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Lessons From Our Mothers
Elizabeth Day: How struggling to conceive made her reimagine motherhood
🌸Welcome back to season two of Lessons From Our Mother. In this episode Cressida and Isabella are joined by acclaimed novelist, journalist, and broadcaster Elizabeth Day.
🌸Elizabeth shares how her mother inspired her love of books, reading, and writing, and opens up about her own journey with motherhood. She talks candidly about reaching acceptance that she would not be a biological mother - and how she’s discovered many different, meaningful ways to mother in the world.
🌸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 Ed Taylor who shares some of the most valuable lessons he’s taken from his 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 on Instagram @lessonsfromourmothers.
✅ Please consider subscribing to the show, leaving a review and sharing the podcast with a friend.
🎙️Music composed by Isabella and Waves Rush in and production by OG podcasts.
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9. Alex Ikonn: How extreme challenge shaped his mindset, attitude and choices
38:18||Season 2, Ep. 9🌸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.
8. AlanTitchmarsh: From Yorkshire roots to national treasure
47:32||Season 2, Ep. 8🌸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.
7. Donna Lancaster: The pain of being “unmothered” and the journey back to love
46:37||Season 2, Ep. 7🌸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.
6. Jamie Laing: How his mum shaped his life, business, and views on parenthood
38:38||Season 2, Ep. 6🌸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.
5. Jo Woodhurst: How her mother’s cancer journey inspired a life of wellness
45:29||Season 2, Ep. 5🌸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.
4. Tanya Burr: How A YouTube Star Navigates Motherhood in the Public Eye
31:50||Season 2, Ep. 4🌸This episode Cressida and Isabella are joined by OG YouTuber and actor Tanya Burr.🌸Tanya opens up about navigating motherhood while keeping her son (and husband) out of the public eye. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries around phone use and social media, despite it being her job. She explores the influences of her mum and nanny on her love of fashion and make-up. And she explains how her family keeps her grounded, even with more than 4 million followers! 🌸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 Ollie, who shares some of the most valuable lessons he’s taken from his 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.
3. Haemin Sunim: A Zen Buddhist monk’s guide to healing old wounds and finding inner peace
38:10||Season 2, Ep. 3🌸This episode Cressida and Isabella are joined by one of the most influential Zen Buddhist monks in the world, the best-selling author Haemin Sunim. 🌸 Haemin shares his gentle wisdom on how to speak to children about death, the importance of self-compassion, and how to foster emotional and spiritual well-being in our homes. He also speaks candidly about a childhood incident that left him with a deep fear of abandonment and how years of reflection and inner work helped him heal.🌸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 Paul who shares some of the most valuable lessons he’s taken from his 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.
2. Parenting Differently: Donna Ashworth on embracing neurodiversity
47:32||Season 2, Ep. 2🌸This episode Cressida and Isabella are joined by best-selling Scottish poet and author Donna Ashworth.🌸Donna opens up about her son’s autism and ADHD diagnoses and what they’ve taught her about embracing different ways of experiencing the world. She reflects on how humans have lost touch with their instincts and shares tips on how to look within ourselves for answers. Plus, she discusses how to cope with the loss of a mother. 🌸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 Max, who shares some of the most valuable lessons he’s taken from his 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.