Grandma Magic: A podcast from the Grandmother Collective

Since the 1970s, Nancy Henkin has tirelessly advocated for intergenerational connections, recognizing them as a crucial lens through which numerous challenges in our lives can be effectively addressed. She established and led the Intergenerational Center at Temple University for over 30 years, actively supporting the development and implementation of intergenerational programs globally. Recognized for her significant contributions, she was elected as an Ashoka Fellow for her efforts in bringing different generations together. Currently serving as a Senior Fellow at Generations United, she is dedicated to tackling the loneliness epidemic. Join us in this episode to delve into her journey and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of connecting, serving, and working together across all ages.

Where do we learn to give? Where do we learn to serve? For Toya Algarin, also known as Gigi, an education advocate and community leader in Philadelphia, the orientation was passed down from her mother. After a corporate career, Toya spends her days now caring for the community in which she grew up. When educational needs arose for her son, she become a passionate advocate for him and ultimately for educational reform and equity for children across the city. She has served on the board of KIPP Charter Schools since 2015, is on the community board at her alma mater LaSalle University, and fulfills the role of community liaison for Artz Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to bringing joy to people living with Alzheimer’s. In this podcast episode we explore the many hats she wears and what keeps her going.

Shirley Showalter, a devoted mother and proud grandmother, is not only a lifelong educator but also an accomplished author. She previously served as the president of Goshen College in Indiana and held an executive position at the Fetzer Institute. In this episode, we delve into her remarkable journey towards political engagement and the inspiring Grandmas for Love movement, which passionately champions the integrity of local school boards in her hometown of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Shirley sheds light on the enduring values that underscore the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state, emphasizing how peaceful protest fueled by love remains a profoundly radical and transformative endeavor.

In this episode of the Grandma Magic Podcast, we have the honor of speaking with Kim Samuel, founder of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, who passionately advocates for the recognition of belonging as a fundamental human birthright. Kim shares her personal journey and the pivotal moments that ignited her dedication to championing this cause. She sheds light on the vital role older people and grandmothers play in fostering intergenerational bonds, sharing heartwarming anecdotes and reflections from her own experiences and those of others. We also learn about her recent book, On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation. She explains that belonging is not simply a want or a need — rather, by simple virtue of the fact that we are born, we all possess an inherent and inalienable Right to Belong. Indeed, Kim makes the case that our human birthright of belonging must be acknowledged and nurtured for the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

In our latest Grandma Magic podcast episode, we connect with Dr. Sarita Mohanty, a dedicated doctor and lifelong advocate for health equity. Dr. Mohanty delves deep into the roots of her passion for understanding the intricate web of social drivers that have given rise to vast systems of health inequity in the United States. Throughout, she shares invaluable insights from her extensive journey, spanning her transformative work within healthcare systems and her current role as the CEO and President of the Scan Foundation. Tune in to hear Dr. Mohanty’s inspiring perspective on how thoughtful policies can serve as catalysts for positive change, ultimately forging communities where every individual has access to the essentials they need for a healthier, brighter future.

Lynne Iser is a seasoned teacher, facilitator, activist and President of the Elders Action Network who shares her insights on the transformative power of growing older. In this episode, she shares the personal rituals and traditions that hold deep meaning for her and shares her journey from public health and family studies to elder activism. She highlights the significance of facing mortality and achieving life completion, as well as the role of elders in reshaping traditions for modern times. We explore the concept of “elder activism” and how older individuals like Lynne are using their resources and wisdom to make a positive impact on the world, all while embracing their roles as potential ancestors and good stewards of the future.

Janet Carroll was trained as a nurse and has spent a lifetime in service to the public. After a long career working to bring hospice programs to the region of South Central Pennsylvania, Janet was then encouraged to run for, and subsequently win, her local school board election. In this episode, we learn about the history of hospice, her national service in the field and the ups and downs of public service today. 

Have you ever found yourself wondering if you could adopt a grandmother? Or maybe you felt that you were missing the opportunity to grandmother young children? In Southern Oregon, Linda Otto recognized an urgent gap in the programming that was being developed for families in need and decided to recruit older women to serve as surrogate grandmothers, or coaches, for new families that needed a little extra support. In this episode, Linda shares about her own experiences that led to the Grandmas2Go program, and gives practical advice for other older women changemakers who might be looking for a similar challenge. 

One of the qualities of our female elders that we find unique is the almost universal desire to pass down and protect culture. For Makeda “Dread” Cheatom, cultural media like music, dance and food have been tools she has used to ensure that her community in San Diego has a deepened understanding of history and cultures not taught in mainstream society . She has spent a lifetime researching, connecting and learning from a diversity of peoples from Africa to Japan — and giving people from all over the opportunity to experience these at the World Beat Cultural Center in Balboa Park. In this episode, we learn about her journey and the wisdom she has gained along the way.

In an era before we used the term social entrepreneur, Linda Rosier followed her conscience in business. With her two partners, she create a Toronto-based advertising firm that focused on developing ideas and messaging that did good for the world. Those values also translated into the development of the World Council, a methodology for bringing together people to have conversations about a better world. Over 25 years, World Council has been connecting people from different walks of life for transformative conversations. In this podcast, Linda shares her thoughts on her life's journey and what is possible for the future if only we can talk it out.