Banter: Real Talk. Real Life.

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.

🍽️Banter Bites

Tosa – Hammersmith

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.

You can also find more recommendations, clips and recipes on Instagram @banter.pod

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.

🎬 Film Recommendations: Classic films such as

Billy Elliot

The Holiday

📺 TV Recommendations:

Ted Lasso

Bridgerton

Emily in Paris

Offspring - a fabulous Australian soap on Netflix

🍴Favourite Meal 

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

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

• 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.

Salad Base

• Chopped iceberg lettuce

• Chopped red cabbage

• Grated carrot

• Avocado (or whatever you have in the fridge)

Dressing (Inspired by Baked by Melissa)

• 3–4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 generous tbsp miso paste

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 large garlic clove, grated

• Salt and pepper

Shake really well. Toss everything together. Dress generously.

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.

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

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 🤍

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

🍳 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.

In this deeply honest episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu sits down with Laura Behnke - a US based former sports anchor, mum, wife, cancer survivor and all round incredible human.

Laura shares her journey from covering Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and the American Women’s World Cup celebratory parade in New York City, to navigating the disadvantages of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

She opens up about finding love at 35, expecting her happily ever after… then facing grief, an IVF journey and ultimately stage three cancer.

With courage and candour, Laura talks about adapting to a “new normal,” the importance of listening to your body and why breaking the taboo of talking about poop with your doctor could literally save your life.

Together, Anu and Laura explore surrender, resilience and why real stories matter more than curated social media lives. It’s a powerful conversation about survival, identity and learning to work with your body, not against it - offering hope to anyone facing illness, recovery or major life change.

In true Banter style, Laura also shares some of her favourite comfort picks:

📚 Book: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss - a beautiful story about all kinds of love

📺 TV: The Pitt starring Noah Wyle - raw, gripping and deeply human

🎬 Feel-good films: Pitch Perfect 2 and Eurovision on Netflix - comfort watches on repeat

🍰 Recipe tease: Laura’s easy Mexican Churro Cake - a simple crowd pleaser perfect for brunch or dessert (full recipe coming soon!)

If this episode resonates, please follow, rate and share Banter: Real Talk, Real Life with someone who might need it 🤍

February is here and in this episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu reflects on letting go of January pressure and discovering that progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder.

A family trip to Abu Dhabi brings rest, beautiful food and time with close friends but real life arrives too. Just after landing, Anu receives news that her son has been taken to hospital. From the shock of being far away, to a long day waiting for updates, to the relief when he’s able to go home, this episode gently explores how joy and worry often exist side by side.

Anu talks about slowly allowing herself to enjoy the moment again, finding grounding through creativity, good food and the comfort of adult friendships, the kind that don’t need constant maintenance but show up when it matters.

In this episode:

Abu Dhabi: travel, food, creativity & staying present

When life collides: holding joy and worry at the same time

Adult friendships: calm, supportive & grounding

Letting go of January pressure: progress without force

Recommendations:

• Book: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

• TV: Steal, starring Sophie Turner

🍽️ Recipe of the Week

Caper Butter Sea Bass with Zesty Parmesan Macaroni & Cavolo Nero

A simple but special dinner; fresh, comforting and easy.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 sea bass fillets

• Plain flour, for dusting

• Butter

• Capers

• Macaroni

• Lemon zest

• Parmesan cheese

• Fresh dill

• Cavolo nero

Method:

Lightly dust the sea bass in flour and pan-fry skin-side down in butter until crisp. Remove from the pan, then add more butter and capers. Return the fish, season, and baste for another minute.

Cook the macaroni, then finish with butter, lemon zest, fresh dill and Parmesan. Steam the cavolo nero and serve alongside.

Life feels noisy right now - advice everywhere, habits to fix, routines to perfect. In this episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu slows things down and shares what she’s actually taking from it all: small changes, honest updates and letting go of pressure.

She checks in on life lately, shares a realistic update on decluttering (momentum over motivation, progress over perfection), reflects on how the body holds stress after a visit to the osteopath and gives a candid, non-polished update on quitting smoking.

As always, there are plenty of Banter recommendations:

Banter Bites: Holy Carrot, Notting Hill

TV Recommendations: Heated Rivalry and Agatha Christie: Seven Dials

Book Recommendation: Until August — first impressions

🍽️ Banter Recipe of the Week:

Asian Sticky Chicken with Sesame Broccoli & Smashed Cucumber Salad

Fresh, comforting, and perfect for busy weeks.

Sticky Chicken Marinade

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1½ tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)

• ½–1 tsp chilli flakes or sriracha (optional)

Marinate chicken (thighs work best) for 30 minutes–12 hours. Cook hot and glaze at the end.

Sesame Garlic Broccoli

• 1 large head broccoli, florets

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

• 1–2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1–2 tsp soy sauce

Sauté garlic briefly, add broccoli, splash of water, steam, then finish with sesame oil.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

• 2 large cucumbers

• 1 tsp salt

• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1–2 tsp sugar or honey

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• Chilli crisp or flakes (optional)

Salt cucumbers 10 minutes, drain, toss with dressing, rest briefly before serving.

A reminder that small wins count in habits, health and headspace.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and review the podcast. And share it with someone who might need a little real-life encouragement 🤍

In this episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life, Anu turns her attention to the kind of life admin most of us avoid and explains why putting it off can create far more stress than dealing with it calmly and early.

A Gentle January Reset

January begins slowly, with Anu embracing short bursts of decluttering to create space and clarity. From clearing out clothes and letting go of chipped plates to finally paying off a lingering credit card, this isn’t about a full reset, just easing pressure and doing what feels manageable. No big goals yet. Just breathing room.

Life Admin (The Important Stuff We Keep Avoiding)

Drawing on her day job as a wills & probate private client lawyer, Anu dives into why wills, probate and powers of attorney are so important and why they so often stay at the bottom of our to do lists.

She breaks it down in a clear, reassuring way:

• ​ Why having a will is about certainty and choice, regardless of how much you own
• ​ What happens if you don’t have one (the intestacy rules and why they often surprise people)
• ​ Common misconceptions, including what married couples assume will happen
• ​ Why probate can become costly, slow and stressful without planning
• ​ What a power of attorney is and why not having one can mean court involvement, long delays and added expense if something unexpected happens

This is practical, real-life advice designed to inform, not overwhelm and a reminder that you’re not behind!

If you have further questions , please get in touch! You can find out more or message Anu on the socials: Instagram, TikTok or via email: [email protected]

Banter Recommendations

Banter Bites:

🍽 The Tamil Prince, Islington - a standout South Indian restaurant set in a pub. Unexpected, delicious and full of flavour.

Book (Audiobook):

📖 Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner - a fascinating and revealing listen from Hugh Hefner’s last wife, offering a perspective few have heard.

TV:

📺 New Year Days - a Spanish series told across ten New Year’s Eves over a decade. Beautifully acted, deeply human and completely absorbing.

Film:

🎬 One Battle After Another - starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro. A bold action thriller with dark humour and sharp political commentary on modern polarisation.

Recipe of the Week: Low-Effort Comfort Food

Anu shares a simple, satisfying dinner that delivers every time.

Ingredients:

• ​ Rotisserie chicken (½–1 chicken) Great ones from Waitrose
• ​ Iceberg lettuce, chopped
• ​ Avocado
• ​ Cucumber
• ​ Red onion
• ​ Sweetcorn

Garlic Dressing:

• ​ Olive oil
• ​ White wine vinegar
• ​ 1–2 cloves garlic, finely crushed
• ​ Salt & pepper
• ​ A drizzle of honey

Side:

Sweet potato wedges roasted with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt & pepper.

Finished with sweet & spicy jalapeño relish (Waitrose) and Anu’s pickled onions.

This episode is about tackling the things that quietly weigh on us gently, clearly and without pressure.

If you’re enjoying Banter, please rate, review, follow or comment - it really helps the podcast grow.

Thank you so much for listening 💛

​

​For all enquiries, please email [email protected]

Recorded on a cold, bleak January morning, this week’s episode of Banter: Real Talk, Real Life is all about slowing down, resetting after Christmas chaos and easing gently into the new year.

The Non-Ski Ski Trip

Anu shares highlights from a 4 night family break in Mayrhofen, Austria as a calm reset before returning to work. After a skiing accident a few years ago, she made the decision to stop skiing and fully embrace a slower pace. With teens sleeping in, her husband and daughter on the slopes, and amazing food at their hotel each night, the trip became the perfect January retreat.

Type 1 Diabetes & Problem-Solving on the Slopes

Anu opens up about the irony of her son, the keenest skier, living with Type 1 diabetes and the challenges cold climates bring. After a stressful first day, she turned to ChatGPT for practical advice on energy levels, timing food and managing glucose levels, sharing how small changes helped him enjoy the rest of the trip.

January Overwhelm & When to Pause

Back home, Anu reflects on January overwhelm - cluttered spaces, mental fog and the pressure to set goals before feeling ready. Instead of forcing productivity, she chose a gentler approach: 20 minute decluttering bursts, tea breaks, reading and waiting until the right headspace arrived.

Banter Recommendations

Book of the Week

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A surprisingly warm, comforting read - perfect for easing into January.

TV Recommendations

Runaway (Netflix) - A Harlan Coben adaptation watched with her daughter. Not groundbreaking but highly watchable with classic cliffhanger endings.

The Night Manager (BBC iPlayer) - Gripping and brilliantly cast. Tom Hiddleston shines alongside Indira Varma in this John le Carré adaptation.

Task starring Mark Ruffalo - Mixed reviews but entertaining and hard not to enjoy with Ruffalo on screen.

Looking Ahead

A little winter escapism on the horizon — Bridgerton, Shrinking, and a conscious effort to get back to the cinema this year.

Banter Bites

Le Swine, East Sheen

Anu’s weekly favourite for incredible fresh produce, outstanding bacon butties, homemade sauces (chipotle, mushroom ketchup-style), in-house pickles, delicious burgers, wonderful staff and fun evening events with cocktails and music.

Recipe of the Week — Anu’s Pork Bánh Mì

A fresh Vietnamese style sandwich that’s easy to adapt!

Ingredients

For the pork (or alternative):

• Pork (or chicken, tofu, prawns or mushrooms)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Plenty of garlic, crushed or grated

• Fresh ginger, grated (optional)

• Optional oyster sauce (Anu keeps it simple)

Quick pickles:

• Red onion or radish, thinly sliced

• White wine vinegar or rice vinegar

• Hot water

• Sugar, to taste

Fresh filling:

• Grated carrots

• Cucumber sticks

• Fresh coriander

• Fresh jalapeños (optional)

Sauce:

• Mayonnaise

• Sriracha

To serve:

• Baguette

• Prawn crackers or sweet potato fries (optional)

Method

1. Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Add the pork (or alternative) and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Place sliced onion or radish in a jar, cover with vinegar, add a splash of hot water and a pinch of sugar. Shake and set aside.

3. Fry the marinated meat until cooked and caramelised. Slice finely at an angle.

4. Prep the veg: grate carrots, cut cucumber, chop coriander and slice jalapeños.

5. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha to taste.

6. Fill the baguette with sauce, meat, pickles and fresh veg.

7. Serve immediately, ideally with prawn crackers or sweet potato fries.

A gentle reminder to take January at your own pace, there’s no rush. If you’re enjoying Banter, please rate, review, comment or share, it really helps the podcast grow.

Next week, Ep 15, Anu brings together her two worlds, exploring the importance of wills and powers of attorney.

Thank you so much for listening 🤍