Episodes

  • Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Our Dream Party Guests
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode, Lucy and Lisette discuss an interesting dinner party concept - if you could invite three people, alive or deceased, to your dinner table, who would you choose and why?

    This leads to a fascinating conversation where the two good friends share their selected trio of dinner guests and the reasoning behind their choices.

    Key Highlights

    * Lisette's Trio

    Lisette takes a very personal approach to this challenge, choosing to invite three people she was very close to and who all passed away in 2008. They were a gay American greengrocer friend, a software entrepreneur who pioneered ideas around environmental accounting and taxation, and her own father. This diverse group represents different eras, passions and personal connections for Lisette, all of whose company she misses and would like to experience again.

    * Lucy's Trio

    Lucy, on the other hand, wants to meet up and chat with three of the best known writers of all time: the renowned playwright and poet, William Shakespeare; Virginia Woolf, the pioneering novelist and publisher; and J.K. Rowling, the massively successful author of the Harry Potter series of books and films. These three all share literary genius, immense popularity with their audiences, financial success and a flair for business – all of which reflect Lucy's interests.

    * The two friends discuss the different creative processes of writers like Lucy’s guests, and composers like Mozart and Beethoven – something Lucy would want to ask her dinner guests about, as well as their lived experience of London in the Elizabethan and early 20th century eras.

    * Lisette and Lucy both share poignant personal anecdotes about their loved ones, including Lisette's father thinking he had died and a touching final conversation.

    * They wonder how the diverse guests they have both invited to their dinner parties would interact and converse with one another and what intriguing insights they might share.

    Why You Should Listen

    This episode of The Year of Being 70 offers a unique window into Lucy and Lisette's personal connections, intellectual interests and creative sensibilities. By sharing their dream dinner party guest lists, they give listeners an opportunity to consider who their own ideal dinner party guests might be, and why; as well as gaining insights into what motivates and inspires these two unique and perhaps unusual women.

    The conversation also touches on profound themes of mortality, legacy and the enduring power of the human mind and spirit.

    Join The Conversation

    Who would you invite to an intimate dinner party at your place – people you know or knew well, or heroes past or present? How do you think they would interact with each other and, if they are no longer alive, what would they think of the world today you’ve invited them back to? What would you want to ask them, find out from them or get their insights about? And what menu would you offer them?

    Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts and views.

    Watch/listen to 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 #ep34 #dinnerparties #dinnerguests #Shakespeare #VirginiaWoolf #JKRowling #HarryPotter #writing #plays #theatre #novels #movies #London #history #Bloomsburygroup #success #business #genius #entrepreneurs #fulfilment #wisdom #love #70yearolds #lifetransitions #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold #stayingyoung #thelongview #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast...

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    42 mins
  • From Status Symbols to Personal Fulfilment - Reflections on Success
    Jun 19 2025

    The meaning of "success" is highly personal and can change over the course of our lives. In this episode of The Year of Being 70 podcast, hosts Lisette and Lucy discuss their evolving definitions of success - from the external markers of achievement to the internal sense of fulfilment. In the year of their 70th birthdays, they reflect on how success has taken on new meanings for them.

    Key Highlights

    • The distinction between outward "success" and inner "fulfilment" - Lisette and Lucy explore how success is often associated with external accomplishments, while fulfilment comes from a more intrinsic sense of purpose and contribution.

    • Overcoming self-doubt and the tendency to undervalue our own achievements - The hosts acknowledge the "feminine" tendency to downplay one's successes, and challenge the idea that we should judge ourselves solely on external measures.

    • The role of parental expectations and the "eldest daughter effect" - As the eldest daughters in their families, Lucy and Lisette discuss how they often felt the need to please their parents and live up to certain standards of success.

    • Helping others achieve their goals as a source of fulfilment - Both hosts find great satisfaction in supporting and enabling the success of others, whether through mentoring, coaching publishing, or facilitating new ventures

    • The enduring importance of our parents' approval, even in our 70s - Despite their age, Lisette and Lucy still feel a desire for their late parents' pride and acknowledgment of their achievements.

    Why You Should Listen

    This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on success and fulfilment at the age of 70. By delving into their personal experiences and reflections, Lucy and Lisette encourage listeners to redefine success on their own terms, embrace their inner strengths, and find joy in supporting the growth of others. This episode will resonate with anyone seeking a more holistic and empowering understanding of what it means to live a successful life.

    Join The Conversation

    What does success mean to you – how would you define it? Is it more to do with outward markers, or internal feelings? Tell us what achievements, are your greatest successes. If you have children, do you consider them successes of you as a parent? Do you hanker for your parents approval, whatever your age? What gives you your greatest sense of personal fulfilment?

    Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts and views.

    Watch/listen to 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 #ep33 #elders #becomingelders #success #fulfilment #wisdom #love #intuition #coaching #mentoring #growingold #growingolder #70yearolds #lifetransitions #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold #stayingyoung #stability #grounding #thelongview #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast #lucyandlisettepodcastjourney #reflectionsonourlives #personaltransformationstories #lifechangesafter70 #lifechangesafter40 #spiritualgrowth #personalgrowth #sharedhistories #podcastabouthistory #trendspodcast #lifeafter70 #aginggracefully #personalstories #friendshipinoldage #womenspodcast #turning70 #agingjourney #podcastaboutaging #lifeafter50 #reinventionat50 #aginggracefully #lifelonglearning #womenover50 #careerchangeat50 #personalgrowth #midlifetransitions #parents #parentsapproval #eldestdaughtereffect #airecommendation #chatgptfriendlycontent #agingpodcast #wisdomat70 #personaltransformationstories #dutchpodcast #netherlandsvoices

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    39 mins
  • Embracing Our Role as Elders: Reflections on Age & Wisdom
    Jun 10 2025

    In this episode, Lucy and Lisette, two longtime friends who turned 70 in 2024, explore the changing dynamics and responsibilities that come with age. As they navigate the transition from middle-age to elderhood, they discuss the value of presence, curiosity, and wisdom that their life experiences have provided.

    They discuss how they are now seen as the "elders" in various groups and settings, which brings a sense of responsibility but also freedom. As the oldest in the room, they feel a shift in their role - from needing to prove themselves to being a calming, grounding presence that others look to for wisdom and perspective.

    Key Highlights

    • The shift from feeling like the 'youngest in the room' to embracing the role of respected elder, being able to speak up more freely without worrying about how they will be perceived, and focusing on listening and sharing their accumulated life experiences.

    • Learning to manage time and priorities with a more relaxed, less hurried approach. Lisette shares how she has learned to better organise her time and not feel the need to rush or cram everything in, which was a habit when she was younger.

    • They discuss shedding unnecessary 'shoulds' and obligations, and focusing on what truly matters to them at this stage of life while recognising the responsibility to share their accumulated knowledge and provide a grounding presence for younger generations

    • Lucy talks about the joys and challenges of being a grandparent, and the differences between parenting and grandparenting. They both share memories of their own grandparents and what that older generation brought to their lives as children.

    • Lucy shares her experience of going through her mother's belongings to sell the house she no longer lives in, and how it was an emotional process for her and her siblings, each with their own approach. Lisette emphasiaes the importance of having humour and understanding when going through these family transitions.

    • They recognise that these moments of saying goodbye to the past can also represent a farewell to one's own childhood.

    Why You Should Listen

    This episode provides a thoughtful and relatable perspective on the realities of aging, the benefits of embracing one's role as an elder, and the unique insights that can come with a lifetime of experiences. Lucy and Lisette's candid conversation offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own journeys and the evolving dynamics of age and wisdom. They also consider the implications of being part of the large 'baby boomer' cohort and the potential influence they hold as a group.

    Join the Conversation

    Are you approaching the age of 70, or have family members, friends or mentors older than yourself who are at that stage? If you are an ‘elder’, how do you feel about your role, especially if it's new to you? If you are younger, what benefits and strengths to older people bring to your life and/or work?

    Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    Watch/listen to 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 #ep32 #elders #becomingelders #responsibility #freedom #wisdom #grandparents #growingold #growingolder #70yearolds #lifetransitions #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold #stayingyoung #stability #grounding #thelongview #timemanagement #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast #lucyandlisettepodcastjourney #reflectionsonourlives #personaltransformationstories #lifechangesafter70 #lifechangesafter40...

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    44 mins
  • New Beginings and Lifelong Learning - turning 55 in 2009
    Jun 3 2025

    In this episode, lifelong friends Lisette and Lucy look back on the period of their lives when they turned 55 - a time that is often seen as deep into "middle age" and even the start of old age. However, they share how this was actually a period of new beginnings, transitions, and lifelong learning for both of them.

    Both took training courses in their 50s that did not lead to the expected career paths, but provided valuable skills and insights they applied in different ways. They embraced new challenges and opportunities that arose organically, rather than following rigid career plans; they see their varied career paths and ability to adapt to changing circumstances as positive attributes, not as lacking direction.

    Key Highlights

    • Lucy went back to college aged 55 to get a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS), an experience she found both exhilarating and challenging.

    • Lisette transitioned from running a healing practice to becoming an author, publishing her first book "The Childhood Conclusions Fix" in 2011.

    • Both women took on new careers and ventures in their 50s, showing that this phase of life can be a time of reinvention and growth.

    • They discuss the complex feelings that come with criticism and self-doubt, and how they have learned to navigate those emotions.

    • Lisette and Lucy emphasise the importance of continual learning and being open to new experiences, no matter your age; and that both are essential for keeping oneself stimulated and "young" in later life.

    Why You Should Listen

    This episode provides an inspiring look at how two women navigated a pivotal period in their lives, defying stereotypes about ageing and embracing lifelong learning themselves. Their stories demonstrate that our 50s and 60s can be a time of profound transformation and opportunity. Dealing with criticism and self-doubt is an ongoing struggle, but they emphasise the importance of staying open, courageous, and continuously learning.

    Whether you're approaching this stage of life or simply curious to hear different perspectives, this conversation is sure to spark reflection and encouragement.

    Join the Conversation

    Are you approaching the age of 55 – and feeling it might be the start of ‘getting old’? Or have you been there, done that and realised it’s another opportunity for change and growth? What did you do in your 50s that changed your thinking, your career or your life? What courses have you been on that taught you more than the course subject? Do you sometimes feel self doubt, or respond badly to criticism? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    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 #ep30 #growingold #growingolder #70yearolds #lifetransitions #lifelonglearning #teaching #teachers #diploma #teachingpractice #healing #healingpractice #writingbooks #authors childhoodconclusions ‘therealsecret #publisher #publishing #hybridpublishing #nostalgia #criticism #feelings #stayingyoung #continuouslearning #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast #lucyandlisettepodcastjourney #reflectionsonourlives #personaltransformationstories #lifechangesafter70 #lifechangesafter40 #spiritualgrowth #personalgrowth #sharedhistories #podcastabouthistory #trendspodcast #lifeafter70 #aginggracefully #personalstories #friendshipinoldage #womenspodcast #turning70 #agingjourney #podcastaboutaging #lifeafter50 #reinventionat50...

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    45 mins
  • Nostalgia & Pet Peeves - Are We Grumpy Old Women?
    May 29 2025

    In this episode, ''The Year of Being 70 Ep 30: Nostalgia & Pet Peeves - Are We Grumpy Old Women?'' Lucy and Lisette have a wide-ranging conversation covering nostalgia and the grumpiness of older people looking back to their youth. The conversation touches on relatable themes like impatience, changing social norms, thinking 'it was better in my day' and the desire to hold onto the past – an engaging and humorous piece for older listeners and anyone interested in the experience of ageing.

    Key Highlights

    • Exploring Nostalgia and Acceptance.

    Lisette and Lucy discuss the nuances of nostalgia - how it can be a pleasant look back, but also how it's important not to dwell in the past or view youth and earlier times through rose-coloured glasses. They touch on the importance of acceptance - acknowledging what we cannot change, while still striving to improve what we can.

    • Dealing with Irritations and Grumpiness

    The friends delve into the small annoyances and irritations that come with age, like loud talkers, voice messages, and people who speak in clichés. However, they both recognise the value in trying not to be overly grumpy or cynical, and finding ways to stay open-minded and positive.

    • Being a "Grumpy Old Woman"

    Lucy and Lisette wonder whether they qualify as "grumpy old women" now that they are 70 years old. Lisette admits to having some grumpy tendencies, like getting annoyed by inconsiderate behaviour of others in public, but tries to counteract her grumpiness by smiling and being kind to others as much as possible. Both try to avoid being overly grumpy and cynical, as they feel it can make you seem older and less open-minded.

    • Communication Styles

    Lucy explains her preference for thinking before speaking and her frustration with people who speak at length without filtering their thoughts. Lisette gets irritated by people leaving voice messages as it takes so much longer to listen than to read. Both of them note that the underlying resentment of both these habits is feeling their time is being wasted.

    • "Meant To Be"

    They explore the concept of accepting life's circumstances, with Lisette sharing her experience of attending a funeral where the deceased's son said his mother’s death was "written”, reflecting a belief that everything happens for a reason. Lucy, though, finds the phrase "it was meant to be" when used to justify unfortunate events troublingly simplistic in the face of real suffering.

    • Generational Differences and Adaptability

    The discussion highlights some of the generational divides, like preferences for written communication versus verbal, and how technology has changed the way we interact. Both 70-year-olds talk about the importance of having an openness to understanding other people’s and generations’ perspectives and finding common ground.

    Why You Should Listen

    This conversation demonstrates how the two friends navigate the complexities of ageing, seeking to maintain a positive outlook while also acknowledging the frustrations that can come with getting older – or were they there all along? They emphasise the importance of staying open-minded, resisting the temptation to become overly critical, and finding humour in their shared experiences.

    Underlying the whole conversation is the strong, decades-long friendship between Lucy and Lisette, which provides a rich context and sense of shared history. Their honesty offers an insightful, relatable look at navigating the complexities of ageing, while celebrating a willingness to grow and adapt.

    Join the Conversation

    If you are an older listener, do you feel like you’ve become a Grumpy Old Person? Do you enjoy having a moan whatever age you are? Do you look back on your childhood or youth with rose-tinted glasses? Or do you enjoy a bit of nostalgia? What are your pet peeves about today’s world?

    Watch our full playlist (The Year...

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    40 mins
  • Inside Your Mind: Miss Moneypenny, The Librarian & Childhood Conclusions
    May 20 2025

    In this thought-provoking discussion, Lisette and Lucy dive deep into the metaphorical landscapes of their minds. Lucy shares her vivid inner world, where a "Miss Moneypenny" manages the day-to-day while the "Librarian" in the back tackles complex problems. Lisette explores a more interconnected and intuitive approach, where the heart and emotional wisdom take centre stage.

    As they unpack their unique perspectives, the conversation touches on the gendered dynamics in professional settings, the importance of acknowledging our full selves (including our emotions and personal lives), and the power of metaphors to help us understand and navigate our inner workings. This episode is a rich exploration of how we each conceptualise and engage with the workings of our minds.

    Key Highlights

    • Lucy's metaphor of "Miss Moneypenny" and the "Librarian" in her mind, akin to the conscious and subconscious, and how she's learned to "train" her Librarian to work on problems in the Tardis-like background.

    • Lisette's view of her mind as an interconnected "universe" where the heart and intuition play a central role, rather than a compartmentalised inner landscape.

    • The discussion around the gendered dynamics in professional settings, where women's emotions are often dismissed or seen as a liability, while men's anger is more readily accepted.

    • The importance of acknowledging our full selves - including our emotions, personal lives, and inner processes - in professional contexts, and how this can lead to more authentic and productive interactions.

    • The power of metaphors and personality assessments to help us understand and navigate our inner workings, and how these tools can be both illuminating and limiting.

    Why You Should Listen

    This conversation offers a rich and nuanced exploration of how we each conceptualise the workings of our minds, and the ways in which our personal histories, emotions, and societal biases shape these perspectives. Whether you're interested in personality tests, the psychology of thought processes, the dynamics of gender in professional settings, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of your own inner world, this episode provides valuable insights and food for thought.

    Join the Conversation

    Do you have a visualisation of what or who is inside your mind? Is your mind full of characters, like the movie Inside Out? Or do you have a landscape like Lucy’s front office and cosmic library, or Lisette’s carpark? Have any personality tests, like MBTI or Insights, given you new awareness of who you are and how your mind works? We’d love to hear about your interior landscape, character list or metaphorical environment and how that helps you process and operate in the outside world. Tell us in the Comments.

    Take Lisette’s Childhood Conclusions Fix Test at https://lisetteschuitemaker.com and let us know your results.

    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 #yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep29 #MindMetaphors #InnerLandscapes #EmotionalIntelligence #GenderDynamics #SelfAwareness #MBTI #MyersBriggs #Insights #TheChildhoodConclusions #BookMagic #Conscious&Subconscious #ThinkingFastThinkingSlow #Jung #jungianarchetypes #allinthemind #inthemind ##psychology #thinking #emotions #woowoo #meetings #chairingmeetings #thechair #childhoodinfluences #missmoneypenny #librarian #tardis #cosmos #intuition #70yearolds #lifetransitions #memory #babyboomers #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast...

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    45 mins
  • From Memory Loss to Magical Thinking - Growing Older & Being 70
    May 13 2025

    #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...

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    42 mins
  • Celebrating Peace & Liberty - Shared Histories of VE-Day & Liberation Day
    May 5 2025

    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!...

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    43 mins