EXTRA LUSH: has Jo banned James from acting??

We’ve been in separate bedrooms watching videos of Haaland

Jul 7, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and James Thornton reflect on the bittersweet experience of their daughter finishing junior school and preparing to transition to secondary education. The hosts share their candid feelings about the inevitability of change, admitting that they have struggled with the emotional weight of seeing their children grow up. From the logistics of finding the perfect prom dress to the pride of watching their daughter deliver a speech at graduation, the conversation highlights the vulnerability that comes with parenthood and the difficulty of letting go as children move toward independence. The discussion also shifts to their shared excitement over recent football matches. The pair recount the intensity of watching dramatic games in the middle of the night, detailing their household’s transition into passionate supporters. They delve into their newfound admiration for various international stars, including Erling Haaland, whose work ethic and character have made him a positive role model for their children. Ultimately, the episode serves as an honest, relatable, and humorous look at navigating life’s transitions, from school milestones to the shared passions that keep families connected.

EXTRA LUSH: Martin, my imaginary friend

Jul 3, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and James dive into a series of listener voice notes, sparking conversations about the paranormal, childhood, and the quirks of life. The hosts begin by reacting to a chilling account of a haunted house, prompting a discussion on whether they believe it is possible to sense "good" or "bad" energy in a home. Joanna shares her own childhood memory of an imaginary friend named Martin, who notably wore a purple top hat, leading to a broader conversation about the fascinating and sometimes eerie experiences parents have with their children’s imaginary companions. The pair also reflects on their own relationship, exploring the "what if" scenarios of their past. They recount missed opportunities where they nearly met years before they eventually crossed paths, contemplating how different their lives might have turned out. The episode concludes with a heartwarming and humorous exchange about the realities of parenting, specifically focusing on the challenges and sweet moments of breastfeeding. Throughout the episode, Joanna and James maintain an engaging rapport, inviting listeners to continue sharing their personal stories.

Why are you naked?

Jun 30, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and James Thornton dive into the relatable chaos of managing a household during an intense heatwave. The conversation kicks off with their humorous attempt to improve their studio environment with an air conditioning unit, leading to an amusing, albeit slightly suggestive, incident at their children’s school show-and-tell. Beyond the summer heat, the pair reflects on the realities of parenting, including the exhaustion of keeping kids home from school and the complex process of transitioning children into their own beds. Joanna shares her poignant, tear-filled experience of reading The Velveteen Rabbit to her children and reflects on the sentimental value of preserving memories of them as they grow. The discussion also veers into lighthearted territory as they confess to their own domestic white lies, including using the bathroom as a strategic sanctuary to escape the demands of daily life. Finally, they provide an update on their pet guinea pig’s ongoing recovery, highlighting the care and connection that exists within their busy home. It is a candid, funny, and warm exploration of family life.

EXTRA LUSH: How low can you go?

Jun 26, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging and humorous conversation that spans from personal parenting struggles to lighthearted social pranks. The episode kicks off with a spirited debate over vocal ranges, but quickly transitions into a heartfelt and chaotic listener submission from Canada. The listener shares her own relatable "parenting fails" involving potty training accidents, prompting Joanna and James to trade their own candid stories about the messier, unglamorous realities of raising young children. Beyond the domestic anecdotes, the duo discusses the merits of maintaining a calm lifestyle, citing footballer Erling Haaland as an unlikely source of inspiration for finding balance in a hectic world. The conversation also shifts to the concept of "supermarket shame" and the social anxiety that can arise from unexpected encounters in public. They wrap up the episode by sharing stories of playful pranks and office mischief, eventually teasing a future segment dedicated to the high-stakes drama that often unfolds in parents' WhatsApp groups. It is an engaging and honest look at the unpredictable nature of daily life.

I’ve sensed a presence in our bedroom

Jun 23, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, hosts Joanna Page and James Thornton explore the importance of managing digital consumption and the unexpected benefits of finding joy in new interests. Joanna shares how shifting her social media algorithm from parenting advice and beauty standards to football content has significantly reduced her stress and improved her sleep. The hosts discuss the societal pressure parents face to constantly stimulate their children, arguing that allowing children to be bored and find their own fun is a healthy part of growing up. The conversation takes a supernatural turn as Joanna reveals she has been sensing a mysterious presence in their bedroom. This leads to an engaging discussion about their beliefs regarding ghosts, spirits, and the history of the land their home is built upon. Drawing on personal anecdotes—including memories of mysterious piano music and unexplained scents—the pair considers the possibility of life beyond the physical realm. They wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to share their own paranormal experiences via voice note, while also expressing an interest in exploring haunted locations themselves.

EXTRA LUSH: Is James going through a midlife crisis?

Jun 19, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and James dive into a candid and humorous exploration of family life, aging, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. The hosts respond to listener voice notes and messages, sparking lively debates about whether they are entering a midlife crisis, particularly as they discuss the urge to go clubbing again—albeit at an age where they prioritize being back in bed by nine. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the challenges of raising children and the linguistic quirks of their household. Joanna and James share amusing anecdotes about their children’s accents, which have shifted from their own distinctive Welsh and Yorkshire influences to more standard English as the children grow up. They also open up about the practicalities of sleep, discussing their experiences with co-sleeping, the trials of snoring, and the reality of navigating personal space within a marriage. Throughout, the couple emphasizes the importance of adaptability and finding humor in the everyday hurdles of parenting and long-term partnership, reinforcing the idea that life constantly changes and they are simply doing what works best for their family.

How is our sex marathon going?

Jun 16, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and her husband James Thornton dive into the chaos of family life during the summer holidays. The conversation begins with a celebration as Joanna reflects on her recent win as the champion of Taskmaster season 21. She shares the thrill of keeping her victory a secret from her children for a whole year and the hilarious, high-energy aftermath of finally revealing the hidden trophy to them at home. Beyond the celebration, the hosts discuss the realities of balancing a busy career with parenting. Joanna recounts the exhaustion of intense filming schedules, the humorous struggle of managing a house while away, and the challenges of dealing with her daughter’s latest phase of demanding constant attention. The couple also shares an update on their pets, specifically the recovery of their guinea pig, Scruff, following surgery, and touches on their shared enthusiasm for football as they gear up to watch the latest tournament matches. It is a candid and natural conversation that captures the unpredictable, busy, and often funny dynamics of their daily lives.

We NEED to get a better story in the Daily Mail

Jun 9, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page and James Thornton, the couple reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing family life, work, and personal time. Following a busy half-term break spent entirely at home, the hosts discuss the chaotic yet rewarding experience of setting up a large family tent in their garden, which became an immersive den for their four children. Joanna also recounts a recent solo trip to London for work, where she navigated tube strikes and stayed in a quirky room above an old-fashioned pub, an experience she describes as feeling like a clandestine adventure. The conversation shifts toward their desire to prioritize their relationship amidst the demands of raising children. Inspired by advice from a friend, Joanna and James explore a new challenge aimed at carving out intentional time for themselves, including stricter bedtime routines for the children to ensure they have quiet evenings together. Additionally, Joanna shares a nostalgic reflection on her decision to have professional, artistic nude photographs taken at twenty-nine, and her humorous plan to revisit the experience as she approaches fifty. The episode concludes with a fun update on Joanna’s recent discovery of the air fryer, which has revitalized her enthusiasm for home cooking.

EXTRA LUSH: just go and have a shag!!!!!

Jun 5, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and James explore the challenges of managing family life, parenting, and maintaining a sense of self amidst the busyness of adulthood. The hosts discuss the ongoing struggle to keep children engaged without constant financial demands, highlighting the benefits of tools that teach kids independence and the value of earning their own money. A central theme of the conversation is the search for comfort and mental relief in a hectic world. Joanna shares her love for musicals as a way to reconnect with her youth, while they both discuss how music can regulate emotions and provide a meditative escape. They reflect on the "pre-smartphone" era, reminiscing about the simple joys of reading newspapers, watching television without the pressure of constant choices, and having more downtime. The episode also touches on the importance of physical release, with the hosts playfully suggesting that prioritizing movement, time outdoors, and intimacy is essential for combating stress. The conversation concludes with travel advice for listeners visiting Wales, recommending iconic spots in Barry and Gower, as well as local culinary must-tries like cockles and lava bread.

Can you do it bare chested with your low slung tracksuit bottoms on?

Jun 2, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of Lush! with Joanna Page, Joanna and her husband, James Thornton, engage in a candid and humorous conversation covering the daily chaos and relatable struggles of family life. The hosts begin by sharing updates on their children’s recent milestones, including the emotional journey of finding a prom dress for their eldest daughter, which led to a nostalgic discovery of an old dress in Joanna’s wardrobe. The conversation naturally shifts to the world of football, with Joanna reflecting on how she has gained new insights into the sport through her son’s interests, ranging from understanding defensive physicality to navigating the excitement of the upcoming World Cup. This leads to a funny recounting of a household conflict over a scratch-and-sniff promotional sticker found in a football album, sparking a debate about sibling rivalry and the merits of parental intervention. Finally, the couple discusses their domestic projects, particularly James’s plans to build a new deck at their caravan. The episode closes with lighthearted banter about home security, survivalist bunkers, and fictional scenarios worthy of a murder mystery, showcasing the couple's playful and affectionate dynamic.