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The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life

The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life

By: Nadia Mahjouri
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Are you a writer trying to squeeze creativity into the spare moments between packing lunches, wiping bums and taming tantrums? Or perhaps you are driving teenagers around, navigating screentime, and writing in carparks on your notes app? Whatever stage you are in, motherhood and the writing life can be tricky bedfellows! In this podcast, Nadia Mahjouri, mother of five, author of Half Truth and a counsellor specialising in maternal mental health interviews Australian authors, writers and creatives about how they manage to keep creating in amongst the messy middle of motherhood.Nadia Mahjouri Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Sally Gould on Saving Lives, Writing Books, Surviving Motherhood and Staying Sane
    Nov 20 2025

    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 nadiamahjouriauthor@gmail.com



    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





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    56 mins
  • Erin Hortle on Motherhood, Surfing and A Catalogue of Love
    Nov 13 2025

    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 nadiamahjouriauthor@gmail.com



    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




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    59 mins
  • Magdelena McGuire on All We Need as Mothers and Writers
    Nov 6 2025

    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 nadiamahjouriauthor@gmail.com



    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





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    55 mins
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