Mary O’Hara is an award-winning writer, editor, author, producer & researcher
Open for Commissions
My work is multi-platform, collaborative and creative. My priority is producing & managing world-class media projects. From journalism and book-writing, to film, audio and copywriting, my work is embedded in research and production skills honed over years working alongside some of the very best in each industry.
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A bit about me
I’m a storyteller. I write, produce, present, direct and edit. My journalism appears in publications including The Guardian and Byline Times. I’m the author of two non-fiction books: The Shame Game: Overturning the toxic poverty narrative (2020) & Austerity Bites: A journey to the sharp end of cuts in the UK (2014), and have contributed to numerous others. I’m also the founder of the multi-platform international anti-poverty storytelling initiative, Project Twist-It.
I’ve run a comedy club, been a Fulbright Scholar at UC Berkeley, and worked as a producer and consultant on the podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. In 2020 I was named Best Foreign Columnist at the Southern California Journalism Awards for my Guardian column, Lesson from America.
Praise for The Shame Game
“The most comprehensive description of poverty I’ve seen yet.”
Linda Tirado, author of Hand to Mouth
“The book we need right now.”
Kerry Hudson, author of Lowborn
“A necessary book in divisive times .”
Jameela Jamil, actor and activist
I’m an experienced producer, booker and researcher with nifty Pro-Tools skills. Working on the award-winning Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, I produced and booked episodes on topics ranging from neuroscience to Middle East politics and how to be an artist! Guests I booked included Melinda Gates, Reese Witherspoon, Elizabeth Warren and Jameela Jamil.
I’m also producer of the podcast series Write-On and currently in development on new projects with Dann Gallucci of Little Everywhere.
Praise for Austerity Bites
“Should be required reading for every MP, peer, councillor, civil servant and commentator.” Melissa Benn, THE GUARDIAN
“Injustice and the waste of human potential leap from this book.”
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION
“This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the great human cost of austerity. Read it, get angry and get active.”
JOSIE LONG, Comedian and writer