Zoe Hethershaw

Author | Holistic Health Practitioner | Podcaster | Storyteller | Professional Question-Asker

Stories have always been my way home. Sometimes they come in books. Sometimes they come with a microphone, a strong cup of tea and a few questions people weren’t expecting.

I’ve spent more than 17 years working with people, exploring the connections between the mind, body, life experiences and the behaviours we develop along the way.

I’ve also spent a fair amount of time learning about life the hard way. I’m not particularly interested in pretending to have all the answers, presenting a picture-perfect version of myself or wrapping every difficult experience in a pretty little bow. Life is messy, people are complicated, and sometimes the best thing we can do is have an honest conversation and a bloody good laugh.

My work has always centred around people and their stories. The experiences that shape us, the relationships that challenge us, the things we carry, the lessons we learn and the moments when we finally decide that perhaps it’s time to do things differently.

As an author, I’ve written across memoir, fiction, poetry, self-discovery, spirituality and metaphorical storytelling. My published work includes Inside Me, A Shadow Between Us, Storm Bound to Fire, The Dragonfly and the Wasp, The Great Investigation and The Dragonfly and the Hollow Beetle.

My writing isn’t always comfortable, and it isn’t meant to be. I enjoy exploring the psychology behind human behaviour, the complexities of relationships, the difference between love and control, and the extraordinary ways people find themselves again after life’s knocked them sideways.

The Dragonfly has become a recurring symbol throughout my work, representing transformation, resilience and the freedom to become something beyond what life has taught us to be.

But writing isn’t my only way of telling stories.

Behind the microphone

I’m the host of two very different podcasts, each with its own personality and purpose.

Beneath the Scars with Zoe

This is where we get underneath the surface.

We explore trauma, grief, relationships, abuse, healing, spirituality, human behaviour, identity, sexuality, resilience and the experiences that shape who we become.

It’s also a place for real people to tell real stories. I welcome authors, professionals, researchers, creatives, survivors and people with experiences worth sharing.

I want to talk to people who have something to say, something to teach, something they’ve lived through or something they’ve created. You can introduce your book, discuss your work, share your expertise or simply tell a story that deserves to be heard.

No need to be famous. No need to have a perfectly polished life. Just bring something genuine to the conversation.

With All Due Respect from Zoe

Now, this one has a slightly different flavour.

Think honest opinions, uncomfortable conversations, accountability and calling out behaviour that perhaps deserves a closer look.

It’s short, direct and unapologetically outspoken. We’re talking about relationships, double standards, hypocrisy, entitlement, manipulation, personal responsibility and the things people seem to get away with because nobody wants to say anything.

It’s not about being cruel. It’s about being honest.

Sometimes we need compassion. Sometimes we need perspective. And sometimes we need someone to say, “Oh, come on. You cannot be serious.”

I’m also opening the door to guests who have something to say, experiences to share or opinions they’re prepared to stand behind.

For this podcast, guests can remain anonymous. Names and identifying details will be changed, with people referred to as John or Jane. The aim is to make room for honest conversations without unnecessarily exposing someone’s identity.

I’m looking for guests!

I’m actively inviting guests for both podcasts.

Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, practitioner, professional, researcher, creative, survivor, advocate or simply someone with an extraordinary story, I’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need a public profile, a bestselling book or thousands of followers. I’m interested in people, not popularity contests.

If you’ve written something, created something, experienced something or have a perspective that might make someone stop and think, there’s room for that conversation.

For Beneath the Scars, I’m particularly interested in lived experiences, healing, relationships, resilience, creativity, personal journeys and professional expertise.

For With All Due Respect, I’m looking for honest stories, challenging opinions, conversations about behaviour and accountability, and people willing to have a proper discussion.

And away from the books and microphones…

I’m still very much involved in holistic health and wellbeing, drawing on my experience in Reiki, Shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, massage, guided meditation and other approaches to supporting people.

I also continue developing educational programmes, writing projects and The Great Investigation, which encourages people to look at their own experiences, beliefs, behaviours and patterns with a little more curiosity and a lot more honesty.

I don’t believe life is about becoming a perfectly healed, endlessly positive human being who drinks green smoothies and never loses their temper.

I think it’s about understanding ourselves, taking responsibility where it’s ours, knowing when to laugh, knowing when to walk away and having the courage to keep learning.

I’m still writing, still questioning, still creating and still finding new things to get curious about.

So, whether you’ve arrived here because of a book, a podcast, my professional work or simply because something caught your attention, welcome.

Have a look around, listen to a podcast, explore the books and, if you have a story worth sharing, get in touch.

I’m Zoe Hethershaw. I like good conversations, interesting people, a healthy dose of humour and asking the questions that get people thinking.

And trust me, we’re not short of things to talk about.