Meet Andrea Rathborne and Krista Gruen. Two women in their midlives who met on set and quickly realized they needed to collaborate.
Meet Andrea Rathborne and Krista Gruen. Two women in their midlives who met on set and quickly realized they needed to collaborate.
Founder/Host
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/Co-Host
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.