Lessons From Our Mothers

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.

Latest Episodes:

Julia Samuel: How a Therapist Deals with a Complex Maternal Relationship Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

💬 “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.

Riley Keough: The Gift and Challenge of Finishing Lisa Marie Presley’s Memoir Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

🌸 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.

💬 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.

Kate Winslet: From “Put Up and Shut Up” to Raising Confident Children Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

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.

💬 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.

India Rakusen: The surprising truths about motherhood uncovered making BBC’s ‘Child’ Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

🌸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.

Chelsea Hirschhorn: How her mother’s influence ignited a revolution in mothercare Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

🌸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.

Alex Ikonn: How extreme challenge shaped his mindset, attitude and choices Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

🌸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.

Alan Titchmarsh: From Yorkshire roots to national treasure Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

🌸This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by gardening royalty, TV presenter and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh.

🌸 Alan reflects on what he calls a ‘blissful’ childhood in Yorkshire, and how the unwavering support of his parents allowed him to follow his passion for gardening. He also opens up about the tougher moments in life - from being bullied at school to coping with the death of his parents.

🌸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 Ant, 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.

Donna Lancaster: The pain of being “unmothered” and the journey back to love Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

🌸This week, Cressida and Isabella are joined by writer, teacher and spiritual mentor Donna Lancaster.

🌸 Donna speaks openly about her complex relationship with her mother - a woman deeply affected by the trauma of growing up in a 1940s children’s home. She shares her powerful journey of healing, forgiveness, and ultimately repairing the bond with her mother shortly before her passing. She also reflects on the lessons she’s learned from mothering her own daughter, and the importance of not hiding our imperfections from our children.

🌸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 Jodie, 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.

Jamie Laing: How his mum shaped his life, business, and views on parenthood Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

🌸This episode, Cressida and Isabella are joined by presenter, podcaster, and entrepreneur Jamie Laing.

🌸Jamie opens up about his anxieties around soon becoming a parent, sharing what he’s most looking forward to in this exciting new chapter of life. He reflects on his time at boarding school away from his mother, and how her approach to parenting - like not letting him eat sweets as a child - inspired him to create his own multi-million-pound confectionery business.

🌸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 Laura, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum.

🌳 A massive thank you to our sponsor Ancient and Brave. Go to www.ancientandbrave.earth/planet and use code LESSONS for 20% off your first order.

💍 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.

Jo Woodhurst: How her mother’s cancer journey inspired a life of wellness Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

🌸This episode Cressida and Isabella are joined by Jo Woodhurst, Director of Nutrition at Ancient + Brave.

🌸Jo shares how her mum’s dedication to nutrition, mindset, and holistic wellbeing helped her live ten years longer than doctors predicted, and how witnessing that journey inspired Jo to devote her own life to health, wellness, and the science of nourishment.

🌸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 Georgia, who shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her mum.

🌳 A massive thank you to our sponsor Ancient and Brave. Go to www.ancientandbrave.earth/planet and use code LESSONS for 20% off your first order.

📱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.