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EachPod

Episode 1: My Story & Why Stories Matter

Author
Kim Houssenloge (Mak)
Published
Sun 31 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://bettymaewrote.substack.com/p/episode-1-my-story-and-why-stories

Show Notes

Welcome to the first episode of Tell Me Over Tea, a podcast about life stories, memories, connection, and always with a cuppa in hand.

In this very first episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I open the door and invite you to sit with me at my kitchen table. it’s a glimpse into my world — the memories, the people, and the threads that shaped my love of storytelling. From childhood letter-writing to the heartache of losing my mum and Nan, to the way I’ve come to see stories as an anchor, a comfort, and a legacy — this is the beginning of our journey together.In this episode, you’ll hear:

* My earliest memories of letters, journals, and why writing always felt like home

* How losing my mum at 18 shaped the way I think about memory, grief, and legacy

* The influence of my Nan, Betty Rae, whose name lives on in my business Betty Mae Wrote

* My years of teaching, unschooling, and learning alongside my son Lew (the artist behind the Wild Wood illustrations and my stationery)

* Why I believe stories don’t have to be perfect to be precious

* How memory works — and why sharing even small, ordinary moments matters

* The heart behind Tell Me Over Tea and what you can expect in future episodes

This episode is part personal story, part love letter to the power of memory — and an invitation for you to pause, put the kettle on, and think about your own stories.

Oh, and I wanted to also mention that when I have guests come on the podcast to share their stories, we will be sipping delicious tea together (of course!). The lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co has kindly gifted myself and each guest some of her delicious teas and …. guess what?

If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes (and of course you do!), Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners (you!!!). It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off.

I hope you enjoy it.

Kim x

✨Please subscribe to my weekly newsletter here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter where I share stories there too and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote and the podcast.

✨ If you’d like to get started with writing your own life story, please feel free to grab my free beginners guide. It helps you take one memory and turn it into a treasured story. You can grab that here: Free Guide

✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories

✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project

✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com

✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote

Music: Kim on the uke😉 Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!



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