WEEKEND WINE QUESTION TIME with Hermione Norris
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “WEEKEND WINE QUESTION TIME with Hermione Norris” inside PodZeus.
In this special episode of White Wine Question Time, host Kate Thornton hands the mic to listener Michelle, whose heartfelt question explores the emotional transition of being a mother to adult children, especially during the shift into menopause and the 'empty nester' phase. Actress Hermione Norris responds with raw honesty, reflecting on her own journey through grief after her mother's passing, the bittersweet departure of her children, and the profound inner reckoning that comes with redefining identity beyond motherhood and career. She emphasizes the importance of female community, honest emotional release with girlfriends, and reconnection with nature as essential tools for renewal. Drawing inspiration from a vibrant 70-something traveler named Barbara, Hermione envisions a 'second spring' of life—joyful, purposeful, and deeply personal. The episode closes on a note of quiet hope and self-discovery, celebrating the beauty of aging with intention and presence.
Re-defining your identity after your children leave home is a profound, emotional journey that requires space and reflection.
Female friendships are vital for emotional processing—especially during hormonal shifts and life transitions.
Nature and quiet solitude are powerful reset tools for mental and emotional well-being.
Embrace the 'second spring' of life: a time to rediscover joy, purpose, and inner peace beyond societal roles.
Let go of the need to 'do' and instead allow joy and meaning to emerge organically.
Introducing the Listener-Driven Episode
Kate Thornton opens the episode by announcing a special format: listener questions are now driving the conversation. She introduces Hermione Norris as the guest and sets the stage for a deeply personal discussion about motherhood, aging, and identity.
The Empty Nest and the Identity Crisis
“Who am I? What am I? If I'm not a mum, if I'm not in that role, if I'm not this, if I'm not that, who am I?”
The Power of Female Community and Emotional Release
“I can do that in front of my girlfriend. They will literally spit their coffee in my face as I am being ridiculous. Call me out, hug me. And it just blows over so quickly.”
Reconnecting with Nature and the 'Second Spring'
“I just bask in the bliss of peace actually... seeking that connection with nature. Tranquility. Tranquility, peace, exhale.”
“I can do that in front of my girlfriend. They will literally spit their coffee in my face as I am being ridiculous. Call me out, hug me. And it just blows over so quickly.”
“It's not about all those things outside. It's not about roles as an actor or as whatever you're doing or as a mum or as a this or that. It's just what is that? It's you again, right?”
“Who am I? What am I? If I'm not a mum, if I'm not in that role, if I'm not this, if I'm not that, who am I?”
Host
Guest
Hermione Norris
person
Kate Thornton
person
Michelle
person
Barbara
person
White Wine Question Time
media
Lotto Bayern
organization
Angela Rippon
person
Vigo
place
Lanzarote
place
Casablanca
place
Inspirational Women - Brenda Edwards - An Episode from the Cellar
White Wine Question Time • 59m • 3/31/2026
NEW EPISODE: Hermione Norris' Easter Pilgrimage
White Wine Question Time • 37m • 4/2/2026
APRIL FOOLS: Joe Lycett
White Wine Question Time • 1h 1m • 4/7/2026
NEW EPISODE: Angela Rippon a Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration
White Wine Question Time • 47m • 4/9/2026
WEEKEND WINE QUESTION TIME with Angela Rippon
White Wine Question Time • 25m • 4/11/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “WEEKEND WINE QUESTION TIME with Hermione Norris” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime