Welcome back to The Bibliotherapists.

Where this week we had a full circle kind of conversation.

Tanya has been following Penny Wincer’s work for years, since stumbling across her podcast Not Too Busy To Write back in 2021.

That discovery was the catalyst for huge change in the direction of Tan’s business, Ease Retreats, leading to collaborations with memoirists like Cathy Rentzenbrink and Clover Stroud, and introducing her to Penny’s agent, Julia Silk.

So sitting down together (online) for this bookish chat felt like something long overdue.

Penny is an author, writing coach, and podcast host based in the UK, originally from Australia. Her debut book Tender explored the landscape of unpaid care. Her latest, Home Matters, is a hybrid of memoir, narrative nonfiction, and photography that grew from her years as an interiors photographer and her deep curiosity about what our homes say about us, and the stories they hold.

“Stories let us explore emotions safely. They take us through experiences and give us the kind of resolution that real life often doesn’t.”

* Penny Wincer

In this conversation we spoke about:

* Her advice (and an exercise) for anyone wanting to write a book

* Penny’s rich relationship with reading: from discovering books as therapy during a difficult year in Thailand aged 18, to losing the ability to read in the aftermath of 9/11 in New York

* Home Matters as a ‘hybrid’ book (and what that actually means when it comes to publishing)

* Why audiobooks have been life-changing for Penny, and how she fits reading into a life shaped around caring for her disabled son

* The ethics of audiobook platforms, and her recommendation for an alternative to the big subscription services (she uses xigxag.co.uk).

🎧 Listen Now

(also available wherever you get your podcasts).

📖 Penny’s Reading List

(referenced in this podcast)

https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-bibliotherapists-reading-list-series-3

Books written by Penny:

• Home Matters by Penny Wincer

• Tender by Penny Wincer

Books referenced in this podcast interview:

• Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

• Anywhere But Here by Mona Simpson

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

• Devotion by Hannah Kent

• Always Home, Always Homesick by Hannah Kent

• The Grapevine by Kate Kemp

• Gloria Don’t Speak by Lucy Apps

• Minback by Ella Lee

• Jaded by Ella Lee (first book)

About The Bibliotherapists

The Bibliotherapists is hosted by Toni Jones, founder of The Shelf Help Club, and Tanya Lynch, therapeutic journalling coach and founder of Ease Retreats.

Each week, we speak to a writer or creative about:

* The books that shaped them

* How reading supports their wellbeing

* Their writing practice and reading habits

* How they use Substack as part of their creative ecosystem

We believe words heal. And we love asking other word nerds questions that get beneath the surface (as well as taking a tour through their book shelves).

New episodes recorded live on Substack every week.

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

Hello everybody,

We’re back!

Series Three of The Bibliotherapists podcast opened STRONG with a brilliant bookish conversation with Poorna Bell, journalist, author, and creator of Substack publication As I Was Saying.

Poorna joined us live on Substack to talk about her new book, She Wanted More, a bold exploration of what happens when women stop waiting for permission and start asking for more from life, work and themselves.

“I want you to have a stronger voice within your own life and not feel guilty about advocating for your own choices.”

We spoke about:

* Why fiction is her true form of bibliotherapy

* The catharsis of writing about grief after losing her husband

* Why she refuses to finish books she doesn’t love

* The “reward” women are promised for good behaviour — and why it never arrives

* How she protects her time, energy and calendar in midlife

We also explored how her relationship with ambition, validation and boundaries has shifted in her 40s (and the curse of plan-cancelling friends).

📖 Poorna’s Reading List

(referenced in this podcast).

* She Wanted More by Poorna Bell

* Chase the Rainbow by Poorna Bell

* Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

* The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

* Haruki Murakami

* The Elements by Kat Lister

* Likeable by Fearne Cotton

* Murder at Mount Fuji by Shizuko Natsuki

* Eat Bitter by Lydia Pang

About The Bibliotherapists

The Bibliotherapists is hosted by Toni Jones, founder of The Shelf Help Club, and Tanya Lynch, therapeutic journaling coach and founder of Ease Retreats.

Each week, we speak to a writer or creative about:

* The books that shaped them

* How reading supports their wellbeing

* Their writing practice and reading habits

* How they use Substack as part of their creative ecosystem

We believe words heal. And we love asking other word nerds questions that get beneath the surface (as well as taking a tour through their book shelves).

** New episodes recorded live on Substack every week across March and April. Subscribe for all areas access at The Bibliotherapists.

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

Welcome to the second series of The Bibliotherapists, and our FINAL episode, featuring MATT TRINETTI, a community builder, publisher, TED talker and the cofounder of London Writers’ Salon & Writers' Hour - aka the friendliest corner on the internet for writers.

A must-listen for aspiring writers and people considering a new adventure.

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🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Matt

1. Writing as a Tool for Self-Discovery

Matt shares how journaling and writing helped him process grief, burnout, and career confusion, ultimately leading to personal breakthroughs.

“We all have something to say. The act of saying it is what changes us.”

2. Permission to Call Yourself a Writer

He encourages everyone to drop the imposter syndrome and claim their creative identity simply by showing up.

3. Community is Everything

The success of the London Writers’ Salon proves that while writing is often a solitary act, writing in community transforms the experience.

4. The Myth of Motivation

You don’t need to feel inspired to write; consistency, ritual and accountability matter more than fleeting passion.

“When you show up consistently to your writing, you show up more honestly in your life.”

5. Everyone Has a Story Worth Telling

Matt urges listeners to honour their unique perspectives, reminding us that “your story could be the light someone else needs.”

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Matt on Substack > https://substack.com/@matttrinetti

Read the Writer's Hour Magazine > https://writershour.substack.com/

Toni (The Shelf Help Clubhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

Welcome to the second series of The Bibliotherapists, and our seventh episode, featuring Jennie Godfrey, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things.

This is a lovely conversation on reinvention, recovery, and the power of words to change lives (our own and others).

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Jennie

1. It’s Never Too Late to Begin

Jennie started writing her debut novel aged 49, after leaving a corporate HR role. Her midlife reinvention led to a Sunday Times number-one bestseller.

“I realised I prefer uncertainty to unhappiness.”

2. There are Commonalities Between the Writing and the Recovery Process

The Artist’s Way (which encourages a spiritual approach to overcoming creative blocks) was a transformative tool for Jennie (also in recovery), helping her unlock creativity, reconnect with herself, and build a sustainable writing practice.

3. Substack as a Creative Lifeline

After the success of her first book left her frozen with pressure, writing weekly on Substack was a way to unlock writer’s block, find her voice again, and begin novel number two.

4. Writing = Discipline + Joy

Jennie treats writing like a job, but also calls it her ‘treat’. Her routine includes early morning journalling and meditation, and bedtime reading.

“Reading is how I soothe myself. Writing is how I make sense of it all.”

5. Fiction as Comfort

From To Kill a Mockingbird to comforting Yorkshire dialect in The Secret Garden, Jennie’s favourite books have offered escape, identity, and connection.

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Jennie on Substack > https://substack.com/@jenniegodfrey

Toni (The Shelf Help Clubhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

Welcome to the second series of The Bibliotherapists, and our sixth episode, featuring Stacey Heale, a writer, speaker, curator, fashion academic, and campaigner known for her honest discussions on womanhood, grief, and rebuilding after loss.

This is a (surprisingly?) uplifting conversation about life, love and rebuilding.

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Stacey

1. Grief is a Portal, Not a Problem to Solve

Stacey shares how the death of her husband Greg reshaped her entire identity and how grief became a teacher, not just a wound.

“If we can feel deeply, we can connect deeply.”

2. Words Save Lives

Through journalling, reading and speaking, Stacey learned to give voice to pain and help others feel less alone in theirs.

3. There’s Healing Power in Telling the Truth

Stacey’s writing is raw and real. She speaks to the unspeakable in a way that creates space for healing and community.

4. You Don’t Need to ‘Get Over’ Grief

Stacey rejects the notion of closure, instead advocating for grief literacy, compassion and continuing bonds with the people we’ve lost.

“Love never ends. It just changes shape.”

5. You Can Be Broken and Beautiful

Amidst profound loss, Stacey found strength, creativity and a deeper connection to herself and her daughters.

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Stacey on Substack > https://chaoticheartsclub.substack.com/

Toni (The Shelf Help Clubhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

Welcome to the second series of The Bibliotherapists, and our fifth episode featuring Helen Marie, a professional therapist sharing thoughts from the therapy room.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed, depleted and/or disconnected and looking for tools to soothe.

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Helen

1. Regulation is the Foundation of Everything

Helen explains how nervous system dysregulation lies at the heart of burnout, anxiety, people-pleasing and shame, and why addressing this from a place of safety needs to come first.

2. Boundaries are Acts of Self-Love

Helen reminds us that saying no, prioritising ourselves, and protecting our peace isn’t selfish, and that these things are essential for healing and wholeness.

“Boundaries are the gateway to self-worth.”

3. Rest is a Right, Not a Reward

The therapist challenges the hustle paradigm, inviting us to embrace stillness and softness as powerful antidotes to survival mode.

4. Self-Abandonment is Learned (and that means it is UNlearnable)

Many women are conditioned to disconnect from themselves. In this conversation Helen offers gentle tools to rebuild that trust and return to the body,

“Healing doesn’t mean you never get triggered—it means you know how to return to yourself.”

5. Healing is a Remembering

Through tools like therapy, embodiment and inner reparenting, Helen invites clients/readers/listeners to come back to who they are.

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Helen on Substack > https://substack.com/@helenmaries

Toni (The Shelf Help Clubhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

Welcome to the second series of The Bibliotherapists, and our fourth episode featuring Donna Lancaster, an author, life transitions coach, group facilitator and spiritual mentor with 36 years experience.

This episode is a balm for anyone navigating loss, longing or big life transitions.

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Donna

1. Grief is Not a Problem—It’s a Process

Donna reframes grief not as something to ‘get over’ but as a sacred and essential emotional passage that connects us to our deepest selves.

“Grief is sacred. It’s the price we pay for loving.”

2. Emotional Literacy is Radical Self-Care

Donna invites us to reconnect with our feelings through practices like breathwork, ritual, journaling and crying.

3. The Power of Community in Healing

Her work on The Bridge is rooted in the belief that healing happens when we’re witnessed, supported and held by others who’ve walked similar paths.

4. Women and Shame

She explores how generations of women have inherited shame around voice, expression, desire and softness, and shares ideas on how we can reclaim our wholeness.

“We don’t need fixing—we need feeling.”

5. You Don’t Need to Be Fixed

The most powerful message of all: healing isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about remembering who you were before the world told you to shrink

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Donna on Substack > https://donnalancaster.substack.com/

Toni (The Shelf Help Clubhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

It's a new series of The Bibliotherapists, and for our third episode we're joined by Daisy Buchanan, award-winning author, journalist, podcaster and writing coach.

In this uplifting conversation, Daisy talks about the healing power of fiction, the joy of reading as ritual, and how she uses books to support her mental health.

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Daisy

1. Books Can (should!) Be a Daily Act of Self-Care

Daisy shares how fiction helps soothe her anxiety and why she reads first thing each morning to calm her ‘flashing and beeping brain.’

2. Fiction is Powerful—and also Practical

Stories help us process emotion, build empathy, and activate creativity. Daisy champions binge-able novels as a way to feel better fast.

“Your attention span will grow with reading—but only if you let it.”

3. Bibliotherapy Can Come in All Forms

During lockdown, Daisy rediscovered the joy of reading fiction via the bestselling family saga, The Cazalet Chronicles, proving the right book at the right time can be transformative.

4. Addiction, Anxiety, and Attention

Daisy draws parallels between sobriety, phone addiction, and our fractured attention spans, suggesting that books are the ‘fibre’ our brains need.

“The iPhone is the great unquittable. Books are my antidote.”

5. You Don't Need to Be Perfect, Just Start

Whether it’s running, writing, or reading, Daisy reminds us to drop perfectionism and shares the ‘rule of three’ (one good session in three is enough to build a life-changing habit).

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Daisy on Substack > https://substack.com/@creativeconfidenceclinic

Toni (The Shelf Help Cluhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com

Hello Shelfies,

I’m trying something new for summer, a time when lots of us are busy doing lots of things that hopefully support our self health (social, physical, emotional, spiritual) but don’t necessarily support live self-help events.

For the next few months some of our Mondays will feature pre-recorded author events that you can watch/do in your own …

It's a new series of The Bibliotherapists, and for our second episode we are joined by Sam Baker; journalist, author, broadcaster, professional bookworm and creator of The Shift.

Having spent decades in magazine land, today Sam, 59, is known for ‘endlessly banging the drum for women in midlife and beyond’.

🎧 5 takeaways from our conversation with Sam

1. Midlife Can Be a Catalyst

Sam challenges the narrative of decline and instead urges us to embrace midlife as an opportunity to reset, redefine and reclaim personal power.

2. Menopause is a Mental Health Issue

From brain fog to burnout, Sam shares how hormonal shifts in her late 40s impacted her identity, confidence and career.

“I thought I’d be running the world by 50. Instead, I was on the floor.”

3. Rest is Revolutionary

After a 20-year career in magazines, Sam hit a wall, forcing her to reevaluate rest, and understand that stepping back to breathe wasn’t weakness, but the beginning of a new way forward.

4. There’s No One Way to Be a Woman Over 40

Through her podcast and book, The Shift, Sam amplifies the voices of all kinds of women navigating midlife with authenticity.

“Midlife is not a crisis. It’s a chance to ask: who am I now?"

5. Books as Tools for Change

From memoirs to novels and feminist essays, Sam believes the right book at the right time can change your entire mindset — especially when navigating big transitions.

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The Bibliotherapists is a podcast celebrating the healing power of words, hosted on - and featuring writers and creatives from - the Substack platform.

Find Sam on Substack > https://theshiftwithsambaker.substack.com/

Toni (The Shelf Help Cluhouse) on Substack > https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

Tanya (withEase) on Substack > https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

WATCH THE VIDEO

Video recordings of The Bibliotherapists interviews are available exclusively to our Substack subscribers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe

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