Club Sandwich

Vera.guide
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The Sandwich Generation finally gets the conversation we deserve. Club Sandwich is the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch. Episodes include: 🔧 This Week's Hack - Actionable strategy you can use today💌 Listener Letter - Real questions from Clubbers like you🔥 Hot Mess Moments - Stories that make you feel less alone 🛠️ What We're Using - Resources and tools that actually help Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera aged care platform (vera.guide) and expert on Australia's ageing crisis and system failures. Dr. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt, family dynamics, and the impossible decisions when every option has a cost. Dr. Ginny Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight about what caregiving does to your body. Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician and consulting expert for ABC's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis—and when it doesn't. Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox Australia star bringing humor, honesty, and hard-won perspective to impossible family situations. No bubble baths. No b******t. Just expert-led, community-first support for people who don't need another thing to feel bad about not doing. Club Sandwich is more than a podcast - it's a movement. Join our private Facebook community, attend live events across Australia, and access free downloadable resources with every episode. New episodes every Thursday. Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe. Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents. Credits Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone. Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com

  1. Ageing is not for sissies: Dr. Stephanie Ward | Club Sandwich

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ageing is not for sissies: Dr. Stephanie Ward | Club Sandwich

    Ageing parents? You’ve got them. We’ve got you. One minute you’re living your life, and the next, you look at your parents and realise everything has changed. Whether it’s a sudden health event or a slow "crumble," navigating the aged care system while holding down everything else - work, kids, grandkids, or just your own sanity - is the hardest job you’ll ever do. In this debut episode, host Sarah Macdonald is joined by geriatrician Dr. Stephanie Ward (Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds). They dive into the visceral reality of being "squashed" in the middle, the physiological changes our parents face, and why the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers present unique challenges for the Gen X carers looking after them. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community. SEND US YOUR QUESTION: hello@clubsandwich.community In this episode, we discuss: The "Squishy" Middle: Transitioning from the mosh pit to the layers of responsibility. Why Geriatrics? Dr. Stephanie explains the holistic "safe port" for older Australians. The Rumble: Understanding biological ageing and why it feels like it happens overnight. Ageism as Prejudice: Why we need to stop being patronising to our elders. Parenting in Reverse: Navigating the grief of shifting roles. Self-Care Corner: Sarah’s "funnel web" hospital trip and Dr. Stephanie’s double bass. Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt and family dynamics. Dr. Ginni Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox star bringing humor and honesty to the sandwich generation. Credits Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone. Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  2. Ageing Parents. You’ve got them. We’ve got you.

    4 DAYS AGO

    Ageing Parents. You’ve got them. We’ve got you.

    Caring for ageing parents and quietly thinking “Something’s gotta give”? Welcome.  Because you’ve got them - and we’ve got you. The Sandwich Generation is finally getting the conversation we deserve. Club Sandwich is the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch. Follow Club Sandwich on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe on YouTube. And send us your questions via email to hello@clubsandwich.community Episodes include: 🔧 This Week's Hack - Actionable strategy you can use today💌 Listener Letter - Real questions from Clubbers like you🔥 Hot Mess Moments - Stories that make you feel less alone 🛠️ What We're Using - Resources and tools that actually help Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera aged care platform (vera.guide) and expert on Australia's ageing crisis and system failures. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt, family dynamics, and the impossible decisions when every option has a cost. Dr. Ginny Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight about what caregiving does to your body. Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician and consulting expert for ABC's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis—and when it doesn't. Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox Australia star bringing humor, honesty, and hard-won perspective to impossible family situations. No bubble baths. No b******t. Just expert-led, community-first support for people who don't need another thing to feel bad about not doing. Club Sandwich is more than a podcast - it's a movement. Join our private Facebook community, attend live events across Australia, and access free downloadable resources with every episode. New episodes every Thursday. Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe. Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents. Credits Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone. Sarah Macdonald | Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader | Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Rachel Fountain | Executive Producer Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min

  3. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    We've got some news: a brand new podcast for you!

    The Sandwich Generation is finally getting the conversation we deserve. If you're feeling the squish, our new podcast Club Sandwich is for you.  It's the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough. And the best news is, Agehood host and Vera.guide CEO Melissa Reader is a Clubber too - and she's handing over the reins to Club Sandwich host, veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald. Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch. Make sure you're following the podcast in your favourite app, and if you know someone going through it, grab their phone and sign them up too! Episodes will be here in your feed every Thursday from February 12.  More information coming very soon! Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe. Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents. Credits Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone. Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 min
  4. Dr Ira Byock: On The Four Things That Matter Most

    12/10/2025

    Dr Ira Byock: On The Four Things That Matter Most

    Most of us know we should talk about the end of life - but almost none of us know where to start. In this episode, Melissa Reader is joined by Dr Ira Byock, one of the world’s leading voices in palliative care, to explore how we can live and love more fully by facing what we often avoid. A physician, author, and global advocate, Ira has spent decades reminding us that illness and dying are not just medical experiences, they’re deeply personal ones. Together, they unpack the four simple phrases that can transform our relationships - “Please forgive me. I forgive you. Thank you. I love you.” - and discuss why planning for life’s later chapters should come from trust and love, not fear. This conversation also marks the launch of Violet’s Care Compass, a simple values-based tool designed to help families start these conversations early - around the kitchen table, not in the hospital corridor.  Because it’s never too early to talk about the end.   FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air - you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Dr Ira Byock Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au For more information about Dr Byock's books, visit his website here. Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  5. Fear and Love: What Medicine Can’t Teach with Steve Robson

    05/10/2025

    Fear and Love: What Medicine Can’t Teach with Steve Robson

    What does it take to face fear, to lead with love, and to truly care for others at their most vulnerable? In this episode of Agehood, Melissa speaks with Professor Steve Robson - former President of the AMA, doctor, and son - about the lessons he’s carried from rural Queensland to the frontlines of Australian medicine. Steve shares what jumping out of planes taught him about fear, the Christmas conversation with his mum he’ll never forget, and why love should sit at the heart of every medical decision. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air - you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Steve Robson Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  6. From Minister to Carer: Victor Dominello’s Most Personal Challenge

    28/09/2025

    From Minister to Carer: Victor Dominello’s Most Personal Challenge

    When former NSW Minister Victor Dominello helped build Service NSW, he made government simpler for millions. But when his mum was diagnosed with dementia, he discovered just how broken the system still is. In this powerful conversation, Victor shares the reality of being a son and brother in the thick of caring, the toll it’s taken on his family, and his vision for a future where bureaucracy doesn’t break us—but actually carries us. It’s personal, it’s political, and it’s a glimpse at what “Government 3.0” could mean for every family. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Victor Dominello Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  7. Next of Kin: Casey Beros on Caring for Her Dad While Raising a Young Family

    21/09/2025

    Next of Kin: Casey Beros on Caring for Her Dad While Raising a Young Family

    What happens when you get the call - the one that changes everything?Author and journalist Casey Beros found out when her dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Overnight she became organiser, advocate, and round-the-clock carer, all while parenting two young kids. In conversation with Melissa Reader, Casey talks about the heartbreak and humour of those years, the gaps in our health system, and the unexpected strength she discovered. Her book Next of Kin captures it all and offers hard-won guidance for anyone who will one day walk a similar path.Her book Next of Kin is part love story, part survival manual. Whether you’re already caring for someone you love or see that chapter ahead, this episode is a guide and a companion. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Casey Beros Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au and violetcares.com for the Care Compass. For more information about Next Of Kin visit https://www.caseyberos.com/nok-book Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 15m
  8. Kate Carnell: On what families need to know before it’s too late

    14/09/2025

    Kate Carnell: On what families need to know before it’s too late

    Kate Carnell has seen ageing and end-of-life care from every angle – as a pharmacist, as Chief Minister of the ACT, as a founding voice of Beyond Blue, and now as chair of Violet, the organisation behind Agehood. But this conversation isn’t just about policy or health systems – it’s about families, choices, and the very human side of planning for the end of life. In this episode, Kate shares why even the most capable families can find themselves unprepared, what she learned when her own parents reached their final chapter, and why the sandwich generation is under more pressure than ever. It’s a candid, practical, and compassionate look at what happens when love, logistics, and reality collide – and how we can do it better. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Kate Carnell Executive Producer: Lize Ratliff Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
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Trailers

5
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21 Ratings

About

The Sandwich Generation finally gets the conversation we deserve. Club Sandwich is the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch. Episodes include: 🔧 This Week's Hack - Actionable strategy you can use today💌 Listener Letter - Real questions from Clubbers like you🔥 Hot Mess Moments - Stories that make you feel less alone 🛠️ What We're Using - Resources and tools that actually help Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera aged care platform (vera.guide) and expert on Australia's ageing crisis and system failures. Dr. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt, family dynamics, and the impossible decisions when every option has a cost. Dr. Ginny Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight about what caregiving does to your body. Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician and consulting expert for ABC's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis—and when it doesn't. Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox Australia star bringing humor, honesty, and hard-won perspective to impossible family situations. No bubble baths. No b******t. Just expert-led, community-first support for people who don't need another thing to feel bad about not doing. Club Sandwich is more than a podcast - it's a movement. Join our private Facebook community, attend live events across Australia, and access free downloadable resources with every episode. New episodes every Thursday. Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe. Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents. Credits Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone. Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com

Information

  • Creator
    Vera.guide
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Vera
  • Show Website
    Club Sandwich