A milestone birthday 

In a cozy Whistler cabin, everything was arranged with meticulous love and care. The furniture had been shifted around to create a long, intimate dining table that drew everyone to it, like they were gathered around the heart of something special. Candles flickered, casting a soft, golden light. The wooden walls glowed, wrapping everyone in warmth, connection, and a sense that this night was meant to be remembered.

This was the backdrop for Andrea Rathborne’s 50th birthday — a gathering small in size but rich in meaning and overflowing with comfort, familiarity, and deep connection. The evening sparkled with warmth and magic. As Andrea stepped in through the cabin door, her friends’ faces lit up, greeting her with joyful, heartfelt hugs, playful banter, laughter, and a special personalized cocktail—a blend of her favourite gin, fresh rosemary, and a hint of citrus. It was a perfect metaphor for everything the night would be — familiar yet new, bold yet comforting, with just the right mix of zest and warmth — in a word, delicious. 
‍

Being together

Chef Freddy, known for his culinary magic, was in the kitchen crafting a feast while soft alternative 80’s music played in the background. A slideshow played on the large TV, filled with images spanning the 35 years since the group first met at summer camp, taking everyone on a journey through their shared history. Photos from their teen years, snapshots of early adulthood adventures, moments with their collective children who grew to be more like an extended group of siblings and the cherished moments from midlife were all displayed, each a testament to their enduring bonds. Together, they took it all in. 

When eventually they made their way to the long, beautifully set table, Andrea sat, content and radiant, surrounded by her dearest friends. She took it all in. Seamlessly, the conversation flowed with heartfelt stories and spontaneous bursts of laughter, tales of triumph and challenge from days past, and imaginings and hopes for days to come. 

Over an unhurried meal, the friends added layers to their evening and to their history. They weren’t just celebrating Andrea turning 50; they were celebrating all that had brought them — friendships intact — to this gorgeous moment, together. There at the table, a vision stirred in Andrea’s mind. 

Now, this is a good place to offer an important detail: Andrea shares her birthday with the inimitable Betty White. Not long before the cabin evening, as she approached 50, Andrea’s husband shared that Betty would have been turning 100 that year. Realizing she was exactly half Betty White’s age, they mused, “Half Betty! How lucky!” And the moniker stuck. 
‍

‍

Andrea is a natural storyteller. Among her favourite stories are those that shaped her — the ones written into the fabric of her life.

Rooted in storytelling 

Whether through words or images, Andrea is a natural storyteller. Among her favourite stories are those that shaped her — the ones written into the fabric of her life. Her mother’s quiet, resilience and determination, showing her that women could do anything they set their minds to. Nature that always surrounded her, inspiring her early on to find beauty in the everyday. The small towns where she grew up and the libraries she frequented — portals to other worlds. As she grew, the new friends and communities she encountered, who taught her to appreciate different ways of being. Now, her two daughters, each a story of love and resilience in their own right. And the young women from around the world her family hosted in their home, each leaving an imprint of connection and community.  

Andrea became known for her creativity and the way she connected people through story.

In her twenties, with a spark of curiosity and a camera in hand, Andrea began weaving her love of storytelling into a robust professional life, eventually working in film, photo and design, and with companies like lululemon, ARTICLE and Saje Natural Wellness. Andrea became known for her creativity and the way she connected people through story. 

All these experiences, both intimate and expansive, form the foundation of her next great adventure. Turning 50 meant remembering all these stories that shaped her, and the ones she helped shape. It also meant wondering what stories she would tell now? What stories would she help others tell? And how would she tell them?

What moments become the catalysts for transformation? How do we shed the fear and gather the courage to step forward with all our grit, wisdom and imperfection? These were stories Andrea wanted to explore.

The Half Betty Podcast

A podcast. Not just any podcast — the Half Betty podcast, delving into the lives of women navigating their “second scene.” A space where women in their late 30’s to early 60’s, share the unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities that come with being a woman in midlife. Asking the questions they’re wondering about: How do you start over when the kids leave home? When marriages shift? When hormones shift? When careers shift? When dreams flounder or evolve? What moments become the catalysts for transformation? How do we shed the fear and gather the courage to step forward with all our grit, wisdom and imperfection? These were stories Andrea wanted to explore. 

All these details were swimming around her mind when she happened upon a contest on Linkedin: “Women in Podcasting” (winner gets their first episode of their podcast up and running!). Andrea rolled up her sleeves and let it all flow out. She submitted the pitch, grateful to have put it all down in black and white. 

And then, Half Betty won the contest.

Shortly after winning, Andrea connected with a kindred spirit on a job — the creative and talented Krista Gruen. The two quickly bonded over their shared backgrounds in film, story and creative production, their entrepreneurial spirit, and a zealous passion for sharing women’s stories. It wasn’t long before they agreed to pursue this together and Krista became Half Betty’s Producer and Co-host.  

The Half Betty team had been formed. 
‍

Together, Andrea and Krista are excited to be crafting a podcast that blends personal reflection with engaging conversation with women from all backgrounds.

Space for connection

Together, Andrea and Krista are excited to be crafting a podcast that blends personal reflection with engaging conversation with women from all backgrounds. They will share their unique, yet familiar stories of midlife, creating a space that feels both bold and intimate. 

Drawing inspiration from podcasts like Krista Tippett’s On Being and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me, Half Betty will be both personal and universal. Each episode will open with Andrea’s reflections—sometimes funny, sometimes poignant—setting the stage for candid conversations with remarkable women. Guests will range from entrepreneurs and artists to caregivers and advocates, all with stories of resilience, growth, and reinvention.  

Andrea imagines the podcast as a cozy gathering place, much like the cabin that winter evening — a space where humour, honesty, and hope flow freely.

Andrea imagines the podcast as a cozy gathering place, much like the cabin that winter evening — a space where humour, honesty, and hope flow freely. Whether discussing the complexities of caregiving, the thrills of pursuing new passions, or the beauty of ageing with intention, Half Betty will be as dynamic and multi-faceted as the women it celebrates.  

Room for a movement

For Andrea, Half Betty is more than a podcast, it’s a movement - it’s the building of community, a third space. “There’s a special magic in hearing someone’s story and seeing yourself in it,” she shares. “It creates connection, belonging, and the courage to step into your own second scene with grace and gusto.”  

Jen Moss, Chief Creative Officer at JAR Audio, who ran the Linkedin contest and is launching the podcast, agrees: “Andrea’s vision for Half Betty is inspiring. It’s a call to embrace midlife with humour, confidence, and connection. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a gathering place for celebrating the richness of this stage of life.”  

Get ready for Half Betty

The first episode of Half Betty launches January 17, 2025.  

Follow along here and here for updates, and prepare to be inspired by the incredible stories of women redefining midlife. 

‍And if you’re curious about the cocktail, Andrea’s always happy to share the recipe. So don’t hesitate to reach out!