The Change

Laura Jackel and Cathy O'Brien
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Hosted by Cathy O'Brien and Laura Jackel, The Change is a podcast about the changes in life that shake, break and make us.

  1. 08/27/2025

    S4 Ep 9: From Biggest Loser to Ozempic we have a complex chat about weight loss in midlife

    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

    42 min

  2. 08/21/2025

    S4 Ep 8: Jane Hollier on estrangement and writing letters to her dead mum

    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

    49 min

  3. 08/13/2025

    S4 Ep 7: Samantha Thomas on leaving a career in TV to pursue her dream as a life coach

    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! https://www.myndgym.life/

    1h 1m

  4. 08/06/2025

    S4 Ep 6: The Power of Play: How Sarah MacDonald is Reinventing Midlife (and Writing a Musical!)

    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 https://www.violet.org.au/ 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

    46 min

  5. 07/30/2025

    S4 Ep 5: Beyond the Mic: Hannah Vanderheide on AI, Illness, and Creative Resilience

    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

    47 min

  6. 07/23/2025

    S4 Ep 4: Sarah Megginson on how menopause impacts our finances

    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

    58 min

  7. 07/16/2025

    S4 Ep 3: The unexpected joy of caring for an ageing parent

    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

    38 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    S4 Ep 2: Dr. Fatima Khan on why hormone health is mental health

    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: Cathy O’Brien  Laura Jackel  Audio Producer:  Samantha Thomas  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

    51 min
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About

Hosted by Cathy O'Brien and Laura Jackel, The Change is a podcast about the changes in life that shake, break and make us.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Jackel and Cathy O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laura Jackel and Cathy O'Brien
  • Show Website
    The Change