In this podcast episode, Lucy and Lisette, two childhood friends who recently turned 70, reminisce about the evolution of communication technologies in their lifetime.

They discuss their early memories of rotary-dial telephones, the cost and challenges of long-distance calls, the introduction of first black and white, then colour televisions, and the progression from clunky computers to mobile phones and email. The conversation covers how these technological advancements transformed daily life and social interactions, reflecting on the significant changes they have witnessed over the past 70 years.

*The telephone in the hall*

Lucy and Lisette recall how the main – or only – phone in the house would always be in the hall when they were young. This meant lack of privacy and parents telling you to ‘Get off the phone’ when you were calling friends or boyfriends. They can recall exactly how it felt to dial a number on the old rotary dials and the sound of a 'real' phone ringing. Later, wall phones and cordless phones were exciting innovations that changed how and where you could call people.

*Social etiquette around phones*

The friends share memories of the social etiquette around using shared phone lines and the juggling involved in making calls to friends or family. Unlike calling an individual’s mobile these days, when you called from a landline (in the hall!) you never knew who would answer the phone and how long you would have to make polite conversation before asking to speak to the person you were actually tyring to call.

*The cost of communication*

Parents were always worried about the cost of phone calls, and especially international phone calls. When Lucy went to live in Australia in the late 1970s, she could only call home once a month and everyone would crowd round the phone to talk. So different from today when you can always catch up with someone on a mobile or other app on your phone, Zoom and video call at any time and keep in touch across distances so much more easily.

*When TV came along*

Lisette and Lucy’s families were both late adopters of television, so both were about 8 years’ old when a heavy box showing programmes in black and white appeared (was rented) in each of their houses. They recall how there were only a two and then three or four TV stations, how children’s TV started at 4pm and ended at 6pm, and that there was nothing on before that, or after 10pm except the ‘Test Card’. In the Netherlands and the UK, both girls watched and loved ‘The Avengers’ with Diana Rigg as Emma Peel – luckily colour television had been introduced by then.

*The internet changed everything*

Lucy and Lisette were both working when computers arrived to disrupt the business environment. Email also changed communications, as did fax machines, from paper-based communications that had to be typed up and posted or couriered to recipients. Mobile phones and car phones were big and clunky for their first few years, until everything got smaller and now a slimline mobile contains every kind of communication that’s currently available.

*Key highlights in this episode*

# Memories from a bygone era of bakelite phones with plaited cords taking centre stage in the hall of a home. Of huge square televisions with inefficient aerials and fuzzy black and white screens that were rented rather than bought.

# How Lucy and Lisette have lived through 70 years of changes in technology that have revolutionised communication in personal life and the world of work.

# Swings and roundabouts - they reflect on how communication has become much more instantaneous and ubiquitous with the rise of mobile phones, email, and messaging apps, but also how some of the intimacy and intentionality of past communication methods has been lost.

*Conclusions: Why you should listen*

Overall, the conversation provides a rich and nostalgic look at the technological...

In this captivating episode of The Year of Being 70 Ep 12: Three Surprising Confessions from Lucy & Lisette, we delve into the unexpected and intriguing world of two lifelong friends, Lucy and Lisette, both 70 years old. These remarkable women share three secret pleasures and aversions that most people don’t know about them, revealing sides of themselves that are rarely seen by others.

What You Didn’t Know About Lucy and Lisette:

Lucy, a book mentor and author, confesses to an aversion that might surprise many—she doesn’t enjoy music, and never has, even as a child. This lack of connection to music could be attributed to a condition known as Musical Anhedonia, a neurological condition affecting 3-5% of the population, where dopamine receptors aren’t wired to the music audio circuits. On the other hand, Lisette has a strong dislike for Coca-Cola and has only tried it once in her life. Her experience in Amman, where she couldn’t refuse a glass of Coke from a generous taxi driver, adds a layer of complexity to this confession.

Lucy reveals her love for TV soap operas, game, and quiz shows like EastEnders, Neighbours, and The Archers, despite her professional image as an intellectual. Her fondness for these shows reflects a side of her that contrasts sharply with her highbrow persona. Lisette enjoys shopping at local markets but admits that she rarely cooks the ingredients she buys. Their confessions extend to everyday habits—Lucy loves to swear, finding a kind of joy and release in it, while Lisette showers only every three days, sparking discussions about hygiene and societal norms.

Will They Be Judged?

Both friends feel they may be judged for their unusual or unexpected predilections or aversions. Lucy’s lack of interest in music once led someone to suggest she had no soul, while Lisette's infrequent showering raises concerns about being perceived as unhygienic. These intimate revelations open a window into the societal pressures and personal insecurities they navigate.

Soaps and Soap:

Lucy feels that people may be surprised by her love of soap operas, as professionally, she's mostly seen as an author and book mentor, so perhaps more highbrow than a lover of EastEnders and Neighbours—not to mention The Archers—suggests that she is. Lisette's very practical reasons for not showering every day—killing off the important microbes on our bodies, wasting water, putting excessive soap chemicals into the water system—might just look like she's unhygienic. This leads to Lisette and Lucy discussing the state of their fridges and whether they would pick up dropped food and eat it off the floor (spoiler alert—yes, in their own homes).

Key Highlights in This Episode:

• Not Liking Music Isn’t a Sin: Musical Anhedonia is a neurological condition—not just Lucy being weird. It means a person's dopamine receptors are not wired up to their music audio circuits.
• To Swear or Not to Swear: Lucy also claims that swearing, which she enjoys, has a useful biological function, as tested in an experiment by @Stephen Fry. You can check the experiment here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4d.... She is always surprised when people apologise for swearing in front of her and feels she is somehow not presenting her true self.
• Introvert/Extrovert: Lisette also feels misjudged at times when others see her as highly social and extrovert, but actually, she has a strong need to spend considerable amounts of time on her own and likes the term 'integration' for what introverts...

In this episode of The Year of Being 70 Ep 11 - Looking back to turning 40: Life Changes, Growth & New Beginnings, childhood friends Lucy and Lisette reflect on the significant changes they both experienced when they turned 40, sharing their journeys from a transformative and liberating time in their lives.

Lucy opens up about the tumultuous period when her first marriage ended and the start of a new chapter with her second husband. She describes how her 40s marked the beginning of a fresh start, both personally and professionally, as she transitioned into a career as a work-life balance consultant. Lisette shares her own experiences of embracing a childfree life and focusing on business and personal growth in her 40s. She also shares how she met her partner, Jos, who shared her decision not to have children.

Both friends discuss the societal stigma and expectations surrounding the age of 40 and how, instead of feeling like the start of "middle age," they both found their 40s to be a time of empowerment and transformation. They offer valuable insights into how life in middle age can be far from the negative narrative that is often portrayed.

Key Highlights in This Episode:

Stepping into Middle Age?

Turning 40 is often associated with leaving "youth" behind and entering "middle age," but for Lucy, it represented a completely new beginning. She started a new relationship, made plans for a new family, and shifted into a career as a work-life balance consultant. Lisette saw turning 40 as the moment she could finally embrace her decision to remain childfree, having passed the age where it was a possibility. Her partner Jos shared the same values, and together they embraced this life choice. Despite entering this phase of life, neither Lucy nor Lisette felt as though they were stepping into "middle age"; instead, they felt they were entering a new, exciting chapter.

Changing Careers

Lisette made a major career shift at 40, selling her company and moving away from the corporate world to explore more environmental and spiritual movements. During this transition, she connected with new groups of people, discovering the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland and participating in the life-changing Transformation Game. On the other hand, Lucy began working in the emerging field of work-life balance, running flexible working trials for businesses such as Microsoft, Virgin, government departments, and small businesses. She helped organisations adopt flexible working practices that improved employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

What’s in a Name?

Lucy and Lisette also discuss the role their names play in their new relationships. Lucy was surprised to learn that Lisette and her partner Jos had actually married, but Lisette had never changed her name. Lucy shares her own experience of changing her name after her first marriage, yet continuing to use her maiden name professionally for over 20 years. After her second marriage, she took her husband's name, McCarraher, to signify a fresh start and perhaps even a new identity. Lucy now has a unique name that sets her apart, as there is no other "Lucy McCarraher" that she knows of.

Conclusions: Turning 40 and Beyond

Lisette and Lucy concluded that both turning 40 and turning 70 are often seen as moments when people enter a new, "older" phase of life. However, their experiences show that turning 40 is not a time for slowing down or settling into the status quo. Instead, both women embraced their 40s as a time of development, new relationships, career changes, and personal growth. They encourage listeners to view middle age not as an end, but as a new, exciting chapter filled with endless possibilities.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone about to turn 40, currently in their 40s, or navigating any phase of life where personal growth and transformation are key. Lucy and Lisette’s candid...

Happy New Year! In this New Year episode of The Year of Being 70 Podcast Ep 10: Shaping 2025 with Hopes, Miracles, and Flexibility, hosts Lisette and Lucy reflect on their hopes and plans for 2025 as they celebrate the 10th episode of their podcast. This episode offers an insightful discussion about life’s journey, goal-setting, and the balance between being 'shapers' or 'responders' to life's unfolding events.

They discuss:

* How they would like the year to unfold

* Whether they feel they are 'shapers' or 'responders' to life

* One miracle they would each like to happen in 2025

Hopes and Resolutions:

Kindness and Patience

Lisette's New Year’s resolution is to practice more kindness and patience. She aims to reduce stress by avoiding "combining" activities—fitting extra tasks into simple plans—and focusing on one thing at a time. She envisions the year unfolding organically, with plans set only through March and then responding to what life brings.

Flexibility Over Firm Goals

Lucy prefers a flexible approach, avoiding strict deadlines that could close off unforeseen opportunities. She is particularly excited about the upcoming publication of her book Book Magic, which offers guidance on writing business books, and the continued development of her AI-powered Book Magic AI app.

Shapers vs. Responders

Lisette identifies more as a responder, allowing life to unfold and adapting to circumstances. Lucy blends both approaches by setting intentions but staying open to alternative paths for achieving her objectives. They share examples of how past plans have evolved in unexpected ways, emphasising the importance of flexibility and adaptability.

Writing and Creativity

The hosts discuss their writing processes: Lisette finds inspiration through conversations and research, planning only broadly before writing, while Lucy prefers to construct a mental 'wireframe' of her ideas before putting them down. These different approaches underscore the diversity in creative processes.

Miracles for 2025

Lisette hopes for a global movement towards happiness and fulfilment, while Lucy’s personal miracle is to complete her novel in the spring and secure an agent and publisher. They both express the desire to find publishers who can help them meet their book project goals.

Join the conversation! How do you envision your 2025? Are you a shaper or a responder? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Year of Being 70 podcast for more thought-provoking discussions.

Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.

#yearofbeing70 #podcast #being70 #findinghappiness #newyearsresolutions #shapingthefuture #responder #planner #2025 #bookwriting #bookmagicai #writeyourbook #intentions #objectives #goals #goalsetting #flexibility #miracles #personalgrowth #shapingourlives #flexibilityovergoals #kindness #writingprocess #newyear2025 #lifegoals #mindfulness #yearofgrowth #newbeginnings #podcastdiscussion #kindnessandpatience #resolutons #shapinglife #flexibilityinlife #intentionsfor2025 #writingcommunity #creativeprocess #bookpublishing #bookmagic #writingjourney #goalsetting2025 #personaldevelopment #respondingtolife #lifebalance #miracles2025 #lifeintention #happinessin2025 #growthmindset #adaptingtochange #lifechoices #openmindset #writerslife #selfgrowth #lifepurpose #newyearreflection

In this episode Lucy and Lisette, feeling 70-years-young, reflect on their experiences of turning 70 and discuss their plans and remember childhood traditions for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Their discussion touches on:

• Both Lisette and Lucy feel youthful and energised at age 70, though they acknowledge the milestone of turning 71 next year sounds somehow older. Lisette describes herself as a "young 70-year-old" who is still physically active and engaged. Lucy feels she is consolidating her life experiences and wisdom at this age. They discuss the perspective that comes with their life experiences.
• The two friends reminisce about their contrasting childhood Christmas traditions back in the 1950s and 1960s. Lucy describes the very ordered and traditional Christmas celebrations of her youth in an almost 'Mary Poppins' London, while Lisette recalls more low-key family gatherings in the Netherlands without a strong religious aspect.
• As older adults, both have embraced more flexibility and simplicity in how they observe the holidays. Lucy has even skipped putting up a tree this year to avoid the pressure; while Lisette has never had a Christmas tree in her own home. They touch on the different pressure Christmas brings as a parent (Lucy) and a non parent (Lisette).
• Looking ahead to 2025, Lisette plans to focus on finishing a non-fiction book on using money for good that she's working on and staying open to new opportunities as they arise. Lucy wants to finish writing a novel set in her childhood, which is a more personal creative project separate from her business writing.
• They discuss the challenges of writing fiction based on one's own life experiences, and how to balance including personal details with making the story accessible to readers.They talk about their different 'writing habits' and agree that both appreciate the freedom of an "evolving life" at this stage.
• Their conversation touches on the role of family, the changing nature of traditions, and the mixed feelings that can accompany the holidays.

Overall, this episode presents an insightful and relatable discussion of aging, creativity, family and the lived experiences of two vibrant 70-year-olds.

#merrychristmas #whitechristmas #christmastree #newyears #yearofbeing70 #being70 #celebrations #familychristmas #parents #christmasstockings #christmaspresents #christmasdinner #roastturkey #brusselsprouts

Welcome to The Year of Being 70 Podcast Ep. 8:

‘’How Can Women Get Their Experiences of Abuse Taken Seriously?’’

In this insightful episode, Lisette and Lucy dive deep into the challenges women face when trying to get their experiences of abuse and harassment taken seriously, especially in the workplace where power imbalances are all too common.

🌟 Episode Highlights 🌟

Lisette and Lucy open up about their personal experiences with unwanted sexual advances and harassment in the workplace and elsewhere. They share how the culture at the time made it difficult for women to speak up or confront inappropriate behavior.

🌟 Weekly Reflections

Lisette reflects on how she always drew a clear line when dealing with inappropriate behavior. Lucy shares her experiences of silence due to fear of causing workplace conflict. Together, they discuss feeling unsafe in public spaces and how women often deal with harassment without support.

🌟 Key Discussion Themes

1. The challenges of speaking out against abuse – especially when perpetrators hold positions of power

2. Workplace cultures that normalize casual sexism and sexual harassment

3. The role of fiction in raising awareness, featuring works like the play and book ‘Prima Facie’

4. Personal stories of abuse and how women are often dismissed or minimized, being labeled as 'overly sensitive' or 'middle-aged'

💬 Engaging and Empowering Conversation

Lisette and Lucy share their reflections on feeling threatened or unsafe and how this constant vigilance affects them as women, particularly as they navigate the impacts of abuse and harassment throughout their lives.

✨ Why You Should Watch or Listen

This episode offers valuable insights for everyone – whether you're a woman facing workplace abuse, in a leadership position, or a man who wants to better understand women’s experiences and become a true ally. Lisette and Lucy’s open conversation explores what it feels like to be a woman of any age subjected to unwanted attention or serious breaches of safety and rights.

✨ Empowering Your Journey

The episode highlights the ongoing problem of sexism and the importance of women supporting each other. It shows how speaking out and supporting one another can be a powerful weapon against harassment and abuse, breaking the silence and stigma that often surrounds these issues.

Thank you for joining us on this inspiring journey with The Year of Being 70 Podcast! 🌟

📌 Stay Connected:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on personal experiences with abuse, harassment, or sexism. Share your story in the comments below, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay connected!

#being70 #yearofbeing70 #womenempowerment #sexualabuse #notallmen #sexualabusesurvivor #banter #womensvoices #primafacieplay #menabusingwomen

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Lisette and Lucy dive deep into the contrasting paths of choosing motherhood and embracing a child-free lifestyle, exploring the impact of women’s expectations, parenthood choices, and the challenges of balancing family and career. This discussion celebrates the diverse life choices for women and sheds light on navigating societal norms while staying true to personal fulfilment.

🌟 Episode Highlights 🌟

In this episode, Lisette and Lucy reflect on a significant difference in their lives:

Lucy chose motherhood, raising four children—two by birth and two through adoption—over two marriages. Her journey with adopting children and embracing the joys of grandparenting brings unique insights into parenting challenges and rewards.

Lisette decided early in life to live child-free and has never regretted it. She shares her experience of navigating societal views on child-free living, finding life fulfilment beyond parenting, and thriving through women’s empowerment through choice.

🌟Weekly Reflections:

Lisette experienced a deep sense of inner peace, acting from a place of "being and allowing" rather than reacting from an "egoic place." Her work as an external examiner for a healing school further emphasises her commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve balance.

Lucy celebrated securing additional angel investment for her Book Magic AI book-writing app and enjoyed a weekend caring for her young grandchildren, highlighting the balance between career and family.

🌟 Key Discussion Themes:

Choosing Motherhood:

Lucy shares how deciding to have children, and later adopting children, profoundly shaped her life.

Child-Free Living:

Lisette provides insights into living child-free by design, emphasising the importance of finding fulfilment without children and embracing childless women’s perspectives.

Parenthood Choices:

They discuss parenthood vs career, the social pressures on women, and the challenges of motherhood versus the rewards of living without kids.

Adoption Stories:

Lucy’s journey includes touching experiences of adopting vs birthing children, navigating adoption experiences, and understanding the role of family and personal growth.

Women and Societal Expectations:

Both reflect on breaking societal norms for women, redefining women thriving without children, and finding balance between parenting and personal growth.

💬 Engaging and Empowering Conversation:

This heartfelt episode delves into:

Life without children and overcoming the stigma of being childless.

The role of women in family dynamics, from grandparenting experiences to balancing family and professional growth.

Empowering women to make decisions about parenthood that align with their values.

✨ Why You Should Watch:

Whether you’re a parent, exploring child-free living, or reflecting on life decisions for women at 70, this episode offers valuable insights into women’s life journeys. It’s a celebration of individuality, honouring the beauty of both parenthood and choosing a child-free lifestyle.

✨ Empowering Your Journey:

Every choice is valid, whether it’s embracing motherhood, living child-free, or focusing on career and personal growth. Thank you for being part of this inspiring journey with The Year of Being 70 Podcast! 🌟

📌 Stay Connected:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on motherhood vs child-free living, adoption and family building, or navigating social expectations of motherhood. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your views in the comments!

#being70 #yearofbeing70

Welcome to The Year of Being 70 Podcast – Ep. 6 | Two Friends on Mental Health, Widowing, and Life Reflections

Where Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker, two lifelong friends, share their insights and reflections on life at 70. This episode dives deep into themes of mental health, widowing, grief, and life reflections, exploring the personal and emotional challenges they’ve faced as they journey through aging.

In this episode, Lisette discusses her work on a book about widowing and the profound emotional and practical challenges that widows face. They talk about the complexities of grief, how to offer support to those who are grieving, and how to cope with the difficult emotions surrounding loss.

Both Lucy and Lisette share personal stories about their earlier years, reflecting on their midlife reflections and how they navigated difficult times, including depression and identity crises. Lisette opens up about her struggles with depression and how she found strength by confronting her anger and sadness. Lucy reflects on her move to Australia at 21, where she co-founded a theatre magazine, and how that experience sparked her entrepreneurial journey, despite not having the word for it at the time. She talks about the experience of interviewing Mel Gibson at the start of his career!

This episode is filled with valuable insights for listeners grappling with mental health, emotional challenges, and the journey of aging. Lucy and Lisette both reflect on their experiences of aging, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they continue to find resilience, strength, and self-discovery in later life.

As introverts, they also discuss the balance between socializing and maintaining solitude, a topic that is deeply relevant for many. They share their experiences of loneliness in older age, coping with aging, and the importance of supportive friendships during later years. The discussion provides a powerful look at mental health in older adults, offering insights into mental health struggles in older age and how to build emotional resilience.

Throughout the episode, Lucy and Lisette reflect on their life at 70 and the lessons they’ve learned from the experiences that shaped their mental health. They talk about emotional struggles in widowhood, the importance of grief support, and the journey of healing after a difficult life event.

As they share their journey through the emotional challenges of aging, they dive deep into how mental health can evolve in later years, and how they have found new purpose and personal growth after 70. Their conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between grief and mental health, and the power of friendship after loss.

Key themes covered include:

1. The impact of aging and mental health

2. Coping with grief and loss

3. The importance of support for widows and widowhood

4. Coping with aging and finding purpose in later years

5. Mental health and women’s mental health

6. How introverts cope with loss and loneliness

7. Resilience, strength, and emotional healing in later life

8.The role of friendship and supportive friendships in midlife

9.Self-care tips for widows and emotional resilience in older adults

This episode is a heartfelt and open discussion about the challenges of growing older, coping with life changes, and finding meaning in later life. If you're navigating similar issues or simply interested in personal stories about mental health and personal growth after 70, this episode will resonate deeply with you.

We hope you find comfort, connection, and inspiration in this episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from hearing about mental health and grief in the later stages of life.

Don’t forget to comment below – we’d love to hear your thoughts on...