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.

In this episode of Natter, Kate and Michelle sit down with author, academic, and podcaster Dr Caroline West to explore her deeply moving book Wrong Women: Selling Sex in Monto, Dublin’s Forgotten Red Light District.

Together, they unpack the layered history of Monto, once a red-light district in Ireland and reflect on the lives of the women who lived and worked there. From historical exploitation to contemporary stigma, this conversation delves into the complex realities of sex work, the language we use to describe it, and how society continues to shape the narratives of marginalised women.

Key points covered in this episode:

• The hidden history of Monto and its lasting impact on Irish society
• How language influences our understanding of sex work and sexuality
• The role of stigma, shame, and societal perception in shaping women’s lives
• Generational divides in sex education and attitudes towards sexual freedom
• Ethical remembrance and the importance of telling difficult truths
• Caroline’s personal journey and what drives her work in advocacy and education
• Moments of resilience, hope, and community among women in marginalised spaces

Caroline brings both personal insight and academic insight to a discussion that spans generations and challenges long-held beliefs. There’s talk of compassion, community, and the urgent need to honour voices that have been silenced for too long.

This episode highlights history, an invitation to challenge assumptions, and a moving reminder of the power in telling untold stories.

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland!

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

In this episode, Kate and Michelle sit down with crime fiction author Catherine Kirwin to uncover the fascinating journey behind her writing career. From her childhood on a farm in County Waterford to her time studying law at University College Cork, Catherine shares how life's unexpected moments led her to become a published author.

She opens up about balancing her sociable introvert nature with the demands of being a writer, the inspiration behind her debut novel, Darkest Truth, and the challenges of the publishing world. Catherine also dives into her latest book, The Seventh Body, revealing how real-life events, compelling characters, and a strong sense of place shape her gripping crime stories.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a crime fiction fan, or just love a good story about tenacity, creativity, and life's small but powerful moments, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

Natter is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

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

In this heartwarming episode of The Natter Podcast, bestselling author Carmel Harrington takes us on a journey through her life, her writing, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From the adventures that have shaped her worldview to the unconditional love of her dog, George Bailey, Carmel shares her philosophy on happiness—an active pursuit rather than just a feeling.

She also delves into the emotional depth of her characters, the hidden layers of human nature, and the inspiration behind her book, The Stolen Child. Through family history, travel, and the power of storytelling, Carmel weaves tales that connect past and present, creating meaningful and satisfying experiences for her readers.

Key Takeaways:

• Happiness is a choice – It’s an active pursuit, not just a state of being.
• Travel shapes perspective – Carmel’s adventures have deeply influenced her writing and life.
• Character depth matters – She believes in creating layered, authentic characters.
• We all wear masks – Stories help reveal the hidden truths behind people’s masks.
• Storytelling bridges past and present
• A satisfying ending is key – Carmel aims to leave readers with an emotionally fulfilling experience.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of the stories that shape us!

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

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

In this thought-provoking episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with acclaimed writer Amy Jordan to discuss her latest novel, The Dark Hours.

The conversation dives deep into the themes of aging, trauma, and the evolving representation of older women in literature. Amy introduces us to Julia Harte—a retired detective wrestling with her past—and explores how violence leaves a lasting imprint on both individuals and society.

Beyond the book, Amy offers an intimate look into her creative process, sharing the emotional journey of writing, the therapeutic nature of storytelling, and the challenges of structural editing. Whether you're an aspiring author or a devoted reader, this episode is packed with insights on character development, writing routines, and the art of crafting compelling narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Age is a number, not a limitation—especially in storytelling.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
• Structural editing is a necessary challenge in the writing process.
• Strong character development keeps readers invested.
• Every genre comes with expectations writers must navigate.
• Not everyone will love your work, and that’s okay.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, resilience, and the power of the written word. Tune in now!

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

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

In the Season 3 premiere of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with award-winning author Mary Watson to discuss her latest book, The Cleaner. This insightful conversation delves into themes of home, belonging, revenge, and identity. Mary also reflects on her experiences navigating life between South Africa and Ireland.

They explore the impact of technology and social media on childhood, the dynamics of power and inequality, and the emotional journey of writing and publishing a book. Mary also shares a personal story behind The Cleaner, inspired by her experience of cleaning one night at a show and the feeling of invisibility that came with it.

This episode is a must-listen for book lovers, writers, and anyone interested in great stories!

Key topics include:

• The inspiration behind The Cleaner and its themes of revenge and identity
• How the concept of home shifts across different cultural contexts
• The challenges of raising children in a digital world
• The role of power and inequality in storytelling
• Writing with purpose and using fiction to engage with societal issues
• The emotional process of publishing and letting go of a book

Tune in to Natter on your favorite podcast platform.

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

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