Julia Duthie on Healing from Trauma, Finding Belonging & Living Authentically | A "What Is a Good Life?" Interview

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This powerful, soul-stirring interview on the What Is a Good Life podcast was Julia's first ever podcast appearance — and it changed everything.

In it, Julia shares her extraordinary journey: from a childhood of neglect and survival to becoming a bestselling author, business leader, and ultimately finding the courage to live as her authentic self.

🎙 It was this very episode that inspired Julia to launch People Are Everything, a podcast built around a unique and moving concept: The 5 most influential people who have shaped your life so far.

Julia's very 1st podcast, as a guest, was the inspiration and with Mark's motivation the start of People are Everything.

In this powerful episode of What Is a Good Life?, host Mark McCartney sits down with Julia Duthie—bestselling author, leadership expert, and former music CEO—for a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and self-acceptance.

Julia opens up about a childhood marked by neglect, leaving home at 16, rising to lead major institutions, and only coming out as her true self at 50. She reflects on the transformative impact of therapy, the death of her father, the healing power of creativity, and writing her memoir House on Dog Bone Street.

This intimate conversation explores how we find peace, meaning, and belonging—especially after a lifetime of survival.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• Julia reflects on the lifelong question: “Who is the real me?”
• Growing up in severe neglect and losing her mother to mental illness.
• Leaving home and school at 16 to survive—and thrive.
• Building a career from market stalls to IT leadership and music education CEO.
• Her father’s hidden sexuality and how it shaped her own identity journey.
• Coming out and embracing authenticity in her 50s.
• The creative release of writing House on Dog Bone Street.
• The impact of therapy in learning to drop the façade and live truthfully.
• Her evolving relationship with validation, success, and inner peace.
• The desire to find rest, ease, and quiet belonging in the second half of life.