3 Life Lessons with Tessa Bona

Hello! Happy Tuesday! Welcome to our monthly Life Lessons episode. Today, we speak to podcaster and content creator, Tessa Bona. In this conversation, Tessa opens up about her sexuality, and the moment she realised she was a lesbian, how toxicity has shown up in her past romantic relationship, her take on being friends with an ex, and what opening herself up to love again feels like, with her new girlfriend, Riley Armitage.  Big thanks to The Body Shop and their Spa of the World™ premium body care collection for supporting this episode of Inherited. It’s the perfect way to bring the spa home, and right now, every purchase puts you in the running to win 1 of 5 luxe spa prize packs worth over $400. Head here to check it out. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Tessa Bona (@tessa_bona). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Hello! Today, we speak to Tarang Chawla. Tarang is an Indian-born Australian academic, writer and anti-family violence advocate. In 2015, Tarang’s younger sister Nikita was murdered by her then-husband at the age of just 23. In the years since, Tarang has become one of the country’s leading campaigners for gender equality and advocates for women and children’s safety from family violence. In 2017, he was named a Young Australian of the Year finalist in Victoria and has written across topics including men's violence against women, discrimination, racism, masculinity and human rights. In this conversation, Tarang speaks about migrating to Australia with his parents and the racism he encountered in Kindergarten, and how he felt about the anti-immigration protests that recently took place around Australia. He then opens up about the moment he found out his sister, Nikita, had been murdered by her ex-husband, and how he turned his grief into advocacy work. Content note: This conversation touches on themes of family and domestic violence, so please listen with care. If you or a loved one needs support, please contact 1800 RESPECT. Big thanks to The Body Shop for making this episode possible. Explore The Body Shop’s Spa of the World™ premium body care collection right here, and bring the spa home today. Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Tarang Chawla (@tarangchawla). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Hello! Today, we speak to ex-AFL player Mitch Brown. Mitch likely needs no introduction – a few weeks ago, his interview with The Daily Aus made worldwide news and AFL history when he came out as the first openly male bisexual player. In 130 years, no player in the men’s league has ever identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the AFL is one of the last professional male sports leagues in the world for someone to identify as queer.  In this conversation, Mitch speaks about moving to Perth at 18 to play for West Coast, and how it feels to be so apologetically himself after years of hiding his identity. We also discuss the response to his announcement, how he feels about the AFL clubs that remained silent, and the three core values that make up the relationship he shares with his girlfriend, Lou.  Thank you to Sunbeam for supporting this episode of Inherited. To learn more about the Sunbeam Origins Sense, head to sunbeam.com.au.  Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Mitch Brown (@mitchbrownie). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Hello! Today, we were lucky enough to speak to British icon Jade Thirlwall. Jade made her start on the UK X-Factor, where Little Mix was formed. Fourteen years later, Jade has just released her debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby, with her no.1 hit single, Angel of My Dreams.  In this conversation, Jade opens up about the highs and the lows of establishing herself in the music industry, her history with an eating disorder, how she prioritises her privacy now, the moment she met her boyfriend, Jordan from Rizzle Kicks, and what she wants out of her solo career. Big thanks to ANZ for supporting this episode of Inherited. Take the overwhelm out of choosing a credit card with the ANZ Credit Card Finder tool. Head here or search ANZ Credit Cards today. And thank you to Sunbeam for also supporting this episode. To learn more about the Sunbeam Origins Sense, head to sunbeam.com.au.  Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Jade Thirlwall (@jadethirlwall). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Today, I speak to Hannah Ferguson, the CEO of Cheek Media Co. Hannah's independent news platform reaches more than two million Australians on Instagram every single month. She’s also the host of the news and pop culture podcast Big Small Talk and the author of Bite Back and Taboo.  In this conversation, Hannah opens up about what it’s like to run a media company with her identity attached to it and how it felt to receive death threats for sharing her political leanings. She also speaks about the power of friendship and how her oldest friends showed up for her at one of her lowest points, the moment she began dating her now-boyfriend, 'Meatball Tony', how her parents' divorce shaped her perception of love and romantic relationships, and the kind of mother she hopes to be one day. Thank you so much to ANZ for making this episode possible. If getting a new credit card has been sitting on your to-do list, this is the perfect moment to check it off. Search ANZ Credit Cards to get started. And, shout out to Sunbeam – you can learn more about the Sunbeam Origins Sense coffee machine at sunbeam.com.au. Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Hannah Ferguson (@hannahferguson__). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok at @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday. See you then!

Hello! We're officially bringing back Life Lessons once a month! And today, we're releasing a bonus episode with Actress Madeleine Madden. Madeleine is best known for playing Egwene al’Vere in The Wheel of Time. In this conversation, she speaks about her acting career, how she's found her voice in the industry, and the time she spoke up for herself on set. If you enjoyed this episode, click 'follow' on your favourite podcast app! We're also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We'll be back with another Life Lessons episode next month!

Hello! Today, we speak to Sam Wood. Sam is an entrepreneur and the founder of his online fitness business, 28 By Sam Wood, and he became a household name on the third season of The Bachelor Australia when he met his now wife, Snezana Wood. In this conversation, Sam opens up about Snezana being the first woman he was introduced to on the Bachelor red carpet, how their relationship progressed throughout the series, and how he felt meeting Snezana’s daughter, Evie, for the first time. Sam also speaks about how losing his Mum to cancer at 15 has shaped his approach to parenting his four beautiful daughters.  Thank you so much to Moonpig for making this episode possible. Our Inherited listeners get 50% off all cards, just in time for Father's Day. Just head to Moonpig.com and use code ‘SHAMELESS50’.  And thank you to OnePass for supporting this episode, too! Join OnePass today - there is a half price limited time offer -  $20 for the first year!! T&Cs, exclusions apply. Visit onepass.com.au. Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Sam Wood (@samjameswood). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Hello! We’re officially bringing back Life Lessons once a month! And we’re kicking things off with a very special guest, Steph Claire Smith. Steph is the co-founder of Kic App and the co-host of Kic Pod. In this conversation, Steph opens up about why her postpartum experience is so different the second time around, after welcoming her daughter Billie to the world, and how she’s come to terms with the fact that not everyone will like her. Steph also touches on the beautiful, unexpected moment her best friend and business partner, Laura Henshaw, announced she was pregnant. Thanks so much to Moonpig for supporting this episode of Inherited. Head here to send a personalised surprise to the fathers in your life this Father’s Day – and use code SHAMELESS50 for 50% off. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Steph Claire Smith (@stephclairesmith). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another Life Lessons episode next month.

Hi! Today, we speak to AFLW player, Tayla Harris. Tayla was 17 years old when she was drafted to play for the Brisbane Lions back in 2017, marking the first official season of the AFLW. Eight years on, she’s had her fair share of scrutiny, on and off the ground, and today she reflects on it all… In this conversation, Tayla opens up about how a fierce photo of her kicking a goal became one of the most talked-about moments in Australian sporting history, and why she chose to stand up for herself and others facing similar harassment online. She also speaks about where we’re at with equality when it comes to women’s sport and the 2025 AFLW season ahead. Thank you so much to ANZ for supporting this episode of Inherited. If getting a new credit card has been sitting on your to-do list, this is the perfect moment to check it off. Just head here, or search ANZ Credit Cards to get started. Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Tayla Harris (@tayla_harris). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.

Hello! Today, we speak to Tessa James. Tessa is an Australian actress, interior designer, and mother of four. Her acting career took off when she was a teenager, appearing on Neighbours and Home and Away. In this conversation, Tessa opens up about the moment she met her husband, Nate, the way their love for each other grew quickly in those early days, and why they decided to get engaged months later. She also speaks about her gratitude she holds for the most difficult season of her life, being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at just 23, and her wonderful appreciation for motherhood.  Thank you so much to ANZ for supporting this episode of Inherited. If getting a new credit card has been sitting on your to-do list, this is the perfect moment to check it off. Just head here, or search ANZ Credit Cards to get started. Inherited is produced by Annabelle Lee and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Tessa James (@tessacharis). If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday.