S4 Ep 9: From Biggest Loser to Ozempic we have a complex chat about weight loss in midlife
In this season four finale, Cathy and Laura delve into the complex and often controversial topic of weight loss, particularly in midlife.
They discuss the impact of reality TV shows like 'The Biggest Loser' on body image, the role of celebrity endorsements in promoting weight loss drugs, and the societal pressures that women face regarding their bodies. They discuss the Netflix documentary ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser’ which you can watch here. (https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81670924)
The discussion highlights the need for honest conversations about health and the challenges of navigating weight loss in a world that often equates beauty with worth.
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/ (https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/)
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
(https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/)
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/ (https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/)
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 (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message)
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod (https://www.instagram.com/the_change_pod?igsh=MTAzMnZzcmlubjNqcQ==&utm_source=qr) and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com (mailto:changepod2023@gmail.com)
21 Aug 2025
S4 Ep 8: Jane Hollier on estrangement and writing letters to her dead mum
Cathy and Laura as they sit down with Jane Hollier, the writer behind the poignant Substack series "Letters to My Dead Mum."
In this episode, Jane shares her journey through a conservative religious upbringing, the complexities of family estrangement, and the healing power of writing.
Discover how Jane navigated her mother's remarriage, the blending of families, and her path to self-discovery.
Guest: Jane Hollier
Jane Hollier is the writer behind the sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and always awkward Substack, Letters to my Dead Mum.
In this series Jane explores heartbreak, religion, blended families, and the complex grief of losing an estranged parent. Jane has been a freelance writer for 15 years. She has a daughter, two cats, and a beloved house plant called Donna.
Read Jane’s Substack ‘Letters to My Dead Mum’ (https://janehollierbrown.substack.com/about)
Follow Jane on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whatjanedid/)
Hosts:
Cathy O’Brien https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/ (https://www.instagram.com/cathy_l_obrien/)
Laura Jackel https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/
(https://www.instagram.com/lauracjackel/)
Audio Producer:
Samantha Thomas https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/ (https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/)
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 (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-change-pod/message)
And don’t forget to follow The Change on Instagram @the_change_pod (https://www.instagram.com/the_change_pod?igsh=MTAzMnZzcmlubjNqcQ==&utm_source=qr) and email us with your questions, feedback and ideas: changepod2023@gmail.com (mailto:changepod2023@gmail.com)
13 Aug 2025
S4 Ep 7: Samantha Thomas on leaving a career in TV to pursue her dream as a life coach
Laura and Cathy chat with Samantha Thomas, a former media professional and TV producer turned life coach, about her transformative journey.
From the bustling newsrooms of Paris to the serene wellness retreats of Phuket, Sam shares her experiences of navigating career changes, overcoming personal challenges, and finding her true calling in mental fitness coaching.
Sam delves into choosing a career in TV and media as a coping mechanism and creative outlet.
She shares how she flew to Paris to work in a 24/7 newsroom and the challenges and rewards that came with it. Sam describes transitioning from media to her current work in coaching and her passion for helping others achieve mental fitness.
Guest: Samantha Thomas (https://www.instagram.com/samanthalthomas_/)
Samantha Thomas is a life coach and founder of Mynd Gym, dedicated to promoting mental and emotional fitness. With a rich background in media, Sam now focuses on empowering individuals to embrace change and live fulfilling lives. She also happens to be our amazing podcast producer!
https://www.myndgym.life/ (https://www.myndgym.life/)
Who has been a guest on The Change
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sophie Scott OAM
Jayne McCartney
Amanda Ramsay
Kerryn Mayne
Tracey Williams
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
584
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
83
Social presence
94
YouTube
66
Engagement
77
Contact The Change
Guest appearances
Books guests
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