Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

I bet you’ve got a pretty good grasp on your to-do list–it’s probably on some kind of endless loop in your mind. But have you given any thought to what’s on your to-don’t list? This is what helps your brain find rest, and balance that constant focus on what you’ve got to get done. And it’s what we’re talking about today, as part of a week of episodes on thinking straight.  Harvard Business Review...

We have to actively try to counter the ideas about aging that we’ve been swimming in for years and years in order to truly get on board with the idea that getting older is something to not just make peace with, but also to actively celebrate.  To help you do that, I’m sharing 3 major, huge, fricking fantastic benefits of getting older. It’s time to get pumped! Adorable podcast merch 35 PERCENT OFF...

This week I’m taking a look at how we can all feel happier and more at peace with the fundamental truth–and privilege–that so long as we are living, we get a little older each day.  For today’s episode, I’ve got two words for you: intergenerational friendships. Adorable podcast merch 35 PERCENT OFF October 26 - 30! Support the show and save! This episode sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therap...

This week on the podcast I'm taking a look at aging, and the simple but powerful things we can do to make our getting older experience better on many levels. And today I'm talking with someone who is a leading voice for women to re-think their attitudes toward aging, and to embrace some new tools and strategies to make aging just a new phase of life--and not something to dread. My guest today is T...

Here’s what we tend to think of when we think of getting older: a downhill slide. When there are plenty of good things that are actually getting better–including self-confidence and happiness. In this episode, I share the research and the good news.  This episode sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BETTERPERSON and get on your way to being your best self. Learn mor...

When you think about getting older, or the elderly in general, what words come to mind?  The answer to that question can have a big impact on your health–from how long you live to how high your risk of developing dementia is (even if it runs in your family!).  I’m sharing some fabulous news about getting older all this week on the podcast. This is stuff that was pretty new information for me so I...

Ever felt like you’re running as fast as you can, but you’re still not getting anywhere?  That’s how a listener named Nicole was feeling. She wrote in with a question. Here’s what she said.  “At the end of every day I feel like even though I was busy all day, I didn’t do anything that’s getting me any closer to my goals. After going to meetings, running errands, making dinner, walking the dog, ans...

You know a great way to simplify your life? By being crystal clear on your priorities. Because if you aren’t sure what your top priorities are, you’re going to get your attention hijacked by all kinds of stuff that doesn’t really matter. Which is fine, you don’t need to be a robot that is completely focused on important things all the time. BUT, if you don’t know what your priorities are, well, yo...

Clothes can make you feel like a million bucks, or totally like yourself and at ease. But a lot of times, trying to figure out what to put on your body so you can go about living your life is any number of negative things–complicated, frustrating, embarrassing, or stressful. I have certainly felt all those ways when trying to get dressed, or worse, when I’m out and about and really wishing I were...

Today I’m talking about a powerful way to simplify during a time when you’re feeling overwhelmed.  Whenever you’re facing a challenge, it’s really common to think, I have to figure out an all-new strategy! I need to start doing this new thing! And thinking in this new way! And figure out things that I’ve never figured out before!  When really, you’ve probably been in a similar situation before, an...

I’m devoting this week of episodes to simplifying. I mean, life is complicated enough. To be clear, it’s not like you can engineer all complexity out of your life. But there are ways you can make things more simple and give yourself a little extra space to think. When you’re at a point where the idea of simplifying is sounding good to you, it’s tempting to want to change a bunch of things–cancel p...

Wanting to help someone who’s in need of support IS honorable. But what it ISN’T, is about you. You are not the solution for their problems, nor is it your responsibility to solve their problems for them. I think this is another reason why we sometimes resist reaching out to someone in need of help–we fear that we won’t actually be able to help, or that we might get overwhelmed by the amount of he...

One of the beneficial roles we can play as someone’s friend or loved one is to notice them. Not judge them, or rate their appearance, but just take in their presence.  In this episode, I’ll share some common signs that someone might be having a hard time with life. Support this podcast by buying “I Give a Shit” and “Be Kind” mugs, tees, hoodies, totebags and more! This episode sponsored by:  Bette...

Today on the podcast I interview Jen Singer, a writer friend of mine who has survived cancer, Covid, and heart failure and who now writes books aimed at helping people–both those who have just been diagnosed, and the people who love them–deal with big, scary, illnesses.  In this episode, Jen shares the things we tend to say to sick people that really aren’t that helpful, shares some ideas of what...

Here are three questions you can keep in your back pocket that will make it super easy to check in with someone. This way, you won’t be at a loss for words–which is a big reason why we may be tempted to stay away when someone we know or love is going through something hard. I know you don’t want to say the wrong thing--so say these things instead. Support this podcast by buying “I Give a Shit” and...

This week on the podcast I’m replaying episodes that talk about how to be there for the folks in your life who are going through it–whatever it may be. The blues, anxiety, stress, illness, family stuff are all normal parts of life and we all get by with a little help from our friends (or family members, or neighbors). But just because it takes a village, it doesn’t mean that we automatically know...

You may not think that you’re making negative assumptions about other people–after all, most of us know that to assume makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me. But, trust me, your brain is filling in a lot of blanks about the people you encounter every day, and probably in a fairly ungenerous and judgmental way. Today's quick-hit helps with that. It’s a mantra I remind myself of again and again and agai...

Saying thank you is about more than being polite--it's about training yourself to look for the good, even in situations that are otherwise neutral or even negative. It helps you re-wire your brain, which is trained to look for and remember the bad. So–what kinds of unusual stuff can you muster up some gratitude for today?   Go shop for “I Give a Shit” and “Be Kind” mugs, tees, hoodies, totebags an...

You probably say the words “how are you?” a few times a day without thinking much about it. But if you put just a little more oomph in to that question, you create a really cool and powerful opportunity to connect with another human–and that really helps you feel like a better person. Come get all the guidance you need to have a moment that fills both your cups.  Go shop for “I Give a Shit” and “B...

When you’re in a hurry it’s easy to wish everyone would just get out of your way already. It’s a real “me first” state of mind: “Please step to the side so that I may get to my very important destination!” Today's quick hit can help you pull yourself out of that subconscious way of thinking, and potentially even make someone else's day (which feels just as good to you as it does to them). Go shop...

This podcast recently celebrated its third birthday and passed a million downloads!! Whoop whoop!! We’ve also gained a lot of new listeners over the last couple of weeks, so this week I’m taking it back to basics and re-sharing episodes that offer one quick, practical, and impactful thing to do to help you feel like a better person who is making the world a better place.  Today’s quick hit is to l...

Do you ever wish you could get a clear sign of the universe about what you should do in a certain situation? The current obsession I’m sharing with you today helps you do just that. Which is why I’m obsessed with it.  What’s your current obsession?? Come share it on the aptly-named Running List of Current Obsessions Google sheet!  This episode sponsored by:  Better Help Learn more about your ad ch...

It’s come to this, I’m afraid. I’m currently obsessed with a household appliance. A vacuum cleaner, to be exact. But I have never vacuumed so much in my life, and certainly never had fun while I was doing it. Come hear what happened when I showed it to my mom.  What’s your current obsession?? Come share it on the aptly-named Running List of Current Obsessions Google sheet!  This episode sponsored...

Why is it that your first cup of coffee or tea is so perfect that you want another one, but the second one is never as good?  I’m a tea drinker and I was plagued by trying to find a way to have the right amount of tea at the right strength and temperature. I mean, it’s the little things, right? And then I took my thrift-loving daughter to Goodwill one day and occupied myself by lookin at the house...

Are you always on the lookout for things that will help you sleep more–especially ones that don’t require a prescription, aren’t habit forming, and don’t make you wake up feeling groggy? Me too. And I recently found one that works so well, I’m completely obsessed with it. (Hint: It’s a supplement, but it’s not a pill!) What’s your current obsession?? Come share it on the aptly-named Running List o...