The Change

The Change

By Laura Jackel and Cathy O'BrienSociety & Culture
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The Change episodes

  • Summer Series Episode 3: Feminine energy and are we in a ‘doom loop’?

    Cathy and Laura talk about the current state of the world and the phenomenon some are referring h to as a ‘doom loop’. We unpack what that is and why we think the cause is all wrong. 

    We also discuss a brilliant article about the tech bros and their friends ruling the world and why this is not only hugely problematic but oh so cringe. 

    And it’s not all bad news - we look back at 2005 - the year of YouTube, Mariah Carey and Harry Potter mayhem. 

    Mentions: 

    Are we in a ‘Doom loop’ news article 

    -I knew powerful men would take over the world but I didn’t expect them to be such losers - guardian article by Rebecca Shaw

    -Mom Life Comics on how women can bring ‘Masculine Energy’ to the office. 

    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

    39 min
  • Summer Series Episode 2: Women over 50 are having a moment - it’s about time!

    In episode 2 of our summer series, we discuss the increasing visibility and representation of older women in media, particularly after the Golden Globes earlier this month. How good was Demi Moore’s speech?! We also celebrate the achievements of us ‘normal’ women over 50, and look at some Aussie influencers going viral. 

    We reflect on the current state of the world, especially the horrific wildfires in LA - and express concerns about cultural shifts and the influence of technology on mental health. Amidst the chaos however, we chat about the importance of finding hope and taking action at a community level. The discussion also delves into nostalgia for the 80s and 90s, contrasting simpler times with today's complexities, particularly regarding technology and parenting! 

    Mentions: 

    Golden Globes Awards 2025 - Demi Moore’s win described in Women’s Agenda

    The Project Channel 10 - Ginger and Carman clip

    Matt Haig on Instagram 

    Loryn Brantz on Instagram 

    In case you missed it - Spotify playlist - The Change 1985

    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

    46 min
  • Summer Series Episode 1: New Year, new… Meghan Markle?!

    From Y2K fears to 2025 goals, Cathy and Laura explore 25 years of change. We discuss evolving New Year's resolutions and embrace aging. Personal aspirations include reading more and new career paths. Meghan Markle's social media comeback and cooking show are also on the agenda and we have opinions!!

    Twenty years on from the Boxing Day tsunami, we remember the devastation and celebrate improved warning systems. Then, it's a blast to the past, reliving the iconic movies and music of the vibrant 80s!

    Mentions: 

    Netflix trailer - With love, Meghan

    Spotify playlist - The Change 1985

    ABC - I was actually there 

    Disney+ - National Geographic Tsunami: Race Against Time 

    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

    44 min
  • Summer Series coming soon!

    This January, join Cathy and Laura for a bite-sized summer treat! From uplifting stories to their take on the not-so-great news items and maybe even a little WTF moment or two!

    Expect plenty of laughs, juicy gossip and a sprinkle of summer recommendations. It’s the perfect way to catch up, stay in the know, and enjoy some light-hearted chats during your holiday break.

    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

    And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: [email protected]

    2 min
  • S3 Ep 13: The emotional and mental load of Christmas

    In this episode, the last of season three, Cathy and Laura reflect on the highlights of their podcasting year, discussing memorable guests and emotional moments. 

    As they approach the holiday season, they share their experiences with gift-giving, family dynamics, and the emotional load that comes with it, ultimately seeking to create new traditions that prioritise community over materialism. 

    Recommendations:

    TV -  The Last of Us on Binge

    Podcast - Legacy

    Book - The List by Yomi Adegoke 

    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

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

    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 from childhood wonder to navigating the complexities of adulthood and motherhood. 

    In this episode we talk to Gina about the importance of reconnecting with our inner child, the natural rhythms of life, while also addressing the grief and letting go that comes with motherhood. We talk about the need for women to embrace their power and navigate societal expectations during this transformative phase of life. 

    Laura, Cathy and Gina delve into the nature of grief, highlighting its transformative power and the necessity of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions fully. Through storytelling and shared experiences, we illustrate the interconnectedness of love, loss, and the human experience.

    This is an episode NOT to be missed. 

    With our deepest thanks and gratitude to Gina. 

    Gina Chick's Instagram

    Mentions: 

    We Are the Stars by Gina Chick

    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

    1 hr 9 min
  • S3 Ep 12: Gina Chick on grief, growth and ‘glorious rage’

    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 importance of reconnecting with our inner child, the natural rhythms of life, while also addressing the grief and letting go that comes with motherhood. We talk about the need for women to embrace their power and navigate societal expectations during this transformative phase of life. 

    Laura, Cathy and Gina delve into the nature of grief, highlighting its transformative power and the necessity of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions fully. Through storytelling and shared experiences, we illustrate the interconnectedness of love, loss, and the human experience.

    This is an episode NOT to be missed. 

    With our deepest thanks and gratitude to Gina. 

    Gina Chick's Instagram

    Mentions: 

    We Are the Stars by Gina Chick

    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

    1 hr 4 min
  • S3 Ep 11: Being Your Authentic Self: Lessons from MasterChef

    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. 

    Steph de Sousa’s instagram 

    Easy Recipe Gang website

    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: 

    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

    48 min
  • S3 BONUS: The women are not okay!

    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 Australia.  

    Recommendations: 

    Leigh Sales article on why the Democrats lost

    Article explainer on the 4B movement 

    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

    34 min
  • S3 Ep 10: Gen X are being phased but we will not go quietly

    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. 

    They reflect on the physical and mental challenges of ageing, and the bittersweet nature of facing inevitable losses while also still trying to look forward to joyful moments. 

    The discussion delves into the feeling of suddenly becoming the 'adult in the room' and the struggle to maintain relevance in a youth-centric culture. 

    Sherri Dindal - Gen X content creator and comic 

    The Holderness Family ‘Everyone Forgets About Gen X’ 

    Recommendations: 

    Firebrand Movie with Jude Law

    The Diplomat with Keri Russell

    Wifedom by Anna Funder

    We are the Stars by Gina Chick

    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

    48 min

About The Change

From the publisher's feed

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