This week on the SWN podcast, we chat to Drs Sue Woolfe and Nicola Redhouse about the neuroscience of creativity, and what makes us ‘wired’ to write. 

This is part one of a rich and rare conversation between two exceptionally driven and curious writers who are both intrigued by the science of the brain and unravelling its many layers, networks, functions and dysfunctions when it comes to creativity. So much more than a conversation, this is a masterclass in the art and science of storytelling. Visit sciencewritenow.com/listen for the full show notes. 

Dr. Sue Woolfe is the internationally bestselling author of seven books, including five critically acclaimed works of literary fiction and two works of nonfiction. Her first novel Leaning Towards Infinity won the Christina Stead Award and Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and has been named "one of the most important books of the century". Sue taught Creative Writing at Sydney University, ANU and at NIDA, where she edified playwrights and musicians about neuroscience through the lens of creativity. Sue is based on Gadigal Land in Sydney. 

Dr. Nicola Redhouse is a writer and researcher, whose debut book Unlike the Heart: a memoir of brain and mind explores philosophy of mind through her lived experience of early motherhood, and the schisms between biological and psychological approaches to mental health. Nicola has recently completed her PhD (Creative Writing) by Practice Research Symposium, drawing on her personal and intellectual engagement with neuro-psychoanalysis through a creative practice lens. Nicola is based in Naarm/Melbourne. 

Throughout this episode, we discuss two books in particular, Sue’s The Mystery of the Cleaning Lady, and Nicola’s memoir, Unlike The Heart. Links to the authors’ websites, publications and interviews are detailed the show notes, along with a recommended reading list by our guests on creativity and neuroscience. 

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We’ll be back with another episode soon, and more conversations inspired by science and creativity to come!

We acknowledge the Jaegara and Turrbal People, Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is created, and the unceded cultural lands on which our guests live and continue to make and tell stories.