Growing Tall Poppies Podcast Season 2, Episode 17

Navigating the Sandwich Generation with Grace, Grit & Love

Podcast| Growing Tall Poppies| Season 2
May 27, 2025•2 min read

Growing Tall Poppies Podcast: Season 02, Episode 17 (#58)

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In this week’s episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr Nat Green shares a deeply personal and emotionally honest conversation about what it’s really like to be part of the Sandwich Generation - those caught in the middle of caring for aging parents while still supporting young adult or teenage children. Drawing from her own lived experience, Dr Nat explores the complex emotions, hidden labour, and ongoing grief involved in this demanding season of life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

  • What it means to live in the Sandwich Generation and the unique challenges involved

  • The emotional weight of caring for aging parents alongside adult children

  • The long-term impact of grief, including the experience of “motherless mothering”

  • How to navigate anticipatory grief and Alzheimer’s disease with loved ones

  • The hidden emotional load carried by eldest daughters and the legacy of self-sacrifice

  • Practical insights on holding space for everyone without losing yourself

  • Why grace, grit, and love are essential tools for resilience in this life stage

Episode Highlights & Takeaways

  • Dr Nat reflects on her early conditioning around responsibility and self-sacrifice as the eldest child.

  • She shares the impact of her mother’s metastatic cancer diagnosis and her ongoing grief 31 years after her passing.

  • The episode dives into the heartbreak of watching her stepmum and father face Alzheimer’s.

  • Dr Nat opens up about the emotional toll of being “the strong one,” silently carrying the family’s burdens.

  • Listeners gain insight into the invisible emotional labour and quiet grief that build up in this role.

  • The conversation acknowledges the challenges of “motherless mothering” and eldest daughter syndrome.

  • Practical advice is shared on how to care deeply without losing yourself in the process.

  • A heartfelt reminder that if you’re navigating this season, you are seen and not alone.

Learn More & Connect with Dr Nat

Want to dive deeper into Dr Nat's work? Here’s how to connect with her:

Next Episode

👉 S02E18: Coming Soon!

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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.

Growing Tall Poppies Podcast

Hosted by Dr Nat Green, this podcast empowers individuals to rise above trauma and create lasting transformation. Each episode features inspiring stories, expert advice, and practical strategies to help you break free from adversity, build confidence, and thrive. Tune in for real conversations that inspire personal growth and resilience.