***Argh! Mercury is in retrograde which explains why the audio I uploaded earlier this week of this episode somehow removed all the music and left either giant blank spaces or a very strange affect on Claire's BEAUTIFUL song that closes out this episode! I have fixed it now so please don't be put off!*** Naarm based singer-songwriter, podcaster and mother Claire Tonti joins me for a soulful exploration of matrescence, the state in which seismic shifts in identity occur after transitioning into motherhood. Our conversation traverses the raw and unspoken narratives of becoming a mother, from the societal pressures and emotional rebirth to the profound connections (and trauma) forged in the throes of childbirth. We promise a journey that honors the stories of mothers everywhere, especially those facing the unsung complexities and challenges of this transformative life chapter. Navigating the symbiotic dance of family life and creative expression, Claire and I share candid anecdotes about partnership and the mental gymnastics of balancing parenting with personal passions. Our discussion illuminates the beauty and trauma of birth experiences, the systemic issues in childbirth, and the deep spiritual journey that accompanies bringing life into the world. Listeners are invited to reflect on the strength and resilience inherent in motherhood, the ancestral bonds that are strengthened through this process, and the importance of creating space to process and honor these profound experiences. We delve into the stark disparities of maternal care – contrasting the empathetic midwifery that many experience and others do not while also addressing the harrowing realities for mothers currently under siege in Palestine. This episode is not just about the personal; it's a call to awaken our collective conscience to the plight of humanity worldwide. With Claire's evocative song "Free" ringing in our ears, we're reminded of the power and courage it takes to embrace and express our true selves, highlighting the universal thread of humanity that binds all mothers together. Join us for this heartfelt episode that promises to resonate with anyone touched by the extraordinary journey of motherhood. Please be advised this episode contains discussion of birth trauma, genocide and witchcraft. **** To find Claire's event information, see here: https://www.clairetonti.com/events To listen to Claire's album 'Matrescence', go here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0jU1LTnSMuxDk22ei4lGOn?si=nnsk5tR5S76TsLVCTyOSqw&nd=1&dlsi=31f41d15338a4e73 To follow Claire's podcast, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tonts/id1571257105 Support the show If you're enjoying Untethered, please consider rating and reviewing the show and becoming a subscriber! You can follow Clementine here, and support her work and the podcast: Instagram: www.instagram.com/clementine_ford Substack: www.substack.com/@clementinef