Show Notes

Episode 13 - An Artist’s Story: Curbing Perfectionism and Embracing Creativity

In this first episode for the brand new year, I sit down with Canberra artist Julia from French Rose Studios for a lovely conversation about creativity, comfort, and becoming a ‘recovering perfectionist.’

Julia shares how her love of art began early, nurtured by a wonderful high school teacher who taught her far more than technique. Through postcards, holiday paintings, and many encouraging nudges, she slowly discovered that art could be a safe place to land – somewhere free from competition, comparison, and the pressure to get everything perfect.

You’ll hear Julia talk about finding flow state in her cosy home studio, why watercolour is the perfect medium for learning to let go, and how creativity can calm our busy minds and lower our stress levels. Her story is a gentle reminder that imperfection is not only normal, it’s often where the magic lives.

Of course, as with all good chats, there is tea in hand. Julia reminisces about the delightful tea cafés of Lyon, France, where choosing a blend came with timers, patisserie treats, and shelves of loose-leaf possibilities. It’s enough to make any listener want to book a plane ticket and pack a sketchbook. I’m off!

This episode also ties beautifully into a fresh start for 2026, with a reminder for listeners to grab my free guide, The Memory Cupboard – a bite-sized workbook designed to help you write those personal life stories in a simple, un-overwhelming way.

And in perfect timing, Julia is launching her own beginner’s watercolour course, Nature’s Palette, offering podcast listeners a special discount during launch week.

Here are the details for you who would love to learn how to watercolour:

Nature’s Palette: Beginner’s WatercolourA self-paced course with lifetime accessUsual price: $168Launch week discount: 15% offUse code: LAUNCH (all capitals)Discounted price: $142.80Available: Jan 6 – Jan 13

Pull up a chair, wrap your hands around a mug, and enjoy a heartfelt story about how creativity helps us feel a little safer in the world.

If today’s episode sparked something in you – perhaps a memory, a creative itch, or the desire to try something new – let me know. I’d love to keep the conversation going.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people discover the joy of storytelling and connection over a cuppa.

Thanks for listening, and here’s to more sharing and connecting over stories.

Kim x

PS I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that Julia and I were sipping during our chat. It was kindly gifted to us by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co So, so yummy!

If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes, Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners. It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off. (thanks so much, Tanya!).

* You can find Julia online at these places:Instagram & Facebook: @FrenchRoseStudiosWebsite: www.frenchrosestudios.com

Connect with me

Instagram DMs: @bettymaewroteEmail: [email protected]

✨ Extras

* If you’d like to start writing your own stories but feel a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a free guide to help you begin: Grab The Memory Cupboard guide here.

*

* Join our Little Life Stories community newsletter for weekly prompts, gentle encouragement, and a space to start gathering your stories. You’ll also keep up to date with when the doors will open again to my Little Life Stories membership: Subscribe here.

* I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. Oh, and of course, the Wild Wood folk too;)

* If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join my snail mail exchange for women all over the world: The Lovely Letters Project

* Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

* Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 12: Dear Nan — A Christmas Carol of Sorts

In this Christmas-time episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I share a Dear Nan letter I wrote last December — one filled with memory, mess, food, family and love.

This letter drifts back into Nan’s kitchen at Christmas: the peeling and chopping, the bossy instructions, the bone-handled butter knives, endless washing up, and the comforting chaos that came with feeding a house full of people. It’s a reflection on how food is so vivid in my memories, and how much connection happened inside that humble little kitchen with the bright yellow bench tops and the constantly filled-with-hot-sudsy water sink.

This episode is my invitation to you, to slow down and take a moment for yourself during this Christmas season, to notice what you remember, feel the joy that memories can bring, and hopefully begin writing those memories down before they slip away.

In this episode, we explore:

* Christmas memories anchored in kitchens, food and family

* The chaos and comfort of shared preparation

* How traditions are passed down through generations

* Why ordinary moments often become the most precious memories

* The importance of writing your stories while you still can

Mentioned in this episode:My free guide, The Memory Cupboard — a cosy, practical guide to help you gently uncover memories and begin writing them down, one small moment at a time.You’ll find the link in the show notes to download your copy.

A little reminder:You don’t need hours, confidence, or a plan to start writing your life stories. Five quiet minutes is enough. One memory is enough. The rest follows.

Pop the kettle on, find a comfy spot, and let this Christmas letter carry you somewhere familiar.

✨ Links and Extras

* If you’d like to start writing your own stories but feel a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a brand-new free guide to help you begin: Grab The Memory Cupboard guide here.

* Join our Little Life Stories community newsletter for weekly prompts, gentle encouragement, and a space to start gathering your stories. You’ll also keep up to date with when the doors will open again to my Little Life Stories membership: Subscribe here.

* I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. Oh, and of course, the Wild Wood folk too;)

* If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join my snail mail exchange for women all over the world: The Lovely Letters Project

* Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

* Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people discover the joy of storytelling and connection over a cuppa.

Thanks for listening, and here’s to more sharing and connecting over stories.

A very Merry Christmas to you!

Kim x

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 11: The Joy of Connection – Cooking, Conversation, and Community with Mary from Happy Places and Co

In this episode, we sit down with Mary, the heart behind Happy Places and Co and a cherished member of Little Life Stories, to explore how food, friendship, and meaningful conversation can bring people together. From her earliest memories in her grandmother’s kitchen to creating vibrant events that nurture connection, Mary shares her story of how a love of cooking and authentic relationships has shaped her life and work.

We journey through:

* Family foundations of cooking and creativity: Mary recalls her grandmother’s warm, joyful kitchen and her mother’s thrifty, inventive approach to meals. From decorating wedding cakes to stewed apples and toasted jam-and-apple sandwiches, Mary’s childhood was filled with hands-on learning, laughter, and the joy of sharing food. These early experiences shaped not only her love of cooking but also her appreciation for the simple happiness that comes from being around loved ones.

* Life lessons from the table: Mary shares how learning to cook while navigating challenges like her mother’s MS diagnosis taught her resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of routine, care, and shared moments at the table. Cooking became a way to connect with her family and honor her roots, and it continues to be a way for her to carry forward the legacy of love and creativity she inherited.

* Happy Places and Co: Inspired by a lifetime of positive food experiences and her work connecting people in community, Mary created Happy Places and Co. Her events bring people together over good food, engaging conversation, and shared experiences, emphasising the importance of social wellness, presence, and belonging.

* Curating experiences that matter: From the Millionaires Walk in Sorrento to International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations, Mary carefully plans events that blend activity, conversation, and delicious food. Each gathering is designed to be inclusive, thoughtful, and supportive, helping people form authentic connections that extend beyond the event itself.

* Friendship and listening: Mary reflects on the profound impact of her friendship with Cheryl, who taught her the art of genuine listening and the value of deep, meaningful relationships. Cheryl’s influence threads through Mary’s approach to community-building and connection.

* The power of community: Mary shares stories from her events and supper clubs, highlighting how simple moments—walking together, sharing a meal, and engaging in guided conversations—can create bonds, spark laughter, and foster lifelong friendships. She emphasises that authentic connections are built through presence, shared stories, and the simple joy of being together.

* Practical tips and inspiration: Mary offers insights on hosting, creating beautiful food experiences, and cultivating meaningful connections in your own life, reminding us that the simple act of sharing a meal can nurture the soul.

Connect with Mary:

* Website: Happy Places and Co

* Instagram: @happyplacesandco

✨ Links and Extras

* If you’d like to start writing your own stories but feel a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a brand-new free guide to help you begin: Grab The Memory Cupboard guide here.

* Join our Little Life Stories community newsletter for weekly prompts, gentle encouragement, and a space to start gathering your stories. You’ll also keep up to date with when the doors will open again to my Little Life Stories membership: Subscribe here.

* I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. Oh, and of course, the Wild Wood folk too;)

* If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join my snail mail exchange for women all over the world: The Lovely Letters Project

* Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

* Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people discover the joy of storytelling and connection over a cuppa.

Thanks for listening, and here’s to more sharing and connecting over stories.

Kim x

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 10 – Dear Nan: When Betty Met Charlie

Welcome to episode 10 of Tell Me Over Tea! Can you believe it? Ten episodes of gentle stories, reflections, and a little rambling from me. I’m so grateful that you take a moment from your day to pour a cuppa and join me—it really means the world.

In this episode, I share another Dear Nan letter: ‘When Betty Met Charlie.’ It’s the story of how my Nan and Grandpa first met—a tale that’s not flashy or overly romantic, but one that perfectly captures the steady, uncomplicated love that carried them through seventy years together.

From a shy hello over a painted fence in country Camden, to first dates arranged via Nan’s mum, to bicycle rides across paddocks and ferreting adventures—it’s a story of quiet courage, shared work, and simple joys. And as I write to Nan, I can’t help but smile at their early romance, imagining the smells of the dairy farm, the squeak of Grandpa’s rusty bike, and the laughter (and tears) over lost ferrets.

This episode is an invitation to think about your own memories of love, family, and the nostalgia of a bygone era.

✨ Links and Extras

* If you’d like to start writing your own stories but feel a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a brand-new free guide to help you begin: Grab The Memory Cupboard guide here.

* Join our Little Life Stories community newsletter for weekly prompts, gentle encouragement, and a space to start gathering your stories. You’ll also keep up to date with when the doors will open again to my Little Life Stories membership: Subscribe here.

* I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. Oh, and of course, the Wild Wood folk too;)

* If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join my snail mail exchange for women all over the world: The Lovely Letters Project

* Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

* Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people discover the joy of storytelling and connection over a cuppa.

Thanks for listening, and here’s to cherishing the small, beautiful beginnings in our own lives.

Kim x

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 9 — Doing Life Differently with Mel Pike

In this episode, I sit down with Mel Pike, a warm and adventurous storyteller who has learned first-hand how travel can awaken the senses and nourish the soul.

After two decades in Hobart, Mel and her husband Joe — along with their much-loved Labradors, Jasmine and Rosie — now call the Sunshine Coast home. In her fabulous fifties, Mel has spent years working in the public service, but it was a five-month solo stay in Thailand that truly changed how she sees and lives her life.

In our chat, Mel shares:☕ the story behind her decision to live in Thailand on her own☕ what daily life looked like there — from learning the language to doing “nothing” (and loving it)☕ how she found connection and community, including her moving friendship with Pui, her Thai “sister”☕ what it felt like to come home — and how her time away continues to shape the way she lives today

We also talk about Mel’s beautiful book, Doing Life Differently, which captures her reflections, lessons and experiences from Thailand. She opens up about the process of writing her story, the courage it takes to share your voice, and why she believes women’s stories matter so deeply.

You can connect with Mel and find her book here:🌿 www.doinglifedifferently.com.au🌿 Instagram: @doinglifedifferentlyinthailand🌿 Facebook: Mel Pike

Listen to more episodes of Tell Me Over TeaYou can find all of my episodes here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can also find me on Instagram @bettymaewrote or send me a note at [email protected] — I’d love to hear what memories this episode stirs for you.If you would like to enter our giveaway, for a chance to be gifted one of Mel’s lovely books, please pop on over to Instagram: @bettymaewrote , find the post introducing episode 9, and leave your answer to the question I ask:

Where is you happy place? And why does it make you feel happy.

Pop your answer to that in the comments, over on Instagram, and Mel and I will choose two lucky ducks to win a copy of her book! Exciting! Winners will be announced on Saturday the 22nd of November, over on Instagram.

i also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that Mel and I were sipping during our chat. It was kindly gifted to us by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co …. and guess what? Mel and I sipped Lemongrass and Ginger and it was oh so yummy! Such a soothing, grounding, calming, refreshing tea.

If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes, Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners. It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off.

Okey doke, well I hope you enjoy episode 9:)

Until next time,

Kim x

If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers.

Links & Resources

✨ Grab my free guide to starting your personal life story. It just starts with one memory and before you know it, you will have a beautiful compilation of stories to hold, share and treasure. It will take you 5 - 10 minutes a day and you will feel so good once you get started. I promise!

Grab the guide here: Free Guide to Turning One Memory into a Written Treasure

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories, you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to make a start with writing your own life story, you are very welcome to grab my free guide which helps you take one memory and turn it into a precious written story. You can grab that here: Free Guide

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 8: Dear Nan – Treasures Inside a Pale Green Soap Box

In this episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I open a small pale green soap box — once home to Cashmere Bouquet soap — and find a lifetime of stories tucked inside. Letters written by my Nan, her siblings, her sister-in-law, and her dad, all on one autumn day in 1949, after a family trip to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

These simple, handwritten notes were quite possibly, never meant to be kept, yet somehow, they survived — passed from hand to hand, house to house — until they found their way to me. Reading them feels like sitting in the middle of a bustling kitchen decades ago, hearing the chatter of everyday life: ironing, washing, missing someone far away, laughter over burst balloons and new bicycles and a day out in the ‘big smoke’.

What I love most about these letters is their ordinariness — and how, over time, that’s become their magic. They remind me (and maybe you too) that the words we think are “nothing much” often become the most precious keepsakes of all.

So pop the kettle on and settle in for a quiet cup of tea with me as we step gently into the past, one letter at a time.I also read the actual letters I find inside the box, in this episode, just so you get the full experience, the way I did when I first opened them.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

* The story of a pale green soap box filled with family letters

* Five voices sharing one day in 1949 — from the Sydney Royal Easter Show to home in Camden

* Glimpses of ordinary family life that have become extraordinary over time

* Reflections on the value of letter writing and simple storytelling

A little thought to take with you:Your everyday stories matter — the tiny details, the daily routines, the small kindnesses. They are the heart of a life remembered. Please don’t ever think your story is too small or not worthy. x

Pour yourself a cuppa, settle in somewhere quiet, and come with me back to an autumn day in Sydney, Australia, in 1949.

Listen to more episodes of Tell Me Over TeaYou can find all of my episodes here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can find me on Instagram @bettymaewrote or send me a note at [email protected] — I’d love to hear what memories this episode stirs for you.

Until next time,Keep noticing, keep writing, and keep holding close the stories that made you.

Kim x

If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers.

Links & Resources

✨ Grab my free guide to starting your personal life story . It just starts with one memory and before you know it, you will have a beautiful compilation of stories to hold, share and treasure. It will take you 5 - 10 minutes a day and you will feel so good once you get started. I promise!

Grab the guide here: Free Guide to Turning One Memory into a Written Treasure

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories, you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Episode 7: Brogo – The Home That Made Me

In this solo episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I pour a cup of English Breakfast (thank you lovely, Tanya, I love, love, love your Inspirational Tea Co tea!) and take you back to the home that shaped me — a weathered little cottage amongst the rolling hills, at the foot of a mountain, in the heart of Brogo.

It’s the place where my parents traded city life for clean air, tiny rundown buildings, pit toilets, and makeshift showers were part of everyday life, and where childhood was filled backyard cricket, games of Kingi, horses, days at the river, and freedom. I share the sights, sounds and stories that made that tiny cottage feel like the whole world — from the smell of Mum’s baking and the warmth of the wood stove to the not so pretty outdoor showers and pit toilets!

Through this story, I explore how place shapes who we become, and why writing about home — even just a small detail like a front door or a familiar sound — can open the door to deeper memories.

I also invite you to write about your own safe place growing up. Listen to the end to grab this prompt:)

In this episode:

* A trip back to my childhood home, “The Pinch,” in Brogo

* Simple country life in the 1980s — outdoor showers, wood stoves and paddock adventures

* The power of writing about place as a starting point for your life story

* A gentle writing invitation to reflect on the home that made you

Listen in:Pour yourself a cuppa, settle in somewhere quiet, and come with me back to Brogo — the home that made me.

You can find me on Instagram @bettymaewrote or send me a note at [email protected] — I’d love to hear what memories this episode stirs for you.

Until next time,Keep noticing, keep writing, and keep holding close the stories that made you.

If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers.

I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that I was sipping during our chat.

It was kindly gifted to me by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co …. and guess what? If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes (and of course you do!), Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners (you!!!). It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off.

I hope you enjoy it because we all know that stories and tea are best when shared;)

Kim x

Links & Resources

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

In this episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I sit down with Melissa, who has been writing her life story over the past several months. Melissa reflects on how life’s small stories—moments that might seem ordinary or even “too small”—can carry meaning, connect us to others, and leave a quiet legacy.

From childhood memories to adult reflections, she shares how writing has helped her see herself as a writer, embrace her experiences, and recognise the threads that tie her life together. Her journey reminds us that you don’t need a dramatic life or a grand story to make an impact—every memory, every story, every small act contributes to the tapestry of who we are and how we connect with others.

This conversation is a gentle invitation to honour your own memories, trust in your stories, and embrace the joy of writing them down, no matter their size.

So, pop the kettle on and join Melissa and I as she shares her wonderful story of life growing up in rural Australia in the 70s and 80s. What a great era that was too;)

When you’ve had a listen please head on over to Instagram and say hi to Melissa. Her account is: @lemontreesandhoneybees

Oh, and let me remind you who are looking for some writing help, the doors to my Little Life Stories membership are open right now — and this is the final chance to join in 2025. They are closing tonight, the 20th of October.

Inside, you’ll find a gentle, supportive space to start writing your memories, with guidance, suggestions, prompts, encouragement, and a community that helps you keep going until your story is written.

I’d love to help you get this precious story of yours written:)

If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers.

I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that I was sipping during our chat. How serendipitous that Melissa mentioned a Moroccan Tea Ceremony, completely unaware that I was sipping on Tanya’s scrummy Moroccan Tea blend!

It was kindly gifted to me by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co …. and guess what? If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes (and of course you do!), Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners (you!!!). It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off.

I hope you enjoy it because we all know that stories and tea are best when shared;)

Kim x

Links & Resources

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

Have you ever thought, “Who am I to write my story? Isn’t that a bit self-indulgent?”

If so, you’re not alone. This question comes up often for women who are about to begin writing their life stories. But here’s what I truly believe: writing your story isn’t selfish. It’s one of the most generous things you can do.

In this solo episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I’m gently debunking the myth that life writing is indulgent — and instead showing you how it’s an act of love, connection, and legacy.

We’ll talk about:✨ Why so many women hesitate to write their stories.✨ How life writing creates a legacy for those who come after us.✨ The way writing helps us connect with ourselves in the present moment.✨ How story work can be healing — even in small fragments.✨ The ripple effect of sharing our words with others.

At the heart of this episode is a simple reminder: your story matters. Taking time to write it down is not indulgent — it’s essential.

So, pop the kettle on and join me for this gentle encouragement. And if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to begin, now might just be it.

The doors to my Little Life Stories membership are open right now — and this is the final chance to join in 2025. Doors close on the 20th of October.

Inside, you’ll find a gentle, supportive space to start writing your memories, with guidance, suggestions, prompts, encouragement, and a community that helps you keep going until your story is written.

I’d love to help you get this precious story of yours written:)

Kim x

PS If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers.

Links & Resources

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com

Show Notes

What happens when life asks you to lay down one creative tool and pick up another?

In this heartfelt episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I’m joined by the wonderful Karen Colenso. Karen is now a member in my personal life writing membership: Little Life Stories, but writing is a very new craft in Karen’s plethora of creative pursuits. She has lived a life steeped in creativity — from childhood days in Melbourne sketching on butcher’s paper, to winning national art competitions, to a long career in illustration, design, and teaching.

When health challenges meant she could no longer draw or paint, Karen discovered a new way forward: writing. Through words, she is now capturing her life story with the same artistry she once brought to the page with brush and pencil.

In this episode, we chat about:✨ Growing up in Melbourne during the 60s and 70s and discovering a love of art early on.✨ The joy of teaching and creating in the art world for decades.✨ Facing the heartbreak of a health issue that caused her to let go of her tools.✨ How writing her memoir has become her new creative practice.✨ The importance of preserving memories and telling our stories in our own voices.

And, as always, we share a cuppa over our conversation.

This is an episode about resilience, creativity, and the way our stories continue to evolve, even when life changes the tools in our hands.

So put the kettle on and join us for this tender and inspiring conversation with Karen Colenso.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Tell Me Over Tea wherever you get your podcasts, and ever so pleasey, leave a review — it helps more story-lovers find us.

Kim x

I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea Karen and I were sipping during our chat. It was kindly gifted to us by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co …. and guess what?

If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes (and of course you do!), Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners (you!!!). It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off.

I hope you enjoy it.

Where to find Karen and have a sticky beak at her beautiful art:Instagram: @karencolenso

Join my 5 Day Challenge: Start Your Story

✨ If you’d like to join my 5 Day Challenge: Start Your Story (which begins on the 6th of October, 2025), please make sure you sign up to it here: Start Your Story Challenge

✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast.

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!

Art by Lewis Dillon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com