Relatively

Relatively is coming back!

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:16:21 GMT

What better way to celebrate International Siblings Day than with the news that Relatively is coming back!

All new content, all new guests, all new nostalgia, stories and memories. More nicknames, silly words and childhood squabbles revisisted.

More interviews with adult siblings reflecting on their relationships - as adult as well as what it was like growing up together.

The first four new episodes will be a mini-series looking at: Catherine's book about siblings 'Who's The Favourite?', Birth order, Eldest Daughters and ficitonal siblings we all know well. ( think Ross and Rachel, Lizzie and Jane and Bart and Lisa!)

Make sure you tap follow, so that the new episodes are right at the top of your list to listen to.

Relatively - a show all about (potentially) the longest relationships of your life!

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60 | Stephen Mangan & Anita Mangan

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:47:38 GMT

Actor Stephen Mangan and his little sister - the illustrator Anita Mangan - had an Irish upbringing in London, with Uncle Paddy and the cousins always just around the corner. Along with their other sister, Lisa, the trio navigated separation and - later in life - the grief of losing both of their parents. They remained a close knit gang who love and support one another still. We talk about: the smell of cow pats, nicknames, inappropriate 70s song lyrics and what it meant to be the only boy in a family of girls. Stephen and Anita Mangan work together as adults, writing books for children.. So we talk about Escape the Rooms and The Fart that Changed the World and their new book, The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge. The episode ends with burping and ceremonial beaver hats, which is exactly as it should be.

This is a one-off bank holiday special edition of Relatively. We hope you enjoy it! We hope to be back later in 2023 with a new series.

In the meantime, Catherine's new podcast Where Are You Going? has launched. Is a bite-size and original storytelling podcast, in which she talks to strangers and asks them that one simple question. The trailer for the podcast is at the end of this episode. Please do subscribe, rate and review if you like the sound of it.

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59 | Tatty & India Macleod

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Tatty and India Macleod are two of four sisters. Standup comedian Tatty describes their happy childhood as like " little women with emotional volatility and periods." Their mother moved them to rural Brittany when Tatty was 4 and India was 12. Big disruption for big sister India, while Tatty couldn't really remember England at all. "It all began in France." 'Les Anglaises' as the Macleod sisters were known always felt a little bit separate from the secluded community around them and as such, their time in France was a bit intense. The experience has provided rich material for Tatty's career. The pair ended up living together during lockdown, after Tatty had a break-up but the experience brought made them very close. Tatty and India talk about that, about growing up in an all female household, craving English food and Family Hold Back.

Relatively is brought to you in partnership with leading family history website, Findmypast. With family records you won’t find anywhere else and easy-to-use tools to help your family tree bloom, Findmypast is the perfect place to explore your ancestors’ amazing stories. Start building your family tree for free at Findmypast today.

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58 | JJ Chalmers & Ruth Padmore

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:32 GMT

JJ Chalmers is a former Royal Marine who was profoundly wounded by and IED during a tour of Afghanistan in 2011. His older sister Ruth is a nurse and knew too much when he was flown back to start his gruelling recovery which would take years. Now registered disabled, JJ works as a TV presenter and has won medals in cycling and sprinting at the Invictus Games. It's a crazy whirlwind of an existence and one Ruth and JJ could not have dreamed of when JJ was in hospital being treated for his many, many injuries. In this episode we talk about how their relationship was tested by the effects of that bomb - as well as what it's like when your brother is mates with Prince Harry, growing up as vicar's children and the need the siblings share for everything to be very, very organised.

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57 | Benjamin Zephaniah

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:00:09 GMT

Benjamin Zephaniah describes himself as a "Poet, writer, lyricist, musician and naughty boy." He is the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse and was born in Handsworth the 'Jamaican capital of England'. Benjamin attended over 15 schools as a child, moving regularly with his mother to evade his father, who was abusive. Unusually, Benjamin grew up separately from his siblings, who stayed with their dad. This means that the brothers and sisters are not close, and have almost the opposite story to tell about their childhoods. In this episode we talk about that, about what brotherhood means, about being the 'cock of the school' and how community organising after the death of Benjamin's cousin did something to repair the sibling bonds. ** Keep listening to after the music for a poetry treat!**

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56 | Pastor Mick Fleming & Sarah Frankel

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Pastor Mick Fleming ("aka El Bish") runs the Church on the Street in Burnley, which does incredible work helping those living in poverty. But it's a far cry from where Mick began. In this episode, Mick and his sister Sarah (collectively known as 'Flembos') talk about their sibling journey from playing out happily on the backstreets, to sudden tragedy and trauma to a life marred by violence and crime, before finding faith and freedom together. It's a rollercoaster of a tale which has attracted interest from the Prince and Princess of Wales - who wrote a foreword to Mick's book 'Blown Away' - and now Netflix, who are reportedly talking about adapting his life story for the screen. The episode also talks about the power of a mother's love and the value of a good old practical joke.

TW: contains account of sexual assault and death. It also mentions guns and violence and references drug use.

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55 | Manni and Reuben Coe

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:53:29 GMT

Manni and Reuben (Booba) Coe are two of four brothers. Reuben is the baby of the family and was born with Downs Syndrome (or Up Syndrome as he would like to rebrand it.) The pair lived together for years and are exceptionally close. However, a spell apart during the pandemic was bad for Reuben as you will hear - and he doesn't speak very much at the moment. We talk about all that, about having a sibling with additional needs and about the book that Manni and Reuben have written together: brother. do. you. love. me.

Relatively is brought to you in partnership with leading family history website, Findmypast. With family records you won’t find anywhere else and easy-to-use tools to help your family tree bloom, Findmypast is the perfect place to explore your ancestors’ amazing stories. Start building your family tree for free at Findmypast today.

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54 | The Happy Pear twins, Stephen & David Flynn

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 11:00:26 GMT

The Happy Pear brothers David and Stephen Flynn were joined at the hip until they were 18. Active happy lads, they grew up in Ireland in a culture they described as sporty and masculine - with lots of drinking. As identical twins they played plenty of tricks: sharing teenage jobs and one on occasion trying to nick the other’s girlfriend! Voyages of self discovery taken in their 20s led the boys to give up alcohol, meat and begin a movement back in Ireland together. We talk about that, about trying to attract attention as a twin, about identity and how a place can shape you and about having a soul-mate for life.

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53 | Caitlin & Caz Moran

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:00:53 GMT

Writer, broadcaster and journalist Caitlin Moran is one of 8 siblings. Her sister Caz Moran is a comedy writer and together they wrote ‘Raised By Wolves’ about their unconventional childhood in Wolverhampton. In this episode they talk about that and about: feminism, wet towels, boobs, libraries, homeschooling, being cheerful and optimistic when you have no right to be and escaping your home town.

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Season 4 TRAILER!

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:31:35 GMT

Relatively is BACK for a brand new season. Download and listen over the holidays: the PERFECT excuse to escape from your *own* brothers and sisters.....

Relatively is the podcast which takes grown up siblings back to their shared childhood before returning them to their present day relationship.

Expect: nostalgia, honesty, teasing and fun.

Relatively is in partnership with Find My Past, which is offering you the chance to start your family tree for FREE! Head to www.findmypast.co.uk

Happy Christmas and lots of love for 2023, Catherine x

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52 | Tom Ward & Charlie Ward

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Award winning comedian Tom Ward and his sister Charlie (Char-Lart) share a lot of things: a belief that we should take climate change more seriously; an ability to hold a tune and the traumas that surviving a childhood in a fundamental church (and for a short but damaging time a cult) left behind. The bond created by that experience is a 'gift' of sorts. The pair are incredibly close and despite living 200 miles apart are in constant contact. We talk about that but also about Harold and Madge from 'Neighbours', teenage kicks and a brush with the law. PS Listen *right* to the end ....

Tickets for Tom's excellent Edinburgh festival show 'Anthem' are HERE

Our sponsor for this third season of Relatively is Findmypast, the exclusive online home of the 1921 Census. Joining Findmypast gives you access to a unique snapshot of life one hundred years ago. Plus, with extensive British and Irish records and fascinating newspaper archives, you can answer those burning questions you have about your family, your past and yourself. Where will your past take you? Join Findmypast to find out.

25% off any subscription on findmypast.co.uk using the discount code: RELATIVELY25

Simply enter the code at checkout and the discount will be applied. Offer ends 31st July

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51 | Dr Nighat Arif & Irfan Arif

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:20:14 GMT

Dr Nighat Arif and her little brother Irfan Arif came to the UK from Pakistan as children. Now Nighat works as a GP and is the resident doctor on BBC and ITV. Irfan is a criminal barrister. They have 3 younger (equally successful) siblings, too. "We are basically the migrant dream!" In this episode Nighat and Irfan talk about resilience, setting a good example, creating a village, the value of education .. as well as terrible careers advice, Tintin and the Spice Girls.

25% off any subscription on findmypast.co.uk using the discount code: RELATIVELY25 - Simply enter the code at checkout and the discount will be applied

*Offer ends 31st July*

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50 | 🏳️‍🌈 Our 50th episode celebrates 50 years of Pride in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:00:00 GMT

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride in the UK , we present a collection of stories moments and memories from guests on the podcast who talked about their identities with their siblings. Stories from Westminster, the North of England in the 80's, the Millennium Eve and school days under Section 28. Memories of brothers and sisters supporting each other and providing unconditional love, even when the world could be a bit tough. Contributions from: Gok and Kwoklyn Wan; Angela and Maria Eagle MPs; drag queen Divina De Campo and Carys Cliffe and interior designers and TV presenters Edward and Sophie Robinson.

Our sponsor for this third season of Relatively is Findmypast, the exclusive online home of the 1921 Census.

They have published a helpful blog about researching your LGBTQIA+ ancestors HERE

An article about coming out to your siblings is HERE

Joining Findmypast gives you access to a unique snapshot of life one hundred years ago. Plus, with extensive British and Irish records and fascinating newspaper archives, you can answer those burning questions you have about your family, your past and yourself. Where will your past take you? Join Findmypast to find out.

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49 | Lewis Goodall & Megan Goodall

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:00:40 GMT

Lewis and Megan grew up in Birmingham in a busy household, where both parents worked shifts and it is fair to say the “ chalk and cheese” duo took a while to form a close relationship. Lewis went to Oxford to university leaving Megan at home to support their mum though some mental health difficulties, which was "tough". In this episode we talk about that and about ace grandads, being a podgy kid, your mates thinking your mum is fit, The Crystal Maze as well as taking advantage of your sibling and learning to depend on them, too.

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48 | Jen Baldwin & Find My Past

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Jen Baldwin was introduced to family history when was about 10 and has been obsessed ever since. Inspired by stories told to her by her Grandma, she now has a career in genealogy and loves spending her days "delving into the history of humanity one person at a time". In this episode she picks her three favourite stories from this series of Relatively - from Kit De Waal and Dean O' Loughlin , Sophie and Edward Robinson and Jean and Pat Owtram: stories of squished potatoes, chemists, Barons, dog licenses and Bronze Age urns.. and she tells Catherine a heartbreaking siblings story from the pews of a church in Northern England to the shores of California USA, via two World Wars.

There is 25% off any subscription on findmypast.co.uk for RELATIVELY listeners using the discount code: RELATIVELY25 Simply enter the code at checkout and the discount will be applied. Offer ends 31st July

Findmypast is the exclusive online home of the 1921 Census. Joining Findmypast gives you access to a unique snapshot of life one hundred years ago. Plus, with extensive British and Irish records and fascinating newspaper archives, you can answer those burning questions you have about your family, your past and yourself. Where will your past take you? Join Findmypast to find out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

47 | Poorna bell & Priya Joi

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:30:00 GMT

Poorna and Priya or 'Poobles' and 'Preebles' were born in Kent but spent a chunk of their childhood apart, with Priya in India and Poorna in the UK. the pair are very close and work on being friends as well as sisters - providing support to each other through bereavement, motherhood and their careers. In this episode they talk about sibling separation, manky gym kit, last minute packing and daily voice note habits. Priya’s book on motherhood, race and identity is out in Spring 2023 and Poorna’s award winning book Stronger is out in paperback now.

TW: suicide

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46 | Shakira Akabusi & Ashanti Akabusi

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Shakira and Ashanti Akabusi grew up in the UK and the US, supporting their dad - Kris Akabusi's - stellar athletics career. Encouraged by him and their "tenacious" German mum, they had a very outdoorsy childhood with limited junk food and telly... The weight of expectation which came with their famous name was tough for a time, but both sisters are now incredibly proud to be Akabusis and value the work ethic they inherited. Being keen to protect each other from the hard stuff meant that Shakira suffered alone with post natal anxiety for a while, until she reached out to family. Shakira's new book The Strong Like Mum Method is out this week.

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45 | Leroy Logan MBE & Hyacinth Roberts

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:25 GMT

Leroy and Hyacinth grew up in North London in the 1960s and 1970s. They inherited their work ethic from their Windrush parents, who came to the UK from Spanish Town in Jamaica. Assaulted by police officers in 1982, Leroy's father struggled to accept his son's decision to join the force. Hyacinth says "I never thought of Leroy as an officer, I still don't. I just wanted him to be safe." Actor John Boyega plays Leroy in the Steve McQueen film 'Red White and Blue' about his ascent to Superintendent: despite the racism form inside the force and hostility from his own community. In this episode, Hyacinth - who works as a nurse - and Leroy, who still works as a campaigner- talk about public service, faith, race, a free range childhood, re-enacting TV stunts and enjoying a warm and safe childhood in Finsbury Park.

Leroy's book about life as a cop is called 'Closing Ranks'

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44 | Pat Owtram & Jean Owtram

Tue, 24 May 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Pat and Jean Owtram are believed to be the only living sisters who signed the official secrets act.. and as a result it was not until after WW2 that they were able to tell one another what they had been doing to help the Allies defeat the Germans. Independent, clever and adventurous, the sisters are now a remarkable 98 and 96. Born in the aftermath of WW1, the girls were (unusually) determined not to settle for conventional lives. We talk about code breaking, travel, letter writing and memories from a childhood in the 1920s. And the sisters reflect on being each other's 'most important person' for nearly 100 years. Their book is called Codebreaking Sisters: Our Secret War.

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43 | Beatrice Mac Cabe & Rosemary Mac Cabe

Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Sisters Beatrice and Rosemary Mac Cabe grew up in Ireland but now live near one another in the USA. They started their hilarious hit podcast Not Without My Sister in March 2020, locked down in a house in Indiana together (maybe with some wine). In this episode they talk about: the Catholic church; their irrepressible mum and strict dad; fun facts about pigs and sex; depression as one way of getting more than your fair share of parental attention and being miracle babies.

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42 | Dame Esther Rantzen & Scilla Taylor

Tue, 10 May 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Dame Esther Rantzen and her little sister Scilla grew up in London and - briefly - New York, where Esther got a taste for life in the limelight. Since 1981, Scilla has lived in Australia, which leaves a "real gap" in Esther's life. Technology helps the pair stay in touch and they talk all the time, staying close to their nieces and nephews, too. Brought up by their anarchist mum and engineer dad to be ambitious, the sisters pursued very different paths, but have supported each other regardless. As kids Esther may have stood up for Scilla many times, but also used her as a bit of a willing 'canary down the mine' .. !

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41 | Kit De Waal & Dean O'Loughlin

Tue, 03 May 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Author Kit De Waal and little brother Dean O'Loughlin are 2 of 5 siblings, who grew up in Birmingham in the 60s and 70s. Their Irish mother and Kittitian father were ill-equipped to provide the care their charismatic and clever children needed, and life was 'predictably unpredictable'. Despite the hunger and the cold which characterised their childhood, the siblings nevertheless have happy memories too, and banded together like 'Vietnam vets', bonded by the unique experiences they shared. Now Kit and Dean work as screenwriters together, drawing on their incredible knowledge of classic film, inherited from their father, whose love of cinema was an escape from tougher realities. Kit's memoir 'Without Warning and Only Sometimes' is published this summer.

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40 | Louise Boyce & George MacCallum

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Middle child Louise - of Mamas Still Got It fame, grew up in London with baby brother George and older sister Bonnie. As kids, George was subjected to 'loving abuse' by the girls, but nonetheless as an adult is their biggest fan. As a boy he helped direct some of Louise's very early modelling attempts and as a teen he helped her when the demands of the fashion industry to be ever thinner left her unrecognisable to the family. In this episode Louise talks about making peace with her body, harmonising in the car and how George found her a husband by accident.

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39 | Sophie Robinson & Edward Robinson

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Queen of colour, Sophie Robinson (Sops) is a TV presenter and interior designer. Her little brother Edward (Smudge) left a career in fashion for interiors, also appearing on telly. Their love of a project was inspired by their DIY- mad parents, who moved the kids around the country, renovating houses as they went. This nomadic period of childhood was an adventure for golden-child Sophie and a bit tough for Edward, who was struggling with his identity. In this episode they talk about rainbow wallpaper, fancying your games teacher, pyromania and confiding in each other as adults.

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38 | Christopher & Nicholas Frayling

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:28 GMT

Professor Sir Christopher Frayling - or Podge - is one the country's leading cultural historians. His older brother, The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling - or Nick the Vic - was the Dean of Chichester before he retired. Born shortly after World War 2 to an ambitious father and a trailblazing mother, the boys had very different paths to success. Being sent away to school at 7 was tough for both 'Frayling Major and Frayling Minor', who became "partners is adversity" during those difficult years. Academia saved one boy, music saved the other. Now though, they look back at their childhood together with a lot of affection and celebrate each others remarkable careers.

Nicholas is the chaplain for the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.

Christopher's writing can be found here

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37 | Helen Thorn & John Thorn

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Comedian (and Scummy Mummy) Helen Thorn is a whopping 14 years younger than her brother John, who remembers her as a precocious and hilarious little blonde princess. While John went to grammar school in Melbourne, Australia, Helen had a different childhood - sent to tough it out in some harsher environments. Their childhoods may have been really different, but as adults they understand each other’s worlds perfectly. When times are tough they are safe havens for each other, spending lots of time together as buddies and now colleagues.

Helen's book: 'Get Divorced, Be Happy'

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Season 3 Trailer!

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Relatively podcast is back for a new season!!

More pairs of siblings talk to Catherine about their relationship as adults and what it was like growing up together.

They reveal nicknames, settle old arguments and tell each other how they really feel.

Join in on Instagram and Twitter

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36 | Bobby Seagull & Davey Jose

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:00:00 GMT

TV quizzer Bobby Seagull and his polymath big brother Davey Jose (artist, tech analyst, mathematician) grew up in a council house in East London, where "using your mind" was valued above all else. 2 of 4 boys, the pair have been close from the start, inheriting their bouncy positivity from their parents. An accident as a toddler meant Davey went to special school until fate stepped in and he had the chance to go to mainstream school like Bobby. Sibling rivalry spurred both boys on to academic success: Bobby went to Eton on a full scholarship and then to Oxford to do Maths. He would have gone to Cambridge like Davey, but they argued over their beloved rival football teams and the rest is history! See Davey's recently exhibited art work here:

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35 | Lucy Mangan & Emily Thomas

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Author and columnist Lucy Mangan (AKA ‘Boogaloo’) and her IT-whizz little sister Emily Thomas (AKA ‘Minefrog’) are very, very different. Brought up in Catford by their indomitable "displaced Northerner" mother and their introverted father (nicknamed 'The Potato'), Emily remembers their mother making Lucy's bed with her still in it, nose stuck in a book. Lucy recalls Emily never sitting still, and always embarking on projects and adventures. In this episode they talk about making friends, being introverted or extroverted, getting one over on your sister – and the complex and numerous Mangan House Rules. Lucy's terrific new book 'Are We Having Fun Yet?' is out now.

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34 | Anna Vakili آنا وکیلی & Mandi Vakili مندی وکیلی

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Appearing on Love Island was a dramatic move for pharmacist Anna Vakili. She now works as an influencer with her little sister Mandi - which is a "dream come true" for the girls. Brought up in London by ambitious Iranian parents, the pair reflect on the adjustments their parents have made and how life has changed for everyone since the show. They also talk about coming of age in the post 9/11 and 7/7 era, an environment which was very hostile to Muslims, and discuss their new joint mission to represent Middle Eastern women in the media, proving you can be both "sexy and smart".

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33| Hannah Moxon & Naomi Moxon

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 11:00:17 GMT

Classical Brit nominated sisters Hannah and Naomi (or Hanomi) are mirror twins, who have equally beautiful soprano singing voices. Bullied at school, the pair found their confidence through encouragement from their parents and singing teacher to start to perform. Appearing on The Voice in 2015 launched their career and they have since sung for royalty, for a packed Wembley arena at at The Royal Albert Hall as Classical Reflection. In this episode, they talk about being each other's number one priority, the drama of driving tests and whether they ever think about a life apart.

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32 | Emma Spearing

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:38:31 GMT

For 38 years, actor and theatre-maker Emma Spearing was Robin, and her identical twin Charlie, was Batman. Since Charlie died seven years ago, Emma has been trying to figure out what the hell happens to her role as sidekick now that she is alone. Her new one-woman play 'Whole' is all about that, and the disorientating grief of losing a sister and the future you imagined together. It's funny, too. In the second of two episodes on siblings and grief, Emma talks about having a shared ego, caring for her sister, the goodness of friends and where she finds specific help, now that she is a twin on her own.

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31 | Rev Dr Giles Fraser

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Priest, journalist and broadcaster Giles Fraser talks about his brother Jonathan, who died before Giles was born. His parents' grief shaped the way he was parented and has even influenced the way he approached fatherhood. In this episode, he talks about: the sadness that is always close to the surface, about loving someone you never met, philosophy, teenage rebellion and acquiring a new brother at 13. If you have been affected by stillbirth, miscarriage or SID, please be aware that this podcast talks about them all, as well as 'saudade' the Portuguese word which expresses sadness and longing for something that is missing. https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

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30 | Suzie Fletcher & Steve Fletcher

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 11:00:11 GMT

Steve and Suzie Fletcher from the BBC show The Repair Shop grew up in rural Oxfordshire, where they had a very free range childhood. Their hard-working horologist father inspired Steve to go into a career mending clocks and watches but for Suzie, it was only ever horses, which she loved with a passion that took her to the USA – where she stayed for 22 years. The now-reunited siblings talk creativity, postnatal depression, shyness, and the absolute joy of roaming the countryside from breakfast until tea.

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29 | Sasha and Kadeen Corbin

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 11:00:24 GMT

International netballing duo Sasha and Kadeen Corbin grew up in a sporty household. Their dad played cricket for Glamorgan and as a girl, their mum raced Tessa Sanderson on the track. Early success in gymnastics gave way to a passion for netball which saw both girls represent the country together. In this episode they talk the pain of injury, the heartbreak of not being selected to play when your sister has been and the fun of sharing a dream.

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28 | Prof Alison Pike on family roles

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:00:13 GMT

Professor of psychology and sibling expert Alison Pike joins Catherine to talk about family roles, childhood labels and why we grow up so differently to our brothers and sisters. Do we become clumsy if we are called clumsy ? Is it all down to our parents? And do our roles in the family translate into our identities or reputations in life more generally?

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27 | Catriona Ward & Antonia Ward

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Catriona and Antonia (or Catinks and Noon) are only 20 months apart: as children they lived around the world, keeping unusual pets, playing at horses (and riding real horses) and generally enjoying wonderful freedom. Dartmoor in Devon was the one constant in their lives – but much as they loved it, their house was terrifying for author Catriona - who now writes horror fiction for a living. In this episode they talk about fitting in in new places, fighting over each other’s possessions and the important role of aunty.

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26 | Meet Professor Alison Pike

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:00:25 GMT

Meet Alison Pike - a professor of child + family psychology who has been studying sibling relationships for the last 25 years. Over the next few weeks she will join Catherine for a series of bonus conversations on things like rivalry, roles and family memories and stories… In this short episode, she talks about her own family and why she is so interested in brothers and sisters.

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25 | Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:42 GMT

Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, are two of seven musical siblings from Nottingham. They still argue over board games and, as children, strove to win the annual Christmas bedroom-decorating competition. But their on-stage relationships are totally different, revelling in each other’s unique skills and abilities. In this episode they talk about the importance of creativity for its own sake, family WhatsApp groups and celebrate 'MUSE' their first album as a duo. Click HERE to hear all 7 siblings perform their beautiful arrangement of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'.

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24 | Susie Dent

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 10:00:15 GMT

Susie Dent is a whizz with words. The lexicographer and etymologist’s fascination with language started early, when she would devour German and French vocab books in the back of the car on the way to family holidays. In this episode of Relatively, Catherine asks Susie all about the words we use to talk about families – from sibling to sister and brethren to relative. A delve into the dictionary with Susie Dent! Her newest book Word Perfect is here .

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23 | Gok & Kwoklyn Wan

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:33 GMT

Gok (Babe) and Kwoklyn Wan’s grandfather came to the UK from Hong Kong in 1958 and opened the very first Chop Suey house in Leicester 4 years later. Their mum and dad were also restaurateurs, and the pair grew up (like twins) learning to be perfect hosts: helping in the kitchen, dancing to ABBA in the basement and eating steak and rice at 3AM after service with their fun-loving parents. Home was a bubble which protected the siblings from the bullying and abuse endured in 1980s Britain. Later on, Gok suffered from anorexia, after trying to lose weight to fit in – a period his brother still finds hard to talk about.

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22 | Meg & Chris Clothier

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Meg and Chris (the bag) Clothier were brought up by their seafaring, hardy parents who met one another ocean racing. Childhood holidays spent ‘bored wet and cold’ nevertheless left the pair with a deep love and respect for the sea. As straight A students, they headed to Oxbridge and became 'real' friends although tomboy Meg remembers Chris as always being a 'really nice playmate' (or maybe first mate!). In this episode, they talk about: the sea, (of course) teenage fashion, the heartache of divorce and the joy of shepherd’s pie. https://profilebooks.com/work/sea-fever/

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21 | Kirsten & Tim O' Brien

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:00:33 GMT

TV presenter Kirsten O' Brien and her little brother Tim had a globetrotting childhood, racking up the airmiles following their engineer dad's career to some pretty far flung corners of the world. Living the ex-pat life made them close and gave them a world view way beyond their native Middleborough, where they were the first people to have a microwave and a VHS. The pair scrapped and fought a lot, something Kirsten - as self professed "wind-up merchant" - takes full responsibility for. However, as older teens their shared indie-kid identity brought them close, a bond which was tested by the grief which followed the death of their mother when she was just 54.

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20 | Angela & Maria Eagle MPs

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 10:00:43 GMT

Angela and Maria Eagle - both Labour MPs - were encouraged to aim high from as early as they can remember. At 8 years old, the twins started beating their dad at chess and then quickly moved on to squarely defeating the boys at their local chess club. As well as chess, their parents taught them about equality for women and the value of education. At home they were also immersed in politics - debating and arguing with each other as well as "shouting at the telly" if a Tory happened to be on "spouting Tory nonsense..." . As serving members of parliament they are sustained by the bond forged as children and in 2016 when Angela made her bid to replace Jeremy Corbyn as party leader, Maria provided emotional support in the face of relentless trolling and abuse, some of which focussed on her sister's sexuality.

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19 | Dame Jenni Murray

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:00:39 GMT

Dame Jenni Murray is an only child, whose “pushy and devoted” mother thought she was going to die giving birth to her, and so was determined to never have another baby. That meant Jennifer Susan Bailey grew up with loads and loads of adult attention – something which had its advantages as well as its definite disadvantages. In this episode, Jenni talks about why she wanted to giver her first born a sibling, why being an only child left her lonely in her grief after losing her mother and how she thinks she was spoilt by being the only child in the family.

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18 | Drs Chris & Xand van Tulleken

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken were born 7 minutes apart but don't know who is the oldest... As older brothers to 'Bratty' , the trio enjoyed an idyllic childhood, with an "anarchic", fun-loving dad and a perfectly complementary mum who worked hard to provide for the family and instilled a work ethic in the three boys. As teens the twins decided to become doctors and cooperated beautifully to study for their medical school interviews. It was - by their own admission - a rare episode in a relationship which can otherwise be dogged by squabbles and rows. And yet the pair *clearly* adore each other and a recent near-death experience highlighted how dependent they are on each other. Their new podcast series is about food and weight, which obsesses them both....

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17 | Chris & Jenny Packham

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Naturalist Chris Packham and his little sister the fashion designer Jenny Packham, grew up in Southampton in a crazily creative and competitive family. They indulged Chris's enthusiasms and obsessions - trekking through nettles and staying out for hours to spot birds or catch newts. Later on Jenny developed her own interest in art and making clothes - inspired by her dress-making grandmothers. As teens the pair bonded through music and fashion, but at socially Chris's undiagnosed Asperger's made life tough for him and challenging for the family. Jenny's love her "brilliant" brother has never faltered and they remain as close now as ever.

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16 | National Siblings Day Special

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:00:11 GMT

This end-of-season special episode is a veritable pot-pourri of sibling love... We've rounded up Jane Garvey, Susie Dent, Chris Packham, Professor Alison Pike – an expert on siblings – and two very important guests: Catherine's (slightly overexcited) sisters Bex and CJ! Look out for listener messages to brothers and sisters around the world, and bonus episodes in the coming weeks. Don't forget Siblings Day on April 10th!

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15 | Eileen & Catherine Walsh

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Eileen and Catherine Walsh grew up in Cork before moving to Dublin to pursue careers on stage and screen. On leaving school, older sister Catherine cried, saying “someone much better was coming” to fill her shoes – but as grown ups, both sisters hold each other in high professional regard and lean on each other for support in a tough industry. In this episode they talk about the influence of the Irish church on their childhood, their dad as a long-suffering theatre goer – and the craic to be had in a busy and fun family home.

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14 | Hashi Mohamed Hashi & Shukri Hashi

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:00:05 GMT

The barrister, writer and broadcaster Hashi Mohamed Hashi had 11 siblings: out of them all, he is closest to sister Shukri, from whom he has never been separated despite the ‘tornado’ which scattered their family following their father’s death. Aged 9 and 7, they travelled from Kenya to the UK as refugees – where a new home, languages and culture baffled them both. In this episode they talk about social mobility and success, their love of baked beans, and the strength they found to make it through.

Hashi's Book, People Like Us

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13 | Nick & Gill Hornby

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:00:37 GMT

Nick Hornby and his sister Gill both loved books from an early age, spending Saturdays together at the public library. Reading was an escape from a childhood which became ‘strange and baffling’ after their father was more and more frequently absent from the family home. In this episode the two authors talk about keeping each other’s childhood memories safe, teenage kicks, and always looking for approval from one another.

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12 | Ahir & Tash Shah

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:32:11 GMT

Stand up comedian Ahir Shah and his older sister Akanksha (Tash, Didi, Dips) are eight years apart but incredibly close. Ahir arrived like a Christmas present for Tash, who loved caring for him as a baby and still worries about him now - especially when he lays bare his soul on stage. The pair grew up in a funny household with 'giggly' parents where money worries couldn't take the shine off the fact that their childhood was "good in all the ways it was important to be good." As adults, they describe their relationship as 'wonderful' and work as a team on starting to 'parent their parents' a little bit..

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11 | Nicky Campbell & Esther Cameron

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell first met his birth sister Esther as adults, after they had independently traced their Irish birth mother. Both had been given up for adoption as babies, grew up in Edinburgh and were left with complicated feelings around belonging. In his new book 'One of the Family' Nick tells the whole story of his breakdown, diagnosis as bi-polar and being saved by the love of his dog, Maxwell. In this episode of Relatively, he and Esther share their parallel stories and reflect on questions of identity, family and the bond they now share as siblings.

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10 | Anna "Mother Pukka" Whitehouse & Karen Whitehouse

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:00:27 GMT

Anna Whitehouse – aka Mother Pukka – and her little sister Karen Whitehouse (creator of true crime podcast "Who Shat On The Floor At My Wedding?") got off to a fractious start as siblings, with episodes of bum pinching, shin kicking and trolling through poetry. But something altered on a family holiday, and since then they have been incredibly close: “the yin to each other’s yang”. Karen (Anna’s self appointed life producer) pieced her big sister back together again after miscarriage and post-natal depression, and Anna is forever grateful to her “much funnier”, incredibly kind and patient sibling.

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9 | Briony May Williams & Ben & Max McKean

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:00:53 GMT

Baker Briony May Williams (Bri, Brizzle or Braz or Chewie) has two brothers, Max and Ben: they come as a pair and operate like "a comedy duo," so for the first time we have three guests! The family are close geographically as well as emotionally, and all live within 10 minutes of each other in Bristol. Briony has been on a bit of a journey since her star turn on GBBO and now speaks openly and boldly about being disabled - a big change from childhood, when the word was avoided. The boys are protective and proud of their sister, who was diagnosed with depression in 2010: now they keep a watchful eye on the 'Brio-meter' in case she ever needs cheering up. In this episode the trio talk about looking out for each other, being the men of the house – and the politics of the school bus.

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8 | Julie & Rab Fernandez

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:00:31 GMT

Actress Julie ("Fernacka -Pants") Fernandez and her big brother Rab were not always as close as they are today. Their larger-than-life dad Barney could 'light up a room" and dominated their extraordinary childhood, moving the family around the world and creating a technicolour life – which could be thrilling, but was often unhappy and sometimes violent. At the same time, 'diddy' Julie's brittle bones meant endless trips to hospital, enduring 70 operations and months spent in plaster, something she knows Rab also found difficult. Despite everything, their relationship is now rock solid – and one in which they both find complete trust.

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7 | Tom & Rob Aikens

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Chef Rob Aikens (or 'mounds') is 5 minutes older and one inch taller than his twin brother and fellow chef, Tom (or 'eggy') . As children the duo who were "joined at the hip" were known as Double Trouble in their Norfolk village and caused havoc at school. A talented home-cook, their long -suffering mother taught them what good food was, and how it should taste – but inspiration to make a career in the kitchen came like a bolt from the blue one family holiday, and from then on there was nothing stopping these ambitious brothers. In this episode, the pair talk about being very, very, VERY naughty, standing up for each other and coming to terms with a life that's now spent apart.

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6 | Cory Wharton-Malcolm & Janeen Wilson

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Before taking up running, Cory Wharton-Malcolm (or 'Beefy') was 'fat and unhappy in his own skin' – something his sister Janeen was totally oblivious to. She only ever saw her cool older brother, who had precious little time to spend with her. Fast forward to the present day: psychotherapist Janeen and coach Cory are now very close (she has her own keys to his house) and running has helped Cory to both deal with the grief of losing his Gran – who raised him and Janeen – and given him the platform he wanted to try and make the world a better place. In this episode of Relatively, Cory and Janeen talk about fitting in, silly voices, and feeling truly at home with one another.

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5 | Maddy & Marina Bye

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Ruby Wax's daughters Maddy and Marina Bye grew up in a household stuffed with performers where "nothing was normal" and being funny got you lots of attention. Now Maddy ("I give nicknames, I don't get them") and Marina ('The Beaver') are a professional comedy double act, who go by the name 'Siblings'. They feel invincible together on stage, drawing on lessons learnt at drama and clown school and pointers drawn from greats including Rick Mayal and French and Saunders. In this episode of Relatively, we talk about mental health and chutzpah, experimenting on your younger sister for fun and getting career advice from Alan Rickman.

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4 | Dan & Rebecca Snow

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:00:33 GMT

Historian Dan Snow's greatest regret is how he treated his little sister Beck Snow in childhood, though the duo (despite being separated by the Atlantic) are now as thick as thieves. In this episode of Relatively, Dan and Beck recount the summer they learned how to wow the dance floor at teenage parties and the soap-opera-like moment they found out about their father Peter Snow's love child Matthieu. The siblings talk about teasing, eccentricity and fame, privilege – and the pride they feel for each other's successes.

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3 | Johnny & Lillie Flynn

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:00:40 GMT

Johnny Flynn (nickname Stumblebum) has a little sister Lillie (nickname Squirtface) as well as four much older half-siblings – and the performing gene, inherited from their dad Eric Flynn, runs strong in all of them. As children Johnny and Lillie were thick as thieves: he loved nothing more than making her laugh, so winning a choral scholarship to boarding school at 8 and leaving her was a real wrench. In this episode of Relatively they talk about living together as drama students, searching for peace after their dad's death and performing on stage together in Johnny's band, The Sussex Wit.

Huge thanks to the management at Transgressive Records for letting us play some of Johnny's music. ('Raising the Dead' and 'The Water')

All music by Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit is music available to buy through www.transgressiverecords.com

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2 | Divina de Campo & Carys Cliffe

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Divina de Campo is one of seven, and her childhood nickname was 'Rent-A-Wrecker'. Born Owen Farrow, Divina came out as a teenager and now makes a living from drag, appearing regularly on primetime TV including finishing as first runner up in the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. In this episode of Relatively, Divina and her sister Carys Cliffe talk about the teasing that goes on in a big family, the perils of Section 28 when you're being bullied at school – and the thrill of getting to the end of My First Piano book.

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1 | Jess Phillips & Luke Trainor

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Jess Phillips MP is the youngest of four, the only girl and cheerfully confesses to being "the bossy one". In this episode, she and her brother Luke Trainor talk about getting into big trouble as kids, whether or not you were allowed to smoke in the loft (you weren't) and how even as adults, they still have each other's backs: Jess tried to help when Luke suffered from serious drug addiction, and Luke worries about Jess navigating an increasingly fraught political world.

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Relatively

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:15:09 GMT

For most of us, our relationships with our brothers and sisters are the longest lasting of our lives, sometimes spanning 80 or 90 years. Sibling relationships come before friendships or romances, and usually outlive any links with our parents. On this brand new weekly podcast, Catherine Carr brings brothers and sisters together to talk about the connections they have with each other as adults - as well as what it was like growing up. But she will also talk to them separately, to get a more private view on the relationship. Expect nostalgia, honesty, revelations – and lots and lots of teasing...

Find out more: Relatively Podcast

Music: 'Good Tradition' by Tanita Tikaram

Sound: Nick Carter Mixsonix

Digital: Charlotte Griffiths Lottle

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