Meet this Year’s Winner, Andrea Rathborne
JAR Audio is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2024 JAR Audio Pilot Competition for Emerging Women Podcasters: Andrea Rathborne, with her compelling podcast proposal, “Half Betty: Stories of Women, Legacy, and Life’s Second Scene.”
Andrea’s submission stood out among numerous entries for its heartfelt exploration of women navigating mid-life, capturing the essence of their unique journeys with humor, honesty, and inspiration. We are delighted to support Andrea as she brings these powerful stories to life, offering a platform for emerging podcasters to share their experiences and insights.
The Vision Behind “Half Betty”
Andrea Rathborne’s vision for “Half Betty” is rooted in her deep respect for the strength and resilience of women in their mid-life years. Her podcast aims to delve into the lives of women over 45, exploring their aspirations, challenges, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
The title, “Half Betty,” is inspired by the legendary Betty White, who lived to be nearly 100, and who –, with her humour, kindness, and irreverence – continues to be a beacon for women everywhere. The name reflects the idea of being halfway to Betty White’s age and embracing the journey with the same zest and courage that she exemplified throughout her life.
Andrea Rathborne: “The idea for ‘Half Betty’ came from my own experiences and observations. As women, we often reach a point in our lives where we start to think about our legacy and what we want our second scene to look like. I wanted to create a space where we could have candid conversations about these transitions, celebrating the wisdom and courage that come with age.”
The podcast will feature interviews with women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their stories of reinvention, entrepreneurship, family, advocacy, and personal growth.
A Podcast for Women in Their Second Scene
“Half Betty” addresses the central question: As women move through their 40s and into their 50s and beyond, what do they envision for their ‘second scene’ as mature, experienced, full-color humans?
Andrea Rathborne: “Never in my time have I felt so inspired by so many women who, despite their individual and collective challenges at a mid-life point, take leaps into entrepreneurship, return to school, advocate for others, and craft their own lives. ‘Half Betty’ is about capturing these stories and creating a sense of community and support for all women navigating this part of their lives.”
The Tone and Style of “Half-Betty”
The podcast will be conversational, inclusive, and candid. Andrea envisions a safe and engaging space where women can share their stories with honesty and humor. The tone will be bold and, when necessary, disruptive, challenging societal norms and expectations about aging.
Jen Moss, Chief Creative Officer at JAR Audio: “Andrea’s proposal resonated with us immediately. Her passion for highlighting the voices of mature women and her commitment to creating a supportive community is inspiring. ‘Half-Betty’ is not just a podcast; it’s a movement that encourages women to embrace their second scene with confidence and grace.”
Inspirations and Influences
Andrea’s approach to “Half Betty” is heavily influenced by Krista Tippett’s “On Being” podcast, in the way that it frames grand existential questions to make them relevant and accessible. The podcast will also draw on the welcoming, relatable style of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ “Wiser Than Me,” creating an environment where listeners feel like they are part of an intimate, ongoing conversation.
Andrea Rathborne: “And of course, Betty White is a huge inspiration for this podcast. Her humour, courage, and kindness, combined with her ability to find joy in every stage of life, embody the spirit of ‘Half Betty.’ This podcast is about finding your voice and character, just as Betty did, and celebrating that journey.”
Format and Structure
“Half Betty” will feature a variety of segments, including in-depth interviews with notable women, discussions on specific topics like work, health, entrepreneurship, and caregiving. Andrea plans to start each episode with a personal reflection or anecdote, setting the tone for the conversation to follow.
Guests and Topics
The podcast will host an array of inspiring women from various fields, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives. These women – who have impressive track records to rival Betty White – will share their stories of resilience, growth, and the unique challenges they face in mid-life.
A Platform for Connection and Inspiration
Andrea Rathborne: “There’s nothing like finding connection through shared experiences and stories to create a sense of belonging. ‘Half Betty’ is a place where women in their sweet and chaotic mid-life come together to find understanding, truth, hope, and laughter.”
Jen Moss: “We are incredibly excited to bring ‘Half Betty’ to life. Andrea’s vision aligns perfectly with our mission at JAR Audio to amplify diverse voices and create meaningful content. We can’t wait to see the impact this podcast will have on women everywhere.”
Andrea Rathborne: The Storyteller Behind “Half Betty”
Andrea Rathborne’s life is a tapestry woven from the narratives of strong, resilient women. Growing up in small, rural communities, Andrea was surrounded by the the magic of nature, the tight-knit, diverse communities of people and the books and stories found in local libraries. Her mother, a beacon of strength, shaped her worldview by demonstrating that women are capable of anything they set their minds to.
Andrea Rathborne: “My mother’s determination and resilience, despite being a foreigner in Canada and navigating challenging environments, taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of sharing our stories.”
Andrea’s journey took her from the tranquility of small towns to the vibrant streets of Vancouver in the 80s and 90s, where she embraced her love for storytelling. Armed with a degree in communications and a passion for capturing life’s moments through photography and writing, she embarked on a career that has been marked by creativity and collaboration with inspiring women, from leaders at lululemon to female entrepreneurs who found success later in life. Her professional path has also been shaped by raising two daughters and welcoming 14 young international students into her home (!) each of whom has contributed to her understanding of resilience and community.
Andrea Rathborne: “The women that are family and those that have become family — my grandmothers, mother, daughters, the amazing father of my daughters – and the many students who lived with us—have all left an indelible mark on my life. Their stories, strength, and support continue to inspire me every day.”
Looking Ahead
As Andrea prepares to launch “Half Betty,” she reflects on the journey that led her here and the community she hopes to build through her podcast.
Andrea Rathborne: “This empty-nest catalyst, as heart-wrenching as it is, is what so many women in their mid-life face. ‘Half Betty’ is the podcast that speaks to these women, sharing their stories, their catalysts, and all the humor, friends, adventure, and courage that help along the way. I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with so many incredible women and to share their journeys with the world.”
Stay tuned for the launch of “Half Betty” and join us in celebrating the voices and stories of women in their second scene. For more updates, follow JAR Audio and Andrea Rathborne on social media, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible women who make up the “Half Betty” community.
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
