Join us for an insightful chat with Dr. Harry Barry, a leading figure in Ireland's mental health landscape. In this episode, Dr. Barry shares stories from his latest memoir, "Beneath the Surface," revealing personal experiences of resilience and the power of empathy. He discusses his journey from a GP to a bestselling author, offering a fresh perspective on emotional distress and mental health.

Dr. Barry highlights the importance of self-acceptance, differentiates between emotional distress and mental illness, and explains how vulnerability can be a source of strength. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of life's challenges and the connections that help us overcome them. Don't miss this chance to learn from a true mental health advocate.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing vulnerability and self-acceptance.
• Distinguishing emotional distress from mental illness.
• The healing power of empathy and connection.

Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Barry's wisdom and experience.

Natter is proudly brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland & IrishCentral.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Kate and Michelle on this captivating episode of Natter as they sit down with the remarkable Sophie White, a bestselling author and celebrated podcaster. Sophie takes us on a journey through her literary career, sharing the inspirations behind her acclaimed works, including her latest book, "Such a Good Couple."

In a heartfelt discussion, Sophie opens up about the personal challenges she has faced, from navigating mental health to grief. She reflects on the impact of grief and the healing power of storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into her world of creativity and resilience.

Discover how Sophie balances her personal and professional life, and gain insights into her approach to writing and life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of storytelling & resilience, tune in for an inspiring conversation with Sophie.

Natter is proudly brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland & IrishCentral.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle welcome the extraordinary Heather Morris, the author behind bestsellers like "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" and her latest, "The Wish." Heather opens up about her unexpected journey from a career in social work to becoming a celebrated storyteller, sharing how her encounters with remarkable individuals have shaped her writing. The conversation delves into the art of listening, a skill Heather honed through her career.

Listeners will gain insight into Heather's creative process, including the challenges and rewards of writing stories that transcend her own experiences. The episode also explores the themes of love, resilience, and hope that permeate Heather's work, as well as the emotional weight of carrying others' stories. Heather discusses the importance of capturing the voices of those who cannot tell their own tales and the delicate balance of honoring their truths while crafting the stories.

Join us for an inspiring dialogue that touches on the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides, the role of fiction in educating and enlightening, and the enduring impact of stories on our understanding of history and humanity. Whether you're a fan of Heather's work or new to her stories, this episode offers a profound exploration of the connections that bind us all. Tune in and keep turning the pages with Natter!

Natter is proudly brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland & IrishCentral.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with academic and author Mary Ann Kenny to explore her remarkable journey through grief, psychosis, and recovery following the sudden death of her husband, John.

Mary Ann opens up about the raw and personal story behind her book The Episode, detailing her descent into psychosis, the complexities of psychiatric treatment, and her path to healing. Together, they delve into the power of storytelling, the urgent need for advocacy within mental health care, and the persistent stigma that surrounds mental illness.

Key Points:

• Mary Ann shares the story behind her book The Episode
• The realities of psychosis and navigating psychiatric care
• How grief and trauma shaped her mental health journey
• The role of storytelling in breaking stigma and fostering understanding
• Why compassion and advocacy are crucial to improving mental health support

With honesty and grace, Mary Ann reflects on trauma, resilience, and the ongoing journey of self-belief. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and recognising that mental health exists on a continuum that affects us all.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle are joined by bestselling crime writer Jane Casey for an honest and captivating chat about the craft behind her gripping novels.

Jane opens up about her writing journey, from the spark that started it all to the pressure of keeping readers hooked across a long-running series. She shares how she crafts clever stories, develops memorable characters, and balances the demands of writing with everyday life.

The trio also explore the distinctive voice of Irish crime fiction, the role of music and setting in creating atmosphere, and how writers can embrace their individuality while staying authentic to their readers and themselves.

Key Points:

• Jane Casey’s journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author
• The challenges of sustaining reader interest across a book series
• The influence of music and setting in creating a productive atmosphere
• The power of authenticity and writing for both readers and loved ones

Whether you’re a fan of crime writing or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the genre’s most respected voices.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Natter, Kate and Michelle chat with author Caroline Madden about her journey to publishing The Marriage Vendetta, navigating the writing process, and the power of perseverance, community, and comedy in storytelling. A must-listen for writers and book lovers seeking insight, laughter, and a dose of creative motivation.

Key points covered in this episode:

• Why persistence is a writer’s greatest tool
• The challenges (and rewards) of writing humour in fiction
• The value of editors, mentors, and writing communities
• Why supporting new voices in literature matters

From the nuances of writing humour in literature to the crucial role of editors and mentors, this episode is packed with insight for aspiring writers and passionate readers alike. Caroline shares the importance of community, how life experiences shape creative expression, and why supporting emerging voices in writing matters more than ever.

Whether you’re deep in your own manuscript or simply love stories about the writing life, this conversation is a warm, honest, and inspiring natter you won’t want to miss.

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Natter, Kate and Michelle sit down with author, academic, and podcaster Dr Caroline West to explore her deeply moving book Wrong Women: Selling Sex in Monto, Dublin’s Forgotten Red Light District.

Together, they unpack the layered history of Monto, once a red-light district in Ireland and reflect on the lives of the women who lived and worked there. From historical exploitation to contemporary stigma, this conversation delves into the complex realities of sex work, the language we use to describe it, and how society continues to shape the narratives of marginalised women.

Key points covered in this episode:

• The hidden history of Monto and its lasting impact on Irish society
• How language influences our understanding of sex work and sexuality
• The role of stigma, shame, and societal perception in shaping women’s lives
• Generational divides in sex education and attitudes towards sexual freedom
• Ethical remembrance and the importance of telling difficult truths
• Caroline’s personal journey and what drives her work in advocacy and education
• Moments of resilience, hope, and community among women in marginalised spaces

Caroline brings both personal insight and academic insight to a discussion that spans generations and challenges long-held beliefs. There’s talk of compassion, community, and the urgent need to honour voices that have been silenced for too long.

This episode highlights history, an invitation to challenge assumptions, and a moving reminder of the power in telling untold stories.

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Kate and Michelle sit down with crime fiction author Catherine Kirwin to uncover the fascinating journey behind her writing career. From her childhood on a farm in County Waterford to her time studying law at University College Cork, Catherine shares how life's unexpected moments led her to become a published author.

She opens up about balancing her sociable introvert nature with the demands of being a writer, the inspiration behind her debut novel, Darkest Truth, and the challenges of the publishing world. Catherine also dives into her latest book, The Seventh Body, revealing how real-life events, compelling characters, and a strong sense of place shape her gripping crime stories.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a crime fiction fan, or just love a good story about tenacity, creativity, and life's small but powerful moments, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.