YOU'VE GOT THEM. WE'VE GOT YOU.
The community for maxed-out midlifers caring for ageing parents and everything else.
Real people who get it.
Expert advice that actually helps.
A village when you need one most.
Fortnightly hacks, real solidarity, and zero BS - straight to your inbox.
The Sandwich Generation finally gets the conversation we deserve.
This isn't a place for toxic positivity or one-size-fits-all advice. It's where honest conversations about 2am hospital visits sit alongside practical guidance that actually works. Where "me too" matters more than "you should".
Whether you're here for the podcast, the community, or just the reassurance that you're not losing your mind — pull up a chair.
Latest Episodes
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Will I age like my parent? Dr Norman Swan on the brain cliff, dementia and looking after yourself | Club Sandwich
Oct 21, 2026
Worried about your parent's brain? And your own? If you are looking after an ageing parent, you have probably wondered whether you will go the same way. Sarah talks to the ABC's Norman Swan, physician, broadcaster and author of 'The Brain Cliff', about what he has learned from the research and from a life of reporting on health. Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community.SEND US YOUR QUESTION: hello@clubsandwich.community In this episode:The Conversation: Norman says the fear of falling off a brain cliff into dementia is common, and that the cliff and how bright you are are two separate things. - Norman on his own parents, and what it was like to be a sandwich generation son from the other side of the world.- Why Norman says the brain cliff is only about a quarter genetic, and what that means if your parent has dementia.- Brain change rather than brain ageing, and the idea of scaffolding in the brain.- Why a busy, complicated life can train your brain, and why stress and rumination are different things.- The kind of stress Norman calls toxic: feeling that other people are running your life.- Why letting your mind wander and doing nothing are good for you.- Norman on dementia risk, which he says is falling in Australia at any given age.- Alcohol, supplements and hormones: what he found, and what he has changed in his own life.- Why looking after yourself comes first, and why unloading some of the work is a good thing. This episode is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your own health. Credits:Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone. Check out 'Put The Kettle On' – Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.auCredits:Sarah Macdonald – Host + Executive ProducerMelissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + ClubberJustin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first national count of Australia's 'sandwich generation' | Stand Up and Be Counted with Melissa Reader | Club Sandwich
Oct 14, 2026
How many people are in the sandwich generation? Until today, nobody knew. The number: 2.43 million people aged 35–70 currently help or care for an ageing parent. This number is expected to rise to over 6 million within 10 years. In this episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader (CEO of Vera and Commissioning Editor of Club Sandwich) to discuss Vera's new, nationally representative research conducted in partnership with YouGov. They explain why this group has been missing from major reports, and explore knock-on effects for carers' work and finances. "People often aren't counting themselves," says Sarah. "They're not counting the labour of love they do as labour; they're seeing it as love. But if you can get help in that labour, then you've got more time to love." Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at https://vera.guide. FACES (Families for Aged Care Equity and Support) is a family-led campaign asking for one honest count of the number of people waiting for their aged care funding and the people who die while they're waiting. Add your name at vera.guide/faces. Put The Kettle On — Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.auCredits:Sarah Macdonald – Host + Executive ProducerMelissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + ClubberJustin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Making the 'invisible army' seen | Carer's Week with Melissa Reader | Club Sandwich
Oct 11, 2026
In this bonus episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader to discuss new research into Australia's 'invisible army' of sandwich generation carers. Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at https://vera.guide. FACES (Families for Aged Care Equity and Support) is a family-led campaign asking for one honest count of the number of people waiting for their aged care funding and the people who die while they're waiting. Add your name at vera.guide/faces. Put The Kettle On — Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.auCredits:Sarah Macdonald – Host + Executive ProducerMelissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + ClubberJustin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Neurodiversity in the Sandwich | Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia | Club Sandwich
Oct 7, 2026
She was one of Sydney's best door bitches. Now she's CEO of Autism Australia. Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community.SEND US YOUR QUESTION: hello@clubsandwich.community In this episode:The Conversation: Sarah talks to Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia and mother of Jack, about raising a neurodivergent child while also navigating ageing parents, undiagnosed traits in older relatives, and midlife self-diagnosis.This Week's Hack: Make sure the kids are looked after, no matter what happens. Start legacy and estate planning early, regardless of how much the family has, and plan for the scenarios nobody wants to think about. Topics covered in this episode:- Raising a child with autism while caring for ageing parents- Estate planning, trusts and guardianship for a disabled child's future- Grandparents who show undiagnosed neurodivergent traits- Midlife autism and ADHD diagnosis, and when a label actually helps- Talking to neurodivergent loved ones about death and grief Featured in this episode: Sarah Macdonald — Veteran broadcaster and host. Nicole Rogerson — CEO, Autism Australia.Meet the regular Clubbers:Melissa Reader — CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis.Jo Lamble — Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics.Dr Ginni Mansberg — GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight.Dr Stephanie Ward — Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis.Kerry Milligan — Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation. This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services — australianunity.com.au/clubsandwich. Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at https://vera.guide. FACES (Families for Aged Care Equity and Support) is a family-led campaign asking for one honest count of the number of people waiting for their aged care funding and the people who die while they're waiting. Add your name at vera.guide/faces. Put The Kettle On — Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits:Sarah Macdonald – Host + Executive ProducerMelissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + ClubberJustin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au)Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music 'Club Sandwich' — hear more at https://seanwayland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guides for the middle of it
All GuidesPractical, expert-led guides built from the conversations on the show. No platitudes, no jargon, links to the episodes behind every one.
Who's in it, why the squeeze is getting tighter, and what actually helps. Start here.
Caring for elderly parentsThe honest guide to how it starts, the five moves that matter, and where to go deeper.
Questions to ask your ageing parentsFive questions to ask over a cuppa, before a crisis asks them for you.
When a parent has dementiaNormal ageing or something more? A geriatrician and carers who've lived it.
Meet Your Host
Sarah Macdonald
Veteran broadcaster with 25+ years across ABC Radio, commercial networks, and print media.
Sarah's spent her career asking hard questions of powerful people. Now she's asking the questions nobody wants to answer about the people without power—the daughters holding families together while their own lives fall apart.
She's not just hosting this podcast. She's living it.
From the Archives
Agehood
Before Club Sandwich, there was Agehood. Explore our original podcast episodes on ageing and caregiving.
AgehoodDr Ira Byock: On The Four Things That Matter Most
Oct 12, 2025
Most of us know we should talk about the end of life - but almost none of us know where to start. In this episode, Melissa Reader is joined by Dr Ira Byock, one of the world’s leading voices in palliative care, to explore how we can live and love more fully by facing what we often avoid. A physician, author, and global advocate, Ira has spent decades reminding us that illness and dying are not just medical experiences, they’re deeply personal ones. Together, they unpack the four simple phrases that can transform our relationships - “Please forgive me. I forgive you. Thank you. I love you.” - and discuss why planning for life’s later chapters should come from trust and love, not fear. This conversation also marks the launch of Violet’s Care Compass, a simple values-based tool designed to help families start these conversations early - around the kitchen table, not in the hospital corridor. Because it’s never too early to talk about the end. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air - you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Dr Ira Byock Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au For more information about Dr Byock's books, visit his website here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AgehoodFear and Love: What Medicine Can’t Teach with Steve Robson
Oct 5, 2025
What does it take to face fear, to lead with love, and to truly care for others at their most vulnerable? In this episode of Agehood, Melissa speaks with Professor Steve Robson - former President of the AMA, doctor, and son - about the lessons he’s carried from rural Queensland to the frontlines of Australian medicine. Steve shares what jumping out of planes taught him about fear, the Christmas conversation with his mum he’ll never forget, and why love should sit at the heart of every medical decision. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air - you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Steve Robson Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AgehoodFrom Minister to Carer: Victor Dominello’s Most Personal Challenge
Sep 28, 2025
When former NSW Minister Victor Dominello helped build Service NSW, he made government simpler for millions. But when his mum was diagnosed with dementia, he discovered just how broken the system still is. In this powerful conversation, Victor shares the reality of being a son and brother in the thick of caring, the toll it’s taken on his family, and his vision for a future where bureaucracy doesn’t break us—but actually carries us. It’s personal, it’s political, and it’s a glimpse at what “Government 3.0” could mean for every family. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Victor Dominello Executive & Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou - Mylk Media Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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