The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life

• Sally Gould on Saving Lives, Writing Books, Surviving Motherhood and Staying Sane

  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] to Sally Gould and her memoir FrogDiscussion on the journey from paramedic student to intensive care paramedicExploration of the emotional impact of paramedic workInsights into balancing motherhood and a demanding careerReflections on community support and the challenges of parentingHow writing serves as a tool for processing experiencesConclusion and thoughts on resilience and storytelling🔑 Episode KeywordsMotherhood, Writing Life, Sally Gould, Frog, Paramedicine, Emotional Toll, Community Support, Parenting Challenges, Resilience, Australian Literature

  --------  

  56:02

  --------

  56:02
• Erin Hortle on Motherhood, Surfing and A Catalogue of Love

  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] to Erin Hortle and her novel A Catalogue of LoveDiscussion on the themes of love, loss, and identityExploration of the challenges of motherhood and writingInsights into the protagonist Nika's journey and Tasmanian settingReflections on female friendships and community supportErin's writing process and the impact of motherhood on her workConclusion and thoughts on the importance of storytelling🔑 Episode KeywordsMotherhood, Writing Life, Erin Hortle, A Catalogue of Love, Tasmanian Literature, Female Friendship, Identity, Creative Process, Community Support

  --------  

  58:44

  --------

  58:44
• Magdelena McGuire on All We Need as Mothers and Writers

  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 EcstasyOr you can email [email protected] to Magdalena McGuire and her novel All We NeedDiscussion on the themes of contemporary parenting and friendshipExploration of the challenges faced by mothers in today's worldInsights into the characters' distinct approaches to motherhoodThe significance of community support in navigating parentingReflections on the creative process and writing about motherhoodConclusion and thoughts on the importance of female friendships🔑 Episode KeywordsMotherhood, 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

  --------  

  55:20

  --------

  55:20
• The Art of Storytelling with Ayesha Inoon

  In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the insightful Ayesha Inoon, a Sri Lankan Australian writer whose debut novel, Untethered, has garnered critical acclaim. Aisha shares her journey as an immigrant and a mother, reflecting on the complexities of navigating identity and belonging in a new country. They discuss the inspiration behind Untethered, which explores the life of Zia, a young woman who faces the challenges of starting anew in Australia while grappling with her past. Aisha opens up about her experiences as a mother, the isolation that can come with raising children away from cultural support, and how these experiences have shaped her writing. As they delve into Aisha's creative process, they also touch on her highly anticipated second novel, Sisters of Serendip, set for release in June 2026. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, creativity, and the stories that connect us across cultures.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 EcstasyOr you can email [email protected] to Ayesha Inoon and her debut novel UntetheredDiscussion on the themes of identity and belonging in Aisha's writingExploring the immigrant experience and motherhood in a new countryAisha's reflections on cultural support and isolation in parentingInsights into Aisha's creative process and her journey as a writerPreview of Aisha's upcoming novel Sisters of SerendipConclusion and thoughts on the intersection of motherhood and creativity🔑 Episode KeywordsMotherhood, Writing Life, Ayesha Inoon, Untethered, Immigrant Experience, Cultural Identity, Parenting, Creative Process, Australian Literature, Sisters of Serendip

  --------  

  1:02:13

  --------

  1:02:13
• Anna Snoekstra on Navigating Motherhood, Writing, and the Art of the Audio Novella

  In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri is joined by the vibrant Anna Snoekstra, an internationally bestselling author who shares her journey through motherhood and writing. With six novels published in over 20 countries, Anna's latest works include her novel The Ones We Love and the audio novella The End of the Ski Season. The conversation dives into the complexities of balancing creativity with the demands of motherhood, as Anna reflects on how her experiences as a mother have influenced her storytelling. They explore themes of identity, isolation, and the transformative nature of writing during the early years of parenting. Anna's candid insights reveal the joys and challenges of navigating the writing life while raising young children, and how the creative process can serve as an escape during the repetitive tasks of motherhood. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the intersections between creativity, motherhood, and the stories that shape 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 EcstasyOr you can email [email protected] to Anna Snookstra and her journey as an authorDiscussion on balancing motherhood and writingInsights into the themes of The Ones We Love and The End of the Ski SeasonExploration of identity and isolation in motherhoodAnna's reflections on the creative process during parentingThe impact of motherhood on storytellingConclusion and thoughts on future projects🔑 Episode KeywordsMotherhood, Writing Life, Anna Snoekstra, The Ones We Love, The End of the Ski Season, Creative Process, Identity, Isolation, Australian Literature, Audio Novella, Balancing Parenthood

  --------  

  1:06:17

  --------

  1:06:17

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life