The Re-Imagining Motherhood Podcast Episode 10: Lucy Jones - Matrescence as Resistance
Welcome to episode TEN of the Re-Imagining Motherhood podcast.
I am thrilled to bring you Lucy Jones, investigative journalist and award-winning author of the incredibly inspiring book, “Matrescence”. In this episode, Jones and I explore the theory of matrescence - from both personal lived experience to that of the larger cultural narrative. Jones put the concept of matrescence on a much larger map - she has popularized this term, helping give Mothers the words to finally talk about their otherwise silent experiences. She has helped to normalize the messy, painful, growth-producing and awe-inspiring complex sides of Motherhood. I am so grateful for her contributions to this space. This conversation felt like meeting up with an old friend.
Episode Summary:
Talking about matrescence is something I do nearly every day—I can’t get enough. It's a theory that feels truly alive, continuously inspired and reshaped by each mother’s unique lived experience. I’m constantly moved by the activists, authors, and artists who offer their interpretations, planting seeds of new consciousness and fresh perspectives on what it means to be a mother—and on motherhood as an institution.
The raw authenticity in Jones’s writing is why so many women have been drawn to her book. She has a way of making you feel instantly at home, as if you belong somewhere. Her words don’t just see you—they validate you and, even more importantly, empower you to create your own meaning out of your experience of motherhood. Who would have thought that a book—or even a single word—could have such a profound impact?
From exploring her personal connection to the word "matrescence" to diving into its cultural implications for motherhood, this conversation is rich and thought-provoking. This episode gives me hope that, together, we can reimagine motherhood by embracing the fullness of matrescence and using it as a tool for collective change.
Additional episode resources:
To purchase Matrescence: https://www.amazon.com/Matrescence-Childbirth-Motherhood-Lucy-Jones/dp/0593317319
To learn more about Lucy’s work: https://lucyfjones.com/
Lucy Jones’ full bio:
Lucy Jones is an award-winning author and investigative journalist. Jones was educated at University College London and since has written extensively on culture, science and nature. She is the author of four books. Her first book, Foxes Unearthed, received the Society of Authors’ Roger Deakin Award. In other writings, her articles have been published on BBC Earth and in The Sunday Times, The Guardian and the New Statesman. Jones is a sought after speaker too, having given talks at various organisations, including TATE, LSE, NHS, UBS, Forest School Association, 5x15 and for universities and local authorities. She’s talked at festivals, including Hay, Edinburgh, Cambridge Literary Festival, Greenbelt, End of the Road and many more.
Like what you heard and want more?!
- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5 star rating, a glowing review and make sure to share this podcast with all your friends.
- Check out: www.mamasmodernvillage.com for Becoming Mama and The Matricentric Way professional training!
- Sign up for my newsletter for all my latest happenings AND tips to support you in all things matrescence and Motherhood on the website.
- Plus - follow me on IG @mamasmodernvillage.
- M