What is Leisure, Anyway?

What is Leisure, Anyway?

Author: Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers January 20, 2026 Duration: 26:30

Why do some activities that are a lot of work feel so leisurely...and, conversely, why does "leisure" sometimes feel like a lot of work? In our first episode of 2026, Meagan and Sarah unpack the origins of this podcast, how freedom, agency, pace and choice play into how we perceive an activity, the difference between hobbies and leisure, and what the "midlife lady" in leisure pursuits means to each of us.

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.

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Ever find yourself with a rare free hour and wonder, honestly, what to do with it? Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits digs into that very question with curiosity and a good dose of humor. Hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, both navigating their own fortysomething years as moms and seasoned creators, use their conversations to unpack what fun, relaxation, and fulfillment actually look like now. This isn't about grand, Instagram-worthy adventures (though those are welcome, too); it's about the small joys and substantive projects that color daily life. In each episode, you'll hear them explore everything from the philosophical-redefining what leisure means amidst busy schedules-to the wonderfully practical, like deep-dives on a craft kit or the real experience of trying pickleball for the first time. The podcast naturally spans arts, culture, fitness, and personal growth, all through the lens of making midlife more engaging and personally rich. It feels less like a formal show and more like a great chat with friends who are just as eager to find what makes them tick, encouraging you to consider your own next hobby, passion, or perfectly idle afternoon.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 28

Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits
Podcast Episodes
Comforts, Cheap and Free! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:29
Do things that feel special and give our lives texture and color have to cost a lot? In this episode, Meagan and Sarah talk about redefining comfort in a season of economic uncertainty. They each share some small, inexpe…
Running Hot & Cold! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:05
Hot tub? Yes please. Cold plunge? Well.....In this episode, Meagan and Sarah get surprisingly specific about using heat and cold to care for our midlife minds, bodies, and souls, starting with the relief that can come fr…
All Of The Eggs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:57
Just in time to use up that Easter surplus, Meagan and Sarah are talking all things eggs—from quick, no-fuss ways to enjoy hard-boiled extras to the recipes they swear they’ll make more often. Sarah shares her go-to snac…
Meagan Loves Old Stuff! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
Sarah and Meagan both love secondhand finds—for different reasons. While Sarah’s thrifting pursuits are typically driven by practicality and sustainability, Meagan tends to follow a vibes-first approach to antiquing.In t…
A Midlife Fantasy Travel Menu! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:10
If you could choose, which would you rather do: take a really long guided walk or bike ride? Go on a pilgrimage? Escape into a creative retreat? Head out on a safari? Or take a river cruise? In this episode, Meagan and S…
Spices, Herbs and Seasonings! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
Paprika? Yes please. Smoked paprika? No, thank you. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah dig into the world of spices and seasonings including our preferences and purchasing habits. We dish about the flavorings we can’t liv…
Notebooks, Pens, and Paper! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
Hard cover or soft? Lined, grid, or blank? Felt-tip, roller-ball, or gel? When it comes to the tools we use to jot down everything from daily to-do lists and menu plans to our bigger-picture dreams, those writing utensil…
All About Yoga! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:36
Each of the Ladies have had a different experience of yoga: Sarah was introduced as a way to support her body during years of professional dance and has sampled a variety of classes, while Meagan discovered the practice…
Books We've Loved Lately! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:10
It’s cozy reading season, and Meagan and Sarah are swapping notes on the titles that have been making them laugh, cry, and think lately, from whodunits and magical realism to small-town cozies and at least one jaw-droppi…
Warm Salads & Grain Bowls! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:03
Is there a difference between a grain salad and a grain bowl? And if so, who cares? In this episode, Meagan and Sarah dive into the ultra-satisfying world of these nourishing, versatile, and delicious dishes defined by w…