From family drama you can’t choose to birthday chaos, half term plans and a brand new “Banter Confessions” segment. Anu gets real about life’s messy bits, one laugh (and sigh) at a time.
Welcome back to Banter - real talk, real life and just enough chaos to keep it interesting.
💬 Relationships You Can’t Choose
Anu dives into those tricky relationships we don’t get to pick: siblings, in-laws and all the emotional baggage that comes with them. From passive aggression to guilt and boundaries, she opens up about learning to protect your peace and why it’s okay to love someone but not actually like them.
🎂 Birthday Chaos and Gift Fails
With her husband away for his birthday and her daughter turning 12, Anu reflects on low-key celebrations, the half-eaten Toblerone disaster and how parent birthdays always seem to come last.
🎉 Keeping Kids’ Parties Simple
From being her own entertainer (“pirate lady”, “quiz master”, and “wicked witch”) to the power of pass the parcel and sandwiches, Anu shares her tried and true formula for stress-free fun.
🌧️ Half Term and Family Time
Plans for London exhibitions, a mother and daughter theatre trip and a reunion with her son in Heidelberg, Germany. Real talk on letting kids grow and giving them the spaceto thrive.
📺 TV Pick of the Week – “Film Club” on BBC iPlayer
A warm, quirky series about friendship, film nights and connection. Features Aimee Lou Wood and Suranne Jones.
📚 Book of the Week : “Nobody’s Girl” by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
A powerful, heartbreaking memoir from one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. An unflinching look at injustice, survival and the fight for truth.
😳 New Segment : Banter Confessions
Anu introduces a new listener segment inspired by Lockdown Secrets. Expect anonymous, hilarious and shocking real life confessions: starting with a wild “cat mix up” story that you won’t believe!
Do share your confessions with us: banterrealtalk@gmail.com
🥧 Recipe of the Week – Caramelised Butternut Squash, Blue Cheese & Pecan Tart
Ingredients:
1 puff pastry sheet
1 small butternut squash (roasted)
2 onions (caramelised or use jarred)
Blue cheese (like Stilton)
Handful of pecans (crushed)
1 egg (for wash)
Method:
Roast chopped butternut squash until golden.
Caramelise onions (or use a jar).
Layer onions on pastry, top with squash, blue cheese & pecans.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 20 mins until puffed and golden.
Serve with rocket & parmesan salad — simple, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser.
👉 Follow Anu on Instagram @banter.pod for photos, confessions & more!