Life with Nat - EP190: Nat's Chats #7 - life changes and teenage antics

Episode Date: January 15, 2026

Nat's dialled up some listeners for a chat! They've spoken about entitled teens, career changes, and the things we want to do this year - just for kicks! Enjoy!! xx Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We're on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifewithnatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nat's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natcass1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Marc's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@camera_marc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Niece's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natsnieces⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tony's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tonycass68⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linny's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auntielinny.lwn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MORE LIVE SHOWS! 07/02/2026 Brighton, The Forge ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 08/02/2026 Newcastle upon Tyne, The Stand ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 25/02/2026 Folkestone, Quarterhouse ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 28/02/2026 Colchester, Arts Centre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 07/03/2026 Manchester, Fairfield Social Club ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 22/03/2026 Leeds, The Wardrobe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 29/03/2026 Bristol, The Gaffe - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Club: January's Book - ⁠⁠⁠Wintering by Katherine May⁠⁠⁠ Nat’s solo chats - any rants always welcome. We're talking big career changes, the constant comparisions with others on social media... and the audacity of teenagers! Scraping the Barrel - SCAN AND SHOP VIRGIN NO LONGER! Bonce vs list! - Are you a list maker? Always collecting for Nostalgia Fest! What’s brewing with the Nieces - AGEING & non-negotiables Things we’re nagging with Linny about - More lateness stories and some cleaning questions, please! The Tony talks chatter - Keep your DIY questions coming, also open to some saucy two paragraph stories for Tony to read out at the Southend show - think cheeky postcards (both in tone and length)! Can we make Tony an influencer and get him any freebies?  A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello everybody and welcome to Life with Nat. Nat's chats today, a little solo ep, but I'm going to be joined by some listeners. I just wanted to thank everybody who dropped me a message yesterday to say they are around to have a chat because I do feel lately it's brilliant. I have all the family on and we're chatting away. But kind of the premise of the pod when it started was to include you guys as much as possible. And I feel because family members, we have lots of sort of running stories. things that are happening conversations.

Sometimes I don't get to squeeze in enough of the listeners. So that's why I like a match chat and I think it's really important. So I thought I'd start the solo app by telling you about my journey. As you know, she's nine. I've spoke to you before about her sort of growing up and hormones and stuff. And she's been really, really good. But the last couple of days I've really noticed since being back at school for a week I've noticed her becoming more self-conscious

and worried about what other people think of her, which really, really worries me because I don't want anyone to upset her. I don't want her to feel that she's not good enough within the class or not cool enough. So I'll give you an example. This morning she said, Mommy, could you do my hair?

I said, yeah, no problem. So I go to put it in the usual sort of plat. And then she said, can you just do something interesting because my hair looks really boring compared to other people's? And I said, well, you are going to school. It's not a fashion parade.

So anyway, she's done a plat and then she's put it in a crocodile clip which looks a bit absurd, but she thinks it's more interesting and it makes her more interesting. Then we're on the way to school and she said, this bag, this school bag, I need to get a black one. I want a grey one or a black one.

I just need... This is sort of a summery one. And it is, it is bright pink. smiggle one, it's got tropical theme. But I just think, wow, where's this come from? Why do you care what bag you've got? So anyway, I will help her. You know, I will give her a new bag, which is sort of darker. I've got one actually, an old one from when I've been at college, so she can have that. But how far do you go? Do you placate your children's needs all the time and give them exactly what they want, or do you have to turn around and say, darling, your bag is absolutely fine. You're only nine.

Don't worry about it. And I think there is a balance. I did say to her, I'm not getting you a new bag. You can have mummy's bag, but I'm not spending money on a new bag, because I think that's very important because things cost money and they don't really know how much things are yet, and it's important that you don't just give them everything they need. But in terms of this scenario, I feel she's self-conscious going to school and she feels uncool compared to others and I don't want her to feel like that. The next thing, obviously, along with this,

will be so-and-so's got a mobile. I'm not cool. So I don't want to make her feel like when she says she's not cool, she's going to get something because there are certain things that I'm not going to go back on. But yeah, a little bit of, bit of a funny old morning and I just feel like it's starting all over again. You go, here we go.

I remember this with Eliza. And when we're in for it again, there's another few years of this to be had. But I am going to remain strong and I just thought I'd mention it to see if anyone out there is experiencing the same. And also how quickly their minds change and their little personalities change as soon as they go back to that classroom and they ask them, surrounded by 30 other kids and that environment. And I do think it's quite powerful. I would love to hear from people who at home educate their children. I see a lot of it on Insta and it fascinates me.

And I think I would have loved to have done that actually. If I were at home and was privileged enough not to be able to go to work and earn money. And also, how do you afford to do that? I've got bags of questions and I think it's a really good subject. and maybe we should take a little deep dive into that one. I said deep dive for Mark, because he has a go at me for saying it, but sometimes it's necessary. So if you're listening, you know, that's the way it is.

He probably isn't. He's got a podcast he's listening to at the moment, as we all know. So, you know, forget it. So we're still in the deep depths of January. I'm recording this on the 13th of Jan. It's a Tuesday. It's really dark outside. It's pouring with rain.

I was meant to clean my rabbits out. They really need cleaning out. I'm going to have to do it later. I don't want to go outside and do it. I don't really want to be outside at all, but needs must. I am struggling with January. I find it slow. I find it boring.

I worry more. I feel like I've got more time to think about things that aren't happening. I haven't got bundles and bundles of work lined up for this year. I shouldn't be worried about that because you can't be busy all the time. And also I've made decisions and choices and said no to a lot of things. So I could be really busy now, but I've decided not to do certain things, which I'm proud of because it's very, very easy to say yes to everything to start a job and think, I wish I'd never done this.

And I don't want to feel like that. I don't want to feel like I'm doing something that I don't enjoy. So I'm being strong, but also that is quite nerve-wracking. It's very hard when you are used to, like me, a regular job, regular income for many, many years to step outside of that. And obviously I've spoken about that. And, you know, in my book I talk about it, being brave, changing career, you know, just changing everything up in your 40s. And I'm really loving it. and I'm really, really pleased I have done it.

And there's loads and loads of people who message me and say, thank you, I'm going to do the same. But let's have a chat with a few people this morning to see how they're feeling about January, what they're up to, any thoughts, and let's get stuck in. Hello. Hello. So, Julie, you message me yesterday.

Firstly, thank you for wanting to come on. No worries. You don't mind a bit of January, do you? I don't. I really don't. Don't get me wrong. I do understand people's negativity with January. It is cold and miserable.

Everybody has the post-Christmas blues. Yeah. No one's got any money. I get all of that. But I also see it as a bit of an excuse to have some time off. Because I think those very reasons that I just listed give you the perfect reason to just stay at home and do nothing. I know. And I think that's what we need.

Yes. I think you are right after such a busy time. And you said in your message and you're so right, come February, you're off again. And that's it. It doesn't stop. Oh, yeah. You know, we're off. Yep. Half term, the Pancake Day.

You start having to think about World Book Day and comic relief and dress down stuff in March. And then before you know it, it's Easter. Easter. Yeah. So January is kind of the only month where you can afford to just switch off and turn off the mum admin. And there's nothing to really think ahead about. I completely agree with you. But sometimes, someone like me,

I am a bit of a doer and I do feel that when my mind stops I begin to do things which have really go against my thinking which is kind of start worrying a little bit about things that aren't happening get a little bit anxious because I've got time to think more you've got too much time to think I'm similar in that I'm not very good at doing nothing I'm always doing something Like even on a Sunday where the kids can be playing and husbands watching TV or whatever I'm always pottering

I can't just sit down and do nothing I'm the same Yeah but January is a good time to kind of clear out that cupboard you've been meaning to do or sort of your wardrobe out or clear out the junk drawer that sort of thing

be productive rather than sitting there worrying I totally agree on Sunday funnily enough we went out we went to the gym we've joined which is lovely David Lloyd it's great because it's family you know, everyone can go.

So we had a few hours there. And then I came home and we did out Joni's wardrobe. So you're absolutely right. There's time, isn't there? You've got a bit more time to get organised for the year. Yeah, and get on top of things, get ahead of things before it all starts ramping up again.

Yeah. How old are your children, Julia? So I've got Emma, who is 11 and Luke who's 8. Oh, lovely. They're both in junior school. So in school terms, they're years three and, So this year's a big year because Emma goes to secondary school in September. Oh my goodness. How are you feeling?

I know. I think she's going to be great. I think the eke feelings I'm feeling are all based on me rather than her. I don't know what you were like when Eliza went to secondary school, but with Emma, I see her in year six now and I'm like, yeah, you're ready for something else. You're getting to the stage where you're outgrowing junior school and you're definitely ready for some. something else. But then I think of secondary school and I'm like, oh, no, that's too far. I completely agree with you. From my memory, Eliza was so ready to get out of that school. She'd outgrown it. And also she's older. So she's the eldest in the year. She's September baby. So she was really ready to go. What I would say, and it's not to frighten you, is

I couldn't believe the change within Eliza as soon as she went to secondary school. It's so different. It's such a different, they're so independent and things change quite quickly. But again, Eliza went to a school where, you know, she was amazing, really. She didn't know anybody. She went to a school. She wasn't going with friends. It was quite a big move. I don't know whether you're doing the same thing or whether she's got people she knows going to the school.

I don't know. Well, we don't know yet. We don't find out what school she goes to until March. Yeah, yeah, of course. So depending on where she goes, depending on whether she's got. got schools or not, friends there or not, sorry, should I say. Yeah. But I think, I don't know what you're like, but I know a lot of my mum friends are getting quite mordling about it. Like, oh, my baby's growing up and it's the end of an era with junior school going and all that sort of

thing. I'm not like that. I sort of see these milestones as a big achievement, like a tick in the box. Yeah. Luke's now at junior school. He's in year three. So at start of September, that was infant school done for me. But whereas lots of parents were like, oh, no, we're never going to go in that infant school again. And oh, isn't it sad? I'm like, no, that's an achievement. Infant school, tick.

Now, for Emma, it's going to be junior school, tick. Yeah, well, you've got, that is a brilliant, brilliant view to have. I think I'm a bit of both. I didn't sort of stand crying at the school gate, but retrospectively, I do have that heartache for them growing up. I always have done. But I do think you're right, it is an achievement and it's a privilege and each stage is a privilege. And I think that's a really good way of looking at things, definitely.

Yeah. It's a little bit like growing older you were saying with the nieces the other day. Yes. Yes. I always think that it's, you've got to think of getting older as a privilege because what's the alternative? Oh, it's the same with the kids. Completely agree. But what's the alternative?

And I know it's not, it's easier said than done, but that's the way I try and think about it. No, I think it's brilliant. and I think you've got a really, really good sort of spin on things. And I am going to take your advice and kind of get some shit done today, I think, rather than sort of hanging around. I have started my book, though, wintering, which is the part of the book club this month, wintering, and it's beautiful. Yeah.

I highly recommend it. I've only just started, but I know I'm going to love it already. So that's something that's really, you know, it should be guilt-free in January. It's dark, it's raining, sit down for half an hour. Read your book, you know? Exactly that, exactly that. And I know we're not very good at it, but we do feel better once we've done it. I completely agree.

What are you up to today? I'm actually working today in inverted commas. I'm working from home, so I am at home. Yeah. But yeah, and I work on a Tuesday, so I've just turned my laptop off and put it on silent. Don't tell anybody. They'll be on the phone to me. I know.

They'll miss me for 10 minutes. It's fine. It's absolutely fine. Well, I can't thank you enough for being a, you know, a listener. And I'm really pleased it. You know, we've had a chat. Thank you. No, it's an absolute joy to speak to you.

And I think on your message yesterday, you asked me why I listen or what got me started listening to your podcast. Yeah. And initially, it was simply because I'm an East Ender's watcher. And I thought, oh, Sonia's got a podcast. So I'm going to listen. Because that was it. That was purely it. But the reason I've stuck with it is completely different to why I listened to it in the first place.

Because I listened to the first couple of episodes. I was a bit of a late starter. I cottoned on in November 24, so you were about five months in by that point. And I binge listens and caught up. But the reason I stuck with it was because I couldn't get over how different you are to Sonia. And I'm sure you might take that as a compliment. But I just, I listened to the first one and you were dropping the F bomb and talking about this, that and the other. And I'm like, oh my God, she's so different to Sonia, which is obviously testament to your talent.

Thank you. Yeah. You're very welcome. but that's what got me sort of hooked on it because you and the family are so funny. But I think a lot of your voice notes that you play out, people end the voice notes with exactly the same thing saying carry on doing what you're doing.

You're so relatable. It feels like I'm just listening to friends. And all of that is true, but you must get so bored of hearing that line all the time. I don't. Julia, honestly, I really, really don't get bored of it. It's a compliment and I just feel very honoured. And I do, you know, I'm so pleased.

that people get what I wanted to do. And I also think it's really important to chat to you guys because it's meant to be a really personable pod. And I want people to feel like we are all a big community, which is really important to me. But that's exactly what you do. And I think that that's the beauty of you as you don't feel like a celebrity. There isn't that celebrity distance that you get with a lot of other well-known people.

I'll give you an example. I think I mentioned it to you in a previous voice note that I went to the O2 in May to see Kylie and when I was there, before we went into the actual arena, I was there with my daughter, my mum and my friend and we just stood outside one of the restaurants having had something to eat. And Louise Rednacht walked past.

And I'm a huge fan of her music. I love her. But she walked past and she clocked me. We sort of met eyes. But she, you know, you get that kind of when you see someone, you recognise them straight away, but when you see them out of context, it doesn't click straight away.

I completely understand. Yeah, that's what it was. And it wasn't until she walked past that it clicked who she was. But even then, having realized who she was, I wouldn't have approached her. And I'm sure, if I had have done and asked for a picture or said hello,

I've no reason to think she wouldn't have obliged and been more than happy to. Yes. But there's that celebrity distance that makes them feel like they're just that little bit out of reach. And you're not like that. Oh, well, that's really lovely. And I mean that as a compliment, the biggest compliment.

The way I think about it is that if we're on the Titanic, you would be first class, we would be third class, but you'd be one of the people helping the third class people into the lifeboats. Oh, that is such a lovely analogy. You've really made my morning. But that's, yeah, that's how you made us feel. Well, good, because... And I think that's why people stick with you. Well, that's really, really kind. And, yeah, I can't thank you enough. Long may it continue, right?

Absolutely. Absolutely, yeah. No, carry on. Carry on because it's brilliant. Thank you, Julia. And say hello to Mark for me, because the first voice note you ever read out of, or you ever played of mine,

was when I came in and I asked whether or not you fart in front of him. Oh, I do remember that. I do. I do. And I said in my voice note that I was trying to be a bit more relaxed about it and making an effort to try and do it in front of my heart. husband more and your mark said that I sounded like a proper lady and that stuck with me I liked it well there you are you're a lady and uh I'm sure that Mark will remember that and I will pass it on I'm

thank you very much well enjoy your day enjoy your day they're worrying I'm not going to worry about anything I've got lots of other lovely listeners to talk to now so thank you so much get on with your day and no doubt we'll chat soon certainly will listen to you on Thursday Cheers, Julia. Bye. What a lovely, positive lady. Working from home is a funny thing as well. The working from home bamboos was my brain, because I've never done it, you see.

Yes, I do a bit of work at home doing the pods, but in terms of an office-based job, you know, Ro Ro Ro, works from home, and she's got her laptop and she talks to people. I'm actually obsessed with it. She talks in sort of telephased. numbers and she goes, oh, this week we were down here and up there, and I don't know what she's talking about, but it fascinates me when she's on, like, a meeting or something. And the thought of having, you know, to be able to sort of do a bit of washing or nip out, do a few bits and

pieces whilst you're at home working, does appeal to me. I can't do that when I'm here, can I? Because, you know, I've got to be on, got to be talking. Can't just nip out and do some washing. I mean, I could, but it'd be fucking boring for you, wouldn't it? Really boring. Let's have a chat to our next person. Hello. Hello there. Hello Marie. It's Natalie.

Hello. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm okay, thank you on this gloomy, rainy wet day. Whereabouts are you? I'm in Bromley. Oh, Bromley.

Oh, not far. Is it pouring? Because it's absolutely tipping it down here. Yeah. It is. And it looks like it's going to be like this for the rest of the day. It does. And you know what?

I was just saying to the listeners that I've got to, clean my rabbits out but now I really don't want to do it but they're disgusting they need doing. Oh. Yes. Animal jobs in the rain are not ones are they? No, they're not the one. And he hates it.

I hate it. But, you know, got to be done. Got to be done. Got to be done. Well, thank you for saying that you chat to me this morning, Marie. Really appreciate it. That's all right. Really means a lot to me.

That's all right. You were saying in your message you wanted to have a little chat about entitled teenagers. Yes. Aren't they delightful? Please tell me your set up. So who have you got there? My oldest is 13. He's 14 in a couple of weeks.

Right. And then the youngest is 10. He turned 10 in December. Okay, dokey. So it's two boys we're talking about. Yes. Oh, yeah, two boys, yes. What sort of conversations and situations are occurring in your household?

Oh, he just, he thinks he's owed the world. and if he doesn't get the world then it's our problem it's our fault just ridiculous simple things like we went shopping on Sunday and because we were shopping at lunchtime

I think he thought that that meant he was going to get bought lunch when we were out shopping but yeah that ended in a grump and a hump when I said no we're going home for lunch just silly little things like that

but it's every day like yesterday he said oh I might like a PC for Christmas my husband said you do know like he liked his gaming You do know a good PC is, you know, a lot of money. You can't just have a rubbish one. And then that was a, okay, whatever.

Sorry, he's talking about next Christmas already. Oh, yeah, already, yeah. Bloody hell. It's not even been yet. I know. But then it will come to Christmas and they won't have a clue what they want. No. No, I know.

It's so true. And it does get harder as they get older, the present buying. Oh, it's so hard as they get older. Well, everything's more expensive as well, isn't it? Oh, yeah. Yeah, like, it's the, it's the present. difference in prices between the youngest and the oldest. Yeah.

Then you feel bad that you spend more on the older one, but it's, you know, he wants more expensive things. I know. I know. And then you're sort of, you're counting them up, aren't you, looking at them? Do they look okay? Try not to, but. Yeah.

No, I know. I know they don't think. I don't think they think like that. Thank goodness. No, more of it. It is us. I think as parents, we do it to ourselves most of the time. Yeah.

Yeah. I feel, I mean, I'm looking around the house and I'm looking at Joni. and she's playing with the same things. I mean, yeah, she's playing with a few new things. But, you know, the great big Barbie dream house that she asked for is sat at the back of my lounge, and I'm thinking, are you going to play with this fucking thing? It's just sitting there, yeah.

It's absurd. I'm not doing it next year. I say it every year. No. Well, yeah. That's the thing, isn't it? We do. We do it to themselves.

I mean, Eliza is now 15. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I feel that she was really horrible between the ages of about 11 and 13, maybe 13 and a half, 14. But I feel like she has come out of it. I still get the entitled. You know, I still get the, I mean, I had it the other day. You're out.

Oh, I'm going to get, exactly like you. What I'm going to do is I'm going to get some food. I'm like, no, you're not, love, because I've got a fridge full of food and I'm not chucking it away. And then Joni will say, oh, oh, are we poor? I said, I beg your pardon. I'll get that as well. I said, hang on. I said, firstly, that's a ridiculous thing to say.

Of course we're not. But it doesn't mean that we can be wasteful and frivolous. So I am trying to teach them. It's important to teach them that. Yeah, absolutely. Definitely. We haven't got them just things just because they want them. You know, it's either been for a birthday or Christmas or, you know, we say,

no, if you want that, you can put some money towards it or whatever. Yes. They're forever moaning. another thing is the Wi-Fi about the strength of the Wi-Fi. Now, I've just upgraded it to the top one, and it's still not good enough. Well, I'll tell you what, you better get yourself up in a rocket. Have a chat with Musk. Give him a call.

Oh, I know, I know. That's what you should say to your son. I'll tell you what, I'll drop Musk an email, and we'll sort out some sort of personal rocket, which is your Wi-Fi only. Well, we said, well, we'll get the, I don't know anything about it, a mesh thingy that will boost it all around the house or whatever, because we must have black spots in the house, but this was like 400 or something pounds.

They said, well, you've been given money from family over, you know, we've got family abroad. You've been given money for that for your birthday and Christmas. How about you both put that money towards it and us? They soon changed their minds and they won't down. I bet they did. That was a little... That soon went out of the window.

That was a little bit like last night, my darling friend Julia had dropped some Christmas presents round, which is obviously late, but we've not seen each other. And I said to Joni, it was late about half seven. I said, we've got to go and have a bath and a hair wash. I'm so tired. I said, oh, if you're too tired, I'll tell you what, though,

you can't open that present. Oh, no, I'm all right now. Yeah. They are... They know how to work it. They really do know how to work it. And so the other thing, rather than, not only about our lovely kids

that we do love, I know we moan, but we love them, don't we? Of course. You said that you're thinking, am I right in saying that you're thinking of changing career? Yeah. Yeah.

So. That was a big sign, Marie. Yeah, it's the choice of, see, I've worked in the same place for nearly 20 years. Right. Doing exactly the same job. So that's a long time, you know, to be in one. I know you did it as well. I did it.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. And it's just that thought of, do I take that leap and go completely somewhere different? Like leave where I am, like the organisation. and go elsewhere, or do I stay within where I am and find just another role? It's the unknown. If you jumped from the organisation that you're at now, would you be going into the same sort of work somewhere else? No.

No. No. So I work for the police. Right, okay. Anything else is, yeah, it would be something completely different. Completely different. Completely different. Yeah, which is scary.

And have you got any ideas of what you'd like to do? do? No. No. Oh, that's quite good though. Not outside of, not outside, no. I don't know. That's quite exciting though. And if you're thinking those thoughts, there's obviously a niggle in you. It's got to be something. It's got to be something. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? 41. Oh yeah. You're having the niggle. You're having the midlife, you know, the 40s of here. That's when mine all happens. You sort of think, am I going to turn around in another 10 years and think, well, I've only done that. And that's exactly what happened to me. And now that I'm looking, I'm like, oh God, have I been in the same place for 20 years and I haven't got any other skill?

I mean, you know, like if my job's skillful, I need skills to be able to do it. But have I not wasted 20 years? Because I don't feel like I've wasted 20 years. No. Have I not got skills for anywhere else? I know, but it's not, you're absolutely right. You haven't wasted it. All your thinking is, is this all I know?

And your brain, you want to accept it. expand your skills. You want to expand who you talk to, the locations you go to. You want to sort of, it becomes, I think, after that time, I'm not saying it's easy because that sounds arrogant, but it's second nature almost. There's nothing challenging you, is there, when you've been someone for 20 years? Some days there might be a challenge. Don't get me wrong. Oh yeah. Yeah, definitely. You know, but, you know, and I'm well-rounded, if you're looking at it as a kind of 365, you know, a whole year, you're not being challenged all the time. And maybe that is where your niggles coming from, just that little pang of, I want a bit more.

I want to challenge myself. Yeah, I think so. What about staying where you are, but doing something like I've done doing a course? Yeah. I don't know. I don't know. I am looking at where I am, but just other places. But even then, some of them are quite, you know, highly skilled.

and you need to have done certain courses and things like that. So it's finding one that I, because sometimes I think as well, I'm 41, do I really want to be going and learning this and learning that? And, you know, is my brain as good as what it used to be when I was doing exams at school and stuff, you know. I'll tell you what, Marie, I've done this course, haven't I've done this exam. I've done level three, MVQ, which is sort of near enough, sort of half or a bit more than that, near to an A level, but not quite a level standard. And I can't remember doing an exam.

I genuinely mean that. I've done this show, and I'm doing this course, and the teachers going to me, you know, can you remember being in it? I said, I can't remember anything. I was at work. I think I went to an English exam and a maths one because I had to. But it was very different back then. It wasn't a street.

I just didn't go. And I did my exam last week, and I did all my revision, and I walked in there, and I have to say the pride I felt when I finished it, I was elated because I thought, I've bloody done that and I've tested myself and I'm proud of myself, you know. So I would highly recommend,

don't worry about, oh, is my brain going to be? If you want to do something, you put your mind to it, you will do it. Yeah, you will. Definitely. Well, I've set, not, it wasn't a new year's resolution, but I said to myself the other day,

by the end of the year, I want to either be in something else or at least in the process of being in something else. So I know that I do want to do it. I need to do it for me as well. Well, look, you're on the right path. All the little sorts are there, and it will take you as long as it takes you.

You know, don't put yourself under pressure, and what will be will be. And if you want it to happen, you've just got to move forward with the pace that you're comfortable with. Yes, definitely. Lovely. Definitely, and I will do. I will keep looking and I'll keep trying.

And keep in touch with me. and let me know what you're doing, won't you? I will do, yeah. I'll do you. Please do. And I will, yeah, definitely. Oh, lovely. All right, well, listen, it was lovely to talk to you, Maria.

I hope you have a good rest of this gloomy day. Yeah, I know. All right. I can't wait. You take care. Andrew, see you later. See you. Bye.

Bye. Well, she was lovely, wasn't she? This is what I mean. I love these. I absolutely love talking to everybody. I might have to do some more of these, you know. I think I gave the right advice there. If there is a niggle, definitely you've got to do something about it, whatever it is. Now, before Christmas, over Christmas, I did, I felt very uncomfortable,

I'd been overeating, and then Christmas comes, and actually, I don't overeat, because I'm so busy cooking, preparing, feeding everybody. It's usually a time where I get a little bit lighter, would you believe? And now we've, you know, we're getting into this routine with a little bit of family fitness, have to say it is life-changing. But someone sent me a message last night that I must play you, which really made me laugh. And this was about new people joining the gym. This is a bit of a corker from Leanne. So, Nat Cass, my biggest bug bear is probably a big bug bear for a lot of people in January, right? But it's the whole bloody gym thing. People hoarding into the gym, expecting to go and be these like new gym bunnies for the whole of 2026.

I'm a member of David Lloyd and I know that you've just joined a new gym of David Lloyd. I think that's what your Instagram said. But it's the most annoying thing. It's hard enough to bloody book onto the classes as it is. Then you're walking around and you've got all these people in their coats with the little membership guy showing them what the classes are and talking them through all the good bits of the cafe and the blaze classes and the tennis courts and the swimming pool and everything. And I'm in my head just smiling, being gracious as they walk past,

but I'm actually thinking, seriously, I hope you pull a hamstring the minute you join. Because this gym ain't big enough for all of us. It's ridiculous. Stop adding members. She really cracked me up. I then sent her a message and I said, I was opened on December the 26th, am I forgiven?

And she said, you are, but I wouldn't be unhappy if you pulled a muscle. That's the kind of person I'm talking about. A little bit of honesty. A little bit of honesty. It goes a long way. So thank you, Leon. You did make me smile last night. You really, really did.

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We can have a little chat now with Georgia, and Georgia got in touch, and she wanted to have a little talk to me about being in her late 20s and worrying about turning 30. Should we put her straight? Hello? Hello, you're okay? I was just talking to the listeners, and all I've said is, I'm going to chat to Georgia in a minute, who's in her late 20s and is worried about turning 30. I've got to put you straight, Georgia here. Okay, go on.

You're in the prime of your life, love. No, I do agree. I think it's just that stress. What in the age are you worried about? Tell me. I think it's, you know, there's that pressure of, oh, when you hit dirty, you should be in a relationship. you should be thinking about kids, marriage, this, something other. And I'm like, so not near that.

And how old are you, babe? How old are you? I'm turning 29 this year, so I'm 30 next year, so this is my last year, my 20s. You have got such a long time before you need to worry about all of that. And I feel like at times I know that. Even than those other times, I'm like, you look around and like you said, like the social media pressure. And you look at it and you look at people who's younger than me and you feel, oh my God, like you're doing this. start and the other.

Like, you shouldn't obviously compare, but I suppose it's hard sometimes, isn't it? When you do flick on social. Babe, I'm telling you now, it's the hardest thing in the world. It's the hardest thing. And even for someone who's got an elephant skin

and who doesn't give a shit about other people, even I, if I'm flicking through and I think, oh, you're doing a lot, aren't you in January? Oh, what are you doing? Oh, they look busy. Oh, this is impossible to not be affected by what we are seeing on a daily basis.

But you need... Yeah, especially getting that influence, isn't it? But sometimes the wrong type of influence. 100%. 100%. And it sounds like you've got a great job. Are you a fitness instructor? You sent me a beautiful picture.

You look like you were a fitness instructor. Am I wrong? Yeah, so I'm a kids dance teacher and a fitness instructor. Amazing. Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah, I love my job. And I run my own theatre school.

So, like, everything... Like, I'm self-employed. You know what I mean? So I don't work for anybody. I'm happy with that type of stuff in life. But that is incredible. You've got to look at your life and think, that is amazing that you've done that.

On your own, you've chosen, you know, a career that you want to do. It is something that you enjoy. That's the path you've gone down. You know, you're obviously a confident, clever woman. And I'm sure that you will find a... It depends what you are. No, I'm sure. Honestly, but, well, you've told me a little bit about you,

and that's what I'm going to surmise, so touch it. But I'm sure that, you know, all of the other things will come. And it probably is down to the fact that you have carved this career for yourself in the way you've done it. It takes a lot of hard work. You're not in a 9 to 5 job where you're just going into, you know, you're not phoning it in and coming home and having a great social life. You're working hard.

That all, something has to give. You can't have everything. No, because my friend actually said the other day, she went, Georgia, how are you going to find someone when you're like working in seven days a week. And I was like, well, they just have to fit in with my life. Absolutely, they will. I said, maybe that's not the way to look, but...

Listen, it will happen when it happens, and there is no point worrying and forcing it, because then it won't happen, or you'll meet an arseal. Yeah, yeah, that's true. Yeah, that is very true. Being there, done that. Yeah, so, yeah, me too. Don't need to do it.

You know? Don't worry. And it will just happen naturally. No, I do say about the pressures and stuff and it is pressure, but I recently just brought my own place on my own. See what I mean. I just think like, you think that, oh, but then I've not got this, but then I think you do need to step back and think what you do have,

which is sometimes hard to do. But then I think also you remember on social media that people don't put their bad stuff on. Of course they don't. We're only getting the little snippets of light in people's homes, in people's games. It's a two-second photo of a smiley, beautiful family. 80% of their days have been hellish.

They have. That's just life. Yeah. And I think there's people like me that are like single and going into your 30s, that you do need to remember that, yeah, not everyone is like sunshine and rain, like rainbows when they put on social media. It is like there is real life out there. Of course there is.

Of course there is. And do you know what? We all know it. And it's such a huge thing. because all of us know that, but it still affects us. And that's where it's so powerful and it's such a clever thing. I had a lovely listener. I don't know whether it's something you could do because of your business

and because of how you work. For me, it wouldn't work because I have to use those social things for my work. But I had a listener voice note last night and she said something that has helped her is she's taken Instagram, Facebook off of her phone and only has it on her iPad. So she can still access it and have a look at it, but it isn't, you know, permanently in her hand. No, yeah, that's a good idea, actually. So I don't know if that could work for you, but it is a good idea.

Yeah, that is a good idea. Yeah, it is. Yeah, I just think, like, to be fair, I do like social media, I do use it for business and that kind of thing. I think it's kind of, I'm just wanting to think maybe, oh, is there things I should be doing before I'm 30? It's that kind of thing. I don't think there is.

No, I don't, I really don't think there is. is. And, you know, as you, I don't know if you're caught up with the pods, but Maria is turning 40 this year, my niece. And she's feeling the same but 10 years on. And she, we're going to talk about this on our next episode. But I do feel she is obsessed with turning 40. She won't mind me saying that. But I'm not saying it's a negative thing. But I think she's been through a lot and she's, you know, so strong, resilient. She's achieved so much. Yeah, I feel like she's worried. And I think it's natural. Yeah, you forget what you've achieved, don't you? Yeah, I think you do. Definitely, you do, yeah. Yeah, because I just, I'm like, oh, I've got a right list of things that I should do before I'm 30. Have you written the list? Have you got anything on there that you want to do? I have, might.

It sounds silly. Go on. I really want to do bingo calling. I'm loving it. I don't know. I have to say, you know, we've started off with like a really deep chat. I would love to find a relationship. I'd like children.

But do you know something? That is the most important thing you've got. to do before you turn 30. Two fat ladies, 88. Yeah, literally. How ridiculous. You've got to do it? Yeah, I'd love to do that.

It's just little things I want to tick off. I think, look, it's probably I'm not going to tick off. The having kids getting married, all that. And that's not going to happen. You know, me shouting out one little duck and all that. That could happen. It could happen, and you need to make that happen immediately. Get down the old, get down the bingo.

Get down there and say, can I do it for the evening? or set up your own one in a pub or something and just do it yourself. You've got to do it. Yeah, so I'd love to, that's on the list. That's on the list. Sought out a charity bingo night in a pub near you or a restaurant that you organise and you do the bingo calling. You could do that within three weeks.

Get it done, girl. Yeah, definitely. And I do love, I do raise money for charity once, yeah. I've already got my thing for this year, but maybe next year I could do that. There you are. Love that. There you go. Yeah.

Brilliant. Excellent. Bingo four is a lot. I love it If you've got anything that you think I should add to the list Then let me know I will drop you a text if I can think of anything But at the moment

It all sounds absolutely perfect Try and stop worrying I know it's really hard And just try and enjoy it Because you're doing brilliant Thanks, that's very kind of you I mean it I'm a big old fan

You know over here Oh good That is all right You carry on listening And you keep in touch now And get all your friends to listen I hope they listen to my pod Yeah, I believe they do actually

Because like I said Like my friends We've had this whole Like little group chat going on about Oh my God We've got to do this Got to do that Like we're 30

And I was just like No come on We've done this We've got so much Left to go But then I think you're then Worry don't you Of course you do

You always do But yeah Keep in touch with me Yeah Let me know what's going on I'll let you know You should come to the bingo If I have to do

Well who knows Let's see Whereabouts you based So I'm Essex Oh happy days Not far from me We can work something out, Georgia, I'm sure. Yeah, I'm sure we can.

I used to work in, not that I know where you live, but I think I do, not because I'm a stalker. Yeah, I'm worried. Slightly worried, slightly concerned. If I'm going to stalk anyone, it's going to be David Jason. Fair do you. So don't worry. But I used to work in Stansett Abbott.

Ah, yes. Which I think is near issue. Yeah, not far, not far at all. So, yeah, maybe I could do one there. Do one around there I know who knows I might see you around No excuse

Absolutely I can come and kick my ass as well and tell me to get fit again That'll be good Yeah exactly That's another thing January Like you haven't got to get fit

That's I think people put too much pressure on Oh it's January Oh no no Absolutely I completely agree with you I just think it's nice to have a little bit of a reset after you know The crimbo period

Yeah I do I do agree with that But I think people see that I've got a reset I've got to get my body In this shape this at any other. No, I think it's about to be set in your mind a little bit. I completely agree with you. Get that going first and then your workouts and stuff will come along.

Yeah, yeah. And for me, I know that what I like and what I don't like, again, I think I've learnt to know what I'm going to stick at and what I'm not. So I'd rather be much more gentle, just eat really well and just move how I want to move. If I'd kill myself, I'm just not going to go back to it. I'm not going to go back to it. know. So, you know, can you see stuff that I do, I promote myself as, like,

just a healthy lifestyle because if you, like, get on this diet, get on that, you're not going to stick to it, let's be real. You're not, you're not going to.

Like, it's hard, no. But if you just kind of kid that healthy life soul, you, that is something achievable. Yeah. So, yeah. Oh, thank you. There you go.

I've given you my tips and you've given me yours. Excellent. Thank you so much. Pleasure, darling. Have a good day. Yeah, you too. Bye, sweetheart.

Bye. Bye, bye. Well, I love Georgia. I mean, I think being a bingo caller is more important than anything else she mentioned, if I'm honest with you. We need to remember the fun stuff, don't we? I'm trying to think of something for this year that I would like to do that I haven't done before, which isn't too deep. I think I'd love to work in a kitchen, in a restaurant for one day. I don't care if I'm washing up plates. I don't care what I'm doing, but I would love the buzz of a service, an evening or lunchtime service where I get to experience a professional kitchen. Because I just think it's amazing. I went to see Elliot Grover, who was on the pod a little while ago with his beautiful brother Jake. And Elliot's got this new series called Seasoned Out, and he asked me to go down, and we cooked some fish, and I was watching him. And he's so lovely, he really is a great friend now. He's become a good old pal. and look out for that seasoned and watch it for him, support him, because he's great.

But whilst I was down there, I mentioned it to him. I said, I'd love to get into a kitchen. So that's something fun and something, you know, just because I want to. I'm not going to gain anything from it, but it's something I would love to, as people say, tick off the list. So we'll see. I've really, really, really enjoyed this. And I hope you have as well. It's lovely.

Having a good chat with everybody. and just the different subjects we cover on these, I think it's really, really good. So please, I know there's a lot there. Maybe you need a pen and paper for this one, people. Write down your thoughts. 077-828-20-19-19. Send them on to me. And what I'd like to do is actually, I'd like to make this a bit more regular.

Maybe I need to do a third episode a week. I'm thinking about it. Let me know if you think that's a good idea or not. I'm thinking about it. Loads of love. Have a brilliant weekend. And we will be back on Monday with a fabulous Nazanises.

Ageing, remember. Sending your messages. Sending your voice notes. Let's help Maria. Have a great weekend. Love you all. And thanks again for listening. Cheers.