Half Betty cover art

Half Betty

Half Betty

Written by: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Listen for free

About this listen

 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.© 2025 Half Betty Productions Inc. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Carolyn Hawes and Diane Brennan: The Devil, Betty & SPF

    Carolyn Hawes and Diane Brennan: The Devil, Betty & SPF
    Feb 20 2026
    Andrea and Krista welcome not one, but two fantastic new guests to Half Betty - the duo behind the brilliant and fun The Devil Wears SPF podcast, Carolyn Hawes and Diane Brennan. In this episode, we hear from both women about the experiences that have shaped them, the lessons that landed them here, and their visions for full, vibrant, sun-protected futures.Carolyn and Diane explore themes of self-worth, agency, and the power of women, creating space for honesty and care. They share stories of resilience, transformation, and the courage it takes to live life on their own terms - navigating challenges, redefining freedom, and prioritizing health, joy, and purpose.Their podcast blends “Skincare and SoulCare,” tackling topics including aging, self-love, wellness humour and insight. Looking ahead, they share dreams of exploring beauty rituals and cultural definitions of wellness around the world - a continuation of their journey together as friends and co-creators.This episode is a conversation about living intentionally, embracing change, and the ways women support and lift each other while navigating life’s transitions.BiosCarolyn Hawes is a former editor and general contractor whose midlife journey led her to rethink health, work, and identity. After years of people-pleasing shaped by childhood and an early marriage that ended in divorce, Carolyn began the work of becoming “self-authored,” learning to voice her own needs and opinions - both for herself and as a model for her daughter. In her late forties, menopause-related symptoms disrupted her ability to work and prompted a year-long pause to focus on healing and learning. With guidance from women’s health specialists, she began rebuilding her health and, at 53, chose early retirement to design a life rooted in purpose, curiosity, and alignment rather than obligation. Today, Carolyn brings her lived experience, honesty, and humour to conversations about aging, self-worth, and what it means to choose yourself in midlife.Diane Brennan has always taken a nontraditional path, guided by independence, adventure, and a deep trust in her own instincts. She left Canada for the United States without a job to pursue citizenship and later embraced a life without marriage or children, navigating social judgment before arriving at a liberating “who cares” mindset. A pivotal experience with a cosmetic procedure that left her with permanent facial scarring led to a lawsuit and profoundly reshaped her relationship with beauty, aging, and self-advocacy. This moment deepened her interest in skincare and fueled her desire to help other women feel informed and empowered about their choices. Diane brings candour, wit, and compassion to conversations about self-worth, freedom, and redefining beauty on your own terms.Together, Carolyn and Diane are the co-hosts of The Devil Wears SPF, a podcast blending “Skincare” and “SoulCare” with humour and heart, inviting women to care for both their skin and their inner lives - without apology.Diane’s Five WordsFun, Adventure, Learning, Loving, LaughingCarolyn’s Five WordsSelf Authoured, Intuitive, Design minded, Strategic, Aesthetic, sillyLinksThe Devil Wears SPFYouTubeInstagramDianne BrennanInstagramLinkedinCarolyn Hawes WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSponsor InformationZaleska size-inclusive jewelryConnect with Half BettyWebsite link hereInstagram link hereLinkedIn link hereFacebook link hereLeave us a voicemail (we love to hear your voices and your thoughts!) https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/Guests Dianne Brennan & Carolyn HawesFounder/Host: Andrea RathborneCreative Producer/Co-Host: Krista GruenEditors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista GruenAudio Engineer: Ryan ClarkeEpisode sponsors: Zaleska size-inclusive jewelry
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Zanne Hollingshead: On Purpose

    Zanne Hollingshead: On Purpose
    Feb 5 2026
    In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, Suzanne (Zanne) Hollingshead joins Andrea and Krista for an honest and moving conversation about loss, resilience, and finding purpose through life’s hardest seasons. Zanne shares her experience of losing her mother as a child and her sister in midlife, and how navigating these profound losses became a catalyst for transformation.She talks about how her journey through grief led her to create supportive communities for motherless children, adults navigating loss, and women moving through perimenopause and menopause. Zanne’s story highlights the power of facing grief with courage, building connection, and turning personal hardship into advocacy. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is support, understanding, and a path toward meaning and hope.BioZanne Hollingshead is a trauma-informed well-being advocate, certified life coach, and community-builder with a deeply personal connection to her work. Trained through Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coaching program and certified in Mother Loss Support through Claire Bidwell Smith and Hope Edelman’s professional program, Zanne specializes in supporting individuals and groups navigating loss, grief, and the transitions that arrive with midlife.Her own experiences - losing her mother as a child, her sister in midlife, and dear friends along the way - inform her compassionate approach and the communities she has built. Zanne walks alongside her clients and participants with insight, care, and practical tools, helping them navigate life’s challenges while creating space for healing, growth, and new beginnings.In collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Hope Edelman, Zanne co-facilitates weekly Motherless Daughters Community Calls and leads 12-week Support Circles for early childhood, adolescent, and young adult mother loss - programs she helped develop in 2023. Through her work, Zanne is dedicated to making sure no one facing grief or life transitions has to navigate them alone.Zanne Hollingshead Instagram Growingthroughit.lifemidlifemagic.community Motherlessdaughters.comZanne’s Five Words+ Rule Breaker On Purpose Multisensory People ConnectorUnstoppableIntuitiveSoul-diverReferencesWe know the conversations in this episode may bring up strong emotions around grief, loss, and mental health. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know you don’t have to face it alone.In Canada: You can reach out to the Talk Suicide Canada line at 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)In the United States: Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7)If you’re listening from another part of the world, we encourage you to seek out local support - whether that’s a healthcare provider, community organization, or someone you trust. You are not alone, and reaching out for help is a brave and important step.Women's midlife health resources: Dr Lisa Mosconi PhD- Neuroscientist, Author of The Menopause BrainTamsen Fadal - Journalist, Women's Midife Advocate, Journalist Dr. Kelly Casperson MD - Urologist, Women's Midife Physician Dr Kudzai Dombo MD - GYN, Women's Midlife Physician Dr Sharon Malone MD - Menopause Expert, Chief Medical Advisor Alloy Women's Health Online Medicine PlatformDr. Jayne Morgan, MD, Cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs, at Hello HeartInstagramHello Heart MidiHalf Betty Sponsor InformationZaleska beautiful, size-inclusive jewelry Connect with Half BettyWebsite link hereInstagram link hereLinkedIn link hereFacebook link hereLeave us a voicemail (we love to hear your voices and your thoughts!) https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/Founder/Host: Andrea RathborneCreative Producer/Co-Host: Krista GruenEditors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista GruenAudio Engineer: Ryan ClarkeEpisode sponsors: Zaleska size-inclusive jewelry
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • Julie Kim: Unhinged

    Julie Kim: Unhinged
    Jan 17 2026
    In this episode of the Half Betty Podcast, Julie Kim, a top Canadian stand-up comedian, writer, and producer, joins Andrea and Krista for an engaging and honest conversation. Julie shares her journey in comedy, motherhood, cultural identity, and the unique challenges women face in the entertainment industry. She talks about her evolving comedic style, fueled by real-life experiences (including the highly annoying ones) and how it helps her connect with diverse audiences. The discussion highlights her impactful storytelling, growth as a comedian, and dedication to breaking barriers in comedy. Julie also shares upcoming plans, including live shows and her podcast 'Bothered.' This episode is filled with laughter, insights, and inspiration for women in comedy, and beyond. BioJulie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians. Julie recently toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). She was a gala performer at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and headlined four sold-out solo shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals, including Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Julie has also been regularly featured on CBC’s The Debaters. ​In 2023 Julie also debuted at both the Toronto Fringe Festival and Victoria Fringe Festival with her solo storytelling show called No One Special.​Julie is also a Canadian Screen Award-winning writer and producer. Julie has contributed to the writing rooms of Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs, and Still Standing. She has been part of the writing and creative consulting team at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival for the past three years. She was also a writer for Just for Laughs Montreal in 2022. Julie was a producer and writer for Simu Liu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as he hosted the 2022 and 2023 Juno Awards. She ideated Liu’s now well-known ‘I am Canadian’ monologue, which has gone viral on the Internet and social media. ​Additionally, in 2023, Julie was included on VIBE’s list of POWER 60: Inspiring Asian-Canadians of Influence. Other notable honorees included Lilly Singh, Andrew Phung, and Russell Peters.Julie's mission is to spread happiness, lighten hearts, and unite through laughter. And no amount of ‘mom-shaming’ will stop her in this quest. LinkedinInstagram YouTubeTikTokWebsiteIMDBJulie’s Five+ Words - food-loving (and also resentful), analytical, unhinged, random, adventurerReferencesLink HERE to March 8th Women’s Day Event at The Biltmore.Andrea and Krista will be in attendance! Come meet us and say hello!Sponsor InformationZaleska size-inclusive jewelryEnter code HALFBETTY for 20% off your first purchaseConnect with usWebsite link hereInstagram link hereLinkedIn link hereFacebook link hereLeave a voicemail for ushttps://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/Founder/Host: Andrea RathborneCreative Producer/Co-Host: Krista GruenEditors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista GruenAudio Engineer: Ryan ClarkeEpisode sponsors: Zaleska size-inclusive jewelry
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
No reviews yet