Auscast Literature Channel: Recent Episodes
Auscast Network
Michael Caleb Tasker’s grim and gripping Just Like the Night + Elisabeth Storr’s Fables and Lies
Lena has only really known a life of petty crime after spending her childhood on the road with her charismatic card sharp father Ray. Now in adulthood and just out of prison she finds herself in much deeper water, tangling with the dark Sydney underworld in an attempt to save her daughter. Michael Caleb Tasker’s first novel Just Like the Night delivers a gripping and gritty story with great literary style.
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Historical fiction writer Elisabeth Storrs sets her new book Fables and Lies in World War 2 Germany. The racy romantic thriller, about the Aryan myth, Nazi archaeology and the race to save the Trojan gold as Berlin falls, is based on a true story, and brings a little known aspect of the Nazi Regime to life.
Guests
Michael Caleb Tasker, author of “Just Like the Night”
Elisabeth Storrs, author of “Fables and Lies”
Author contacts
https://michaelcalebtasker.com/
@elisabethstorrsauthor
Books that get a mention
Michael Caleb Tasker recommends works by Raymond Chandler, particularly “The Long Goodbye” , and “Song of the Lark” by Willa Cather. He is also a fan of Kierkegaard, Michael Farris Smith, Ron Rash, Walter Mosely, Jim Harrison and John Steinbeck.
Annie loved “Heart the Lover” by Lily King and Sarah recommends “On the Calculation of Volume” by Solvej Balle
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Welcome to another Amy & Smut Month, the month where we talk about books with smut! This time we're getting to know the monstrous, the beastly, and the surprisingly sweet. We tackle what kind of monsters belong in 'monster smut', our Wills and Won'ts of monsterkind, Romantasy vs Monster Romances, and just why these beastly men appeal to readers. Fun moments include a monster dating show (Married at First Bite anyone?), an inappropriate discussion of manatees, and Amy Learns About The Omegaverse.
Amy & episodes are usually NSFW: this episode is particularly NSFW.
This month we're reading Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta. If you haven't read this delightful book yet, grab your copp so there's no spoilers when you listen to our book club on 27th August!
MENTIONS
BOOKS
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again by Katherine Angel
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Pinned by Love by Elaine J. Daniels
FILMS/TV/VIDEO GAMES
Beauty and the Beast
Shrek
Futurama
Shape of Water
Supernatural
Baldur's Gate 3
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
- YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Selena Fisk, a Data Storyteller and Founder of SelenaFisk.com, to explore how schools can move beyond simply collecting data and instead build a culture where evidence supports better teaching, stronger leadership, and improved student outcomes. Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, researcher, and education consultant, Selena explains why schools should strive to become data-informed rather than data-driven.
Throughout the conversation, Selena reflects on her early teaching career in the United Kingdom, where school performance was judged heavily against a single achievement metric. Consequently, she shares how that experience shaped her belief that data should never become a tool for compliance or fear. Instead, it should encourage curiosity, professional conversations, and thoughtful decision-making. She also explains why every dataset contains limitations and why triangulation, using multiple sources of evidence, helps educators develop a more accurate understanding of student learning.
The discussion also explores Selena's doctoral research into student perceptions of feedback. She reveals that many students genuinely want to understand where they sit within their learning journey. However, they also value meaningful conversations that help them interpret feedback rather than simply receiving grades. Furthermore, she explains how schools can foster confidence by encouraging dialogue between teachers and students while ensuring data remains connected to the people behind the numbers.
The conversation examines how school leaders can improve data conversations by creating practical frameworks that guide staff from analysing evidence through to prioritising actions. Rather than allowing meetings to become compliance exercises, Selena demonstrates how curiosity, structured questioning, and clear priorities can transform school improvement conversations into purposeful action.
The episode also discusses simplifying school data systems, reducing technology barriers, and making information more accessible for teachers. In addition, Selena highlights why educators should use data to celebrate progress, identify strengths, and recognise growth instead of focusing solely on gaps or deficiencies. Practical examples illustrate how recognising improvement can positively influence student identity, motivation, and engagement.
Finally, the conversation examines responsible interpretations of NAPLAN results and the importance of understanding school performance within its broader community context. Selena also shares inspiring examples from her work with remote Australian schools, demonstrating how careful analysis of attendance, engagement, and community feedback can lead to meaningful educational change.
This episode provides valuable insights for teachers, school leaders, and education professionals seeking to create ethical, evidence-informed school cultures where data prompts better questions, stronger collaboration, and more confident decisions.
Powered by: xuno.com.au.
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We're trying something a little different for this After Dark: a get-to-know-us episode. We've been talking zines all month, so it felt right that we get together and talk about our lives as writers. We answer the age old questions like Pantser or Plotter, do you worldbuild extensively or wing it, and why is writing so hard? We get into some less traditional topics as well, like whether we'd prefer to be a Nobel winner or a New York Times' bestselling author, and can you want people to like your writing without being a narcissist? All this and more on our After Dark deep dive.
MENTIONS
Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
The Faithful Executioner by Joel F. Harrington
The Writer's Guide to Every Day Life in the Wild West by Candy Moulton
Everyday Life During the Civil War by Michael J. Varhola
The Writer's Guide to Every Day Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine Hughes
The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer
Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again by Katherine Angel
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's nice to be known, I guess?"
This book club episode is a liiittle bit different because it is zine month, and in lieu of a book club pick, we tasked ourselves with making our own zines. Today is the day we share them with each other and, of course, with you! From Amy & warfare to imaginary band discographies, this episode is a wild ride and the perfect culmination of everything we've explored this month - it's just unfortunate that the Zoom audio can't pick up all the laughter, but rest assured, it was constant. I don't think any of us expected to be perceived and read quite this intensely or filthily . . .
LINKS:
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Stephanie Doyle, Founder of The Conference Planners (theconferenceplanners.com.au/), to explore how thoughtfully designed conferences can become powerful drivers of professional learning, leadership, and collaboration across Australian education.
Drawing on her experience working with education networks, government systems, peak bodies, and school leaders, Stephanie shares why successful conferences begin with strategy rather than logistics. Instead of focusing solely on speakers and schedules, she explains how understanding delegate needs, defining clear objectives, and designing purposeful experiences lead to meaningful learning that continues long after the event concludes.
Throughout the conversation, Stephanie explains why face-to-face professional learning remains invaluable despite the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and unlimited online information. While technology can provide quick answers, she believes genuine conversations, shared experiences, and collaborative problem-solving create insights that simply cannot be replicated online. As a result, conferences provide school leaders with dedicated time to reflect, connect with peers, and develop practical solutions for their own school communities.
The discussion also explores the evolving role of educational leadership. Stephanie highlights how increasing compliance, wellbeing responsibilities, staffing challenges, and operational complexity have transformed the work of school leaders. Consequently, she explains why modern conferences must provide opportunities to build leadership capacity, encourage peer learning, and create environments where authentic conversations can flourish.
In addition, Steve and Stephanie examine how conferences can better support both experienced and emerging leaders. They discuss the importance of intentional networking, structured collaboration, and creating welcoming experiences that help new leaders build meaningful professional relationships. Furthermore, Stephanie shares how exhibitors and education partners can achieve greater success by focusing on genuine engagement instead of transactional interactions.
The episode also considers the importance of purposeful conference design, meaningful reflection, and measuring success beyond attendee satisfaction surveys. Stephanie explains why the most effective events are built around clear outcomes, trusted relationships, and practical implementation that benefits schools long after delegates return to their classrooms and leadership teams.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, school leader, system leader, or education partner, this conversation offers valuable insights into designing conferences that inspire collaboration, strengthen leadership, and create lasting impact across Australian education.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
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This week Amy, Millie and Justina are joined by local Adelaide artist, zine-maker, community organiser and author of the graphic memoir Oh Brother, Georgina Chadderton – aka George Rex Comics. Join us as we chat all about making comics, shifting between zine-making and traditional publishing, interdisciplinary creativity, building grassroots arts community, revelling in niche Australian comedy and how to explain Vegemite to Canadians.
🫵 Our BOTM is ZINES by YOU! We'll all be making our own zines this month– join us and craft along at home!
MENTIONS
💥 COMICS: Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton; The Adventures of Tin Tin by Hergé; Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo; Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson; Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Jhonen Vasquez; Too Much Coffee Man by Shannon Wheeler; Milk and Cheese by Evan Dorkin; Pat Grant (Blue, The Grot); Mandy Ord (When One Person Dies the Whole World is Over, Bulk Nuts); Alison Bechdel (Fun Home; Are You My Mother?); Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley; The Adventure Zone by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Carey Pietsch; Aśka (The Friendship Paradox)
📖 BOOKS: 45 and 47 Stella Street by Elizabeth Honey
🎬 FILMS: The Muppets (2011); The Rage in Placid Lake (2003); Strictly Ballroom (1992)
📺 TV: Invader Zim (2001–2006); Flight of the Conchords (2007–2009); The Mighty Boosh (2004–2007); Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun (2020)
🦦 OTHER: Zina Warrior Print Fest; Papercuts Comics Festival; Greenlight Comics; Emerging Writers Festival; Format Festival; Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival; Adelaide Writers’ Week; Pull Pop Push: Revealing the Magic of Pop Up Books at State Library SA; Studio Ruby Chew; Perth Comic Arts Festival; Melbourne Rare Book Week
LINKS:
- Follow Georgina on IG: @georgerexcomics
- Visit Georgina’s website and check out their comics reading list
- Read Georgina’s graphic memoir Oh Brother
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Book Club: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2023 Afghan single mother Laila was desperate to get herself and her five daughters out of Iran. The chances were slim, but she was willing to try anything. When she called an Afghan contact in Adelaide, Mij Tanith was in the room and decided to try and help. What ensued was a growing long distance friendship that overcame the barriers of language and culture, fought through the bureaucratic hurdles and has led to Laila and her daughters being safely settled in Australia. Using poetry and prose, writer and refugee activist Mij Tanith has now told Laila’s story
Guest:
Mij Tanith, author and poet
@mijtanith
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Welcome to week two of Zine Month! Today Amy, Justina, and Payton are joined by friends of the pod Gemma Neall and Shona Edwards. These wonderful guests are zine experts AND classicists — just about the coolest cross-section of interests a person could possibly have. So in this episode we make a journey from ancient poetry to Shakespeare and then all the way to Ronald Reagan, Spockanalia, and Riot Grrrls. But mainly we will find out how zine-making can cut through imposter syndrome, strengthen communities, and challenge the calcified practices of academia. Just don’t forget rule #1: Always make the zine.
This month, in lieu of setting a ‘book club pick’ we’ll be making zines, and we want you to create along with us! We hope these episodes inspire you to get crafty — please do send us your zines over on Instagram (@amyandbookclub) and follow along to see whatever unhinged ones we come up with (we’ll be sharing ours in our ‘book club’ episode on July 23).
MENTIONS
Poetry/books
Aeneid by Virgil
Heroides by Ovid
Iliad by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson
Metamorphoses by Ovid, translated by Stephanie McCarter
Nox by Anne Carson
Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw (play)
Pygmalion by Ovid
Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller
Film
My Fair Lady
Pretty Woman
Authors/poets
Gallus
Horace
Natalie Harkin
Ovid
Propertius
Sources:
Barthes, Roland. ‘The Death of the Author.’ In: Newton, K.M. (eds) Twentieth-Century Literary Theory. Palgrave, London. 1997. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25934-2_25
Halberstam, Jack. The Queer Art of Failure. Duke University Press, Durham and London. 2011. https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822394358
Haraway, Donna. ‘Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective.’ Feminist Studies, vol. 14, no. 3, 1988, pp. 575-99. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3178066
Harkin, Natalie. Archival-Poetics. (Archival-Poetics; No. 1 Colonial archive), (Archival-Poetics; No. 2 Haunting), (Archival-Poetics; No. 3 Blood memory). Sydney, Vagabond Press. 2019.
Harkin, Natalie. ‘Weaving Blankets of Story and Hearts of Gold: An Archival-poetics Praxis.’ Cordite Poetry Review. 2021. https://cordite.org.au/essays/weaving-blankets-hearts-of-gold/2/
Zine resources:
Mental health: madzines.org
Riot Grrrls: riotgrrrlarchive.commons.gc.cuny.edu/zines/
Spockanalia: archive.org/details/SpockanaliaV1
404 Media Zine about ICE Surveillance: www.404media.co/icezine/
International Ronald Reagan Fan Club:
- https://yaf.org/news/reagan-ranch-center-unveils-new-exhibits-featuring-reagan-letters-photographs-and-memorabilia/
- https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/from-ronnie-to-a-fan-more-than-100-reagan-letters-for-sale/
- https://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/blogs/memorabilia/ronald-reagan-document-archive-to-sell-at-profiles-in-history?srsltid=AfmBOorlAUDuM-y6ioA1GeIhFvWNc_ADvhjys-nA25KiMF-E3tAt0aew
LINKS
📓 Where to find our guests:
- Gemma Neall
- Shona Edwards
- For information on how to join the Australasian Ovidian Society, follow this link
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
- YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New month, new us! This July we’ll be drawing, writing, cutting, pasting, photocopying, folding and talking all things zines and zine-making. To kick off the month, we dove into Justina’s personal zine collection to find the answers to all our burning zine questions. What is a zine? Where do you find them and how do you make them? How do you archive something so varied and ephemeral? And, most importantly, is it pronounced ‘zeen’ or ‘zyne’?
MENTIONS
🫵 Our BOTM is ZINES by YOU! We'll all be making our own zines this month– join us and craft along at home!
✂️ ZINES: How to Make a Zine by Bec Sheedy (becsheedydraws); Fortune Favours the Frog by Gemma Neall (gememberthat); ‘the idea of a rectangle’ by Damien Warman (dmnwrmn); Round Zodiac by Adil Soh Lim (infinitesimal_speck); Frogery House by Gemma Neall; A Selection of Some of Our Favourite Guys from Star Wars by Lizzi Morris and Hope Lumsden-Barry (Picolitre Press); This Was Grandpa’s Paper by Declan Brown (tid.bit); I have too many dice by Theo (exitpursuedbytheo); Renaicore: 16th Century inspired outfits for a modern age by Jez Gleeson (jezmezzewz); Speakeasy zines by the Flinders Speakeasy Team; Freshly Baked Cats by Justina Ashman (javerstina); Bird Watch by Unknown; How to Sound Like a Birdwatcher by Kelly (pidgy_art); The 4 stages of vet visits by Katie Gray (katiegrayart); ‘Nosferatu’: Shadow Puppet Zine by Bria McCarthy (bomburia); Charming Medieval English Names for Girls by Kelly; Instead of Preparing for the Zine Fair I Played 30 Hours of Baldur’s Gate 3 by Justina Ashman; Instead of Preparing for the Zine Fair I Had a Dental Emergency by Justina Ashman; Magic and Mishaps by Jake Holmes (jaketoothandnail); Escape from Incel Island by Margaret Killjoy; Gay Plants – Issue One: Monsters; Queer Workerism Against Work: Strategising Transgender Labourers, Social Reproduction & Class Freedom by Kate Doyle Griffiths; The Fast and the Furious and the Gender Abridged by Justina Ashman;
🎮 VIDEO GAMES: Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023); Mario Kart (1996); Baldur’s Gate (1998)
🎬 FILMS: Nosferatu (1922)
🎭 THEATRE: The Importance of Being Earnest (National Theatre, 2024)
🦦 OTHER: Amon Carter Museum of American Art; The Sticky Institute; Festival of the Photocopier; Zina Warrior Print Fest; National Young Writers Festival; Hallozeen; Greenlight Comics
LINKS:
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we wrap up queer sci-fi month (😔🫶🏼) we get together to chat about our incredible book club pick, IDA by Alison Evans. This book follows Ida, who believes that she can time travel and uses her ability to amend errors in her life. From avoiding car crashes to rewinding conversational hiccups, who wouldn't want to travel through time? But when Ida's doppelganger sits down beside her at the train station, and her grasp on time becomes slippery, she realizes that she has been shifting between parallel universes. Every decision she changes creates a new version of herself. What happens to those versions of Ida, who have to live with the consequences she's avoiding? What happens when those doppelgangers get mad?
Join us as we get philosophical and ask questions such as; what does sci-fi look like at a domestic level? What kind of lives are the alternative versions of yourself living? Do you think it's harder to make mistakes and be imperfect today, in the age of social media, than it used to be? How does IDA disrupt the notion of a single, constant identity? And where do YOU begin and end?
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
- YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Paul Matthews, Author and Education Consultant at Paul Matthews.ai (paulmatthews.ai), to explore how educators can embrace artificial intelligence without losing the human qualities that make teaching meaningful.
Drawing on his background in humanities, leadership, and classroom teaching, Paul Matthews shares a thoughtful perspective on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for schools. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human thinking, Paul argues that it should be used to strengthen productivity while preserving wisdom, judgement, creativity, and authentic relationships.
Throughout the conversation, Paul explains the difference between technological capability and wisdom. He highlights how AI can save time on routine tasks. However, he also warns that technology can intensify workloads when used without clear purpose. As a result, educators are encouraged to develop habits that align with their values and educational goals.
The discussion also explores the concept of “organic intelligence” and why deep knowledge remains essential in an AI-powered world. Paul explains that effective AI use depends on strong domain expertise. Without that foundation, teachers and students may struggle to evaluate AI-generated content critically.
In addition, Steve and Paul examine practical ways schools can support students. They discuss teaching responsible AI use, maintaining opportunities for pen-and-paper learning, and ensuring students continue to build confidence through cognitive effort. Furthermore, Paul shares how AI can help teachers implement evidence-based literacy practices more efficiently, making it easier for every teacher to become a literacy teacher.
The episode also considers the future of education, the importance of intentional change, and the growing value of genuine human connection. Paul introduces his concept of “Matthews Law”, which suggests that if AI change is not intentional, it becomes accidental.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, school leader, or education innovator, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating AI with confidence, purpose, and wisdom. Above all, Paul demonstrates how schools can use technology to support learning while keeping humanity at the centre of education.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
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This episode Amy, Justina & Abby are joined by Alison Evans, author of our June BOTM Ida, as well as a whole host of other queer YA and middle grade speculative fiction, sci-fi and fantasy. Join us as we discuss all things reading and writing queer spec fic, imagining hopeful futures in YA, zine making for horse girls (gender neutral) – plus some (mostly) spoiler-free Ida chats ahead of next week’s book club.
MENTIONS
🌌 Our BOTM is Ida by Alison Evans
📚 BOOKS: Garth Nix; Isobel Carmody; Paul Collins; Michael Pryor; Obernewtyn by Isobel Carmody; The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells; Jorge Luis Borges; Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut; This is How You Lose the Time War by by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone; Highway Bodies by Alison Evans; This is How We Change the Ending by Vikki Wakefield; Kindred: 12 #LoveOzYA Stories ed. Michael Earp
✍️ SHORT STORIES: “Tomorrow, Dawn” by Sascha Stronach
📺 TV SHOWS: Star Trek (1966–1969); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
✂️ ZINES: Long Trek; Pony with a Secret; 2 Pony 2 Zine; Ponies in Space
LINKS:
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table, produced by Xuno, host Steve Davis is joined by Dr. Gina Biancarosa, Ann Swindells Chair in Education, Professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, and Director of the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon (uoregon.edu), to explore the origins, purpose, and growing impact of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in schools across Australia and beyond.
Throughout the conversation, Gina explains how DIBELS was developed to help educators identify students who may need additional support with reading. Rather than relying solely on lengthy assessments, DIBELS uses brief, targeted measures that provide valuable insights into a student's literacy development. As a result, teachers can monitor progress more frequently and make informed instructional decisions.
The discussion explores the science behind key DIBELS assessments, including letter naming fluency, phonemic awareness, nonsense word fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension measures. Furthermore, Gina explains how each assessment aligns with the research on how children learn to read and develop reading comprehension over time.
Steve and Gina also examine the importance of reading for meaning. While decoding words is essential, comprehension remains the ultimate goal. Consequently, the episode highlights why effective literacy instruction must support both accurate word recognition and deep understanding of text.
In addition, listeners will learn how Australian educators have embraced DIBELS through professional learning communities, including the highly active DIBELS in Oz network. Gina reflects on the collaborative efforts that led to the development of an Australasian version of DIBELS, ensuring greater relevance for Australian and New Zealand students.
The conversation also explores how literacy data can be used responsibly within broader school improvement strategies. While assessment data can guide intervention and goal-setting, Gina emphasises the importance of using DIBELS for its intended purpose rather than as a blunt accountability tool. The discussion also touches on how DIBELS data can be analysed and interpreted within broader school improvement processes using tools such as Student Maps.
Beyond assessment, Gina shares her personal reflections on reading as a lifelong gift. From childhood favourites to supporting readers with vision impairment, she highlights the profound opportunities that literacy creates throughout life.
This episode offers valuable insights for teachers, school leaders, literacy specialists, and education professionals seeking practical ways to support reading growth while maintaining a strong focus on student understanding and success.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
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A serial killer is on the loose in Melbourne in Sarah Bailey’s ‘Click’. Three women, a journalist, a cop and a politician are on the case. The approaching pandemic is a dark hovering presence in this gripping story which also shows how modern technology has become a force for good and for evil.
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Literary academic Kylie Cardell lays takes us through the life and achievements of Charmian Clift, writer and trailblazer of the 1950s and 1960s. She lived in the shadow of her famous husband, writer George Johnston, and died too early from suicide. Her writings, including her unfinished memoir “The End of the Morning”, are a remarkable treasury of observations about life for women in the mid 20th century.
Guests:
Sarah Bailey, author
Kylie Cardell, Associate Professor of Literature, Flinders University
Other books that get a mention:
Annie mentions “Frogsong” by Melissa Manning and the 2010 Booker winner “The Finkler Question” by HowardJacobson
Sarah recommends the fantasy trilogy “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman
@sarah_bailey_author
@kyliesays
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the second week of Pride Month we're tackling fanfiction, all the way back to the Kirk/Spock community that started it all. There's something for everyone this episode: the history and fundamentals of fanfic, the community and passion of the craft, the social implactions of ladies reading slash, and even how AI could effect the way we approach fanfic (clue: we don't like it!). Harry tells us about some strange and thought-provoking LOTR fics he's read, Payton gives us a lesson in cognitive poetics, and Millie gets passionate about sapphic media, all while Amy tangents us and keeps us on track in equal measure.
This month we're reading Ida by Alison Evans. Grab your copy and read along with us ahead of book club on June 25!
MENTIONS
Books
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Cognitive Poetics by Peter Stockwell
Film/TV
Star Trek TOS (1966-1969)
Star Trek TNG (1987-1994)
Star Trek reboot movies (2009, 2013, 2016)
Into the Woods (2014)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Starsky & Hutch (1975-1979)
Buffy (1997-2003)
Lord of the Rings franchise
Xena (1995-2001)
Twilight franchise
Hacks (2021-2026)
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
- YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hi Gay, Happy Pride Month!
Today we're kicking off the month of June with a festive introduction to Queer Sci-Fi. There are some big Sci-Fi heads in Amy &, so get ready for a journey through all of our favourite books, authors, and films in the beloved genre. We consider if and why Sci-Fi is on the rise lately (it's existential doom again, isn't it?) and discuss the inclusion and exclusion of queerness (or sex/sexuality in general) from the genre throughout history. Expect to hear about the women who pioneered Science Fiction, the LGBTQIA+ writers making it even more radical, and why it is time to subvert all the false binaries plaguing the category.
Have a listen and please take a shot every time Abby has not engaged with a major film/TV franchise.
This month we're reading Ida by Alison Evans. Grab your copy and read along with us ahead of book club on June 25!
MENTIONS
Books
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Dune by Frank Herbert
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (as discussed in the ep, Amy & hosts do not condone this author's views or recommend that listeners read his books)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Hex by Rhiannon Lassiter
Highway Bodies by Alison Evans
Ida by Alison Evans
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Snow Crash by Neil Stephenson
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin
The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
The Reindeer Hunters by Lars Mytting
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
To Be Taught if Fortunate by Becky Chambers
Authors
Carl Sagan
Isaac Asimov
Jules Verne
N. K. Jemisin
Octavia E. Butler
Film/TV
Alien franchise
Andromeda
Babylon 5
Battlestar Galactica
Black Mirror
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
DC and Marvel superheroes
Doctor Who franchise
E.T.
Lord of the Rings
Matrix
Signs
Star Trek franchise
Star Wars franchise
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
- YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re sad to say goodbye to dragon month, but happy to send it off with a book club chat about Moniquill Blackgoose’s incredible first installment of the Nampeshiweisit series, To Shape a Dragon's Breath. This book follows the journey of Anequs, who bonds with a dragon hatchling and becomes the first Nampeshiweisit of her people in generations. However, the laws of the Anglish colonisers require her to receive formal training in dragon riding, or face the death of her dragon or even herself. Anequs leaves her home to enrol in a dragon academy. However, it’s far from smooth flying and she faces condescension, suspicion, and outright hostility from the Anglish there.
Join us as we chat all about magic dragon schools, the importance of oral storytelling and indigenous knowledges, and the ways that fantasy holds up a mirror to the devastating past and present of living in a settler colony.
Be warned: This is a book club episode, so we will be getting into spoilers!
MENTIONS
🐉 Our BOTM is To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose.
📚 BOOKS: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers; To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose; Ida by Alison Evans
🎬 MOVIES: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
🖼️GALLERY: Flinders University Museum of Art
LINKS:
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Book Club: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Award-winning poet Michael Farrell’s latest book is a foray into storytelling through the medium of the short story. In “The Victoria Principle” his playful fictions, some autobiographical, deal with everything from the concept of ornithophobia to a nude writers’ retreat in Nova Scotia. His stories reflect and warp the absurdities of modern life.
Guest:
Michael Farrell, author of the Victoria Principle and six other books of poetry.
michaelfarrell@limechax
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Join us for our hilarious interview with USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times bestselling author Rebecca Thorne. Rebecca talks us through her life-long love of dragons, retrospective worldbuilding, the phenomenon of cozy fantasy, and the joy of writing established lesbian couples. We had an absolute blast talking to Rebecca, so we know you'll enjoy this interview: described by participants as "cozy, like the genre".
This month we’re reading How to Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose. Grab your copy and have a read before our bookclub on 21st May!
MENTIONS
Movies/TV
Dragonheart (1996)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Books
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
Dragonology by Dugald Steer
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede
Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
Tomes and Tea series by Rebecca Thorne
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce
The McBrides series by Amy Barry
Moss'd In Space by Rebecca Thorne
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
This Gilded Abyss by Rebecca Thorne
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
Sir Callie series by Esme Symes-Smith
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
LINKS
🐉 Where to find Rebecca:
- On IG: @rebeccathornewrites
- Website: https://rebeccathorne.net/
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by David Loader OAM, Chair of the Institute of Education Reform (IER) (educationalreform.org.au), to explore one of the most urgent challenges facing Australian education: Student Disengagement.
With research suggesting that between 30% and 50% of students are disengaged at school, David argues that attendance alone does not equal learning. Many students are physically present in classrooms, yet emotionally disconnected from their education. Others are refusing school altogether. As a result, he believes the current system must rethink how success is measured.
Drawing on his decades of experience as former principal of Methodist Ladies’ College and Wesley College, David reflects on introducing one-to-one laptops in schools in 1989 — long before digital learning became mainstream. However, he explains that technology alone was never the solution. Instead, the real goal was creating more agency, creativity and independence for students.
Throughout the conversation, David challenges traditional models of teaching that position students as passive learners. Instead, he advocates for schools that encourage curiosity, exploration and student voice. He also examines the growing gap between what students are taught and what they genuinely want to learn, particularly during the critical middle years of schooling.
Furthermore, he discusses why teachers need greater freedom, why rigid curriculum structures may be limiting innovation, and how education systems must better respond to individual student needs. The episode also explores the role of educational technology, alternative schooling models, residential learning programs, and why future-ready schools must become more flexible and personalised.
This thought-provoking conversation challenges long-held assumptions about education and offers a compelling vision for schools that prioritise engagement, agency and meaningful learning for every student.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
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This week, Justina & Payton have diligently done their homework on dragon mythology to share with us the history of dragons across time and culture. This includes their connections to colonialism, Christianity, creation, harvest, life, nature and more . . . and then Amy asks us what we would hoard if we were dragons (no books allowed!), and the conversation hatches into something else entirely (I fear that I cannot list the topics here, you'll simply have to listen).
This month we’re reading How to Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose. Grab your copy and have a read before our book club on 21st May!
MENTIONS
Books:
Beowulf
Dragonfruit, Makiia Lucier
The Rainbow Serpent, Dick Roughsey
Dragonflight, Anne McAffrey
Dragons:
Mushu, Mulan
Puff, Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow & Lenny Lipton
Toothless, How to Train Your Dragon
Falcore, The Neverending Story
Haku, Spirited Away
Barney, Barney & Friends
Other:
A History of Dragons in Western Literature, Yvonne Shiau
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's dragon month, which means we're talking fire, scales, and flying. To kick off the month, we dive headfirst into all the dragon lore we know and try to figure out what we consider True Dragon Lore (hint: none, it's all valid). We talk about what we'd like to shoot from our mouths, whether our wings are our arms, and just how small a dragon can get before it's too small. Most importantly, we answer the burning question of whether a dragon is a horse.
This month we’re reading How to Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose. Grab your copy and have a read before our bookclub on 21st May!
MENTIONS
Books
How to Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
To Ride a Raising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Temeraire by Naomi Novik
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dugald Steer
Bringing Up Baby Dragons: A Guide for Beginners by Dugald Steer
Working with Dragons: A Course in Dragonology by Dugald Steer
The Discovery of Dragons by Graeme Base
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Beowulf
Magician by Raymond Feist
Films/TV
Dragonheart (1996)
The Neverending Story (1984)
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Reign of Fire (2002)
Cars (2006)
Monkey Magic (1978-1980)
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
House of the Dragon (2022-)
Avatar (2009)
Shrek (2001)
Merlin BBC (2008-2012)
Merlin miniseries (1998)
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's our first After Dark of the season, and we're revisiting a childhood classic, Dragonheart, as a bridge between April's YA month and our upcoming theme for May: dragons!
We reflect on the movie, discuss the lore behind the original script, lament at the lost potential for a romance between Dennis Quaid and Draco, and then deep dive into the fantasy films that we feel nostalgic for (they're just not making them like Ladyhawke anymore . . .)
MENTIONS
Films/TV:
Jurassic Park, 1993
Starship Troopers, 1997
Excalibur, 1981
Robin Hood, 1991
Ladyhawke, 1985
Willow, 1988
Conan the Barbarian, 1982
How to Train Your Dragon, 2010
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, 2002
The Matrix, 1999
Akira, 1988
Neon Genesis, 1995
Princess Bride, 1987
The Dark Crystal, 1982
Hook, 1991
Inkheart, 2008
A Knight's Tale, 2001
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, 2003
The Lord of the Rings, 2001
The Mummy, 1999
Night at the Museum, 2006
Scarface, 1983
Lionheart, 1987
Red Sonja, 1985
Flesh and Blood, 1985
Braveheart, 1995
Kingdom of Heaven, 2005
Bridge to Terabithia, 2007
The Chronicles of Narnia, 2005
Reign of Fire, 2002
Beowulf, 2007
Hercule, 2014
Clash of the Titans, 2010
Jason and the Argonauts, 2000
Game of Thrones, 2011
House of the Dragon, 2022
Willow (TV Series), 2022
Dinotopia, 2002
Dragonheart: Vengeance, 2020
Slipper and the Rose, 1976
Authors:
Charles Edward Pogue
Actors:
Dennis Quaid
Sean Connery
Dina Meyer
David Thewlis
Liam Neeson
Helen Mirren
Tim Allen
Jackie Chan
Tom Hanks
Jim Henson
Paul Bettany
Daniel Craig
Rachel Weisz
Michelle Pfeiffer
Eric Stoltz
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Christian Bale
Dwayne Johnson
Other:
Rob Cohen, Director & Film Maker
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cath is entertained by Penny Tangey’s tale of murder, motherhood and caffeine as a group of unlikely sleuths solve a crime at the local library.
+
Michaela talks to Lisa Hannett about the fierce and fantastical women of Norse mythology who star in her riveting new book “Yet She Lives”.
Guests:
Penny Tangey, author of “What Rhymes with Murder?” and a number of books for younger people including “As Fast As I Can” and “Music Camp”,
Associate Professor Lisa Bennett, author of “Yet She Lives” and “ Viking Women: Life and Lore” and “The Fortunate Isles”. Lisa writes under the pen name of Lisa Hannett.
Other books that get a mention:
David Malouf’s “Remembering Babylon”, “Johnno”, “An Imaginary Life” and “The Great World”.
@simonandschuster
@thamesandhudsonau
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Kerry Williams Director Teaching and Learning at SPELD SA Inc(speldsa.org.au), to unpack one of Australia’s most pressing education challenges. Together, they explore how literacy instruction has evolved and why evidence-based practice is now gaining traction across schools.
Kerry shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy leader. As a result, she brings a unique perspective shaped by years of supporting educators and students with learning difficulties. Moreover, she explains how organisations like SPELD SA bridge the gap between research and classroom practice.
The conversation highlights the shift away from outdated “wait to fail” models. Instead, Kerry explains how tools like DIBELS, linked to Student Maps (xuno.com.au/student-maps), enable early identification of struggling readers. Consequently, teachers can intervene sooner with targeted, effective strategies. She also outlines the five key components of reading, showing how each plays a vital role in building confident, capable learners.
In addition, the episode explores the rise of structured literacy and synthetic phonics in Australian classrooms. While progress is evident, Kerry notes that misconceptions still persist. For example, outdated practices and myths about dyslexia continue to influence teaching approaches. Therefore, ongoing professional learning remains essential.
Kerryalso addresses the importance of early intervention. She emphasises that support should focus on student need rather than diagnosis. As she explains, increased practice and targeted instruction often deliver the strongest outcomes. Furthermore, she highlights the equity challenges families face when accessing assessments and support.
The discussion also reinforces the importance of balancing foundational skills with a love of reading. Once decoding is mastered, students can fully engage with rich literature and expand their vocabulary. As a result, both skill and curiosity are nurtured together.
This episode offers practical insights for educators committed to improving literacy outcomes. Ultimately, it reinforces that when evidence meets action, every student has a stronger chance to succeed.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
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Eggshell is a young adult novella set in 2000s Adelaide that tells the story of Kira, a sarcastic, cynical teenager living in a council house with her Cantonese grandmother (Apoh) and her rebellious older cousin, Jake. As Kira navigates her experience of Year 12, the novella grapples with themes of identity, racism, romance, sexuality and adolescence.
Join Amy, Payton & Abby as we deep dive into Eggshell and ask each other important questions about teenagers, racism, class, loss, and the young adult genre as a whole (oh, and of course which songs are (and are not) going on the playlists we curate for our crushes).
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
📚 Where to find Olivia:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/oliviadezilva/
WEBSITE: https://oliviadezilva.com/
OPINIONATED CLUB: https://www.instagram.com/opinionatedclub/
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us in conversation with New York Times bestselling author, Amie Kaufman, as we continue Young Adult month! We discuss the novels that shaped Amie as a young adult herself, the YA genre as a literature of transformation, what it's like to write in conversation with teenagers, how to find the quiet moments when writing with pace, how Amie got a tour of NASA, and we take a peek into Amie's soon-to-be finished PhD research (one of us, one of us).
MENTIONS
Books
The Baby-sitters Club, Ann M. Martin
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Jules Verne
The Dark Is Rising, Susan Cooper
The Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey
Lady's Knight, Amie Kaufman
Red Star Rebels, Amie Kaufman
Illuminae, Amie Kaufman
Films/TV
A Knight's Tale, 2001
The Martian, 2015
Die Hard, 1988
Home Alone, 1990
Speed, 1994
Authors
Marie Lu
Dhonielle CLayton
Lisa Fuller
Sabaa Tahir
Amy Doak
Ellie Marney
Other
Michael Whelan, Artist
Oasis, Band
Miyazaki, Animator and Filmmaker
LINKS
🚀 Where to find Amie Kaufman:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amiekaufmanauthor
WEB: https://amiekaufman.com
Amie Kaufman On Writing: A Podcast: https://amiekaufman.com/podcast/
PUB DATES: https://open.spotify.com/show/33aX9ceG027L7tfU3GK5av
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i5qAqqPTopptVlXXfHi3J
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know that Rove McManus is an accomplished voice actor?
You probably recognise Rove as one of Australia's most famous personalities. From his successful career as a standup comedian, long-running TV host, producer, children's author and overall cool guy, Rove has seen and done it all.
Rach and Eddie learn about Rove's transition from cartoonist to voice actor, his love of animation, and get a preview of what Rove’s dreaming up next. This episode is a must-hear for anyone wanting to learn about the industry from a seasoned professional.
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Can you remember what it was like to be a teenager? This week, author Olivia De Zilva joins us again to recall the feelings and stories that shaped us when we were young. As an ex-teenager and current writer for teens/young adults, Olivia has much wisdom to share about the whimsy and grittiness that characterise those formative years. Over the past few decades, what’s changed and what’s remained the same about books for young readers? What do teenagers really want to read? And how do authors express life’s messiness to younger audiences without being paternalistic?
If you love YA or know somebody who does — check out Olivia De Zilva’s latest novel, Eggshell! It’s the current Amy & book of the month and we’d love to see you at our live book club over on YouTube on April 23 (7pm ACST).
MENTIONS:
Authors:
Jacqueline Wilson
John Green
Lemony Snicket
Rachel Hennessy
Books:
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Eggshell by Olivia De Zilva
First Love from Silhouette series by Silhouette Books New York
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein
I Am David by Anne Holm
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
Max Remy Super Spy by Deborah Abela
My Spare Heart by Jared Thomas
Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Specky Magee by Felice Arena & Garry Lyon
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
The Saddle Club by Bonnie Bryant
The Time Master Trilogy by Louise Cooper
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
Tom Brown’s School Days by Thomas Hughes
Warriors by Erin Hunter
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Film & TV:
Bluey (2018–)
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
Daria (1997-2002)
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Skins (2007-2013)
The OC (2003-2007)
The Princess Diaries (2001)
The Saddle Club (2001-2009)
Wuthering Heights (2026)
Other:
Molly Goodrich, 2020, ‘The Rise and Fall of YA’, Your Magazine, August 8
@Comfortable_Bell9539 ‘As a former fan, I feel betrayed by her’, r/EnoughJKRowling, Reddit
LINKS:
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
* TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to YA month! We're starting off the month talking about the fundamentals of the genre: what is it, whyis it, and is it even a real genre? We get into the politics of ratings for books, letting kids pick their own reads, the YA author's obligation to hopefulness, and we name more books than ever, maybe.
This month we’re reading Eggshell by Olivia De Zilva. Grab your copy and have a read before our bookclub on 23rd April, and don't miss Olivia's episode with us next week where we talk about our fave YA books!
*This is definitely a joke. Don't do drugs, kids!
MENTIONS
Books
Eggshell, Olivia De Silva
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
The Messenger, Markus Zusak
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
Warriors, Erin Hunter
Tomorrow, When the War Began, John Marsden
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
Divergent, Veronica Roth
Boy Meets Boy, David Levithan
Looking for Alaska, John Green
Pushing the Limits, Katie McGarry
The Wind Singer, William Nicholson
Truck Dogs, Graeme Base
Sweet Valley High Series, Francine Pascal
The Witches, Roald Dahl
The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
Magician, Raymond E Feist
Flowers in the Attic, V.C. Andrews
Icebreaker, Hannah Grace
The Crucible, Arthur Miller
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Macbeth, William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess
Lapvona, Ottessa Moshfegh
The Reader, Bernhard Schlink
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
The Raven Cycle, Maggie Stiefvater
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Song of the Lioness, Tamora Pierce
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Sue Townsend
The Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan
The Twilight series, Stephanie Meyer
The Discworld series, Terry Pratchett
Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
The Wicked Lovely Series, Melissa Marr
Modern Faerie Tales series, Holly Black
Fallen, Lauren Kate
The Rest of Us Just Live Here, Patrick Ness
The Mortal Instruments series, Cassandra Clare
Films/TV
Dead Poets Society, 1989
Bridge to Terabithia, 2007
The Reader, 2008
The Lion King, 1994
The Fox and the Hound, 1981
Treasure Planet, 2002
Seven Up! series, (1964 - 2019)
Authors
Andy Griffiths
Sidney Sheldon
Harlan Coben
Stephen King
Charles Dickens
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
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It's our first LIVE BOOK CLUB of 2026 !!
Join the Amy & team (minus Payton, who was missed) to catch up on recent events before we dive into our BoTM, How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. Would you survive being locked in a night club by a serial killer? Would you be caught dead on a speed date? How do you feel about dual narrated audiobooks? All important questions that we answer together as we discuss the marriage between the romance and horror genres and the rise in horromance novels . . . and end the episode playing a game, created by Harry, that has us all reaching for the closest sharp object we can find.
MENTIONS:
Books
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
The Game Changer Series by Rachel Reid
Film/TV
Zombieland, Columbia Pictures
Scream (1996), Woods Entertainment
Jennifer's Body, 20th Century Fox
My Best Friend's Wedding, Sony Pictures
Never Been Kissed, 20th Century Fox
The Wedding Date, Universal Pictures
Groundhog Day, Columbia Pictures
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
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Adelaide poet Miriel Lenore didn't take to poetry until two thirds of her way through an adventurous life. She was over her many years a botanist, researcher, traveller, student, teacher, activist, feminist, mother and grandmother. Miriel spent twenty years in Fiji, forty years in the Australian women's movement and the Adelaide writing scene, and ten years as a regular visitor to a Ngaanyatjarra community in the Western Desert of Western Australia.
Miriel died in 2024 aged 96. Cath discusses Miriel’s final collection, with the poet’s longtime friend and curator, author Margaret Merrilees.
Guest: Margaret Merrilees
“Driving to Mulberrygong” published by Wakefield press
@wakefieldpress
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This week, we interviewed the author of our latest favourite, and Book Club book of the month, 'How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates.' We chat all about the witty new slasher romance, the anxieties it feeds off, how to plot a book that spans over only a few hours, and the horniness of horror. What would you do if you were stuck with a serial killer, and they'd killed your blind date during a blackout opposite you at the table? Some of us would run and hide! Abby would probably grab the nearest weapon and fight to save us all.
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
📚Where to find Shailee:
WEBSITE: https://shaileethompson.com/home/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shaileewrites/
🌸 Our Socials:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
WEBSITE: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for watching!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Continuing a banger month of unconventional romance (Bad ra-ra ah-ah-ah), this week we're digging into the phenomenon of Sentient Object Romance. What initially seems like a silly, goofy genre is revealed to have hidden depths as we get into the topics of women's pleasure, consent, being seen, and the kindness of these stories. Don't worry, we also play games! We learn things about ourselves with a game of FMK, and test our resolve as Payton delights us with select readings from the genre. It's worth noting: this episode may be particularly NSFW.
This month we’re reading How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. If a slasher x Rom-Com mashup appeals to you, get yourself a copy and stay tuned for our interview with the author on March 19, followed by our live book club over on YouTube on March 26!
MENTIONS
Books
Hallowpeen by Holly Wilde
The Deviled Egg Made Me Do It by Holly Wilde
Cold Sweat by Vera Valentine
Taken by the Tetris Blocks by Leonard Delaney
Melt for Daddy by Holly Wilde
Pounded by Produce by G.M. Fairy
Bedding the Bedding by Annara Layne
Penetrated by the President's Twitter Feed by M.J. Edwards
Pushin' Cushions by Vera Valentine & Unfortunate Reads
Pounded by Pluto by Leonard Delaney
Squeak by Vera Valentine
Stuffed by Sylvia Morrow
Midori Days by Kazurou Inoue (anime series by Studio Pierrot)
Film/TV
Pinnocchio, Disney
Toy Story, Disney
Beauty & the Beast, Disney
Star Wars, Lucasfilm
Doctor Who, BBC
Dukes of Hazzard, CBS
OTHER MEDIADate Everything, Sassy Chap Games
I'm in Love with my Car, Queen
Chuck Tingle (author)
Grapie Deltaco (Youtube)
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for listening!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oh it is good to be back for Season 2! This month’s theme is Bad (ra-ra, ah-ah-ah) Romance and today we’re kicking the year off with a discussion of serial killer Romance Fiction. The episode begins with a very reasonable conversation about the ethics of True Crime entertainment and then … well. But within the proceeding chaos — games, Harry’s “incontinence”, and Amy’s determination to be the easiest prey a murderer could ask for — are a few gems regarding K-Dramas, Dark Romance novels, serial killers as patriarchs, and humanity’s fixation with the macabre.
This month we’re reading How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. If a slasher x Rom-Com mashup appeals to you, get yourself a copy and stay tuned for our interview with the author on March 19, followed by our live book club over on YouTube on March 26!
MENTIONS
Books
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Joe Cinque’s Consolation by Ann Rule
Mindhunter by John Douglas & Mark Olshaker
The Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, & Sarah Krasnostein
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates Shailee Thompson
Podcast
Serial from New York Times
Film/TV
Killing Eve, BBC
Flower of Evil, Studio Dragon
Come and Hug Me, MBC
Crash Course in Romance, Studio Dragon
Making a Murderer, Netflix
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Columbia Pictures
CITATIONS
Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Translated by James Strachey, London: W. W. & Company, 1961.
Marono, Abbie Jean et al. “A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Serial Killers' Lives: From Childhood Abuse to Methods of Murder.” Psychiatry, psychology, and law : an interdisciplinary journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, vol. 27,1 126-137. 6 Feb. 2020, doi:10.1080/13218719.2019.1695517
LINKS
- 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/
- TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
💛 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
- Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
- Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for watching!💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the midst of the anxiety-ridden chaos of late-stage capitalism, is it really possible to lead a plain life? Philosopher, essayist and yogi Antonia Pont’s book is far more a philosophical analysis of our modern existence than it is self-help, but she offers advice on being true to oneself and ignoring the ‘noise’ of our current social media driven culture.
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The Tsundoku team have a revealing chat about their summer reads; from erudite literature to cosy murder mysteries, from self-help to the secrets of the British Royals.
Guest:
Antonia Pont, author of ‘Plain Life’
Other books that get a mention:
‘Organising from the Inside out’ - Julie Morgenstern
‘Let them’ - Mel Robbins
‘Paperboy’ - Christopher Fowler
‘A long winter’ - Colm Toibin
‘What Rhymes with Murder’ - Penny Tangey
‘The Names’ - Florence Knapp
‘Mad Mabel’ - Sally Hepworth
‘The Palace Papers’ - Tina Brown
‘The Vanity Fair Diaries’ - Tina Brown
‘A Different Kind of Power’ - Jacinda Ardern
‘The Lady in Gold’ - Anne-Marie O’Connor
@newsouthpublishing
@newsouthbooksau
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Kelly McBurnie, Director of Business Operation at Academy of Queensland Ballet (academy.queenslandballet.com.au), to explore how elite arts education can balance performance, wellbeing and operational precision.
Drawing on her background in mainstream and Steiner education, Kelly shares how those leadership lessons now guide a world-class ballet programme. At the Academy of Queensland Ballet students undertake half-day academics alongside intensive dance training. As a result, excellence is pursued without sacrificing holistic development.
Throughout the conversation, Kelly explains how research has reshaped ballet training. Rather than relying on chronological age, physical readiness is carefully assessed before students begin pointe work. Consequently, injury risk is reduced and long-term development is prioritised. Moreover, wellbeing is embedded through daily touchpoints with experienced staff, physiotherapists and strength coaches.
Importantly, operational systems have also evolved. Previously, complex panel assessments were paper-based and manually averaged. However, digital platforms such as Xuno (xuno.com.au) and Student Maps (xuno.com.au/student-maps) now allow live moderation across four judges and 25 criteria. Therefore, reporting is streamlined and transparency is strengthened. Parents can track progress over time through clear data and visual insights.
Communication has improved significantly as well. With real-time calendar updates and a parent portal, families receive timely information about rehearsals and performances. In addition, a digital kiosk sign-in system provides accurate visibility across six studios and multiple training spaces. Consequently, safety, accountability and engagement are enhanced.
Beyond systems and structure, the episode highlights the human side of high performance. Students develop resilience, grit and collaboration through daily discipline. Furthermore, many graduates move into professional companies, including Queensland Ballet, while others pursue global opportunities in the arts.
This episode offers practical insights for school leaders seeking to integrate wellbeing, data and operational excellence. Ultimately, it demonstrates that high performance and care can coexist when vision is matched with thoughtful systems.
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Rach and Eddie recap the biggest highlights from Season 2, and drop some exciting news!
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Hans Moningka, Director, APAC from RM PLC Group (rm.com) to explore the evolving landscape of digital assessment. He brings a global perspective shaped by partnerships with major assessment authorities and education systems.
Throughout the conversation, Hans unpacks how digital exams are steadily replacing paper-based models. Rather than describing a sudden revolution, he outlines a careful and strategic shift. Moreover, he explains why accessibility is driving student preference for online assessment. Research across several countries shows most students favour digital formats, especially after direct experience.
Importantly, Hansaddresses the balance between innovation and integrity. While digital platforms offer flexibility, assessment authenticity must remain central. Therefore, the discussion explores tools such as secure exam browsers, focus tracking, and AI-supported proctoring. These technologies strengthen oversight, yet they also raise ethical considerations.
In addition, the episode examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence in schools. AI-generated content is becoming more common. Consequently, educators must rethink how originality and authorship are assessed. Hans shares practical insights into responsible AI use, emphasising preparation over panic.
For teachers and school leaders, the conversation highlights two key gaps: availability and preparation. Infrastructure, device access, and professional learning all shape readiness. Furthermore, mindset plays a critical role. Small, deliberate steps towards digital integration can build long-term confidence.
Ultimately, this episode offers cautious optimism. Assessment will continue to evolve, yet humane and credible practice can remain at its core. For educators navigating change, the insights from Hans provide clarity, reassurance, and strategic direction.
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Today on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by James Thomas, Managing Director of Digital Education Partnerships Indonesia (DEPI) (depi.co.id). DEPI helps international edtech companies build trust and traction across Indonesia’s vast school landscape. It’s a market shaped by scale, complexity, and relationships.
Early in the conversation, James breaks down what makes Indonesia unique. There are tens of millions of students and hundreds of thousands of schools. However, size is only one factor. Just as important is how schools communicate, buy, and implement systems.
Next, the episode digs into a common assumption about “international schools”. Many people expect mature operations. Yet the reality can be mixed. James shares research across SPK schools (SPK stands for Satuan Pendidikan Kerja Sama, which translates to “Cooperative Education Unit.” These are Indonesian private schools officially licensed to deliver an international curriculum). While many use an LMS for learning, fewer rely on a dedicated school management system. As a result, critical workflows can remain manual.
Importantly, James clarifies the difference between an LMS, an SMS, and an SIS layer. An LMS supports teaching and learning workflows. Meanwhile, an SMS runs operations like attendance, wellbeing, parent communication, events, and payments. Then, an SIS layer can connect systems without forcing a full replacement. Consequently, schools can reduce fragmentation and improve workflow reliability.
Finance and payments emerge as a major pressure point. Schools often manage complex fee logic in spreadsheets. Unfortunately, one small change can trigger errors. In addition, many schools still depend on WhatsApp for parent communication. Because messages arrive constantly, teacher wellbeing can be impacted.
The episode also explores safeguarding and reporting. James explains Indonesia’s TPPK mandate (TPPK stands for Tim Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan, which translates to Team for the Prevention and Handling of Violence) and why structured incident recording matters. Moreover, he shares why many rollouts fail. They’re treated as IT installs, not organisational change. Instead, James recommends phased implementation, clear ownership, and realistic priorities.
If you’re a school leader reviewing systems, this episode offers a practical playbook. You’ll hear how to identify operational headaches, reduce risk, and build resilient school operations.
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Jim Meskimen is the voice behind hundreds of beloved characters, and has a career most voice actors could only dream of! He chats with Rach and Eddie about his fascinating career, the power of observation, and his tips on how students can grow their skills.
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Andre Casson joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) for an audio conversation with host Steve Davis. Andre is the Headmaster of Brisbane Boys’ College (bbc.qld.edu.au), and he brings a science teacher’s lens to leadership. Moreover, his experience spans Australia, the UK, and international schools in Asia.
Firstly, Andre reflects on preparation and opportunity. He shares how unexpected doors can open in education. However, he also explains why readiness matters most. In addition, he encourages teachers to embrace growth and cultural learning when working abroad.
The discussion then turns to boys’ learning and school design. Andre explains why many boys need movement to think well. Therefore, learning spaces at Brisbane Boys’ College are designed for collaboration and flexibility. For example, breakout areas support group work and active tasks. He also shares a simple lesson on states of matter, using physical movement to build understanding.
Importantly, Andre highlights the value of sport and physical activity. Brisbane Boys’ College continues physical education into Years 11 and 12. As a result, students keep building teamwork, resilience, and self-control. Meanwhile, co-curricular programs create more ways to belong and thrive.
Relationships sit at the centre of Andre’s approach. He explains why authenticity matters with boys. Additionally, he outlines how staff are supported to build trust beyond the classroom. That includes coaching, presence, and everyday interest in students’ lives.
The episode also explores inclusivity and respectful relationships. Andre describes a clear, structured curriculum that teaches consent and safe behaviours from the early years. Furthermore, he explains how culture is shaped through consistent modelling and correction.
Finally, Andre breaks down the 6:1 positive-to-negative feedback ratio. He links it to research and daily practice. In particular, he shares how positive calls home can reinforce character. Over time, this approach supports “gentlemen of honour” through decency, accountability, and healthy vulnerability.
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) (www.edresearch.edu.au), Australia’s national evidence body for education.
Together, they unpack why nine education ministers backed a shared “national evidence institute” approach. Moreover, they explore how AERO turns research into practical guidance for schools. Importantly, the focus stays on what improves learning, not just what sounds appealing.
Jennyexplains why outcomes did not always match investment after the Gonski reforms. However, she also highlights what changed with the later focus on how funding is used. As a result, the conversation centres on teaching practice as the key lever. It also challenges the idea that money alone lifts results.
The episode then dives into initial teacher education reform. First, Jenny outlines four core areas every graduate should master. These include cognitive science, explicit instruction, classroom management, and responsive teaching. Consequently, the goal is classroom-ready teachers with consistent foundations nationwide.
Next, Steve and Jenny explore what explicit instruction looks like in practice. For example, lessons are sequenced to reduce cognitive overload. Then, students practise with guidance before working independently. In addition, classroom routines are taught clearly and reinforced consistently.
Professional learning is also under the microscope. Notably, AERO tested “booster” sessions using rigorous trials. Surprisingly, the extra sessions did not improve outcomes. Therefore, the findings help systems invest in what truly sticks.
Finally, the discussion turns to equity, disability, and First Nations education. AERO is examining concentrated disadvantage and access to effective teaching. Meanwhile, a national survey on disability in classrooms is planned for 2026. There is also close attention on two-ways learning approaches, with benefits that may extend to all students.
This episode offers grounded insights for teachers, leaders, and policymakers who want evidence that reduces guesswork and supports better learning.
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Jim Meskimen is the voice behind hundreds of beloved characters, and has a career most voice actors could only dream of! Hechats with Rach and Eddie about his fascinating career, the power of observation, and his tips on how students can grow their skills.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Dr Annette Marner who has spent eight years documenting her ‘patch’, South Australia’s geologically extraordinary Southern Flinders ranges. With patience and respect for wildlife, and some very fancy camera gear, Annette captures in her book very up close and personal moments with the animals and birds of the region, and explains in beautiful prose the tumultuous geo-history of the region and why it contains such unique species.
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Meet Eleanor Elliott Thomas, a former lawyer turned author, who’s written a darkly comic tale about a family fracturing over the best and worst of problems - a lotto win! Skeletons begin emerging from the family closet as the three very mismatched Halloway siblings gather around their mother, rightful owner of the winning ticket, who lies in a coma.
Guests
Annette Marner, author and photographer of “The Southern Flinders; A Celebration of Wildlife and Landscapes”
Eleanor Elliott Thomas, author of “Do We Deserve This?” and also “The Opposite of Success”
Other books that get a mention:
Annie Hauxwell author of the Catherine Berlin crime series
“Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason
“Flying Hero Class” by Thomas Keneally
“ Normal Women - 900 years of Making History” by Philippa Gregory
@text_publishing
@eleanorelliottthomas
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Ali Lopez and Eddie team up to coach Rachel on creating a demo. This episode is a masterclass for any aspiring voice actor wanting to make an impact with a powerful demo.
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Tamara Linke returns to talk about how breathing techniques can help your voice performance, warm up tips and gives us a AAVA update.
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We powered through technical difficulties and wifi troubles to bring you a wrap up of 2025 and the finale of our first season of the pod! Thank you to everyone who read along, listened to or watched each episode, followed us on socials, or joined us for one of our live book clubs. We appreciate all your support and hope to see you again next year for season two!
Also, apologies for how terrible we were at audibly naming all of the things we were talking about! All the books and movies we covered are listed below in the order we mentioned them.
MENTIONS
📚 BOOKS: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; Emma of 83rd Street, Elizabeth of East Hampton & Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding; Side Chick Nation by Aya de Leon; Playing Nice was Getting Me Nowhere by Alex Cothren; Salvage by Jennifer Mills; Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren; Love Unleashed by Melanie Saward; In Spite of You by Patrick Lenton; Dancer for the Dance by Andrew Holleran; Seven Brides for Beau McBride by Amy Barry; An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister; Conflict and Colonialism in 21st Century Romantic Historical Fiction edited by Hsu-Ming Teo & Poloma Fresna-Calleja; The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright; Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva; Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta; Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
🎬 MOVIES: Pride and Prejudice (2005); Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
LINKS:
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Former journalist, Michael Brissenden, brings insider knowledge and a sharp world view to the crime and thriller genre. “Dust” goes into that now familiar territory, the dark underbelly of rural Australia, to create a gripping story that begins with a dry lake giving up its secrets.
And who knew that celebrated spy thriller author Mick Herron is also a poet? Our regular reviewer, Annie Warburton, explores the life of the author of “Slow Horses”. She says his expressive, poetic style makes reading him a much more rewarding experience than watching the current TV series.
Guests
Michael Brissenden, author of “Dust”
Annie Warburton reviews the writing of Mick Herron
Other books that get a mention:
Thursday Murder Club Series - Richard Osman
The Every - Dave Eggers
Orbital - Samantha Harvey
Plain Life - Antonia Pont
Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind - Yuval Noah Harari
@m_brisso
Annie Warburton – Creative and Travel Writing
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Shanti Clements, Principal of Seven Hills West Public School (sevenhillw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au), for the final interview of 2025. From the outset, Shanti shares a simple mission with real weight: growing great human beings every day.
With more than 30 years in education and a PhD in educational leadership, Shanti blends research with lived experience. Importantly, she leads within one of Western Sydney’s most culturally diverse school communities. As a result, the school’s purpose is shaped by both Eastern and Western perspectives on learning, leadership, and belonging.
Shanti explains how the school embedded the Leader in Me (leaderinme.com) approach in 2020. Then, she unpacks how the Seven Habits became practical, everyday habits for students and staff. For example, students are placed at the centre of learning decisions. Instead of being passive recipients, they co-design, co-construct, and reflect on what helps learning stick.
Next, Shanti describes the impact of student leadership through the SRC. Students run learning walks each term. They focus on the student learning experience. They also interview teachers and provide feedback on engagement. Additionally, they redesigned school signage to align behaviour expectations with the Seven Habits.
Wellbeing is treated as visible data, not guesswork. So, Shanti outlines how Life Skills Go (lifeskillsgroup.com.au) daily check-ins helped the school notice what students “walk in with”. Later in the day, the data often shifted positively. That change highlighted school as a place of safety and regulation. Furthermore, Shanti links wellbeing supports to practical strategies, including breakfast club, which lifts attendance.
The conversation also turns to staff culture. Shanti supports early career teachers with coaching and leadership pathways. Moreover, she invests in staff wellbeing through flourish and courageous culture work.
Finally, Shanti reflects on wisdom, service leadership, and lifelong growth. The result is a powerful reminder that schools shape far more than academic outcomes.
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Secretary of the Australian Association for Voice Artists (AAVA) Cecelia Ramsdale is a powerhouse in the Australian voice industry. This woman literally does it all. Cecelia talks about her experience in animation, audiobooks, podcasting and commercials and has a realistic, natural way of approaching the voice over industry.
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by James Wright, a physics teacher and Digital Innovation Lead at Garden International School (gardenschool.edu.my) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school is home to around 50 nationalities. It also supports a thriving, multilingual community.
After 12 years in Malaysia, James on what changes when you teach internationally. Yet, he also shares what stays the same. Students are still students, wherever you teach. However, expectations around grades can vary wildly.
So, the conversation turns to assessment and reporting. Parents may be familiar with GCSE grades, IB scores, GPA, or Australian systems. Because of that, a single letter grade can create confusion. It can also create anxiety. Therefore, James explains why visual reporting can build clarity fast.
He breaks down how graphical reporting helps families understand progress at a glance. For example, a simple bar or curve can show “where your child is” right now. It can also show “where we expect them to be”. Meanwhile, teachers still get the numbers when they need detail.
The discussion also explores technology choices in schools. James contrasts “school-in-a-box” platforms with flexible tools. In particular, he explains why Accelerus stands out for reporting. It is curriculum agnostic. It is also highly customisable. As a result, schools can shape reports around their own language and processes.
Importantly, James talks about leading change without overwhelm. First, he starts with a clear shared vision. Then, he involves staff, parents, and administration early. Also, he looks for the people most likely to challenge the plan. Those voices are treated as valuable. Because of that, issues are spotted sooner.
Finally, the episode tackles data sovereignty and APIs. James argues that schools should be able to move data in and out easily. That flexibility supports long-term strategy. It also builds trust.
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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by founding principal Blayne Wallis. Together they explore what it takes to open a supported inclusion school in Melbourne’s west. Mindalk Primary School (www.facebook.com/mindalkprimaryschool) is preparing to welcome its first students in January 2026. During the conversation, Blayne explains how an almost accidental start in teaching became a deep commitment to inclusive leadership. Their journey from classroom teacher in Ballarat to leader across western Melbourne shows how quiet confidence can power lasting change.
Early in the episode, listeners hear how childhood experiences shaped Blayne’s belief in seeing every child. As a quiet student who often felt invisible, they remember wishing for a teacher who noticed the wallpaper kids. Because of that, Blayne Wallis now pays close attention to students who slip under the radar. Instead of accepting silence as compliance, they ask what might be missing from the learning environment. This perspective underpins their approach to wellbeing, curriculum and building trust with families.
Leadership also features strongly in this conversation. After years serving schools across Melbourne’s west, Blayne values grounded, community focused practice. However, they also encourage teachers not to stay in one place for too long. Moving between schools, they argue, stretches skills and broadens understanding of the wider system. As a result, leaders can support staff to grow beyond the walls of a single campus. For emerging leaders, Blayne offers practical advice on noticing potential in colleagues who may be quiet but highly capable.
Mindalk Primary School itself is designed as a supported inclusion school. In the episode, listeners hear how flexible classrooms, thoughtful transitions and clear policies all work together. Importantly, the school motto and values were considered even before staff were hired. Additionally, Blayne describes the play based uniform, with darker colours chosen to support active learning and reduce stress for families. Rather than asking children to protect pristine outfits, the school expects play, movement and occasional grass stains.
As opening day approaches, the countdown to 27 January 2026 brings both excitement and reflection. During the interview, Blayne outlines the challenge of being the only staff member in the early months. Yet that quiet period allowed space to shape policies, refine values and plan for inclusive practices. When recruitment began, they focused on hiring teachers who talk about students and learning before everything else. By hiring hard, Blayne believes the school will work easier, with a team aligned to purpose from day one.
Throughout the episode, listeners gain practical ideas for nurturing inclusive cultures in any school setting. From uniform choices to multi tiered support systems, every decision is linked back to student needs. For principals, teachers and aspiring leaders, this conversation with Blayne Wallis offers both reassurance and challenge. Ultimately, Mindalk Primary School is presented as a place where every child is seen, supported and encouraged to thrive.
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Stephen Crockford has spent 55 years in education, leading change and lifting expectations in Melbourne’s northwest. In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis talks with Stephen about his long career and his final weeks as principal of St Albans Meadows Primary School (www.samps.vic.edu.au). Together, they trace his journey from classroom teacher to community leader, shaped by humility, consistency, and a deep belief in children’s potential. The conversation offers a rare long view of how one principal can help transform a school over decades. It also reveals how culture, not quick fixes, keeps improvement alive.
Rather than start with test scores, Stephen focused first on joy, belonging, and pride. Sport became a powerful lever to get students turning up, trying hard, and seeing themselves as part of something bigger. Performing arts followed, with concerts, choirs, bands, and dance groups reshaping how the community saw the school. As a result, students who once felt behind began to stand tall on stage and on the field. Then explicit teaching and careful curriculum work ensured that high expectations in literacy and numeracy matched the growing confidence.
Technology was never a gimmick for Stephen. Instead, he backed a one-to-one laptop model in a low socio-economic context, using leasing and clear educational purpose to make devices accessible. At the same time, he kept pen and paper, rich experiences, and front-loaded vocabulary at the centre of learning. Behind the scenes, he built a leadership “pyramid”, with emerging and emerging-emerging leaders always ready to step up. Consequently, the school now has deep curriculum expertise and a strong bench of future principals.
Listeners will hear practical insights on building culture through consistency, calmness, and respect. They will also discover how a free parent gym, kitchen garden and clubs for chess, Lego, sport, writing and more help families feel welcome without turning parents into unpaid teachers. Whether you are a new principal, an aspiring leader, or a classroom teacher, this episode with Stephen Crockford will spark reflection on legacy, resilience, and what it means to stay a “teacher first”.
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Cath and Annie take a deep dive into the brilliant, celebrated and mysterious life of Elizabeth Harrower, author of the 1960s Australian classic “The Watch Tower”.
Cath first reviews Harrower’s most celebrated work and then Annie speaks to Harrower’s biographer, Susan Wyndham, about the enigmatic novelist's past to better understand the woman, her times, and why the career of this impressive writer of deep psychological dramas ended so suddenly.
Guests
Susan Wyndham, author of “The Woman in the Watchtower”
Other books that get a mention:
“Half of a Yellow Sun” by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“A Frightfully English Execution” by Shamini Flint
“Murder on North Terrace” and “The Death of Dora Black” by Lainie Anderson
“What We Can Know” by Ian McEwen
@wyndhamsusan1
@newsouthpublishing
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We're celebrating Christmas early with this month's book club pick: Three Holidays and A Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley, as recommended to us by our local Christmas Romance expert (the only tick of approval we need!).
Join us as we discuss the holiday season and share everything about this small-town novel that made us fall back in love with festivities, family and friendship.
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), Lisa Burt joins host Steve Davis to explore how inclusive leadership reshapes learning within a small school setting. As principal of Knox Central Primary School (www.knoxcentral.vic.edu.au), she leads a school community of 74 students and demonstrates how relationships, predictability and calm environments support every learner.
From the outset, Lisa explains how her move from a large suburban school to Knox Central changed her approach to leadership. With fewer staff layers, she is often the person who responds when challenges arise. However, this close connection means families and students see her as approachable and available. Her daily walk through each classroom builds trust and reinforces a strong sense of community.
Because Lisa also teaches PE, students see her as both principal and active participant in school life. This relatability helps families who previously felt uncertain about school to re-engage with confidence. Her visible presence also supports staff wellbeing, as teachers know she understands the pressures of the classroom.
The discussion turns to inclusive classrooms, where predictable routines and structured spaces help students, especially those with autism, feel secure. Daily schedules, quiet zones and Schoolwide Positive Behaviours create a consistent and supportive learning environment.
Literacy improvement is another key focus. After discovering gaps in early reading skills, the school adopted explicit phonics instruction and tools like DIBELS. As a result, students develop phonemic awareness and reading confidence, while teachers gain clearer data to guide instruction.
Technology also supports personalised learning at Knox Central. Google Classroom, Mathletics and Reading Eggs allow teachers to tailor tasks and help students practise skills beyond school hours.
Finally, Lisa reflects on funding, perception and the unique strengths of boutique schools. She highlights the importance of reframing “small schools” as environments rich in connection, opportunity and individual support. This episode offers practical ideas for leaders and teachers seeking to strengthen inclusion and rethink what small schools can achieve.
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Public speaking coaches Sanja and Tom Hendrick from Talent Academy chat with Rachel and Eddie. Together they take a look at ways to help performance anxiety, and discuss mindset changes to help with auditioning.
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Holiday season is upon us! Today, Amy, Abby, and Harry are joined by returning special guest Kathleen Stanley a.k.a The Christmas Expert. Observe as Kathleen works her magic on the Grinches of the group by breaking down what Christmas fiction means to people and what, at its core, this holiday should really be about. Anybody else have a list of new Christmas Romance movies to binge, or is it just me?
LINKS
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here.
🎄 Where to find Kathleen Stanley:
- INSTAGRAM is here.
- Most recent publication is here.
🎅 Our Socials:
- INSTAGRAM is here.
- FACEBOOK is here.
- TIKTOK is here.
🤶 Where to find Amy:
- Amy Matthews on IG here.
- Amy Barry on IG here.
- Amy Matthews / Amy Barry on FACEBOOK here.
- WEBSITE is here.
Thank you so much for listening! 💞
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener warning: This episode contains mild swearing and a brief reference to adult themes.
In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by comedian and action learning coach Daniel Delby to unpack how humour can transform classroom management and teacher wellbeing. Drawing on his journey from drama and phys-ed teaching into science and special needs support, Daniel shows how laughter can keep both students and teachers engaged for the long haul.
As the creator of Teacher Comedy Night (teachercomedynight.com), Daniel has turned everyday school stories into a space where educators can connect, unwind and realise they are not alone. Teachers come for the laughs; however, they also leave with fresh perspective on behaviour, relationships and classroom management strategies. Along the way, Daniel shares how a professional learning course in Classroom Management Strategies (CMS) shifted his mindset from “these kids are the problem” to “what can I do differently?”
Throughout the conversation, Daniel explains why humour works so powerfully in the classroom. Teachers are constantly performing in front of up to 34 students. Therefore, they must learn to hold attention, break the ice and win the class over. Yet he is clear that not every teacher needs to be a stand-up comic. Instead, he argues that authenticity, clear boundaries and genuine interest in students matter just as much as punchlines.
The episode also explores how Daniel uses freestyle rap and improvisation to hook students into learning. From rapping about classes at assemblies to encouraging students to expand their vocabularies so they can rhyme, he demonstrates how creativity can sit alongside curriculum goals. As a result, humour becomes more than a gimmick; it becomes a tool for connection, confidence and student voice.
Listeners will also hear about Daniel’s touring Teacher Comedy Night shows, his links to major comedy festivals and the growing community of teachers who are discovering comedy as a way to stay in the profession. Ultimately, this episode is for any educator who loves their students, feels the strain of the job and wants practical, light-hearted ideas to bring joy back into teaching.
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This week we’re throwing back to September when we headed over to the Flinders University Library for a live chat about all things reading and writing romance. Does dark romance need content ratings or trigger warnings? Why do straight women love to read and write gay male romance? What can romance novels teach us about love? Are horror romance and paranormal romance the same thing? Do people yearn for an epic slowburn? And when will Harry write a Big Gay Fantasy novel?
MENTIONS
📚 BOOKS: Gild by Raven Kennedy; American Psycho by Bret Easton; Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton; Ali Hazelwood’s books; Captive Prince series by CS Pacat; A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas; The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss; Laurie Gilmore’s books; Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree; In Spite of You by Patrick Lenton; Cubs and Campfires by Dylan Drakes; God of Fury by Rina Kent; The Will to Change by bell hooks; Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier; Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas; The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien; Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta; Bride by Ali Hazelwood; Ghosted by Amy Hutton; Keri Arthur’s books; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery; Goal Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon; Bound for Sin by Tess Le Sue; Johanna Lindsay’s books
🎬 MOVIES: Love Lies Bleeding (2024); Tron (1982)
📺 TV SHOWS: Gilmore Girls
🎙️ PODCASTS: QBD Romance Book Club; Amy & Book Club
LINKS:
- Read our BOTM: BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Dylan Sulzer, founder of Not Just Teacher Education (www.notjustateachereducation.com), to explore how Dylan’s unique journey—from Port Lincoln to the Northern Territory and even mustering cattle—has shaped his deep understanding of emotional intelligence in education.
Dylan brings practical tools and insights to help teachers and students navigate tricky behaviour, build emotional regulation, and foster a positive classroom culture. He reframes defiance as a bid for independence and examines the balance between happiness and purpose, offering educators a fresh way to connect, support and empower young people both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout the episode, Dylan explains the five domains of emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and relational communication — and shows how educators can apply them in the real world. He shares simple, applicable strategies such as breathing techniques and naming tasks to re-engage teachers’ thinking brains in stressful moments.
Furthermore, Dylan’s student-brand program demonstrates how young people can identify their character strengths, develop a sense of identity and shift from external rewards to intrinsic motivation. The conversation also touches on the role of choice in managing student independence, why banning social media might be a band-aid solution, and the importance of being more impressive in person than online.
This episode is ideal for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in shaping classroom culture with emotional intelligence at the heart.
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Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), Odie (Garfield) and Grimlock (Transformers) have Gregg Berger to thank when bringing them to life!
Gregg Berger is an American Voice / Actor, who is internationally known for his iconic roles as Grimlock in G1 Transformers and Transformers Fall of Cybertron, Transformers: Devastation, Power of the Primes and more. His classic and contemporary iconic roles also include Odie, Squeak, Harry and others in the Garfield franchise, Spirit and Firefly in the original animated G.I. Joe, Mysterio and Kraven the Hunter in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Cornfed in Duckman, Agent Kay in Men in Black: The Animated Series, Jecht in Final Fantasy X & X-2, The Pain in Metal Gear Solid 3, The Gromble in Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, Ripto in the Spyro series and many more!
Gregg Berger is the author of Think Globally… Act VOCALLY! (And Voice Virtue) and is the reader of the Audiobook. It is available on iTunes and Audible.com. For many years he has been associated with Famous Fone Friends, making calls in requested animated character voices to children in Pediatric Hospitals
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Drawing on her own family history for inspiration, Heather Rose delivers a compelling and heart rending saga of a father and daughter torn apart by a terrible crime. In “A Great Act of Love” Caroline Douglas carries her dark secret to the penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land to begin life anew - but can she escape her past; does she even want to?
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It’s no small thing to decide to be a publisher in today’s busy book marketplace but that’s what Emily Riches did. Aniko Press’ first offering is “The Slip” by Miriam Webster - who we recently interviewed in Episode 56 of this podcast. Aniko also publishes a literary journal and is always on the lookout for new talent.
Guests
Heather Rose, author of “A Great Act of Love”
Emily Riches, founder of Aniko Press
https://www.anikopress.com/
Other books that get a mention:
Heather mentions Rebecca Yaros’ “Fourth Wing”, Robert Galbraith’s crime series, Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Marriage Portrait”, Hannah Kent’s “Always Home, Always Homesick”, Richard Macfarlane’s “Is A River Alive?” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”.
@heather_rose_writes
@allenandunwin
@aniko press
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Kickstartin' November with a bang, we catch up on a Book Club we were all plague-ridden for and had to miss! Introducing...An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Our rocky August was nothing in comparison to Sadie and Jodi's marriage of convenience in this fun rom-com, packed with some lighthearted truths about the academic world.
LINKS
🦜 Buy An Academic Affair: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/An-Academic-Affair/Jodi-McAlister/Love-Notes/9781761109379
📖 BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/718608/three-holidays-and-a-wedding-by-uzma-jalaluddin-and-marissa-stapley/
🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria.
Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
🌸 Our Socials:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1828076371339381/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandpodcast
💛 Where to find Amy:
Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor
Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
WEBSITE: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/
Thank you so much for watching!💞
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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Nolan, Principal of Port Melbourne Secondary College (www.portmelbournesc.vic.edu.au) to explore how leadership, vision, and creativity shape a school’s culture and community.
Tim leads one of Melbourne’s most distinctive schools, a striking campus inspired by the maritime character of Port Melbourne. From shipping containers to cruise-liner flair, the design mirrors a philosophy that values innovation, inclusivity, and connection. Throughout the conversation, Tim shares insights on leading with purpose amid rapid educational change and how culture and positivity drive effective teams.
Listeners will hear how Tim’s leadership journey across Catholic, arts-focused, and STEM-driven schools has helped him understand what makes communities thrive. He explains why aspiring leaders should “do the job of the person above you” to build capacity and confidence. This episode also explores the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the role of creativity in teaching, and why trust and communication remain the cornerstones of strong school culture.
The discussion turns to hands-on, real-world learning; from boat restoration projects to partnerships with community mentors at the local Men’s Shed. These programs help students discover confidence and purpose beyond the classroom while fostering intergenerational learning. Tim also reflects on how schools can stay visionary within regulatory frameworks, finding their “true north” by always asking what’s best for students.
From navigating funding and growth at Fishermans Bend to building pathways for vocational and inclusive education, Tim highlights how adaptability and collaboration future-proof modern schools. The conversation closes with his vision for graduates who feel supported, inspired, and ready to lead others with empathy and curiosity.
This episode offers practical inspiration for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to balance innovation with community connection in Australian education.
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Best known as leading man Ash from Pokemon, Veronica Taylor has a wealth of experience dubbing the english versions of a variety of Anime. We discuss why this form of voice acting may be the most difficult in the voice acting profession. Her voice has been a part of Saturday morning cartoons where she is known for her roles in Ash and May on Pokémon, April on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and roles in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sailor Moon Crystal (Sailor Pluto) and more!
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Simon focuses on the potential threat of AI to voice artists and what is ethical AI? He also discusses what is being done and how to protect yourself.
Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape.
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For the final week of October, we're putting our books aside to discuss horror movies: our favourite (and not so favourite) horror films, the return of campy monster horror, future horror movie trends, potentially controversial opinions about the movies Weapons, and more!
LINKS:
- Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Bullard, CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) (aitsl.edu.au), to explore the state of the teaching profession across Australia. With more than half a million registered teachers, Tim shares how the latest Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is helping policymakers, educators, and communities understand the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping schools today.
The conversation uncovers what the data reveals about teacher well-being, retention, and professional growth, and how education systems can better support teachers through every career stage. Tim discusses the importance of recognising teaching as a human endeavour, one grounded in connection, trust, and lifelong learning. He also highlights how returning teachers bring valuable life experience back into classrooms, enriching student learning and strengthening school communities.
Steve and Tim explore how AI can reduce teacher workload without losing the essential human connection that defines effective teaching. From workload management and flexible career pathways to national initiatives like the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the discussion offers a clear-eyed look at how evidence-based policy and innovation can improve outcomes for both teachers and students.
As World Teachers’ Day approaches, Tim shares why celebrating educators year-round is essential to building a culture of trust, respect, and appreciation across the nation. This episode is a timely reminder of how teachers’ voices and data-driven insights can shape the future of Australian education.
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Join the podcast team and get spooky as we sit down to chat about our horror BOTM, Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta.
Feast While You Can is a (extremely delicious) strange and sexy novel of queer love in a small town, in which the monster that possesses Angelina Sicco can only be repelled by the touch of her childhood crush, sternly handsome Jagvi … oh no 😔
- Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Richard (Richie) Furber, Principal Consultant at the Motivation Foundation (motivationfoundation.com.au) and leader of the soon-to-launch Motivation Education Career School in Perth. Together, they explore how innovative education models are connecting learning with real-world industry opportunities.
Richie shares how Motivation Foundation is transforming outcomes for students at academic risk by combining practical training, strong industry partnerships, and a deep belief in belonging and hope. Students graduate with recognised VET qualifications in civil construction, mining, and workplace skills—equipping them for meaningful, long-term employment.
The conversation uncovers the school’s holistic approach: from teaching employability habits and professional behaviour to fostering resilience through trauma-informed practice. Richie explains how data-driven case management ensures each learner receives individualised support, while collaboration with organisations like the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and local employers builds confidence and purpose.
Listeners will also hear how the Motivation Foundation creates industry-simulated environments where students develop practical competence, re-engage with learning, and find hope in achievable futures. This inspiring discussion offers educators and school leaders valuable insights into alternative pathways that empower young Australians to thrive beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or training provider, this episode highlights how attitude, belonging, and authentic partnerships can change lives—and strengthen communities.
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Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape.
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This week, we dive straight into talking about one of our favourite reads this year, and get the chance to interview married couple and our BotM authors, Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta. We talk about what it's like to write possession, how horror and romance intertwine, the consumption of the dreaded Pit Monster, and--of course--what's behind Jagvi and Angelina's tender, thorny path towards each other. 🎃
Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to the live book club on October 23!
- Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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In “The Seeker and the Sage” a traumatised journalist is given a dream assignment - track down the mayor of a mysterious town whose citizens are the happiest people on Earth. She wants to learn how to live a good life but the town’s mayor wants to protect his dominion from the modern world. In what is an allegory for our times; Delaney poses the question: can the ancient philosophy of Stoicism help us create our own utopias in an increasingly troubled world?
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Short fiction set in the Pacific Islands was a popular genre in the early 20th century. Associate Professor Mandy Treagus offers a deep analysis of the adventuring writers whose stories were set in these islands, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and W. Somerset Maughan.
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Our random reader, Lesley, introduces us to Jan Morris’ book “Conundrum” in which Jan shares a grippingly honest account of her ten-year transition from man to woman. On first publication in 1974, “Conundrum” generated enormous interest around the world and was chosen by “The Times” as one of the '100 Key Books of Our Time'.
Guests
Brigid Delaney, author of “The Seeker and the Sage”
Mandy Treagus, Associate Professor in English and Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, author of “The Pacific Tale: Short fiction from 1890 - 1950”
Other books that get a mention:
Cath mentions Richard Osman’s “The Impossible Fortune”, Mick Herron’s “Clown Town” and “Peter Ackroyd’s “The English Soul; Faith of a Nation”
Annie mentions “What we can Know” by Ian McEwin, “Ripeness” by Sarah Moss and “Novacene; The coming of age of hyper intelligence” by James Lovelock
@allenandunwin
@palgrave_macmillan
@brigidwd
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Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au)joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away.
First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help staff spot patterns quickly and start supportive conversations with families.
Importantly, Lisa highlights neuro-affirming practice. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and strong adult connections help neurodivergent students; in fact, they benefit everyone. Furthermore, flexible regulation supports—like planned breaks or headphones for focus—can reduce anxiety and increase engagement. Yet schools cannot carry the load alone. Therefore, respectful partnerships with families and allied professionals are vital.
We also step into multi-tiered systems of support. Lisa explains how MTSS for attendance builds universal, targeted, and intensive responses over time. In addition, she reflects on international collaborations and OECD insights linking belonging, safety, and achievement. As a result, listeners gain a broader perspective on what works here in Australia and abroad.
Finally, the episode calls for national leadership. A coordinated plan would amplify local innovations, reduce duplication, and elevate voices that are often missed. Teachers, leaders, and system thinkers will find actionable ideas, thoughtful nuance, and renewed confidence to tackle attendance with empathy and evidence.
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Strap in for more horror talk this week because Amy & Harry and Millie are joined by horror connoisseur Riley Jones to talk all things horrormance (horror/romance). Is paranormal fiction just a subgenre of horror? Does horror actually have to be scary? Are you allowed to kill the queer characters in your horrormance? All these questions and more will be answered.
Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to our interview with the authors on October 16 followed by the live book club on October 23!
- Follow Riley on IG: @rileyblufield
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Kirsten Ellis, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University (www.monash.edu/it) to explore how her creation, TapeBlocks (www.tapeblock.com), is reshaping STEM learning for students of all abilities. These vibrant, foam-based circuit blocks help children build electronic circuits using simple conductive tape—no soldering, no fear, just curiosity and creativity.
Kirsten shares how her journey began with conductive jigsaw puzzles and evolved into a hands-on, accessible STEM resource that empowers every child to create, connect, and collaborate. Designed with inclusivity at its heart, tape blocks allow students with vision or motor skill challenges to build working circuits independently, experiencing both visual and tactile feedback.
The conversation uncovers how Kirsten combines engineering ingenuity with educational insight to spark imagination in classrooms. Teachers can use the blocks to introduce fundamental electronic concepts while promoting teamwork and problem-solving. Colour-coded components—red for power, yellow for switches, green for light or vibration, and blue for fans—make learning intuitive and engaging for mixed-ability classrooms.
Beyond accessibility, the episode explores the broader philosophy of natively built accessible design—creating tools that are inclusive from the start, not adapted as an afterthought. From integrating tape blocks with LEGO and micro:bits to inspiring creative classroom projects, Kirsten demonstrates that inclusive design benefits every learner, not just those with additional needs.
Listeners will also hear how initiatives supported by Google and National Science Week helped bring tape blocks into hundreds of Australian schools, empowering educators to make STEM more tactile, playful, and inclusive.
This episode offers practical inspiration for teachers seeking to blend accessibility with innovation—proving that when creativity meets inclusion, every student can shine.
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Rach and Eddie catch up to talk about behind the scenes of last season and have a sneak peek of what's in store for season two. Stay Tooned!
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Amy & Abby are joined by writers and experts Tabby Knight and Oscar Sparkes to kick off our horror-themed October (because what else would we be doing this month?!). What to expect from this spooky episode: defining genres, the origins of liminal horror, mad scientists, fears, and a watch- or read-list the length of a Stephen King novel.
Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to our interview of the authors on October 16 followed by the live book club on October 23!
- Follow Tabby on IG: @tknightacademic
- Follow Oscar on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/1OC3n
- Follow Oscar on Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/oscarsparkes
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Deputy Principal - Education Support, Brent Passchier joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) to unpack a practical blueprint for inclusive education at Atwell College (atwellcollege.wa.edu.au) in Western Australia. From sensory rooms and hydrotherapy to music programmes and smart use of technology, he explains how schools can widen access without always adding more staff.
The conversation begins with a mindset shift. Instead of “more hands”, Atwell focuses on “valued hands” and clear structures. Education assistants are redeployed to run targeted small-group sessions, which lightens teacher load and deepens impact. Moreover, the college embeds inclusion in the timetable: sensory engagement, literacy groups, and life skills are planned, not improvised.
Atwell’s three-pathway model sits at the core. Centralised learning supports students with higher medical, communication, or sensory needs. The Universal pathway offers a home base for core subjects while encouraging electives in mainstream classes. Meanwhile, students working at typical academic rigour receive needs-based check-ins from inclusive EAs. Consequently, support is flexible and evidence-informed.
Teacher workload is addressed head-on. Simple tech streamlines admin. Furthermore, QR-code workflows trigger assessment adjustments and scheduling, ensuring equitable access with minimal friction. General adjustments; preferential seating, scaffolded templates, and alternative outputs—are normalised. Therefore, teachers can focus on pedagogy, not paperwork.
Peer culture also matters. Health students design expos with differentiated activities, quiet spaces, and AAC options. As a result, learners support learners, and inclusion becomes a whole-school habit. Brent returns to a central theme: value over volume. Programmes succeed when they prioritise what each student needs to participate and progress.
For leaders and teachers, the takeaways are concrete. Start with what already works, then systemise it. Use data to direct FTE, not the other way round. In addition, make collaboration between mainstream and ed support staff routine. Ultimately, Brent shows that inclusion by design can lift outcomes and reduce cognitive load—while keeping passion for teaching front and centre.
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Hi Booklovers! This week, Amy & the podcast team sit down to chat about Fiona Wright's 'The World Was Whole', a gorgeous essay collection about our bodies, homes and shelter and how we might navigate the world and our place within it. Join us to chat about what home means to us, the comfort of everyday habits, slowing down to appreciate the mundane, why more poets should write prose, and more.
LINKS
- Find Fiona Wright here: fionawright.net
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Senior Leader at XUNO Suite (xuno.com.au) and driving force behind the Student Maps platform, Anthony Sacker, joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) to unpack how DIBELS can move from raw scores to real classroom action. In this interview, we explore how smart visualisations and simple workflows help teachers identify risk early and respond with confidence.
From pronunciation myths to progress monitoring, Anthony explains why consistent screening, clear benchmarks and collaborative review can lift literacy for every learner. First, we demystify DIBELS: what it measures, why it matters and how often to use it across year levels. Then, we shift to practice. Teachers gather accuracy rates, composite scores and fluency checks; however, those numbers only shine when they’re easy to read and share. That’s where student maps come in. With colour-coded results, distribution views and progress-over-time graphs, teams can see who needs intervention, who needs extension and which strategies to try next.
Moreover, Anthony outlines how schools can combine DIBELS with PAT, NAPLAN and other assessments without drowning in spreadsheets. Instead of copy-paste chaos, teachers use a single space to store results, add comments, attach work samples and prepare for handovers. As a result, Year 5 teams begin the year with a clear picture of strengths, gaps and goals. Parents also benefit, because one view shows growth, next steps and expected levels.
Beyond literacy, the episode considers career guidance. When counsellors view longitudinal data, conversations become concrete. Students see the link between habits, skills and aspirations. Meanwhile, leaders gain a dependable way to track cohort trends and evaluate support plans. Crucially, we discuss pace and practicality. Data should help, not hinder. Therefore, the episode focuses on quick wins: setting thresholds, using dashboards, and choosing graphs that tell a story in seconds.
Finally, we cover trials, so schools can try the tools with sample data before committing. If you want a clear path from assessment to action, this episode delivers. And yes, we settle the pronunciation debate early. It’s DIBELS!
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Megastar Jim Cummings joins This is My Voice podcast. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, Pete from a Goofy Movie, singing voice of Scar, you name it he's done it! He is one of the best voice actors in the world. He's the voice of your childhood and if you've ever watched a cartoon chances are you would have heard the many voice talents of Jim Cummings!
Check out Jim at a Supanova near you.
Thanks to The Australian Radio School + The Auscast Network
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This week we're stepping away from our books and onto the internet (oh no) as Amy, Justina & Abby chat to life writing expert Dr. Emma Maguire about online girlhood cultures and digital life writing. Join us as we discuss self representation online, 'authenticity' on social media, the commodification of the self and 'content' creation, the voices of women in a space labelled for 'girls', and the personal act of creating a zine. And, of course, Amy asks the most pressing question: can self-insert fanfiction be classified as life writing?
Our Book of the Month is The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
MENTIONS
📚 BOOKS: The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt
✏️ AUTHORS: Rachel Cusk; Vidgis Hjorth; Deborah Levy; Helen Garner; Roxanne Gay; Bianca Martin
📺 TV: Too Much (2025—)
LINKS
-
Follow Emma Maguire on IG: @emmamaguire__
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Find Emma's Publications here: emmamaguire.com
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Miriam Webster makes her literary debut with a sharp, funny and often dark collection of short stories about love, loss and very modern dilemmas. With an eye for what isn’t said and that which is said by accident, the collection is named for the Freudian slip.
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New publishers on the block, Margot Lloyd and Emily Hart, are publishing exciting debut authors, re-releasing irresistible classics and teaching the rest of us how to write better in their “Word Shops” – two talented women having fun and publishing their way!
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Our random reader, Max, is a nine-year-old with an infectious passion for reading.
Guests
Miriam Webster, author of “The Slip”.
Margot Lloyd and Emily Hart introduce Pink Short’s new books “Annie Magdalene” and “Sea Green” by Barbara Hanrahan, “Playing Nice Was Getting Me Nowhere” by Alex Cothren and “Plastic Budgie” by Olivia De Silva “
Other books that get a mention:
Michaela mentions “Moor to Sea; A Journey Along the Cleveland Way” by Vicki Foote
Annie mentions “Woo Woo” by Ella Baxter and “The Writers Journey; Mythic Structure for Writers” by Christopher Vogler
Margot and Emily also mention Barbara Hanrahan’s “The Scent of Eucalyptus”, Anne Enright’s collection of short stories “Taking Pictures”, “The Bakers Book” by Ruby Goss, a forthcoming book of poetry by Evelyn Araluen, Splinter Magazine, “The Parisian” by Isabella Hammand.
Max mentions “The First Cat in Space ate Pizza” by Matt Barnett, “Diary of Loki” by Louise Stowell and what he recommends as the best book series ever, “Sherlock Bones”.
@pinkshortspress
@anikopress
@mim_webster
@vickifoote
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Rebecca Woolnough, Area Manager, Oceania at SMART Technologies (http://smarttech.com/en-au) joins Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcast) to unpack how right-fit edtech lifts learning, not workload. From “divisolation” to Universal Design for Learning, her lens is practical and hopeful. Crucially, she argues for outcomes before hardware. Consequently, schools avoid shiny-bauble mistakes and wasted spend.
Drawing on classroom leadership, Rebeccaexplains why sharing devices boosts collaboration. Instead of one-to-one, she recommends 1:2 or 1:3 in many activities. Therefore, attention shifts from screens to problem-solving and dialogue. Moreover, students practise negotiation, creativity, and critical thinking together.
Her formula for success is clear and repeatable. Start with exit outcomes, then pedagogy, then software, and finally hardware. Consequently, hardware is chosen to remove barriers, not add friction. Additionally, targeted professional learning ties everything to real curriculum goals.
The discussion also explores neurodiversity-informed design with the University of Melbourne. As a result, classrooms feel inclusive without extra teacher admin. For example, multiple modes for responses lift agency and reduce anxiety. Furthermore, SMART tools make those tweaks fast and repeatable.
Practical tips land throughout. Teachers can ink over PDFs or slides and keep the annotations. Then, share to students quickly through existing platforms. Meanwhile, the Smartboard Mini unlocks small-group collaboration and accessibility tweaks.
AI is addressed with balance and care. Yes, it speeds planning and routine marking for teachers. However, human judgement and scaffolding remain central. In short, Rebecca champions tech that serves pedagogy and people.
Listeners leave with a usable roadmap for smarter investment. Therefore, you can prioritise learning goals and choose tools that fit. Finally, Rebecca offers hope, clarity, and classroom-ready steps. As ever, host Steve Davis keeps the focus on real classrooms. Together, they surface mistakes leaders can avoid during rollouts. For instance, evaluate impact early and keep software platform-agnostic. Next, sequence capability building, not just device deliveries. Above all, remember why the investment exists in the first place.
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This week life writing month takes an experimental turn as Amy, Payton & Justina chat to Olivia De Zilva about her debut genre-defying book Plastic Budgie, out now with Pink Shorts Press. Join us as we dive into the messy intersections of memory, nostalgia, fact and fiction, and we wax poetic about the unapologetically cringey kitsch of Adelaide and our love of novelty processed meats.
Our Book of the Month is The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
MENTIONS
📚 BOOKS: Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva; Theory and Practice by Michelle de Krester; Peripathetic by Cher Tan; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick; Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta; Girls Out Loud by Jacqueline Wilson; The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson; Eggshell by Olivia De Zilva
🎬 FILM: Grease (1978); Xanadu (1980); Call Me By Your Name (2017)
📺 TV: The Simpson (1989–); Kath & Kim (2002–2007); Glee (2009–2015); Stranger Things (2016–)
LINKS
- Get Plastic Budgie here and pre-order Eggshell here
- Follow Olivia De Zilva on IG: @oliviadezilva
- Follow Opinionated on IG: @opinionatedclub
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CEO and Founder Anna Vermooten joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) to share how Parents Battle of the Bands (parentsbattleofthebands.com) grew from a St Kilda idea into a movement. This audio-only conversation captures the energy of community music. It also reveals how parent bands can strengthen connections between families and schools. From the first rehearsal room jokes to a packed Prince Bandroom, Anna traces the project’s unlikely rise. Ticket proceeds flow back into school music programs.
Therefore, each gig doubles as a fundraiser and a catalyst for arts participation. Along the way, friendly rivalry, sing-alongs, and clever set lists turn busy parents into confident performers. However, the story is about shows. Anna explains how one enthusiastic parent at each school becomes the spark. Word of mouth travels across playgrounds and sports courts. As a result, new bands form, venues come on board, and momentum builds.
Importantly, the model sits outside formal school administration. That choice keeps the vibe playful while still supporting music education. The episode explores Melbourne’s distinct live-music culture. It also follows new chapters opening in Bondi and beyond. Judges and special guests have added credibility, yet the real draw is the community in the crowd. Furthermore, intergenerational benefits are clear. When children see parents rehearsing and performing, they often start bands of their own. Anna outlines how schools and parents express interest, access a starter kit, and onboard through a purpose-built app.
Consequently, bands focus on rehearsals, song choices, and show night logistics. Tips include choosing popular, high-energy tracks, encouraging sing-alongs, and adding a twist. Mash-ups and creative arrangements often delight audiences and judges alike. Ultimately, Parents Battle of the Bands shows how music can cut through the noise of modern life. It forges friendships, celebrates creativity, and funds future learning. Moreover, it offers a scalable blueprint for any community keen to turn hidden talent into shared joy.
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This month we're talking about life writing.... including what on earth that means. Amy & series regulars Justina, Payton, and Millie may not be experts, but it turns out they've consumed a lot more of the genre than they thought. Join them as they talk about the myriad types of life writing, how scary it is to write about yourself, and why the patriarchy is at it again.
Our Book of the Month is The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis welcomes Danni Mattiazzo, assistant principal at Larrakeyah Primary School (larrakeyahprimary.com.au) in Darwin. Recently recognised with the Australian Education Award for Best Use of Technology, Danni Mattiazzo shares how her leadership has guided the development of IntelliLearn, a locally built platform that blends artificial intelligence with evidence-based assessment. Designed to give just the right level of support, IntelliLearn helps teachers differentiate learning while empowering students to take ownership of their progress.
Throughout the discussion, Danni explains how her school integrates Bright Path to transform writing assessment into an accessible, student-friendly process. She highlights the importance of avoiding information overload, showing how carefully crafted feedback builds confidence instead of discouragement. From using data maps to track student growth to embedding collaborative “sprints” that target skill gaps, her approach demonstrates how data can be a powerful ally for teachers rather than an overwhelming burden.
The episode also explores how school culture underpins innovation. Since 2016, Larrakeyah has championed the “Four C’s”- communication, collaboration, creative learning, and critical thinking - as a foundation for preparing students for the future. Danni illustrates how these values play out daily, whether through STEM challenges that link learning to the local environment or classroom practices that push students beyond comfort zones.
This conversation offers a valuable perspective for educators navigating the balance between technology and human connection. By weaving together leadership, assessment, and culture, Danni Mattiazzo presents a clear vision of how schools in diverse, dynamic communities can embrace innovation while ensuring every child feels supported and proud of their achievements.
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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Ryan Ma, assistant principal of Saltwater P–9 College, one of Australia’s fastest-growing schools. Since opening its gates in 2019 with 490 students, Saltwater has expanded to more than 2,200 learners in just six years. With families representing over 29 nationalities and 81 languages, the school is a living snapshot of modern multicultural Australia.
Ryan explains how Saltwater balances the opportunities and challenges of such rapid growth. From welcoming new families every week to ensuring academic quality across a staff of 250 teachers, the college has re-imagined what it means to create belonging on a large scale. For students, being the “new kid” is a short-lived experience; soon replaced by another arrival: fostering a culture of welcome and adaptability.
Central to Saltwater’s philosophy is the International Baccalaureate framework, with its emphasis on inquiry, student agency, and multiple perspectives. Ryan shares how this approach allows students to move beyond rote learning into deeper, critical engagement with global issues, while also leveraging the diversity of the school community itself as a learning resource.
Staff retention and collaboration are also front and centre. Instead of isolated teaching roles, Saltwater builds faculty teams that plan and problem-solve together, much like diagnostic teams in hospitals. Teachers share insights, support each other, and collectively tackle challenges.
Data plays a pivotal role too. Inspired by the film Moneyball, Ryan demonstrates how tools like Student Maps is used to track progress, support teachers, and ensure strategies are effective. Rather than relying solely on instinct, evidence helps Saltwater refine practice and maintain consistency at scale.
Looking ahead, Ryan reflects on the future of education in Point Cook and beyond. With technology transforming access to information, he argues that schools must focus on relationships, resilience, and collaboration; the skills that will define success in the twenty-first century.
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This week on Amy & we're thrilled to be interviewing romance author and academic, Jodi McAlister, about her career and latest romance novel, An Academic Affair !!Join us as we ask Jodi all about writing romance fiction as an academic from her latest research on bonkbusters and erotic audio, to creating a believable rivals to lovers plot against the backdrop of a 'brutal neoliberal institution that will never love you back' (not to mention dreaming about the perfect wine pairings).
Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
- Find Jodi here: @jodimcalister
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School’s Bullengerook campus (https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary This is Going to Be Big, (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big) which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham.
Darcy shares how a “yes, and” philosophy helped transform the school’s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunities.
From the documentary’s origin, sparked by a student’s heartfelt declaration, “This is going to be big” - to the decision to weave John Farnham’s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.
The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.
Whether you’re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what’s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.
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Since shooting to fame with “The Rosie Project”, Graeme Simsion has formed a successful writing partnership with his psychiatrist wife, Anne Buist. Here they share with Annie why the mental health system provides such fertile ground for their creativity, the change they hope to see in that world…and the nuts and bolts of working together.
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Can a murder mystery warm your heart? Cath thinks Zane Lovitt has pulled it off and enjoys chatting to him about his good-natured suburban crime story, “The Body Next Door”. It’s got all the captivating characters, clever clues and surprising twists one needs for a truly satisfying whodunit.
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Our random reader also enjoys books he can unwind with such as the mysteries of Alexander McCall Smith and Richard Osman. Or, for a change of pace, the nostalgia of “The Diary of Adrian Mole” series by Sue Townsend or a spot of popular science with “Breath” by James Nestor.
Guests
Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, authors of “The Glass House” and “The Oasis”, books number 1 & 2 in the “Menzies Mental Health” series.
Zane Lovitt, author of “The Body Next Door”.
Other books that get a mention:
Cath also mentions Siang Lu’s Miles Franklin winning novel, ”Ghost Cities”.
Annie mentions “Woo Woo” by Ella Baxter, “All Fours” by Miranda July, “Nighbitch” by Rachel Yonder and “The Slip” by Miriam Webster.
INSTAGRAM
@hachetteaus
@anneebuist
@gcsimsion
@text_publishing
@zane_lovitt
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Welcome back to Academia Month!
This week, we talk through two fascinating academic articles, 'The Australian Convict Prostitute Romance', and 'Conflict and Colonialism in 21st Century Romantic Historical Fiction: Repairing the Past, Repurposing History' by one of our podcast favourites, Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, with a shoutout to Dr Paloma Fresno-Calleja too! Prepare for a raucous discussion, a mysterious disappearance by our very own Abby Guy, and multiple moments where we get so entangled in our discussion that we cut each other off.
Mentions: The Convict Wives Trilogy by Lena Dowling
Damned Whores And Gods police by Anne Summers
A Cargo of Women by Babbette Smith
Academic Rivals by Jodi McAlister
TEXT Journal by Scholastic Romance Writers Australia
Articles:
The Australian Convict Prostitute Romance Narrating Social and Sexual Justice for “Damned Whores” by Hsu-Ming Teo.
Conflict and Colonialism in 21st Century Romantic Historical Fiction: Repairing the Past, Repurposing History by Hsu-Ming Teo and Paloma Fresno-Calleja
Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW
Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
-
Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
-
Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis is joined by Jason Mustin, assistant principal at Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Palmerston, Northern Territory. Drawing from 17 years in education and an early career in medical science, Jason Mustin brings a unique blend of analytical insight and heartfelt leadership to the table.
From navigating national education policy through a Territory lens to building genuine student connection in a transient workforce, Jason shares grounded, deeply reflective perspectives on what great leadership looks like in remote Australian contexts. He discusses the importance of creating clarity amid complexity, strategies for engaging digitally native teens, and how fostering identity and resilience starts with listening, not lecturing.
The conversation explores how staff turnover is managed through shared values like “connect before content,” and how culture-building is sustained through a radically welcoming mindset. Jason also unpacks how working closely with Indigenous communities has reshaped his understanding of connection to land, and why humility and curiosity are essential in leading schools in the Territory.
This episode offers rich, real-world insights for educators looking to lead with integrity, harness change with optimism, and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in remote regions. Whether you’re in a classroom, leadership role, or education policy, this discussion with Jason Mustin will leave you inspired and ready to rethink your approach to student connection and school culture.
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Welcome to Academia Month, where the vibes are casual but the thoughts are deep 🧠. In this episode, Amy is joined by Justina, Millie, and special return guestie Kathleen Stanley to talk all things academia. Tune in to hear all about their TEXT special issue, how being an academic is both scary and fun, and why you don't have to justify being a romance researcher anymore! Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
- Find Kathleen Stanley on IG: @decktheshelves
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table, Ben Sacco offers a fresh perspective on classroom behaviour. Drawing from his book ‘Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!’, he challenges traditional approaches to student discipline and reframes disruption as a signal, not simply a setback. With a decade of experience in education, policy, and innovation, he blends research and real-world strategies for today’s schools.
This interview explores the three underlying causes of disruption: intentional choices, personal challenges, and survival responses. Each requires a different approach. Rather than applying blanket consequences, Ben advocates for non-intrusive accountability, responding with both empathy and structure.
Listeners will learn how to create psychologically safe classrooms that support both teachers and students. When the right conditions are in place, explicit teaching becomes far more effective. Ben explains how teachers can build these environments through relational trust, clear expectations, and connection.
The conversation also covers mobile phone bans, educational policy, and school leadership. Ben argues that policies should reflect the reality of students’ digital lives. Banning tech, he suggests, may forgo key teachable moments. Instead, he calls for guidance, boundaries, and better digital literacy education.
Principals, teachers, parents, and policymakers each have a role in creating safe, inclusive schools. From cultural shifts to clever routines like “hot chocolate mornings,” Ben shares the small, powerful changes that shape meaningful learning environments. This episode is a must for anyone invested in improving school culture and student wellbeing. Ben Sacco offers a powerful call to rethink disruption and transform it into opportunity.
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Not ready to say goodbye to Western month yet? Good! Neither are we! It's the last week of our cast takeover and we’re lucky enough to have a cheeky fifth Thursday – which means it's time for Amy & After Dark! These are the late-night episodes where we get cosy and yap about all the things that don't fit into our regular podcast schedule.
At the behest of Amy, our holidaying host, we tucked into some popcorn and s'mores with all the table manners of a band of backwoodsmen and sat down to watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This 1954 technicolour Western (directed byStanley Donen, with music and lyrics by Gene de Paul and Johnny Mercer, and starring Howard Keel, Jane Powell and, crucially, Julie Newmar as our dear Dorcas) is an Academy Award–winning smash hit from the golden age of Hollywood studio musicals.
For some of us, it's a classic comfort watch and for others it was a brand new experience but, bless our beautiful hides, boy do we have a lot to say about it! In this episode we chat about everything from barn raising dance battles, to the cultural and political climate of 1950s USA, to the colonial impulses at the heart of Hollywood’s fascination with Ancient Rome.
MENTIONS
🎬 FILM: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954); Raise Your Voice (2004); High School Musical (2006); Braveheart (1995)
🎭 THEATRE: Seussical the Musical; The Book of Mormon; Mamma Mia!; Cats; Stomp; Hadestown; Six
📺 TELEVISION: Ru Paul’s Drag Race/“The Rusical”
📚 LITERATURE: “The Sobbin’ Women”, Stephen Vincent Benét; Parallel Lives, “Life of Romulus”, Plutarch; Ab Urbe Condita, Titus Livy; Ars Amatoria, Ovid
🎓 SCHOLARSHIP: “Two Hundred Years of Changes to Native Peoples of Western Oregon”, David Lewis; “The Australian Convict Prostitute Romance: Narrating Social and Sexual Justice for ‘Damned Whores’”, Hsu-Ming Teo; “Ancient Allusions and Modern Anxieties in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)”, Christopher M. McDonough; “Livy’s Sabine Women and the Ideal of Concordia”, Robert Brown; “Hunks, History, and Homophobia: Masculinity and Politics in ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Edward II’”, Sid Ray; 100 Film Musicals, Douglas Pye & Jim Hilliery
🏛️: ON-CALL CLASSICIST/ARTIST: Gemma Neall / 🎨 IG: @gememberthat
LINKS
- Our BOTM is Seven Brides for Beau McBride by Amy Barry
- Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cameron Peverett may have stumbled into special education, but his leadership journey has been anything but accidental. In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis is joined by Cameron Peverett, principal at Lake Colac School and current president of the Principal Association of Specialist Schools (PASS). From humble beginnings and unexpected opportunities to pioneering best-practice leadership, Cameron shares a refreshingly candid account of what it takes to lead in the complex, rewarding world of specialist education.
Driven by a “yes, and” mindset, Cameron reflects on how his adaptability and commitment to equity have shaped his leadership approach across several Victorian specialist schools. He explains how instructional leadership, strong school culture, and trust-building strategies combine to transform student and staff outcomes, especially in schools where disadvantage is a daily reality.
Listeners will gain insight into the systems Cameron uses to support teachers while reducing cognitive load, from evidence-based planning practices to collaborative professional learning structures. He also explores the fine balance between instructional consistency and teacher creativity, and how modelling presence—being in every classroom, every day—has helped reshape culture and trust.
This conversation also dives into the broader implications of specialist education today, including the importance of data-informed teaching, the challenge of building team trust in politically complex environments, and the rewards of student-centred leadership. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the car, kicking a footy with students, or being challenged by past pupils at McDonald’s, Cameron draws deep motivation from his school community.
Packed with practical strategies, leadership wisdom, and heart, this episode is a masterclass in purposeful, people-first leadership that gets results.
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Our amazing host is off galavanting in the mountains and in her absence we read Amy Barry's latest release, Seven Brides for Beau Mcbride. ⋆˖°.𖤓𓄀🂾𐚁𓃗.°˖⋆
Beau Mcbride might just be Amy Barry's most swoon-worthy cowboy yet — and we are so ready to catch the next train to Montana. Join us as we discuss why we (genuinely) love these books, and just how easily the Mcbride siblings have lassoed our hearts. We talk all things character, setting, plot, Junebug antics, representations of diverse masculinities, the relationships between women on the page, and just how perfect Ellie is for Beau.
Nobody does historical western romance like Amy Barry (no brown-nosing found here).
If you loved our conversation (and Amy) follow the link to secure your copy !!
LINKS
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Kristy Miller and Suzanne Litchfield share their journey founding Turrun Primary School on a greenfield site. In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis explores how they built a school identity rooted in local Indigenous language and meaning. From day one, Principal Kristy Millerand Assistant Principal Suzanne Litchfield focused on core values—respect, care, kindness and personal best—as the heartbeat of every decision.
This audio interview covers how they handled constant change and heavy cognitive loads. They explain their innovative hiring: prioritising “good humans” over skill sets and trusting gut instincts. Discover how they navigated Australia’s teacher shortage by sticking firmly to their high standards—even if that meant non-appointments. The pair also explain why they’re transforming open-plan learning spaces into calmer, wall-based classrooms, supported by evidence on reducing cognitive overload in students.
You’ll learn how these leaders fostered a strong, culturally rich school community speaking over 20 languages. Turrun’s leadership built from the ground up ensures every student, staff member and family feel known and valued. Kristy and Suzanne also detail their ‘At Turrun Guides’—short, sharp staff resources that create consistency, clarity and a human‑first school culture.
If you’re interested in adaptability, values-driven leadership and school culture, this episode offers practical lessons. Plus, hear how Turrun Primary balances administrative rigour with intentional, daily human connection—even as the school grows. It’s an inspiring example of shaping a school’s soul from the very start.
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SPOILER ALERT! Cast takeover month continues as Abby, Harry, and Payton interrogate— I mean interview bestselling author Amy Barry about her latest release and our July book club pick, Seven Brides for Beau McBride! Learn what Harry REALLY thinks about this book, why Abby fantasises about getting stuck on fences, and whether or not Payton is a brown-noser, this week on Amy &.
Mentions:
- The McBrides of Montana by Amy Barry
- Frontiers of the Heart by Tess Lesue
- Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy Matthews
- 'Entangled: The Exegetical Process of a Romance Author' by Amy Matthews
- ‘The Wicked Problem’ developed by Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber in the 1973 article, ‘Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning’.
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In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza from North Mandurah Primary School in Western Australia. Kendall Lange, the principal, and Wendy Tregenza, leader of the school’s Specialised Learning Programs for Autism (SLP-A), share real-world strategies for supporting autistic students and fostering inclusive school communities.
Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza explore how schools have shifted from one-size-fits-all methods towards personalised support that embraces every student’s strengths. They offer insights into recognising invisible disabilities, setting individual education plans (IEPs), and building a culture where all students feel happy, connected, and successful.
The conversation covers the complexities of autism diagnosis, emphasising collaboration between schools, families, and medical professionals. Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza highlight how tools like visual timetables, break cards, and token economies help autistic students transition into mainstream classrooms. Their program focuses on guiding students to full participation, using a strength-based approach and neurodiversity-affirming strategies.
Listeners will hear how North Mandurah’s model influences broader educational practice, including reverse integration programs in high schools and sharing inclusive practices with other schools. Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza stress that passion and mindset matter more than specialisation when building teaching teams—creating adaptable, compassionate learning environments.
Whether you're a principal, teacher, or parent, this episode with Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza offers actionable advice on creating truly inclusive schools. Their experience shows that inclusion is not just about programs or policies; it’s about relationships, flexibility, and always seeing the person behind the challenge.
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Brian Castro's “The Chinese Postman” is a meditation on old age with a central character whose life mirrors his own. The story strays into fiction when the protagonist, Abe Quin, begins a correspondence with a woman seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. This acclaimed work of autofiction is short-listed for this year’s Miles Franklin Award.
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In Bronwyn Rivers’ menacing thriller “The Reunion” five friends meet for a weekend on a lonely property in the Blue Mountains. Ten years earlier they were amongst a group of six who went hiking in the area …only five returned. Now the survivors are being stalked by someone who wants to know what really happened to their friend Ed – it seems everyone has something to hide.
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Our very assiduous random reader, Lesley, is currently reading “Pompeii” by Robert Harris and “Under the Banner of Heaven” by Jon Krakauer. She’s listening to the audio version of “Limberlost” by Robbie Arnott. Piled on her tsundoku are “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See, “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach, The Shardlake Series by CJ Sansom and “Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck.
Guests
Brain Castro, author of “Chinese Postman”
Bronwyn Rivers, author of “The Reunion”
Other books that get a mention:
Brian mentions a poem by TS Eliot, “The Waste Land”
Bronwyn mentions inspirational crime writers Agatha Christie and PD James
Sarah mentions the DS Walker series of thrillers by Patricia Wolf
Annie is reading Charlotte McConaghy’s “Wild Dark Shore”
INSTAGRAM
@giramondopublishing
@hachetteaus
@bronwynriversauthor
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Put on your cowboy boots and grab a partner for the square dance, because we ain't finished talkin' cowboys just yet! ⋆˖°.𖤓𓄀🂾𐚁𓃗.°˖⋆
In this episode we are joined by writer, social media manager, cowboy enthusiast and boot scootin' professional, Bee Saint James, as well as academic and Christmas romance (occasionally on a ranch) expert Kathleen Stanley, to talk all things contemporary cowboy romance novels.
Should we bring back the dance social? Which parts of the wild west do contemporary cowboy romances reinscribe? How much of the dirty reality of farming does the contemporary romance ignore? And we are still stuck on the most important question: what types of farming are the sexiest?
Our Book of the Month for July is Seven Brides for Beau McBride by Amy Barry! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Follow Bee Saint James on IG: @beesaintjames
- Find more from Bee (or fancy an evening of boot scootin'?) here.
- Follow Kathleen Stanley on IG: @decktheshelves
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis talks with Paul James, ICT Manager at St Ignatius College in Geelong—a school where technology is no longer confined to the IT office but woven through every aspect of school life. From cybersecurity to AI-driven classroom tools, James is helping reshape how schools operate, protect, and innovate.
As the person responsible for all things with an electric current—from audiovisual systems to network security—James explains how artificial intelligence is creating safer, smarter learning environments. Using tools like Darktrace, the school’s network learns to recognise normal behaviour and can detect threats in real time, reducing manual monitoring and freeing up valuable time.
But AI isn’t just bolstering security. James and his team are experimenting with AI platforms like Cursor and ChatGPT to solve real operational challenges. From automating learning management tasks to developing user-friendly dashboards that help educators track assessments and reporting, these tools are transforming daily processes—allowing the IT team to focus less on troubleshooting and more on creative problem-solving.
The discussion also explores the human side of AI in schools. James reflects on how technology can be made more approachable by giving software personality, and how plain-English interfaces can help teachers and coordinators interact meaningfully with complex systems. The potential for AI to tailor student learning, personalise teacher insights, and even help with sustainability initiatives is also unpacked.
Beyond the immediate benefits, James raises thoughtful questions about AI’s role in education equity. While the tools are widely accessible, the impact will depend on school leadership, culture, and community engagement.
This conversation is a compelling look at how AI, used thoughtfully, can enhance—not replace—human connection, creativity, and care in our schools.
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Howdy! Amy is off on holiday so we (the collective & of AMY &) have taken this opportunity to do a sneaky takeover of the pod 😈 Welcome to WESTERN MONTH! Yee, and I cannot stress this enough, haw 🤠 🌄🐎🌾🐄🌵
We’re keen as a tin of hot beans to deep dive into all things both country and western, from cowboy heroes to spirited heroines, rugged outlaws to lonesome ranchers, the wild mountains of Montana to small desert towns that, try as we might to huddle close together, just can’t quite seem to fit the two of us.
In this episode we’ll be asking the big questions: Why are westerns so hot right now? What is it about the rough masculinity of cowboys that’s so attractive to readers? What makes a good heroine and why is the answer “spunk”? How can we navigate the fantasy of fictional frontier life with the violent reality of settler colonialism? And of course, what’s the sexiest kind of farming?
Our Book of the Month for July is Seven Brides for Beau McBride by Amy Barry! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!
LINKS
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Anthony Rowe, principal of Huntingdale Primary School in Melbourne — a pioneering bilingual school where students navigate their learning in both English and Japanese from their very first day. With half the curriculum delivered in Japanese, including subjects like mathematics—the school challenges traditional education models and is achieving remarkable academic outcomes. Rowe explains that far from being a barrier, bilingual education enhances student capability, building resilience and cognitive flexibility. Mathematics, often described as a language in itself, proved the ideal entry point for the school’s 50/50 bilingual programme. The results speak for themselves: Huntingdale’s mathematics outcomes significantly outperform similar schools across Victoria, a testament to both pedagogy and perseverance. Beyond the numbers, Huntingdale fosters cultural fluency and global citizenship. With students from over 40 cultural backgrounds, the school community embraces traditions such as the Japanese Undōkai sports day, classroom rituals like bowing, and artistic exploration of Japanese masters like Yayoi Kusama and Hokusai. These daily experiences cultivate curiosity, respect, and connection. The discussion also touches on the challenges of integrating students who join in later years without Japanese language foundations, and how the school’s robust support structures—including tailored learning plans and dedicated language support—help bridge the gap. Rowe reflects on leading a bilingual teaching team, the cultural nuances that shape collaboration, and the importance of aligning language programmes with local community needs and secondary pathways. For Huntingdale graduates, bilingualism isn’t just an academic asset—it’s a springboard to future studies, global careers, and enriched worldviews. This episode is a fascinating exploration of how language, culture, and education can combine to create more than just dual fluency—they can create confident, adaptable learners ready for a complex world.
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Hi Booklovers! This week, Amy & the podcast team sat down to chat about Melanie Saward's novel, Love Unleashed, for Pride Month! We discuss the boundaries of genre, bisexual representation, the sheer quantity of layers and depth that Melanie has weaved into this narrative, relationships and love, and the importance of community.
Melanie Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman. She is a writer, editor, and university lecturer based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. Her debut novel Burn was published by Affirm Press in September 2023 and she’s also had work published in the literary journals Griffith Review, Meanjin, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, andhas fiction published in the anthologies Flock: First Nations Stories Then and Now, and New Australian Fiction. Her first romantic comedy novel, Love Unleashed, was published by Penguin Random House in 2024.
- Follow Melanie on IG: @littleredwrites
- Check out more from Melanie here: littleredwrites.com.au
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Check out our YouTube for video content: AmyAndPodcast
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actor, stuntman and voice artist, Neil Fanning’s entertainment career has spanned over 35 years. With more than 50 movie, television and commercial credits to his name, Neil’s versatility and experience continue to be highly sought after. Most notably Neil performed the voice of Scooby-Doo in both international blockbusters, Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
Among his other film credits are Elvis, Nim’s Island, Daybreakers, Peter Pan, Crocodile Hunter – Collision Course and Jackie Chan’s First Strike. TV appearances include Sea Patrol, Wanted, Mermaids along with many others and numerous commercials. Neil has also lent his unique voice talent to international movie studios including USA studios Warner Bros and Walt Disney Pictures.
Neil continues to perform in the film and television industry and in the corporate entertainment sector writing, producing and performing over 15 interactive comedy characters and as an MC for major corporate events in Australia and internationally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel and Eddie talk to one of the best gaming experts in voice acting today.
Jay Anthony Franke is an American screen and voiceover actor who first rose to prominence as Jake Sommers in the hit ‘90s NBC teen sitcom California Dreams, where he rocked the screen as the leather-clad lead guitarist.
As a voice actor, Jay is widely known for his portrayal of J. C. Denton in the critically acclaimed, award-winning video game Deus Ex, and can be heard in fan-favourites Mass Effect: Infiltrator & Black Desert Online.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this third week of Pride month, Amy & Justina and Harry interview THE Patrick Lenton, author of In Spite of You, who joins us for a wildly honest chat about queerness, the chaos of writing, and the unexpected beauty of Gimli and Legolas. We dive into craft, community, and smile with equal delight about the splendour of the romance community!
Patrick Lenton is a journalist and writer who lives in Melbourne. He is an amazing comedy writer and a regular arts and culture commentator in the media, having appeared on The Project, ABC's The Mix, ABC Breakfast, and more. His independent publication, Nonsense, covers comedy, queer news and culture, and his debut rom-com novel, In Spite of You, releases this year (2025).
LINKS
Pre-order your copy of In Spite of You here.
Find Patrick Lenton on instagram: @patrick_lenton
. . . and his queer culture and comedy newsletter, Nonsense, here.
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James Bradley introduces his latest novel; one of crime in a time of climate crisis. The desperate search for a missing child is set against a terrifying Sydney of the future, where sea levels are rising with the temperature and the social divide has become a chasm.
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Catherine Jinks, known for her children’s fiction, has turned her deft writer's hand to adult thrillers. In ‘Panic’ her main character Bronwyn leaves town when the fallout from a misjudged text inflames the wrath of social media. However, worse awaits her in the country where conspiracy theorists and escapees from society have created a hell of their own.
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Our young random reader Arlo recommends The Star Wars trilogy and anything by Roald Dahl.
Guests
James Bradley, author of “Landfall”. His other books include the novels “Wrack”, “The Deep Field”, “Clade” and “Ghost Species”, a book of poetry, “Paper Nautilus”, and a work of non-fiction, “Deep Water”.
Catherine Jinks, author of “Panic”. Her other thrillers include “The Attack” and “Shelter”. Her children’s books include “Traitor’s Mask” and “Demon Thief”.
Other books that get a mention:
Michaela’s been reading “The Accident” by Fiona Lowe. You can find Sarah’s interview with Fiona in Episode 40 of Tsundoku.
As part of her judging gig for the Ned Kelly Awards, Cath has discovered “Home Truths” by Charity Norman and “Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter” by Nicci French.
James Bradley mentions “Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami, “Human Nature”by Jane Rawson and “Is a River Alice” by Robert Macfarlane
@penguinbooksaus
@ghostspecies
@catherinejinksauthor
@text_publishing
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In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis talks with Craig Ainsworth from Westport Public School about how a modest chess program in a low socio-economic school achieved elite educational outcomes over 18 years. Far from just a lunchtime club, Craig’s program developed students’ physical control, emotional intelligence, intellectual stamina, and creative thinking—all through the game of chess. Ainsworth shares that success wasn’t about innate giftedness, but about effort and process. Using a structured approach—such as the KM-PPS framework (King safety, Material, Pawn structure, Position, Space)—students learned to handle pressure, make strategic decisions, and apply consistent critical thinking under stress. Chess became more than a game; it was a vehicle for building resilience and a growth mindset. The program had broad academic impacts, boosting students’ performance in both maths and literacy. Notably, it also shattered stereotypes: many of the top players were athletic or quiet students who, through chess, discovered untapped cognitive strengths. Craig emphasises that coaching was not passive—it required active engagement, questioning students about their decisions, and creating an environment where learning was mutual. A key to the program’s longevity was its self-sustaining culture of mentoring. Elite players trained the next cohort, creating a legacy of peer-led excellence. Even though the program paused when Craig left in 2018, its ripple effects are seen in students now pursuing high-level studies and careers. When asked why chess still matters in the age of AI, Craig affirms that machines can analyse but not create. It’s human creativity, developed through tools like chess, that remains irreplaceable. This episode is a testament to how traditional games, paired with intentional teaching, can unlock transformative educational experiences—especially in places where they’re least expected.
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In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Nikki Bonus, founder of Life Skills Group and the digital platform Life Skills Go. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of emotional intelligence, student well-being, and readiness to learn—arguing that emotional regulation is foundational to academic success. Bonus explains how Life Skills Go serves as a “student-facing technology for good” by helping children identify and manage their emotions daily. Drawing on neuroscience and trauma-informed practices, the platform provides real-time data on students’ emotional states, offering teachers actionable insights without disrupting classroom learning. One example: a quick morning check-in reveals if a student is emotionally regulated and ready to learn. If not, teachers are equipped to engage with empathy rather than discipline. Central to the platform’s philosophy is the understanding that emotions aren't good or bad—they’re data. Recognising, normalising, and validating feelings like anger or worry builds self-awareness and trust. As Bonus explains, being seen—truly seen—can make all the difference in a child’s day, improving engagement and creating a sense of belonging. The discussion also touches on National Check-In Week, a post-COVID initiative that revealed how many students mask distress. Bonus argues for cultural change within schools: data on student well-being should be as critical as academic metrics. Real-world examples show how unnoticed emotional patterns can surface through data, leading to early intervention and support. The episode ends with a call to action: rather than waiting for policy shifts, schools should act now using the tools and research available. Bonus’ message is clear—emotional literacy isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for learning, and schools have the power to transform lives by prioritising it.
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In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis visits Leigh Johnson, principal of Harkaway Primary School—a small, 150-year-old school nestled in Victoria’s scenic hills. Despite its modest size and absence from the national spotlight, Harkaway has gained international recognition for its innovative, student-centred approach to education, especially around resilience and disaster preparedness. Johnson describes Harkaway’s unique charm, rooted in deep community ties and aesthetic appeal. Many families bypass other schools to enroll there, drawn by its relational culture and meaningful learning experiences. The school’s educational philosophy is anchored in a "child-centred disaster risk reduction" manifesto developed collaboratively with students and experts. Its four pillars are: involving children in learning about risks, dismantling outdated myths, connecting students with real-world experts, and empowering them to teach peers. The school’s learning environment encourages action-based education. From participating in water quality monitoring with River Detectives to co-designing a climate education game with Indonesian schools, students engage as scientists and global citizens—not just learners. Harkaway also embraces the idea of "failing successfully." Inspired by Finland’s National Day for Failure, the school celebrates mistakes as part of the learning process, helping build student resilience and normalise the iterative nature of discovery. Johnson emphasises the value of understanding individual learners and acting on that knowledge—a principle he believes any school can adopt. The episode is a compelling portrait of how a small, rural school is pioneering meaningful, globally connected education rooted in empathy, inquiry, and agency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this second week of Pride month, Amy & Justina, Payton, and Millie try to talk broader queer fiction, get distracted by queer romance again, but ultimately persevere to talk first queer classics, genre fiction with incidental queers, and their hopes for future queer fiction.
LINKS
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Must there always be a boy one and a girl one? Is there only one way to write a queer HEA? What's the difference between representing queer people and queering the genre itself? Amy & Harry, Abby, and Justina are kicking off Pride Month with a discussion about all of this and more.
Mentioned: Female Masculinity and The Queer Art of Failure by Jack Halberstam.
LINKS
- Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amy & the podcast team don their oodies and pyjamas to sit down After Dark and have a conversation about the topics that don't make it into our four-week schedule. This week, as part of smut month, we discuss the rise in dark & taboo romance novels. What is dark romance? Why are these narratives more popular now more than ever? Should we be concerned about the easy access to these novels as they are sold and distributed by department stores? Where do these novels belong on the shelves? No question, no matter how taboo, is off the table.
This episode deals with adult content. Please take note of the content warning at the beginning of the video and take care of yourselves.
LINKS
- Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hi Booklovers! This week, Amy & the podcast team sat down to chat about Christina Lauren's Beautiful Bastard and all things smut-tastic! Where are the lines between romance, erotica and porn? What makes sex in a rom-com novel 'good'? We explore the length, width and depth of this very slippery topic!
Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The #1 international bestselling co-author duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction and has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels together. They are published in over 30 languages, have received multiple starred reviews, been inducted into the Library Reads Hall of Fame, named Amazon and Audible Romance of the Year, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, and been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. They have been featured in publications such as Forbes, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Time, Entertainment Weekly, People, Today, O Magazine and more.
- Follow Christina Lauren on IG: @christinalauren
- Follow Christina Lauren on Facebook: ChristinaLaurenBooks
- Check out more from Christina Lauren here: ChristinaLaurenBooks
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Check out our YouTube for video content: AmyAndPodcast
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
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Kate Grenville is best known for her book “The Secret River” published in 2005 which became an analogy for white settlement of Australia. More than two decades on, and following the defeat of the Voice referendum, Grenville has taken another journey through that same country which her ancestors settled, resulting in her latest book, “Unsettled”. In this episode, Kate Grenville chats to Annie Hastwell about the importance of facing our true history.
Guest:
Kate Grenville
INSTAGRAM:
@blackinkbooks
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Amy & Harry talk with special guests, the legendary duo Christina Lauren! Through the laughs, we discuss the upcoming re-release of their 'Beautiful Series', we talk all things smut, its place in our day and age (hint, it's still incredible and we all love it), and where the unsexiest place is in an office for...
Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The #1 international bestselling coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction and has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels together. They are published in over 30 languages, have received multiple starred reviews, been inducted into the Library Reads Hall of Fame, named Amazon and Audible Romance of the Year, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, and been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. They have been featured in publications such as Forbes, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Time, Entertainment Weekly, People, Today, O Magazine and more.
- Follow Christina Lauren on IG: @christinalauren
- Follow Christina Lauren on Facebook: ChristinaLaurenBooks
- Check out more from Christina Lauren here: ChristinaLaurenBooks
- Follow the Amy& Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy& BookClub: Amy & BookClub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
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Amy & series regulars, Payton Hogan and Justina Ashman, are joined by (soon-to-be) Dr. Georgia Nicholls to discuss sex in the rom com novel, where we ask questions like: What is smut? Does smut offer positive sex education? Are male modes of sexual pleasure being privileged in the rom com novel? And why are romance heroes so Big and heroines so smol?!
LINKS
- Find Aya de Léon here: ayadeleon.com
- Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Rachel Sallis reflects on her podcasting journey and how "This is My Voice" came to be. We want to invite YOU to get in touch with if you have any feedback, want us to ask a voice artist a question, or would like us to cover a particular topic. Thank you to everyone who is a part of our wonderful community, we appreciate you taking the time to listen.
Thank you again for your support.
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It’s officially smut month! Amy and series regulars Millie Heffernan and Abby Guy are joined by our special guestie Izzie Duffield (who also writes as Elizabeth Stevens as well as many other names). Come with us as we dive into fantasy smut! What is smut in romance and what happens when you add guys with huge wingspans into the mix?
Find Izzie’s work here.
Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single “Same Old” here.
Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
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Cath discovers the people in Damien Wilkins’ life who inspired his latest novel, “Delirious”. It’s an emotionally powerful novel about families, ageing and the surprising ways second chances come around.
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Annie visits Orchard Books in the Adelaide Arcade where she receives a masterclass in styling a warm, inviting and delightfully idiosyncratic second-hand bookshop.
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Our random reader recommends “Time of the Child” and “This is Happiness” by Niall Williams.
Guests:
Damien Wilkins, New Zealand author of “Delirious”... and 14 other novels.
Nick Patrick and Kate Treloar, owners of Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide Arcade.
Other books that get a mention:
Cath recommends her holiday reads; “Molly Keen; A Life” by Sally Phipps and “Overtaken” by Alexei Sayle
Annie recommends “The Tenderness of Wolves” by Stef Penney
@thwupbooks
@orchardbookshop
@damienwilkins103
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Amy & the podcast team sit down to discuss Aya de Léon's romantic suspense novel, Side Chick Nation, as part of our Climate Fiction month!
Aya de León is an acclaimed writer of poetry, prose, stage, and screen. She teaches creative writing at UC Berkeley and is the 'acquiring editor for a new climate justice fiction imprint Fighting Chance Books, which will publish stories of people taking collective action in the here and now to solve the climate crisis' (ayadeleon.com).
LINKS
- Find Aya de Léon here: ayadeleon.com
- Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
- Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Amy & Justina chat with Jennifer Mills, a celebrated writer of climate fiction and dystopian novels and author of The Airways (2021), Dyschronia (2018) and Gone (2011). Her latest book, Salvage, is out on May 27. Join us as we chat about ambiguous utopias, the ethics (or lack thereof) of space billionaires, and the responsibility we have to each other and the world in the face of climate emergency.
Pre-order Salvage here.
Find more of Jennifer's work here.
For a chance to win Side Chick Nation by Aya de León (our book of the month!) or Overstory by Richard Powers click here!
Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.
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Amy & Payton talk with special guesties Dr Alex Cothren and Dr Rachel Hennessy about climate-fiction writing and scholarship – but we’re fun nerds, I promise. You can find Alex’s satirical short stories in basically any literary mag you could possibly think of, and by August 2025, his debut anthology Playing Nice Was Getting Me Nowhere will be published by Pink Shorts Press. Rachel Hennessy is an award-winning author of five novels and her most recent, City Knife, concluded her "cli-fi-ish" dystopian YA/Teen trilogy, The Burning Days. Take a deep breath and relax that heart-rate because we’re here to discuss how we might find hope and eschew defeatism in these trying times.
Pre-order Alex's anthology here.
Find Rachel's latest novel here.
Ready to read some cli-fi? For a chance to win Side Chick Nation by Aya de León or Overstory by Richard Powers click here!
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I do voices! The late great Robin Williams quote from his classic film Mrs. Doubtfire is "I do voices" and we do too. In this episode Rachel and Eddie recap season ones interview Voice Off challenges with a variety of wonderful guest highlights.
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Amy & season regulars, Payton and Millie, are joined by special guestie Melanie Ross to talk climate fiction. Listen in as we talk climate disasters, the subtlety of cli-fi, and the potential of a forest's imagination.
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Amy & the podcast team sit down for our very first live bookclub where we chat, with earl grey cocktails (and tea) in hand, about all things Pride and Prejudice.
From Mr. Darcy's exorbitant Pemberley and the reality of where this generational wealth comes from, the misjudgement of Lydia Bennet, and what Mr. Collins' hinge profile would look like, no topic of conversation is off limits.
LINKS
- Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
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Sarah is joined by Candice Fox who reflects how her “scrappy” upbringing in Bankstown and her Dad’s work in the local prison informed her crime writing. It still makes her a magnet for people willing to share their dark and strange story ideas.
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Annie takes you to the launch of “Splinter”, a new literary journal, to meet its editor, Farrin Foster. In the tradition of such journals Splinter will be a place for new writing of any kind to get a showing, and a welcoming forum for South Australia’s literary community.
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Sarah recommends “Australian Gospel: A Family Saga” by Lech Blaine
Our random reader recommends “Technofeudalism: What killed capitalism” by Yanis Varoufakis and “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy.
Guests
Candice Fox, author of “High Wire”
Farin Foster, editor of “Splinter”
You can find more information about “Splinter” here: https://splinterjournal.com/
INSTAGRAM
@candicefoxauthor
@penginrandomhouse
@splinterjournal
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Learn the art of exploration with Adelaide's own Tamara Linke, as Eddie and Rachel learn about referencing voices, accents and how to experiment with sampling.
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This week our host, Amy Matthews, is joined by season regulars Justina Ashman and Harry Stewart...But wait! There's more! Today, we are graced by two iconic guests.
They are the masterminds behind the smash-hit For the Love of Austen series, including the joyous Emma of 83rd Street and well-loved Elizabeth of East Hampton. It's none other than the authors of contemporary Austen reimaginings, Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding!
Grab your tea (or your favourite Austen-era cocktail) and settle in as we dive into how these authors bring classic characters into the modern world, and what Mr. Darcy might look like with a smartphone.
LINKS
- Follow Audrey and Emily on IG: @audrey.and.emily
- Follow Audrey Bellezza on IG: @audreybellezzawrites
- Follow Emily Harding on IG: @emilyhardingwrites
- Check out more from Audrey and Emily here: audreyandemily.com
- Check out more from Emily Harding here: emilyhardingdotcom.com
- Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
- Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
- Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
- Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
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Amy & season regulars, Payton, Harry, and Abby, demonstrate just how far our conversations can digress (like why, exactly, Harry would be a beaver), and discuss which song Jane Austen is going to sing when she joins us for karaoke.
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Learn the art of exploration with Adelaide's own Tamara Linke, as Eddie and Rachel learn about referencing voices, accents and how to experiment with sampling.
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Amy & season regulars, Justina, Millie, and Abby, welcome you to the very first episode of the Amy & Podcast! This week we chat Jane Austen facts, like just how far Austen's hate for Bath goes, and Amy tells us about that one time she received a wedding favour of 250 goldfish.
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Amy & is a bookish podcast with benefits. Amy Matthews is joined by series regulars Justina Ashman, Abby Guy, Millie Heffernan, Payton Hogan and Harry Stewart and by a cast of guesties, both special and specialer. Featuring genre deep dives, author Q&As, and a live book club with a signature cocktail/mocktail, we’re your new favourite interactive book club with an accessibly academic flair. Listen to the pod, embrace the community on socials, and tune in to the livestream for the monthly book club – whether you’re a new book lover or a seasoned bibliophile, we can’t wait to meet you!
Subscribe now to get all our updates :)
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In this episode, Rach and Eddie learn about the history of the voice industry from none other than Australian extraordinaire and Bullwinkle J. Moose himself... Keith Scott!
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Cath and Sarah delight in sharing what they loved about Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey’s short novel, “Orbital”
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Cath then settles into a cosy chat to author Melanie Cheng. She’s created a delicate and wise novella in which a family’s grief is articulated and haltingly addressed with the adoption of a pet rabbit.
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Michaela enjoys revisiting Margaret Atwood’s enigmatic classic “Alias Grace” with Flinders University Associate Professors, Kylie Cardell and Lisa Bennett.
Guests
Melanie Cheng, General Practitioner and author of “The Burrow”, “Room for a Stranger” and “Australia Day”
Lisa Bennett is Associate Professor of Creative Writing and English at Flinders University. She’s the author of “Viking Women: Life and Lore”. The follow-up volume, “Viking Women: Myth and Magic” is due out this year.
Kylie Cardell is Associate Professor of Creative Writing and English at Flinders University. She’s the author of “Dear World: Contemporary Uses of the Diary” and Editor (with Kate Douglas) of “Telling Tales: Autobiography of Childhood and Youth” and she is the essays Editor for the Australian scholarly journal, “Life Writing”.
@lisalhannett
@kyliesays
@text_publishing
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The latest installment of the This is My Voice! podcast stars the iconic Billy West, undoubtedly one of the most well known stars in the voice industry today. Best known for his work on Futurama, West voices Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, President Nixon, Zapp Brannigan and the loveable yet disturbing Dr. Zoidberg. The list of characters Billy has brought to life also includes Bugs Bunny, Ren and Stimpy and even the Red M&M.
In this episode, hosts Eddie Bye and Rachel Sallis ask him about the inspirations behind
beloved characters, living with neurodivergence, and solving the decades long “rabbit season, duck season debate”.
Sallis stated “Billy was really generous with us, and gave us so much insight into the industry and his characters. I tried to throw him a couple of curveballs and got some interesting results.”
“Billy West is one of those rare talents that floods the room with energy. It’s impossible not to get caught up in his infectious storytelling, that’s what makes him such a special talent“ Sallis added.
This limited series will be available from the Auscast Network every second Friday at
5:00pm ACST.
Futurama is available to watch now on Disney Plus.
Follow us @thisismyvoice_pod on Instagram.
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In this episode, hosts Rachel Sallis and Eddie Bye turn the spotlight on themselves. Find out who our presenters are, what makes them tick, and more behind the scenes information about your new favourite podcast.
Thanks to the Australian Radio School and the Auscast Network.
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Catherine McKinnon’s tense but tender tale, “To Sing of War”, immerses the reader in the lives of three characters strung across the globe during the dying days of World War II …as the days tick towards the detonation of the first nuclear weapon on Hiroshima.
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Poet Ken Bolton makes a good case for why British writer Beryl Bainbridge should not be forgotten.
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ABC Broadcaster and poet Mike Ladd shares what’s in his tsundoku.
Guests
Catherine McKinnon, author of “To Sing of War” and the Miles Franklin Award shortlisted “Storyland”
Ken Bolton, Australian poet whose most recent collection is titled “Salute”
Our Random Reader is ABC broadcaster and poet Mike Ladd
Other books that get a mention
Catherine McKinnon mentions “The Regeneration Trilogy” by Pat Barker, “Cloud Cukooland” by Anthony Doerr.
Ken Bolton mentions Beryl Bainbridge’s books, “An Awfully Big Adventure”, “Injury Time”, “Master Georgie”, “The Birthday Boys”, “Watson’s Apology”, “According to Queeney” and “A Quiet Life”.
Mike Ladd mentions “The story of Wy-lah, the cockatoo” by Leslie Rees, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “Selected Poems’ by Elizabeth Bishop, “The Years” by Annie Ernaux, “The Pole and Other Stories” by John Coetzee and “Salt Creek” by Lucy Treloar.
@cathmckinnonauthor
@harpercollinsaustralia
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Sound Designer from the global hit show Bluey and voice of Uncle Stripe joins Rachel and Eddie this week on the show. Eddie does a deep dive into the creative process of sound design and voice work. While Rach discusses the success of the Australian soul in Bluey and its impact overseas.
Topics included in the episode;
- Dan Brumm’s childhood in Cairns and early interest in sound design.
- His journey into sound design through Griffith University and early career experiences.
- The creative process behind designing sound effects for Bluey.
- Importance of timing, simplicity, and authenticity in sound for animations like Bluey.
- Challenges and joys of voicing Uncle Stripe on Bluey.
- Bluey’s impact in representing Australian culture globally, including slang and lifestyle.
- The role of parenting experiences in shaping performances for Bluey.
- Insights into voicing documentary narrations like Gem Hunters Down Under.
- The rise of Australian accents in global entertainment through Bluey.
- The collaborative atmosphere of Brisbane’s creative community.
Thanks to the Australian Radio School and the Auscast Network.
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Ben Whitehead stars as Wallace in the upcoming film "Wallace and Gromit - A Vengeance Most Fowl", and he joins us for the very first episode of This Is My Voice! We talk about the new film, the legacy of his character, and transitioning from struggling young actor to a renowned voice actor.
@aardmananimations @theatreinthebin
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- Introduction to This Is My Voice! podcast and Ben Whitehead as the inaugural guest (00:14)
- Ben’s childhood love for Wallace and Gromit and how it inspired his career (01:25)
- Insights into the upcoming film Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl (02:14)
- Ben’s journey into voice acting and his “accidental” entry into Aardman Animations (07:00)
- The art of voice-matching Wallace’s character and evolving the role (14:03)
- Challenges of working with silent characters like Gromit in animation (18:52)
- Ben’s thoughts on legacy and his role as a custodian of Wallace’s character (25:56)
- Fun impersonation challenges with Rachel and Eddie (28:13)
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Subscribe now - 'This Is My Voice' with Rachel Sallis and Eddie Bye is coming soon.
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Michaela talks to one of her favourite writers, Robbie Arnott, about “Dusk”; a beautiful and beguiling tale of siblings, so down on their luck they embark on an impossible quest to slay a puma in the Tasmanian highlands and claim a life-changing bounty.
Sarah chats to stand-out millennial Hannah Ferguson about her second book, “Taboo: Conversations we never had about sex, body image, work and relationships”
Then, the Tsundoku gang gets together to discuss their favourite books of 2024 and the book they’d most like to find in their Christmas stocking.
Guests
Robbie Arnott, author of “Dusk”
Hannah Ferguson, author of “Taboo: Conversations we never had about sex, body image, work and relationships”
Other books that get a mention
Robbie Arnott also mentions “Creation Lake” by Rachel Kushner, “The Sound of Waves” by Yukio Mishima, “Deep Water; The world in the ocean” by James Bradley, “Old School” by Tobias Wolff and “The Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien
Cath mentions “The Red Children”, “The White Children”, “My Driver” and "My Cleaner” by Maggie Gee and Belinda Bauer’s books “Snap”, “Exit” and “The Impossible Thing”
Annie mentions “The Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St John Mandel,“The Beesting” by Paul Murray, “Caledonian Roads” by Andrew O’Hagan and the Robert Harris books, “Precipice”, “Pompeii” and “Fatherland”
Sarah mentions “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin, “All Fours” by Miranda July, “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and “Stone Yard Devotional” by Charlotte Wood
Michaela mentions “Other Houses” by Paddy O'Reilly and “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey
@robbie_gc_arnott
@macmillanaus
@hannahferguson_
@affirmpress
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Markus Zusak uses words like “challenging” and “ complex” to describe his three dogs, Reuben, Archie and Frosty. In this interview Zusak recounts the joy of remembering his hounds in all their unvarnished glory for this, his first memoir. Also, the challenge of recording his own audio books, the old favourites he likes to read and re-read “forensically”, and which of his favourite books piqued Archie’s literary tastebuds!
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Our beloved reviewers of literary classics, Kylie Cardell and Lisa Bennett, return to reassess Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”. Kylie has read it many times and Lisa for the first time this year. The tale has obviously endured in our popular culture, movies and vernacular but is it still a “good read”?
Guests:
Markus Zusak, author of “Three Wild Dogs and the Truth”. Also “The Book Thief”, “Bridge of Clay”, “The Messenger” and the young adult trilogy “The Underdog”, “Fighting Ruben Wolfe” and “When Dogs Cry”.
Associate Professor Kylie Cardell teaches and researches life narrative with the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University.
Associate Professor Lisa Bennett teaches undergraduate and Honours classes in Creative Writing and English, Flinders University.
Maddie recounts the books she first fell for as a teenager, her passion for Margaret Atwood’s dystopian creations and a series that explores indigenous knowledge.
Other books that get a mention:
Annie mentions “Butter” by Asako Yuzuki and “All Fours” by Miranda July.
Michaela mentions “Want; Sexual fantasies by anonymous” edited by Gillian Anderson.
Markus mentions “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver, “All the Pretty Horses” written by Cormac McCarthy and narrated by Brad Pitt, “Cairo” by Chris Womersley, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” by Peter Hedges, “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon and “Barbarian Days; A surfing life” by William Finnegan
Maddie mentions young adult author Margaret Clark, “Puberty Blues” by Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Oryx & Crake”, “The Year of the Flood” and “MaddAddam” by Margaret Atwood, the six-part “First Knowledges” series, in particular “Astronomy” edited by Margo Neale.
@markuszusak
@macmillanaus
@kyliesays
@lisahannett
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Sean Williams, author of 5 million words, is famous for his hugely successful forays into the worlds of Star Wars, Dr Who, the Marvel Universe, but did you know he also writes ghost stories for young readers? ”Honour Among Ghosts” and “Her Perilous Mansion” are exciting, mysterious, witty and clever reads, officially for 8-12 year olds, but really for anyone who enjoys a rollicking adventure.
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It’s a case of “Art vs Mother’ in two “gloriously unhinged…yet deeply philosophical” novels celebrated by our special guest Associate Professor Kylie Cardell. In “Nightbitch” Rachel Yoder’s protagonist unleashes her inner canine to navigate the new imperatives of motherhood. In “All Fours” Miranda July’s heroine, also at a hormonal crossroad, finds a space to explore who she is and what she will make of her changing reality.
Guests
Sean Williams, author of “Her Perilous Mansion” and “Honour Among Ghosts”. He’s the NYTimes Bestselling author of 50 books and over 120 short stories.
Associate Professor Kylie Cardell teaches and researches life narrative with the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University. She's the author of “Dear World: Contemporary Uses of the Diary” and Editor (with Kate Douglas) of “Telling Tales: Autobiography of Childhood and Youth”. She’s also the essays Editor for the Australian scholarly journal, “Life Writing”.
Other books that get a mention:
Sarah mentions “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts.
Michaela mentions “Three Wild Dogs and the Truth” by Markus Zusak and Robbie Arnott’s books, “Dusk” and “Limberlost”
Sean mentions author Georgette Heyer, his own books “Ink” and “Impossible Music” and the series he co-wrote with Garth Nix, “Troubletwisters”
Nikki mentions Hilary Mantel’s books “Wolf Hall” and “Bring up the Bodies” and Anne Patchett’s books “Tom Lake”, “The Dutch House”, “These Precious Days”, “Commonwealth” and “Bel Canto”. She also mentions “Shoe Dog” by Nike’s founder, Phil Knight.
@allenandunwin
@penguinrandomhouse
@aucklanduniversitypress
@adelaidesean
@raijoy
@mirandajuly
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As Mills and Boon celebrate 50 years of taking readers on journeys of love and lust, Annie speaks with Barbara Hannay about her latest novel, The Wife's Secret, and Michaela discusses medical romance with Amy Andrews, author of The Outback Doctor's Surprise.
Featured books:
The Wife’s Secret by Barbara Hannay
The Outback Doctor's Surprise Bride by Amy Andrews
Barbara’s recommendations:
Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner
Amy’s recommendations:
Working Class Boy and Working Class Man by Jimmy Barnes
In Pieces by Sally Fields
Annie’s recommendations:
Yellow Face by Rebecca Kuang
James by Percival Everett
Michaela’s recommendations:
Other Houses by Paddy O’Reilly
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Amy Stewart paints a powerful portrait of the human passion for plants in “The Tree Collectors” with fifty different tales of people who, for one fascinating reason or another, devote their life to trees. The book is illustrated with Amy’s vibrant watercolours of the trees and their idiosyncratic owners.
Compared in his heyday to Brett Whitely, painter, printmaker, teacher, writer and ornithologist Don Binney (1940–2012) was an artistic icon in New Zealand in the 1960s. His unmistakable, stylised depictions of birds and the Te Henga coastline are imprinted upon the psyche of that nation. Don Binney was a mercurial, eccentric and often abrasive character whose early brief fame defined his life. In “Don Binney: Flight Path” award-winning author and curator Gregory O’Brien follows the painter from the wild coast of New Zealand through Latin America and Europe, using his letters, journals, and distinctive bird paintings to take us inside Don Binney’s world.
Guests
Amy Stewart, NYT best-selling author of “The Tree Collectors; Tales of arboreal obsession”, “The Drunken Botanist; The Plants that Create the World’s Great Drinks” and “Wicked Plants; The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities”.
Greg O’Brien: Wellington-based poet, painter and curator who has written books on art for young people as well as several other books on artists including Ralph Hotere and Pat Hanly, and co-edited several poetry anthologies besides his solo poetry collections. His most recent book of poems is “House and Contents”, Auckland University Press.
Other books that get a mention
Cath mentions “An Uneasy Inheritance; My family and other radicals” by Polly Toynbee and Shankari Chandran’s new novel “Safe Haven”.
Michaela mentiones “The God of No Good” by Sita Walker.
@amystewart
@text_publishing
@aucklanduniversitypress
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A story that is difficult to pin down to a narrative, playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer’s debut novel explores arrivals and departures, time and space, through the experiences of a curious cast of characters.
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Annie Warburton explores why we read the works of old writers, dissecting the work of Nancy Mitford in the context of her era and the happenings in the world around her.
Guests:
Finnegan Kruckemeyer, playwright whose works have been performed on six continents in 12 languages.
Annie Warburton, former ABC Broadcaster and reading addict.
Danny, our Random Reader
Danny mentions the following books:
“The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
Author: Ruth Parks
“1984” by George Orwell
“The Mayor of Casterbridge” by Thomas Hardy
“Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo
“Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts
“The Life Of Pi” by Yann Martel
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga
Author: George Monbiot
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
“The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber
“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake
“The Well Gardened Mind” by Sue Stuart-Smith
“The Secret Life of Trees” by Colin Tudge
“The Argonauts” by Maggie Nelson
“My Gita” by Devdutt Pattanaik
@textpublishing
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Cath carries this episode with two great chats; the first with author Sophie Cunningham and the other with self-professed “book snob”, Ron Hoenig.
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Ostensibly a novel about Alice, a woman who’s spent the last 20 years writing the biography of Virginia Woolf’s husband, Leonard, “This Devastating Fever” is an insightful, moving and witty tale of what it’s like to live through a time that feels like the end of days, and how we can find comfort and answers in the past.
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Meet Ron Hoenig, member of The Jewish Men’s Book Club where weighty tomes such as “The Book of Jacob” by Olga Tokarczuk (all 1,000 pages of it) are discussed.
Guests
Sophie Cunningham, author of “This Devastating Fever” and six other books including “Geography” (2004) and “Bird” (2008)
Ron Hoenig, enthusiastic member of the Jewish Men’s Book Club. Ron mentions “Anti-Judaism”by David Nirenberg, “Not In God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence”by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and “The Book of Jacob”, a novel by Olga Tokarczuk.
Other books that get a mention
Annie mentions “Kings in Grass Castles” by Mary Durack
@ultimopress
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Peeling back the veneer of the New York art scene, Bri Lee takes readers into the background world that fuels the industry. ‘The Work’ follows the lives of two protagonists from vastly different backgrounds: gallery owner, Lally, and antiquities dealer, Patrick, as they each follow a path to success, but at what cost?
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Victoria Purman takes readers back to the golden years of radio broadcasting in post-war Australia, to the post war world when women were no longer content to sit in the background, instead stepping forward to write radio plays that held a nation captive.
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When a car veers off the road with devastating consequences, the small wheatbelt town of Garringarup is left reeling, but no one's worlds are more shattered than those of Hannah and Freya, the partners of the passengers. On a day when wedding bells should have been ringing, their lives are torn apart by the web of lies the accident has exposed.
Think Jodi Picoult meets Liane Moriarty and you have an idea of the fast-paced, page turning ethical dilemmas explored by Fiona Lowe in “The Accident”.
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Dumped by her husband of twenty-five years, Jo Peck—smart, successful and sixty—is totally floored. She’s hurt, angry and devastated…but not for long! In this candid memoir Jo discovers the comfort and support of friends, newly forged connections with extended family, good therapy…and internet dating!
Annie loved Jo’s raunchy rediscovery of self because, as Jo explained, “The unvarnished truth is very compelling”.
Guests
Fiona Lowe, author of 37 books. Her latest is “The Accident”
Jo Peck author of “Suddenly Single at Sixty”
Our random reader is Sameer
Other books that get a mention
Samir mentions “Master of the Game” by Sidney Sheldon, “Le Miserables” by Victor Hugo, “Cultural Heritage of India” six volumes gathered under the guidance of the Ramakrishna Institute of Culture.
Sarah mentions “The Animals in that Country” by Laura Jean McKay.Annie mentions “Long Island” by Colm Toibin. He is the author of 7 books, including “Brooklyn”.
@fionaloweaustralianauthor
@text_publishing
@goyougoodthing57
@harpercollinsaustralia
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The outwardly comfortable life of mother and wife .Winina Dalloway has dark currents running beneath it. Thunderhead is the interior monologue of a woman acting normally but living under threat as she picks up her children from school, shops and prepares for a dinner party. A homage to Virginia Wolfe’s The Days, the book is a reminder of the drama and terror that can lurk beneath domesticity.
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Bet Schenk brings a poet’s pared-down style and awareness of the power of language to this book set in a small country town where the local teen hero is actually anything but - and his brother knows the truth. The Most Famous Boy in Town is billed as teen fiction but it’s a story for all ages.
And our regular literary academic Kylie Cardell reviews Lioness by Emily perkins, winner of the 2024 New Zealand Ockham Book Awards
Guests
Miranda Darling, author and poet
Bel Schenk, author and poet
Kylie Cardell, Associate Professor , English and Creative Writing, Flinders University
@mirandadarling13
@belschenk
@kyliecardell
@scribepub
Spineless Wonders Press https://shortaustralianstories.com.au/
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In a move away from investigative journalism and her previous deep diving non-fiction titles, Louise Milligan delves into crime fiction with debut novel, Pheasants Nest.
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Miles Franklin Award winner, Shankari Chandran takes Cath to Cinnamon Gardens, an aged care home established by Tamil refugees and now run by their daughter. It’s run with love and dignity and has become an oasis for its culturally diverse residents…but the tensions of past wars and the prejudices of present day Australia which have long remained at a simmer ultimately boil over.
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Associate Professor Lisa Bennett shares her passion for stories soaked in mist and old magic with “Storyland”; a masterful, unique and utterly compelling illustrated mythology of Britain. Be transported to a time when England was considered the furthest outpost on any map and half remembered characters such as Brutus, Albina, Scota and Bladud roamed the earth …and our imaginations.
Guests
Shankari Chandran, author of “Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens” which won the 2023 Miles Franklin Award. She’s also the author of “Song of the Sun God” and “The Barrier”.
Associate Professor Lisa Bennett, from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Flinders University discusses “Storyland; A new mythology of Britain” by Amy Jeffs.
Other books that get a mention
“Wild; Tales from Early Medieval Britain” by Amy Jeffs, “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman and “Pheasant’s Nest” by Louise Milligan.
@Ultimopress
@Hachetteaus
@lisalhannett
@amyjeffs_author
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Poetry seems a solitary pursuit but not for well knownAustralian poets Peter Bakowski and Ken Bolton - they recently released two new collections ‘On Luck Street’ and ‘Waldo’s Game’ in which they have collaborated from afar, co-telling stories using a ’call and respond’ writing technique.
And former ABC broadcaster Mike Ladd has made a career as a poet and also helped put poetry on the map with the long running radio program ‘Poetica’ - he makes the case for why poetry should matter to us all.
Guests
Peter Bakowski
Ken Bolton
Mike Ladd
Annie mentions the poems ‘Funeral Blues’ by WH Auden and ‘The Second Coming’ by WB Yeats
Peter and Ken read selections from ‘On Luck Street” and ‘Waldo’s Game’
Mike Ladd reads “The End and the Beginning” by Polish poet Wisława Szymborska and his own recently penned poem ‘Prove that You’re a Human’ .
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Molly Schmidt’s Salt River Road is a searing account of grief and redemption set in the big sky/small town landscapes of south west WA..
Racism, poverty and country town politics are all part of life in country Western Australia in the 1970’s. But for the Tetley family all that matters is that they have lost their beloved mother Elena, and they are all falling apart…and in danger of losing the farm that is their livelihood.
Through the eyes of teenage siblings Rose and Frank the reader experiences the
dangerously deep grief of losing a parent. Then comes a slow redemption through their connection with two local Noongar elders, and a reconciliation with events from the past.
Guest:
Molly Schmidt, author and recipient of the 2022 City of Fremantle Hungerford Award
INSTAGRAM
@molly.elizabeth.schmidt
@fremantlepress
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Three writers walk into a room...and somehow manage to work together. Not these three writers, necessarily. But in theory, that's how collaboration works. Welcome to the final Word Docs of the season, where Sean, Alex and Amy are in fizzy spirits thanks to acute cases of over-caffeination (or in Sean's case, too much hot chocolate). What's the secret to a good collaboration? Talk talk talk. Pizza. Precious puppet masks. And the supreme act of Veto. Unfortunately, none of the Word Docs have veto power, so there will be tangents, including a charming little story about Alex the Ungovernable Daisy, a call for spam recipes, and a trip down memory lane to when Pizza Hut was an actual restaurant. Those were the days. But these are also days and we're serving them up with a steaming hot spam pizza of knowledge. Seriously, we really do talk about collaboration. And a lot of it is very useful stuff. Besides, you'll miss us next week, so why not put up with us this week? Spam for all!
Word Docs #writing #WritingPodcast #AmWriting #WritingLife #FlindersCreative Writing #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #CreativeWriting #SeanWilliams #AmyTMatthews #AmyBarry #AlexVickeryHowe #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #SpamSpamSpamSpam #Collaboration #ShaneDix #GarthNix #PizzaHut #WellMissYou #WeKnowYoullMissUsToo #HappyWriting
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Sean tests Alex and Amy's knowledge of action and pacing this week (ding ding ding!). What are the pitfalls of pacing an action sequence? We've got all the answers - get your fast bits right and your slow bits even righter. Is righter a word? It is now! Get some classic Word Docs wisdom about character, theme, and how to control the story. There may also be a lot of references to John Wick and some random sportsball chatter that contains no wisdom at all. But stick with it until the reversal, when all will snap into focus. (Don't hold us to that).
Word Docs #writing #WritingPodcast #AmWriting #WritingLife #FlindersCreative Writing #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #CreativeWriting #SeanWilliams #AmyTMatthews #AmyBarry #AlexVickeryHowe #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #ActionScenes #Pacing #JohnWick #AmericanPsycho #ShaneDix #StarWars #TheWookieEdition #CatrionaWard #LastHouseOnNeedlesStreet #SimoneStJames #InsertActionFilm Here #TriplePenis #ThanksAlex #TheSlugInTheSky #FixItInPost #AmyGame #HappyWriting
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Celia appears to have it all and her life is running like clockwork - and so it should because she has it planned down to the very last minute - but then along comes a challenge that could be her undoing! Celia is thrust into a process equal parts amusing and heartbreaking as she shakily charts a new path.
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From falling for the boy next door to romancing a minotaur - occupational therapist turned successful romance novelist Davina Stone talks us through the many forms that modern romance takes. The only proviso is, no matter how serious the story, the ending must be happy!
Guests
Emma Young, author of “The Disorganisation of Celia Stone”. Her debut novel was “The Last Bookshop”.
Davina Stone, author of ‘The Felix Factor’, the sixth novel in her series The Laws of Love . She also writes monster romance under the name Lilith Stone
Other books that get a mention
Emma loves the diary format and she recalls the young adult books that first inspired her: The Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, “So Much to Tell You” by John Marsden, “I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith and “Bridget Jones’ Diary” by Helen Fielding.
Emma is donating half her royalties to Beyond Zero Emissions (www.bze.org.au).
Michaela mentions “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff
Annie mentions “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and “it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson
Davina mentions Romance Writers of Australia, a community of over 700 aspiring, emerging, and established indie and traditionally published romance authors.
@emma_young_book_fiend
@fremantlepress
@davinastone_
@rwaaus
https://davinastone.com/
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Hello from the sickbed...
Alex is calling in from home, where he's down with COVID; Sean is suffering from post-COVID brain fog; and Amy is infuriatingly healthy. Today the Word Docs are answering the most annoying questions people ask writers: Will you read my manuscript? If I give you an idea, will you write it, and we can split the profits? Can I have a free book? The answers range from 'No', to 'Hell, no', with the odd 'Amy is not a mule' thrown in, to spice things up. There's also some consideration of the stupid questions people must ask dentists...
WordDocs #Writing #SeanWilliams #AmyBarry #AmyTMatthews #AlexVickeryHowe #FlindersUniversity #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #WritingCommunity #StupidQuestions #NotSoStupidQuestions #COVID #HappyWriting
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Join Sean, Amy and...uh...Alex?...for this week's episode of Word Docs. Our usual Alex is out with COVID so this week we're welcoming a substitute Alex, in the form of our friend and colleague Dr Alex Cothren, who sidles up to the mic to talk satire, short stories and writing challenges. By the end of this one we'll all love Alex Cothren, fear Sean, and wonder if Amy might be missing next week...
WordDocs #Writing #SeanWilliams #AmyBarry #AmyTMatthews #AlexCothren #FlindersUniversity #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #WritingCommunity #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #LetsTalkTrojanBee #Satire #ShortStory #Meanjin #StephenColbert #SamanthaBee #ItsAlwaysSunny #BlackMirror #SomeoneElsesBucketList #FearSean #WeMissYouAlexVickeryHowe #HappyWriting
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The Word Docs have written a masterpiece. No, really...it’s great. It’s alright. Look, it’s not bad. Together, Amy, Sean and Alex have devised the ultimate romance. Don’t Touch My Dad should be coming to a bookshop near you, but probably won’t be.
MorePeccable #ImmanuelCollege #Style #Plot #TheCorpseofanAuthor #Audience #JumpingAhead #MalandJeanette #Genre #HappilyEverAfterAgain #SomeoneElsesBucketList #MadFather #SaneSon #FathersandDaughters #ExtendedFamilies #AlexHasSpoken #Tropes #WickedQueen #SuziQuatro #RiverPhoenix #Nala #Grimhilde #SecondChance #Incesty #Ageism #Longing #ActivelyCovering #Cheater #Secrets #FatheroftheBride #EmpathyandCompassion #ParentYourParent #FindingHappiness #ScrewupinaDifferentWay #Chances #GoldenIdea #UncleBill
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He has finally done his homework! Alex has come to the table with trees to shake and pots to stir. Can Sean and Amy handle their sugar addled friend? Will they withstand his jittery scrutiny? The host is juiced up...and he has calories to burn.
AlexVickeryHowe #SeanWilliams #AmyTMatthews #PinkDrink #Caffeine #DifficultMaterial #MassagingTricks #EndoftheNightGirl #TheBookofMormon #JeanetteVickeryHowe #Tone #PostColonialism #MattandTrey #PunchingUp #Comedy #Metafiction #Simon&Schuster #ItsAlwaysSunnyinPhiladelphia #HolidayInn #BreakfastatTiffanys #NavigatingtheKingdomofNight #Goodness #AmandaNettelbeck #FraughtHistories #AnitaHeiss #ImpossibleMusic #TheBoyintheStripedPajamas #VoteYes #TheTrumpYears #JodiPicoult #CulturalBaggage #BookTokBurns #Junebug #SupremeDickhead
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Cath has admired the work of Paddy O’Reilly for some time but with her shortlisting for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, “Other Houses” looks sure to win O’Reilly many new admirers. It’s a tale of class, aspiration and the boundaries we will cross for love.
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Michaela has an Anne of Green Gables doll that her mother bought on a pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island in the ‘80s. She asks Associate Professors Lisa Bennett and Kylie Cardell to reveal their ‘Green’ credentials and discuss LM Montgomery’s perennial appeal.
Guests
Paddy O’Reilly, author of “Other Houses”
Associate Professor Kylie Cardell and Associate Professor Lisa Bennett, both from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Flinders University
The Tsundoku team’s Christmas reading list:
Sarah - “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro & “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osmon
Michaela - “A Net for Small Fishes” by Lucy Jago
Annie - “Ghosts of Spain” by Giles Tremlett, “The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray & “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Cath - “The Tea Ladies” by Amanda Hampson, “Stoneyard Devotional” by Charlotte Wood & “Less than Angels” by Barbara Pym
@paddyoreilly.writer
@affirmpress
@lisalhannett
@kyliesays
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And the golden statue goes to...
There are some trophies you don’t mount on your bookshelf (pun intended) but they colour your career nonetheless. The Word Docs have gleefully unearthed the worst of the Bad Sex Awards to explore the act of love in print. With lots of laughter and a little light vomit, Amy, Sean and Alex will discuss the whos, the whys, and the oh-dear-god-nos of these explicit encounters.
Warning: This episode contains weird swearing, confusing anatomy and icky metaphors. Not to be played in public.
AmyTMatthews #SeanWilliams #AlexVickeryHowe #TheSlugintheSky #LoveandDeath #MarryingOffMorganMcBride #SkinnyDipping #Beards #ShesAllThat #TheWildMan #HelmsDeep #TessLeSue #DefinitionsofSex #JulianGough #NippleSucking #Bleep #MaryCostello #TwistyPigPenis #DidierDecoin #SpiderArms #HannibalLecter #PleasureCave #MichaelBay #Blank #MyDadWroteaPorno #TabA #SlotB #CliveBarker #TheCentralZone #HaroldandMadge #BambiTits #SportsBall #HarryPotterandtheGiantSquid #TheOddKids #Haruki Murakami #AMedicalProblem #OhGloriousPubes! #AnyoneForBillards? #PornistheProblem #SanitisedBodies #LongerHarderMore
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The Word Docs are perusing expert recommendations and dissecting them at length. Amy is unwell and trying to keep the train moving, Alex is stuck on a constant delay...and Sean wants to kidnap a dog. This week we learn about Einstein’s epic battle with Hitler, the importance of supportive desk chairs and the dark secret of Mount Everest.
HiPluto #Limp #ZooCam #JoanneHarris #FiveThoughts #WorkSpace #AReallyGoodDeskChair #ClimbingMountains #ThePhysio #VoidofMyOwnMind #JohnMajor #AffectEffect #Clutter #Walking #NaturalLight #Reminders #PlanYourSnacks #HydroHomie
EinsteinvsHitler #GoodStory #GoodCharacters #Succession #HouseofCards #TurkeysWithFirearms #MountEverest #Feelings #MakePeopleCry #BeingAuthentic #JudiDench #ArchiveofEmotionalMemory #DogThreats #AMelancholyPerspective #HavingaGoodNight #MoreDogThreats #TedLasso #PointofView #Traps! #FirstPerson #LarryDavid #LionelShriver #Empathy #JurassicPark #TheSlugintheSky #ReadReadRead #SneakyThoughts #TiffanyLyndallKnight #FrozenAlex #GhostAlex #Loose&Sick
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This week the Word Docs are responding to a listener question and exploring immortality. Would you want to live forever? Would you want your work to live forever? Would you want to spend eternity inside a giant spider? Is that even an option? Sugared up on chocolate, this is Word Docs at their most rambunctious. Sean reads palms, and Amy finds she doesn't seem to have a lifeline, while Alex frets that he might be taken to a farm up state when his time is up. By the end of this one you'll feel you've lived many lives, and you'll be able to use 'heretofore' in a sentence.
WordDocs #Writing #SeanWilliams #AmyBarry #AmyTMatthews #AlexVickeryHowe #FlindersUniversity #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #WritingCommunity #Immortality #WhoWantsToLiveForever #NotMe #MaybeMe #OnlyIfICanLiveInAGiantSpider #Lifelines #WordDocVampire #SciFiWriter #ThoughtExperiment #GiantSpiders #FarmUpState #Heretofore #HappyWriting
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Sean and Alex are sickly and disgusting (in that order), but Amy is here to save the day with research and cogent thoughts. This week, the Docs explore the wisdom of Betsy Lerner and unpack the various writer archetypes Lerner describes. Who among them is the Natural? The Ambivalent Writer? The Wicked Child? Well, some things are painfully obvious... join the gang as they embark on free, unqualified therapy!
FeelingGood #OnTheCouch #BetsyLerner #PostGrads #ComplexProblems #Research #TheForestForTheTrees #AmbivalentWriter #LarryMcMurtry #Slog #ThePerfectThing
RomanticDream #MessyPeople #Love #Hate #CoreValues #SharedVision #ImaginaryCaleb
Motivation #YoungPadawan #Frozen #Risk #SlingsandArrows #Haunted #Bothered #Otherness #Paradox #TheNatural #LimpBooks #TooEasy #SecondBookSyndrome #OvernightSuccess #Grit #PoorAlex #Hunger #ComingBack #GrowthMindset #SupernaturalWriters #WickedChild #Family #Community #Watchlist #GordonLish
JeanetteVickeryHowe #EvaHornung #SomeoneElsesBucketList #FascinatingGrandmothers #Marriage #PrinceHarry #ToBeContinued
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Sarah Smith has been successfully writing for popular TV shows such as “McLeod’s Daughters”, “All Saints” and “Love Child” for years. Now, she’s turned her hand to fiction creating a clever and quirky murder mystery set in the Los Angeles fast lane and narrated by a young, vibrant (albeit dead) woman, hellbent on finding her killer.
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Mireille Vignol is a renowned literary translator who has taken the work of Australian greats such as Kate Grenville and Kenneth Cook to French speaking audiences around the world. Cath was intrigued by a very singular event Mireille organised in Melbourne called a “Translation Slam”, where two jousting translators interpreted the same piece of text to very different effect and then defended their choices.
Guests
Sarah Smith, author of “12 Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death”
Mireille Vignol, literary translator. She also mentions the authors Proust, Kenneth Cook and Kate Grenville and poet Peter Bakowski.
Dan, our everyday reader, loves war stories such as “The Bombing of Darwin; The Diary of Tom Taylor, Darwin, 1942” by Alan R. Tucker and aircrash investigations such as “QF32” by Richard de Crespigny.
Cath and Annie also mention the Booker prize winner, “Prophet Song”by Paul Lynch and a chilling tale by Louise Doughty called “Platform Seven”.
@Ultimo Press
@sarah_says
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A promise delivered! Bookmark this. The Word Docs are back with the second half of their self-diagnoses, once again working from Betsy Lerner’s examples to whittle away at their artistry and categorise their quirky habits. Maybe this week they’ll each discover what kind of writers they really are. Along the way they’ll explore rejections, chutzpah, sportsball and poor old Missus Heartwig...
LonelyCorner #CancelledPilot #SixKindsofWriters #TheForestFortheTrees #BetsyLerner #TheAmbivalentTheNatural&Me #Detention #MissusHeartwig #StupidDeadBoy #TheSelfPromotor #TheNeurotic #TouchingFire #NewYork #Chutzpah #ShyandWeird #Moxie #RomanticIdeals #IvoryTower #WeNeedtoTalkAboutKevin
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The doctors are in the house. Or rather two of the doctors are sick and stuck at home. This week the Word Docs are recording from home and everything's a bit looser than normal (which is saying something). But on the plus side, they get to practice clapping again, preferably in time to Amy's playlist for Someone Else's Bucket List. Sean boycotts clapping to The Cranberries and Alex is determined to flirt with copyright infringements as he sings along. This episode is about playlists, soundtracks, music and silence - and they get off track in the best possible way, exploring how writers use and abuse music.
WordDocs #AmyTMatthews #AmyBarry #SeanWilliams #AlexVickeryHowe #AFL #Watchlist #SomeoneElsesBucketList #Hyperaurea #SomeoneElsesBucketListThePlaylist #WritingPlaylist #BookPlaylist #BookSoundtrack #SpotifyPlaylist #TheCranberries #DaisyJonesAndTheSix #TaylorJenkinsReid #Elbow #TheWaterboys #StuckInTheMiddleWithYou #ReservoirDogs #TheSingingDetective #FUMA #ShaneDix #NineInchNails #ACDC #BinauralBeats #TheSoapBubble #TheIronicPoseur #ImpossiibleMusic #GlamGong #ScrotePunch #AnalTwin #Hufflepuff #DuaLipa #Physical #OliviaNewtonJohn #Antarctica #ClappingAgain #HappyWriting
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Trent Dalton’s new novel Lola in the Mirror travels to the dark heart of homelessness and domestic violence and yet is a love story and a love letter to his home town Brisbane.
Lola has no name when this story begins. For 16 years she and her mother have been on the run through Brisbane’s underbelly, dodging dangerous men. Sit down with journalist and novelist Trent Dalton and hear him talk about the city that saved his mum, finding the dark places in order to hold on to light, and why if he didn’t write he’d be reaching for the bourbon.
Guest:
Trent Dalton, journalist and author of “Lola in the Mirror” as well as two other acclaimed novels Boy Swallows Universe and All these Shimmering Skies
@Harpercollinsaustralia
@trentdaltonauthor
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This week Amy leads us through using beat sheets to plan and/or fix a story. Alex and Sean join in from where they recline eating salty gold Irish chocolate. It's the middle of teaching and everyone's pinch points are more pinchy than usual, but it's nothing gold-plated chocolate can't fix. If you're curious about how story experts like Michael Hauge, Blake Snyder, Larry Brooks and Jami Gold deal with planning Acts One to Three, this is the ep for you. There are sportsball metaphors, car metaphors, and the word 'blue' gets bandied about, especially when the monkey elbows get a mention - but despite it all, you'll still come away with a good idea of how to use a beat sheet to get your acts together. (And yes, there are many silly jokes about the term beat sheet - insert word 'blue' here).
Word Docs #writing #WritingPodcast #AmWriting #WritingLife #FlindersCreative Writing #FlindersCreativeArts #FlindersCreativeWriting #CreativeWriting #SeanWilliams #AmyTMatthews #AmyBarry #AlexVickeryHowe #AssemblageCentreForCreativeArts #MichaelHauge #DebDixon #JamiGold #LarryBrooks #BlakeSnyder #TheBear #PassTheChocolate #HappyWriting
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There is a secret to writing a bestseller and it is...nah, kidding...nobody knows. But the Word Docs will keep asking people anyway. This week, the dysfunctional trio bend their knees at the altar of the great men who...nah, kidding...Sean has sorted through the rules of the blokey gasbags who’ve come before and now Amy and Alex are trying to decide who wrote what. Join the party as Vonnegut, Heinlein, Leonard and Lewis are meticulously poked, prodded and dissected for the edification of emerging generations. Rules are made to be splintered, but it’s wise to mock them first.
Aspiring #SeanWilliams #AmyTMatthews #AlexVickeryHowe #Nightmarish #BlokeyLists#KurtVonnegut #RobertHeinlein #ElmoreLeonard #CSLewis #TalkingAboutIt #GarthNix#PeterBeaglehole #CruelSegue #RecreationalSadism #NoCreditForAlex #ChasingTrends#BUYSOMEMILK! #OldOldMan #JustLikeToffee #Succession #Veep #Seinfeld #ItsAlwaysSunnyinPhiladelphia #Macbeth #GailJones #SixtyLights #ThePerfectSentence#SarahWaters #IanMcEwan #AStylishSean #TheMightyBoosh #WriterlyvsReaderly#PlayDregs #RandomBits #WhatAboutBob #OffloadingResponsibility#ThrowMommafromtheTrain #LeonardCohen #Suddenly #WheresWally #WheresWaldo#BirdBox #EnoughButNotTooMuch #JustOnePerson
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“The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard” is loosely based on the life of Mitzah Bricard, a woman the world remembers as the outrageous muse of Christian Dior but who was, in fact, his First Assistant Designer and enormously talented in her own right. What follows is a compelling tale of glamour, desire and intrigue.
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“Summer of Blood” is set in 1960s California where two Australian detectives arrive in search of a missing man, only to find themselves immersed in the world of music, free love, drugs and hippie counterculture. They soon realise this isn’t any ordinary missing person investigation. A big gig is the perfect place to get away with murder!
Guests:
Natasha Lester, author of “The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard” and other historical fiction titles including “The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre” & “The French Photographer”.
Dave Warner, author of “Summer of Blood” …plus nine other novels and six non-fiction books.
Leigh, our everyday reader, mentions “Ulysses” by James Joyce, “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens, “Long Live the Queen: 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch” by Brian Koslowski and “A Mind at Home with Itself: How Asking Four Questions Can Free Your Mind, Open Your Heart, and Turn Your World Around” by Byron Katie with Stephen Mitchell
Cath and Annie also mention the Booker shortlisted title, “The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray.
INSTAGRAM
@Hachetteaustralia
@natashalesterauthor
@Fremantlepress
@davew.author
@Leighwhite_soultopia
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Leaving the world of academia when creativity came knocking has paid off for Pip Williams. She's the bestselling author of "The Dictionary of Lost Words" and "The Bookbinder of Jericho", and speaks with Sarah about the ideas that light her up and inspire her to write.
In this conversation, Pip mentions two books that were references for her writing: "The Surgeon of Crowthorne" by Simon Winchester and "Testament of Youth" by Vera Brittain
Also written by Pip Williams, "One Italian Summer".
Pip Williams: Web - https://pipwilliams.com.au/
Affirm Press: https://affirmpress.com.au/FB + Insta: @affirmpress
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In Cronin’s “The Ferryman” the world’s elite enjoy eternal youth and deep personal satisfaction on the archipelago of Prospera but all is not as it seems and unrest is fomenting on both sides of the social divide.
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Georgia Nicholls has been writing romance since she was 14 and penned a fan fiction tale about One Direction’s Harry Styles…her writing has come a long way since then but she still loves it when they live happily ever after.
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Eve gives a brief review of “The Mother” by Jane Caro, but don’t worry she won’t spoil the ending.
Guests
Justin Cronin, author of “The Ferryman” and “The Passage Trilogy”
Georgia Nicholls is a PhD Candidate in creative writing at Flinders University. Her podcast is called “Love on Campus” and her instagram romance reviews appear at “booksithinkabout”
Eve enjoyed “The Mother” by Jane Caro
Justin mentions “Interview with a Vampire” by Ann Rice and the 1968 film “Planet of the Apes”.
Georgia mentions “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, “Duck À L'Orange for Breakfast” by Karina May, “The Flat Share”, The Road Trip” and “The No Show” by Beth O’Leary and the author Emily Henry.
Michaela mentions romance authors Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen and “Ex-wife” by Ursula Parrott.
@jccronn
@penguinrandomhouse
@booksithinkabout
@janecaro57
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Let author Catherine Therese introduce you to Leslie Bird, a fictional character so caustic she’ll make your eyes water. Yet, as Michaela discovered, the story behind Leslie’s creation is more likely to bring a sympathetic tear to your eye.
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The course of Australian art changed in 1971 with the formation of the Papunya Tula art movement. John Kean, was there to witness its birth and tells Cath what forces he believes inspired and informed the movement’s four leading lights.
Guests
Catherine Therese, author of “Things She Would Have Said Herself” and an earlier memoir “The Weight of Silence”
John Keane, author of “Dot, Circle and Frame; The making of Papunya Tula Art”
Michaela mentions “Mrs Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf
Catherine mentions Walt Whitman, Henry Lawson and David Grossman
(Maybe also “The Day is Dancing” by Rowena Bennett)
@ctherese5
@hachetteaustralia
@hachettebooks
@terriann.white
@Hachette Books
@Terri-Ann White
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The fates of three people from the 1940s, ‘70s and today collide in Chris Hammer’s thrilling new mystery, “The Tilt” - you won’t see it coming!
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Prolific 20th century writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley wrote everything from witty and malicious novels about the British literati to his still famous Utopian dystopia Brave New World, and later in his 50 year career went on to explore the world of psychedelic drugs. Annie Warburton explores the Huxley ouvre to understand why Huxley remains a classic.
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Our random reader Chris also loves a good mystery
Guests…
Chris Hammer, author of “The Tilt” and other books including the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: “Scrublands”, “Silver” and “Trust”.
Annie Warburton, Tsundoku’s “Occasional Reporter on Dead White Men” revists Aldoux Huxley
Other books that get a mention…
Annie and Michaela mention “Ghost Tattoo” by Tony Bernard, “Birnam Wood”and “The Luminaries” by Eleanor Catton, “The Ferryman; A Novel” by Justin Cronin and “The Disorganisation of Celia Stone” by Emma Young
Annie Warburton mentions Aldous Huxley’s “Crome Yellow” (1921), “Antic Hay” (1923), “Brave New World: (1932), “Eyeless in Gaza” (1936), “The Doors of Perception” (1954)..as well as writers Nancy Mitford, Evelyn Waugh and William Blake
Chris from Aldgate mentions writers Peter May, Ian Rankin and DH Lawrence’s “The Rainbow”
@allenandunwin
@thehammernow
@Hammernow
@allen&unwinbooks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best-selling Australian authors, Sean Williams, Victoria Perman and Tricia Stringer, talk to Tsundoku’s Sarah Martin and Cath Kenneally about their very different paths to literary success - Tricia dabbled in self-publishing, Victoria succeeded in speed dating a publisher and Sean tried the splatter gun approach with short stories.
Victoria identified the single thread common to all three quests, “ We all immersed ourselves in writing communities. We didn’t sit at home and get a bit paranoid about whether it was good or not. We went to workshops, we befriended booksellers…there are places to go to connect with writers which was so important.”
Tsundoku Podcast was delighted to convene this Marion Council “Meet the Author” Event in July 2023.
Guests:
Tricia Stringer is the bestselling author of six women’s fiction titles, “Back on Track”, “Table for Eight”, “The Model Wife”, “The Family Inheritance”, “Birds of a Feather” and “Keeping Up Appearances”, three historical books set in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and seven rural romances.
Sean Williams is the bestselling author of over one hundred short stories and fifty award-winning books including the “Books of the Cataclysm” and “The Resurrected Man”. He has also written several novels in the Star Wars universe, including the best-selling “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed”.
Victoria Purman writes historical romance and is an Australian top ten and “USA Today” best-selling fiction author. Her books include “The Nurse’s War’, “The Women’s Pages” and “Under the Outback Sky”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best selling Australian author of “rural noir”, Garry Disher hopes to be seen as novelist first and crime writer second.
American Academic Saar Shahar discusses what sets literary journalism apart from the pack.
Paul Gough shares the books that first made him fall for sci-fi .
Three great minds in this week’s episode, determined to rise above the throng and give us something worth reading.
Guests:
Garry Disher, author of “Days End”, the fourth book in his fabulous Hirsch series.
Saar Shahar, author of “Among the Anti-vaxxers” recently published in the “North American Review” and American academic with the University of Southern California.
Paul Gough, ABC radio producer, sci-fi devotee and music aficionado www.pimpod.com
Other books that get a mention:
Saar mentions Tom Wolfe’s “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test”, “The Right Stuff” and “Bonfire of the Vanities”. Also, “One flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey. And, literary journalists Joan Didion and Hunter S Thompson.
(“The American Review” was the first literary magazine to be published in the USA, in Boston in 1815.)
https://northamericanreview.org
https://www.instagram.com/sarshahar
Paul mentions “Ringworld” by Larry Niven, “Turtle Diary” & “Riddley Walker’ by Russel Hoban and “To Sleep in a Sea of Stars” by Christopher Paolini.
INSTA
https://www.instagram.com/textpublishing
https://www.instagram.com/1234_pimpod
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They’ve emerged from the marking void! Alive and insane, the Word Docs discuss activities, opportunities, Nic Cage, scientology, chaotic planning, Nosferatu, spiders, inch ants and hungry catfish... Eventually, they may also get around to discussing their books. You never know.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
In September 1883, the South Australian town of Fairly huddles under strange, vivid sunsets. A child has gone missing and the whole town is intent on finding him. More than a mystery, Fiona McFarlane explores the varied townsfolks’ relationship with the complex landscape and unsettling history of the Flinders Ranges. Tsundoku’s Annie Hastwell loved it from start to finish and joins the critics in their unanimous praise.
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Self-declared fan of Barry Humphries, Annie Warburton, reviews the late comic’s opus, pays tribute to his satirical genius and comes down firmly on the right of “grumpy old conservatives” to be free to speak their minds.
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Two very different takes on the Australian experience.
Guests
Fiona McFarlane, author of “The Sun Walks Down”, “The Night Guest” and a collection of short stories, “The High Places”
http://www.fionamcfarlane-writer.com/
Annie Warburton, retired ABC Tasmania broadcaster and Barry Humphries aficionado
Other books that get a mention:
Cath and Annie mention this year’s joint Pulitzer Prize winners, Barbara Kingsolver for “Demon Copperhead” and Herman Diaz for “Trust”. They go on to reference a number of past winners; “The Good Earth” by Pearl Buck, “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan, “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck and “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole.
Annie Warburton mentions “The Adventures of Barry McKenzie” written by Humphries for Private Eye magazine. Also, “Dame Edna's Coffee Table Book: A Guide to Gracious Living and the Finer Things of Life by One of the First Ladies of World Theatre”, “Neglected Poems and Other Creatures”, “More Please” and “Women in the Background”.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Alex is in the Mastermind hot seat! Many years after writing Japanese/Australian rock musical Once Upon a Midnight, Alex is trying to remember what he was on about and why it was interesting. Luckily the Word Docs are on hand to tease all the shades of grey out of the process. Join us as we travel the world from our studio and explore the cultural conundrums that arise when mythology, nationality and generational identity intersect.
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The Word Docs are slowly catching up with this mysterious invention called BookTok where all the young people are. Together, the intrepid geriatrics will sort through the virtual shelves and explore their favourite tropes with the usual blend of light-hearted humour, emotional pain and existential despair. If you’re a morally grey villain, a soul in search of a mate or a grump with a heart of gold, this episode is all about you.
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We’re off the rails again! Amy is trying her best to keep the troops under control, but the troops are idiots. The sage advice of Anne Lamott is pearls before bewildered swine as Sean’s eerie chanting and Alex’s fear of naked cults turns a perfectly reasonable vegetable metaphor into something chilling. In this episode we will wonder... why did Sean give up meditation? Why the hell can’t Alex remember going to France? And what’s up with Amy and purple sharkskin suits?
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At first drawn to short stories, Louise Kennedy couldn’t resist expanding this ill-fated love story set at the peak of the Irish Troubles into a full and vividly depicted novel, “Trespasses”.
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Is it too much to say that the author of Captain Cook’s “Voyages” was “cancelled” by his contemporaries and the sexual exploits of Joseph Banks “went viral”? Not according to US literary academic Sar Shahar who has researched the writings around Captain Cook’s voyages.
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The next best thing to reading is listening to writers talk about their creations.
Guests
Louise Kennedy, author of “Trespasses” and a collection of short stories “The End of the World is a Cul de Sac”
Saar Shahar, 18th century scholar and PhD candidate in English at the University of Southern California, puts the exploits of Captain Cook and Joseph Banks into historical literary context with surprising results.
Other books that get a mention:
Cath and Annie mention “Pachinko”by Min Jin Lee, “The Anniversary” by Stephanie BIshop, “The Sun Walks Down” by Fiona McFarlane, “The Tilt” and “Treasure & Dirt” by Chris Hammer, and “Summer Water” by Sarah Moss.
Saar Shahar refers to “An Account of the Voyages….” by John Hawkesworth,
and “An Epistle from Mr. Banks, Voyager, Monster-Hunter, and Amoroso, to Oberea, Queen of Otaheite”, by John Scott.
Both were published in 1773.
Emma has just finished reading “Never” by Ken Follett and her favourite book of all time is “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week it's Amy's turn to sit in the Mastermind hot seat and the topic is Popular Romance Studies. Join us for love, sex, happy endings, trauma porn, happy for nows, and all the feels. Does Amy have the answers? Has Alex done his homework? Will Sean write a romance novel? And who is killing all the butterflies? If you ever wanted to know the not-so-secret intellectual life of a romance author, now's your chance!
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Got any dead books lying around? Manuscripts that didn't work, or didn't sell, or are just dead in the water for reasons you can't quite put your finger on? The Word Docs sure do. Alex is curious to pry into Sean and Amy's literary closets, looking for dusty old relics of the past. There must be something to be learned from books that didn't work? Was it all a waste? Or are dead tomes valuable things? In response to Alex shining a light into their closets, Amy and Sean drag out Alex's juvenilia, discovering the glory that is Jimmy and the Wizard and King Mean Man. By the end of this episode, you'll be grateful for the books that never made it, and you may also be wishing that you were at the Proscenium in the 90s, pretending to be a Goth.
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“I’ve discovered an important truth and it’s all I care about, all I can depend on,
the only thing that means anything, the one sure thing that will help me survive.
No one can be trusted. I am on my own.” This devastating truth lies at the core of
Shannon Burn’s memoir, “Childhood”.
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Pandora, Jocasta, Aphrodite and Medea; these are just some of the women of
Greek mythology whose stories have grown and warped over the millenia.
Associate Professor Lisa Bennett introduces us to the forensic work of classicist
Natalie Haynes, a writer determined to reveal the true deeds and misdeeds of
these fascinating characters.
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Pop in your pods and let Michaela and Cath take you to another world.
Guests
Shannon Burns, author of “Childhood”
Associate Professor Dr Lisa Bennett on “Pandora’s Jar” by Natalie Haynes
Other books that get a mention:
Lisa Mentions classicist, Emily Wilson, the first woman to publish a translation of
Homer’s “Odyssey” into English
INSTA
@text_publising
@lisahannet
@Picador
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What do you do when the end of the world is nigh? Give into despair? Eat chocolate? Read books? Or, maybe now's a good time to join Alex on a pirate ship outta here? This week the Word Docs discuss climate-change fiction and the challenges of writing about our climate changed world. As an unseasonable hail-storm rages outside, Amy, Alex and Sean travel through deep time, searching the literary landscape for ways to think about the future. What is the role of fiction in all this? Can you be positive and optimistic when things seem so ****ed? And who ate all the chocolate?
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Unthawed from the ice, the Word Docs have returned to the airwaves to explain where the hell they've been, what the hell they've been doing, and who the hell they might be creating next. As lockdowns ease and the world reawakens, tune in to hear the gang discuss the perils of balancing professional commitments as writers, teachers and researchers. Just when you thought it was safe to open your ears, Sean is back to conjure honourable ghosts, Alex is back to bleed teens dry...and both Amy T. Mathews and Amy Barry are back with secrets to tease.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hugely popular author of gritty young adult fiction, Vikki Wakefield, has turned her hand to a psychological thriller in ‘After You Were Gone’ …with resounding success.
and
Associate Professor Dr Kylie Cardell gives a fascinating synopsis of Blake Gopnik's mammoth biography of Andy Warhol…all 900 pages of it!.
so
Curl up on the couch, go for a walk or even clean out the pantry whilst you listen to Cath and Annie’s talented and most congenial guests.
Guests
Vikki Wakefield, on ‘This is How We Change the Ending’ and ‘After You Were Gone’
Associate Professor Dr Kylie Cardell, on “Warhol” by Blake Gopnik
Other books that get a mention:
Annie has just returned from Spain where she read ‘The Whispering City’ by Sara Molinar, a mystery set in Barcelona.
Cath’s latest book was also set in Spain. She’s been enjoying 4 books from ‘The Catalan Crime Thrillers’ series by Chris LLoyd.
INSTA
@simonschusterau
@text_publising
@vikkiwakefield
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The Word Docs are going back to school. Marian Keyes is the guide this week as the dynamic trio attempt, for once, to do what they’re told. Weighing Marian’s advice against their core criteria of Wank Factor, DNF and Repeatability, the Word Docs try to adopt a writing prompt from the bestselling author. When the exercise produces mixed results, there’s only one way to settle the ensuing debate... The Docs have to seek Jeanette Vickery-Howe’s approval.
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We know you've been waiting for this. The day Sean is finally allowed to talk matter transmitters to his heart's content. Be transported into speculative story worlds, where sex romping may happen on a young man's fictional spaceship, murderers get creative with transmitters, and where Alex and Amy are increasingly scared of ever setting foot into a car again... In this episode Sean leads Amy and Alex through the horrifying, mesmerising, inspiring, mind-bending possibilities of the matter transmitter in fiction. Beam me up, Scotty! And I better not be looking at my ass when I get there...
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How are writers portrayed in fiction? The Word Docs (or, as they’re inexplicably calling themselves, the Warlock, the Wizard and the Witch) are investigating the magic of storytelling as depicted in popular culture. From Fforde to Ginsberg, and Ginsberg to King, there is a tradition of romanticising authors and their work. Amy is into it... Sean really, really isn’t. Join us as we separate the myth from the grind.
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We’re lifting the boot and unpacking our process. This week, Amy leads a discussion on the form and purpose of exegetical writing as Sean snores audibly in the corner (not for the first time) and Alex rails against ever discussing his own work. What is an exegesis? Why is it important? Who is it for? The Word Docs pray the Deans of Research are not listening as they quarry this most sacred pillar of university life.
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Writers are cruel creatures. This week, the Word Docs discuss all the occasions when they’ve felt let down, horribly surprised, or otherwise manipulated by authors, playwrights and screenwriters. Alex is upset by animal cruelty, Amy by failed romance, and Sean by lions that aren’t really lions. When the contract between reader and creator is broken, Amy has been known to throw a book across the room...but Sean is even more sadistic...he once threw a book in the fire. Join us!
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Author, Brigid Delaney, considers whether ancient philosophers can guide us in how to live a good life, and has found the Stoic school may have the answers.
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Our classics experts consider the grim power of Angela Carter’s adult fairytales that celebrate the dark and the macabre.
Guests
Brigid Delaney, author of “Reasons Not To Worry – How to be Stoic in chaotic times” (plus two other non fiction books looking at the challenges of modern life)
Associate Professors Lisa Bennett and Kylie Cardell from Flinders University, discussing “The Bloody Chamber” by Angela Carter
Insta
@AllenandUnwin
@Bloomsburypublishing
@AllenandUnwin
@Bloomsburypublishingaustralia
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Literary raconteur, Geoff Dyer, isn’t getting any younger and it’s got him contemplating The End; not death so much as “last times”, the likes of which can strike at any time in a person’s life. “The Last Days of Roger Federer and other endings” skilfully ducks and weaves through the life and creative work of writers, painters, philosophers, musicians, sports stars and, indeed, Geoff himself and reflects on this very singular life we each receive.
and
This week’s author of classic literature is the prolific Dame Iris Murdoch. Cath chats to biographer Dr Gillian Dooley about whether her oeuvre, some of it written up to 70 years ago, still retains its lustre.
Guests
Geoff Dyer, author of “The Last Days of Roger Federer” (plus three other novels and numerous prize-winning nonfiction books which have been translated into 24 languages)
Dr Gillian Dooley, senior research fellow in English at Flinders University and author of a recent book, Listening to Iris Murdoch: Music, Sounds and Silences.
Our Random Reader is Rebecca
Other books that get a mention:
Michaela mentions “White Sands; Experiences from the outside world” by Geoff Dyer
Cath and Gillian talk about Iris Murdoch’s “A Severed Head”, “The Unicorn”, “Bruno’s Dream”, “The Red and the Green”, “The Bell” and her Booker Prize Winning novel, “The Sea, the Sea”.
Rebecca mentions “In the Shadow of the Mountain” by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, “The Subjects” by Sarah Hopkins, “The Happiest Man on Earth” by Eddie Jaku and “Two Afternoons in the Kabul Station; A History of Afghanistan Through Clothes, Carpets and the Camera” by Tim Bonyhady
Insta
@Picador
@Textpublishing
@panmacmillan
@Picador Books
@TextPublishing
@panmacmillan
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The highest compliment any reader can pay new crime fiction writer, Joanna Morrison, is “I couldn’t put it down” or “You moved me”. Both epitaphs apply equally to “The Ghost of Gracie Flynn”. It’s a non-linear unraveling of two compelling mysteries; a literary ghost story with a bittersweet twist.
and
Louise Adler is a warm and witty conversationalist who shares what drives her in the creation of Australia’s most respected literary festival…and the ones that got away!
Guests
Joanna Morrison, author of “The Ghost of Gracie Flynn”
Louise Adler, the director of Adelaide Writers Week
Our Random Reader is Skye, aged 13
Other books that get a mention:
Joanna mentions “I am, I am, I am; Seventeen Brushes with Death” by Maggie O’Farrell, Helen Garner’s journals, “Taboo” by Kim Scott, “Spare” by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and “Hydra” by Adriane Howell.
Louise mentions numerous authors, many of them attending Adelaide Writers Week, 4-9 March 2023. Some names included Shirley Hazzard, Dervla McTiernan and Simon Armitage. She also referred to “Ravensbruck” by Sarah Helm and “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prolific British author Fiona McIntosh faced the challenge of setting her latest two novels in an Australian landscape when Covid kept her from her usual European haunts. The result is“The Orphans”; a tale of love, murder and treachery set between 1930s Adelaide and the Flinders Ranges. In her other post-Covid release “Dead Tide”, McIntosh had to create a plot that allowed her to move her regular character detective Jack Hawksworth from Scotland Yard to Adelaide.
and
Research and serendipity are at the heart of writing historical fiction. Author Dominique Wilson talks about how she goes about placing her fictional characters in a realistic world from the past, and how she finds a mathematical approach essential.
Guests
Fiona McIntosh, author of “The Orphans” and “Dead Tide”
https://www.fionamcintosh.com/
Dr Dominique Wilson, novelist and short story writer. Dominique has published three historical novels, “The Yellow Papers”, “The Devil’s Madness” and “Orphan Rock”
https://dominiquewilson.com.au/
Our Random Reader is Joey
Other books that get a mention:
Annie and Sarah mention “Cold Enough for Snow” by Jessica Au, winner of the Victorian Prize for Literature
Joey mentions “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts, and “Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the odds of an author penning not one, but two, debut novels - and of BOTH being fabulous?! Newly retrenched from a career in aged care, Karen Herbert wrote “The Castaways of Harewood Hall”, a not so gentle comedy featuring elderly people and animals. She quickly followed that with “The River Mouth”, a dark drama set in a small WA town similar to where she grew up.
and
Dr Diane Velasquez loves reading romance novels. So much so, they propelled her into academia where she’s been conducting research into what librarians think of romance novels and the people who borrow them. Diane is a firm believer that all reading, no matter the genre, is important and she’s become a crusader for ensuring snobbery doesn’t deter people from borrowing the books they love.
Guests
Karen Herbert, author of “The River Mouth” and “The Castaways of Harewood Hall”. Her next book will be “Vertigo”
Dr Diane Velaasquez, Program Director for Information Management in the STEM unit at Uni SA
Our Random Reader is David
Other books that get a mention:
Annie mentions John Mortimer “A Summer’s Lease” and Cath mentions Mick Herron author of “Slow Horses”
Diane mentions:
“Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded” was first published in 1740 by English writer Samuel Richardson.
Nora Roberts author of the Dragon Heart Legacy Trilogy, “Hideaway” and “Northern Lights”…she also writes futuristic suspense under the pseudonym JD Robb
Nalini Singh author of “Archangel’s Blade”, “Play of Passion”, “Heart of Obsidian” and others
Stephanie Laurens author of “Cynster”, “Bastion Club”, “Black Cobra Quartet” and others
Michaela mentions “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery and “Black Moth” by Georgette Heyer
David mentions “Lord of the Rings” J.R.R. Tolkien, “Dune” Frank Herbert, “When Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” Philip K Dick and “The Devil’s Dictionary” Steven Kotler
INSTA - @herbert_whittle
INSTA - @fremantlepress
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heather Rose has spent her life saying yes and pushing the boundaries of physical and spiritual experience. She tells of love, loss, and discovery in her memoir, Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
Heather Rose
Insta - @whatawritersees
Web - https://heatherrose.com.au
Allen & Unwin @allenandunwin
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Detective Cato Kwong gets mixed up in dirty politics between Timor and Australia in “Crocodile Tears” by Alan Carter+ We’ve got your summer reads completely covered
The fifth and final installment in the award-winning Cato Kwong series, “Crocodile Tears” sees Cato’s life on the line with someone from the past as his only hope. A thriller rich in political, cultural and historical detail, Cato’s search for the good guys will twist and turn all the way from Perth to Timor-Leste and Darwin…so hold on to your hat for the exciting climax!
And…
Join the Tsundoku team for a chat about their favourite books of 2022 and their tips for a great summer read.
Guests:
Alan Carter, author of “Crocodile Tears”
Our Random readers:Rachael, Mads and Annabelle
Picks for your summer reading pleasure:
Michaela Andreyev recommends: “Meshi; A journey in Japanese food” by Katherine Tamiko Arguille, “Holy Woman; a Divine Adventure” by Louise Omer and “Stolen Focus” by Johan Hari
Sarah Martin recommends: “Runt”by Craig Silvey and “The Unusual Abduction of Avery Confier” by Ilsa Evans. Sarah also recommends “Stolen Focus”
Annie Hastwell recommends: “How to be Idle”by Tom Hodgkinson, “The Candy House” by Jennifer Egan and “Sweetness and Light” by Liam Pieper
Cath Kenneally recommends: “Chai TIme at Cinnamon Gardens” & “Song of the Sun God” by Shankari Chandran and “The Cast Aways of Harewood Hall” by Karen Herbert
Rachael recommends: “Burial Rites” & “Devotion” by Hannah Kent, “The History of Bees” by Maja Lund, “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman and “The Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams
Mads recommends: The Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear.
Annabelle recommends: “The Ella Diaries” & “Ella Goes to Eden” by Meredith Costain, “Little Gem”by Anna Zobel, “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling and “Muumitroll” & “Memoirs of Moominpappa” by Tove Jansson
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA
Insta: @fremantlepress
Insta: @alancarter28insta/
Facebook: @FremantlePress
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are there times when you wonder what sort of world our children and grandchildren will inherit?
Grace Chan has created an online world called Gaia in which the people of 2080 take refuge from
the climate ravaged earth. Gaia is clean, beautiful and exciting and it’s just announced the
opportunity for citizens to shake off their bodies entirely and permanently upload their
consciousness to it. Gaia seems to have everything, but is it enough?
And…
Join Annie Hastwell’s discussion with retired ABC Radio host Annie Warburton about Phillip Roth,
the author whose book “Portnoy’s Complaint” was considered so filthy in 1969 it was banned from
being imported into Australia. The ensuing court battles helped define Australia’s censorship laws
and ensured an end to book bans in this country.
Guests:
Grace Chan, author of “Every Version of You”
Annie Warburton and Annie Hastwell discuss Philip Roth’s books “Portnoy’s Complaint” (1969),
“The Breast” (1972), “My Life as a Man” (1974), “The Human Stain” (2000), “The Plot Against
America” (2004) and “Nemesis” (2010)
Our Random reader: Mads
Grace’s tsundoku contains “Empathy” by Fay Lee, “Everything Feels Like the End of the World”
by Else Fitzgerald, “Terminal Boredom” by Izumi Suzuki, “I’m waiting for You” by Bo-Young Kim
and “Where the Stars Rise: Asian Science Fiction and Fantasy” edited by Lucas K. Law and
Derwin Mak
Mads was first inspired to read by the Ramona Quimby books by Beverley Clearey, then
“Tomorrow When the World Began” by John Marsden and the complete works of Jane Austen.
These days she’s reading “Raising Girls” by Maggie Dent, “Seeing Other People” and “Love and
Virtue” by Dianna Reid, “The Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley Heller and “A Room Made of
Leaves” by Kate Grenville.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Insta: @gracechanwrites
Insta: @affirmpress
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Jayne Tuttle fell in love with Paris she had no idea its quaint charm would be
indirectly responsible for almost killing her. In her first Paris memoir "Paris Or Die" we
meet her as a young aspiring actor dizzy with the joy of life in the City of Light. Her new
memoir "My Sweet Guillotine" confronts and explores the terrifying incident that changed
her Paris existence and her whole life’s direction.
And…
Have 20th century women writers been given the recognition they deserve? Make up
your own mind as Goodwood Books owner, Sarah Tooth, takes Tsundoku on a tour of
the shelves of her newly opened shop. You won’t find a book written by a man, but you
may find writing gems that have been overlooked.
Guests:
Jayne Tuttle, author of "Paris or Die" and "My Sweet Guillotine"
Sarah Tooth, book collector and owner of Goodwood Books
Our Random reader: Eve
Eve has enjoyed
Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
Under Milk Wood - Dylan Thomas
And she enjoys reading crime fiction by …Gary Disher, Devla Tiernan, Anne Cleeves and Chris Hammer
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Hardie Grant Books
Insta: @Hardiegrantbooks
Jayne Tuttle
http://www.jaynetuttle.com/
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When Pentecostal preacher Louise Omer started to question her devotion to a religion run by men to keep men in power, she decided to break free. "Holy Woman, A Divine Adventure" is the story of her wandering world pilgrimage looking for a religion that lets women share the power.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
Louise Omer
Insta - @/shahouley/
Web - https://www.louiseomer.co
Scribe Publications @scribepub
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An innocuous little marshmallow shatters the life of a group of friends. As the anniversary of the horrible event looms, each must come to terms with their altered selves and address what their lives can now be.
And
How might we deal with alien life forms determined to destroy us if they were to enter our lives disguised as beloved children? We compare Wyndham’s chilling sci-fi novel with its 21st century TV adaptation.
Guests:
Victoria Hannan, author of Marshmallow
Annie Warburton, broadcaster and literature aficionado
Our Random Reader - Justin
Other books that get a mention:
Annie and Sarah have read (or are planning to read!) Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here, The Museum of Modern Love and Bruny by Heather Rose, The Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel, Monsters by Alison Croggon and Salt and Skin by Eliza Henry -Jones
The books sitting in Victoria Hannan’s tsundoku are “Lucy by the Sea’ by Elizabeth Strout, “Limberlost” by Robbie Arnott and the forthcoming title “Little Plum” by Laura McPhee-Browne.
Justin has enjoyed Misery by Stephen King, The Beach by Alex Garland, The Killing Fields by Christopher Hudson, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, Be Here Now and Polishing the Mirror by Baba Ram Dass and Twelve Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
INSTA - @victorilhannan
INSTA - @HachetteAus
FB - @HachetteAustralia
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After a “reading slump” Sarah was delighted to be swept away by a powerful new detective, Antigone Pollard; she isn’t afraid of the dark and won’t take no for an answer as she hunts down a sexual predator in the small seaside town of Deception Bay.
And…
Far from being spooked, Cath and Sarah find re-reading Agatha Christie’s crime novels strangely soothing…but both agree she was no poet!
Guests:
Vikki Petraitis, author of “The Unbelieved”
Sarah Tooth, second hand bookshop owner and Agatha Christie devotee
Our Random Reader - Alex
Other books that get a mention:
Annie is reading the “Midwich Cuckoos” by John Wyndham and Jane Tuttle’s books about Paris for forthcoming Tsundoku episodes.
Vikki mentions her true crime novels “Rockspider; The danger of paedophiles” and “The Philip Island Murder” which she wrote with Paul Daley. Vikki is currently writing the sequel to “The Unbelieved”
Cath mentions the Agatha Christie’s books “A Murder is Announced”, “4.50 from Paddington”, “At Bertram’s Hotel” and “They Came to Baghdad”
Sarah mentions Agatha Christie’s books “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”, “And Then There Were None”, “A Caribbean Mystery”, “The Murder at the Vicarage”, “Death on the Nile” and “Murder on the Orient Express”. Also, Christie’s historical mystery novel “Death Comes as the End” and what Sarah describes as her rather sub-standard poetry in “Poems”.
Alex mentions “Imagine” by Alison Lester, “Gidja, The Rainbow Serpent” and others by Percy Tresize and Dick Roughsey, “Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse, “Fingerprints of the Gods” by Graham Hancock, “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, “The Four Agreements - a Practical Guide to personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz, “The Circle” by Dave Eggers, “Cloud Atlas” and “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell …and a perennial title in his tsundoku is “Plato’s Republic” by Plato
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
VIKKI INSTA - @vikkipetraitis
VIKKI FB - @vikki.petraitis.author
WEB - www.vikkipetraitis.com.au
A&U INSTA - @allenandunwin
A&U FB - @AllenandUnwinBooks
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Biologist and award-winning author Danielle Clode embarks on a journey to reveal the true story of Jeanne Barret, the first woman to circumnavigate the world in 1775. We meet an impoverished peasant from Burgundy who disguised herself as a man and sailed on a french voyage around the world from the South American jungles and Magellan Strait to the tropical islands of the Indo-Pacific. Seamlessly weaving together memoir, history and science, Clode unmasks the remarkable woman who, like all explorers, charted her own course for others to follow.
And…
We avid readers know deep down that reading is good for us. But did you know your gut feeling has a name? Bibliotherapy, or book therapy, is an ancient practice that is gaining a resurgence in medical practice. Doctors in Wales now incorporate “book prescriptions” in a holistic approach to mental health concerns and the State Library of Victoria created an online course in bibliotherapy when Melbournians were locked down due to Covid. UniSA PhD candidate, Elizabeth Wells, is studying the therapeutic benefit of being read to aloud when undergoing chemotherapy. She joined Michaela to explain the many ways in which bibliotherapy can benefit us all.
Guests:
Danielle Clode, author of “In Search of the Woman Who Sailed the World”
To hear a dramatisation of the story go to the History Listen
Elizabeth Wells, PhD Candidate, UniSA STEM. The title of her thesis is “An exploration of the potential benefits of read-aloud programs to the well-being of cancer patients undergoing treatment”
Our Random Reader - Tony
Other books that get a mention:
Elizabeth recommends short stories from her read-aloud program. These include “Great Australian Outback Yarns” by Bill Swampy Marsh, “All Together Now” by Monica McInerny, “I’ve Got Your Number” by Sophie Kinsella. Other authors of short stories she recommends highly include P.G. Wodehouse, Kitty Flannagan, Geoffrey Archer, Maeve Binchy and Anna Jacobs. One of Elizabeth’s personal favourite books is “The 13th Gift; The true story of a Christmas miracle” by Joanne Huist-Smith.
Elizabeth also mentions The Reading Agency UK (https://readingagency.org.uk) and State Library of Victoria (https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy)
Michaela recommends a podcast Women Read (with Freya & Mel). In each episode a woman chooses a book she loves and reads the first chapter aloud.
Tony recommends Patrick Susskind’s classic “Perfume”, Elizabeth Knox “The Vintner’s Luck “ and anything by Peter Goldsworthy
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
INSTA - Pan Macmillan Australia @macmillanaus
INSTA - Danielle Clode @danielleclode
INSTA - University of South Australia @WomeninSTEMUniSA
INSTA - Elizabeth Wells @reading.for.wellbeing
INSTA - Women Read @_womenread
FB - Pan Macmillan Australia - @panmacmillanaustralia
FB - Danielle Clode @danielleclode
FB - Elizabeth Well's research @readingforwellbeing
FB - University of South Australia @unisa
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The Times calls it “ingenious and clever”, the Daily Mail declares it “mind-bendingly clever”, “Psalms for the end of the World” is a sprawling jigsaw of a story that propels its characters through time and space as they explore and discover the relative nature of love and reality.
And…
Dani Vee wasn’t content merely to create a podcast, Words and Nerds, that attracts 50,000 listeners each month, she’s also written a picture book and presides over the “slush pile” at edgy Aussie children’s publisher, Larrikin House. So, what books does Dani rate as “classics” and does she have any advice for aspiring picture book writers?
Guests:
Cole Haddon, author of “Psalms for the End of the World”
Dani Vee, author of “My Extraordinary Mum” and presenter of Words and Nerds Podcast
Our Random Reader - Monique
Other books that get a mention:
Monique recommends “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy, anything written by Haruki Murakami and “Middlesex” by Geoffrey Eugenides
Cole Haddon refers to the authors Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman and David Mitchell.
Dani Vee mentions “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wild and Judy Blume (author of books including “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and “Blubber”), “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B White and The Baby-Sitters Club series by Anne M Martin. She mentions two other Larrikin House books; “My Shadow is Pink” and “My Shadow is Purple”. Michaela mentions “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde.
Dani Vee’s next picture book is titled “My Epic Dad!”
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
INSTA - @hachetteaus
INSTA - @colehaddonwashere
INSTA - @DaniVeeBooks-Words & Nerds
INSTA - @larrikinhouse
FB - @HachetteAustralia
FB - @DaniVeeBooks
FB - @Larrikin House
Twitter - @colehaddon
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Death isn’t like in the movies - there’s no grand musical score playing as we leave this world. It’s just the final scene of our wonderful, complex and maybe ordinary life. But, asks author Megan Albany, what’s to be done about all that unfinished business? In The Very Last List of Vivian Walker, Vivian writes a to-do list and so begins a tale both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
Insta - @ meganalbanywriter
FB - @ meganalbanywriter
Twitter - @ Megan_Albany
Web -meganalbany.com
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Ellis Gunn didn’t just survive the terrifying and unsettling experience of being stalked. She wrote about it, in a book that is part poetic real life thriller, part advice manual for women.
And…
It may be many centuries since Vikings raided, traded and settled across Europe and Scandinavia, but time has not dimmed the romance of their stories. Viking scholar Dr Lisa Bennett explores why the heroic sagas continue to be a rich inspiration for authors and film-makers.
Guests:
Ellis Gunn, author of Rattled
Dr Lisa Bennett, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, Flinders University and author of forthcoming speculative non-fiction title ‘Viking Women; Life and Lore’
Our Random Reader - Annie
Other books that get a mention:
Ellis Gunn mentions ‘Troll Hunting’ by Ginger Gorman. She also mentions a group called ‘Action Against Stalking’ established by Anne Moulds in Scotland.
Annie and Lisa Bennett mention the books ‘The Greenlanders’ by Jane Smiley, ‘Norse Mythology’ by Neil Gaiman, ‘Norse Tales’ and other books about vikings for young people by Kevin Crossley-Holland.
They mention the film ‘The Northmen’ starring Nicole Kidman and the TV series ‘Vikings’. Cath and Annie both recommend the SBS TV series “Beforeigners’.
The Icelandic historian, politician and poet mentioned by Lisa is Snorri Sturluson.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
INSTA - Allen and Unwin - @ allenandunwin
INSTA - Lisa Bennett - @ lisalhannett
FB - Allen and Unwin - @ AllenandUnwinBooks
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Australian author Charlotte McConaghy talks about her latest novel, how her screenwriting experience informs its edgy pace and why climate remains her passion even as she writes a romantic thriller.
Another book by Charlotte McConaghy is “Migrations; A novel”
Music composed by Quentin Grant
Insta - @ charlottemcconaghy
FB - charlottemcconaghyauthor
Twitter - @ CharMcConaghy
Web - https://www.charlottemcconaghy.com
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It took forty years for Dr Tony Bernard to uncover the full horror of what his father went through in World War 2. The memoir “Ghost Tattoo” is an extraordinary adventure and survival tale of life in Auschwitz but more than that it tells the lesser-known story of what really happened in the Jewish ghettos.
And…
What sets memoir apart from autobiography and why is it such an important form of writing? Dr Kylie Cardell illustrates a lively conversation about what she calls “life writing” with two fearless books that reveal much about the historical and contemporary experience of being black in Australia.
Guests:
Dr Tony Bernard, author of Ghost Tattoo
Dr Kylie Cardell, Senior Lecturer in English, University of Adelaide and author of “Dear World: Contemporary Uses of the Diary”
Our Random Reader - Patrick
Other books that get a mention:
Kylie Cardell mentions “Truganini: Journey through the apocalypse” by Cassandra Pybus and “The Hate Race” by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Michaela mentions “Still Life” and “Family Life” by Elizabeth Luard and “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo.
Patrick mentions “The story of San Michel” by Axel Munthe, “A Fortunate Life” by A B Facey, “Any Human Heart” by William Boyd, “The Map that Changed the World” by Simon Winchester, “The Passions of the Mind” by Irving Stone and “Breath” by Tim Winton.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
INSTA - Allen and Unwin - @ allenandunwin
INSTA - Dr Kylie Cardell - @ kyliesays
INSTA - Hachette - @ hachetteaus
FB - Allen and Unwin - @ AllenandUnwinBooks
FB - Hachette - @ HachetteAustralia
TW - Dr Kylie Cardell - @ KylieCardell
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A man gasps for breath as he is dragged from the ocean and has another chance. Living within a surreal, war-torn landscape and ever on the run through the swampy and threatening world of Basin, Scott McCulloch’s un-named protagonist takes readers on a road story that is unsettling and stark.
And,
Discover or re-discover Earthsea, a vast archipelago of hundreds of islands populated by literate non-industrial civilizations, that is the creation of ground-breaking fantasy writer Ursula Le Guin.
Guests:
Scott McCulloch, author of debut novel, ‘Basin’
Dr Lisa Bennett, senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, Flinders University
Our Random Reader - Chelsea
Other books that get a mention: ‘Four Fifty from Paddington’ by Agatha Christie and 'The Great Hope' by Jessica Stanley currently sit on Cath’s Tsundoku. Cath and Lisa discussed ‘Earthsea’ by Ursula Le Guin in our classics segment. Chelsea’s recommendations include 'Fish out of Water' by Kate Hendrick, 'The Yield' by Tara June Winch, 'Talking to My Country' by Stan Grant
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Publisher of Basin, Black Inc Books:
Insta:@blackincbooks
Facebook: BlackIncBooks
Twitter: @BlackIncBooks
Dr Lisa Hannett:
Insta: @lisalhannett
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A discarded painting in a roadside clean-up, forgotten bones in a research archive, and Lexington, the greatest racehorse in US history. From these strands of fact, Geraldine Brooks weaves a sweeping story of spirit, obsession and injustice across American history.
And…
Meet writer and artist Joe Brainard, whose series of I Remember memoirs broke new literary ground in the 1960s and early 1970s, and have inspired poets and writers ever since.
Guests:
Gerladine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Horse
Ken Bolton, poet, author of Salute and 19 other books of poetry published since 1977… and devoted fan of Joe Brainard
Our Random Reader - Kortin
Other books that get a mention: Phosphorescence by Julia Baird and The Hush by Sara Foster currently sit on Sarah’s Tsundoku. Michaela mentioned White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo in her interview with Geraldine Brooks.
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Geraldine Brooks:
Insta: @ ozbrooks100
Facebook: Geraldine Brooks
Twitter: @ GeraldineBrooks
Hachette:
Insta:@ HachetteAus
Facebook: Hachette Australia Books
Twitter: @ HachetteAus
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Katherine is hafu; half Japanese, half English but in the experience of eating her body “forgot its cultural confusion”. Meshi explores the meals of Katherine’s childhood through Japan’s twenty-four sekki (seasons) untangling the threads of meaning, memory and ritual woven through every delicious mouthful.
And…
From hand-written recipes passed down through generations, to cook books that take us inside other cultures, or sell us dreams of travel, the recipe book is an enduring artefact of our culture. Foodie and former bookseller Kate Jordan Moore takes us through the many shapes food literature can take.
Guests:
Katherine Tamiko Arguile, author of Meshi; A personal history of Japanese food published by Affirm Press
Kate Jordan Moore, former bookseller and history researcher
Our Random Reader - Clara
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: @katherinetamikoarguile @affirmpress
Facebook: @katherinetamikoarguile @affirm press
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Mabel Worley leapt off the pages of history and could not be shaken from the consciousness of museum curator, Corinne Ball. Who was this woman who gave birth to a daughter in a destitute asylum, married, ran away to join the circus and rubbed shoulders with the stars of her day – only to lapse eventually into criminal existence as a vagrant and public drunk? How did it all go wrong? Corinne Ball tells Mabel’s poignant story.
And…
Which old classic still keeps the cash registers ringing in Adelaide’s oldest bookstore? And, of all the books they sell, which book would they never allow to run out of stock? Find out from Annie Waters… the woman whose customers trust her with their [reading] lives!
Guests:
Corinne Ball, author of Three-Ring Circus: the dramatic, mysterious and tragic life of Mabel Worley, a destitute asylum girl
Annie Waters, Co-owner of Mostly Books, Adelaide’s oldest bookstore
Our Random Reader - Lily
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Insta: @mostly_books
Insta: @mr_annie
Facebook: @mostlybooks
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Michael Robotham has a new psychological thriller on the shelves, Lying Beside You. While his stories delve into the dark side, in person he is a warm and relaxed man with a passion for his craft.
And…
Evan S. Connell’s Depression-era pair of novels Mrs Bridge and Mr Bridge tell a still familiar tale of a safe but desperate marriage.
Guests:
Michael Robotham author of Lying Beside You
Olga Sankey
Our Random Reader - Adrian
Music composed by Quentin Grant
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Facebook: MichaelRobothamAU
IG: @michaelrobotham
Facebook: HachetteAustralia
Instagram: hachetteaus
Tsundoku https://www.facebook.com/Tsundokucast
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Miles Allinson on his book In Moonland - a son untangles the mystery of his father as he follows his trail into the 70s hippie heart of India.
And Jean Rhys's 1960s hit novel Wide Sargasso Sea exposes a darker side of Jane Eyre hero Rochester.
Guests:
Miles Allinson, author of In Moonland Dr Lisa Bennett, senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, Flinders University Dr Kylie Cardell, senior lecturer in Literary Studies, Flinders University Our Random Reader - Britt
Music composed by Quentin Grant
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Award winning Melbourne author Hannah Kent talks about her new book Devotion - a love story that traverses oceans, reality and magic.
And we revisit the Virginia Woolfe classic, Mrs Dalloway, which follows a day in the life of a high society lady in the 1920s.
Guests:
Hannah Kent, author of Devotion Dr Lisa Bennett, senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, Flinders University Dr Kylie Cardell, senior lecturer in Creative Writing, Flinders University Our Random Reader - Matilda
Music composed by Quentin Grant
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Award winning Melbourne author Emily Bitto talks about her new book Wild Abandon - the story of a naive young Australian man’s odyssey of self discovery, from the decadent glamour of New York right into the terrifying dark heart of the American mid- west.
And travel writer Max Anderson explains why he doesn’t read travel books, but prefers to follow in the footsteps of his literary heroes when he goes on holiday.
Guests:
Emily Bitto, author ofWild Abandon
Max Anderson, travel writer
Our Random Reader - Belinda
Music composed by Quentin Grant
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‘Fool Me Twice’ is a podcast about diamonds. Jules and Zara were approached by a woman in Hong Kong who owns a diamond business, and had an incredibly compelling story to tell, full of twists and turns. Hearing her story, Zara became interested in diamonds themselves, and started doing some digging. This podcast follows the story of that scam, and attempts to unravel some of the shadier aspects of the diamond industry as a whole. We interview people related to the scam, a diamond miner, scam experts and individuals with their own personal diamond stories. This 8-episode true crime podcast will have you on the edge of your seat.
COMING SOON: Available on Auscast Network and all podcast platforms in July 2021.
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36kbNmH
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gBgOdR
Auscast Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/fool-me-twice
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The Word Docs have returned! Out of the classroom and back at the mics, Amy, Alex and Sean are dissecting the fertile minds of director Lisa Harper Campbell and actor Gianluca Noble who have brought Alex’s latest play Watchlist to the stage. How do talented people turn scribbles on a page into a live event? Who does it belong to once the author has ‘died’ and the director has left the building? Why does Alex get arrested for public walking? Is it just the beard? We don’t think it’s the beard. Join us! We’re back!
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Writers Read by LiTracey - Getting THAT book in children's hands. On this episode Tracey chats with Marlies Hobbs about the book she has co-written with her husband Jai, 'Financially Literate Youth - FLY'. Plus our regular recommender Rebecca provides her insights into this book.
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The Word Docs bare their bruised egos this week and attempt to find a balming (is that a word?) salve. Alex drags Sean and Amy into the cobwebby corners of their psyches, seeking to learn whether ego is a help or a hindrance in an artist's life. This week we'll learn about the book that broke Sean; traverse the Dark Place and the Vague Place; confront mediocrity; and try to ignore the fact that Alex's dad seems to be popping out of the wardrobe. We tackle troubling questions, such as: Is smugness perilous? What projects should we say no to? Where's the line between self-belief and delusion, or self-belief and narcissism? And is Caleb Lewis real? (Spoiler: we don't believe he's real.) Join us for an unusually serious and vulnerable episode Of Word Docs. Please...?
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Before you write your magnum opus – or perhaps during – a visit to a distant shore to get you in the mood and help you find the perfect setting for your novel is not a bad idea. Likewise, visiting the scene of your favourite work can bring you deeper into an author’s mindset. This week, the Word Docs share their tales of pilgrimages. From the ice flats of Antarctica to the oppressive heat of a bathhouse in Shinjuku, the dynamic trio are not afraid to push boundaries and smash social norms...even if it ends in injury and humiliation.
Stay tuned for the outtake: It's longer than Alex's novel.
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The Word Docs are stirring from their slumber and weaving their magic – both the whimsical technicolour kind and the wicked dystopian kind – on a raw 2021. How do writers recharge after an insane year? Is downtime part of the process? What do these people do when they're not abusing stationary? You may think the Word Docs simply fold up neatly into cupboards, but no...some of us jog!
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Well, that's it for the grand old dystopian wonderland of 2020. Bring on the New Year! This week, the Word Docs are reflecting on the year that's been: deadlines missed and goals hit, unexpected delights and inevitable tipsiness, real estate bought, sold and fantasised about, and the fact that Amy never delivered on the promised scones. We're making plans for 2021 and even 2022: New bathrooms! Secret disco rooms! Starting our own magic writing school, where Alex will be potions master! Those bloody scones. And we introduce a new segment: Is this illegal? Amy takes the role of Alex's parent; Alex sings, undaunted; Sean promises to DJ for New Year's. Pour yourself a rum and Milo (don't ask) or a cheeky Moscato and settle in for some festive cheer from the three wise elves (is that a thing?).
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This week we have a full pod of doctors and a bonus Word Dog, as the Word Docs are joined by playwrights Piri Eddy and Peter Beaglehole, and Piri's dog Murphy. We explore the experience of writing and producing plays, the life affirming joys of working with other humans, and the reasons why sometimes you just have to go a little nuts. There are power tools and secret ninjas, and Alex gets approximately 20% more manly. Come along and help us probe the vexed questions of playwrights the world over: Why theatre? Can we start a fight in the foyer? Why bring the world together when you can rip it apart? And when will the secret ninja come to our rescue?
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From big structural issues to hooks and semicolons, and everything in-between ... the Word Docs are all over it. Together, Amy, Sean and Alex have edited a lot and been edited even more. In this episode the docs become surgeons, unpacking the editorial process in forensic detail.
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Writers Read by LiTracey - getting THAT book in children's hands.
On this episode Tracey chats with Kesta Fleming. Kesta reads aloud from her debut chapter book 'Marlow Brown - Scientist in the Making' and our student reviewer Liv gives us her rating of this book. Plus, our regular recommender Rebecca provides her insights on Marlow Brown.
In Tracey's tip, Tracey discusses practices that impact reading motivation and the important role of the teacher in helping students find 'that' book.
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This week, our intrepid Word Docs dig down into the relationship between writers and their words. Can you separate the fiction on the page from the reality of its wider context? Which matters more, the message of the author or the impact of the work? And what happens when your favourite creator turns out to be an appalling human? Join Amy T. Matthews, Sean Williams and a particularly hyper Alex Vickery-Howe as they unpack that thorny relationship between story and storyteller.
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There’s no getting around the fact that we live in strange and difficult times, from a global pandemic to a ‘Leader of the Free World’ who refuses to concede defeat –– but, never fear, the Word Docs are here to provide their remedies! Join Amy, Alex and Sean as they unpack the ups and downs of creating new work and telling new stories in the midst of isolation and upheaval. For Sean, it’s about chocolate. For Alex, it’s about Moscato. For Amy, it’s about finding a room without a random relative in it. Every decade has its challenges, and its lessons...now is the perfect time to reflect on where we've been and plan ahead for the tales of tomorrow.
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In this episode, we compare submitting your work to setting up a profile on Tinder. How far can we take this metaphor? Too far. Much, much too far. As a Tinder virgin (metaphorically speaking), Alex is grilling the pros (not a metaphor, although they do get paid for it) on how to submit your work to agents and publishers. How do you find them? How do you talk to them? When are you being too pushy? Do you split the bill? The questions are endless. Don't fret, the Word Docs are here with the ultimate dating guide for writers seeking long-term love in the industry.
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This week the Word Docs follow Alice down the rabbit hole and take the academy by the tassels to hash out research outcomes, research expectations and non-traditional research outputs. What is research? How do you do it? Are creative works really so different from scholarly articles? The plucky trio will offer some answers, with only occasional segues into – among other things – honeybees and daises, narcissism and duality, rolling cigarettes, the Elkhorn Mountains, homoerotic cowboys, Matter Transmitters, and Miss Shirley Bassey. But segues, rabbit holes and blind alleys are all part of the researcher’s daily mental adventures...it’s writing them up in a few thousand words that’s the hard part. Like Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, these ‘PhD People’ know that nature, and Sean Williams, always finds a way.
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It’s that special time of year again, and to celebrate Word Docs lifts the veil on their inability to stick to the subject, keep it clean, or avoid the giggles. This adults-only episode collects unused excerpts from nine months of broadcasting in the hope of bringing good cheer or at least the occasional shake of the head to all our listeners. There may even be a word or two about writing. Happy All Hallow’s Eve, everyone. Don’t forget to scare the kids!
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In this episode we're talking about how we juggle multiple projects, completely unaided by clones (lazy bastards). This week the Word Docs cram the muse back in her box and adopt a pragmatic approach to this juggling thing. Anti-romantic to the core, we tackle how to be multiple people at once, how to be one person on multiple projects, how to have a life, and whether balance is possible. Just ignore the mental traffic jams and post-deadline crashes and the fact that none of us know who Betty is or why she hijacked the end of the pod. It turns out we have a few strategies for keeping all our balls in the air. If you have balls too then this is the episode for you!
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They almost succeed. Very, very nearly. This week, Amy, Sean and the other guy do their best to discuss heroes...and end up discussing fairy tales and gender binaries, romantic chemistry and cinema demographics, and anything else that skirts around the issue. Being heroic is hard. Writing heroic characters ain’t a picnic either. Who were the heroes of times gone by? What makes a hero in the modern age? Grab your sword – or your biscuit – and follow the Word Docs as they explore different flavours of heroism.
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Another week, another rant. Place your bets as Amy and Alex face off on a range of issues they more or less politely agree on...while Sean towers with arms folded like a regal Tina Turner. From theme to ideology to politics to rebellion, the Word Docs aren’t afraid to go where Trump and Twitter trolls have gone before. It’s all impressively coherent until Alex forgets to host. Do you catch more flies with honey or with vinegar? Why would you want to catch flies when you have Yo-Yos? Join us for the rumble!
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This week the Docs are exploring some of their guilty reading pleasures, although as usual they don't stick to the topic and other guilts are exposed, not least of them someone's fantasies about Kevin Bacon's shorts. Prepare for the over-caffeinated enthusiasm, as we learn who was the bane of their primary school librarians, who has a sadistic streak, and who is a secret sports buff. High art/ low art divide be damned, we're taking on the hegemonic elite and flying our freak flags.
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COVID-19 threw us headlong into online teaching at a moment's notice, requiring flexibility, agility and the fleet-footedness of a moscato-soaked gazelle. Well, it threw Alex and Sean into online teaching and moscato. Amy was on study leave. Now as Semester Two hits, Amy's joining them on the frontlines, but swapping out the moscato for a nice Clare riesling or a McLaren Vale grenache. What tips can the boys offer? How do you convert a curriculum from face-to-face Socratic teaching to the chat rooms and vids of the interwebs? What are the pitfalls? And what are the unexpected benefits? Pop a cork on your wine of choice and get ready for some truth bombs from three dedicated educators in the age of Zoom.
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As Phillipa prepares to start over and protect her daughter from a fate similar to her own, everyone around her appears to have different ideas.
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What have we been doing this year? Other than teaching through lockdown, eating too much chocolate, drinking moscato, and yapping away on this podcast... In this episode we get to catch up on the Word Docs' latest projects, which involve a theatre/film project which is not a porno (but does feature a dominatrix), music made in the Hall of Possibility, and more pseudonyms for the woman who has everything. What other writers do you know who can get kidnapped by pirates on their way to a writing gig? Like, for real. Not in their imaginations. And what other academics do you know who are willing to dish the dirt on what it's really like to be a working writer? Fine, lots of them. But how many of them also make ambient music? One. Sean. Well done, Sean. He's reason enough to listen to this podcast - especially if you're smart enough to listen all the way to the end.
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The tension deepens between Phillipa and Hugh and neither vodka or meditation prove to be particularly successful at blocking out the past.
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In which Sean comes down from the mount, stomps out the burning bush and hands down the ten (and a half - don't forget the half) commandments of writing. After a healthy dose of heckling, his disciples agree they're pretty good. No 'thou shalt not covet thy neighbours ass' kind of good, but 'don't be a dick' is definitely a keeper.
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Unexpected news finds Phillipa leaning on Kat’s born-again Buddhist lodger, Marcus. Rayleen and the Almighty Creator prey upon Kat. And Hugh seeks a different sort of spiritual guidance.
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South Australian Playwrights Theatre presents:
THE MIDDLE WAY.
by Lucy Combe
Meet SUV driving, Finnish Spitz owning, mother of twins, Phillipa. Daughter, Kat’s mental health requires intensive monitoring, husband Hugh’s ego needs constant stroking and she is forever reminded of her estranged Evangelical mother, Rayleen. Along comes Marcus, a devout born-again Buddhist, who brings with him the promise of new beginnings – if only her past would stop getting in the way.
The Middle Way explores the identities we create for ourselves and those put upon us; how the events of the past ricochet for years to come and the eternal pull of spiritual practices. The stage play launched to critical acclaim in 2019, is published through Australian Plays and is now being retold as an audio series over four parts.
South Australian Playwrights Theatre is committed to producing original stories over a range of mediums, and is thrilled to be producing The Middle Way as its next audio instalment. So, sit back or multitask and enjoy the ride!
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Meet the man who ruined Alex's milk and cookies by writing a story so abjectly disgusting that it laid waste to bedtime. This week we're kicking off our 'Writers and their Partners' series, talking to Amy's partner, the Horror writer Jonny Zweck. (Sean refuses to participate in this misguided series next, even though it's patently his turn, and his partner is also a doc who writes the words. Alex, meanwhile, is threatening to go pick someone up so he can get involved. Be warned.) There's grammar talk, abject horror and the search for meaning, and the eternal question: how do you pronounce the word 'wolf'?
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It's a Showdown! Amy and Sean are going head to head over to Richard Curtis's film Notting Hill, with Alex caught in the middle. Except Alex is too obstreperous to stay above the fray, and Amy and Sean keep agreeing on everything. We can't even argue properly. This week we're looking at character, motivation, embedded sexisms and other isms in Notting Hill (a film from the Dark Ages that we keep finding ourselves arguing over at the pub), and a whole range of random logic holes in films that bear no resemblance to Notting Hill at all. This is peak Word Docs, where there's madness in the method, and we regret everything.
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This week Amy kicks off with a rant about people who want to 'break the mould' of genre fiction, instead of just doing it bloody well, which leads us down the rabbit hole of defining genres, arguing about the rules (knowing the rules; bending the rules; breaking the rules; stop breaking the bloody rules!), following formulas, smashing formulas, value adding and (because it's us) comparing genres to pizza. What other podcast about writing can be so smart and so dumb all at the same time? Guaranteed to be 80% cheeky and 100% 30 minutes long. (This may be our best episode yet, so don't miss it. It's probably all downhill from here.)
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Writers Read by LiTracey - getting THAT book in children's hands.
On this episode Tracey chats with Nean McKenzie. Nean reads aloud from her debut novel 'Cryptosight' and our student reviewer Liv gives us her rating of this book. Plus, our regular recommender Rebecca provides her insights on Naan's new novel.
In Tracey's tip, Tracey discusses practices that impact reading motivation.
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Season 1 finale. As Tyrone tries to escape his Bordertown prison he is tortured by the memories of Flick, his now famous dead ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, Randy seeks out some diabolical publicity opportunities.
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This week we're probing (with consent) Sean's sometime-collaborator Garth Nix. A man who has penned many bestsellers, Garth gives us the lowdown on writing: where he does it (The beach! Alex is astounded. How does he keep the seagulls at bay?), how he does it (By hand! Alex is further astounded. How does he keep his hand from cramping?), and why writing full time was a trap. We get the dish on what it's like drinking in LA with Sean (there's imaginary nudity involved), on how to collaborate (Amy's taking notes and trying not to get hand-cramp), on moonlighting as a publisher and as an agent (clever), and (most importantly) on how to not to get cross.
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After an emotionally charged evening of drugs, booze and betrayal, Flick is tipped over the edge and Tyrone is faced with a mammoth moral dilemma.
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Sean, Alex and Amy take almost a third of the episode to get to the point. Which is kind of the point. This week they're discussing the fine art of procrastination: procrastishopping, procrastibaking, Wikisurfing, how not to follow a recipe, stealing other people's nostalgia, and how great Frank Langella's eye performance is in the 80s classic Masters of the Universe. Sean is outraged by Alex's determination to put vanilla in everything, and disappointed by his own inability to find a goose neck phone clamp on the internet; Alex has a Save the Foxes t-shirt he can't remember buying, and a shameful secret about Back to the Future and the Pentagon; and Amy is stuck in the Matrix with this whole Frank Langella thing. Will they ever get to the point? Probably not.
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This week Alex, Amy and Sean interview their colleague Dr Lisa Bennett/Lisa L Hannett about her eerily beautiful dark fantasy fiction, her first draft agonies and second draft ecstasies, and her obsession with writing on trains. Turtles and tableaux, fine art and flying flips, Canadians, Scandinavians, and hillbillies from the Deep South - what more can you ask for? Writing talk? Oh yeah, we've got that too.
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Will Sean ever achieve his life's ambition of getting his work on the banned book list? Will Amy give in and write a book without rude bits? Will Alex stop slandering salamanders already! Or will they just ignore all the critics and push on, puritans, prudes and salamanders be damned! This week, the Word Docs discuss criticism: the good, the bad, and the medium. We'll be exposing all our scars and showing you which slings and arrows were fatal and which were merely flesh wounds (spoiler: none of us are dead yet). We'll ask the questions: Can criticism be helpful? And how can you find the emotional resilience to weather reviews, hate mail, fan mail, stalkers, trolls, and your own inability to accept praise?
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They always say you should kill your darlings...but have Amy, Alex and Sean taken this too literally? Tune in as the Word Docs discuss all the (fictional) people they've murdered. From mythological creatures to wagon trains, hellish high schools to doppelgängers, it's an intergalactic bloodbath.
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Randy tries to steal RnB superstar Chantelle from rival agent Kevin Speil as Tyrone reveals his philandering ways to a heartbroken Flick.
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Amy, Alex and Sean confess to all the jobs they had before becoming writers. From the eternal happy hour of a Sydney call centre, long nights at service stations, and weddings where the guests eat gold, the word docs have been making mischief across a range of industries. We're not afraid to ask the big questions: Has Amy got any free salad? Will Sean realise he's been shanghaied? And when is a blue chair ever white enough?
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Felicity plans a romantic evening of hot chilli con carne with Tyrone only to be ambushed by the Hollywood paparazzi.
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Everyone fails. No one fails forever. There are many ways to negotiate the gap between, in the arts and in academia. The Word Docs have risen through the ranks themselves, and now devote a large proportion of their life to helping others do the same. As teachers, mentors, positive role models, and occasional drinking buddies, Amy, Alex and Sean are here for you.
Episode 11 - tags
Accidental success
Blackface
Carpe Diem
Commercial flops
Computer crashes
Consultation
Covers
Cruelty to animals
Curses
Drafts
Editors
Fail better
Hindsight
Hubris
Ideal reader
Inertia
Jealousy
KPIs
Laziness
Log lines
Luck
Manuscript assessments
Marketing
Miscasting
Misjudgement
Misrepresentation
Numbers game
One-pagers
Opportunities
Owls
Playing Dice
Preparedness
Process
Public embarrassment
Regret
Sales figures
Self-failure
Selling out
Submissions
Teaching
Timing
Unpublished books
Vicissitudes
Whitewashing
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What’s the secret to getting published? Alex, Amy and Sean tell all, or at least as much as they can in thirty minutes.
Episode 10 - tags
acting
advice
awards
bottom drawer stories
bravery
commandments
community
conferences
contests
creative writing programs
deadlines
fear
feedback
flipside
fonts
footnotes
formatting
genres
heartbreak
industry knowledge
long game
marking
mentors
perfectionism
performance writing
PhD
resilience
rules
serendipity
shyness
soundtracks
study
titles
typos
validation
work
Writers of the Future
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Felicity charms Tyrone on the set of his new movie and invites him back for chilli con carne. Little does she know Aunty Barb is planning the 'girl's night in' from hell.
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Would you rather win all the awards or make all the money? “Both” is a valid answer, but few writers are so lucky. Sometimes peers and publishers will push you one way or another, when really, all you want to do is be yourself. How have the Word Docs managed this? In a lively conversation spanning everything from pop culture to professorships, Amy, Alex and Sean reveal all.
Episode 9 - tags
Academia
Awards
Bias
Classism
Comic-Con
Comics
Community
Competition
Conventions
Cultural capital
Cultural cringe
Defining success
F-bombs
Genre fiction
Inclusivity
Intellectual laziness
Literary fiction
Parental advice
Participatory culture
Polymaths
Pop culture
Popularity
Power relations
Prejudice
Reading habits
Representation
Sexism
Slang
Supanova
Tortured metaphors
Youth
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Felicity arrives in Los Angeles to find her Aunty Barbara has indecent plans for her, Patricia's hairdressing business starts to go down the toilet and Randy tries to set up Tyrone with his R'n'B superstar, ex-girlfriend, Chantelle.
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Alex, Amy and Sean take a closer look (see Episode 6) at two of our favourite character types and explore ways to write thrilling new ones. It’s harder than it seems. Maybe it’s okay for good people to be bad sometimes, but would Darth Vader ever pat a puppy? Answers await in the Cubby House/Lair of the Word Docs.
Episode 8 - tags
Acting
Adaptations
Antiheroes
Boring Good
Drafting
First crushes
Goal/Motivation/Conflict
Horror
Kittens
Ownership
Piping shrike
Plotting vs Pantsing
Puppies
Romance
Secondary Characters
Star Wars
Strengths and Weaknesses
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B-grade comedian Tyrone Jackson dies on stage in Chicago. Meanwhile back in Bordertown, Felicity bids farewell to Benno Flannagan forever.
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Who are Amy, Alex and Sean? What have they written? How do they juggle teaching and writing? Is it even possible to teach people to write? Why does this podcast exist? One of them swears too much, one makes an unconvincing soldier, one wrote epic D&D poetry as a teenager: by the end of this informal Q&A, you will know who, and much more about your Word Docs hosts.
Episode 7 - tags
ABC
Bad Poetry
Bob Roberts
Children's Book Council Award
Chocolate
Collaboration
Confessions
Coronavirus/COVID-19
Creative Writing
Creative Writing PhD
D&D
Drunk writers
Editing
Elbows
Failure
Fears
Flinders University
Genres
Gremlins
Heroes
Horror
The ideal reader
Ideas
Lockdown
Mentors
Networking
Nostradamus
NSW Premier's Literary Awards
Once Upon A Midnight
Playwriting
Power Rangers
Practice Led Research
Publication
Publishing
The Queen
Romance
Routines
Screenwriting
Secrets of writing
Short Stories
Space Opera
Star Wars
Teaching writing
Teletubbies
Tess LeSue
Thrill Me! anthology
Tom Young
Villains
Vulnerability
YA fiction
Interest plus hours
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Episode One: The Silver Bodgie
Discontent with her own waning notoriety after creating Bob Hawke’s hairdo in 1982, local hairdresser Patricia sends her daughter Felicity to Hollywood in search of fame.
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“Two out of three Word Docs have books out this month, and so does special guest Lisa Hannett (aka Dr Lisa Bennett). How do you launch a book during lockdown? By asking Amy to interview all three authors and raise a virtual toast to their inevitable success. Happy book birthday, Word Docs!”
Bonus Book Launch Episode - tags
Allen & Unwin
Book Birthday
Book Launch
Currency Press
Her Perilous Mansion
Lisa Bennett
Lisa Hannett
Songs for Dark Seasons
Ticonderoga Publications
Watchlist
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People read stories about people, so learning how to write people is an important step on your journey. Whether you steal from real life or create out of whole cloth, whether you prefer heroes to villains, whether you regularly lose control of the characters you have brought into being – the Word Docs are right there with you. Their methods may differ, but one thing is certain: chocolate is likely involved.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Tags - Acting vs writing, Action scenes, Alcohol, Ambiguity, Authorial agency, Backstories, Book chocolate, Borrowing from real life, Capacity for change, Characters, Chocolate, Collaboration, Comfort food, Complexity, Conflict, Context, Creative constraints, Dublin, Evolution, Extras, Forced endings, Franchises, Galley slaves, Heroes, Internal conflict, Intuition, Kids, Killing off characters, Long-haul flights, Meaning of names, Merchandising, Metaphors, Moscato, Mundane details, Name dictionaries, Name dropping, Naming characters, Non-fiction, Obsession, Origins, Outlining, Parenting, Past/present/future thinkers, Past victories, Planning, Podcasts, Protagonists, Psychology, The Queen, Reading, Real people, Rebellious characters, Recurring characters, Relationships, Roll call, Rewriting, Runaway characters, Scale, Secondary characters, Shortlisting, Silent extras, Star Wars, Sugar addicts, Tea, Texture, “Tom the Paper Boy” phenomenon, Too many characters, Tragedy, Villains, Weather, Writing as therapy
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New writers beware: saying that you are one invites interrogation on the nature of your work, where it has been published, and how much you’re being paid – all difficult questions to answer when you’re starting out. Writers, ultimately, come in many different shapes and sizes. The Word Docs are here to help you find your place in the pantheon, and to guide your dealings with Grandma next time you visit.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Tags - The Act of creation, Agents, Alien ideologies, Audiences, Author copies, Awards, Bad Sex Awards, Baking, Being orphaned, Beta readers, Brag shelves, Bravery, Brutal honesty, Business cards, Cakes, Career paths, Character identification, Characters, Chocolate, Community, Competitiveness, Conferences, Confidence, Conflicting feedback, Consultation, Continuity, Criticism, Critics, Disappointment, Doctor Who, Downturns, Drawer stories, Dreamweavers, Editors, Exposure, Fact vs fiction, Failure vs success, Family, Feedback, Gender-swapping, Genre discrimination, Good news, Gratuitous side projects, Growing the pie, Happiness, Honesty, Hope, The Imagined reader, Imposter syndrome, Inadequacies, Innate genius, Jealous peers, Kids, The Loneliness of success, Luck, Madness, Milestones, Money, Moral arguments, Parents, Parody, The Passionate response, Publishers, Professional vs amateur, Pseudonyms, Public adoration, Punctuation, Qualifications, The Queen, Rated R, Respiratory diseases, Royalties, Self-assessment, Sex scenes, Sense of humour, Sharing the love, Skills, Star Wars, Stalkers, Tall Poppy Syndrome, Taxonomy of writers, Theses, Tribes, Validation, Vampires, Visibility, Wattpad, Werewolves, Withholding, Wordsmiths, Writers’ Associations, Writing for a living, Writer bling
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Your book is done. What comes next? Finding the right editor is just one of the many challenges that the Word Docs have faced with aplomb – or if not aplomb, at least with a cocktail and a good conversational opener. Alex, Amy and Sean will help you break down the wall between writer and publisher that sometimes seem insurmountable.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Tags - Access, Authenticity, Being a dick, Bangers & mash, Brainstorming, Brutal honesty, Canapés, Chocolate, Cocktails, Collaborators, Community, Conferences, Confidence, Conventions, Coursework cohorts, Credibility, Doctor Who, Double entendres, Elevator pitch, Emma Thompson on a unicycle, Fabio pants, Fake it vs make it, Festivals, Gossip, Homonyms, Human scum, Introversion vs extroversion, Meat alternatives, Merchandising, Momentum, My Dad Wrote a Porno, Name dropping, Nanna Joy, Narcissism, Networking, Publisher’s assistants, The Queen, Selling yourself vs selling your work, Self-promotion, Sex, Shamelessness, Shyness, Social anxiety, Sounding boards, Stable ponies, Stakes, Strategic socialising, Support ponies, Tall poppy syndrome, Track records, Two out of three rule, The Tyranny of distance, The Work is the work, Writers’ Associations
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Whether you’re a reclusive garret scribe or a gregarious cafe scribbler, you’ve put serious thought into the space you write. Alex, Amy and Sean are no different. They’ve experimented with rituals and rooms of their own. They’ve wrangled writers’ groups and writing retreats. One of them has gone to Antarctica in search of the ultimate office. The Word Docs learned their lessons the hard way so you won’t have to.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Tags - Accomplishment, Administration, All-nighters, Antarctica, The Best time to write, Bob Roberts, Book proposals, Bragging rights, Caffeine, Cats, Coffee shops/cafe culture, Cone of silence, Control vs chaos, Define “writing”, Distractions, Dublin, Exposure, Fake news, Fellowships, The Flow, Hell is other people, Hot chocolate, Housework, Kids, Lofts, Massages, Moscato, Multitasking, Music, Nanna Joy, Noise, Nature, Networking, Offices, Parenting, PhD, Pizza, Privacy, Retreats, Rituals, The Romantics, Sample chapters, Scotch Finger biscuits, The Secret, Seeking perfection, Sheds, Shovelling, Silence, Spotify, Standing desks, Star Wars, Storms, Swimming, Tea, Teenagers, Theme music, Tuning out, TV, Weather, Work/life balance, The Writer’s revenge, Writer cats, Writing environment, Writing goals, Writing groups, Writing in public, Writing on the road
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Where do ideas come from? Are there any new ones left? Does taking a long shower count as work? Is chocolate tax-deductible? The Word Docs share techniques, traps, and tales of times when inspiration has fled but the words must be put down regardless.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Baking, Beginnings with no endings, Boredom, Bread, Cooking, Community, Creative combinations, Creative music, Creative prompts, Daydreaming, The Definition of work, Daily wordcount, Deadlines, Demons, Double entendres, Downtime, Drafting, Dreams, Drinking games, Editing, Exhaustion, Fishes, Free association, Grants, The Grind, Ideas, Inspiration, Intuition, Ions, Left brain/right brains, Lightning bolts, Loose construing, Love, Mentorships, Movies, Music, Neologisms, New ideas, Notebooks, Play space, Process, Procrastination, Psychics, Reading, Refilling the well, Remixing, Researchm, Routine, Shakespeare, Schenectady, Spotify, Stages of writing, Storms, Sustaining creativity , Thesaurus, Titles, Unstructured time, Weather
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Alex, Amy and Sean check in from their underground bunkers, where their research, writing and teaching continue unchecked. How are they coping with physical isolation? How are you? New times call for new solutions. Stay safe, everyone
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Alex, Amy and Sean tackle a topic close to the heart of many writers and students: getting work in on time. When stopping is sometimes just as hard as starting, the question of how to know if a story is ready for the world is one the Word Docs have all wrestled with many times in their careers. From procrastination baking to life in the Zone, our experts take you on a deep, discursive dive into the life of a working writer.
Twitter: @TheWordDocs Instagram: @TheWordDocs Facebook: The-Word-Docs
Tags; Anxiety, Author copies, Caffeine, Cats, Chocolate, Christmas, Compulsive writing, Confessions, Contests/competitions, Cramming, Creative ownership, Deadlines, Discipline, Drafting and redrafting, Drinking games, Experimentation, Extensions, Fear of failure, The Freedom of the beginner, The Grind, Ideas, Kids, Letting go, Marking, Moscato, Neologisms, Perfectionism, Pseudonyms, Quality vs quantity, Skills, Star Wars, Structure, Students, Teaching, Twists, Work/life balance, Writing muscles, The Zone
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