Laura Jackel and Cathy O'Brien

The Change

Society EN ↓ 65 episodes

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

Author

Laura Jackel and Cathy O'Brien

Category

Society

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Aug 27, 2025

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Episodes

BONUS Extended Cut Video: Gina Chick on grief, growth and ‘glorious rage’ 22.11.2024

We couldn't get enough of Gina so we're bringing you this very special extended cut video version of Season 3, Episode 12 -Enjoy! --- Gina Chick has had her share of grief, discomfort and growth. She once sat literally alone with it all for 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness to be the winner of Season 1 of Alone. In her incredible recently released book “We Are the Stars” Gina shares her journey...

S3 Ep 12: Gina Chick on grief, growth and ‘glorious rage’ 20.11.2024

Gina Chick has had her share of grief, discomfort and growth. She once sat literally alone with it all for 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness to be the winner of Season 1 of Alone. In her incredible recently released book “We Are the Stars” Gina shares her journey from childhood wonder to navigating the complexities of adulthood and motherhood.  In this episode we talk to Gina about the importanc...

S3 Ep 11: Being Your Authentic Self: Lessons from MasterChef 13.11.2024

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...

S3 BONUS: The women are not okay! 08.11.2024

In this bonus conversation, Cathy and Laura do a debrief on what just happened in the US now that Trump has been voted in… again.  They reflect on how the result is making them and women around the world feel and the scary emboldening of far right extremists and misogynists.  The discussion delves into why it’s important to check your privilege and some hopeful thoughts about what’s ahead for Aust...

S3 Ep 10: Gen X are being phased but we will not go quietly 06.11.2024

In this conversation, Cathy and Laura reconnect after five weeks apart, sharing personal updates about their lives, including challenges faced during travels, the impact of grief and their big feelings about the current U.S. election. In this episode’s change chat ‘big theme’, Cathy and Laura explore the complexities of ageing, nostalgia, and the generational shifts in identity and relevance.  The...

S3 Ep 9: How does she do it all? - Twins, Career and International author Kerryn Mayne 30.10.2024

Cathy and Laura chat with Kerryn about her busy life as a police officer, mother of four, and author. They discuss the challenges of raising twins, dealing with intrusive questions, and finding time to write. Kerryn shares her approach to fitting writing into her schedule, using short bursts of time and setting goals. She also talks about her inspiration for writing crime fiction and creating memo...

S3 Ep 8: Embracing Humor and Positivity in Menopause 23.10.2024

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 emotion...

S3 Ep 7: ‘I have to stop, I want to stop.’ - Breaking free from alcohol 16.10.2024

In this episode Belinda shares her colorful and eventful life story, from being a single mother to battling postnatal depression and breast cancer.  She discusses her journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and finding her passion for coaching and supporting women. We talk about how it is important to embrace change, support each other through life’s challenges and remember to celebrate all the st...

S3 Ep 6: Come as you are: sexuality and midlife 09.10.2024

Jayne McCartney, a sexologist, shares her journey into the field and the importance of sexual exploration and self-reflection. Cath and Laura have a fabulous chat with Jayne about how sexuality can vary in midlife and the importance of communication at all stages.  Jayne is passionate about celebrating all milestones in our lives including menopause and that women need more support as we go throug...

S3 Ep 5: Finding Joy in Friendship 03.10.2024

Cath and Laura chat about all the complexities of friendship, grief, and the challenges of making connections as adults.  Cath shares that exhausting admin load that many women feel when planning a holiday.  Laura shares her emotional toll of losing a dear friend and the importance of nurturing friendships throughout life.  Cath and Laura highlight the importance of community and support during di...

S3 Ep 4: A midlife make-up expert on why you shouldn’t wait to wear that bright red lippy. 25.09.2024

Laura and Cathy chat to Amanda Ramsay, the ageless beauty bestie and makeup artist for women over 40, about her career journey in the beauty industry and some of her best tips and tricks. After being asked so many questions about make-up from her female friends in their midlife, Amanda talks about the pivotal moment in a department store when she noticed how she too suddenly felt differently about...

S3 Ep 3: Welcome to your ‘F**k it’ era: Combating ageism in fashion. 18.09.2024

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 encouragin...

S3 Ep 2: Sophie Scott OAM on surviving burnout in midlife 11.09.2024

Cathy and Laura interview Sophie Scott OAM, a former medical reporter for the ABC turned author, keynote speaker and Associate Professor (Adj) at Notre Dame University.  They discuss Sophie's experience covering the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of health communication, and the importance of focusing on mental wellbeing.  Sophie shares her many career highlights and talks about her own exp...

S3 Ep 1: The one thing we don’t talk about enough in midlife 04.09.2024

Cathy and Laura are back for season 3 with a chatty catch up on their current life happenings. Laura is feeling reflective while on a career ‘sabbatical’ as Cathy fights cyber crime* in her new job.  The duo discuss the one thing we don’t discuss often enough about midlife and why we need to do it more - if not for us, then the next generation of women! *Cathy is not actually fighting cyber crime...

S3 Trailer: Catch up with the duo ahead of season 3 26.08.2024

Cathy and Laura have a quick catch up ahead of season 3 to tell you a little about what’s ahead.  Cathy also shares some big family news that brings her to tears (happy ones) and the duo discuss what it means to be a parent as the kids grow up. Hosts: Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/ Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/ Audio Producer:  Marissa Roberts: https...

S2 Ep 12: Why women are leaving their careers in midlife 11.07.2024

Join us for our last episode and change chat for season 2.  We have had so much fun talking to incredible women this season and have a lovely chat rounding out the season.  We talk about the challenges of midlife, specifically the importance of self-kindness, rest and play!  Our change chat topic centres around older women disappearing in the workplace and the importance of creating a workplace th...

S2 Ep 11: Newsroom to Jewellery: Talitha Cummins' Inspiring Journey of Sobriety and Sparkle 03.07.2024

Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses mental health, and alcoholism. If you find yourself in need of support please see the support listed at the end of the show notes.  Talitha Cummins is likely to be a familiar name to many, most likely because she graced our tv screens reading and reporting on the news for two decades. She also had a high profile battle with al...

S2 Ep 10: In her own words part 2 - Georgia Van Cuylenburg on family and resilience 28.06.2024

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...

S2 Ep 9: In her own words - Georgia Van Cuylenburg on family and resilience 26.06.2024

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...

S2 Ep 8: Writer Trish Bolton on grieving the different versions of ourselves as we age 20.06.2024

Trish Bolton is writer and communications professional who has just published her first novel ‘Whenever You’re Ready’ in her sixties. We talk to Trish about her writing processes, why older women have been so invisible in media, literature and pop culture, and why thanks to writers like her this is finally changing. Trish chats about the different grief we feel as we age; grief for the past versio...

S2 Ep 7: Discretion Dressing and a midlife woman’s right to ‘bare arms’ 12.06.2024

This week Cathy and Laura discuss a recent article published in The Cut called ‘The Power of Discretion after 60’  Is it better to ‘dress for your age’ or dress how ever the feck you want? Laura and Cathy discuss the theory behind the article and how the ideas have played out in their own lives.  The duo also share recommendations with links below.  Hosts: Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/c...

S2 E6: Ali Anderson: How a former alcoholic and mum overcame her challenges to help others. 05.06.2024

Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses domestic and sexual violence, mental health, trauma and alcoholism. If you find yourself in need of support please see the support listed at the end of the show notes.  Join us as we talk to Ali Anderson. She is a powerhouse who has lived many lives.  Ali is a self-described high functioning alcoholic, a mother of 3 adult daug...

S2 Ep 5: Male escorts, sex and desire: Anna Grosman on what women want 29.05.2024

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-nonse...

S2 Ep 4: Kylee Stone on using the power of storytelling for a better life 23.05.2024

In this episode we speak to the formidable Kylee Stone, a proud descendant of the Waka Waka and Kullili First Nations People.  Kylee is a storyteller at her core. She has re-invented herself many times throughout her life as a former Director at NewsCorp, Kylee’s career is marked by excellence in leadership development, growth, innovation and resilience.  We have a fascinating chat with Kylee abou...

S2 Ep 3: Anne Stephens on grandmotherhood and the career advice we need to hear. 15.05.2024

Anne Stephens is a teacher, mother to two sets of adult twins and now a grandmother. Some of you may know Anne as the outspoken Outlouder and mum to Jessie and Clare Stephens AKA - ‘The Twins’. Anne tells us all about the differences of raising kids in the 90s compared with now and the surprising parts of becoming a grandmother. She gives us some great career advice and notes on when to lean in or...

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