Interview: Jody Nicholson talks about Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual?

Jody Nicholson is a New Zealand counsellor, naturopath and women’s-wellness author whose new book Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual? offers women a compassionate and evidence-based guide to emotional, hormonal, mental, and physical wellbeing. Jody talks to NZ Booklovers.

Tell us a little about your book.

In Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual? I guide women to understand their bodies, emotions, and mental fitness at every stage of life. The book is designed to empower women with the knowledge and confidence they deserve, giving them clarity, support, and tools as they navigate their journey. In Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual?, every woman can find guidance, reassurance, and the tools to truly thrive.

What inspired you to write this book?

Over two decades in practice I heard women again and again say, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?” I realised there wasn’t a single book that combined emotional health, body wisdom, mental fitness, and life guidance all in one place. This book became the manual I wish had been available for every woman from the start.

What research was involved?

The book draws on my clinical experience, over two decades of working with women, and current studies in women’s health, mental fitness, stress science, biochemistry, and natural medicine. This combination of professional experience and scientific research shaped the guidance, tools, and insights throughout Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual?

What was your routine or writing process?

I wrote early in the day, focusing on one chapter at a time. Each chapter was treated like a counselling session—asking, “What does this woman need to really hear?” I shaped the content with compassion, clarity, and takeaways to support women in their journey.

If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two. 

Rise Up by Andra Day – for every woman rising again. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys – for reclaiming your spark and strength.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you like playing the lead?

Drew Barrymore, Meryl Streep, or Lucy Lawless actresses who can capture warmth, authenticity, and resilience, reflecting both struggle and triumph with honesty.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved blending the emotional-healing sections with the wisdom of real women—interviewing mothers across decades, from 20 to 90, and weaving their raw, honest truths into the book. Guiding women to release old patterns, soften guilt, and reconnect with themselves while seeing this knowledge finally available was an incredible and long-overdue feeling. It felt like offering both a hug and a hand to every woman reading it.

How did you celebrate finishing the book?

I celebrated with a big launch event at ALLFIT on 14 September, surrounded by amazing women. It was an incredible day of connection, joy, and gratitude.

What is your favourite book you’ve read this year and why?

The Choice by Edith Eger. Her capacity to turn trauma into wisdom, and suffering into growth, is profoundly inspiring—and it mirrors the hope I aim to bring to readers of Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual?

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I’m continuing to promote Womanhood: Why didn’t it come with a manual? through live videos and online conversations, sharing insights, strategies, and inspiration with women. The book is available through Amazon and Wheelers, and will soon be accessible via the Auckland Library, giving women multiple ways to find it and adding credibility. I’m also still actively working with women in my practice, and in the early preparations for the Women’s Wellness Spring Event 2026 at Rydges, Auckland, which will be an exciting celebration of wellness, connection, and empowerment.