The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life

In this episode of The Whole Truth, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the inspiring Lorena Otes author of the debut memoir Solo Mum by Choice. Lorena shares her remarkable journey through the complexities of becoming a solo mother via IVF, detailing the emotional rollercoaster of her 13 rounds of treatment and the sheer determination that led her to motherhood.

Nadia and Lorena delve into the societal perceptions surrounding solo motherhood, the challenges of balancing writing and parenting, and the importance of community support. Lorena's memoir offers a unique perspective, filled with both heartache and humour, as she navigates her experiences and reflects on the realities of parenting alone. Their conversation is a candid exploration of resilience, creativity, and the deep connections that define motherhood.

Listeners will find themselves captivated by Lorena's insights and the warmth of her storytelling, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of motherhood and the writing life.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?

Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, published by Penguin Random House Australia. 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 [email protected]

🔑 Episode Keywords

Motherhood, Writing Life, Lorena Otes, Solo Mum by Choice, IVF Journey, Resilience, Community Support, Parenting Challenges, Memoir, Australian Literature

Lorena Otes– Hawkeye Publishing

In this episode of The Whole Truth, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with journalist and author Lauren Novak to discuss her new book Meltdown—a candid, deeply researched examination of maternal anger and the hidden pressures shaping women’s lives.

Throughout their conversation, Nadia and Lauren explore the emotional and structural forces that push mothers to the edge: the mental load, the unequal division of labour, the cultural myths surrounding “good motherhood,” and the shame that so often silences women’s anger. Lauren brings together research, lived experience, and the voices of countless women to reveal how common these struggles are, and why they deserve to be spoken about openly.

The discussion moves beyond blame or judgement, instead offering space for honesty, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it means to mother in a world that demands so much. It’s a grounded, generous exchange—true to the spirit of the show—inviting listeners to sit with complexity and truth.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?

Nadia Mahjouri is the author of ⁠Half Truth⁠, published⁠ by Penguin Random House Australia.

Her website is ⁠www.nadiamahjouri.com.au⁠ and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign upfor her newsletter ⁠The Whole Truth: Stories ofAche and Ecstasy⁠.

Or you can email ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri engages in a captivating conversation with the talented Raidah Shah Idil, an author and poet currently residing in Malaysia.

Raidah shares her journey as the creator of the enchanting middle-grade fantasy novel How To Free a Jinn, which has garnered critical acclaim, including the Readings Children's Prize in 2025.

The discussion dives into Raidah's multicultural background, her experiences growing up in Sydney, and her unique perspective on motherhood while raising three children in a vibrant intergenerational household.

Raidah reflects on the challenges of writing amidst the chaos of family life, the importance of community support, and the ways in which her cultural heritage informs her storytelling.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of creativity, resilience, and the intricate balance between motherhood and the writing life.

WHO IS YOUR HOST?

Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth⁠, published by Penguin Random House Australia. 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 [email protected]

Keywords

Introduction to Raidah Shah Idil and her novel How To Free a Jinn

Discussion on the themes of multiculturalism and identity

Exploration of motherhood and writing in an intergenerational household

Insights into Raidah cultural heritage and its influence on her storytelling

Reflections on the challenges of balancing family life and a writing career

The importance of community support in the creative process

Conclusion and thoughts on creativity and resilience

🔑 Episode Keywords

Motherhood, Writing Life, Raidah Shah Idil, How To Free a Jinn, Middle Grade Fantasy, Cultural Heritage, Community Support, Family Dynamics, Resilience, Australian Literature

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 [email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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