Shows
The Year of Being 70Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Our Dream Party GuestsIn 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 TrioLisette 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...2025-06-2442 minThe Year of Being 70From Status Symbols to Personal Fulfilment - Reflections on SuccessThe 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 mo...2025-06-1938 minThe Year of Being 70Embracing Our Role as Elders: Reflections on Age & WisdomIn 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...2025-06-1043 minThe Year of Being 70New Beginings and Lifelong Learning - turning 55 in 2009In 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...2025-06-0344 minThe Year of Being 70Nostalgia & Pet Peeves - Are We Grumpy Old Women?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 nost...2025-05-2939 minThe Year of Being 70Inside Your Mind: Miss Moneypenny, The Librarian & Childhood ConclusionsIn 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...2025-05-2044 minThe Year of Being 70From Memory Loss to Magical Thinking - Growing Older & Being 70#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...2025-05-1342 minThe Year of Being 70Celebrating Peace & Liberty - Shared Histories of VE-Day & Liberation DayToday 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...2025-05-0543 minThe Year of Being 70From Corduroy to Cashmere: A Lifelong Fashion JourneyIn 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...2025-04-2942 minThe Year of Being 70Reminiscing on a Lifetime of Holidays - Round The World in 70 YearsIn 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...2025-04-2241 minThe Year of Being 70The Transformative Power of Books: Life-Changing Reads and ReflectionsIn 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...2025-04-1541 minThe Year of Being 70Reviewing 'The Years', the Power of 'We', Creativity and ContributionIn 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 AuthenticityBoth Lisette and Lucy feel liberated by their age...2025-04-0945 minThe Year of Being 7070 Years of Social Life – the Evolution of Entertaining since the 1950sLucy and Lisette, childhood friends who are both now 70 years old,discuss how their social lives and experiences with entertaining have changedover the decades. They explore the formalities and traditions of theirparents' generation, as well as the more relaxed, fluid social lives they'vedeveloped 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...2025-04-0142 minThe Year of Being 70Events at 70 - Book Launches and RetreatsIn 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...2025-03-2544 minThe Year of Being 70The People Who Shaped UsIn this episode of The Year of Being 70 podcast, where old friends Lisette and Lucy reflect on their long lives, they discuss people and groups who have been major influences in their lives, beyond just their immediate family members. They each share three examples - some individuals and some groups - that have significantly shaped who they are today.Key Highlights• The Class of 1970Lucy's first influential group was the class of girls she went to school with when she switched to a new, more academically-focused state school as a teenager. These working-class an...2025-03-1844 minThe Year of Being 70Turning 50: A Milestone of Celebrations, Friendships, and a Life ResetWhat has your ‘biggest’ birthday been so far? How did you celebrate – with a big community party, or a select group of friends and family? And did it feel like a new phase of life – a milestone or a reset?In this episode of The Year of Being 70 Ep19 - Turning 50: A Milestone of Celebrations, Friendships, and a Life Reset, Lisette and Lucy, childhood friends who were born a month apart in 1954 and turned 70 in 2024, each share their 50th birthday parties, their thoughts on friendship and the feeling that at 50 they had reached a midpoint. As ever, their co...2025-03-1141 minThe Year of Being 70Our Greatest Hits: Achievements, Life Choices and Perssonal GrowthWhat are you most proud of achieving in your life? Is it something you did, or didn’t do? Is it a choice you made, a project or piece of work you created? How your children have turned out or your decision not to have a family?In this episode,The Year of Being 70 Ep 18: Our Greatest Hits – Achievements, Life Choices, and Personal Growth ,Lucy and her longtime friend Lisette, born a month apart in 1954 and having turned 70 in 2024, each share three things they take pride in having accomplished over their lives. As ever, their conversation makes for...2025-03-0445 minThe Year of Being 70Millenium Memories, Y2K, 9/11 and our travels to the US and RussiaWhere were you when the clocks struck midnight on 31st January 1999 and ushered in the first minutes of the new Millennium? If you are old enough to have been there, or remember, that is! Do you recall worries about the Y2K bug deleting all our data? Or where you were when the twin towers fell on 9/11/2001?In this episode of The Year of Being 70 Ep 17, ‘Millenium Memories, Y2K, 9/11 and our travels to the US and Russia’, two lifelong friends, Lucy and Lisette, who turned 70 last year, revisit their first moments of the year 2000, their different expe...2025-02-2544 minThe Year of Being 70Revisiting the '90s, Tony Blair, the Beatles and Yoko OnoDo you remember the last years of the 20th century just before the Millennium, when everything seemed to change? Is Yoko Ono a name you recognise – do you remember her Amsterdam honeymoon ‘Bed In’ with John Lennon? In this episode of The Year of Being 70 Ep 16, two lifelong friends, Lucy and Lisette, who turned 70 last year, reflect on their personal changes in the period of their lives from 1994 to 2000, the political and social environment of that time, as well as recalling the rise of The Beatles and the social revolution they personified in the 1960s. Key Hi...2025-02-1846 minThe Year of Being 70Food, Glorious Food: From Rationing to MounjaroTwo lifelong friends, now 70, take a fascinating journey through decades of food—from post-war rationing to modern diets like Mounjaro. How have eating habits, body image, and food culture changed over the years? Let’s dive in!In this new episode ‘’The Year of Being 70 Ep 15 - Food, Glorious Food: Two Friends Stories from Rationing to Mounjaro’’ is a conversation between Lisette and Lucy, two childhood friends who recently turned 70, about their experiences with and relationship to food throughout their lives. Key Highlights of this episode:What we ate in the 1950sLucy and L...2025-02-1146 minThe Year of Being 70Past Lives, Spirits and a True Ghost StoryWhat makes us spiritual, religious or none of the above? And how do unexpected events or communications change our view of the universe and our place in it?In this fascinating episode, The Year of Being 70 Ep 14 - Our Changing Beliefs, Spirits and a Ghost Story, Lucy and Lisette, two childhood friends who recently turned 70, discuss their personal and spiritual journeys as they reflect on their experiences with religion, spirituality, and beliefs about the afterlife during their lives.Lisette grew up in a non-religious household but had a strong yearning for spiritual connection and exploration...2025-02-0447 minThe Year of Being 70How did we communicate before the internet?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...2025-01-2843 minThe Year of Being 70Three Surprising Confessions from Lucy & LisetteIn 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. T...2025-01-2242 minThe Year of Being 70Looking back to turning 40: Life Changes, Growth & New BeginningsIn 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...2025-01-1436 minThe Year of Being 70Shaping 2025 with Hopes, Miracles, and FlexibilityHappy 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 ha...2025-01-0840 minThe Year of Being 70Merry Christmas at 70, 1960s White Christmas, New Year's ResolutionsIn 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...2024-12-1739 minThe Year of Being 70Speaking Out – Women’s Abuse, Harassment & Lived ExperiencesWelcome 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 co...2024-12-1039 minThe Year of Being 70Choosing Motherhood or Child-Free LivingIn 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. H...2024-12-0443 minThe Year of Being 70Two Friends On Mental Health, Widowing, and Life ReflectionsWelcome to The Year of Being 70 Podcast – Ep. 6 | Two Friends on Mental Health, Widowing, and Life ReflectionsWhere 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 t...2024-12-0247 minThe Year of Being 70How Do We Dress to Be Cool, Stylish, and Sexy in Our 70s?Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Year of Being 70 Episode 5: How Do We Dress to Be Cool, Stylish, and Sexy in Our 70s?In this episode Lucy and Lisette are joined by @CerilCampbell, a celebrated Celebrity Stylist, to explore how to embrace fashion for women over 70 and celebrate confidence and style in your 70s. Whether you're looking for tips on dressing stylish at 70 or inspiration for sexy fashion for older women, this conversation is tailored just for you!We discuss how clothing can empower women to feel confident, beautiful, and true to...2024-12-0242 minThe Year of Being 70Two Friends Reflect on Feminism, Social Change & Self-DiscoveryWelcome to The Year of Being 70 Podcast with Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker.In this episode, Lucy and Lisette reflect on how the cultural shifts of the 60s and 70s influenced their identities, relationships, and views on the world. Growing up in such a significant period of change, they share how societal expectations and personal experiences shaped their self-discovery, individual voices, and ultimately, the women they are today.They discuss:Feminism and Gender Roles: Lucy and Lisette delve into the rise of feminism and its lasting impact on their lives. They discuss how...2024-12-0245 minThe Year of Being 70Achieving Goals, Writing Books, and Money Mindset at 70Welcome to The Year of Being 70 - Episode 3 | Achieving Goals, Writing Books, and Money Mindset at 70 Podcast! In Episode 3, Lisette Schuitemaker and Lucy McCarraher dive deep into topics of achieving goals in later life, writing books at 70, and cultivating a money mindset at 70.As two inspiring women over 70, they share their personal journeys and reflections on personal growth after 70. This episode is full of wisdom, stories of financial empowerment for older women, and insights into how to continue to grow and succeed in later years.Lucy McCarraher talks about her experience using the innovative Book...2024-12-0237 minThe Year of Being 70Eldest Daughters, Milestones & Life in the 1950sWelcome to Episode 2 of The Year of Being 70 Podcast – Ep. 2: Eldest Daughters, Milestones & Life in the 1950s! In this episode, hosts Lucy McCarraher (@lucymccarraherauthor) and Lisette Schuitemaker dive into the journey of turning 70, sharing personal stories and reflections on aging, family dynamics, and the significant societal changes they witnessed. They discuss their experiences of growing up in different environments, from growing up in the 1950s to the cultural shifts that shaped their lives.In This Episode, They Discuss:✨ Lucy McCarraher's birthday celebration and the emotional challenges of accepting tributes and compliments, which bring fort...2024-12-0237 minThe Year of Being 70Lucy & Lisette’s Lifelong Friendship & Inspiring Life Stories!Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker are both successful authors at 70 who have continued to thrive in their careers. In this episode, they discuss their shared journey of milestones in aging and how they are redefining retirement. They also reflect on their rich lifelong bonds, the lessons they have learned from each other, and their personal journeys of wisdom at 70. These inspiring women are leading women’s aging journeys, showing how it’s possible to remain vibrant, energetic, and motivated as you age. They’re also committed to celebrating 70 years and embracing the changes that come with getting older...2024-12-0233 min
A Book of One's Own: A Women’s ManifestoWhy the World Needs to Hear More from WomenFor women, having variegated lives informs our work, our behavior, and our writing. Today Lisette Schuitemaker, a four-time author, chats with Lucy about birth order, childhood conclusions, and socialization. They discuss gender differences in perception and performance, and why the world needs to hear more from women. Lisette’s work focuses on spiritual- and self-development, and you don’t want to miss her insights on what it means to live a multitrack life and being a woman who owns her story. “We do need women’s wisdom and ways of looking in this world, desperately.” -Lisett...2019-05-2431 min