Half Betty: A Bold New Podcast Redefining Midlife For Women Everywhere

What if turning 50 wasn’t the start of slowing down but the gateway to a vibrant second act? That’s the question Andrea Rathborne, alongside co-host Krista Gruen, explores in their new podcast, Half Betty, which is already making waves. Since its January 17th launch, Half Betty has climbed to the 6th spot in Canada’s Mental Health podcast charts and has been streamed in over 30 countries.

Inspired by Betty White’s legendary legacy and the belief that midlife is a time for reimagination and bold possibilities, Half Betty creates a space for women to share stories of growth, courage, and transformation. In this Q&A, Andrea Rathborne, a seasoned storyteller and marketer, shares how the podcast came to life, its impact so far, and why midlife is just the beginning of a whole new chapter. —Noa Nichol

Half Betty is already making waves in the podcast world, ranking 5th in the country for mental health podcasts. Did you anticipate this level of impact so early on?

There’s something refreshing, perhaps even soothing, about embracing a Stoic philosophy—letting go of expectations beyond our control. With Half Betty, I focused on what I could control: finding a partner who shared my vision and values (the brilliant Krista Gruen!), leveraging our skills, experience, and incredible community to build something meaningful. But we didn’t attach expectations to how it would be received or how quickly it would grow. Seeing Half Betty resonate so deeply and spread organically, fueled by those who believe in its message, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for both Krista and me. It’s clear that this is exactly what the world needs right now.

The inspiration behind Half Betty is such a powerful personal reflection. Can you share what that moment of realization felt like when you connected your milestone birthday with Betty White’s incredible legacy?

I remember it vividly. I was sitting in my car behind my office at ARTICLE, about to drive home to New Westminster. My incredible team of furniture designers had thrown me a birthday celebration, and my cake had a photoshopped picture of Betty White and me—our heads tucked close together, smiling. Despite the world still carrying the weight of the pandemic, it was a lovely birthday.

Before I started driving, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror and thought, “Hello, 50-year-old me.” But something felt off—I didn’t connect with society’s narrative of turning 50. I didn’t feel invisible, faded, or past my prime. Instead, I felt like I was just getting started, finally comfortable in my body, mind, and spirit.

That was the moment Half Betty was born. Inspired by the idea that Betty White achieved more between ages 50 and 100 than in her first 50 years, I knew I wanted to challenge the outdated midlife narrative for women everywhere. Two years later, Half Betty became a reality.

Half Betty aims to reframe midlife as a time of opportunity, reinvention, and purpose. What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about this life stage, and how does the podcast challenge them?

The biggest misconception is that midlife is a time of decline. For generations, studies have focused only on the physical changes of midlife, creating a limited and outdated narrative. What’s been missing is real stories from women themselves—about their mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual transformations.

Half Betty is changing that by giving midlife women a space to tell their own stories of growth and reinvention. By amplifying these voices, we’re not just challenging the old narrative—we’re rewriting it.

Your background in storytelling and brand strategy has played a major role in shaping this project. How have your experiences at companies like Envisioning & Storytelling, lululemon, and ARTICLE influenced the way you approach the podcast and community-building?

My years at Envisioning & Storytelling taught me the power of narrative, the art of listening, and the beauty of design. When you bring those together, you create experiences that deeply resonate and leave a lasting impact.

At lululemon, I learned the importance of community-building and fostering genuine connections. When I started in 2010, we were a small team of seven or eight creatives. Over the years, I witnessed firsthand how a brand can expand globally while staying rooted in its original values.

Beyond my professional experiences, I also draw inspiration from my own life. Growing up in small, remote towns, I had to build new communities over and over again. I befriended everyone—the local shopkeeper, the librarian, the neighbors—because I knew that strong communities create opportunities. Half Betty is an extension of that lifelong belief: our stories connect us, and when we share them, we lift each other up.

Half Betty is more than just a podcast—it’s a community. What are some of the ways you hope to engage and empower midlife women beyond the podcast itself?

From the very beginning, we knew that Half Betty was bigger than a podcast—but the podcast was the perfect place to start. When you build a community, you create a space for connection, inspiration, and support. While the podcast launches that connection, the future holds so much more:

• Live events that bring women together in real, immersive ways
• Mentorship programs to connect midlife women with younger and older generations
• Film, art, design, and storytelling initiatives to celebrate our experiences
• Dancing—because there should always be dancing!

Ultimately, Half Betty is about inclusion—bringing women of all ages together to support and uplift each other.

You and Krista come from different creative backgrounds—film and brand strategy. How do your unique skill sets complement each other in producing Half Betty?

Krista and I could not be more perfectly matched. She has a background in theater, film production, and storytelling, while I’ve spent my career in branding, communications, and community-building. But beyond our professional expertise, we share a deep passion for people, stories, and lifting others up.

We call it “Building Betty”—and together, we bring different yet complementary strengths to the table. It’s a bit of magic, really.

What has been one of the most moving or surprising moments from the podcast so far?

There have been so many, but here are a few that stand out:

• Winning the Women in Podcasting Contest and feeling truly seen and heard by our incredible mentor, Jen Moss.
• Telling my family I was going “all in” on Half Betty and receiving an outpouring of support—especially from my daughters, who filled my phone with celebratory messages.
• Seeing Half Betty climb to #5 on the Apple Mental Health podcast charts—a deeply emotional moment that made me realize this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

But most of all, every single conversation we’ve had on the podcast has left me feeling energized and inspired. These women are sharing their real, raw, unfiltered stories—and it’s the most powerful thing I’ve ever been part of.

Midlife transformation can feel intimidating. What advice do you have for women who feel stuck or uncertain about stepping into their ‘second scene’?

I imagine midlife transformation feels intimidating for everyone—at least at some point. But nerves serve us. If we can soften the intensity of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, we can allow a small whisper of confidence to guide us forward.

One of the biggest shifts in my own journey came when I stopped shushing myself. I started listening—to my instincts, my body, my heart. We’re told to trust children’s intuition when they know what they need—why do we stop trusting ourselves as adults?

My word for this year, and for life, is LISTEN. When you listen to yourself, you’ll realize—you’ve got you.

Half Betty has already been streamed in 30 countries. Why do you think it resonates with such a wide audience?

Because midlife is universal. Regardless of race, culture, geography, or background—if you’re a woman, you’ll either be in midlife one day, are in midlife, or will look back on it. There’s a natural connection between all of us.

Also, I may have had a little help from my 15 international students who lived with us over the years. They’ve been spreading the word about Half Betty to their moms, aunts, and grandmothers worldwide. It’s the most unintentional yet beautiful international marketing plan ever!

What’s next for Half Betty? Any upcoming guests, live events, or surprises?

So much! We’re releasing new episodes, introducing Betty Bites and Two-Bite Betties, and exploring in-person events—our launch party was just the beginning.

We also have some incredible guests lined up—entrepreneurs, doctors, performers, writers, artists, and women who are redefining midlife in every way. The best part? This is only the beginning.

Photo by Ashley Ross Studios