Trust the Process Podcast

Welcome to the latest episode of Trust the Process! This is a bonus episode because it’s a bit different to my usual interviews. This time I’m in conversation with author Arianne James and we’re chatting about all things selkies!The Woman in the Seal Skin has now been out in the world for one month! If you’d like to learn more about the inspiration behind the book as well as the ways in which I weaved my perinatal mental health and psychology background into this story, then listen to the full episode here. What’s more, if you find the selkie mythology and its interpretations interesting you will not have to wait long until you can also dive into Arianne James’ beautiful new book Daughters of the Tide (out 31st May).In this episode:Arianne James and Lauren Keegan discuss why selkies from Scottish folklore continue to resonate with women today, how we shaped our novels; Arianne’s debut Daughters of the Tide (set in Tasmania with links to Orkney, releasing 26 May) and Lauren’s The Woman in the Seal Skin (set on a wild Scottish island in the 1690s). We trace story origins to selkie women and stolen skins, captivity, and the pull back to the sea, connecting these themes to identity, coercive control, maternal ambivalence, guilt, and women “coming home” to themselves.We explore sisterhood and intergenerational female solidarity, nuanced portrayals of men, and how folklore can explain tragedy, including postpartum depression and “female hysteria.”So much to unpack here! Now available to listen to on substack and your favourite podcast platform.The Woman in the Seal SkinA wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historic novel set in Scotland in 1695, from the author of All The Bees In The Hollows. Based on the selkie myths of the time, this is the story of Malie, a young woman struggling with grief, oppression, her relationship with nature and her own inherent wildness within during Europe’s ‘little ice age’.Malie grew up hearing tales of selkies: shape-shifting women who shed their seal skins to seduce fishermen on the Orkney shores. That’s the story of how her parents met, and it must be true because one day her mother slipped into the sea and was never seen again. Raised by her father, Malie has always done what she’s been told, and now she’s married and expecting her first baby. Life on land is predictable and safe, and her future is all mapped out for her. But, just like the seals in the sea, there’s a wildness in Malie’s soul – one that cannot be tamed and deeply yearns for the sea. Dealing with themes of motherhood, grief, violence and female oppression, The Woman in the Seal Skin is a wonderfully haunting and atmospheric tale of a woman living in a cloistered community on a wild Scottish island, who one day meets her wildness within.Learn more about The Woman in the Seal Skin by Lauren Keegan:https://www.laurenkeeganwriter.com/Daughters of the TideWeaving historical fiction with folklore and Tasmanian gothic, this is a gorgeously atmospheric debut that explores memory and self, the resilience of women and a dangerous longing for the sea.The Findlay family history has long been steeped in secrets, tragedy and dark rumours of madness. Generations of its women have been haunted by a dangerous luring melody and an insatiable longing for the sea.It’s 1923 and Isla Findlay lives with her parents on the edge of the ocean in Tasmania, in a rambling mansion full of whispers of this cursed legacy. When Isla discovers her estranged aunt is finally coming home, long-repressed memories of the selkie stories of her childhood start to resurface, along with disturbing dreams of seals and an eerie song that Isla starts to hear even in her waking hours.As the line between what’s real and imagined starts to blur, Isla and her aunt and mother must reckon with long-held secrets and ghosts who have not been properly laid to rest. The closer they get to the truths of the past, the louder they hear the seductive call of the ocean. Does it sing of freedom, or only more tragedy?A tale of madness and miracles, secrets and sins, myth and reality, and the tenacity and resilience of women in the face of impossible choices.Learn more about Daughters of the Tide by Arianne Jameshttps://ariannewrites.com/Connect with Lauren & Arianne on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com

In this episode, Lauren Keegan, host of Trust the Process Podcast, is joined by Dr. Bianca Denny, a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience.In this episode:* Bianca's shares her journey from academic writing to mainstream media* Bianca shares the inspiration behind her books 'Talk to Me: Lessons from Patients and Their Therapist' and 'The How To of Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide for Therapists,' and the ethical considerations in writing about patients.* Bianca discusses the challenges and benefits of integrating personal experiences into professional writing* Listeners will gain insights into the therapeutic process, supervision, and the dynamic relationship between psychology and writing.00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements01:11 Introducing Dr. Bianca Denny02:23 Bianca's Journey into Psychology and Writing03:07 The Importance of Reading in Psychology04:43 Bianca's Academic and Clinical Path06:09 Challenges and Decisions in Advanced Studies07:21 Transition to Private Practice07:47 Specializing in Trauma and Injury10:13 The Power of Long-Term Therapy12:29 Writing 'Talk to Me': Inspiration and Process14:36 Ethical Considerations in Writing18:57 Publishing Journey and Editorial Insights21:18 Writing 'The How To of Psychotherapy'24:06 The Role of Supervision in Psychology30:49 Navigating Public Profiles and Social Media34:26 Future Plans and Balancing Multiple Roles36:53 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Lauren:Substack: https://laurenkeegan.substack.com/Website: https://www.laurenkeeganwriter.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/laurenkeeganwriter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com

Ep 04: On the expression of female anger in fiction with Liz EvansIn episode 4 of Trust the Process Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing psychotherapist, journalist and author Liz Evans.Liz Evans is an award-winning British writer, journalist, author and novelist, currently based in lutruwita/Tasmania. In the 90s, she was a music journalist in London, interviewing the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Courtney Love, Sonic Youth, and Bjork, and published two books on women and rock culture for Pandora/HarperCollins, before training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and opening a private clinical practice in Australia.Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Catherine Wheel was published in 2024 by Ultimo Press.In this episode:* Liz shares her journey from music journalism in London during the nineties to her transition into psychotherapy.* Hear about Liz’s pet peeve when it comes to the portrayal of women in psychological thrillers!* Liz talks about her debut novel ‘Catherine Wheel’ and its unique focus on coercive control, and the psychological and relational themes explored within.* Liz also talks about her academic background, her approach to writing psychological suspense, and the cultural differences in the perception of feminism.“There was a lot of thinking and reading around anger and how anger is expressed in women… it made me think about how women are often so uncomfortable with feeling anger, let alone expressing it, and I’d seen so much of that in my clinical practice.”- Liz Evans.Visit Trust the Process Podcast on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com

In Episode 3 of Trust the Process, I interview clinical neuropsychologist, novelist & freelance writer Kylie Ladd. Kylie’s seven novels have been published in Australia and overseas. She has also co-edited and co-authored two non-fiction books, and her essays and articles have been published in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Griffith Review, Meanjin, O Magazine, Good Medicine, Kill Your Darlings and Reader's Digest, amongst others. Kylie holds a PhD in neuropsychology and lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.In Episode 3 we chat about:* Writing psychological stories in fiction and the age old question of nature vs. nurture* Writing about the psychological implications of science* How she develops characters through their histories AND (like me!) uses genograms in her story planning* The way in which we gather stories in both the practice of psychology and in writing fiction* Writing non-fiction in her clinical niche and how this gave Kylie her first break in getting published.* and more!I had so much fun chatting to Kylie and we could’ve gone on chatting for hours. She has a wealth of clinical and writing knowledge and she is so generous in sharing her writing experiences with us. Have you caught up on past episodes of Trust the Process?Ep 01: Writing crime fiction with Georgia Harper. Listen here.Ep 02: Writing non-fiction with Dr. Ahona Guha. Listen here.Thanks for reading Trust the Process! Subscribe for free to receive new posts & podcast notifications and support my work.The Mix-Up by Kylie LaddWhat would you do if you found out you'd been raising another couple's child - and they've been raising yours?Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son, Zac.The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. They are strangers to each other – for now.Fast forward to April 2024 . . . Ammy has grown into a rebellious young woman, and Zac is a kind but introverted teenager.Life may not be perfect for either family, but like everyone else they are muddling through.Until Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project. At first the results are puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering - when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.Connect with Kylie via her website or Instagram.Thanks for reading & listening to Trust the Process! Feel free to share this post with your family, friends and colleagues. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com

In Episode 2 of Trust the Process, I interview clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Ahona Guha from Melbourne. Ahona works within the public forensic mental health system and maintains a private psychology practice. She writes widely for the media about mental health, health, equity, and social justice. Her debut non-fiction book titled Reclaim: Understanding complex trauma and those who abuse, was published by Scribe Publications in 2023 and her second non-fiction book, Life Skills for a Broken World was published in 2024.In Episode 2 we chat about:* The parallels between therapy and writing (i.e. sitting with the unknown!)* How Ahona breaks down complex psychology topics into easily accessible content for a wider audience* Where her ideas come from and the importance of pitching* How to build an audience - and why this is important if you want to publish a non-fiction book* Ahona’s approach to social media* and more!It was such a fun and interesting conversation and will appeal to non-fiction writers, psychologists who want to write and anyone in between!Missed my chat with Crime Author Georgia Harper in Episode 1? Listen here.Thanks for reading Trust the Process! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.  “One of the key things people talked about was if you want to write nonfiction and want to start to position yourself as a bit of a subject matter expert, then it's really important to start pitching.”-Dr Ahona GuhaLife Skills for a Broken World by Dr. Ahona GuhaA revolutionary framework for living well in a broken world, from acclaimed author and psychologist.How can I manage heartbreak? How do I cope with death? How can I learn to tolerate anxiety and have hope?In this helpful, practical, and realistic guide to good psychological health, Dr Ahona Guha shows us how to cope, thrive, and still feel hopeful for the future. Combining techniques from a range of therapeutic modalities, she demonstrates how we can build a range of essential psychological skills, and apply them to live a more tranquil and joyful life.Life Skills for a Broken World is a breath of fresh air, cutting through the confusion to provide solid, practical, and evidence-based answers to existential questions, big and small.Connect with Ahona via her website or on Substack or Instagram.Thanks for reading Trust the Process! This post is public so feel free to share it.Stay tuned for next months’ in-conversation chat with neuropsychologist and author Kylie Ladd. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com

In Episode 1 of Trust the Process, I interview clinical and forensic psychologist Georgia Harper. We recorded this interview online with a live audience in November 2024. As a psychologist, Georgia has worked with both serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime.Her debut crime novel What I Would Do to You was published by Penguin Books (2024).In Episode 01 we chat about:* The representation and challenges of writing psychologist characters in fiction* Writing difficult (dark!) scenes* Juggling dual careers & having a public profile* The writing process* And more!Georgia’s book asks the questions: If you harmed my love one and I got my hands on you what would I do to you? What are we capable of at our most primal?Thanks for reading Trust the Process! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.“I had to balance that with the fact that it’s fiction… you can’t explain every single thing to the reader about how the profession works as you lose the flow of the narrative”- Georgia HarperWhat I Would Do To You by Georgia HarperA near-future Australia.The death penalty is back. But if the victim’s family wants the perpetrator to die, they have to do it themselves. Twenty-four hours alone in a room with the condemned. No cameras. No microphones. Just whatever punishment they decide befits the crime.Ten-year-old Lucy was murdered.Through counselling sessions with their court-appointed psychologist, we learn the stories of her family members: Lucy’s two mothers – Stella and Matisse – her much older brother and her bookish teenage sister, who is too young to participate in the execution, but who has plans of her own . . .Secrets and grief threaten to break the family.As the execution date nears, already-struggling Stella remains adamant that she must carry out the punishment. But it becomes clear that if she steps into that room, the family may lose her too.Connect with Georgia Harper via her website or Instagram.Thanks for reading Trust the Process! This post is public so feel free to share it.Stay tuned for next months’ in-conversation chat with Clinical & Forensic Psychologist Dr Ahona Guha who is the author of two non-fiction books. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenkeegan.substack.com