digital culture
“Forget Loose
Women, we’re the Loose
Grannies!”
A lot of creative ideas of late were, naturally, formed during lockdown (remember those days?) and BBC Radio Wales’ Nani Hacks is no exception. Producer Ali Kedge came up with the idea with longtime friends – Kemi Nevins, a former nurse and teacher who now runs Pontcanna cafe Kemi’s, and former Chapter employee turned retiree Nicky Keeping. They more recently met the oldest Nani, former charity founder Di Parson; between them all, they have nine children and 12 grandchildren.
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Through their radio program, they seek to offer advice – the ‘hacks’ of the title – to help fellow parents and grandparents by discussing their own personal experiences throughout the years. After pitching the idea to BBC Radio Wales, it was commissioned for three Thursday evening slots.
The half-hour discussion-filled episodes will cover issues as diverse as climate change and waste, childhood summers, menopause and kids leaving home. “I think listeners will hear a lot of raucous laughter!” smiles Di. “We’ve had such fun doing it. But it’s also been very serious, because there are lots of nans and grandads who really need the help.”
Each of the Nanis have different upbringings and stories to tell, and along with self-help, endless cups of coffee and a whole lot of laughter, they’re ready to let loose on the airwaves. “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience – I didn’t know I knew so much and had so much to say! So that was interesting,” Nicky says. “It’s really nice to just meet up and shoot the breeze. It’s exciting to have other people listening to it.”
Though the target audience is parents and grandparents, the show aims to offer insightful hacks and heartwarming stories for anyone to enjoy. “I think it’s for everyone who are in different stages of their lives,” Kemi affirms.
As for the future of the Nanis, they will be airing a special Christmas episode of Nani Hacks this December, but they hope they’ll return for more evocative stories and helpful advice. Perhaps on the telly? “Forget Loose Women, we’re the Loose Grannies!” says Di. “We’d love to do another series. We’re celebrating older women for goodness’ sake. We’ve lived a life, we are this age and we’re blimmin’ proud of it!” exclaims Ali.
Nani Hacks is on BBC Radio Wales every week from Thurs 30 June until Thurs 14 July, at 6.30pm.
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