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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Ep. 41 - Menopause, Midlife & Getting Yourself Back with Petra Boddington
Monday, October 5, 2026 • Duration 01:09:56
What if menopause isn’t something we simply “get through”?
This week, Anu is joined by menopause coaching specialist and personal trainer Petra Boddington for a brilliantly honest and very funny conversation about menopause, post-menopause and what it really means to feel like yourself again in midlife.
We talk HRT, brain fog, joint pain, exercise, libido, relationships and confidence but this episode goes far beyond symptoms. Petra shares why walking may be one of the best things we can do for ourselves, how to make movement feel manageable when life already feels overwhelming, and why sometimes the most powerful word a woman can learn to say is simply… no.
We also get into changing relationships in midlife, putting yourself first without feeling guilty, sex and dating, women supporting other women, kindness, confidence and why getting older might just give us permission to care a little less about what everybody else thinks.
Petra is refreshingly unfiltered, so expect plenty of laughs along the way and a few moments that definitely made me blush!
Because, as Petra puts it:
“We don't go through it. We live with it. It doesn't end.”
This is a conversation for anyone navigating perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause but also for any woman who has reached midlife and wondered: when did I stop putting myself on the list?
Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), settle in and join us for some real talk, real life and, as always, plenty of Banter.
If you enjoy the episode, please follow Banter, leave a rating or review and share it with a friend. It really does help more people find the show.
Ep. 40 - When Life Throws You a Curveball
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 25:04
Sometimes life doesn’t quite go to plan.
This week’s episode of Banter is a little different. After an unexpectedly difficult week involving her family, Anu talks about what happens when life suddenly throws you a curveball; the worry, the shock and trying to keep everything together when you’re struggling with it yourself.
It’s an honest conversation about parenting, family, the mental load and navigating difficult moments in midlife, but also about support, perspective and the importance of talking rather than bottling everything up.
Anu also reflects on gratitude, not pretending everything is fine, but finding the things that help carry you through when it isn’t.
And, of course, there’s still room for some of the usual Banter: what she’s been reading and watching and a smoky black bean chilli for Recipe of the Week.
BANTER RECOMMENDATIONS:
📚 Book:FruitFly by Josh Silver
📺 TV:Youth by Sharon Horgan - HBO
📺 TV:The Split Up - BBC iPlayer
🍴 Recipe of the Week: Anu’s Smoky Black Bean Chilli and Chunky Guacamole
Ingredients
Ep. 39 - 8,300 People, My Sceptical Mum & Joe Dispenza
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 35:41
What happens when you take your slightly sceptical mum to Basel for a Joe Dispenza event with 8,300 people?!
This week, Anu is back with a proper life catch-up, sharing what the experience was really like, the people she met along the way and the one thought she brought home with her: where you put your attention is where you put your energy.
Plus, there are some very honest book reviews, what she’s been watching lately and an easy tomato, feta & butter bean bake that’s perfect for those in between September evenings.
A little travel, mindset, midlife, food and plenty of real-life Banter.
THIS WEEK’S RECOMMENDATIONS
📚 Book:Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt 📚 Also reading:Last Seen - J.L. Doucette 📺 TV:Colin From Accounts 🎧 Experience: Joe Dispenza event in Basel
🍴 Recipe of the Week: Tomato, Feta & Butter Bean Bake
An easy one-pan dinner for those not quite summer, not quite autumn evenings.
Ingredients
1 block feta
1 tin butter beans, drained and rinsed
250 - 300g cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced or crushed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of chilli flakes, optional
Salt & black pepper
Handful of fresh basil or parsley, to finish
Crusty bread, to serve
EpEp. 38 - How to Get Your Style Mojo Back in Midlife with Lisa Wisdom
Monday, September 14, 2026 • Duration 01:04:56
Have you ever looked at a wardrobe full of clothes and thought, I have absolutely nothing to wear?
This week, Anu is joined by personal stylist and former senior fashion buyer Lisa Wisdom, founder of Style With Wisdom, for a brilliantly honest conversation about style, confidence and why so many of us lose our fashion mojo in midlife.
They talk about shopping your own wardrobe, dressing for the life you have now, breaking out of a style rut and why getting dressed can have a much bigger impact on how we feel than we realise.
Plus, Lisa shares her tips for shopping pre-loved, the autumn pieces worth having on your radar and the one fashion rule she would happily ban forever…
In this episode:
Why our wardrobes don’t always keep up when our lives change
How to rediscover what you already own
Style, confidence and getting your mojo back
Why you don’t need somewhere special to go to make an effort
Shopping pre-loved and buying more intentionally
Lisa’s autumn style picks
Why skinny jeans aren’t dead
The fashion rule Lisa would ban forever
And why sometimes you should just wear the sequins
Plus, Lisa joins Anu for a little bit of Banter with her TV, book and recipe recommendations.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in a style rut lately, this one’s for you!
Ep. 37 - Back to Banter: Midlife, Motherhood & Finding Your Mojo
Monday, September 7, 2026 • Duration 47:20
Banter is back for Season 4 and Anu is officially entering year two of the podcast!
In this first episode back, Anu gets honest about the self doubt that still comes with putting yourself out there, why she continues to make Banter alongside her career as a lawyer and family life and the joy she’s found in creating something of her own in midlife.
She also catches up on a very full summer: slowing down in Croatia, surviving a week on a boat with three children and her husband plus a skipper, discovering the joy of being a tourist in your own city, keeping teenagers occupied through the school holidays and unexpectedly sending her middle son off to university in Madrid!
There’s also a conversation about losing your style mojo in midlife and how making one small effort with what you already own can completely change how you feel.
And as always, plenty of Banter recommendations and an easy Recipe of the Week.
This week on Banter
- Starting Season 4 and why the self-doubt hasn’t disappeared
- Summer with teenagers, Croatia and family travel
- Navigating A-level disappointment and an unexpected move to Madrid
- Losing and rediscovering your style mojo
- Becoming a tourist in your own city
- Summer books worth adding to your reading list
Banter Recommends
Ep. 36 - Season 3 Finale: Menopause, Sisterhood, Banter Awards & Little Joys
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 01:00:06
In the final episode of Season 3, Anu is joined by her sister Nidhi for a warm, funny and honest season finale full of midlife real talk, sister banter and reflections on the year.
Together they talk about menopause, perimenopause, the emotional ups and downs of midlife, the joy of small wins, cancelling plans, social batteries, resilience and why sometimes all you can do is laugh your way through it.
This episode also includes the first ever Banter Awards, where Anu and Nidhi look back at their favourite books, TV shows, films and restaurant recommendations from the season.
Plus, Anu ends the season with one last easy summer recipe: a fresh Asian cucumber salad, perfect for hot days when you cannot face cooking.
In this episode:
• The final episode of Season 3
• Anu and Nidhi’s sister catch up
• Menopause, perimenopause and midlife overwhelm
• Why women need to talk, laugh and vent
• Social batteries and cancelling plans
• Little wins, little joys and summer pauses
• The first Banter Awards
• Favourite books, TV, films and restaurants
• Easy summer recipe: Asian cucumber salad
🏆 Banter Awards
📺 Favourite TV Show
Anu and Nidhi both choose:
Ep. 35 - Hot Mess Summer: Midlife, Menopause & Finding Joy
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 28:03
This week on Banter, I’m talking about surviving what I’m calling my hot mess summer.
Between menopause, the UK heatwave, school events, parenting, work and the invisible mental load that so many women carry, I’ve been learning to slow down, simplify life and stop putting so much pressure on myself.
From meal planning and journalling to shopping my own wardrobe and finding unexpected joy in school events I almost didn’t attend, this is an honest conversation about navigating midlife when everything feels just a little too much.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or simply trying to survive the heat, I hope this episode reminds you that sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
In this episode:
• Surviving menopause during the UK heatwave
• Coping with overwhelm and the invisible mental load
• Why slowing down helped me more than pushing through
• Journalling, meal planning and simple routines that made life easier
• Parenting teenagers, school events and mum guilt
• Finding joy in unexpected moments
• Shopping your own wardrobe and rediscovering forgotten favourites
• Wimbledon, football and embracing a slower summer
• Practical ways to make midlife feel a little lighter
📚 Book of the Week
Ep. 34 - Feeling Overwhelmed? Menopause, Mum Guilt & Letting Go of Perfection
Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 27:40
This week I’m talking about something I know so many women in midlife will recognise: overwhelm.
Between menopause, brain fog, parenting teenagers, work, school events, summer holiday planning and the endless mental load that seems to fall on our shoulders, there are times when everything feels like too much.
In this episode, I share what’s been helping me navigate a particularly challenging few weeks, why I’ve stopped putting so much pressure on myself and the small mindset shifts that are helping me cope when life feels overwhelming.
What I discuss in this episode:
• Menopause overwhelm, exhaustion and low mood
• Managing the mental load of family life
• Father’s Day expectations and family dynamics
• Mum guilt, school events and end-of-term chaos
• Parenting teenagers and surviving A-Level season
• Learning to let go of perfection
• Why exercise has helped more than I expected
• The importance of rest, boundaries and self-compassion
• Football, Wimbledon and finding simple pleasures
📺 Watch of the Week
Widow’s Bay (Apple TV)
A dark comedy with a touch of mystery and supernatural intrigue. Set on a small island off Massachusetts, this unusual series follows a mayor determined to modernise his town while battling local superstitions and strange events. Funny, quirky and completely different.
Ep.33 - Menopause Blues, Low Confidence & Finding Your Way Back
Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 38:12
In this week’s episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu is back with a solo episode talking honestly about the kind of week so many midlife women will recognise.
After a joyful trip to Roland Garros with her sister, Anu returns home and is hit by what she describes as menopausal blues - a week where everything feels harder, confidence dips, motivation disappears and simply getting through the day feels like enough.
She talks about how movement helped her begin to shift out of it, from getting back on the Peloton to returning to playing tennis after a long break and why exercise, fresh air and doing one small thing for yourself can make such a difference in midlife.
Anu also gets into summer style, body confidence and the idea of wearing the clothes you already own instead of saving them for “best”. From clearing out her wardrobe to finding joy in dressing up again, she shares her reminder to wear the damn clothes, enjoy your body now and stop waiting to feel perfect.
There is also a Botox update following Anu’s appointment with Samantha Reynolds from Montclaire Aesthetics, including what she noticed, how she feels about the results and why choosing someone experienced matters.
Plus, as always, there are Banter recommendations including beauty finds, TV, books, restaurants and an easy recipe of the week.
In this week’s episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu is joined by a very special guest, her sister, Nidhi, visiting from Los Angeles!
Together, they sit down for a candid sister to sister conversation covering everything from travel companions and female friendships to menopause, midlife and the importance of finding joy in everyday life.
The sisters share stories about travelling together, discuss what makes a great travel companion and reflect on why some friendships last a lifetime while others change with the seasons of life.
They also explore the often overlooked topic of female friendship breakups, making new friends in midlife and why connection becomes even more important as we get older.
Nidhi shares her perspective from Los Angeles, where menopause and perimenopause have become major topics of conversation among women. Together, they discuss the growing awareness around women’s health, the reality of symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption and hormonal changes and why talking openly about menopause matters more than ever.
As always, the episode finishes with Banter’s weekly recommendations, including books, television, films and a simple, delicious recipe.
In this episode:
Female friendships in midlife
Friendship breakups and changing seasons of life
Travelling with friends and family
Menopause and perimenopause conversations in the UK and LA
New hobbies, movement and staying connected
Book, TV and film recommendations
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
3 - 4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red pepper, diced
2 tins black beans, drained
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 packet Old El Paso Chilli Con Carne Seasoning Mix
1 tbsp tomato purée
Salt and pepper
A splash of water, if needed
2–3 squares dark chocolate
To serve
Anu’s chunky guacamole
Fresh coriander
A dollop of Greek yoghurt
Grated cheddar
Tortilla chips
Lime wedges
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pan.
Fry the onion, red pepper and garlic until softened.
Add the black beans, chilli seasoning and tomato purée. Stir everything together for a few minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Stir in 2–3 squares of dark chocolate.
Leave it to bubble gently until the edges become slightly reduced and the chilli has thickened. Add a splash of water if it needs loosening.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve topped with chunky guacamole, coriander, Greek yoghurt and grated cheddar, with tortilla chips and a wedge of lime.
(You can also add chicken or beef mince first)
Anu’s Chunky Guacamole:
Ingredients
2 avocados
½ red onion, very finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh coriander, chopped
Diced tomato, optional
Good pinch of salt and pepper
Fresh chilli, optional
Method
Cut the avocados in half, scoop the flesh into a bowl and roughly mash, keep it chunky.
Add the finely chopped red onion, lime juice and coriander. Add diced tomato if using, season generously with salt and pepper and add a little fresh chilli if you want some heat.
Mix gently and serve straight away.
A slightly different episode this week. Real life, as it happens because sometimes you simply have to take things one day at a time.
So grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), settle in and join me for some real talk, real life and as always, a little Banter.
If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the show, leave a rating or review and share it with someone who might enjoy Banter too. It really does help more people discover the podcast.
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.
Add the cherry tomatoes, butter beans and garlic to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with oregano, chilli flakes, black pepper and a small pinch of salt, then toss everything together.
Place the block of feta in the centre and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and burst and the feta is golden around the edges.
Gently stir the feta through the tomatoes and beans to create a creamy, slightly chunky sauce.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley and plenty of black pepper.
Serve warm with crusty bread for scooping everything up.
So settle in and join Anu for a little escape from the everyday: real life, honest opinions and plenty of Banter along the way.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a rating or review and share it with someone who might enjoy a little Banter too. It really does help more people discover the podcast.
Collapse
Books
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
All My Mothers by Joanna Glen
TV
Furious - Disney+
Off Campus - Prime Video
Podcast
They Call Her Emma - a fascinating series exploring Asma al-Assad and her journey from Britain to the Syrian regime.
Restaurants
Smoking Goat, Shoreditch (Thai) - particularly the crispy fish sauce chicken wings.
Home, Putney - including its Monday menu made from the weekend’s surplus ingredients.
A really easy late summer meal that works just as well on the barbeque as it does in the kitchen.
You’ll need:
Merguez sausages, (from the butchers or M&S have them now)
Harissa paste
Warm pittas
For the salad:
Lettuce
Red onion
Radishes
Pomegranate seeds
Fresh parsley
Fresh mint
(Or whatever you already have in the fridge!)
For the crispy chickpea hummus:
Shop bought hummus
1 tin chickpeas, drained and dried well
Paprika
Garlic powder
Salt
To serve:
Sriracha, optional
Cook the merguez sausages on the barbeque, in a frying pan or in the oven until cooked through.
For the salad, finely chop the lettuce, red onion and radishes, then add the pomegranate seeds, parsley and mint. Toss everything together.
Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray, season with paprika, garlic powder and salt, then roast until crispy.
Smear the hummus over a serving plate and spoon the crispy chickpeas over the top.
Serve everything with warm pittas, harissa and a little sriracha if you like. Stuff the pittas with salad and merguez, add plenty of hummus and enjoy.
Happy days!
Season 4 starts here, with more honest midlife conversations, brilliant guests, books, food, travel, style and the recommendations Anu genuinely thinks are worth your time.
If you enjoy the episode, follow Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, rate the show and share it with someone who might enjoy a little more Banter in their week.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Also mentioned: The Four Seasons, Rooster, Friends & Neighbours
🎬 Favourite Film
Nidhi’s pick: Michael
Anu’s pick: Project Hail Mary
Also mentioned: Tuner and Nidhi’s extra recommendation, The Invite
📚 Favourite Book
Anu’s pick: Heart the Lover
Nidhi’s pick: Fame Sick
Also mentioned: The Strangers, The Names, The Wedding People
🍴 Favourite Restaurant
Anu’s pick: The Tamil Prince
Also mentioned: Tosa in Hammersmith and Chet’s in Shepherd’s Bush.
🥒 Recipe of the Week: Asian Cucumber Salad
A fresh, crunchy cucumber salad that is perfect for summer and ideal alongside an Asian style bowl, chicken, rice or salad.
Ingredients
• 1 large cucumber
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Chilli crisp or chilli oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• Sesame seeds, optional
• Spring onions, optional
• Crispy onions or crispy toppings, optional
Method
Slice the cucumber in half lengthways, then chop into half-moon pieces. You can also smash the cucumber if preferred.
Place in a bowl or jar.
Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chilli crisp or chilli oil and crushed garlic.
Toss everything together until the cucumber is well coated.
Leave to sit so the flavours develop.
Finish with sesame seeds, spring onions or crispy toppings if you like.
Serve cold with an Asian bowl, chicken, rice or salad.
Perfect for hot days when you want something fresh, quick and delicious.
Thank you for listening to Season 3 of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life. If you’ve enjoyed the season, please follow, rate, review and share the podcast. Your support helps more women discover the show.
Until next season, keep talking, keep laughing and keep finding the banter in everyday life.
Anu x
A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving
One of my all-time favourite novels. A moving story of friendship, fate and unforgettable characters that has stayed with me for years. If you’ve never read it, this summer might be the perfect time.
📺 Watch of the Week
Criminal Record (Apple TV+)
A gripping British crime drama starring Cush Jumbo. Clever, compelling and perfect if you’re looking for your next series after the football.
🥦 Recipe of the Week: Roasted Broccoli Two Ways
A simple summer recipe that’s perfect as either a side dish or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Base Recipe
• 2 heads (or bunches) of long-stem broccoli
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Garlic powder
Version 1 – Side Dish
• Parmesan flakes
Version 2 – Summer Salad
• Toasted flaked almonds
• Crumbled feta
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• Salt & pepper
Method
1. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
2. Roast for around 15 minutes until tender with lightly crisp edges.
Version 1: Finish with Parmesan flakes and serve warm.
Version 2: Allow the broccoli to cool, then top with toasted almonds and crumbled feta. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper before serving.
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could follow, rate and review Banter. Every review helps more women discover the podcast and join our wonderful community.
📚 Book of the Week
You Are Here by David Nicholls
A warm, funny and uplifting story about loneliness, friendship and second chances. Following two middle-aged strangers on a long-distance walking journey across northern England, it’s the perfect summer read.
🥔 Recipe of the Week: Crispy Mashed Potatoes Two Ways
Perfect as a side dish or turned into a delicious potato salad for summer gatherings and barbecues.
Ingredients
For the potatoes:
• 750g baby potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
Optional topping (side dish version):
• Pickled red onions
• Chopped pickles
For the potato salad version:
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard
• Capers
• Chopped pickles
• Fresh dill
• Chives
• Lemon juice
• Red onion
• Spring onions (to serve)
Method
Boil the baby potatoes until soft.
Drain and place on a baking tray.
Gently smash the potatoes using a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
Bake until golden and crispy.
Option 1: Crispy Potato Side Dish
Top with pickled red onions and chopped pickles before serving.
Option 2: Crispy Potato Salad
Allow the potatoes to cool. Mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, pickles, dill, chives, lemon juice and red onion. Fold through the potatoes and finish with extra chives and spring onions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and review Banter. Your support helps more listeners discover the show and means the world to me.
- An honest Botox update
- Retinol eye patches and beauty recommendations
- Book, TV and restaurant recommendations
- Recipe of the week: French Beans with Pesto, Lemon & Parmesan
Banter Recommendations
📚 Book: Yesteryear by Caro Claire
📺 TV:
The Four Seasons
Alice and Steve
🍴 Restaurant: Chet’s at The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush
