The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life

In this episode of The Whole Truth, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with journalist and author Lauren Novak to discuss her new book Meltdown—a candid, deeply researched examination of maternal anger and the hidden pressures shaping women’s lives.
Throughout their conversation, Nadia and Lauren explore the emotional and structural forces that push mothers to the edge: the mental load, the unequal division of labour, the cultural myths surrounding “good motherhood,” and the shame that so often silences women’s anger. Lauren brings together research, lived experience, and the voices of countless women to reveal how common these struggles are, and why they deserve to be spoken about openly.
The discussion moves beyond blame or judgement, instead offering space for honesty, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it means to mother in a world that demands so much. It’s a grounded, generous exchange—true to the spirit of the show—inviting listeners to sit with complexity and truth.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of ⁠Half Truth⁠, published⁠ by Penguin Random House Australia.

Her website is ⁠www.nadiamahjouri.com.au⁠ and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign upfor her newsletter ⁠The Whole Truth: Stories ofAche and Ecstasy⁠.
Or you can email ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri engages in a captivating conversation with the talented Raidah Shah Idil, an author and poet currently residing in Malaysia.
Raidah shares her journey as the creator of the enchanting middle-grade fantasy novel How To Free a Jinn, which has garnered critical acclaim, including the Readings Children's Prize in 2025.
The discussion dives into Raidah's multicultural background, her experiences growing up in Sydney, and her unique perspective on motherhood while raising three children in a vibrant intergenerational household.
Raidah reflects on the challenges of writing amidst the chaos of family life, the importance of community support, and the ways in which her cultural heritage informs her storytelling.
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of creativity, resilience, and the intricate balance between motherhood and the writing life.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth⁠, published by Penguin Random House Australia. Available NOW!!!
Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.
Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy.
Or you can email [email protected]

Keywords
Introduction to Raidah Shah Idil and her novel How To Free a Jinn
Discussion on the themes of multiculturalism and identity
Exploration of motherhood and writing in an intergenerational household
Insights into Raidah cultural heritage and its influence on her storytelling
Reflections on the challenges of balancing family life and a writing career
The importance of community support in the creative process
Conclusion and thoughts on creativity and resilience

🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Raidah Shah Idil, How To Free a Jinn, Middle Grade Fantasy, Cultural Heritage, Community Support, Family Dynamics, Resilience, Australian Literature

In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with the inspiring Sally Gould, a debut memoirist and dedicated paramedic whose book, Frog, offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a paramedic. Sally shares her unique journey from a novice student to an intensive care paramedic, reflecting on the profound experiences she encounters in her line of work. As a mother of two young children and one on the way, she discusses the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood, and how her experiences have shaped her writing. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of paramedic work, the importance of community support, and the intricate dynamics of parenting while navigating a high-stress job. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, storytelling, and the delicate interplay between personal and professional life.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, her debut novel released on Feb 11, 2025. Available NOW!!!
Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.
Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy.
Or you can email [email protected]

Keywords
Introduction to Sally Gould and her memoir Frog
Discussion on the journey from paramedic student to intensive care paramedic
Exploration of the emotional impact of paramedic work
Insights into balancing motherhood and a demanding career
Reflections on community support and the challenges of parenting
How writing serves as a tool for processing experiences
Conclusion and thoughts on resilience and storytelling

🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Sally Gould, Frog, Paramedicine, Emotional Toll, Community Support, Parenting Challenges, Resilience, Australian Literature

In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the talented Erin Hortle, a Tasmanian author whose latest novel, A Catalogue of Love, has recently hit the shelves. Erin shares her journey of writing this coming-of-age story set on the picturesque Bruny Island, where the protagonist Nika navigates love, loss, and identity against the backdrop of her unique upbringing. The conversation delves into Erin's exploration of motherhood, the challenges of balancing writing with parenting, and her reflections on the complexities of female friendships. As they discuss the intricacies of creating a narrative that intertwines personal and cultural identity, Erin reveals how her own experiences as a mother have influenced her writing process. This episode is a profound exploration of the intersections between motherhood, creativity, and the stories that shape our lives.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, her debut novel released on Feb 11, 2025. Available NOW!!!
Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.
Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy.
Or you can email [email protected]

Keywords
Introduction to Erin Hortle and her novel A Catalogue of Love
Discussion on the themes of love, loss, and identity
Exploration of the challenges of motherhood and writing
Insights into the protagonist Nika's journey and Tasmanian setting
Reflections on female friendships and community support
Erin's writing process and the impact of motherhood on her work
Conclusion and thoughts on the importance of storytelling

🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Erin Hortle, A Catalogue of Love, Tasmanian Literature, Female Friendship, Identity, Creative Process, Community Support

In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri chats with the remarkable Magdalena McGuire, an award-winning author whose latest book, All We Need, is now available in bookstores. They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, which follows three women whose lives intersect during a camping trip gone awry. Magdalena explores themes of contemporary parenting, friendship, and the search for connection in a chaotic world, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood. As they delve into the characters' distinct perspectives on parenting, they reflect on the challenges and joys that come with raising children and the importance of community support. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, creativity, and the bonds that unite us.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, her debut novel released on Feb 11, 2025. Available NOW!!!
Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.
Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy
Or you can email [email protected]

Keywords
Introduction to Magdalena McGuire and her novel All We Need
Discussion on the themes of contemporary parenting and friendship
Exploration of the challenges faced by mothers in today's world
Insights into the characters' distinct approaches to motherhood
The significance of community support in navigating parenting
Reflections on the creative process and writing about motherhood
Conclusion and thoughts on the importance of female friendships

🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Magdalena McGuire, All We Need, Female Friendship, Contemporary Parenting, Community Support, Creative Process, Australian LiteraturePodcast, Motherhood, Writing, Female Friendship, Anxiety, Book Launch, All We Need, Ultimo Press, Parenting Challenges, Creative Life, Literary Awards, Matrescence, Community Support, Contemporary Life, Economic Security, Mental Health, Parenting Styles, Storytelling, Author Interview, Magdalena Mcguire