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
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 Ecstasy
Or you can email nadiamahjouriauthor@gmail.com
Keywords
Introduction to Ayesha Inoon and her debut novel Untethered
Discussion on the themes of identity and belonging in Aisha's writing
Exploring the immigrant experience and motherhood in a new country
Aisha's reflections on cultural support and isolation in parenting
Insights into Aisha's creative process and her journey as a writer
Preview of Aisha's upcoming novel Sisters of Serendip
Conclusion and thoughts on the intersection of motherhood and creativity
🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Ayesha Inoon, Untethered, Immigrant Experience, Cultural Identity, Parenting, Creative Process, Australian Literature, Sisters of Serendip
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 Ecstasy
Or you can email nadiamahjouriauthor@gmail.com
Keywords
Introduction to Anna Snookstra and her journey as an author
Discussion on balancing motherhood and writing
Insights into the themes of The Ones We Love and The End of the Ski Season
Exploration of identity and isolation in motherhood
Anna's reflections on the creative process during parenting
The impact of motherhood on storytelling
Conclusion and thoughts on future projects
🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Anna Snoekstra, The Ones We Love, The End of the Ski Season, Creative Process, Identity, Isolation, Australian Literature, Audio Novella, Balancing Parenthood
💬 Show Notes
In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with the talented Emily Tsokos Purtill, whose debut novel, Matia, won the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Award for an emerging writer. Emily shares her inspiring journey as a writer and mother, discussing the challenges of penning an intergenerational story while balancing her legal career and family life. They delve into the rich tapestry of Greek heritage woven throughout Matia, exploring themes of identity, cultural folklore, and the evolution of traditions across generations. Emily reflects on how motherhood has shaped her writing and the importance of community support in navigating the complexities of the creative process. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the intersections of motherhood, creativity, and the stories that define 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 Emily Tsokos Purtill and her debut novel Matia
Discussion on the intergenerational themes in Matia
Exploring the influence of Greek heritage on Emily's writing
The challenges of writing while balancing motherhood and a legal career
The importance of community support in the writing journey
Insights into the creative process and the evolution of traditions
Emily's reflections on motherhood and its impact on her storytelling
Conclusion and thoughts on future writing projects
🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Emily Tsokos Purtill, Matia, Greek Heritage, Intergenerational Stories, Writing Community, Creative Process, Balancing Parenthood, Australian Literature, Cultural Folklore
In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri chats with the delightful Emma Mugglestone, a Melbourne-based author whose debut novel, In the Long Run, was released in August 2025. Emma shares her journey from indie author to traditional publishing, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the writing world while balancing motherhood. They discuss the intricacies of crafting characters, the importance of community in writing, and the unique pressures that come with publishing a first novel. Emma's passion for storytelling shines through as she delves into the themes of her book, which features a charming romance between two runners, and reflects on how her own experiences as a mother influence her writing. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of creativity, motherhood, and the power of supportive writing communities.
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
Introduction to Emma Mugglestone and her debut novel
Discussion of the transition from indie to traditional publishing
Exploring the themes of In the Long Run
Challenges of writing while balancing motherhood
Importance of community in the writing world
Insights into character development and storytelling
Conclusion and reflections on creativity and motherhood
🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Emma Mugglestone, In the Long Run, Romance, Indie Author, Traditional Publishing, Writing Community, Character Development, Melbourne Authors, Australian Literature, Creative Process, Balancing Parenthood, Women's Fiction
Megan Dalla Camina is an author, founder, PhD researcher, and guide for women ready to reclaim their power, trust their wisdom, and create lives of meaning, impact, and deep connection. In this conversation we discuss how to fight the inner critic and manage to keep writing in the messy middle of motherhood, work and 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
Todays interview is with the lovely Zeynab Gamieldien,whose second novel, Learned Behaviours was released in August 2025, two years after her debut novel The Scope of Permissibility came out in 2023. And in between the two, she also became a mother for the first time! This is a wonderful honest and warts and all conversation about the realities of writing while in the messsy middle of motherhood!
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
In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the talented Jane Tuttle, a writer, performer, and bookseller, whose latest memoir, The Sea in the Metro, beautifully explores the intersection of motherhood and creativity. Jane shares her journey through a trilogy of memoirs, each revealing different facets of her life, from her time in Paris to the complexities of modern womanhood and motherhood. Together, they delve into the challenges of balancing creative aspirations with the demands of parenting, the essence of matrescence, and the profound impact of loss on identity and ambition. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the delicate dance between creativity and motherhood.
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
In this episode:
Introduction to Jane Tuttle and her works
Discussion of The Sea in the Metro
Exploration of motherhood and creativity
Jane's experiences of matrescence
Impact of loss on identity and ambition
Balancing creative aspirations with parenting
Conclusion and reflections
🔑 Episode Keywords
Motherhood, Writing Life, Jane Tuttle, Creativity, Memoir, The Sea In The Metro, Paris Or Die, My Sweet Guillotine, Motherhood Challenges, Creative Motherhood, Matrescence, Parenting, Australian Literature, Women Writers, Personal Narrative, Writing Process, Theatre School, Expatriate Life, Literary Community, Motherhood And Identity
Lucinda McKimm is a writer, podcaster and mum of two - and one half of the fantastic parenting podcast Ready or Not. She is a beautiful writer who shares her journey of life, motherhood and creativity on her Substack The Paradox, where you will find all her beautiful writing, and also on the Ready or Not Substack. The Motherhood & Career Podcast (@readyornot.pod) • Instagram photos and videos
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays interview is with the luminescent, wise and talented Saman Shad author of The Sex Lives of Married Women and the Matchmaker, mother of three - each born on a different continent. You will love it!!
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays interview is with the multitalented Kate Toon - Author of multiple business books, creator of the Tooniverse Business Empire and a self proclaimed misfit, motivator, entrepreneur and educator. And she also owns a bookshop - the incredible Umina Book Nook on the Central Coast!!!!
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays conversation is with the wonderful Holly Brunnbauer - the author of What Did I Miss? - a hilarious rom-com published by Harper Collins. This is a fun and heartfelt conversation with Holly - who also works as a virtual assistant for authors. Holly started writing about crying in the aisles in Kmart and ended up starting a website to support mothers to find their community in Motherhood Melbourne - the place she discovered her love and talent for writing!
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Karen Wasson is the author of Inked - the first ever Graphic novel to win the Ampersand Prize. In this conversation, Karen shares how she has managed to keep writing even through her daughters multiple surgeries and how she keeps perspective while living in the messy middle of it all.
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays episode is with the vivacious and wonderful Rachael Johns - Australias Undisputed Queen of Women's Fiction. Author of The Bad Bridesmaid, The Other Bridget, The Patterson Girls, The Work Wives and many many other books and mother of three, Rachael Johns is an absolute delight and I hope you will enjoy this chat as much as I did!
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays interview is with the wonderful Dr Molly Murn - a South Australian poet, author and manager of Matilda Bookshop in the Adelaide Hills. Her debut novel, Heart of the Grass Tree, was published in 2019 with Penguin Random House (Vintage)
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays episode is with Sarah Clutton, author of The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains - a delightful story of a young boy, looking for the father he has never met.
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Today’s episode is with the incredible Marion Taffe author of By Her Hand - a debut historical fiction set in 10th century England
In our conversation we talk about women’s rage and how Marion has channeled it into her stunning novel. Don’t miss this chat with a brilliant new Australian author.
Welcome to our very first (unofficial) crossover episode with Tina Strachan, co-host of The Book Deal Podcast (with Madeline Cleary) and author of The Wilder Zoo Series. The first of which, Neeka and The Wilder Zoo: The Missing Key was released in Jan this year, the second of which is out 1 July: Neeka and The Storm! These gorgeous books for middle grade readers draw on Tinas brilliant expertise in zookeeping and animal welfare - she is still a working conservationist with incredible animal experiences!! And of course, shes a mum of two who gets up at 4,30 AM!!! Everyday!! Incredible!
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Maxine Beneba Clarke is an award winning author of over FOURTEEN books for adults and children! In todays episode we discuss her latest release - OUT NOW - called Stuff I'm NOT Sorry For - 99 poems for young people.
This joyful and diverse collection of poems in both form and content is aimed at kids aged 9 - 14 and will have the whole family laughing and nodding along with agreement!
Teachers Notes for Primary Kids Available Here
Teachers Notes for Secondary Kids Available Here
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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
Todays episode is with the luminous Laura Elvery! We discuss her new novel Nightingale which is OUT NOW and how she managed to do her final proof reads while juggling children at the hellscape we call BOUNCE!
Laura is the multi award winning author of two collections of short stories Ordinary Matter and Trick of the Light.
_____
WHO IS YOUR HOST??
Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released 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