Lessons From Our Mothers

Cressida and Isabella

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt from your mum? How have the maternal figures in your life shaped you? In Lessons from Our Mothers, sisters Isabella and Cressida explore the wisdom, love, and lessons passed down through generations. They speak with remarkable people like Kate Winslett, Mary Berry, Alain de Botton and Dr Shefali about the maternal figures - biological or not - who influenced them. The life lessons they’ve carried forward, the things they’ve chosen to leave behind, and how certain experiences have informed the way they parent. Whether they had a strong relationship or a more complicated one, they reflect on how that bond - or absence of it - helped shape who they are today. Thoughtful and heartfelt, these conversations uncover the power and importance of motherhood in all its forms.

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

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20 episodes
Updated July 5

Episodes20

Newest first

July 5 · 46 min
Poppy Jamie: Lessons in Intuition, Magic and Trusting Yourself
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by entrepreneur, bestselling author and wellness advocate Poppy Jamie. 🌸 Poppy shares the inspiration behind her new book, opens up about growing up with a mother who is a witch, and explores how that unique upbringing shaped her relationship with intuition. Together, they discuss why so many of us have become disconnected from our inner voice, how to tune back into it, and why learning to trust ourselves can be one of life's greatest gifts. 🌸 Plus, Poppy has a very special surprise announcement that you won't want to miss... 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they've carried forward, those they've left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 28 · 47 min
Dr Lousie Newson: Lessons in Hormonal Wellbeing- From Misinformation to Empowerment
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by Dr Louise Newson, Leading Hormone expert, menopause specialist and best selling author. 🌸Louise discusses her mission to transform the conversation around women's health and shares insights from her latest book, The Power of Hormones: Break Free from Fear and Misinformation About Hormones and Harness Them for a Healthier, Happier Life. She explains why she wants audiences to leave her theatre tour feeling angry and unpacks some of the biggest myths surrounding natural versus synthetic hormone treatment. She also highlights the hormone realted symptoms women should never ignore and the link between our changing hormones and our mental health. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 21 · 36 min
Jennifer O’Connell: Lessons in Putting Women at the Heart of Health Research
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by Jennifer O'Connell, co-founder of the supplement brand, Sisterly. 🌸Jennifer discusses the importance of women being properly represented in women's health research and science, and shares the inspiration behind Sisterly - a brand created to simplify wellness and take the mental load out of choosing the right supplements. She also talks openly about balancing motherhood with the demands of leading a growing business and reflects on the maternal figures who have guided her throughout her life. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🌸If you want to support The Lady Garden Foundation through your SISTERLY purchase, use code LGF to give 15% of proceeds from every sale to this amazing cause. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 14 · 40 min
Dr Karan Rajan: Lessons In The Simple Health Habits Everyone Should Know
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by doctor, author and TikTok star Dr Karan. 🌸Karan reflects on how growing up with a mum who was also a doctor shaped his path into medicine, he explores the often underestimated role grandparents play in a child’s development, and looks ahead to becoming a parent himself - opening up about the lessons he hopes to carry forward. He also shares practical and accessible health advice, including the importance of fibre in our diets and how small changes can have a big impact on overall wellbeing. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 7 · 43 min
Natalie Imbruglia: Fame, ‘Torn’ And Her Journey To Motherhood
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by singer and songwriter Natalie Imbruglia. 🌸 In this honest and reflective conversation, Natalie opens up about the whirlwind success of ‘Torn’ and the pressures that came with sudden global fame. She shares how her mum remained a constant source of strength despite living on the other side of the world, and how that support grounded her through the highs and lows of her career. Natalie also speaks candidly about her journey to motherhood through IVF, and what becoming a mother later in life has meant to her. We also hear about Natalie’s new album, Algorithm. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 31 · 37 min
Nerina Pallot: Lessons In Resilience, Rejection, and Finding Her Way
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. 🌸 Nerina reflects on her relationship with her mother, including the challenges they faced during her teenage years, and the lessons she’s carried into parenting her own teenager today. She shares how motherhood has shaped her songwriting and creativity, and opens up about how she’s balanced family life with a successful music career. We also hear what it’s really like working with global stars like Kylie Minogue, navigating a long-distance relationship with her mum, and how her understanding of motherhood has evolved over time. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 24 · 47 min
Jessica Brown Findlay: Lessons From the Women Who Helped Me Find My Voice
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by actor Jessica Brown Findlay, best known for her role as Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey. 🌸 Jessie shares what it was like growing up with dyslexia in a small village, guided by her mother and grandmother, and the impact an eating disorder had on her whole family. She reflects on how an injury changed the course of her life, disrupting the ballerina path she had planned for herself, plus how she navigated her IVF journey through connection with other women. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 17 · 39 min
Dacher Keltner: The Science Behind Awe and Where to Find It
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by psychologist, author, and awe researcher Dacher Keltner, whose work explores the science of human emotion, connection, and the power of awe in everyday life. 🌸 Dacher shares how the loss of his younger brother inspired his exploration of awe, and reflects on what awe means to him personally. He opens up about the deep and meaningful relationship his mother fostered with his brother - something he later tried to emulate when raising his own children. Dasher also shares why emotions like compassion, gratitude, and awe are essential to our wellbeing, plus shares his top tips for bringing more awe into everyday life through nature, music, and human connection. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 10 · 37 min
Jessica Urlichs: The Poetry That Found Me in Motherhood
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by poet Jessica Urlichs, whose widely shared work captures the raw realities of modern motherhood. 🌸 Jessica opens up about her early days of motherhood and the postpartum anxiety that inspired her to start sharing her writing. She shares how poetry became a way to process all that comes with being a new mum - and how her words have gone on to resonate with hundreds of thousands of women around the world. 🌸 Jessica also reflects on her own upbringing, exploring the lessons from her mum that she’s chosen to carry forward, and the patterns she’s consciously leaving behind - plus, she shares how welcoming her third child helped her let go of perfection, and live in the moment. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 15 · 49 min
Pearl & Daisy Lowe: An ADHD Diagnosis That Explained Everything
🌸 And the secret to raising kids who still come home. 🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by fashion designer, writer and former singer Pearl Lowe, alongside her daughter - model and presenter Daisy Lowe. 🌸 In this heartfelt conversation between mother and daughter, Pearl reflects on becoming a mum at a very young age and the challenges she faced along the way, including her struggles with addiction and receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life. Daisy shares what it was like growing up with a rockstar mum, the lessons she took from her mother’s openness, and how those experiences are shaping the way she’s raising her own daughter today. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Sarah, who shares one of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum. 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 8 · 48 min
Nazanin Boniadi: Raised by Women Who Refused to Be Silenced
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by actor Nazanin Boniadi, known for her roles in How I Met Your Mother, Homeland and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. 🌸 In a conversation recorded just before the recent war, we spoke with Nazanin - an Iranian-born actress, activist, and a granddaughter in mourning - about the timeless wisdom of mothers. Reflecting on her own mother, her late grandmother, and the courageous mothers of Iran, she speaks about the love and resilience that endure even in the darkest times. Our hearts are with the people of Iran, and anyone affected in the region. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Karni, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 1 · 58 min
Two Cultures. One Truth: Gurinder Chadha on Identity, Belonging & Owning Your Story
🌸 Cressida and Isabella are joined by award-winning film director Gurinder Chadha. Best known for her 2002 hit Bend It Like Beckham, Gurinder has spent her career telling stories that explore identity, family and belonging. 🌸Gurinder shares what it was like growing up as the daughter of Punjabi Sikh immigrants in Britain, and how she navigated her mother’s cultural expectations while carving out a path of her own. She reflects on the unexpected success of Bend It Like Beckham and shares the spiritual lessons her mother instilled in her that continue to guide her life and work today. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Anushka, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 22 · 49 min
Gabriella Wilde: How My Mother Showed Me We Can Always Transform Ourselves For The Better
💬 Raising three boys and honouring a mother’s courage to change. 🌸 This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by their sister - actor, grief counsellor and palliative care Soul Midwife, Gabriella Wilde. 🌸 Gabriella opens up about growing up with a mother battling addiction. She reflects on the duality of her childhood - a mother who was carefree and childlike in many ways, yet whose mental health struggles created instability. Gabriella also reflects on becoming a mother herself at 24, and how her work in grief and palliative care has shaped her understanding of motherhood - including how death and birth are intertwined. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Grace, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 15 · 52 min
Tilly Rose: My Mother’s Relentless Quest to Save my Life
💬 “I got the worst luck medically, but all the luck getting her as my mum” ~ Tilly Rose 🌸 This week, Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson are joined by author and chronic illness advocate, Tilly Rose, whose life was saved by a mother who refused to stop searching for answers long after doctors had given up. 🌸 For nearly 20 years, Tilly lived as a medical mystery. As her health deteriorated and clinicians failed to find a diagnosis, she was eventually placed on end-of-life care. It was an ending her mum simply would not accept. In this powerful conversation, Tilly shares how her mother made it her life’s work to solve her case, ultimately helping uncover a rare diagnosis after a viral social media post changed everything. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Angie, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 8 · 45 min
Julia Samuel: How a Therapist Deals with a Complex Maternal Relationship
💬 “When someone dies, you can always write to them” ~Julia Samuel 🌸 This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by psychotherapist, author, and mother of 4 Julia Samuel. 🌸 Julia explores the very complex relationship she had with her mother - whose old fashioned parenting style had knock-on effects throughout her life. She discusses the pain of being separated from her twin brother from a young age. She’s also especially skilled at guiding people through grief and loss - and shares her best lessons as a psychotherapist. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Louisa, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 1 · 46 min
Riley Keough: The Gift and Challenge of Finishing Lisa Marie Presley’s Memoir
🌸 This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by actor, filmmaker and producer Riley Keough. 🌸 Riley opens up about the extraordinary journey of finishing her mother Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir after her death - a process she describes as both a gift and the hardest thing she has ever done. Riley also shares what it was really like growing up as the oldest granddaughter of Elvis Presley. Plus, we hear how she coped with the unexpected loss of her brother Benjamin. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Harry, who shares some of the most valuable lessons he’s taken from his mum! 💍 And a huge thanks to our sponsor Philippa Herbert. Discover their range at https://philippaherbert.co.uk/ 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 25 · 1 hr 4 min
Kate Winslet: From “Put Up and Shut Up” to Raising Confident Children
On breaking generational silence and raising children who know their voice matters. 🌸 This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by the incredible, award-winning actor Kate Winslet. 🌸 Kate discusses the launch of ‘Goodbye June’ - a moving film written by her son Joe, which she directed, produced and acted in. She opens up about the realities of experiencing an unexpected rise to fame at a young age - and the challenges it posed to her mother. And she explores her own approach to motherhood, from breaking generational cycles of self-doubt to keeping her children’s lives social media free. 🌸 Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Tatiana, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 14, 2025 · 51 min
India Rakusen: The surprising truths about motherhood uncovered making BBC’s ‘Child’
🌸This week Cressida and Isabella are joined by journalist, documentary producer, presenter and award-winning podcaster India Rakusen. 🌸India shares some of the fascinating insights she uncovered while making the second series of the BBC podcast Child - from the extraordinary complexity of toddler brains to understanding big emotions and unpacking the idea of “unconditional love”. India also reflects on her own early experiences and how they shaped her approach to storytelling. She also touches on how becoming a mother herself has transformed her perspective. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact their maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Fabiana, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 💍 And a huge thanks to our sponsor Philippa Herbert. Discover their range at https://philippaherbert.co.uk/ 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 7, 2025 · 41 min
Chelsea Hirschhorn: How her mother’s influence ignited a revolution in mothercare
🌸This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by Chelsea Hirschhorn, the founder and CEO of Frida. 🌸Chelsea reflects on the lessons she learned from her mother - from resilience and empathy to courage and ambition - and how these shaped her journey as an entrepreneur. She shares how she has dedicated her life to living in service to mothers through her business, helping to support and empower mothers everywhere. And how her own mum helped her understand motherhood is part of your identity and not your whole identity. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact their maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Emerald, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 23, 2025 · 38 min
Alex Ikonn: How extreme challenge shaped his mindset, attitude and choices
🌸This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by Alex Ikonn, founder of Intelligent Change and creator of The Five Minute Journal. 🌸Alex reflects on how gratitude was born for him through extreme challenges. From escaping a murderous Uncle in Russia when he was young, to starting over in the United States, Alex watched his mother work tirelessly to build a new life for their family while somehow staying positive throughout. 🌸Alex shares how reframing difficulty became the foundation for course-correcting his life when he found himself headed down the wrong path. He explains how just a few minutes of gratitude journaling each day can shift your entire perspective on life. 🌸Join Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson as they explore how maternal figures have shaped the lives of their guests. Each episode delves into the valuable lessons they’ve carried forward, those they’ve left behind, and the profound impact their maternal figures have had throughout their lives. 💬 Plus, hear from listener Fabiana, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum! 💍 And a huge thanks to our sponsor Philippa Herbert. Discover their range at https://philippaherbert.co.uk/ 📱Have a lesson to share? Send us a DM or voice message on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers. 🎙️An OG Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.