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.

 Episode #10

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 in this 10th podcast episode (and FINAL for 2025) where they talk about all things ‘CHRISTMAS’.

Get ready, Grandfam! Our final episode of the year is here — and we’re wrapping it up with a festive bow. 🎁✨

In this special Christmas edition of the Modern Grandparenting Podcast, we’re diving into everything that makes the season magical… and sometimes a little complicated.

🎄 We’re talking about:

• Navigating family dynamics with grace (and maybe a little humor).
• Choosing meaningful gifts without the stress.
• Spending intentional, joy-filled time with your grandchildren.
• Honoring old traditions — and creating brand-new ones.
• Fun activities to make the countdown to Christmas unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting the whole crew, FaceTiming from afar, or sneaking in some one-on-one grandkid magic, this episode will help you make the most of the holiday season.

Tune in, get cozy, and let’s celebrate the joy of grandparenting together.

🎧 Don’t miss the warm, wise, and wonderfully festive final episode of the year!

 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.

🎙️ Episode 8

Grandparenting in Blended Families.

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast. In this episode we explore the unique challenges and rewarding opportunities of Step Grandparenting.

As more families become blended due to divorce and remarriage, grandparents often find themselves navigating new family dynamics and redefining their roles. We discuss practical tips for making genuine connections with your grandkids, overcoming common obstacles, and fostering loving relationships in complex family situations.

Whether you’re a step grandparent or simply interested in modern family dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights to support and inspire you.

🎙️ Episode 7

Grandparenting & Faith Part 2– Faith, Family, and Cartoons – A Conversation with Zia Ahmed

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Zia Ahmed — founder and editor of the Australasian Muslim Times and a respected Islamic community leader based in Western Sydney.

Zia comes from a long line of strong family and community connections — his great-grandfather lived to the remarkable age of 103. Continuing that legacy, Zia has spent decades fostering a vibrant, faith-driven community. His weekly gatherings bring people together to study, reflect, and act on shared values. He’s also one of the key figures behind a beloved community festival that’s been running for 40 years and now draws over 20,000 attendees.

Beyond his public work, Zia is a devoted grandfather who cherishes the simple joys of time spent with his grandchildren — especially watching cartoons together.

In this episode, Zia shares insights on the importance of intergenerational relationships, the role of faith in modern grandparenting, and how small moments can build lasting bonds.

🎙️ Episode 6

Grandparenting & Faith Part 1– with Northern Territory Bishop, Greg Anderson and his wife  Annette Anderson.

Welcome back to The Modern Grandparenting Podcast. In this thoughtful and heartfelt episode, we are joined by Greg Anderson, Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory, and his wife Annette, for a rich conversation on faith-filled grandparenting.

Together, we are exploring:
👣 Grandparenting across long distances
🕊️ Talking to children about death with honesty and compassion
🙏 How to support your grandchildren no matter where they are

Whether you’re a grandparent walking closely with your grandkids or loving them from afar, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and deep insight on navigating life’s big questions through the lens of faith.

🎙️ Tune in now – and be inspired to grandparent with purpose and love.

🎙️ Episode #5

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) 📻 in this latest episode, where they explore how technology is reshaping the way grandparents connect with their grandchildren 💻👧👦.

From FaceTime chats 📱 and group texts 💬 to sharing music playlists 🎶 and gaming side by side 🎮, we talk about the many ways tech can strengthen family bonds. We’ll look at how grandparents can build their skills 📚, learn from younger generations 🙌, and embrace new tools with confidence 🌟.

Whether you’re a natural with gadgets or just starting out, this episode will give you practical ideas and encouragement to stay connected in today’s digital world 🌍❤️.

🎙️ Episode #4

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) in this fourth  podcast, where they dive into the crucial topic of child protection and safety from a grandparent’s perspective. Nana Lyn shares her wisdom and experiences, reflecting on how childcare practices have evolved over the past 40 years.We explore real-life scenarios, from supervising playdates to navigating online safety, and offer practical tips for responding with care and confidence. Whether you’re an experienced grandparent or stepping into the role for the first time, this episode offers supportive insights to help you protect and nurture the next generation.

🎙️ 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.