Auscast Literature Channel

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. + 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. + 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 INSTAGRAM @penguinbooksaus@ghostspecies @catherinejinksauthor @text_publishingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @blackinkbooksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @amybarryauthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. + Annie visits Orchard Books in the Adelaide Arcade where she receives a masterclass in styling a warm, inviting and delightfully idiosyncratic second-hand bookshop. + 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 INSTAGRAM @thwupbooks@orchardbookshop @damienwilkins103See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.+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.+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. GuestsCandice Fox, author of “High Wire”Farin Foster, editor of “Splinter”You can find more information about “Splinter” here: https://splinterjournal.com/ INSTAGRAM@candicefoxauthor@penginrandomhouse@splinterjournalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 :)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cath and Sarah delight in sharing what they loved about Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey’s short novel, “Orbital” + 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. + 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”. INSTAGRAM @lisalhannett @kyliesays @text_publishingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 behindbeloved 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 at5:00pm ACST. Futurama is available to watch now on Disney Plus.Follow us @thisismyvoice_pod on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. + Poet Ken Bolton makes a good case for why British writer Beryl Bainbridge should not be forgotten. + 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. INSTAGRAM @cathmckinnonauthor @harpercollinsaustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 __________ 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) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 INSTAGRAM @robbie_gc_arnott @macmillanaus @hannahferguson_@affirmpressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! + 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.   INSTAGRAM @markuszusak @macmillanaus @kyliesays @lisahannett ReplyForwardAdd reactionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and more, 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. + 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 is 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 “Chantaram” 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 other 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. INSTAGRAM @allenandunwin @penguinrandomhouse @aucklanduniversitypress @adelaidesean @raijoy @mirandajulySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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.   INSTAGRAM @amystewart @text_publishing @aucklanduniversitypressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.    +   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 Other books that get a mention   Danny mentions: “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   INSTAGRAM @textpublishingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.