing. From children’s books to her debut novel The Chain Link Murder, and from resilience practices to rediscovering joy, Mary Lynn shares the lessons that carried her through midlife transitions and into her most interesting season yet.
If you’re navigating change, curious about writing, or seeking strength through storytelling, this episode is for you.
Bio
Mary Lynn Cloghesy is a fiction writer from Calgary, AB, and the founder of the Leadership Literary Lab, where she helps experts transform their knowledge into exceptional non-fiction books. Since launching in 2023, the Lab has already achieved notable success - her first mentored author secured a traditional publishing contract, a rare accomplishment in today’s market.
After returning to school in 2020 following a thirty-year hiatus, she completed two graduate degrees, including a master’s in creative and critical writing. Her work has been twice nominated for the Claymore Award, and while her longer manuscripts lean toward genre fiction, she also writes short-form literary fiction, with pieces published in a variety of magazines and recognized in competitions.
Linkedin - Mary Lynn Cloghesy
Website - Mary Lynn Cloghesy
Business - The Literary Lab (the program that takes your book from conception to completion in twelve months or less)
Instagram - @wild_rose_writer
Substack - Wild Rose Writer
Mary Lynn’s Five Words - Creativity, Kind, Strong, Entrepreneurial, Fun
Books
Mary Lynn Cloghesy - Augustus Bartholomew Bertrand and the The Super Computer Caper
John Gardner - “The Fictive Dream” from The Art of Fiction
Amy Schembri - “Making It… Or Not: The Real Journey Told by Professional Players”
Writer’s Conference Killer Nashville (Aug. 20-23 2026)
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Kristina Spring, who shares her deeply personal journey through illness, uncertainty, and transformation during midlife. Hosted by Andrea Rathborne and Co-Hosted/ Produced by Krista Gruen.
Kristina recounts her experience with a complex medical journey that began in France with a tick bite in 2012, leading to Lyme disease and, years later, a series of neurological symptoms and ambiguous diagnoses, including a presumed brain tumor. She describes the emotional toll of living with uncertainty, the impact on her family, and the isolation that came from trying to make others understand her experience.
A turning point comes when Kristina connects with two others, Emily and Kevin, who are facing similar health challenges. Together, they form a support group called "The Brain Buds," which becomes a source of empathy, humor, and mutual inspiration. Through this new community, Kristina learns to release the pressure on her immediate circle of family and friends to find strength in shared understanding.
The conversation explores themes of resilience, the importance of community, and the ripple effects of personal struggles on loved ones. Kristina reflects on how her journey has shaped her empathy and gratitude, and how, despite the challenges, she has found ways to thrive and reclaim joy in her life.
The episode closes with a message about the power of connection, the value of finding "your people," and the hope that sharing stories can help others feel less alone in their own journeys.
Bio
Kristina Spring is a 53-year-old East Van resident who has spent the past thirty years working as a youth worker, dedicating her career to supporting young people and their communities. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with Gliomatosis, a rare brain cancer which has a typical prognosis of just eighteen months. Despite the odds, Kristina continues to live fully, alongside her partner of 29 years, her two adult children close by, and her beloved dogs.
Kristina isn’t telling her story to raise awareness for a campaign, launch a movement, or rally followers online. There are no hashtags to click, no organizations to join. She speaks up because stories matter. Community matters. And sometimes what shifts the course of a life isn’t the many, but the few.
Now, as a woman in midlife reflecting on her own journey of catalyst and transformation, Kristina feels called to share her story with Half Betty and its listeners. In her words and experiences, she hopes others may find a spark of connection, comfort, or relatability — a reminder that living the best life we can, for ourselves and for others, is its own quiet act of courage.
Kristina’s Five Words
impatient, impulsive, bratty, curious, creative, others have said - purposeful and intentional
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
Some people play it safe. Costume designer Patti Henderson has built her life on anything but.
In this episode of Half Betty, we sit down with the celebrated film and television costume designer whose work has been featured at Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca Film Festivals, and on productions for Amblin Entertainment, Amazon Studios, and Universal Pictures. Patti’s credits include Under the Bridge, Flag Day, Totally Killer, and Nobody - but her most captivating stories happen off-screen. Along the way, she has found inspiration and connection with remarkable women, including her neighbour on Vancouver Island, Pamela Anderson, whose own journey of reinvention after heartbreak resonated deeply with Patti, and Diane Keaton, whose collaboration and creative influence during Patti’s early film work left a lasting impression.
Patti has lived three distinct lives: first as a stay-at-home mom, then as a creative powerhouse in the entertainment industry, and now as a woman embracing midlife reinvention and self-discovery. She shares how boldness shaped her career - and sometimes cost her work - and how on-the-job experience became her film school. We explore her views on feminism, industry double standards, and how recovery transformed her leadership, her creativity, and her life.
Whether you’re curious about the art of costume design, the resilience it takes to thrive in the film industry, or the courage it takes to start over in midlife, this conversation is filled with inspiration, creative insight, and the reminder that it’s never over until you say it is.
Bio
Patti Henderson is a highly accomplished costume designer in the film and television industry, known for her work on various notable projects that have been featured at Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca and Toronto Film Festivals . Some of the studios she has collaborated with include Amblin Entertainment, Amazon Studios and Universal Pictures.
Patti’s current credits include "Love Hurts" the action packed feature starring Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose for 87North Action, “Under the Bridge” for Hulu starring Lily Gladstone, where Patti’s costumes contributed to the film's gritty atmosphere and character development. Patti’s period costume designs were featured at the 74th Cannes Film Festival’s 2021 world premier of “Flag Day” where she attended with the film’s star and director, Sean Penn. Additionally, her creative vision was instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of the Amazon Pictures dark comedy "Totally Killer." Patti also designed the action thriller "Nobody" for Universal Pictures featuring Bob Odenkirk, where her designs further accentuated the film's intense and thrilling scenes.
Patti’s versatile and skilled approach to costume design across different genres has reinforced her status as a respected figure in the industry. Her costume design work has been recognized with nominations for excellence in period costume from The Gemini Awards, The Canadian Screen Awards, The Golden Scythe Awards and The CAFTCAD Awards.
Full project information is available on IMDb.com under Patricia J. Henderson.
Representation by Julian Savodivker, EVP & Head of Production, Independent Artist Group.
Linkedin - Patti Henderson
IMDB - Patti J. Henderson
Website - PattiHenderson.me
Instagram - @pattyhendersoncostumes
Patti’s Five Words - creative, leader, bold, feminist, faithful
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
In this dynamic and inspiring episode, we meet Terry Tateossian, an Armenian/American entrepreneur based in New Jersey. Terry is the founder of THOR - The House of Rose - a wellness community for women over 40, and host of the podcast How Good Can It Get?
In this episode Terry opens up about her deeply personal transformation, from co-founding and leading a successful marketing agency to facing a life-altering health crisis that led her down the path of holistic healing. A pivotal three-hour consultation with a holistic doctor became the turning point in her journey, inspiring her to embrace a new calling: helping women reconnect with their health, strength, and inner wisdom. Terry now empowers others to find balance and vitality in midlife and beyond. She leads retreats, builds community, and reminds women of the power of intuition, resilience, and asking for help.
Bio
Terry Tateossian, 48, is the Founder of THOR: The House of Rose, a wellness community for women over 40, and the host of the podcast How Good Can It Get. She is an ISSA-certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, Registered Yoga Teacher, and IIN-Certified Hormone Specialist and Emotional Eating Coach.
At 42, Terry began a transformative journey of reclaiming her health - she lost over 80 pounds in her mid-forties and overcame emotional eating, unlocking new physical and emotional strength. Her personal story fuels and guides her mission to help other midlife women feel strong, confident, and energized through strength training, hormone health, and mindset work.
In 2022, she launched THOR to offer retreats, coaching, and products tailored to the unique needs of women over 40. A recognized entrepreneur and award-winning leader, Terry has trained hundreds of women, built a thriving community, and walked in the 2025 New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Linkedin Terry Tateossian
Website The House of Rose
Instagram Terry Tatesossian
Instagram The House of Rose THOR
Terry’’s Five Words - goofy, honest, enterprising, confident, and service-based
References
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Creative Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
Andrea and Krista are honoured to welcome Nadia George to the podcast—an award-winning actor, activist, and trauma integration clinician based in Toronto.
The conversation is a heartfelt continuation of Nadia George's transformative journey, as she shares her recent experiences after traveling to El Salvador. Andrea and Krista welcome Nadia back for part two, where she recalls pivotal moments that have reshaped her midlife perspective, including the significant spiritual and personal growth she gained from the trip. Nadia describes how instrumental this journey was for her in feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to her roots. Themes of community, empathy, and self-discovery are central as she reflects on her emotional highs and lows, interactions with the local people, and cultural reconnection. The discussion also touches on the broader concept of Turtle Island, community, and the importance of helping and supporting one another.
We invite you to part two of our two-part conversation with Nadia George.
Bio
Nadia George is an award-winning actor, public speaker, and somatic consultant specializing in trauma-informed practices. Of Northern European, Salvadoran, and Nahua Indigenous descent, she uses her lived experience—from growing up in Canada to navigating the child welfare system—to advocate for environmental justice, clean drinking water, and mental health awareness.
Drawing from over a decade in social services, Nadia supports both corporate and entertainment sectors with trauma-informed consulting, including therapeutic care for TV productions. Her frontline activism includes delivering water filtration systems and leading educational workshops in remote communities across Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Her work has earned national recognition, including the 2023 Waterfront Award for Community Activism and the 2021 Ontario Premier’s Award. Notable collaborations include Ronald McDonald House and the mini-series Little Bird.
Linkedin Nadia George
Website Nadia George
Instagram NadiaGeorgeOfficial
Facebook NadiaGeorgeOfficial
YouTube Nadia George
References
“Friends of the Orphans Canada” — is a Canadian charity that supports NPH (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) orphanages and surrounding communities in Latin America. They organize volunteer trips, sponsor children and families, and fund programs like education, healthcare, clean water, and housing in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, and El Salvador
Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear
App: Calm
Nadia’s Five UPDATED Words: Grounded, Clarity, Optimistic, Adventurous (this one is not going anywhere), Full of Wonder, Confident
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
Andrea and Krista are honoured to welcome Nadia George to the podcast—an award-winning actor, activist, and trauma integration clinician based in Toronto. Nadia shares her rich cultural background, rooted in her Canadian upbringing and her newly realized Salvadorian Nahua heritage. She also expresses her tireless advocacy for clean drinking water, mental health, and environmental justice.
The conversation spans her wide-ranging career across social services, corporate consulting, and the entertainment industry. Nadia opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery, including the life-changing revelation of her biological father and the healing that followed. She reflects on the wisdom of different life stages—connecting with both her 13-year-old and imagined 80-year-old self—as she navigates the transformation of midlife.
She also shares her plans for an upcoming trip to El Salvador to reconnect with her roots, volunteer work with Fotocan (read more below), and meet her newfound family. Throughout, Nadia emphasizes the power of community, self-care, and lifelong growth.
This is part one of a two-part conversation you won’t want to miss.
Bio
Nadia George is an award-winning actor, public speaker, and somatic consultant specializing in trauma-informed practices. Of Northern European, Salvadoran, and Nahua Indigenous descent, she uses her lived experience—from growing up in Canada to navigating the child welfare system—to advocate for environmental justice, clean drinking water, and mental health awareness.
Drawing from over a decade in social services, Nadia supports both corporate and entertainment sectors with trauma-informed consulting, including therapeutic care for TV productions. Her frontline activism includes delivering water filtration systems and leading educational workshops in remote communities across Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Her work has earned national recognition, including the 2023 Waterfront Award for Community Activism and the 2021 Ontario Premier’s Award. Notable collaborations include Ronald McDonald House and the mini-series Little Bird.
Linkedin Nadia George
Website Nadia George
Instagram NadiaGeorgeOfficial
Facebook NadiaGeorgeOfficial
YouTube Nadia George
References
Fotocan “Friends of the Orphans Canada” — is a Canadian charity that supports NPH (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) orphanages and surrounding communities in Latin America. They organize volunteer trips, sponsor children and families, and fund programs like education, healthcare, clean water, and housing in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, and El Salvador
Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear
App: Calm
Nadia’s Five Words (actually nine and we’re loving it): Adventurous, Disruptor, Empath, Curious, Inquisitive, Loving, Humble, Silly, Outrageous
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
During this episode Andrea and Krista are in conversation with Ragini Kapil, a Vancouver-based writer, director, performer, and educator. Inspired by her mother, a trailblazing Indo-Fijian educator in special education, Ragini's work is imbued with humor, empathy, and honesty.
After a career in education, Ragini transitioned to the creative world but faced a challenging recovery from a back fracture and concussion. Despite these setbacks, she emerged stronger, writing and directing award-winning films, performing standup comedy, and teaching English to newcomers in Canada. Ragini's story underscores themes of resilience, compassion, authenticity, and visionary thinking. She shares her transformative journey, the impact of her cultural roots, and the importance of self-advocacy and joy in pursuing one's passions.
In this Half Betty episode, Andrea and Krista sit down with Ragini Kapil - a Vancouver-based writer, director, performer, and educator. Inspired by her mother, a visionary Indo-Fijian special education teacher, Ragini brings humour, empathy, and honesty to everything she creates.
After a successful career in education, Ragini transitioned into the creative world - a path disrupted by both a serious back fracture and a concussion. Her recovery was difficult, but also transformative. Emerging stronger, she went on to write and direct award-winning films, perform stand-up comedy, and teach English to newcomers in Canada.
Ragini’s story is one of resilience, vision, and deep compassion. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the impact of her cultural heritage, and the power of self-advocacy, authenticity, and joy in pursuing a purpose-driven life.
Bio
Ragini Kapil is a Vancouver-based writer, director, performer, and lifelong educator whose work is rooted in story, resilience, and reinvention. Inspired by her mother, an Indo-Fijian educator, Ragini grew up navigating life as an outsider - a perspective that sharpened her wit and storytelling instincts.
After years as a dedicated teacher and creative school leader, Ragini transitioned from education to pursue her artistic aspirations. Despite significant health challenges, she has achieved notable milestones, including the award-winning short film All Kinds of Weather and the feature script Good Marriage Material. She has also built a thriving stand-up comedy career, performing at the Vancouver Fringe Festival and Yuk Yuk's.
Beyond film and comedy, Ragini has lent her voice to a recurring character on PBS Kids’ Skillsville, narrated an audiobook, created the documentary The Comedy Doula, and performed in the devised theatre piece Heirlooms and Baggage. Most recently, she has taught English to Canadian newcomers and cherishes her role as a grandmother to three fierce granddaughters.
Linkedin Ragini Kapil
Instagram Ragini Kapil
Threads Ragini Kapil
Website Ragini Kapli
IMDB Ragini Kapil
Ragini’s Five Words: resilient, irreverent, compassionate, authentic, visionary
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
Andrea and Krista dive into Madeleine’s inspiring work in social entrepreneurship, her feminist values, and the energy she brings as an instigator and creative force. Madeleine reflects on her formative years, including her rebellious nature as a child, which influenced her life’s work.
She shares her journey of finding purpose through initiatives like G Day - a series of events aimed at empowering girls entering adolescence.
The conversation highlights her transition into midlife, marked by her decision to quit alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing profound personal growth and a return to more authentic living.
The episode concludes with a teaser about Madeleine’s upcoming project, ‘Autumn Collective’, which focuses on community-building for women in midlife and menopause.
And, stay tuned for a Madeleine Part two!
Bio
I recently turned 57 and have been post-menopausal for 4 years. My background is as a social entrepreneur with a strong legacy in the menstrual health and equity space.
Around 10 years ago I started realizing that I was developing an unhealthy relationship with one of my favourite things: wine. Long story short, going on four years fully sober today, I believe that being menopausal basically saved me, in that I could no longer tolerate night sweats and my diminishing ability to tolerate a 'couple of glasses' of wine a day.
Today, I'm working on launching an event series called ‘Autumn Collective’ for folks in the menopausal transition (includes peri- to post-) to explore, support and celebrate ourselves at this time in life.
Linkedin Madeleine Shaw
Instagram Madeleine Shaw
Website: Madeleine Shaw
YouTube: Madeleine Shaw
Medium: Madeleine Shaw
Substack: Madeleine Shaw
Book Greater Good
Events G Day
Madeleline’s Five Words
Creative, generative, feminist, instigator, Bad Brownie
Good Reads
Sobriety
Lauren McGowen - The Luckiest Club
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
In this episode, Founder and Host Andrea Rathborne and Producer/Co-Host Krista Gruen sit down with Andréa (Drea) Bendewald to discuss Drea's journey as the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of 'Circle This,' an Anti-Small Talk podcast.
Drea shares her extensive experience leading circle conversations, spanning over 30 years, and explores her passion for meaningful connection, relationships, human insight, and inspiring moments. The episode details Drea and Andrea’s serendipitous meeting at the 2024 Shine Away Event (Hello Sunshine’s annual gathering in LA), which they describe as 'Sacred Synchronicity.' They recount their bonding experience through common mid-life changes, such as launching new businesses (podcasts) and sending children off to college. The discussion also delves into the art of circling, the importance of listening and receiving, and the unfolding of Drea's own midlife transformation.
The conversation, just as a circle does, meets back at the start with reflections on the strength and necessity of vulnerability, unedited and honest expression, the art and practice of both giving and receiving and, the gift of serendipity, synchronicity and raising ones hand to say “Yes - I’m here. I see and hear you - you are witnessed”.
Bio
You may recognize Andréa (Drea) from her work on iconic shows like Friends, Seinfeld, Two and a Half Men, Entourage, The Morning Show, and films like Employee of the Month. With a career rooted in storytelling, Drea has spent decades on screen—and now, she brings that same passion to the world of personal transformation.
As a beloved acting coach and teacher at UCLA’s Professional Program for Acting on Camera, Drea has helped countless performers tap into their truth. But her deepest calling? Creating space for authentic connection.
She’s the founder of The Art of Circling—a modern mindfulness practice rooted in ancient ritual that fosters connection, healing, and empowerment through story-sharing and deep listening. What began in person has grown into a global movement, with virtual women's empowerment circles, retreats, and transformational workshops.
Featured in People, The New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, and more, Drea is on a mission to bring peace, harmony, and divine balance to women everywhere—one circle at a time.
Linkedin Andréa Bendewald
Podcast Circle This
Instagram Andréa Bendewald
IMDB Andréa Bendewald
Andrea and Drea met last year (2024) during Hello Sunshine’s annual event SHINE AWAY in LA. It was during a workshop hosted by Peoplehood that was facilitated by Francesca Hogi and Connor Holloway where they connected. SoulCycle co-founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler founded Peoplehood, a “workout for your relationships” Learn more here → Peoplehood
Good reads
Five Words: Love, Pisces, Authentic, Survivor, Woman
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, hosted by Andrea Rathborne and Co-hosted/Produced by Krista Gruen we feature the inspiring story of Chloë Angus. Chloë is a Vancouver-based fashion designer who transitioned from designing inclusive fashion to developing wearable robotic exoskeletons after a spinal cord injury. Chloë shares her experiences growing up in a remote community, establishing a successful fashion career, and advocating for technological advancements to improve mobility for disabled people. The conversation highlights her resilience, advocacy for inclusive design, and the importance of community support in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Chloë also discusses her involvement in projects to improve spinal cord injury care standards and her continuous efforts to innovate in both the fashion and technology sectors.
Bio
Chloë Angus is a designer, entrepreneur, and advocate whose extraordinary journey stretches from a remote corner of British Columbia’s rugged coast to national recognition in Canadian fashion—and now, to the forefront of robotic innovation. Home-schooled and one of many in a lively, creative family, Chloë launched her first company at just 23. She transitioned from landscaping to fashion with the creation of Chloë Angus Design, a brand celebrated for its inclusivity, sustainability, and timeless design.
In 2015, at the age of 40, Chloë sustained a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She never lost her drive or creative vision.. Instead, she expanded it—pioneering adaptive fashion and empowering other wheelchair users through thoughtful, stylish design.
Today, Chloë is the Director of Lived Experience at Human In Motion Robotics, where she plays a pivotal role in developing the world’s most advanced wearable robotic exoskeleton—a device with the potential to transform mobility for people with paralysis, including herself.
Now 50, and marking nearly a decade of life as a paraplegic, Chloë offers a perspective that is as powerful as it is personal. With sharp insight, a wicked sense of humor, and unshakable optimism, she speaks to the beauty of adaptation, the complexity of identity, and the unexpected possibilities that come with midlife.
Linkedin Chloë Angus
Website ChloëAngus.com
Website HumanInMotion.com
Instagram Chloë Angus Design
Facebook Chloë Angus Design
Five Words: Angus, advocate, Adventurer
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
Andrea and Krista are joined by love coach, TED speaker and now Author, Francesca Hogi! Inspired by their attendance at Reese Witherspoon's Shine Away event, their Half Betty conversation explores midlife transformations, love, and personal development and growth. Francesca (aka Franny - an approved nickname) introduces her ‘Self Love’ Formula, which includes self-compassion, self-worth, self-validation, self-care, and self-gratitude. She emphasizes the power of human connection, shared stories, and the importance of operating from a place of love rather than fear. This episode also touches on navigating friendships and romantic relationships in midlife, and Francesca's personal journey, which includes moving on from a long-term relationship, finding new love and moving to Paris.
Bio
Francesca Hogi helps people find true love inside and out. A former corporate lawyer turned matchmaker turned love coach, Francesca is a TED speaker, host of Dear Franny Podcast, and internationally recognized expert on dating and relationships. She’s been featured in media outlets such as The Today Show, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and The Huffington Post. She coaches individuals and groups, and is the founder of The True Love Society, a community for people seeking deeper self and romantic love. Her first book, How to Find True Love, was released on April 8th 2025. Prior to her love career, Francesca competed on two seasons of the iconic reality show Survivor.
Linkedin Francesca Hogi
Website FrancescaHogi.com
Instagram DearFranny
Podcast Dear Franny
Patreon The True Love Society
Five Words: Determined, Intuitive, and Adaptable (big rule breaker : ) three words instead of five)
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our subscribers 50% off any pair of shoes!
Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Forget the cheap plastic cases — Loba is designed with high-end finishes and customizable LED lights that glow when it’s time to take your pills. It connects to WiFi through the Loba App, where you can set daily reminders and let visual cues do the work for you. Inside are 7 daily pill pods, making it easy to stay on track without the mental load. If you take vitamins or supplements, Loba is the upgrade your wellness routine deserves. We partnered with LOBA to offer our subscribers 10% off!
Please use this link to purchase https://shoploba.com/HALFBETTY
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company
While we originally planned to launch “Half George” as an April Fools’ gag to replace “Half Betty,” we realized that the stories of men, their mid-lives, and mental health are deeply significant and deserving of genuine support. Instead of sharing “Half George” on April 1st, we decided to release this special stand-alone episode today, April 2nd.
This episode is dedicated to all the men who have unexpectedly connected with “Half Betty,” related to its themes, and reached out with questions. We hope this provides a space for bold vulnerability and connection—a place where men can share their midlife journeys and reflect on building their next, best chapters.
Join hosts Chris Rathborne and Kyle Gruen—our husbands—as they explore the midlife experience for men. Inspired by icons like George Burns and George Clooney, “Half George” mirrors the spirit of “Half Betty” while focusing on topics such as health, fitness, fatherhood, friendships, and navigating challenges like parental aging, loss, and grief (especially during the pandemic). It also touches on how remote work has brought unexpected family time and balance.
For now, “Half George” remains a stand-alone episode. But perhaps one day it will grow into something more. To all the men listening: thank you for your curiosity, your willingness to relate, and your questions. We see you—and we appreciate you.
Enjoy this heartfelt exploration of midlife stories with Chris and Kyle.
Linkedin Chris Rathborne
Instagram Chris Rathborne
Linked in Kyle Gruen
Instagram Kyle Gruen
Photo credit Bee Chalmers Photography
Instagram Bee Chalmers Photographer
Half Betty and Half George Logo: Tessa Brauer
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Meet Emma May, a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur known for her resilience and ambitious endeavors. Emma shares her journey from law to real estate, and then to founding her own clothing line Sophie Grace, aimed at providing comfortable yet stylish workwear for women. She recounts her transformative experiences, including leading a community effort to mitigate flood damage in Calgary, raising significant capital for her business, and navigating the challenges of ADHD. Emma emphasizes the importance of supportive communities, overcoming fear, and seizing opportunities as she moves into the next phase of her life. The episode concludes with Emma's plans for future adventures and reflections on living life to its fullest.
Bio
Emma May is a visionary entrepreneur, activist, and business leader whose career spans law, politics, real estate, and fashion. A former corporate lawyer, she has navigated the worlds of entertainment law and public service, including her role as Executive Director for the Office of the Premier in Southern Alberta under Premier Jim Prentice.
Her journey is one built of courage, adaptability, commitment and ambition—falling in love with business, pivoting to balance motherhood with professional fulfillment, and continually seeking new intellectual challenges. As a real estate leader, she has played a key role in shaping Alberta’s property landscape, bringing strategic insight and bold decision-making to every venture she pursues.
In 2018, Emma stood in her closet, frustrated by the lack of streamlined, elegant, mix-and-match clothes for professional women. Rather than accept the gap in the market, she created Sophie Grace, a digitally-driven fashion brand designed for busy women who want to look and feel polished, professional and comfortable with minimal effort.
Emma’s work is driven by a deep understanding and compassion for the challenges modern women face—navigating careers, families, and personal aspirations. Through Sophie Grace, she continues to redefine workwear, championing simplicity, sophistication, and empowerment in every piece. And, not stopping at creating design that supports women in how they easily dress for their careers, Emma also continues to build her own second scene and path forward - in style.
Linkedin Emma May
Website Sophie Grace
Instagram Emma May
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our listeners 50% off any pair of shoes! Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Childhood is priceless—until someone puts a price on it. When sex trafficking and exploitation threaten childhood, we need to rally everyone and everything to protect it. That’s why our friends at Ally Global Foundation are building community-led solutions in Canada—to tackle root causes and educate communities. For free prevention resources for your children or school, or to support Ally in protecting childhood, visit ally.org Because every child deserves safety and freedom.
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Ally Global Foundation and Voes and Company
In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Rhonda Roberts Smid - a powerhouse in theater, film, TV, fitness, and education. Rhonda gets real about midlife, sharing how she flipped the script from seeing it as a decline, to embracing it as a celebration. We dive into her experiences as a performer, coach, and mentor, and her passion for helping women own their midlife with confidence.
She opens up about resilience, breaking free from societal expectations and why personalized care—both physical and mental—is key. Plus, her dedication to diversity and building a strong, supportive community shines through.
Stick around for Rhonda’s words of wisdom and how you can connect with her. This one’s packed with inspiration!
Bio
Rhonda Roberts is a seasoned performer, educator, and dance adjudicator with an extensive career spanning stage and screen. She was part of the original 2000 Toronto company of The Lion King, understudying Sarabi before taking over the role of Shenzi. Her stage credits also include Beauty and the Beast, the U.S. First National Tour of Ragtime, and productions at the renowned Stratford Festival. On screen, she has appeared in The Boys (Amazon Prime), Chicago, Hairspray The Movie, and various other film and television roles.
Beyond performance, Rhonda has dedicated over 35 years to teaching dance and more than 20 years to adjudicating, primarily across Canada. She has been a sought-after adjudicator for competitions nationwide and has led dance workshops throughout the country. For the past five years, she has been instructing at the University of Toronto while also choreographing and teaching at performing arts schools in Toronto, including Etobicoke School of the Arts, Mayfield Secondary School, and Canada’s National Ballet School.
In 2012, she founded The Art of Balance (TAB), a studio merging dance, fitness, and holistic practices to foster well-being. Recognized as one of CanFitPro’s Top 3 Fitness Professionals in 2016, she continues to advocate for dancer health and diversity through organizations like Healthy Dancer Canada, where she chaired the BIPOC Advocacy Working Group.
Rhonda holds a Sociology degree from McMaster University and a Musical Theatre diploma from Randolph College for the Performing Arts, where she earned both a full scholarship and the Triple Threat Award.
Linkedin Rhonda Roberts Smid
Website Tab Fitness
Instagram Rhonda on Instagram
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our listeners 50% off any pair of shoes! Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Childhood is priceless—until someone puts a price on it. When sex trafficking and exploitation threaten childhood, we need to rally everyone and everything to protect it. That’s why our friends at Ally Global Foundation are building community-led solutions in Canada—to tackle root causes and educate communities. For free prevention resources for your children or school, or to support Ally in protecting childhood, visit ally.org Because every child deserves safety and freedom.
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
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Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Ally Global Foundation and Voes and Company
In this episode, our guest Christa Hull shares stories from her midlife journey and career transformation. She shares what it was like working with some of Vancouver’s top lifestyle brands, while also struggling with hormone changes, sleep issues, mood swings, and the grief of losing her mother suddenly. Christa talks about the moment she decided to step away from the fast-paced corporate world, choosing instead to slow down, prioritize self-care, and embrace practices including meditation, therapy, and mindful living.
She also dives into her transition into entrepreneurship—building a coaching and consulting business centered on leadership and community. Recently, she teamed up with her colleague Michelle Lazar to launch a masterclass on community marketing. Throughout our conversation, Christa reflects on the power of authenticity, the importance of community, and how embracing change can lead to something even better.
If you're navigating midlife shifts, this episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, inspiration and the perfect injection of laughter, just when it is needed.
Bio
Christa is a connector, creator, leader and people alchemist. With more than two decades leading purpose-driven lifestyle brands, Christa has worked closely with founders to help fuel growth for a variety of businesses–from start-ups to global brands. She specializes in building brand love through relationship-based and experiential strategies. Christa creates ripples of impact through leadership development and community engagement, generating culture that fosters connection to self, community, and the world. Christa lives in Vancouver, Canada. with her husband and two children and is deeply inspired by the natural world.
Linkedin Christa Hull
Business partner Michelle Lazar
Website Community Academy
Website ChristaHull.com
References
Psychologist Dr. Julie Colwell
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our listeners 50% off any pair of shoes! Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Childhood is priceless—until someone puts a price on it. When sex trafficking and exploitation threaten childhood, we need to rally everyone and everything to protect it. That’s why our friends at Ally Global Foundation are building community-led solutions in Canada—to tackle root causes and educate communities. For free prevention resources for your children or school, or to support Ally in protecting childhood, visit ally.org Because every child deserves safety and freedom.
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Website link here
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LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Ally Global Foundation and Voes and Company
Podcast founder Andrea Rathborne and the iconic Betty White share the same birth date - January 17th. In 2022, as Betty would have celebrated her 100th birthday, Andrea turned 50 - half betty’s age. This milestone sparked a powerful reflection: Betty White achieved more between 50 and 100 than in her first 50 years, suggesting that midlife is not an end but a bold, new beginning. Inspired by Betty’s legacy, Andrea saw turning 50 as the gateway to a second, even greater life chapter - one full of possibility, reimagination, and purpose.
This vision gave rise to Half Betty, a bold and vibrant community where midlife women come together to feel supported, inspired, informed, and deeply valued. It’s a space where the stories of their next chapter take shape and the extraordinary potential of their second scene unfolds.
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Website: www.halfbetty.com
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Audio recorded by: Lincoln Woo
Episode 1 and Trailer courtesy of: Jar Audio
Podcast mentors: Jen Moss of Jar Audio and Neil McPhedran of Podium Podcast Co.