Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits

The midlife years bring opportunities for pleasures big and small, and hosts Sarah Powers and Meagan Francis, fortysomething moms and longtime podcasters, are here to discuss them all. From asking ourselves what leisure even means, to product deep-dives and exploring new hobbies, this show is all about discovering the pastimes and passions that make us tick – and that make midlife more fun.

Latest Episodes:

Sarah Loves Sports! Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Is midlife the perfect time to lean into sports fandom, even (or especially) if nobody in your house is an athlete? In this episode Sarah shares why enjoying a game (occasionally from the bleachers; usually from the sofa) is one of her favorite midlife lady leisure pursuits. From sports movies and documentaries to minor-league teams and of course, game-day snacks, sports fandom has a lot of layers to explore.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our “Witchy” Era? Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

This time of year, witches seem to be everywhere - especially if you’re a woman in midlife. Meagan and Sarah have both joked about being in our “witchy” era, but since neither of us actually want to cast spells or practice divination, what do we even mean by that? In this episode we break down some of the “witchy” tropes we find ourselves gravitating toward in midlife, and why we think we’re drawn to everything from raising hens and growing herbs to wild hair and wisdom.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sarah Makes A Quilt! Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever really looked at a quilt? There’s more to this art form than meets the eye, and in this episode Sarah shares what she’s learning from a quilting workshop she’s been taking at a local craft store. Listen to hear what she’s learning (and be sure to scroll through the show notes at our Substack, linked below, for photos of her project.)

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We Love The Library! Sep 20, 2026

Show notes

Most people think of the library as a place to check out books. But it’s so much more than that! From free services and programming to a variety of objects available to borrow, the library can act as a place to work, rest, create, and gather. In this episode Meagan and Sarah share some of their favorite ways to use the library, and what they’re feeling inspired to try in the future.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Local News! Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

How do you find out what’s happening where you live? From arts and culture news to the latest dispatches from local government, in this episode Meagan and Sarah talk about why paying attention to hyperlocal news can feel like an antidote to the anxiety machine of national news and give you a manageable way to become more involved in civic life.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Volunteering, Midlife Style! Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

In the active parenting years, volunteering tends to center around our kids. Midlife gives us the opportunity to broaden our gaze a bit, and ask ourselves "how do I actually want to give back?" In this episode Meagan and Sarah discuss the ways volunteering has shifted over the years, and the various opportunities they've discovered for making a difference - from pitching in here and there, to heading up projects, to civic engagement and everything in between.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Plant Lady Era! Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Tending houseplants may be the ultimate midlife hobby, but it doesn’t always come naturally. In this episode Sarah shares how her indoor garden has grown from a few decorative potted plants into a more ambitious and seriously joyful pastime, while Meagan confesses that her own houseplants have become more like "wallpaper" - hanging around, often forgotten - and hopes for inspiration to create a more intentional approach.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Adventures in Gardening! Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Over the past few years, both Meagan and Sarah have become more serious about that quintessential midlife lady leisure pursuit, gardening: but each with her own specific approach. From containers on the deck for Meagan to raised beds for Sarah, fruit trees for both, and a perennial garden that Meagan hopes will eventually develop into a wild garden straight out of a storybook, in this episode the ladies share what they’re growing, how they’re growing it, and how their approach to gardening continues to evolve.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cooking for One! Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

One of the nicest surprises of being a midlife lady: eventually, you get to step away from the production-line approach to meal-planning and cooking and start cooking for yourself - JUST yourself again. From happily repetitive meal-planning to dishes we put a lot of thought and time into once and then enjoy for days, to charcuterie-for-dinner and more, this episode is all about the way we feed ourselves, when we’re the only ones we have to feed.

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Road-Tripping Our Roots! Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Meagan recently returned from a two-week road trip across French Canada with 17-year-old Clara, where the two explored the places their ancestors once called home.

In this episode, Sarah asks all the questions: What does an ancestry road trip actually look like? How do you prepare? What would you do differently next time? What moments felt surprisingly emotional, and what unexpected discoveries happened along the way?

From scheduling genealogy tours to striking out at graveyards to walking the actual block where their great-great-great+ grandmothers lived, you’ll hear about Meagan and Clara’s trip…and maybe be inspired to plan your own!

Find an expanded episode story with photos and links at http://www.midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com.

Thank you to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Vionic! Check out our favorite styles at https://midlifeladyleisurepursuits.substack.com/p/vionic.

Listeners of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits can use code MIDLIFE at vionicshoes.com to save 15% when you log into your account. One time use only.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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