In this deeply moving episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with academic and author Mary Ann Kenny to explore her remarkable journey through grief, psychosis, and recovery following the sudden death of her husband, John.

Mary Ann opens up about the raw and personal story behind her book The Episode, detailing her descent into psychosis, the complexities of psychiatric treatment, and her path to healing. Together, they delve into the power of storytelling, the urgent need for advocacy within mental health care, and the persistent stigma that surrounds mental illness.

Key Points:

• Mary Ann shares the story behind her book The Episode
• The realities of psychosis and navigating psychiatric care
• How grief and trauma shaped her mental health journey
• The role of storytelling in breaking stigma and fostering understanding
• Why compassion and advocacy are crucial to improving mental health support

With honesty and grace, Mary Ann reflects on trauma, resilience, and the ongoing journey of self-belief. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and recognising that mental health exists on a continuum that affects us all.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle are joined by bestselling crime writer Jane Casey for an honest and captivating chat about the craft behind her gripping novels.

Jane opens up about her writing journey, from the spark that started it all to the pressure of keeping readers hooked across a long-running series. She shares how she crafts clever stories, develops memorable characters, and balances the demands of writing with everyday life.

The trio also explore the distinctive voice of Irish crime fiction, the role of music and setting in creating atmosphere, and how writers can embrace their individuality while staying authentic to their readers and themselves.

Key Points:

• Jane Casey’s journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author
• The challenges of sustaining reader interest across a book series
• The influence of music and setting in creating a productive atmosphere
• The power of authenticity and writing for both readers and loved ones

Whether you’re a fan of crime writing or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the genre’s most respected voices.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Natter, Kate and Michelle chat with author Caroline Madden about her journey to publishing The Marriage Vendetta, navigating the writing process, and the power of perseverance, community, and comedy in storytelling. A must-listen for writers and book lovers seeking insight, laughter, and a dose of creative motivation.

Key points covered in this episode:

• Why persistence is a writer’s greatest tool
• The challenges (and rewards) of writing humour in fiction
• The value of editors, mentors, and writing communities
• Why supporting new voices in literature matters

From the nuances of writing humour in literature to the crucial role of editors and mentors, this episode is packed with insight for aspiring writers and passionate readers alike. Caroline shares the importance of community, how life experiences shape creative expression, and why supporting emerging voices in writing matters more than ever.

Whether you’re deep in your own manuscript or simply love stories about the writing life, this conversation is a warm, honest, and inspiring natter you won’t want to miss.

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.