New Audio Interview with Writer, Editor, Mental Health & Chronic Illness Advocate Tara Mandarano

I’ve been hearing a voice saying to me, “Do a podcast,” since last year. But why would I? I’m terrible at speaking. If it wasn’t for Tara, I wouldn’t have the courage. But Tara inspires courage not just in me. Her bold vulnerability, her passion, and the way she makes you feel less alone are all reasons why Tara is a writer to know. She’s a Best of the Net–nominated writer and editor and you may have read her work in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, and recently became an author as a contributor to new book Big: Stories About Life in Plus-Sized Bodies.

In under 45 minutes, she’ll explain why it’s worth putting yourself out there-even in a social media post, what gives her the courage to share her personal stories, and what you should read if you struggle with your weight. It’s pretty much everything important under the sun.

Here’s a breakdown of what we talked about:

3:00 min Tara talks about why chronic health issues could give you more resiliency.

4:20 She validates what normal could look like for you right now. “Feeling like it’s okay and it’s not okay.”

6:00 Tara talks about how to deal with parenting pressures that get exacerbated on social media.

8:00 The different stages of sheltering at home with kids from novelty to reality.

11:00 We talk about the opportunity to loosen the grip we put on ourselves to be perfect people.

13:30 Tara answers whether she’s always wanted to be a writer.

16:00 This is what gives her the courage to write personal essays.

18:00 Tara shares the process of writing her essays from beginning to published.

23:00 Tara explains why she can’t go back to the person she was before she shared her personal stories even if she gets pushback from family and readers.

24:00 How Bipolar II Disorder affects her writing and creativity.

28:00 Advice on how you can get started if you’re afraid to publish a full essay.

32:00 From submitting her essay to it being chosen to be included in Big: Stories About Life in Plus-Sized Bodies and some of the uncertainties she had with submitting it.

38:00 What Tara is really grateful for even during a pandemic.

40:00 Tara shares who her new book is for.

If you want to learn more about Tara, you can check out her website at taramandarano.com and @taramandarano on Instagram. For her online readings, go here and here. You can get her book on Amazon or from here or here

{Music by Kevin McLeod from Incompetech.}