Banter: Real Talk. Real Life. is your weekly lifestyle podcast and catch up with Anu - lawyer, mum and unapologetic pop culture lover.
Every Monday, Anu shares her take on the week’s headlines alongside book recommendations, easy recipe ideas and honest reflections on juggling work, motherhood, and creativity.
Plus, she brings you lifestyle recommendations for where to eat, what to watch and what’s worth experiencing; from theatre and films to restaurants and everyday discoveries.
Think of it as your Monday radio show for real conversations, honest banter, big laughs and little escapes.
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Données mises à jour le 14/07/2026
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Ep.28 - Midlife, Marriage & Why All-Inclusive Holidays Hit Different at 51
lundi 11 mai 2026 • Durée 39:35
Welcome back to Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, your weekly catch-up on midlife, relationships, motherhood, travel, health and all the chaos in between.
This week Anu is back from Sicily… and reflecting on everything from all-inclusive holidays in your 50s to long-term marriage, contentment, menopause, family dynamics and the reality of grown-up children returning home.
She shares:
• why Palermo completely stole her heart
• the truth about travelling as a couple in midlife
• why “romance” looks different after 28 years of marriage
• the hilarious reality of all-inclusive holidays at 51
• a very unexpected voice note involving menopause and a brand-new dildo
• her emotional reflections after her son’s 19th birthday
• the reality of parenting older teens and navigating their future
• why travel still feels like freedom
And perhaps most importantly, why sometimes happiness isn’t the goal anymore… contentment is.
Because midlife isn’t always about big dramatic moments.
Sometimes it’s just walking side by side through unfamiliar streets, sharing an alcohol-free beer, and feeling quietly happy.
This Week’s Recommendations
Books 📚
• The Favorites by Lane Fargo
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
TV 📺
• Amandaland
Recipe of the Week 🍜
Comforting Miso Soup
Simple, nourishing, and perfect alongside last week’s sushi tray recipe.
Ingredients
• White miso paste
• Dashi stock sachets
• Silken tofu
• Spring onions
• Wakame seaweed
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Sesame oil (optional)
Method
1. Prepare the dashi stock according to packet instructions.
2. Gently heat and add the silken tofu.
3. Stir in the miso paste until dissolved.
4. Add wakame seaweed and spring onions.
5. Finish with soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.
6. Serve warm.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted by midlife, questioned what connection really looks like in a long marriage or simply needed reminding that contentment counts too, this episode is for you.
Episode 28 is out now 🎧
Ep.27 - Midlife Realities: Health, Anxiety & When Life Doesn't Go To Plan
lundi 4 mai 2026 • Durée 26:42
Welcome back to Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, your weekly catch-up on everything midlife, from relationships and motherhood to health, mindset and the realities we don’t always talk about.
This week’s episode is a real one.
Anu shares what it’s been like feeling under the weather and one unexpected (and slightly mortifying) midlife moment that so many women will quietly relate to.
From there, it turns into a much bigger conversation about health, strength and how our priorities start to shift as we get older; from taking risks to protecting ourselves, physically and mentally.
She also talks about: • becoming more risk-averse in midlife • rebuilding strength and confidence after injury • simple mindset shifts that actually help (including one that really stuck) • the feeling that life is going “too well”… and what happens next • how to cope when things don’t go to plan • why sometimes all we can do is give it time
Because real life isn’t linear and sometimes it feels like things fall apart just as they start to come together.
Banter Recommendations:
• Book: The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff • TV: Your Friends & Neighbours (Apple TV) • TV: The Pitt • TV: The Capture (BBC iPlayer)
Recipe of the Week:
Easy Sushi Tray Bake 🍣 (quick, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights)
Ep.26 - Why Women Need Women: Marriage, Divorce & Starting Again
lundi 27 avril 2026 • Durée 42:33
Welcome back to Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, your weekly catch up on midlife, relationships, motherhood and everything in between.
This week, Anu is joined by Honor Marks for a really honest and refreshing conversation about marriage, divorce, female friendships and why women need time away for themselves.
From leaving London for the south of France to building a completely new chapter, Honor shares how her “me-treats” and community for women are helping women rebuild confidence, find connection and start again.
They talk about: • marriage, communication & growing together • divorce, separation & finding yourself again • why female friendships matter more than ever • empty nest, teenagers & changing identity • menopause, loneliness & needing something more • stepping out of your comfort zone and finding your people
If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected or like you’re figuring things out as you go, this episode will feel like a conversation with friends!
Because sometimes the best chapter hasn’t happened yet.
Honor's Recommendations:
• TV: The Office (US Version) • Film: Love Actually • Book: The Maid & The Tattooist of Auschwitz • Recipe: Wholesome, home cooked meals are Honor's favourite type of meals so she has suggested her top two below.
Corsican Beef Stew - bourguignon beef cooked over two days in tomato passata, white wine, cinnamon and bay leaves. Served with pasta.
One Pot Chicken cooked with potatoes, white wine, cream and tarragon.
Follow, rate, review, and share with a friend who’d love some real talk, real life.
Ep. 25 - Midlife, Motherhood, Marriage & Mushroom Tart
lundi 20 avril 2026 • Durée 30:25
Welcome back to Season 3 of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life - your weekly midlife catch-up on real life, relationships, motherhood and everything in between.
This week, Anu shares reflections from her trip to Jaipur, India with her daughter, 30 years since meeting her husband in Barcelona and the emotional reality of parenting older children… including what happens when your teenage son at uni blocks you!
Banter Recommendations:
This week a focus on shows and movies suitable for pre-teens and teens due to being away with her daughter on holiday.
TV:
Scarpetta, starring Nicole Kidman on Prime Video
Finding Her Edge, Netflix
Amadeus, with Will Sharpe & Paul Bettaney on Sky and NOW
Film:People We Meet on Vacation - an easy, fun view!
Book: Heart the Lover by Lily King
Banter Bites:
Omo (vegetarian restaurant where all produce has been farm grown in Gurgaon, India)
CAPHE (a Vietnamese restaurant owned by husband and wife in Gurgaon, India)
Recipe of the Week: Easy Mushroom Tart
A simple, delicious midweek recipe that feels a little bit special.
Ep.24 - Instagram Buys, Life Admin & a Bit of Decorating
lundi 23 mars 2026 • Durée 37:07
This week on Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu is back with the final episode of Season 2.
It’s a mix of everyday life, honest reflections and a few slightly questionable decisions - from repainting the bedroom while her husband was away, to wondering why we all keep buying things on Instagram that never quite live up to expectations.
She also shares a cultural reflection after attending a recent book launch and why sometimes things just don’t land in the way you expect them to.
Alongside the lighter moments, the episode moves into a more practical conversation around what actually happens when someone dies - something many people are beginning to navigate at this stage of life.
Anu talks through the basics:
• Registering the death
• Arranging the funeral
• Locating the will
• Applying for probate
And why having even a simple understanding of the process can make a difficult time feel more manageable.
If you’d like to get in touch regarding this, you can contact Anu at:
📩 anuja.wagner@mullenderlaw.com
As always, the episode finishes with this week’s recommendations...
📺 Banter Recommendations
TV
Ep. 23 - Mother’s Day, Menopause Chats & Why Sleep Might Be the Answer
lundi 16 mars 2026 • Durée 34:53
This week on Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu records the episode on Mother’s Day and reflects on how her relationship with the day has changed over the years.
When the children were younger, Mother’s Day often felt like a slightly forced celebration while still doing everything for everyone else. Now, with older children, it feels different - less about obligation and more about appreciation. Sometimes all we really need is a simple “thank you” or “you’re doing a good job.”
Anu also talks about feeling a little off recently - those moments where motivation comes and goes, confidence dips and everything feels harder than it should. After listening to Mel Robbins and trying to connect the dots, she begins to wonder whether the real issue might be something far simpler: sleep.
The episode also explores the joy of reconnecting with old friends and how, within minutes, the conversation inevitably turns to menopause - sleep struggles, energy shifts and mood changes. It’s a reminder that so many women are navigating the same changes at the same time, often with humour and honesty.
As always, the episode finishes with this week’s Banter recommendations.
📺 TV Recommendations
Love Story
A series exploring the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette and the intense media attention surrounding their lives. The show has sparked controversy with members of the Kennedy family questioning how certain figures have been portrayed.
DTF St Louis
A dark comedy crime series starring Jason Bateman and David Harbour. Funny, outrageous and highly entertaining with new episodes released weekly.
Ep.22 - Bras, Body Confidence & Women's Health with Jackie Upton
lundi 9 mars 2026 • Durée 55:49
This week on Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu sits down with Jackie Upton, founder of Sheen Uncovered Lingerie Boutique and a passionate advocate for women’s health and body confidence.
For more than 20 years Jackie has been helping women feel comfortable in their own bodies through expert bra fitting and honest conversations about breast health. Through her work she has supported women navigating pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, menopause and the everyday realities of changing bodies.
In this thoughtful and refreshingly practical conversation, Jackie shares why the right fit is about so much more than lingerie. It is about confidence, education and understanding what actually works for your body.
They talk about the importance of having open conversations in changing rooms, why so much misinformation still exists around bra fitting and breast health and how education and language around our bodies should start much earlier.
Jackie also shares the challenges of running an independent retail business today, the importance of knowledgeable staff and why supporting local shops matters more than ever.
Anu also introduced a Quick Fire Round where she asked Jackie to share her thoughts on brands such as Skims and Wonderbra!
As always Anu finishes with a few Banter recommendations. This week, Jackie shared hers…
📚Book Recommendation - The Queen of Bloody Everything
A beautifully written novel exploring the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, nostalgia and the different chapters of life.
Ep.21 - Self Doubt, Confidence & Rearranging Your Life Around What Actually Feels Good
lundi 2 mars 2026 • Durée 30:30
This week on Banter, Anu reflects on something deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful: self doubt.
After a thoughtful dog walk and a conscious decision to rearrange her day around good weather and daylight, she began questioning the way we think about confidence. What if confidence isn’t a personality trait at all but a nervous system state?
In this episode, she explores:
• Why self doubt often shows up just before growth
• The idea that “self doubt is fear in disguise”
• Why fear tends to appear right before expansion
• Rearranging your life around what regulates and restores you
• Asking better questions when you feel stuck
Instead of asking “Am I good enough?”
Perhaps we should be asking:
Have I seen daylight today?
Have I moved my body?
Is my nervous system calm?
Sometimes the shift is physiological before it is psychological.
As always, the episode ends with Banter Recommendations:
📺 TV Recommendations
• Waiting for the Out (BBC iPlayer) - thoughtful and intelligent, following a philosophy teacher who teaches inmates whilst navigating OCD and personal challenges
• The Walsh Sisters (BBC iPlayer) - adapted from Marian Keyes' book - sharp, funny and messy family dynamics with strong emotional themes
Ep.20 - Middle Kids, Midlife Friendships & Learning to Slow Down
lundi 23 février 2026 • Durée 43:21
In this week’s episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu reflects on something that felt unexpectedly luxurious - a quiet week off.
With her daughter and husband away on a ski trip, Anu spends half term at home with just one child, discovering the beauty of slower days, one-to-one time and letting go of the pressure to do everything herself.
From home improvements and outsourcing small jobs (hello TaskRabbit), to wandering London with her middle child - the quieter one. This episode is all about presence over perfection, and how midlife friendships are evolving beyond dinner and drinks into shared experiences and hobbies!
In this episode:
• Taking a proper week off and finding mental clarity
• Delegating, home refreshes & releasing control
• One-to-one time with your middle child (and why it matters)
• Midlife friendships - craving more connection, less routine
• Why presence beats grand gestures
TV Recommendations:
• Heated Rivalry: binge-worthy drama
• Tehran: anxiously awaiting the next season!
Banter Bites:
• Rai - intimate dining, thoughtful menu, perfect for real conversations
• Petersham Nurseries - dreamy cream teas and a beautiful London escape
Ep.19 - Women’s Stories, Half-Term Chaos & A Cookery Class Reset
lundi 16 février 2026 • Durée 40:56
February energy hits differently… and in this episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu reflects on lingering thoughts from her powerful interview with Laura Behnke, half-term chaos, expiring birthday vouchers and finding meaning in everyday moments. Plus her latest book, TV and music picks, and a comforting Chicken Nasi Goreng to finish.
Real life. Real conversations. And just enough chaos to keep it interesting.
✨ Reflections After Laura Behnke
Anu opens up about why their conversation stayed with her; from misogyny in the workplace and fertility journeys, to cancer survival and the quiet ways women learn not to speak up. A raw, honest look at shared female experiences, invisible grief and why these stories matter.
🌧️ February Energy, Half-Term & Voucher Panic
Grey weather, half-term logistics and the classic scramble to use nearly expired birthday vouchers (including a Valentine’s booking fail). Anu shares why experiences beat “stuff,” plus highlights from a recent cookery class that boosted her confidence in the kitchen.
Banter Recommendations
📚Book:The Wedding People - intelligent, funny and quietly uplifting
📺 TV:
Bridgerton (latest season) for escapist indulgence
Under Salt Marsh for something darker and moodier
🎶 Music: DJO (Joe Keery) - varied, soulful tracks worth a Spotify deep dive
To serve: • Nori sheets • Cucumber (sliced) • Avocado (sliced) • Sushi sauce • Crispy onions
Method
Cook the sushi rice and mix through the vinegar or mirin. Leave to cool slightly.
Press the rice evenly into a large tray or dish.
In a bowl, mix the shredded crab sticks and prawns with mayo and sriracha.
Spread the mixture over the rice.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and Japanese seasoning.
Serve with nori, cucumber, avocado, sushi sauce, and crispy onions.
Spoon onto nori, add toppings, wrap, and enjoy.
If you’ve ever felt like your body is changing, your mindset is shifting, or life just isn’t quite going to plan, this episode will feel like a conversation with a friend.
Because sometimes it's not about having all the answers... it's about getting through it together!
Réduire
Ingredients
• Ready-made puff pastry
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• 1 onion
• Salt + black pepper
• Boursin cheese
• Parmesan
• Emmental cheese (or cheese of choice)
• Truffle oil
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
Method
1. Fry garlic and onion.
2. Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper.
3. Lay out the ready-made puff pastry and lightly score the edges.
4. Brush the edges with egg wash.
5. Spread a generous layer of Boursin cheese over the pastry.
6. Once the mushrooms have cooled, add on top.
7. Sprinkle over Parmesan and a little extra Emmental (or your cheese of choice).
8. Bake at 180°C for around 20 minutes until golden.
9. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and serve with salad.
If you’re navigating midlife, family life, relationship and trying to keep up with it all, this one will feel familiar.
Please follow, rate, review and share with a friend who would love some real talk, real life.
• Vladimir (Netflix)
• Last One Laughing UK (Prime Video)
Film
• Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling
🍽️ Banter Bites
Shiuli – Twickenham
A lovely local Indian restaurant with generous portions and great quality food.
Set menu from around £18–£22 for two or three courses.
Perfect for sharing - a group of four ordered across the menu and shared everything.
📚 Book Recommendation
All Fours by Miranda July
A bold and unusual novel exploring reinvention, feeling stuck and choosing a different path.
🌮 Recipe of the Week
The Double Wrap Chilli Melt
Layer a wrap with guacamole, salsa, chilli, grated cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Top with a soft taco, fold into a parcel and fry until golden and crispy.
Serve with extra guacamole and salsa.
A mix of humour, honesty and real life conversations to close out Season 2.
If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and share with someone who might like it.
A small Japanese gem serving beautifully prepared dishes in an intimate setting.
Julie’s – Notting Hill
A reminder about Julie’s “First Table” offer for early diners.
Recipe of the Week
Baked Rice with Spinach
(optional, served with grilled chicken, kale and peppers)
A comforting and simple dish perfect for midweek meals.
Full recipe will be out Monday 16th March, this evening right here!
This episode is a gentle reflection on motherhood, midlife changes and the small things - like sleep, friendship and appreciation - that can make a big difference.
If you enjoy Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, please follow the show and leave a rating or review. It really helps more people discover the podcast.
A comforting roast - perfect for bringing family and friends together.
Think good old fashioned sides, red cabbage, celeriac and homemade gravy.
⸻
If you enjoy the podcast please follow the show and leave a rating or review. It really helps more people discover Banter.
For more from this episode including behind the scenes clips, recipes and recommendations follow along on Instagram @banter.pod
• Bridgerton (Netflix) - 2nd part of the latest series, Episode 1 - pure escapism, joyful and indulgent
🍽️ Restaurant Recommendation
• Ruth’s, Lower Richmond Road, Putney - a new neighbourhood-style bistro with a lovely menu, delicious cocktails and a standout lemon tart! The staff are incredibly friendly and it’s the kind of place you want to return to.
🍣 Listener Recommendation
• Tomoe, Upper Richmond Road - a Japanese sushi gem kindly recommended by one of Banter’s lovely listeners. An absolute delight and very reasonably priced.
📚 Book Recommendation
• The Names by Florence Knapp - a compelling sliding doors style novel exploring three different life trajectories shaped by what a child is named. Intriguing, reflective and deeply engaging.
🥗 Recipe of the Week
Chicken Salad with Bagel Croutons
Dressing is adapted and inspired by Baked by Melissa.
Bagel Croutons
• 1 seeded bagel, chopped into chunky squares
• Olive oil
• Maldon salt
Mix together. Pop in the oven and roast until golden and crisp.
For the Chicken
• Ready-made chicken breast, sliced lengthways
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
Mix together and pop in the already hot oven with the croutons.
Quick. Healthy. Really delicious. Perfect for lunch.
If this episode resonated, follow the podcast so you never miss us on a Monday. Ratings and reviews genuinely help more people discover Banter and keep these conversations going.
For more behind the scenes, the full recipe and weekly recommendations, head over to Instagram @banter.pod where Anu shares everything in real time.
Book Recommendation:
• Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot - a powerful, dignified memoir exploring justice, survival and rebuilding identity after unimaginable betrayal
🍽️ Recipe of the Week
Lime & Coriander Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans & Homemade Slaw
A comforting, flavour-packed meal that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight.
Chicken Marinade
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice + zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp honey
Paprika
Cumin
Salt & pepper
Garlic powder
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Mix everything together, add chicken thighs, and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Grill or roast until cooked through. Finish with fresh lime juice, lots of chopped coriander and pickled red onions.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Black Bean Topping
Sweet potatoes, cut lengthways
Olive oil
Roast until soft, then squash them down slightly and return to the oven to crisp.
For the topping:
Black beans (tinned or Merchant Gourmet pouch)
Red onion, finely chopped
Red pepper, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
Paprika
Salt & pepper
Chilli flakes
Sauté onion, pepper and garlic, add beans, season and warm through.
Spoon over the sweet potatoes, top with grated cheese and fresh jalapeños.
(These are delicious on their own with a simple salad too.)
Homemade Slaw
Cabbage, finely sliced
Grated carrot
Fresh parsley
Dressing:
Olive oil
White wine vinegar
1 clove garlic
2 tsp honey
Salt & pepper
Mix dressing and pour over veg just before serving.
A gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down, ask for help and make space for what really matters.
If this episode resonated - please follow, rate and share Banter: Real Talk, Real Life. It truly helps the podcast grow 🤍
🍳 Recipe of the Week: Chicken Nasi Goreng (Anu’s Adapted Version)
Inspired by her cookery class and turned into a hearty, midweek family meal.
Ingredients:
• Cooked jasmine rice (ideally day-old)
• Chicken breast or thighs, diced
• Garlic, ginger, red chilli
• Onion + spring onions
• Mixed veg (carrots, peppers, peas, greens)
• Dark soy sauce
• Sweet soy (kecap manis if you have it)
• Dash of fish sauce
• Sesame oil + neutral oil
• Lime wedge
• Optional: fried egg + crispy shallots
Method:
1. Lightly marinate chicken in soy + sesame oil, then fry until golden. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, stir-fry garlic, ginger, chilli and onion.
3. Add vegetables and cook until just tender.
4. Add rice, breaking up any clumps.
5. Stir in dark soy, sweet soy and fish sauce. Return chicken to the pan.
6. Finish with spring onions, a squeeze of lime and fresh herbs.
Optional topping: fried egg + crispy shallots.
Flexible, comforting and perfect for busy weeks.
💛 A reminder that every woman has a story and real life doesn’t come in neat chapters.
If this episode resonated, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review and share it with someone who might enjoy a little real-life banter. Thank you so much for listening.
