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Lynn Harris
S2 E13
Date: August 20th, 2026
Title: We are all Golden
Summary
Lynn Harris has spent much of her life making people laugh - finding the funny. As the founder of GOLD Comedy, a place where women and non-binary creators can hone their craft, find their people and build something of their own, Lynn has had no shortage of twists, turns and adventures in her own life. There was journalism, activism, book writing, politics and even a Tonya Harding lookalike moment (which is probably best explained by Lynn herself).
Lynn Harris has spent much of her life making people laugh - finding the funny. As the founder of GOLD Comedy, a place where women and non-binary creators can hone their craft, find their people and build something of their own, Lynn has had no shortage of twists, turns and adventures in her own life. There was journalism, activism, book writing, politics and even a Tonya Harding lookalike moment (which is probably best explained by Lynn herself).
And then, midlife. The chapter of change, where some things can feel lost, forgotten or set aside. But sometimes, what we thought was long finished shows up again. An old dream. A part of ourselves we haven't thought about in years. Something we thought we'd outgrown, only to realize maybe we hadn't. And maybe that's part of what midlife shares with us - the chance to find our way back to the dreams, visions, and joys that still matter.
For Lynn, this has meant finding her way back to writing and performing. Back to comedy. Back to some of the parts of herself that may have been waiting patiently in the wings - the side of the stage.
In this episode, you’ll hear more about where Lynn came from, what shaped her, why she built GOLD Comedy, and what happens when the woman who has spent years helping other people find their funny starts listening more closely to her own. Because comedy can be a job, a business, a community and, sometimes, it can be a lens for looking at life that feels changed and recognizing that the community is still there, gathered, laughing and creating. And, maybe that is the Goldenest part of all.
Bio
Lynn Harris is a culture-shifting producer, award-winning journalist, and author/co-author of six books. Her comedy and campaigns for social justice and gender equity have changed laws and conversations from Capitol Hill to NASCAR. She is founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy - the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary creators grow their comedy careers, build powerful communities, and make themselves and their communities laugh. Harris co-created Breakup Girl (acquired by Oxygen), one of the first multiplatform internet success stories, and co-hosted, with Ginna Green, The Forward’s A Bintel Brief: The Podcast. Lynn served as the first VP of Communications at Global Human Rights Group Breakthrough, where her blend of humour and advocacy powered some of the team’s most effective U.S. campaigns. She has also worked as a Tonya Harding lookalike, which is another story.
Lynn’s Five Words
- Collaborative
- Creative
- Impatient
- Salty
- Hungry
References
GOLD Comedy is a comedy school, professional network and content studio where women, non-binary creators can hone their craft, find their people and build something of their own. Through classes, community, shows and more, GOLD creates space for comedians to develop their voices and bring their work into the world - wherever and whomever they are.
Sponsor Information
Zaleska size-inclusive jewelry
Use the code HALFBETTY and receive 20% off your first purchase
Connect with us
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Guest: Lynn Harris
Founder/Host/Producer: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Zaleska size-inclusive jewelry
Creators and Guests
Host
Andrea Rathborne
Andrea Rathborne is a connector, listener, and a passionate storyteller with over 25 years of professional experience in leading brand strategy, creative production, and communications. Her expertise shines in guiding hyper-local and global brands through transformative storytelling that resonates worldwide. Andrea has held pivotal roles at organizations like lululemon and ARTICLE, where she crafted compelling brand narratives to align with organizational visions and strategies. In addition to her professional prowess, Andrea's life is deeply influenced by her role as a mother and a mentor. These roles have enriched her understanding of the dynamics of personal growth and resilience, qualities she brings to her latest venture, Half Betty Productions, Inc. As the founder, she is set to launch – and host – The Half Betty Podcast in January 2025, which will explore the rich, transformative experiences of women in their midlives. This project is a celebration of midlife women, offering candid, honest, and inspiring conversations that delve into the catalysts of transformation this life stage offers. Andrea is dedicated to building a community through Half Betty, where stories of challenge, change, and courage are shared. Her approach to storytelling is deeply human-centric, always leading with heart, kindness, and trust, aiming to connect listeners through shared experiences and empower women to embrace their second scene with confidence and grace.
Producer
Krista Gruen
Krista Gruen is an award-winning producer with over 15 years of experience in film, television, and audio storytelling. A dynamic force behind the scenes, Krista has built her career on crafting impactful narratives that resonate with audiences across mediums. As co-founder of Yellow Heart Pictures, Krista has spearheaded a series of acclaimed projects. Her feature film Re: Uniting, funded by Telefilm, had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival, followed by a Canadian theatrical run and sold-out screenings in LA and NYC. Garnering six Leo Awards in 2024, including Best Film and Best Writing, the film highlights Krista’s ability to bring powerful stories to life. Krista's portfolio extends to celebrated short films like Nature Entwined, which premiered at the Whistler Film Festival and now streams on CBC. Her earlier co-production, Grand Unified Theory, gained international recognition, winning multiple awards and screening at prestigious festivals such as Beijing International. Committed to fostering talent and innovation, Krista was selected for the GEMS Emerging TV Producer Program in 2023, where she worked alongside industry leaders at Lark Productions. Her creative accomplishments also include STORYHIVE-funded projects, such as the short film Lead & Follow and a music video for Alexz Johnson. With a passion for meaningful storytelling and a proven track record of success, Krista Gruen continues to push the boundaries of creative production, bringing her unique perspective and expertise to every project she undertakes. Finally, as a mom, a partner, a daughter, and a woman in the full glory of “mid-life,” Krista brings skill, compassion, and vital perspective to the Half Betty community.
What is Half Betty?
Podcast founder Andrea Rathborne and the iconic Betty White share the same birth date - January 17th. In 2022, as Betty would have celebrated her 100th birthday, Andrea turned 50—Half Betty’s age. This milestone sparked a powerful reflection: Betty White achieved more between 50 and 100 than in her first 50 years, suggesting that midlife is not an end but a bold, new beginning. Inspired by Betty’s legacy, Andrea saw turning 50 as the gateway to a second, even greater life chapter - one full of possibility, reimagination, and purpose.
This vision gave rise to Half Betty, a bold and vibrant community where midlife women come together to feel supported, inspired, informed, and deeply valued. It’s a space where the stories of their next chapter take shape and the extraordinary potential of their second scene unfolds.