Life with Nat - EP122: Nagging with Auntie Linny #11

Episode Date: June 4, 2025

Birthday Girl Linny is back in the hot seat, chatting birthdays, holiday hacks, and family dynamics Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠ INSTA: @natcass1 We're also on Facebook now too: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifewithnatpod⁠ A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠[e-mail]⁠ SHOW INFO: Life with Nat - it’s me! Natalie Cassidy and I’ll be chatting away to family, friends and most importantly YOU. I want to pick people's brains on the subjects that I care about- whether that’s where all the odd socks go, weight and food or kids on phones. Each week I will be letting you into my life as i chat about my week, share my thoughts on the mundane happenings as well as the serious. I have grown up in the public eye and have never changed because of it. Life with Nat is the podcast for proper people. Come join the community. ♥️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Product availability varies by region. See app for details. Lynn, it's twenty past nine. Hi everyone. Do you know what time I got here guys? After my usual going to work, doing my hours walk, rushed here for 8 o'clock. 7.57 actually. And we've been chatting for an hour and a half. That's because we haven't seen each other.

We've actually done our pod, so bye everyone, it's been an absolute pleasure. And not recorded. Welcome to everybody, I hope you're all well. I know that I've been super busy and last week was, I shouldn't beat myself up but I just feel like I haven't really concentrated on you. So it's so lovely to have Auntie Lynnie here tonight to do a real proper pod. How are you? I was going to say how are you but I know how old she is because we've had nearly two hours together. We've had a right old catch up, lovely. We needed it though.

Yeah, absolutely. I've really missed you. I hate being away from you for that long. It's not just being away from you when I'm working away, but we've not had any communication because we've been so busy. And that's really unusual, isn't it? It's not even texts. Nothing. Well, I had to text you, so that says something. It does say something. I'm so sorry.

No, but I'm glad you're busy. That's all that matters now. Thank you. It's been really lovely. I've really loved having a chat. Thank you. This morning, may I add, I really shit myself because I thought I'd done something wrong. So as you all know, I put a message out for tonight's pod saying, oh, it's Auntie Lynnie's coming over, we're going to do a nice pod. When this goes out, Auntie Lynnie's birthday is imminent and I've had loads of happy birthdays for her. I've sent a few on our group because we've got a little group, chats with Auntie Lynnie so I can work it

all out. She's text me, how do they know it's my birthday? Shit myself. I said, oh, because I put it in a message. Is that all right? No, that's fine. Natalie, when you get to my age, you won't want anyone to know it's your birthday. I didn't say it was your early age. I just said it was your birthday. Well, I'm going to stick with Alfie. So the other Saturday I was with Maria and the kids and Maria said to Alfie, he was playing with me and he thinks I'm his age. I do think he actually thinks I'm his age. And so Maria's gone to him, Alfie, how old do you think Nonna is? He went 38. And Maria went, hmm. So you think mummy, so you know mummy's 38 don't you?

So how can mummy's mummy be 38? And he went, oh yeah. He said, no, I think Nona's 50. So I went, I'll take that. So guys, I'm 50. 51 next birthday. Auntie Lynne is exactly 20 years older than me and I'll let you work that out.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Auntie Lynnie, happy birthday to you. You've got a lot of enthusiasm there, Denz. Happy birthday, Lynnie. Thank you so much for making the podcast so wonderful. Mondays and Thursdays are definitely my most favourite days. Enjoy every minute. And that was from Tracy who also said, a good airport hack to make it a nice experience is to have a Prosecco. it a nice experience is to have a Prosecco. Oh, I love that, Tracey. First, thank you so much that you've made the effort to wish

me happy. But that's so sweet, honestly. It's quite overwhelming, the messages, I have to say. People go to such lengths. They really do. And I'm loving the airport hack. Although I might go with the bottle rather than the glass. Are you looking forward to going away? Well, you know what? Oh, hang on. She's just raised the eyebrow as if it's the worst thing in the bloody world. It's shocking, isn't it? And I am, I'm not going to say well-travelled, but we've done a few holidays in our time, but I'm a bloody nightmare. I just get a little bit nervous leaving everyone behind. We're going with

friends so my girlfriend that I walk with, Tina and her husband. So yeah, and we've had family holidays with them so really comfortable in that regard. Bless her, she's organised it all because Dave and I are useless. All I know is we're going to Ibiza, BA and Gatwick Airport. Lovely though, you're going to do a bit of passion. You're going to have a little rave. Well, one of my staff members is actually going to be in IP for it at the same time, and that's exactly where he's going to be.

He said he's going to look me up and drag me over there. So I might surprise you all. If I get a picture of you... How funny would that be? By the deck. No, of course I'm looking forward to it. And I think we don't, well, I don't... You deserve it. I need it.

But yeah, I can't say I'm not apprehensive. I just get apprehensive about leaving now kids and grandkids behind and the dog behind and you know what it's like guys. Is it just me or am I not normal? No, I think you're very, very caring and you just love everybody and want to be there, but you need to take time for yourself. And it's really important. I know.

Elliot's given me loads of books to read. Oh, lovely. I've got podcasts now as well. And Tina and I just don't stop chatting. So we'll have loads to ramble on about. But I hate airports. So I just, yeah, I don't think that I just find them. I hate... so I just, yeah, I don't think they're the, I just find them.

I'd hate, well listen, you're talking to the wrong person because you know I don't like holidays. I am, I'm doing well. Went to Greece last year, going to Greece this year. Lovely. But this whole, oh I love getting to the airport. It's not for me. I know, it's mad.

Do you know what Natalie, they are busy places. They are. They cause complete confusion in your mind when you're there. I feel like it's a bit like the Liverpool Street Station thing, isn't it? Where you've got to walk and just keep walking or someone is going to knock you over and then you're trampling over people's hand luggage that has been wheeled around or someone will just stop in front of you and you just trip over them. You're trying to find somewhere to eat, you're constantly clock watching because you don't want to miss your flight. I find airports, like I just feel like I'm a bit of a sheep being told where to stand, what to do, how to do,

when to do it, take your shoes off, don't take your shoes off, take your watch off, don't take your watch off and maybe I'm too old, not too old, I'm not too old. Maybe you just don't take your shoes off, don't take your watch off, don't take your watch off. And maybe I'm too old, not too old, I'm not too old. Maybe you just don't like being controlled and they're quite a controlling environment, I think. And I feel like you pay a lot of money now for these flights. So it should be kind of seamless, respectful. People should give you the time of day. Yes, we've been a bit spolt in the past. We did some fantastic corporate trips. So you

kind of see the other side of flying. Yeah. And I don't see why it can't be like that to a fashion for everyone. Let's see, these flights are a lot of money now. I know. Incomparable to what you used to pay. I know. And yeah, I just, you know, for instance, when you go through security, am I wrong? Is anyone else ever had this fault? when you go through security, am I wrong in saying, has anyone else ever had this fault? So you get to security, you've got to put your stuff in the box. So your bag, your passport, your watch, your shoes, your cardigan, your iPad, whatever you've got on you, off that goes on its own. Then you've got to go through the bleeper thing and you bleep and then they've got to search you, which is fine. I get, I

totally understand that. But in the meantime, your bag with all your items are at the other end with a horde of people all diving in trying to get that. I mean, you're worried about it going. Oh yeah. Some of them just set up themselves, couldn't they have a little dip? I feel like that's the strangest thing. Is that just me? That thing? Have you ever thought that? I just think that is the that's when would you ever leave your handbag to whisper at one end of the till? Yeah, sure. At the other end.

No, I get it. I do get it. I think the reasoning behind it is everybody is in the same position and want their bag. Yes. But I do know what you mean. I just find that a bit... I know, I like it. 07788 20 1919. It's a cracker. But let's listen to some of the hacks I want to hear like, other than going into a nice

lounge which I get. Yeah, you can pay for a lounge and go and sit in a lounge, but then if everyone pays for a lounge, then to go into the lounges, then the lounges become the same as the airports. I just find them very confusing places. And I think your holiday should start at the airport. That's all part of the excitement. Here's a message for you. Hey Nat and Auntie Linnie, a few tips to make your airport experience better from someone that's ex cabin crew. There we go. Always, always, always book the earliest flight possible. Flights are far less likely to be delayed if they're the first flight

out of the day. I get that. Never leave less than two hours between connecting flights. If you do, don't moan about missing your connection. Take empty water bottles with you as nearly all UK airports have water fountains these days so you can top up your water for free after security. Look out for internet deals on lounges. Sometimes there are good deals to be had online but also check out online reviews because some lounges aren't worth paying for they're overcrowded and the food isn't replenished enough so be savvy have a good pod from Lucy in Madeira.

Thank you Lucy very very valuable information and I agree with a lot of what she said. Me too. Yeah and again the hat, she's right about the water because it's everything's so expensive at an airport and it is sometimes it's just the little tips that can just make your whole experience more pleasurable. But me it's not even so much any of that, it's the sheer fact of the queuing, the passport control. But you're never going to get a pass at unless you've got a private plane. No, I know. I hate airports. Yeah, I'm not a fan of them either. I don't like them. I'm not a fan.

Some people love it. I know. Can't wait to get to the airport. I'm happy once I'm on that plane, sitting there. I'm not. Yeah, see I am. I love that. No.

Oh really? I'm happy when I'm somewhere and all my stuff's unpacked. So I know I've got it and I'm in a room. And then that's the other nerve- wracking thing, isn't it? When you get to the other end and you're like, oh God, please let my suitcase be there. And you've got to find out how to get there. And it's transfer there or the coach there

or the bus there. It's a lot, isn't it? I find holidays really stressful. Yeah, with you a little bit. Like now I've got the whole thing about packing. Oh. Yet again, I said I wasn't gonna be unorganized this time. You need to talk to Scott.

My Scott, lovely Scott Mitchell. He packs about three weeks before the suitcase becomes open. He has a rail. He lines up his outfits and he thinks about it for about three weeks. Wow. Serial packer. Excellent. I mean, I remember one of my recent holidays, I packed a good 10 days prior to

the holiday and then I couldn't remember what I packed, so I unpack it all. I get it. I do get that. I'm like, did I put that top in there? I don't know. I hate packing. I hate packing. On the other hand, we're very lucky to be packing. Of course. Because there's a lot of people who don't even go on holiday. Absolutely. Airport, we always go to the lounge, free with some credit cards, but if not, not outrageously expensive when you are in a calm environment somewhere, nice to sit,

and even a glass or two of your favourite tipple, food also included, Amanda from Suffolk. So a lot of people are going for head to a lounge. Yeah, which I get that. Absolutely. And it's probably not super expensive and it just starts your holiday off on a nice note. Absolutely. Well, I'm moving on and I thought this was lovely.

So I'm gonna play this. Morning Nat, just saw your note on Instagram about your next pod with your Auntie Lynnie. First and foremost, happy birthday Auntie Lynnie. Hope you have a fabulous day. Secondly, you asked about children and order of birth and stuff. I've got twins, they were born two minutes apart and I've absolutely got a first child and a second child. The first one bosses the second one around and it's very much a older brother.

And the second one, totally feral. Absolutely, totally second child, feral. So the other thing that you kindly said let's talk about tonight, because Lynnie's done this pod all on her own. I said, I'm so busy, what we're talking about? She said families and airports. I said, fucking happy days. Let's do it. This is where I'm at now. I can't think anymore. So we're doing it for her. Lynnie did it. But I think family relationships dynamics is so, so big, so massive, and we're touching on it tonight.

How funny is that? Twins. And she knows she has a first and second child. Yeah. Now she said her second child is feral. I would agree. Joni's feral. Yeah. You've got three. How does it work? Where's your feral? Probably earlier. The bird. Yeah, it's an interesting one this, isn't it? Because we as parents will say, we've raised our children all the same. We have though.

Have we though? Oh, shocking. Because I think... We don't raise them the same. Of course we don't. Because you're a different human being at each time you give birth. We grow. We change as people. Life experience changes us.

You have children at different ages. That's what I'm saying, life experience. None of our children are brought up in the same way. No. Because we're different. So it's us that makes our children different then. Very much so. Because I've always quoted, you raise your children exactly the same.

So have I. But when you look into it and you think. And actually when you analyse it. Yes. Yeah. Because you think your first child, you, it's your first experience of having a child. Correct. So it's all new to you.

Potentially it could be the first grandchild, the first niece or nephew. And this, in our case, Maria was the first on both, the Cassidy side and my side. But also the cementing of your marriage, your love, everything. It's everything. It's you producing this being that you've made. It's just so overwhelming. You're just so... But I didn't have that experience. What do you mean?

I was in a relationship. Wasn't a happy one. No. So Eliza was my absolute life, but the experience that came with it wasn't a nice one. So again, everybody has a completely different experience. Which I guess is why you end up with children that are so different. For me, I just think like, Elia will always say, oh, you know, I was the third child and there's no photographs of me, say, for instance, because yeah, by the time we get to child number three.

That's bollocks. There's just photos everywhere in your ass. You're brilliant at pictures. You're brilliant. Well, I think back in the day, you remember, it wasn't like now, you had to have a camera and you had to have a video camera. So we did the best we could. But she is right to a degree when Maria was born, there's billions of photos because it's your first and that's all you do is click away out comes a camera. But some you get to number three, you're kind of over the photographs because you've got three children. You haven't got time.

But then Maria will say, but Ellie got away with murder because she did everything so much younger. She was allowed to do so much more. We were less strict with her. But yeah, because I guess by the time you get to the third, she's got siblings. She's trying to keep up with you. Also the worry that first worry has gone because the first one's done it and they're okay. The second one's done it. So you're a little bit more relaxed. It's an incredible thing. Listen to this from Anna in Newport, South Wales. Hi Nat and Auntie Lynnie, with regards to your question about family, I'm a mum to 14 year old twin girls. I always feel like I need to try and make things fair and equal from

the both. For example, they have an end of year school trip costing £50 in a few weeks. One wants to go while the other one doesn't. I've told the one who doesn't that I'll give her £50 to make it fair that they've both had the same amount spent. But if they were normal siblings at different ages, I don't think I'd feel quite the same. What do you ladies think? Big happy birthday to Auntie Lynnie, have fun celebrating, love the pod, keep up the good work. Anna. Oh, thank you, Anna. But isn't that, it's true. Is it the pressure of the equal ages that Anna's got?

Yes, massively. To have twins. I can't imagine it, can you? No. Well, only my experience of grandchildren that feel like twins for me. So I guess that's the only experience I've had of twins. Yes. But yes, Anna, I kind of understand where you're coming from. It would be different for me in the sense that my children, whilst there was only a 14-month gap between Elia and Dominic, there are gaps. So I guess if one's going on a school trip, I'm not going to treat the other two. Because that's coming. Because I know that's going to come or it's been. So yeah, I kind of understand because I interestingly, Anna, I do what you do with the grandchildren. Say

for argument's sake, I was buying a magazine for one grandchild. I'm not going to just buy one magazine. I'm buying three for the toddlers because obviously the babies don't. Do you know what I mean? So I kind of, I do that to myself with the grandkids. But even with my own children, now as adults, I've got a spreadsheet for each child, genuinely. I trust me, because my memory is diabolical. So I have a spreadsheet. So if ever any child gets so when they bought their houses, we help them. When they had their babies, I bought nursery furniture, I bought the pram or I bought whatever it may be. And you do a little spreadsheet.

These are expensive items. So I log it. So I make sure- Everyone's equal. Everyone is equal. Not that they care, that they are- But you know. But I know that I am being fair and that when they had their weddings, they all got wedding money. So, yeah. That's really good.

I've got a spreadsheet for them. Have you got a spreadsheet for me? Little spreadsheet? No. Just a little one. Have you got one for me? Just a little one. You've got a massive spreadsheet.

Cheers, babe. Yeah, you, I feel like as a parent, you want to be fair. I'd hate the thought of one child thinking the other one. I'm going to throw it out there and say, I don't think I'm... Like that? No. I don't think I am because I think all children have different needs. No.

And look look absolutely. I feel that Eliza and Joanie for instance, Christmas is absolutely Eliza gets more money spent because of her age, because of the gifts that she is getting. But that will come to Joanie. It will. So you're telling me Eliza wants to go to, I don't know, dance academy somewhere and that's a subscription of 25,000 pounds. Let's just say I'm just throwing it out there, stupid money. I'm using an exaggerated example. So because that's a substantial amount of money,

you wouldn't feel the need to give Joni the same at some point in her life. Yes, at some point. Yeah, so I'm not talking about tenors and 20s and 30 quids. If you're spending money, for me, I've got this real hang up about being fair. No. And with the babies on a smaller scale. I'm the same.

Yeah, yeah. I'm the same with your babies. You do it at Christmas. You ring me up and go, I've spent so much on Maria, but I've spent the same on, I don't know, Dominic, but it only looks like a small thing because it's only one item. And I'm like, Natalie, they don't care. They don't mind. It's not about the value. It's the fault that's gone into it.

But yes, parents, I understand Anna, where she's coming from. And the twin thing probably does apply more pressure. I agree. So you've always been picky about your produce. But now you find yourself checking every label to make sure it's Canadian. So be it. At Sobe's, we always pick guaranteed fresh Canadian produce first. Restrictions apply. See in-store or online for details.

It won't take long to tell you neutral's ingredients. Vodka, soda, natural flavors. So, what should we talk about? No sugar added. Neutral. Refreshingly simple. Good morning, it's Denise from Holbridge. I've just seen your message. So before I get snowed under at work, I just wanted to wish Auntie Lynnie for her upcoming birthday. A very, very, very happy, magical birthday, Auntie Lynnie, and I hope you have a lovely holiday too. And just,

I love listening to you and that together. I will have a think about the other question you posed. I've got two boys, they're adult children, but one has moved back home he's 23 nearly 24 and oh my god he is driving me nuts because he wants to be a child and looked after but then he's an adult and knows best so I will try and get back later but yeah can't wait to listen to the pod thanks for everything you all do I love the one with you and Mark recently and you and Tony. I think I will save his voice to help me get to sleep. Menopause, lack of sleep. Anyway, I better go because I'm getting on. Thank you, Denise. Isn't it lovely? What I love about people is it's, they've got a full-time

job to do, but they're fitting in messaging us. And she's even saying, I'll try and get back to you later about the question, but that is so lovely. I'm loving the birthday wishes. That's really lovely. It's lovely, isn't it? Yeah, really lovely. Have a listen to this.

Hi, it is Cathy from Northern Ireland. I just want to wish Auntie Lyn a very, very happy birthday for next week. And just let her know that she gives her out brilliant advice about cleaning, about everything else. And I just love your pods. I absolutely love them and these are the best. And the nieces are fantastic too. Just love yous all. Thank you and you always make my day.

Thank you so much. Love you. Happy birthday Auntie Blonde. Bye bye, love you. Thank you. Kathy. Oh, thanks Kathy. I am gonna be in Ibiza for my birthday this year.

I know you are, which is why we're doing this now. It's very selfish actually. Which is quite unusual that I'm going to be away for my birthday. Yeah, but it's nice. Yeah, but that wasn't meant to happen. That was because I had to move my dates because I'm having the baby, Baby James. How do you feel about being away for your birthday? Kind of relieved because all the attention's not gonna be there

so I can just be away and not have all the paraphernalia that comes with it. It's weird as you get older again, you don't, I don't know, it's strange. But sad that I'm not gonna be with the grandkids, but we'll probably do something the first day before I go away. But that wasn't a choice.

I didn't do that intentionally. I was meant to be here, but I've got baby James the following weekend because Ellie has a bridesmaid, her best friend, Ellie's wedding in Cornwall. So yeah, that's how, that's why that's happened. But it'll be nice to be away. Absolutely. For a change. It's nice. I don't think I've ever been away for my birthday.

No, it's been really lovely. So it's the first, yeah. How are you feeling about the age? Yeah, it's rubbish. Is it? Yeah, not great. Yeah, I don't like it. I don't like the 60s.

Just feels old, and I'm not. I didn't mind the 40s, really didn't mind the 50s, the 60s just thinks crikey. So every year, and it just goes so fast, doesn't it? Yeah, I can't believe how quickly this is going. We're already in... I can't believe you're 20 years older than me. It blows my mind. Not in a bad way, but I feel that we're the same age. I talk to you like we are on a level.

But because gaps close, you all get to a certain age. Like you think me and Maria, the relationship with the girls, well both the girls, it's not, I don't even feel like this gap. No. You know, we do all the same things to get, it's, yeah, I think as you get older, the gap does narrow. It's like children, isn't it? When you've got an eight year gap between two children, you go, oh, they're not going to be close because an eight year

gap. And then when they're... What, like me now? Well, yeah. And in a few years time... I hope so. That gap will shrink. I hope so. A hundred percent it will. They've been much better actually.

Good. You know. Yeah, because Joni's getting that. They've been bickering. Yeah, but that's good. And they do bicker, but there's pockets of all sitting on the sofa cuddling each other and having a laugh, which has been really enjoyable. Nice. Yeah. And they're going to be close. You're going to have, like one of the ladies

said in her messages, what did she say? It's our normal. It's our, it's not perfect, but it's our perfect because yeah, it's not, they're not going to be holding hands all day long every day. Skipping around. No, absolutely not. What about biting each other and pinching each other? Is that okay? Not really. No, all right.

Is that Eliza on Joni or Joni on Eliza? That's absolutely, it's both, both, but we'll skirt around the issue. Happy birthday, Auntie Lynnie. We all love you. You must be one of the UK's icons now, along with Natalie and the nieces, and Mark and Tony and all of you really. Yay! Happy birthday. Have a wonderful, wonderful birthday. Next week, I believe. Oh, bless love. Lovely. Thank you.

Hi, Nat. Simon here. This is only my second message, but I just saw on Facebook that you are doing a pod with Auntie Linnie, and that's one of my favorites. So I just wanted a message to say I'm currently sat outside waiting to collect my daughter from Brownies. An airport hack is, well I've just actually booked one to book a fast pass because my last experience of Stansted last year was absolutely awful. So a hack if you can afford it is to book a fast pass for security so you're not sat there waiting hours. I'm always one of those people then who look envious those people then who look envious when people then have their metal bottles filling them up at the water stations,

which I see at Heathrow a lot and then I always forget and then spend about 15 quid on water and Smiths. So that would be another hack if people remember, take a water bottle, fill it up once you've got through. Anyway, absolutely love the podcast, looking forward to listening to this one. And yeah, thanks very much. Bye. Thank you, Simon. Simon, Simon Stamsted Airport. There is interestingly, we learnt this by default. And again, my friend that I walk with mentioned it as well tonight.

He's right about the fast track, but there is an area in Stamsted Airport, when you go through passport control that nobody sees. There's just one particular area that you can go to. That Natalie no one knows it's there. Don't tell anyone. No, I know. So I'm not going to tell you where it is.

But interestingly, there is. We discovered this when we went away with Annalisa's family because her dad just sort of wandered off and we're like, we're all queuing and we're like, where are you going? He said, no, you can go through this bit as well. And interestingly, Tina mentioned it tonight as well. But yes, fast track, I guess is another Cut to everybody. Piles of people in a silent, quiet place in Stansted, we're like, fucking hell. Oh, bless him. A bunch of sperm all together. Yep, yep, yep. Happy birthday, Auntie Lynnie, the nation's favorite auntie.

Never mind these lice aunties, we all know where it's really at. You genuinely don't look a day over 21, and it's clear from listening to the pod that you're beautiful on the inside and the outside because your warmth and your kindness really shine through. And as another listener has said before me, it really feels like you're speaking, connecting with the audience and it's an absolute pleasure to listen to you. You deserve to have the best birthday ever. I hope you get thoroughly spoiled and I hope you have a wonderful time

in your holiday and I can't wait to hear all about it on the pod soon. Happy birthday! From our lovely Naomi. Oh, that nearly made me cry that one. Oh, there you go. Thanks, Naomi. That's so sweet. Thank you so much. They're great, aren't they, our listeners?

They're amazing. To make the effort to call in, it's really endearing, honestly. But I'm not your auntie, I'm your sister-in-law. Just putting it out there. No, I'm Auntie Lynnie. No, I know. How was it? Again, I'm, yeah.

Because you're just Auntie Lynnie to the kids. Yeah, it's lovely. It hasn't got the same ring, has it? Chats with sister-in-law Lynnie. It's not quite... Ooh, does have the same ring. I'll say Auntie all day long. But should we go back to the children, siblings and how

we decided to discuss this because of... The Beckhams. Yeah. I think so. It just made me feel really sad to think that... I want to talk about it from a media point of view first before you go onto it on a level of what we've seen. Yeah. Do you think there's no truth in it?

I think people are obsessed with wealth and success. The same as Meghan Markle and Harry. We don't know those people and they have been vilified. Don't know Meghan Markle, don't know Harry. Yes they are, it's apparent they're not next to their family like Lou, but they've decided to just live their own lives. And I feel the same with the Beckhams. It annoys me. We don't know what has happened. No.

Okay. And we don't, it's not for us to know. It's not for us to know. Unfortunately, as you know, we're better than anyone when you're in the public eye. has happened. No. Okay. And we don't, it's not for us to know. It's not for us to know. Unfortunately, as you know, we're better than anyone when you're in the public eye. It all gets elevated and you can see what's happening. It's illustrated. And because of Instagram and social media, we know Brooklyn was in his dad's 50th birthday.

Which kind of... For you and me. Yeah. That's... That's massive. Yeah. Yeah. It's a big thing to not be at a main birthday party.

But what if he or his girlfriend had a really important job that day? Massive job. Absolutely. We don't know. Do you think this rumour's then been created by the general public then? Do you think there's no truth? I think it's all media-based. I'm not saying there's no truth, but I think everything is blown up by the media. Well I hope, I genuinely do hope that is the case.

So do I. And that there isn't any friction. Or animosity. Or animosity. And if there is, it's just minor stuff that you can get over. I'd hate the foot, because they come across as a very close-knit family. Agreed. And a lovely normal family actually.

Absolutely. Whenever I've met them, and I've met them a lot. A lot. So it's sad to think that, you know, they're first born. But maybe their first born is just older, and has got a lot on. It's OK to have a lot on. No, that's not.

And the pressure, because his dad is who he is, maybe he's like, dad, I can't make that. Got shit going on, mate. And he's like, that's all right, bud. That's what I'm hoping in my brain. Yeah, well... And he's like, no problem. I love you to bits.

And then we're hearing this, that, tearing apart the family. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe there is anim nemosity. Well, I don't doubt the media exaggerate and don't know the full facts and they shouldn't know. It's not their business to know. They're a private one. They're not a private family because they are, you know, they they're on social media Natalie. Again, it's that fine line. Natalie. Again, it's that double-edged sword, isn't it? You kind of can't have one without

the other. If you are going to expose yourself and your family constantly on social media when things aren't so rosy. They're going to be seen. It's going to be seen. No, I get that. I get it. And maybe if you wanted to quash any speculations or incorrect information, you're better off perhaps just saying it how it is. Not that they need to justify themselves to anyone.

For me, it's not about any of that. I was going to say, what is it about for you? Because you said, let's talk about families and it was from that. It seems, and I'm generalizing here, guys. That's all right. As soon as it's predominantly the boys, as soon as the third party comes into the equation, like the Megan and Harry thing, I feel like that perhaps you know strong women, independent women, for whatever reason it then seems to cause this rift with what in many cases appears to be a tight-knit family.

And is this because perhaps the men are weaker and they just want to please their partner and will do whatever needs to be done or said to keep them happy. I think it's a really valid point. And I'm not saying, look, I really genuinely, I'm not saying it's the daughter-in-law's, I've got fantastic relate, as you know, with Annalisa. And that's what I had to do. I'm trying to imagine Dominic meeting Annalisa and then all of a sudden... Yeah, but what's the saying?

It's an old fashioned saying, but what is it? Don't know. Girls will be... there's a rhyme. Oh. Don't know. Bollocks. It's like girls will be with you forever, but when boys meet their wives, they're not in your lives. You know.

But I don't think that... I don't doubt that there is a saying, and I get why there is such a saying, I don't see why that should be the case. Well, there shouldn't be. And Lisa is a huge, like for us as a daughter-in-law, I'm as close to her as I am my son. You know I'm getting a mum for a telly reviews. Yeah, she's like, she's so excited.

She's my, well, I've never known anyone to watch so much telly. I finished off the telly and I thought, I know who's gonna do the telly reviews. Anneli. Oh bless her. But I speak to Anneli some more than I speak to Dom. Your mom used to speak to me more than she spoke today. Yeah, absolutely.

We'd speak, me and your mom spoke every day. Yeah, it just makes me sad. I just could not imagine Dominic distancing himself from us. I just think that we, from my point of view and my life, I don't believe it. I don't believe any of what you read. I think it's all blown up because they're such a famous family. Do you Natalie? Yeah I do. I think they're a close-knit family. The other thing I think,

if there wasn't any truth in it, they'd be saying something. So is there truth in it, which is why they're keeping quiet? You just don't know. Well, I hope whatever it is. But it's sad. Yeah, I hope whatever it is, it fixes.

Everyone's had issues in their families. Of course. Rifts, things happen. Oh my goodness. We've had it in the past. I hope that they're all okay. And I hope no one's hurting. I'm sure if anyone can...

Because they are a normal family. I'm sure if anyone can fix it, Victoria and David can. So I hope they do. But yeah, again. And also impacts the siblings as well because... Of course it does. If you're not seeing your big brother, it's hard. Absolutely.

I hope it's all bullshit. Yeah, me too. Samsung Vision AI televisions transform screens into intelligent solutions from the shows that make us laugh to those that make us cry. Now, your TV knows you more than ever, whether it's reviving old memories with AI upscaling or seamless hands-free control with universal gestures.

This isn't just television, it's a whole new vision because it isn't just about what's on, it's about who's watching. Learn more about Samsung Vision AI televisions at samsung.com. This is from Gemma. We have five daughters. Five. Gosh. The poor dad. Six women. I was going to say the poor fucking woman. 17, 16, 13, 10 and four. Congratulations. They are all very different in their own wonderful ways, yet

they have all been brought up the same. Our youngest definitely rules the roost and has everyone wrapped around her little finger. There you go. Five daughters and the four-year-old rules the roost. Amazing Gemma, how do you do that? Gosh. That is incredible. I might have to get you on. Five daughters. That's a lot. Five hormonal teenage years to go through. All in one household, all under the same roof.

I think I've told this story before when Dominic, I once said this on the podcast. And Dominic said randomly one day when we were all at home, we were chatting away. I don't know what it was about. The girls were being girls. And Dominic said, I really hope both the girls leave home before I do, so I can just experience being an open child. Actually, you have said that. I've always remembered.

This has always stayed with me. It never quite worked out for him, unfortunately. So he left just before Elia did. So he never got to experience that. But isn't it funny? But I do feel, now this is a debate, I do feel you love all three children exactly the same. No, I don't. I love them all differently for different reasons. But Dominic's my golden child.

But I do, so when you talk about Dom, there's a... No, but I feel about- Why, there's a sort of, I'm not saying- No, but I'm like that with any male. Oh, sorry guys. I'm like that with anybody, like Harry, the Harry thing. I feel upset for him. I just feel like, oh.

Because for me, I feel girls are strong. And- Because you're strong. Maybe. And I just think, and my girls are strong. My girls are strong and Lisa's strong. The women around, you're strong. The women around me are strong women.

So I just feel boys are a bit more vulnerable. So I feel more protective of them. And maybe that's, yeah, maybe that's why I am the way I am with Dominic but I don't feel I am like it just with Dominic. With my brothers I see a vulnerability so I just feel more protected. Oh I don't know what I'm saying. You're the worst of us all out of all of us. I'm the same with my brothers and they're...

And they're older men. I know but I feel so, when I look after them I love them, adore them. So is that just us being a bit old-fashioned or what is that? Just think it's a caring side of us, it's not a bad thing. No not at all. Morning lovely, how are you? I just read your shout out for a little auntie Linnipod tonight and family dynamics. Currently on holiday in Croatia, having an amazing time, but my son and my husband, my son's stepdad, have just gone off to do some ridiculous zipline. So I am gonna be sunning myself with a book

for a couple of hours and enjoying the peace. But it just made me think about family dynamics and in my household, we have, what do they call, a blended family. So when I met my husband, my son was only 18 months old and my two step-children were 15 and 17. So they were very much older than my son. Obviously they weren't down for having an 18 month old suddenly little baby brother. But we got there is what I kind of want to get to is now all the children I think have the best possible outcome. We all get on really well. They're great role models for my son.

My son is also blessed to have an amazing father who I get on really well with. So family dynamics for us are probably different to other people, but it works. For example, when it's my son's birthday, his dad and his partner will come over and we'll all have a nice time for my son's birthday. Everything is as good as it could possibly be, but I fully appreciate that that is not that case for everybody. So it just made me think this morning how lucky I am in that respect and I know that's not always the case. But anyway, maybe not what you were looking for, but there you go. Anyway, I hope you're really well. Love to

Auntie Lynnie and yeah, let's catch up soon love. I'm going off to sun myself by the pool. Enjoy. Yeah, love this. And I love the blended family. That's brilliant. No one. Listen, you're very fortunate. If you've been married, 2.4 children, 2.5 children,

it's all worked out great. Lovely. I haven't got that. We're a blended family if you like. I guess you are. Of course. And we're very, very lucky to have worked out in the way we have. But what's really lovely is when people that part company can remain amicable. Well, good luck to them.

Oh no, I think that's incredible. And I think that's amazing for the children, that's it. Absolutely brilliant. Fantastic. So you know, to still... If you can do that, if you're able to have... And many people are, as you know. And it's lovely for the children because it normalises everything and they're seeing their parents as friends. Yes. Yeah. No, it's great. No, and I feel like it is important. And of course not everyone can have that, but you make the best of whatever situation

you're in. You can't do that if you're in a very, very precarious situation. Of course not. Or an unsafe situation. Of course not. But then I'm sure that, you know, the children, again, you've just got to nurture your children to the best of your ability. Whether you're a single parent, whether you're stepmums, stepdads, same sex parents, it doesn't matter. You've got an adopted child.

Yeah. Or grandparents are looking after a child. There's so many different ways. It's about love, care, thought, and just nurture. Because in the end, all you're doing is you're nurturing a plant, it's a little baby, and you are nurturing that baby to grow up, and you're going to let them go into the world on their own. You can't keep them forever. So all you're doing is nurturing them to be strong enough to go off.

That's why it's so important, isn't it, just to invest so much time in them when they're young. Love, care and time. Yeah, I totally agree. It's very important. A little bit like the plants that you've given me that are in the boot of my car. That is very much how I analyse. I've got a tomato plant, I've got a cucumber plant and I've got a courgette plant. But it is, they're like your babies.

And you've put them in a pot. Look how you've nurtured them and how proud you are of them. I'm so proud. And now I'm giving them away and hopefully... We'll be the grandparents. But you'll be able to cook with them and pick them. It is true. Nature. It's all nature. Hey, lovely Natalie and Auntie Lini. It's Claire from Swanly. I'm sitting on Linda's bench in the middle of my walk. I hope you're doing well. Happy birthday Lynnie for next week. Have

a lovely day. Hope you do something special. I'm just responding to your little call out you put out earlier about family dynamics and I wish I knew really what it would be like to have more kids. This isn't like a poor me thing, it's just a different take. I'm a single mum, I only ever had one child, just the way life panned out for me. I always wonder what those dynamics would have been like. But I do find that being a single mum and having spoken to others as well in a similar situation, that I think the relationship is really different when it's just you and your child. And it literally is just me and my son. I've got a big family in terms of cousins and aunts and uncles and I've got a brother, but he's

not local to me. But in terms of immediate family, it's just me and him. And I feel, from my point of view as a mum, immense pressure to constantly be there for my child. I mean, he's 24 next week, but he still lives at home. He still very much needs me in an emotional sense, because he doesn't have the whole brother-sister thing. It's a different dynamic, I suppose, but I would always have loved to have had more children and for him to have that support network of brothers and sisters, but it just didn't work out like that. Anyway, I hope you're having a lovely day and enjoy your holiday as well, Lynnie. Take care.

Bye. Thank you, Claire. And this is from Fern, which I think adds to Claire's message. Hi, Nat. Firstly, just wanted to wish Aunty Lynnie a happy birthday for next week. Hope she has a wonderful day and holiday. Can't help with the family dynamics

as I only have one little boy, but he's the best thing that ever happened to me. Cliche, but true. One thing I find annoying however, with this setup, is people always ask, are you having any more? Like no one can get their head around the fact that you just want one child. Hope you and Lynnie have a great evening. Can't wait to hear the pod. Love fun. But this is what I'm saying.

The pressure. But she's happy. She's got her little boy. She don't want any more. Why is she being asked? Are you going to have another one? You're going to have another one? Yeah. Isn't it crazy? It is crazy. But I think that is well, maybe. So who was that Claire? Maybe Fern. Sorry, she'll say otherwise. I feel like that that is changing.

I mean, in my time, it was an even bigger pressure. You were married for longer than three months. If you weren't pregnant, they were like, oh. Yeah, so I think it is changing. But no one should feel under any pressure to do anything. And you shouldn't have to justify it. If you want to have one child, that's your choice. If you don't want to have children, good luck to you.

I actually think people that don't have children are quite selfless people. So do I. They're not feeling pressurized to do something that maybe they know deep down. They're not feeling pressurised to do something that maybe they know deep down. They're not going to put 100% into it. Absolutely. And it is a huge, massive, lifelong commitment to have children. Absolutely agree.

And Claire, yeah, don't, what a special bond that you have with your son, because he is your only child, you've been able to dedicate so much time to him, solely him. You know, again, when you have multiple children, you are spreading yourself thin. You know, especially if you have to have a job or you've got a career or you're running a home. You've got a home. Lynn, going away last week for a week, not being at home for a whole week, you know what? Yeah, how much guilt as well did you feel? Do you know something? It wasn't so much...

The girls were a bit older. Mark was at home, it was fine. Just missed them so much. But I loved it. I had a great week. Doing a secret job that I'll tell you all about soon. It was incredible, boring, boring.

I miss them all. But I loved what I was doing and I loved my week. I didn't feel guilty. Good. I didn't. But women do feel guilty. Men don't generally. Sorry men, sorry guys. I know not all of you. Sorry men. But it's but... No, I know what you mean. You know, I'll say, I'm Dave, even now to this day, if he goes away, he, I have to say,

you can't go away then because it's so-and-so's birthday, it's this grandchild's birthday, it's your son's birthday, it's your daughter's birthday. They don't think like we do, whereas I factor all these things in. Really interesting, I worked with a man last week and it was amazing and he went, oh, I've booked a job, someone everybody knows that I can't oh, I've booked a job. Someone everybody knows that I can't mention. I've booked a job. He said, I booked it. I looked at the calendar and I've had to cancel it

because it was mine and my wife's wedding anniversary. And I thought, oh, that is so nice. I said, really? It's only anniversary, get out to work. Yeah, no, I'm generalizing, of course, I'm not saying. I think. But women generally, before I even book to flipping get my hair done on a Thursday, I'm like, oh, let me just make sure.

No birthday, no this, no. You know, having an only child, it's what a fantastic relationship then you've got with that one child. Little human. Yeah, you're not having to juggle a million balls so don't feel bad. Well my two balls are downstairs one's still up and they shouldn't be. And they're breaking them. And they are busting our balls. Have a listen to this. Just seeing your message about family dynamics and does it matter if they're older or whatever

your message about family dynamics and does it matter if they're older or whatever. And I thought I'd just jump on to send you a quick message because my oldest daughter is an August baby. She's born the 4th of August. And then two years later, her little sister came along on the 3rd of August. Now that was all fine. That was great. She was a lovely little birthday gift here. Happy birthday. Here's your sister, sister, blah blah blah. Fast forward a couple of years and she used to have a epileptic rage over this because why should she have a birthday before mine? I'm the older sister. So we ended up having to save two presents back for the young guest to open on a big sister's birthday and let the other one have two presents earlier the day before just to stop the carnage. I mean my oldest daughter does have autism and so when she was little it was very black and white that she was older

so she should have her birthday first. We've come over that now. She's an age, she can get it. She's 14 so she'll be turning 15 in August. I'll have two teenagers come this August. Heaven help me. Have a lovely day. Bye Nat. I'll tell you something, heaven help you. Oh don't, the old hormones, two teenagers. I feel very blessed because I feel like Eliza was very young starting that journey. And I do kind of feel we have terrible rouse. Oh terrible. Oh they can be vicious, they can be really bad.

But they're few and far between now. And I think I did it all a bit early. Hope. Hope I'm through the worst now. Yeah, you must be. If it started early for her, you've probably... I don't actually remember. No, I know you say this.

I don't remember really having a torrid time withrid time. Oh, torrid. Gosh. Absolutely torrid. But Joni might not. Yeah. I look forward to when this pod six years old and we're talking about Joni's hormonal, she's going through stuff now. Yeah. You can see the hormonal surges, her wanting to do things on her own, thinking she knows it all. All starts around now. All the little surges start. I won't change it for the world though. They're all brilliant. I'm going to leave it here with a message for everybody, which I think is lovely to round it off. Hi Nat, Luke in Bristol here. Never text or called or written into anything in my life.

However, I've been on a binge of the pod for a couple of months and now I've caught up. I'm suddenly reduced to two EPS each week. How am I going to cope with it? While it was a bit bizarre hearing you plan for Christmas just as spring was springing in real time, every episode is the perfect accompaniment to everyday life. I wish I had Auntie Lily's love for cleaning. I could listen to her talk about that all day long.

I wish I had Tony's chilled outlook on life and the world. You and Mark chatting together is surely what every couple dream of being like. Nat's nieces, well, I hear myself agreeing with everything they say, except chocolate definitely lives in the fridge. Your daughters are both amazing, and it's a joy to hear their different perspectives on the world. And Nat, I'm no expert,

but your new venture into social care can be a more perfect fit from how I've kind of know the person you are from listening so avidly to the pod. You're going to smash the life out of that. And anyone having you care for them will be very lucky. I know we all say it, but having you lot in my ears most days is like having a glass or two with a bunch of cracking mates. Please keep it up. It's fucking brilliant and I live for the so long.

What a cracking message. Thanks Luke. Oh, thank you Luke. He's summed that up perfectly, didn't he? Really lovely. That's lovely. Really lovely. And it's boring and I'll always say it, but without the people that message, I'm nothing. Haven't got a pod. So thank you so much. Lynne, what a lovely chat we've had tonight. It's been a pleasure. On the pod and for an hour and a half. We've been chatting for four hours. We've been chatting for four hours. Do have a lovely break, you deserve it.

Thank you. Have a lovely birthday. Thanks darling. And we'll catch up very soon. Of course and thank you everyone, especially for my birthday wishes, means a lot. There's a lot more that I haven't played so I thank all of you for all your messages, it means so much to us all. And I'll see you soon.

You take care. 0778 20 1919. Subscribe, follow, tell your mates and give us a couple of stars. See you soon. Bye! Bye!