Grandma Magic: A podcast from the Grandmother Collective

Diane Scaletta and Phyllis Webster: Grandmother Advocacy in Action

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.

Deborah Roebuck: The Menopause Whisperer

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: Channeling Mamaw Magic

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: The Mother of Diversity

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: Writing Culture and Personality

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/

Nancy Henkin: Championing Intergenerational Connection

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.

Toya Algarin: Passing the Torch

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: Grandma for Love

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.