Welcome to

Modern Grandparenting

A podcast for staying close, having fun, and making memories.

Read more

Meet our hosts

Join (Dr) Lyn Worsley, Jackie O’Connor and Leigh Hatcher as they share stories, insights, and humour on the joys and challenges of modern grandparenting.

(Dr) Lyn Worsley

BA (Hons) Psych, RN, MAPS

Dr Lyn Worsley (aka ‘Nana Lyn’) is a Clinical Psychologist , a former Registered Nurse and Youth Worker, a resilience researcher with her own model of resilience – The Resilience Doughnut, a speaker, facilitator and trainer in resilience, an author of two resilience books for kids and adults – ‘The Secrets of Strong Kids’ and ‘The Secret of Strong Adults’ and the Director of The Resilience Centre in Sydney. Lyn wears a lot of hats but the one she wears most proudly is Nana Lyn to six incredible grandchildren.

Jackie O’Connor

Jackie O’Connor (aka ‘G-Jack’) is a newly retired Music Teacher with over 30 years experience teaching music in schools across Sydney. She has had a career spent inspiring the young minds of children and adolescents through music, she is a whirlwind of rhythm and passion and she knows that teaching music isn’t just about scales and notes, it is about connections and creativity. She has an ever growing passion for traveling and now she is also passionate about her proud role as a grandmother to two precious grandchildren.

Leigh Hatcher

Leigh Hatcher (aka ‘Papa Leigh’) has had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism in both radio and television. He’s a former Canberra correspondent and European Correspondent with the Seven network. Leigh has authored three books, including the best-seller, “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Just a Little Unwell’. Leigh and his wife Meredith have nine beautiful grand-children. Leigh produces and edits our podcasts and elsewhere, lives a life of music – playing bass and acoustic guitar and singing in four bands or groups.

Start listening

Listen now for expert advice, real stories, and plenty of laughs as we explore the joys and challenges of modern grandparenting.

Grandparenting and Music: With Special Guest – The Wiggles’ Paul Field

15 July 2025

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.

Grandparenting in the Modern Family

7 July 2025

 

Episode #2

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 second  podcast episode where they delve into a range of significant issues relating to the huge changes that are happening in ‘The Modern Family’. There is lots of wisdom, experiences and insights on where grandparents fit into it all.

Introduction to the Modern Grandparenting Podcast

1 July 2025

Episode #1

Welcome 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 introductory episode for their best role yet – grandparenting! This dynamic trio introduce us to grandparenting in today’s modern world with relatable stories, funny moments, helpful tips and realistic strategies. Calling all grandparents, near and far, this first episode is not to be missed!

FAQs – Meet Your Hosts & What is Ahead 

Q1. Who are the hosts of The Modern Grandparenting Podcast?

A: Dr Lyn Worsley, Jackie O’Connor and Leigh Hatcher are your co-hosts—each bringing a unique perspective, rich experience, and a shared passion for grandparenting in today’s world.

Q2. What does Dr Lyn Worsley bring to the podcast?

A: Lyn is a clinical psychologist and director of The Resilience Centre in Epping Sydney NSW. She shares insights and research into child development, resilience, and the complex emotional world of family life—across generations.

Q3. What is Jackie O’Connor’s background?

A: Jackie has years of experience working with families and communities. She’s known for her practical wisdom, warmth, and commitment to helping grandparents feel confident and connected.

Q4. What’s Leigh Hatcher’s role in the podcast?

A: Leigh is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster. As a grandparent himself, he brings thoughtful storytelling, empathy, and a knack for asking the questions many of us are wondering.

Q5. What inspired this podcast about grandparenting?

A: The hosts saw a growing need to support modern grandparents—who are often juggling roles, emotions, and expectations. The podcast aims to offer connection, clarity, and community.

Q6. What does “modern grandparenting” mean?

A: It means grandparenting in a fast-changing world—where roles are evolving, distances are growing, and the lines between parent and grandparent can sometimes blur.

Q7. Who is this podcast for?

A: Whether you’re a hands-on grandparent, a long-distance one, just starting your journey, or deep in the trenches—this podcast is for you.

Q8. What can listeners look forward to in future episodes?

A: Real conversations, expert advice, personal stories, and helpful tips on everything from relationships with adult children to playtime, boundaries, and legacy.

Contact

Get in touch

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.