479: Kathy Lette in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf

479: Kathy Lette in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf

Author: Radio Oldie June 24, 2026 Duration: 40:50

Kathy Lette burst onto our scenes as the exuberant and hilariously outspoken Australian novelist with Puberty Blues when she was just 17. With 20 more novels to her name since then, she talks to Charlotte Metcalf about her move to Britain, her marriages, sex and relationships, raising an autistic son and her latest novel The Sisterhood Rules which is underpinned by her determination to boost older women’s confidence and encourage and promote female solidarity.

This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.


Tucked away from the frantic pace of modern media, Radio Oldie offers a quiet corner for reflection and conversation. This podcast feels like a series of thoughtful letters from a wise friend, weaving together personal journals, societal observations, and cultural musings. Each episode is a gentle exploration of life’s quieter moments and larger questions, all delivered with a warmth that feels distinctly human. You’ll hear stories that ponder the nuances of daily existence, discussions that delve into how we live and connect, and personal narratives that resonate with authenticity. It’s a collection of audio essays and dialogues that value depth over speed, and perspective over noise. The Radio Oldie podcast doesn’t shout for attention; it invites you to lean in and listen closely, creating a space where the personal and the universal comfortably meet. For anyone seeking a respite from the clamor and a genuine, considered take on the world, this series provides a consistently engaging and thoughtful companion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Radio Oldie
Podcast Episodes
464: Christopher Hampton in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:10
Christopher Hampton is one of Britain’s most outstanding and prolific playwrights and screenwriters. Currently his Dangerous Liaisons is playing at the National Theatre, while his Atonement has its world premiere at Chic…
463: Colin Bell at the Oldie Literary Lunch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:55
Colin Bell speaking about his new book, Bloody Dangerous: Fifty missions over Germany: The last first-hand account from WW2, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.
461: Robert Hardman at the Oldie Literary Lunch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:39
Robert Hardman speaking about his new book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.
462: Hugo Vickers at the Oldie Literary Lunch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:47
Hugo Vickers speaking about his new book, Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.He teased his fellow biographer Robert Hardman for b…
460: Christine Dawood in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:14
Charlotte Metcalf talks to Christine Dawood, whose book 96 Hours is published on 12th May. The book tells Christine’s harrowing story of losing her husband, Shahzada, and 19-year-old son, Suleman, when the Titan submersi…
459: John Tusa in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:51
Charlotte Metcalf talks to John Tusa, the distinguished journalist and arts administrator about his new podcast, The Best is Yet to Come, interviewing oldies in their nineties about their lives. He also talks about own h…
457: Anne Sebba in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:24
Charlotte Metcalf talks to the historian and biographer, Anne Sebba, about her latest book, The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. Anne tells Charlotte that she became fascinated with how the women survived and then how she…