The Modern Grandparenting Podcast

Revisiting: Episode #9

Welcome back to ‘The Modern Grandparenting Podcast’. Join Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor (aka G-Jack), and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher (aka Papa Leigh) coming together in this 9th podcast episode where they welcome another special guest.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Modern Grandparenting Podcast, we sit down with Mike Munro, one of Australia’s most respected journalists, for an intimate conversation that goes far beyond the newsroom. Mike opens up about the challenges and hardships he faced in his childhood—experiences that left deep marks but also shaped the compassionate, intentional grandparent he is today. With honesty and wisdom, he reflects on how breaking cycles, nurturing emotional safety, and showing up with consistency have become central to the way he grandfathers.

But it’s not all heavy. Mike also shares joyful stories from his family’s tradition of three-generation holidays, where grandparents, parents, and grandkids come together to create unforgettable moments. He talks about the magic—and occasional chaos—of these extended family adventures, offering insight into how shared experiences can strengthen family bonds across every generation. This episode is moving, uplifting, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone looking to build deeper connections with their grandchildren. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Mike Munro—about resilience, family, and the legacy we choose to create.

Revisiting: Episode #3

Welcome back to ‘The Modern Grandparenting Podcast’. Join Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley (aka Nana Lyn), Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor (aka G-Jack), and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher (aka Papa Leigh) coming together again in this third  podcast episode where they welcome a special guest – Paul Field – Producer, Director and Manager of THE WIGGLES for over 24 years, to the studio. He brings his expertise in music, as well as his experience in grandparenting, to this interview, exploring the relationship and connection between music and grandparenting.

Revisiting: Episode #3

Welcome back to ‘The Modern Grandparenting Podcast’. Join Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley (aka Nana Lyn), Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor (aka G-Jack), and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher (aka Papa Leigh) coming together again in this third  podcast episode where they welcome a special guest – Paul Field – Producer, Director and Manager of THE WIGGLES for over 24 years, to the studio. He brings his expertise in music, as well as his experience in grandparenting, to this interview, exploring the relationship and connection between music and grandparenting.

Episode #17

What does it really mean to age well? In this unique episode of the Modern Grandparenting Podcast, Leigh and Jackie welcome Specialist Rehabilitation Physician and Positive Ageing Researcher Professor Chris Poulos to explore how we can all take practical steps towards healthier, more fulfilling ageing.
Chris shares why positive ageing isn’t about pretending we’re getting younger—it’s about building strength, purpose and wellbeing, even when life brings illness, injury or change. We also discuss the role grandparents play in modelling resilience, staying engaged, and creating meaningful connections across generations.
Whether you’re a grandparent, caring for older family members, or simply thinking about your own future, this conversation is packed with practical insights and fresh perspectives that may change the way you think about ageing.
Tune in and discover how positive ageing can begin today.

Episode #16

Listen now, THIS is an episode you are going to love a little extra.

Episode #15

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast with Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley, Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor, and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher. In this heartwarming episode of Modern Grandparenting, Leigh, Lyn and Jackie celebrate the joy and power of reading. From treasured childhood classics to favourite books they now share with their own grandchildren, the conversation explores how stories shape young lives, spark imagination and create lasting family memories.

The trio reflect on the important role reading has played in their children’s and grandchildren’s development, and share thoughtful ideas for how grandparents can build deeper relationships through books, storytelling and shared reading moments. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or simply looking for meaningful ways to connect with the young people in your life, this episode is full of warmth, nostalgia and inspiration.

Listen now and think about what book to read next with your grandchild now …

Episode #14

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast with Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley, Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor, and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher. In this episode of The Modern Grandparenting Podcast, we dive into a topic that’s becoming more and more relevant for families everywhere — the growing reliance on grandparents for childcare.

How much is too much? How do you say “yes” without losing yourself — or “no” without guilt?

We explore:

Plus, Nanna Lyn shares her practical, down-to-earth tips for managing expectations — both your grandchildren’s and your own children’s — so everyone feels supported, respected, and connected.

Whether you’re a hands-on grandparent or navigating your role in a busy modern family, this episode is full of insight, reassurance, and inspiration.

 Listen now and start planning your next adventure — on your terms.

Episode #13

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast with Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley, Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor, and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher are excited to be joined by Liz Diqual and Gabby Rodgers—co-founders of ‘MaWisdom’, a business devoted to supporting grandparents through thoughtful, practical courses designed for modern families. In this episode, we dive into why grandparents matter more than ever, how their role is evolving, and what modern grandparenting can really look like. It’s a powerful conversation about connection, confidence, and strengthening families across generations. Alongside their co-founder Kylee Shepherd, Liz and Gabby are passionate about the power of intergenerational wisdom. But they also recognise   something important: parenting—and grandparenting—has changed dramatically. That’s where MaWisdom comes in …

Episode #12

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast with Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley, Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor, and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher are honoured to be joined by an  extra special guest Dr Jenny Brown. With more than 35 years of experience as a Social Worker and as a clinical couple-and-family therapist, Jenny brings deep wisdom to the conversation. We’re diving into conflict and even estrangement within families, especially when it involves grandparents.

Jenny is the founder of the Family Systems Institute, the Director of the Family Systems Practice and the author of the influential book Growing Yourself Up. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences and is widely recognised for bringing family-systems thinking into everyday life in a practical, grounded way. Her most recent work is with the Parent Hope Project where transformative family systems, parenting courses and training are designed to empower and support parents in today’s complex world.

These days, Jenny devotes her time to writing, teaching, and equipping mental-health professionals to use the family-systems model to foster healing, reconnection, and genuine personal growth, even in the most complex family tensions.

But most of all, she is a grandmother.

The Family Systems Practice – For family Systems Counselling: www.thefsp.com.au

The Parent Hope Project – Family Systems Resources for Parents and Supporters: www.parenthopeproject.com.au

The Family Systems Institute – Training: www.thefsi.com.au

Episode #11

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast. In our first episode for 2026, Clinical Psychologist Dr Lyn Worsley, Music Teacher Jackie O’Connor, and Broadcast Journalist Leigh Hatcher are delighted to welcome special guests David and Libby Koch for an engaging conversation about all things money.

David Koch, one of Australia’s most trusted business and media voices, and Libby Koch, an author, speaker and passionate advocate for family wellbeing, bring both professional insight and personal experience to the discussion. Together, they explore practical and often tricky topics for grandparents — from pocket money and budgeting to navigating the ever-present “Bank of Grandma and Grandpa.”

It’s a warm, honest and thought-provoking conversation, filled with real-world wisdom to help grandparents support the next generation in a rapidly changing financial landscape.