#yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep28 In this 28th conversation between childhood friends Lucy and Lisette, the two women delve into the real experiences and challenges of reaching 70 years old. With both having celebrated their 70th birthdays in the past year, they openly discuss the physical and mental changes they've noticed, as well as the bittersweet awareness that comes with growing older - the loss of loved ones, the fading of certain abilities, and the need to get one's affairs in order.

Throughout their candid discussion, Lisette and Lucy offer insights and perspectives on topics like memory loss, physical ailments, managing an aging parent, creating a will, and finding meaning and purpose in the later stages of life. Their conversation is both poignant and uplifting, as they acknowledge the difficulties of ageing while also emphasising the importance of living each day with grace and gratitude.

Key Highlights

* Coping with the loss of loved ones as they get older: The women discuss the challenges of losing family members and close friends as they age, and how to deal with these losses.

* Changes in cognitive abilities: They both note experiencing issues with memory, like forgetting names and faces of people they know, where they've put things, and how these are concerning signs of ageing.

* Preparing wills and estate planning: The friends recognise the importance of updating their wills and making plans for how their assets will be distributed after they pass away.

* Fears and concerns about physical/mental decline in old age: They share their worries about potentially losing independence, senses like sight, hearing and the ability to do things for themselves as they get older.

* Redefining priorities and perspectives on legacy/impact: Lucy and Lisette discuss letting go of concerns about leaving a grand legacy, and instead focusing on living each day positively and having a positive influence on those around them.

Why You Should Listen

Lucy and Lisette share a very open discussion with you about the joys and challenges of being 70 years old, providing a thoughtful and relatable perspective on this stage of life. They talk about their experiences with memory loss, physical ailments, and the loss of loved ones that come with aging, which many listeners may relate to.

The conversation touches on important topics like creating wills, managing inheritance, and finding purpose and meaning later in life - practical considerations that listeners may also be grappling with.

Overall, this episode offers an honest, nuanced look at growing older, and could provide comfort and inspiration to listeners who are going through similar experiences themselves or with older family members.

Join the Conversation

If you are an older listener, do you share Lisette and Lucy's concerns and experiences? Does growing older worry you, or are you happy with this phase of life and to grow old gracefully? If you are younger, does this give you pause for thought, or make you empathise with older friends or relations?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey! #yearofbeing70

#lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep28 #growingold #growingolder #70yearolds #lifetransitions #backache #achesandpains #feetpain #anklepain #backpain #hippain #sightloss

#goingblind #independence #dependence #makingawill #updatingwills #orphan #memory #failingmemory #facerecognition #legacy #funeral #funeralplanning #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold...

Today is Liberation Day in the Netherlands, commemorating the end of German occupation, while in the UK it is VE Day (Victory in Europe), celebrating the Allied victory in Europe.

On this day 80 years ago, the Netherlands was liberated by a multinational Allied force, including Canadian, British, American, Polish, Czechoslovak, and Free Dutch soldiers.

In this episode of "The Year of Being 70," co-hosts Lisette, who is Dutch, and Lucy, who is British, explore the intertwined histories of VE-Day in the UK and Liberation Day in the Netherlands, both commemorated in early May. As childhood friends reflecting on their nations' war experiences and the legacies that live on, their conversation offers a poignant look at how the past shapes the present.

Key Highlights

• The shared significance of May 8th as V-Day in the UK and Liberation Day in the Netherlands, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

• The differing realities of occupation and resistance in the Netherlands versus the island defence of the UK, and how these shaped the postwar rebuilding of society.

The Netherlands experienced a more difficult and traumatic occupation, with the mass deportation and murder of the Jewish population, while the UK emerged from the war feeling more victorious, although depleted.

• How both countries saw pushes to rebuild and improve society after the war, though with some differences in approach and priorities. Overall, the discussion highlights how the shared experience of WWII has had lasting impacts on the national psyches and societal developments in the Netherlands and UK, even decades later.

• The personal stories and legacies of war, including the heroism of those who hid and protected Jewish and other targeted populations, and the lasting impact on subsequent generations.

• The contrasting personal experiences of Lisette’s and Lucy’s parents during the war – Lisette’s mother in a camp, and Lucy’s mother’s escape from soon-to-be-occupied France.

• Insights into the parallels and differences, roles and traditions of the Dutch and British royal families’ responses during and after the war, and how they continue to shape national identity.

• How Lucy and Lisette see the impact of growing up in the immediate aftermath of WWll on their generation and their own attitudes.

• Reflections on the fragility of peace and the need to remain vigilant against the forces of tyranny and oppression, as seen in current global conflicts.

Why You Should Listen

This episode offers a unique window into the parallel histories and shared humanity of two nations bound by the trials of World War II. Through the personal perspectives of Lisette and Lucy, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how the past continues to reverberate, shaping societal values, national psyches, and individual lives. The conversation is a poignant reminder of the importance of commemorating the sacrifices of the past, while also reflecting on how to build a more just and peaceful future.

Join the Conversation

What are yours, or your family's, memories of WWll, or the years that followed? How do you think the Second World War has affected your country? What is the legacy from that 6-year conflict on your generation? Do you take part in, or are you moved by the national celebrations and remembrance of VE-Day or Liberation Day?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70):

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!...

In this episode, childhood friends Lucy and Lisette take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling their fashion experiences from the 1950s to the present day.

From the limited wardrobes of their youth to the bold styles of the 60s and 70s, and the professional looks of the 80s and 90s, the conversation explores how fashion has evolved alongside their lives.

Key Highlights

• Childhood memories of their parents' fashion choices and limited clothing options

Both Lisette and Lucy recall having far fewer clothes as children compared to today, often wearing hand-me-downs or clothes made by their mothers. Their parents had a more formal, traditional style of dress.

• The rise of cool fashion in the 60s and 70s

As teenagers in the 1960s and 70s, they both describe getting into the trends of the time, like tight flared jeans, tie-dye shirts, and mini-skirts. They shopped at boutiques and stores like Kensington Market, Biba and Miss Aam, created tie-dye t-shirts, and later embraced the Laura Ashley aesthetic.

• The power-dressing era of the 80s and 90s

In their 20s and 30s, Lucy and Lisette both developed more professional wardrobes, with fitted jackets and shoulder pads, with scrunch-dried hair; and for casual wear, the distinct United Colours of Benetton style and layered looks from brands like Ralph Lauren.

• The personal shopping experiences and relationships with different brands and shops over the years.

As they've aged, both have settled into more minimalist, practical wardrobes, though they still have differing approaches – Lisette prefers quality, expensive pieces while Lucy rebels against spending money on clothes and goes for more affordable options and sales. The shifting perspectives on fashion and the lasting impact of their upbringings on their current sartorial choices.

The friends reminisce about favourite pieces from the past and how their body image and comfort has impacted their fashion choices over time. They explore the emotional and creative aspects of getting dressed and shopping, and how their childhood experiences and class backgrounds continue to influence their clothing choices.

Why You Should Listen

This engaging conversation offers a glimpse into the evolving fashion landscape, as seen through the eyes of two women who have lived through the decades. It's a nostalgic and insightful exploration of how personal style can be shaped by societal trends, personal preferences, and the lasting influence of one's formative years. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the experiences of those who have witnessed the changing tides of style, this episode is a delightful listen.

Join the Conversation

What were the fashion styles when you were a teenager? What were your favourite shops and items of clothing? Did you dress like your parents or rebel against their tastes? How do you dress today and do you enjoy shopping IRL or do you prefer to stay online?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm&si=eb4Q7JI8ZQhD0yi7

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

#yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep26 #personalgrowth #fashion #fashiontrends #fashionstyle #fashiondesign #50sfashion #60sfashion #70sfashion #80sfashion #90sfashion #2000sfashion #2010fashion #2020fashion #clothing #clothes #skirts #trousers #shoes #platformshoes #tights #highheels #childrensclothing #childrensfashion #parentsclothing #biba #kensingtonmarket #kingsroad #carnabystreet #lauraashley #benetton #unitedcoloursofbenetton #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast...

In this week's episode, Lucy and Lisette celebrate 6 months of being 70 and look at the role of holidays in their lives over the past 70 years. They reflect on the holidays they took as children, the family trips they organised for their own families, and how their perspectives on holidays have changed as they've aged. They reveal their differing perspectives, with Lisette embracing more spontaneous and exploratory travel, while Lucy favours more structured and planning for family holidays. The discussion touches on how their holiday experiences and preferences evolved over time, as well as the changing nature of travel and tourism.

Key Highlights

* Lucy and Lisette had very different experiences of holidays growing up in the 50s and 60s - Lisette's family took more spontaneous, unplanned trips, while Lucy's family had a more structured, scheduled approach to holiday planning.

* Lisette's first solo trip abroad was to visit Lucy's family in England, which sparked an interest in international travel for her.

* They discuss how work and technology have changed the nature of their holidays, with both often bringing laptops and being connected even when away.

* Lucy describes a holiday in Jamaica where she and her family stayed at 'GoldenEye' - once the iconic home of James Bond 007 author, Ian Fleming.

* Lisette recounts a formative solo trip to India in her 30s that had a profound impact on her worldview and perspective and made her very open to the idea of reincarnation.

* The two friends explore how attitudes around skin safety (getting tanned) and environmentally-conscious travel and "flight shame" have evolved over the decades.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into how the meaning and experience of holidays has shifted over the course of Lucy and Lisette's 70-year lifetimes. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or just enjoy reminiscing about holidays past, there's something for everyone in this wide-ranging discussion. The hosts' warm rapport and diverse perspectives make for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

Join the Conversation

What are your favourite kinds of holidays? Do you like to plan every detail, or do you prefer to be spontaneous and open to opportunity? What are your memories of childhood holidays? When was your first solo, or parent-free trip? Where is your ultimate bucket list holiday destination?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm • The Year of Being 70

If you enjoyed this discussion of a fascinating subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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In this episode, Lucy McCarraher and her childhood friend Lisette Schuitemaker delve into the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and perspectives. From the whimsical adventures of Mary Poppins to the negotiation strategies of "Getting to Yes" and the feminist exploration of "The Female Eunuch," these two lifelong learners share how certain books have shaped their thinking, challenged their assumptions, and inspired them to see the world in new ways.

Key Highlights

* The Magical Realism of "Mary Poppins": Lucy discusses how the original Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers transported her to a world of imagination and wonder, with a surprisingly feminist heroine role model - contrasting with the more saccharine Disney adaptation.

* The Importance of Traveling Light: Lisette reflects on how Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" inspired her to simplify her life and travel more mindfully, carrying only the essentials.

* Exploring Feminist Perspectives: Lucy shares how Germaine Greer's "The Female Eunuch" awakened her to the systemic challenges and inequities faced by women, igniting her own feminist journey.

* The Power of Win-Win Negotiations: Lisette explains how the book "Getting to Yes" by the Harvard negotiators influenced her approach to conflict resolution, emphasising the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions.

*Lucy also describes how Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey helped her structure and improve her first novel, leading to it being published.

* The Interplay of Free Will and Interdependence: Lisette's discussion of the book "The Story of Gaia" led her to reconsider the notion of free will, exploring the concept of "interdependent agency" and our interconnectedness with the natural world.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation offers a glimpse into the transformative power of books, showcasing how literature can shape our worldviews, challenge our assumptions, and inspire personal growth. By sharing their book-influenced insights and experiences, Lucy and Lisette invite listeners to reflect on their own literary journeys and the ways in which books have enriched their lives.

Join the Conversation

What are the books that have influenced your thinking or changed your life?Do you feel you have to conform to what's expected of you - especially as a woman? What compromises do you make to fit in and be likeable? Do you wish you could write your book but don't quite dare? Do you feel you have 'enough' in your life, or do you always feel the need for more?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm&si=eb4Q7JI8ZQhD0yi7

If you enjoyed this discussion of a fascinating subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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In this episode, two friends - Lucy and Lisette - reflect on their lives at 70, the times they've lived through, and how they continue to thrive as dynamic women in their later years. They discuss the powerful play "The Years" they both saw, Lucy's new book launch, and Lisette's attitude to investing in a better world rather than increasing wealth. They share personal insights on embracing their age, finding their voice, and not conforming to societal expectations.

Key Highlights

* Owning Their Age and Authenticity

Both Lisette and Lucy feel liberated by their age, no longer feeling the need to hide or conform to what's "expected" of older women. They embrace their eccentricities and prioritise self-expression over trying to be liked and likeable

. * The Power of "We"

The friends discuss how the play "The Years" by Annie Ernaux powerfully conveyed the shared experiences of women through the use of the collective "we", rather than individual perspectives. And how the performance of the ensemble of five women actors created an astounding sense of one and all women's journey through the decades that nearly match their own.

* Creativity and Contribution

Lucy and Lisette explore their creative pursuits, from Lisette's involvement in the world of impact investing to Lucy's publishing house and her books that empower women, to share their expertise.

* Redefining Wealth and Enough

They grapple with questions around what constitutes "enough" wealth and how to use financial resources to create positive change, rather than just accumulate more.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation offers a refreshing and inspiring perspective on aging, with two women who refuse to be defined by societal norms. They candidly share their personal journeys, insights, and a contagious sense of purpose, encouraging listeners to embrace their own authentic selves and find fulfillment in the second half of life.

Join the Conversation

Do you feel you have to conform to what's expected of you - especially as a woman? What compromises do you make to fit in and be likeable? Do you wish you could write your book but don't quite dare? Do you feel you have 'enough' in your life, or do you always feel the need for more?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm&si=eb4Q7JI8ZQhD0yi7

If you enjoyed this discussion of a fascinating subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

#yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep23 #theyearsplay #theyearsbook #annieernaux #femalegaze #womensview #personalgrowth #confidence #feelingloved #feelingvalued #creativity #creativityunleashed #eccentricity #beingdifferent #authenticity #partypanic #booklaunch #summit #investing #investors #investorssummit #angelinvestors #abundance #eldestdaughterexperience #eldestdaughters #bookmagicai #bookmagic #bookmagicbook #abookofonesown #aboo #bookmagic #rethinkpress #businessbooks #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #TheYearOfBeing70Podcast #LucyAndLisettePodcastJourney #Reflectionsonourlives #PersonalTransformationStories #LifeChangesAfter70 #LifeChangesAfter40 #Memories #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalGrowth #ThroughLifeChanges

Lucy and Lisette, childhood friends who are both now 70 years old,

discuss how their social lives and experiences with entertaining have changed

over the decades. They explore the formalities and traditions of their

parents' generation, as well as the more relaxed, fluid social lives they've

developed in their own adult years.

Key Highlights

• Lucy describes the very formal, structured dinner parties her parents used to host, with formal dress and strict etiquette; and children’s parties with entertainment like magicians or Punch and Judy shows. Lisette had a more relaxed, casual upbringing where her parents sometimes hosted parties, invited friends over and drank a lot of alcohol.
• As teenagers, Lucy and Lisette's social lives revolved more around school, parties, and developing romantic relationships. Lisette got a moped at 16 which expanded her social circle, while Lucy took up sailing because of the social life around the Yacht Club.
• The women discuss how cooking and hosting dinner parties and learning to cook more exotic food became more of a social norm for young couples in their 20s and 30s, but they've both moved away from that as they've got older. Lucy first encountered barbecues when she lived in Australia and book clubs later in London.
• Lucy and Lisette reflect on how the concept of "social life" has evolved - it's become less about status and structured entertaining, and more about fluid, authentic connections with family and friends, whether in-person or through technology.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation offers an insightful, relatable look at how social norms and personal preferences around entertaining and socialising have shifted over the decades. Listeners will appreciate the nostalgic reminiscing as well as the honest reflections on the changing nature of human connection in the modern age.

Join the Conversation

What does ‘a social life’ mean to you? Do you entertain and cook for friends frequently? Big groups or intimate events? How much of your social life now happens online, and did Covid change your social life?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm&si=tD5_UfmXA89ax7uH

If you enjoyed this fascinating discussion, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

#yearofbeing70#lucyandlisette#podcast#mccarraherpodcast#ep22 #personalgrowth#friendship#goodfriends#bookmagic#bookmagicai#booklaunch#sociallife #socialising #entertainment #cooking #dinnerparties #dressingup #meetingup #goingout #goingoutout #barbcues #BBQs #cookbooks #celebritychefs #menus# #recipes #takeaways #takeouts #ingredients #parties #birthdayparties #playdates #storypodcast#lucylisettepodcast#theyearofbeing70podcast

In this episode, we join Lucy and Lisette, two 70-year-old friends, as they discuss their recent events and experiences. Lisette shares the details of her 6th annual Eldest Daughter Retreat, a transformative gathering for women who are the eldest in their families. Meanwhile, Lucy discusses the launch of her latest book, ‘Book Magic’, which provides a strategic approach to writing nonfiction books. Through their conversation, we explore the power of community, the journey of self-discovery, and the joy of sharing one's expertise with the world.

Key Highlights:

* Writing Books as Self-Development

Lucy shares her journey as a prolific author, having written seven books on the topic of writing books. She emphasises how the process of writing can be a transformative experience, even if the book is not ultimately published – which of course she is not advocating - as it helps to clarify one's ideas and expertise.

* The Eldest Daughter Retreat

Lisette describes the origin of this annual retreat, which stemmed from her own experience as an eldest daughter and her desire to create a space for women in similar roles to connect, share, and support one another. She delves into the retreat's structure, activities, and the profound impact it has had on the participants.

* Turning Expertise into ‘Business Gold’

Lucy's latest book, ‘Book Magic’, is centred around the concept of helping entrepreneurs and experts leverage their knowledge and experience to create books that can serve as lead generators and authority pieces for their businesses. She outlines her metaphor of the ‘gold mine’ of expertise and the steps involved in turning it into a valuable ‘gold bar’ in the form of a book.

* The Power of Community and Shared Experiences

Both Lisette and Lucy highlight the importance of community and shared experiences in their respective events. Lisa's retreat provides a safe space for eldest daughters to connect and support one another, while Lucy's book launch event brought together a community of aspiring authors to celebrate her work.

Why you should listen

Lucy and Lisette describe how events like launches and retreats provide bonding experiences, although Lucy outlines her personal reasons for feeling a bit reluctant to engage in retreats. But when Lisette finishes outlining how flexible and open the Eldest Daughters Retreat is, she thinks she might take part in the next one to share experiences and perspectives on being the eldest child. Participating in the retreat helped Lisette gain insight into patterns she had been repeating in her work relationships, and how those patterns were connected to her relationship with her younger brother.

Join the Conversation

What events and celebrations are important to you, and do you enjoy coming together with others you don’t necessarily know to share experiences and perspectives? How does your place in your family of origin affect your relationships and the patterns that play out in your life?

If you enjoyed this fascinating discussion, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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