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!

#yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep25 #personalgrowth #holidays #holidayseason #holidayvibes #holidaysineurope #travel #travelling #childhoodholidays #50stravel #bucketsandspades #60stravel #flightshame #ethicaltravel #tanning #beach #bucketlisttravel #bestholiday #worstholiday #vacation #planning #spontaneoustravel #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #TheYearOfBeing70Podcast #LucyAndLisettePodcastJourney #Reflectionsonourlives #PersonalTransformationStories #LifeChangesAfter70 #LifeChangesAfter40 #Memories #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalGrowth #ThroughLifeChanges