Episode 42

full
Published on:

2nd Sep 2025

Embracing Transitions - Beginnings, Endings and Lifelong Curiosity

In this episode, returning after a 2-week summer break, Lucy and Lisette explore the profound experiences of beginnings and endings, and how they navigate these pivotal life transitions as they approach their 71st birthdays.

As lifelong friends reaching milestone birthdays, their candid conversation sheds light on the complex emotions and perspectives that come with growing older. They explore their differing perspectives - Lisette's more future-oriented outlook versus Lucy's tendency to grieve upcoming endings -and reflect on their childhood experiences and how they have shaped their views on change.

Through sharing personal stories and insights, they offer a relatable and insightful glimpse into the joys and challenges of embracing change at every stage of life.

Key Insights:

• Lisette and Lucy share their differing approaches to endings, with Lisette embracing curiosity and new beginnings, while Lucy grapples with a fear of change and loss.

• The discussion delves into the concept of "selfish" activities like writing a book, and how eldest daughters often feel the need to prioritise work and family responsibilities over their own creative pursuits.

• The friends reflect on the generational divide, acknowledging the unique perspectives and global connections of younger generations, and the valuable role of elders in providing a sense of reassurance and wisdom.

• They explore the evolving landscape of investing and business models, discussing the emerging concepts of systemic investing and steward ownership, which aim to create more sustainable and socially conscious economic systems.

• Lisette and Lucy discuss the importance of finding ways to be "present" and not solely focused on work, even when traveling or on holiday.

Why You Should Listen

This episode offers a thoughtful and relatable exploration of the ebb and flow of life, as two old friends discuss the transitions of growing older. Through their candid dialogue, you are invited to consider your own relationships with change, and how you can embrace new beginnings while honouring the value of the past.

Whether you're an eldest sibling, a lifelong learner, or simply someone seeking inspiration to navigate life's inevitable changes, this conversation provides a refreshing and insightful perspective.

Join The Conversation

How do you feel about the transitions in your life? Are endings hard for you, like Lucy? Or do you glide over to new beginings with excitement and anticipation like Lisette? Or a mixture of both? How do you feel childhood experiences or your parents themselves influenced your approach to new phases of life?

If you feel like sharing, tell us your personal experience 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, 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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About the Podcast

The Year of Being 70
Two childhood friends who turned 70 in 2024 look back on their lives, their journey, and their busy lives at 70t
Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker are childhood friends. Born one month apart in 1954, they both hit 70 in 2024. In this podcast they take the long view of their experiences, the changes that have taken place through their 70 years of existence in their own lives, their families, their countries and the world. Lucy is British; Lisette is Dutch. Both are authors, eldest daughters and founders of businesses. Every week they check in on each other, recall their younger selves, discuss an important issue, and laugh a lot.
You'll love this podcast if you enjoy:
* Honest discussions between good friends
* Social history from the 1950s to present day
* Memories of growing up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
* Living and working through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s
* Hearing about families and relationships
* Entrepreneurship and business
* Writing and reading books
* A bit of politics from a personal point of view
* Women's issues and the changing face of feminism
* What it's like to be 70 in the 2020s

About your host

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Lisette Schuitemaker