Welcome to the second series of The Maternal Journal podcast - a deep dive into the power of journaling and creativity to support mental health and wellbeing through pregnancy, birth and parenting - hosted by Maternal Journal founder, artist, writer and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs. This new series focuses on graphic novels and illustrated books, and we have some amazing guests who share their work and thoughts with us. Every podcast includes reflections from our guests on the relationship between motherhood and creativity and tips on how to boost your journaling practice.

In this episode, we're joined by cartoonist and writer Becky Barnicoat whose recent graphic memoir, ‘Cry when the Baby Cries’, is described as ‘The most accurate account of becoming a parent I have ever read’ by Philippa Perry. Her daily cartoons in publications such as The Guardian and Buzzfeed offer a candid and often hilarious glimpse into the emotional landscape of motherhood.

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In this episode, Laura interviews Julie Phillips, an award-winning author, biographer and book critic who wrote the influential book - Baby on the Fire Escape, where she explores the complex relationship between creativity and motherhood through the lives of some of the most important women artists of the 20th century..

Together, they unpick the challenges and stereotypes of motherhood and creativity, highlighting the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Julie advocates for the importance of maintaining individuality as a parent, shares her personal experiences with journaling, and emphasises the need for structural support for mothers, including paid parental leave and affordable childcare.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

In this episode, Laura interviews Katherine May, the bestselling author and podcaster of books such as Wintering and The Electricity of Every Living Thing.

Katherine discusses the struggles she faced during her pregnancy, including depression and feeling out of place. She shares her insights as an autistic mother and the importance of finding one's own path in parenting. In addition we talk about her approach to writing, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment and open discussion.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

In this episode, Laura speaks with memoirist and bestselling author, Cathy Rentzenbrink, writer of The Last Act of Love and Write it All Down.

Together, they consider the power of writing for mental health, advocating for a focus on process over content. Cathy elaborates on how writing has helped her understand and manage traumatic experiences in her life, and stresses the importance of authenticity in journal writing, contrasting it with the partial truths often portrayed on social media.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

Laura and Leah Hazard both practising NHS midwives, writers and birth activists, discuss how to bring evidence-based information about midwifery, birth and women’s bodies into the public sphere in a way that’s accessible, relatable and relevant to our times. Leah’s new book, Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began, expands on the history of women’s reproductive lives interwoven with her own personal story.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

Artist, writer, editor, lecturer, speaker and curator Sarah Lightman discusses her graphic memoir, The Book of Sarah, which looks at her childhood, cultural history and explores her mothering experiences through text and images. She gives an introduction to graphic narrative work and cartooning, particularly the powerful history by Jewish women.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

Founder of The Motherhood Group, a social enterprise that supports the Black maternal experience, Sandra Igwe discusses her advocacy for the importance of ‘radical peer support’ for Black mothers. Sandra is also a writer and poet, and author of My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System. In her book, she uses her voice, and many other Black mothers’ experiences to demand that Black women are listened to, believed, and understood by healthcare professionals.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

Laura speaks with award-winning author, poet and activist, Jacqueline Saphra. The conversation explores love, family history, birth and relationships. Jacqueline reads two of her beautiful poems highlighting the power and resonance of poetry in processing emotions and experiences.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.