In this season four finale, Cathy and Laura delve into the complex and often controversial topic of weight loss, particularly in midlife.
They discuss the impact of reality TV shows like 'The Biggest Loser' on body image, the role of celebrity endorsements in promoting weight loss drugs, and the societal pressures that women face regarding their bodies. They discuss the Netflix documentary ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser’ which you can watch here.
The discussion highlights the need for honest conversations about health and the challenges of navigating weight loss in a world that often equates beauty with worth.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
Cathy and Laura as they sit down with Jane Hollier, the writer behind the poignant Substack series "Letters to My Dead Mum."
In this episode, Jane shares her journey through a conservative religious upbringing, the complexities of family estrangement, and the healing power of writing.
Discover how Jane navigated her mother's remarriage, the blending of families, and her path to self-discovery.
Guest: Jane Hollier
Jane Hollier is the writer behind the sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and always awkward Substack, Letters to my Dead Mum.
In this series Jane explores heartbreak, religion, blended families, and the complex grief of losing an estranged parent. Jane has been a freelance writer for 15 years. She has a daughter, two cats, and a beloved house plant called Donna.
Read Jane’s Substack ‘Letters to My Dead Mum’
Follow Jane on Instagram
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
Laura and Cathy chat with Samantha Thomas, a former media professional and TV producer turned life coach, about her transformative journey.
From the bustling newsrooms of Paris to the serene wellness retreats of Phuket, Sam shares her experiences of navigating career changes, overcoming personal challenges, and finding her true calling in mental fitness coaching.
Sam delves into choosing a career in TV and media as a coping mechanism and creative outlet.
She shares how she flew to Paris to work in a 24/7 newsroom and the challenges and rewards that came with it. Sam describes transitioning from media to her current work in coaching and her passion for helping others achieve mental fitness.
Guest: Samantha Thomas
Samantha Thomas is a life coach and founder of Mynd Gym, dedicated to promoting mental and emotional fitness. With a rich background in media, Sam now focuses on empowering individuals to embrace change and live fulfilling lives. She also happens to be our amazing podcast producer!
Join Laura and Cath for an incredibly honest chat with the amazing Sarah MacDonald –a voice you'll know from ABC Sydney and Triple J! Sarah peels back the curtain on her incredibly full life, candidly sharing how she balances being a mum to young adults, a wife, and a dedicated caregiver to aging parents, illuminating the demands of the "sandwich generation."
Sarah dives into her exhilarating "year of play," exploring new career paths after a significant professional shift. A true Gemini, she thrives on change, and you'll love hearing about her exciting new venture: writing a musical! We tackle the big questions: the future of media in the age of AI, the timeless power of storytelling, and how to combat burnout. Don't miss Sarah's liberating take on midlife and "invisibility" – she sees it as her new superpower, opening doors to freedom and unexpected opportunities!
Guest: Sarah MacDonald https://www.instagram.com/sarah.macdonald.insta/
Links: https://linktr.ee/sarahmacpeacelovestrength
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
We have an absolutely unmissable conversation with the phenomenal Hannah Vanderheide! Laura and Cath sit down with this multi-talented force – an incredible actor, writer, and voice artist – as she shares her story.
Hannah bravely shares the seismic shifts and personal challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving us an intimate look at how it reshaped her creative path. She also speaks candidly about her incredibly resilient health journey, navigating complex diagnoses like Graves' and Addison's disease while fiercely pursuing her passions.
The discussion then dives into the hot-button topic of AI's evolving role in the writing industry, exploring its potential impacts on creators. Hannah powerfully emphasizes the bedrock importance of community support in her career, revealing how connections have been her constant lifeline.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, resilience, and the ever-changing landscape of the arts!
Guest: Hannah Vanderheide https://www.instagram.com/han.vee/
Links: https://www.hannahvanderheide.com/
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
Laura and Cathy chat to money expert and writer Sarah Megginson to discuss the significant financial challenges women face, particularly in midlife. They discuss the impact of the gender pay gap, unconscious bias, and the effects of peri and menopause on income.
Sarah emphasises the importance of financial education and awareness, sharing practical tips for managing finances and advocating for better support systems for families.
The discussion also touches on Sarah’s personal experience acting as a surrogate for Lisa Messenger and the positive and surprising impact it has had on her life.
Guest: Sarah Megginson of Money Margarita
Links:
State of women’s wealth report
Sarah Megginson’s book co written with Lisa Messenger, The Power of Two
The Byron Bay Writers Festival Tickets
Mentions:
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
Cathy and Laura chat to Claire Mason who has recently been through a lot of change. Claire shares her transformative journey of sobriety, the challenges and joys of caring for her ageing father, and her aspirations for the future beyond her career as a flight attendant.
She discusses the importance of self-love and acceptance, especially during life changes such as perimenopause. Claire emphasises the beauty in caring for aging parents - her dad’s viral Reel - and the need for open conversations about end-of-life experiences.
About Claire: Claire Mason is a flight attendant, content creator, carer, and storyteller sharing real, raw moments from her solo, sober life. From viral Reels to caregiving insights, she creates content that connects, uplifts, and empowers always grounded in authenticity and humour.
Follow Claire’s journey on Instagram here and check out her podcast Booze Free Bants here
Mentions:
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
In this enlightening conversation with Cathy and Laura, Dr. Fatima Khan shares her extensive knowledge on women's health, focusing on the transitions of puberty, pregnancy and in particular perimenopause, and menopause.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their impact on mental health, advocating for a holistic approach that includes nutrition, stress management, and self-care.
Dr. Khan discusses the societal pressures women face and the need for self-compassion and connection with others. She provides practical strategies for navigating these life stages, encouraging women to prioritise their well-being and embrace the changes they experience.
With thanks to Dr Fatima Khan.
Visit her website here
Follow her on Instagram here
Hosts:
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
Join Cathy and Laura as they open up about unexpected curveballs life threw their way leading up to Season Four. From grappling with unexpected evacuations to navigating the depths of mental health struggles. They lay bare the raw, emotional toll of profound change. Discover why leaning on community support became their lifeline and how, even in our hyper-connected world, finding genuine balance is more crucial than ever. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a testament to resilience and the power of connection in the face of unseen battles.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Sophie Scott from Season 3 Episode 2
Catch the best bits from our powerful chat with Sophie Scott OAM!
Hear her firsthand experience surviving burnout after years as a medical reporter and her crucial advice on self-care and building healthy habits in midlife.
Links for more about Sophie Scott OAM:
Buy Sophie’s book 'Beat High Functioning Anxiety'
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Jayne McCartney from Season 3 Episode 6
Enjoy the best moments from Cath and Laura's conversation with sexologist Jayne McCartney. This minisode touches on the importance of communication at all life stages, the variations in midlife sexuality, and Jayne's passionate advocacy for better support during milestones like menopause.
With thanks to Jayne McCartney.
Mentions:
Come As You Are by Dr. Emily Metkoski
Welcome to Sex by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Amanda Ramsay from Season 3 Episode 4
Relive some of the best moments from our chat with Amanda Ramsay, your "ageless beauty bestie" and makeup artist specializing in women over 40. This minisode captures Amanda's inspiring career journey in the beauty industry and dives into her key insights. Hear about the pivotal moment that shifted her perspective on midlife makeup, even after years in the business. Plus, get a taste of her encouraging advice on experimenting with your look and the uplifting power of simple beauty routines.
With thanks to Amanda Ramsay.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Kerryn Mayne from Season 3 Episode 9
Cathy and Laura catch up with the inspiring Kerryn Mayne. We discuss the realities of balancing life as a police officer, mother of four (including twins!), and author. Hear Kerryn's insights on the challenges and her strategies for finding time to write.
With thanks to Kerryn Mayne.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Tracey Williams from Season 1 Episode 2
Why do some people thrive on change while others struggle? Get the key insights from Cathy and Laura's conversation with clinical psychologist Tracey Williams. Discover the psychology behind our reactions to change and learn how to "flip the script" – even in tough times.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast. We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Kat Taylor from Season 3 Episode 8.
Kat Taylor, Season 2 winner of Ch9’s Parental Guidance sits down with Cath and Laura to have a hilarious chat about the roller coaster of peri/menopause, parenting and everything in between.
Kat talks about the need for safe spaces for women to share their experiences and support each other.
We talk about Kat’s experience with perimenopause and the challenges she has faced. Including the emotional breakdown she had while searching for a sentimental book, which led her to discover that she was in the thick of perimenopause.
With thanks to Kat Taylor.
Mentions and fabulous menopause resources:
Dr Fatima Khan - Menopause Specialist
Dr Louise Newsome - Menopause Doctor
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Anna Grosman from Season 2 Episode 5.
This week Cathy and Laura chat about female desire, male escorts and shame with Anna Grosman.
Fifty-two-year-old Anna Grosman, is an accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for empowering women. As one of the founders of Aphrodisiac Male Escorts which thrived from 2012 – 2018, Anna is now the founder and owner of HerConfidant - an elite male escort agency for women.
Warm, nurturing and no-nonsense, Anna advocates for female sexuality without stigma and shame. In fact, she’ll be the reassuring voice you’ll hear on the phone if and when you decide to book an appointment!
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Guest: Anna Grosman
https://www.instagram.com/herconfidant/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
This minisode is an edit from our full interview Faye and Lauren Browne from Season 3 Episode 3.
Faye and Lauren Browne, founders of Motto Fashions, discuss their journey in the fashion industry and the importance of feeling confident and empowered through fashion.
They emphasise the need to break free from societal expectations and embrace personal style at any age. At age 70, Motto founder Faye shares how she still loves to experiment and have fun with her clothes, inspiring and encouraging women around Australia to feel good and wear what they love.
The women chat about the power of fashion to transform and uplift and why Motto’s ‘F*** IT’ era campaign challenges ageism and encourages women to be true to themselves at every age.
With thanks to Faye and Lauren Browne of Motto Fashions.
Find out more about them via Instagram or online:
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Steph De Sousa from Season 3 Episode 11.
Steph, a former contestant on MasterChef, discusses her experience on the show and her journey to becoming a successful social media influencer.
Cath and Laura ask Steph all the pervy questions about the audition process for MasterChef, her favourite Aldi centre aisle purchase and the lessons she learned about being her authentic self.
Steph explains how she has built a large following on social media by creating relatable and easy-to-follow cooking content and her exciting plans coming soon!!
And of course we ask Steph about her menopause journey.
With thanks to Steph de Sousa.
Mentions:
Air Fryer Queen by Steph de Sousa
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message
This minisode is an edit from our full interview with Georgia Van Cuylenburg from Season 2 episode 9
Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses eating disorders, child sexual violence, mental health, and trauma. If you find yourself in need of support please see the support listed at the end of the show notes.
Georgia Van Cuylenburg, actor, podcaster and activist, knows a thing or two about resilience.
While her story and name may be familiar, it’s not because of her words or work. Instead it is the words and work of her brothers Hugh and Josh Van Cuylenburg the hosts of the award-winning podcast, The Imperfects.
Until now Georgia’s story has only been told in parts and not by Georgia herself. Now it is time for Georgia to reclaim her story and share her perspective and version of events.
Georgia spoke exclusively to Laura Jackel and Cathy O’Brien of The Change podcast in a two part special about her childhood, her conversations with Hugh and their ongoing relationship.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Guest:
Georgia Van Cuylenburg https://www.instagram.com/georgiavanc/
Audio Producer:
Support Services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/urgent-help
13YARN 13 92 76
Butterfly Foundation
Support for eating disorders and body image issues 1800 33 4673
Blue Knot
This is a support service for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, parents, partners, family and friends. Phone 1300 657 380, 9 am-5 pm, 7 days a week.
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
Bravehearts
Bravehearts can offer support for adult survivors of child sexual abuse
Information & Support Line 1800 272 831 operates during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday AEST (hours may vary on public holidays).
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.
In our last episode for the Summer Series we discuss the significance of Australia Day, reflecting on its implications for Indigenous communities and the discomfort surrounding the holiday.
We celebrate the Australian of the Year Awards, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Laura shares a fabulous Guardian article with an extract from Naomi Watt’s book “Dare I Say It”. We explore our thoughts on the drive for personal growth and ambition balanced with retirement aspirations.
We round out our Summer Series discussing Cath’s personal reflection on my mental health journey, highlighting the importance of support and awareness, significant cultural events of 2015, and the evolution of music and media.
Mentions:
The Guardian: Naomi Watts on movies, midlife and menopause: ‘You are hot, and then you are not’
Liz Gumbiner: We can’t get overwhelmed
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
Audio Producer:
Marissa Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/marissarobertsofficial/
Thanks for listening to The Change, a fully independent podcast.
We appreciate your support and listens, so if you like what we do please tell your friends and leave a five star review!
Send us a voice message here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message