Grandma Magic: A podcast from the Grandmother Collective

Frances Jeffries holds a PhD in Counseling from Kent State University and has spent her career weaving together education, service, and activism. She is a Rotary Peace Fellow, a mediator, and an outspoken advocate for nuclear abolition — calling nuclear weapons “the number one public health issue.” She recently marked her 84th birthday by hiking 84 miles of the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and inspire action. She is also known locally for plunging into icy waters each New Year’s Day to raise funds for ShelterBox, supporting communities displaced by conflict and disaster. Through it all, Frances has shown us that determination, courage, and care can fuel movements for change. Her story demonstrates that grandmother leadership is about both steady presence and bold action.

Barbara Shaiman is a renowned educator, businesswoman, and social entrepreneur whose family history instilled a lifelong sense of responsibility to make the world better by being kind, standing up, and speaking out. In this episode, we learn about Barbara’s upbringing as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and how this shaped her diverse career chasing her “technicolor dreams.” As a grandmother changemaker, she carries forward a legacy of action and empathy, grounded in the belief that everyone — regardless of age or background — has the power to make a difference. Barbara shares how her greatest strength lies in knowing her limitations and building diverse, intergenerational teams to bridge them. Her work through Champions of Caring brings together people across the country to recognize and empower children as social activists. Collaborating with psychologists, academics, and even film-makers, she’s exploring the measurable impact of empathy-driven activism — and inviting others to join her. Barbara reminds us that “Everyone can be great,”, echoing Martin Luther King Jr., “because everyone can serve.” This episode is a call to action — for young and old alike — to transform pain into possibility, and to find joy, meaning, and connection in the work of building a better world.

Sue Boardman proudly calls herself a “fiercely compassionate rebel grandmother-for-rent” — a title that perfectly captures her fierce devotion to healing, growth, and self-discovery. Through her many roles as a nurse, pastor, artist, writer, and lifelong learner, Sue has spent her life guiding individuals and communities toward transformation. In this conversation, she shares how a single moment — encountering the phrase “fierce compassion” — shifted her internal filter and set her on a journey into intentional creativity, oracle cards, and sacred storytelling. As a grandmother and children’s book author, Sue is reimagining creation as a place where every child feels seen and included. With radiant artwork, inclusive language, and even a cover that feels good to the touch, her book offers a tactile and heart-centered invitation into an expansive, welcoming world. Sue reminds us that transformation doesn’t require having all the answers — it begins with the willingness to do the next right thing. And sometimes, that next right thing is telling a new story. One that ripples outward.

Dr. Kathleen Walls is a powerhouse in leadership development, communication, and personal transformation. With a rich career spanning academia, consulting, NGO work, and authoring a children’s book series, to name a few, she is deeply rooted in values of togetherness, open intergenerational conversation, and the guiding belief that “As I heal, you heal.” Growing up in a progressive family environment in Pennsylvania, surrounded by strong, wise grandmother figures, Dr. Walls shares the profound impact of having older women in all phases of life — women who offer connection, wisdom, and life stories that shape and inspire. Throughout this episode, Dr. Walls reflects on her ever-expanding mosaic of passions and projects — each piece adding its own vibrant color to the larger picture of her legacy.

Rosemarie Mollinedo has dedicated her life to fostering resilience, self-compassion, and growth in children, families, and communities. With a career spanning over four decades, Rosemarie has worked in early childhood education, family counseling, and community-based interventions, leaving an indelible mark on organizations like the Dubnoff Center for Child Development, El Nido Family Centers, and the East Los Angeles Women’s Center. In this episode, Rosemarie shares her journey of overcoming personal hardships, finding healing through an education and career in service, ultimately embracing a “divinely engineered treatment plan” that has shaped her life. As a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rosemarie also reflects on how her experiences inspire her to pass down lessons of resilience, self-compassion, and trust, and the importance of family history to future generations.

Ruth Ochieng is a Ugandan peace activist, gender justice advocate, and expert in post conflict transformation. She served as the executive director of Isis Women’s International Cross Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE, now WIPC), a Kampala-based women’s resource center that moved from Geneva to Uganda in 1993 to address the root causes of gender-based violence and conflict. She and her team documented cases of sexual violence and pioneered holistic survivor centered programs, integrating medical, psychological, and economic support to help women heal and rebuild their lives. Our contributor, Nina Valenbreder, recently interviewed Ruth about her trajectory to a career in peace building initiatives, lessons she has learned about the role of grandmothers in restoring resilience in post-conflict environments, and the legacy she plans to leave behind.  

Madhu Bala Nath is an inspiring leader and advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and public health. Her career has spanned multiple organizations, including the Swedish International Development Authority, UNIFEM, UNDP, and EngenderHealth and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). In this podcast episode, Madhu highlights unlearning as a guiding principle, drawing from her experiences in HIV and AIDS prevention in India. She also reflects on the collective strength of women and the importance of pausing to witness one’s own work as a grandmother changemaker. If there’s one lesson to take away from the remarkable Madhu Bala Nath, it is: “Dissonance is the word.”  

In this episode, we introduce the inspiring Stella Fosse, a writer who transitioned from a career in biotech to championing creativity and empowerment for older women. With encouragement from her children and a supportive network of changemakers, Stella discovered the political power of her writing in response to ageist and sexist norms in the publishing industry. Through her books, blogs, and workshops, Stella actively challenges social constructs surrounding aging and advocates for women’s continued growth and exploration of their own stories. Speaking on the importance of intergenerational connection, Stella shares, “No matter what age you are, if you’re lucky, you’re going to get to be an older person.”  

Pat Sabiston is passing on her grandma magic as a successful author, motivational speaker, writing instructor, and proud great-grandmother. Through her work, she encourages other elders to share their rich legacies of wisdom and life experiences with future generations, offering lessons to learn from and lean on. With Pat’s warm humor and insightful anecdotes — including the inspiration to write her recently published children’s book, Can’t Never Could — this episode will leave you eager to go “totally unplugged” at Gram’s Camp!  

Sarah Thompson and Elayne Richard bring decades of experience and unwavering dedication to reproductive rights and social justice advocacy. As active members of Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights (GRR), one of our newest member organizations, they are working to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding abortion access as healthcare while empowering elders to harness the power of their voices. Their experiences have deepened their appreciation for the impact of sharing lived stories from the pre-Roe v. Wade era and, as Elayne puts it, the “wicked cool” intergenerational relationships fostered by grandma magic.

Christine Crosby’s grandmother left a lasting impression on her as a role model for purposeful living and community service, which she continued well into her 90s. Now, as a proud grandmother of five, great-grandmother of one, and CEO of GRAND Media, Christine is paying that “grandma magic” forward. She shares the beauty of grand-parenting with optimism, describing it as an experience defined by empathy, the absence of ego, and the privilege of sharing wisdom with “little people hungry to learn about life.” In this episode, Christine also reflects on her aspirations for her 80s, including supporting her local government and guiding the transition of GRAND Media, all in the spirit of a true grandmother changemaker.

Philomena Anyanwu is a gerontologist and social worker who has dedicated over 14 years to bringing about systemic change in the physiological, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of the ever-growing demographic of older persons in Nigeria. Her work has involved navigating and rethinking cultural stigmas, inadequate healthcare information and access, and limited financial support, all of which ultimately isolate the elderly in rural communities. By fostering organic, mutual support networks, her NGO, El-Aged Care, and healthcare coalition, ACSPOPIN, are changing the narrative in rural communities to one where the elderly, particularly grandmothers, are valued as focal points. On a personal front, Philomena also prioritizes her own self-care, for instance, by returning to the city to take long walks, or even by graciously letting us interview her here on the Grandma Magic Podcast.  

The gesture of love rooted in community is the foundational practice that Mary Balikungeri, founder of the Rwanda Women’s Network, seeks to pass on to younger generations. Having moved from community to community as a refugee fleeing the Rwandan Genocide in her youth, Mary carved a path to create feminist spaces where women can heal, empower themselves, and work toward social transformation. As a grandmother and changemaker, Mary emphasizes the importance of balancing her activism with moments of rest, reflection, and quality time with her two grandchildren, ensuring the sustainable continuation of her life’s work.

With her rich repertoire of personal and professional anecdotes, Hendrica Okondo truly embodies change-making through social and humanitarian activism. From illustrating the incredible history of women unpacking their power in Western Kenya through the Green Belt Movement, to experience as a young agricultural officer empowering women in farming communities, Hendrica brings us along how the powerful, headstrong women from her upbringing to this very day inspire her to to strive for gender equality, tapping into the knowledge of women, especially grandmothers, and so much more.

Meenakshi Gupta is one of the co-founders of Goonj, an organization focused on bridging critical gaps in urban and rural development across India. In this episode, she takes us on her now 25-year-long journey from a corporate job with the BBC to starting and growing Goonj, where her work focuses on social entrepreneurship by enabling local communities rather than prescribing solutions as an outsider. In fostering compassion and being attuned to the dignity of the communities she works with, Meenakshi is nothing short of an inspirational, pioneering change-maker (and cat-grandma) in the social development space.

Diane Scaletta and Phyllis Webster are two members of Grandmothers Advocacy Network (GRAN), a Canadian institution that emerged from the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign driven by the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In this episode, we learn how these two grandmother change-makers honed their adventurous spirits and a deep sense of equality and justice through experiences living abroad. Moreover, Diane and Phyllis convey how achieving their vision of a world where the human rights of older women, children, youth, and gender-diverse persons are recognized and protected, benefits from balancing equal measures of patience and tenacity, and the many other skills and talents of a grandmother super-team.

Dr. Deborah Roebuck, the Menopause Whisperer and founder of Going Through the Change, is on a mission to bring women together across all generations, from her four nearby nieces to the community of auntie change-makers she has fostered domestically and during missions abroad. In this episode we delve into the many hats she wears as an auntie, from empowering women with knowledge and confidence during all stages of menopause, the value of connections across all generations, and leveraging spiritual and social connections in an increasingly isolated society.

Gwen Johnson defines the role of female elders as being a source of wisdom and comfort to younger generations by guiding rather than prescribing advice. As the Executive Director of Hemphill Community Center, located at the site of a former coal camp in central Appalachia, and an BSc. and MSc. in Psychology, Gwen has been an important anchor within her community throughout a number of difficult challenges experienced in the past decade. Listen to hear more about Gwen’s mamaw magic as we discuss the importance of passing down folklore and traditions, the proactivity of grandmothers during devastating flash floods of 2022, and the value of an inclusive and tolerant community for raising younger generations.

Rustica Tembele shares her journey from growing up in Tanzania, immersed in a culture of cohesion and collective responsibility fostered by the adults and elders in her community, to her enduring career as a civil servant in the country. Throughout her trajectory, she witnessed the erosion of social connection in a modernizing society which laid the foundation of her current social change work. Following her retirement from government service, she embarked on a mission to bridge intergenerational and mental health gaps, culminating in the co-founding of the TAP Elderly Women’s Wisdom for Youth (TEWWY). This organization acknowledges the challenges faced by today’s youth and aims to address them by offering mental healthcare services, nurturing supportive and diverse communities, and advocating for policy changes to enhance mental healthcare accessibility.

Mary Pipher, a seasoned clinical psychologist with a background in cultural anthropology, has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricate connections between culture and personality, particularly within the context of women in American society. From her seminal work, “Reviving Ophelia,” scrutinizing the challenges faced by adolescent girls, to the insightful exploration of women navigating the complexities of aging in “Women Rowing North,” Pipher’s writings resonate with a broad audience. Drawing on her extensive interviews with hundreds of women, she imparts a wealth of wisdom that reflects the diverse experiences of the female journey. Pipher’s influence extends beyond her books, as highlighted in her New York Times article, “Grandmothers of the World Unite!” where she passionately advocates for older women to wield their societal roles as catalysts for systemic change, a call to action rooted in her own environmental activism. Join us for the final episode of Season One of Grandma Magic to learn from Mary Pipher’s life and work. To learn more about Mary's work visit https://marypipher.com/. Her memoir, a Life in Light, will be out in paperback on December 12th. You can pre-order at https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/life-in-light-9781639731633/

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.

In this episode we talk to Rochelle Jackson, a community organizer in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Rochelle has spent the last 30 years working with the Juvenile Protective Association, or JPA, a Chicago-based non-profit focused on developing the wellbeing of all children in the city. For the last year, Rochelle has been working with JPA to pilot their grandmother’s project which has introduced grandmother-led programming for elementary-aged girls in two North Lawndale schools. When she’s not working, she’s fighting for resources in her neighborhood , especially in strengthening the transportation network to serve its diverse needs. Listen as Rochelle shares her experiences with us.

On this episode of the Grandma Magic podcast, we are joined by Joan Holliday, a retired public health nurse. For over three decades, Joan has been dedicated to building an inclusive and welcoming community in her town. She generously shares her insights and secrets to fostering unity through an event called Bridging the Community, and other community building ideas. Get ready to be inspired as Joan lays the foundation for creating positive change. 

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Rana Dajani, who tells about her changemaking journey to found the award winning, Jordanian-based non-profit, We Love Reading. Tune in to hear how Rana started her organization and what she's discovered about the process of deciding how to make change. Inspired by matriarchal figures, Rana hopes to impart the same values and wisdom as she embarks on a new grandmother journey.

In our first Grandma Magic podcast episode, we talk to Paola Gianturco, a photojournalist and author. She started in business, addressing the glass ceiling, and has since dedicated 25 years to publishing untold stories of women leaders. Her books cover topics like empowering traditional handicrafts for economic development and showcasing women's leadership in climate change. One of her notable works is the 2012 book Grandmother Power, highlighting the roles of grandmothers in societies worldwide, featuring members of The Grandmother Collective.

Launching in May 2023, the Grandma Magic podcast will bring inspiring stories from grandmothers and older women around the world who are driving change and teaching us about the perseverance and endurance that comes with wisdom, time and experience.