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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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 - until July 31st, listeners can get 25% off any subscription with the code RELATIVELY25. Enter the code at the checkout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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