Connected Libraries Book Matters Podcast
Episodes
Libby Iriks & Brooke Crawford
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For our last episode of Book Matters for the year we have two great interviews for you.Both are Australian authors, and their books are ideal for Chri...
Sally Hepworth - Back to Chat 2025
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Back to Chat, a special episode of Book Matters! On today’s special episode we are celebrating five years of Book Matters with a familia...
Toni Jordan & Louise Wallace
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Book matters we have some interesting interviews for you.Kiara speaks with Melbourne author Toni Jordan about her new novel ‘Tend...
Jessica Mansour-Nahra & Jess Kitching
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters this month Janine talks to Jessica Mansour-Nahra about her gripping gothic domestic thriller "The Farm" It asks confronting ...
Kate Halfpenny & Sinead Stubbins
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters this month Sam chats to Kate Halfpenny about her memoir Boogie Wonderland, when Covid lockdowns hit Melbourne, metropolitan midlife co...
Leonie Kelsall & Matt Rogers
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Janine chats to Adelaide writer Leonie Kelsall. We chat about her latest rural fiction novel, The path through the Coojong tre...
Kelly Rimmer - Back to Chat 2025
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Back to Chat, a special episode of Book Matters! On today’s special episode we are celebrating five years of Book Matters with a familia...
Jodi McAlister & Sarah Clutton
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast today Courtney chats with Melbourne author Jodi McAlister about her rom-com – “An Academic Affair” - a charming new romance about...
Lenora Thaker - NAIDOC Week Special Episode
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this special NAIDOC Week episode, our local history librarian Kate speaks with Lenora Thaker - a proud Meriam and Wagedagam woman born and living o...
Maya Linnell - Back to Chat 2025
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Back to Chat, a special episode of Book Matters! On today’s special episode we are celebrating five years of Book Matters with a familia...
Sally Gould & Michelle Prak
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today, Courtney speaks with Sydney paramedic Sally Gould about her memoir Frog, an intimate look at the human cost of the job and the ...
Jane Caro - Australian Crime Special Episode
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Book Matters we are celebrating Australian crime fiction by chatting to Sydney writer Jane Caro about her compelling and fascinating new myst...
Madeleine Cleary & Lauren K McKellar
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Kate speaks with Melbourne author Madeliene Cleary about her new historical fiction novel “The Butterfly Women” which shin...
Catherine Greer & Victoria Brownlee
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast today Sam chats to Sydney author Catherine Greer about her novel The Bittersweet Bakery Café which sheds light on the complex lives of...
Vanessa McCausland & Ella Ward
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast this month Janine speaks with Sydney author Vanessa McCausland about her new release “The Last Illusion of Paige White” a haunting,...
Kylie Ladd & Leonie Norrington
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast this month Janine speaks with author Kylie Ladd about her new release "The Mix-Up" - A beautifully told and thought-provoking...
Summer Series - Candice Fox & Kerryn Mayne
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here at Book Matters we are taking a well-earned break over the holiday period but in the meantime we have put together some great listening in our be...
Summer Series - Julie Goodwin
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Courtney chats with Julie Goodwin about the release of her memoir – “Your time starts now” - the extraordinary life story of Australia's fi...
Leesa Ronald & David Lindenmayer
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our final Book Matters episode for the year Janine speaks with debut author Leesa Ronald about her novel Special Delivery - a heartfelt, laugh-out-...
Lauren Keegan & Pip Drysdale
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Kate chats with debut author Lauren Keegan about her book “All the bees in the hollows” an atmospheric, original, folkloric ...
Tess Woods & Emily Maguire
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today we speak to two Australian authors who take us to Italy during two different eras. First up Janine speaks to Perth based author ...
Jock Serong & Brooke Hardwick
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This month Janine chats with Victorian author Jock Serong about his new novel "Cherrywood" an imaginative, darkly playful and deeply meaning...
Nicola Moriarty & Finegan Kruckemeyer
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Janine chats with Sydney writer Nicola Moriarty about her new domestic thriller 'Every Last Suspect' - a gripping thriller t...
Robyn Harding & Lia Hill
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Book Matters we are thrilled to be talking to two fabulous writers about their latest releases. First off Janine chats with Canad...
Aoife Clifford & Amy Hutton
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Janine and Courtney speak with two Australian authors. Janine speaks with Aoife Clifford about her new mystery novel ‘It t...
Kyra Geddes & Jo Peck
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Kate speaks with debut author Kyra Geddes about her novel 'The Story Thief' where fact and fiction meld into one in th...
Lynne Johnson & Abbey Lay
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here at Book Matters we are great supporters of Australian writers, especially those who are publishing their first novels. Today we shine a light on ...
Australian Rural Crime Episode featuring Dinuka McKenzie
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Australian Rural Crime episode, Courtney talks to Sydney author Dinuka Mackenzie about her novel – Tipping Point, the third instal...
Vikki Wakefield & Glenna Thomson
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we have two Australian mystery rural crime writers to chat to. Courtney speaks with Vikki Wakefield about her latest release “To th...
Karen Viggers & Megan Norris
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WELCOME BACK TO BOOK MATTERS, WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A LOVELY SUMMER BREAK. ON OUR FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 5 WE HAVE TWO VERY DIFFERENT AUTHORS AND BO...
Tania Blanchard & Darry Fraser
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our final episode for the year we have two Australian Historical Fiction writers to hear from. Janine speaks with Sydney author Tania Blanchard ab...
Wendy Holden & Kirsty Manning
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Janine speaks with UK author Wendy Holden about her novel ”The Princess” which is the final novel in Wendy Holden's trilogy about royal outsi...
Emma Donoghue & Fiona Britton
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters this month Kate speaks with Irish author Emma Donoghue about her mesmerizing new novel set in 1805 "Learned by Heart", w...
History Month - Heather Arnold
01 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Connected Libraries celebrates History Month where our Local History Librarian Kate speaks with Heather Arnold about her research an...
Meredith Appleyard & Susan Johnson
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters Janine speaks with South Australian author Meredith Appleyard about her latest women’s fiction novel Daisy & Kate which is a c...
Lucy Campbell- Debut Author
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters we like to shine a light on authors who are publishing their first book and in this special episode Courtney talks to debut Australian...
Will Kostakis - Wear it purple day
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ïn this special episode we celebrate ''Wear It Purple Day'' with well -known Australian author Will Kostatskis. Wear it purple da...
T. J. Newman & Pip Finkemeyer
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the podcast Janine speaks to US author T J Newman about her writing and her latest novel Drowning which is an unforgettable thriller about a ...
Kate Solly & Naima Brown
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have two debut authors to chat to. Courtney speaks with author Naima Brown who speaks about her debut novel The Shot which...
Michael Thompson & Tara Calaby
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast today Sam speaks with debut Australian author Michael Thompson about his novel How to be Remembered which is a heartwarming, poignant a...
Rae Cairns & Mikki Brammer
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters this month Janine chats to Sydney based crime writer Rae Cairns about her heart stopping thriller Dying to Know which is a page turnin...
Victoria Purman & Jackie French
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month on Book Matters we have a Historical Fiction episode. First up Janine talks to South Australian author Victoria Purman, where we find out...
Genevieve Gannon and Simon Rowell
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the podcast Janine speaks with Sydney Author Genevieve Gannon who is an award-winning Sydney-based journalist and author of four novels. Her ...
Library Lovers Day Special with Nina Kenwood & Emma Grey
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our first episode for 2023 we celebrate Library Lovers Day! Courtney speaks with Nina Kenwood about her new novel Unnecessary Drama which is a slo...
Fiona McIntosh
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Back in lockdown during 2021 we had the pleasure of speaking with historical fiction writer Fiona McIntosh. She was just launching her new novel ‘...
Heather Morris
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sue shares an interview with author Heather Morris who tells us about her global bestselling novel "Three Sisters" which is based on the inc...
Mary-Anne O'Connor
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Back in February last year we had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney author Mary-Anne O’Connor for Library Lovers Day. She spoke about her writ...
Episode One - Judy Nunn
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer Series where we look back at some of the In-Conversation online events over the previous year. Back in lockdown we had the utmo...
Christine Courtenay & Nicola Marsh
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our final episode for 2022 Carol has a wonderful chat with Christine Courtenay who has written a memoir about her late husband Bryce Courtenay. F...
16 Days of Activism Special Episode
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this very special episode of Book Matters to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism. Casey Cardinia Libraries is proud to support the g...
Minnie Darke & Tom Baragwanath
12 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to two authors about their very different novels. Courtney chats to Tom Baragwanath about his crime novel Paper Cage set in Masterton New Zeal...
Australian Crime Writer's Special
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Book Matters we are bringing you a bonus Australian Crime lovers special - Courtney delves into 'The Tilt ' which is a stunning mul...
Tricia Stringer & Alex Sarkis
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On Book Matters today Janine speaks with the lovely Tricia Stringer about her new novel Keeping Up Appearances which is a delightful novel full of pra...
Meg Bignell & Miranda Luby
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today at Book Matters we enjoy chatting to two fabulous Australian authors. First up Sam talks to acclaimed writer Meg Bignell about her newest novel ...
Wear It Purple Day Special
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here at Book Matters we recognise and celebrate the importance of diversity in books as they serve as both a mirror and a window into different human ...
Episode 9: 2022 Sulari Gentill & Neela Janakiramanan
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today at Book Matters we welcome two phenomenal Australian authors. First up Courtney speaks with Sulari Gentill about her new literary adventure no...
Episode 8: 2022 Emma Viskic & Matthew Spencer
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the podcast today we speak to two exceptional Australian crime writers. Emma Viskic is author of the internationally acclaimed Caleb Zelic series....
Episode 7:2022 Naidoc Week Special
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the his...
Episode6: 2022 - Australian Debut Author Special
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our annual Debut Author special we have three new Australian authors to chat to.First up Janine chats to Bernadette Jiwa about her debut novel The ...
Episode 5:2022 - Jane Green & E Lockhart
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we travel across to the USA where we chat to New York times best selling Women's Fiction author Jane Green from her home in Wes...
Episode 4:2022 - Mary-Rose Cuskelly & Mark Lamprell
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we chat to Sydney writer Mark Lamprell about his new novel "The Secret Wife" which takes us back to the 1960's in subur...
Episode 3:2022 Benjamin Stevenson & Kristy Woodson Harvey
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to two very different authors. Benjamin Stevenson is an Australian award-winning stand-up comedian and author who chats abo...
Episode 2: 2022 - Astrid Scholte and Lizzie Pook
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak with young adult fantasy and science fiction author Astrid Scholte about her new novel League of Liars where four teenagers a...
Episode 1: 2022 - Diana Reid and Fleur McDonald
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak with Australian author Diana Reed about her contemporary novel Love & Virtue Feminism where power and sex play out throug...
Summer Series, Episode Four - Martha Hall Kelly
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode four of our Summer Series features a look back on our chat with International bestselling author, Martha Hall Kelly as well as some usual revi...
Summer Series, Episode Three - Sally Hepworth
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we revisit our chat to Melbourne based writer Sally Hepworth about her writing experience and her novel, The Good Sister.Connected Lib...
Summer Series, Episode Two - Deborah Rodriguez
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 2 of our Summer Series, we look back on our conversation with American bestselling author, Deborah Rodriguez. Deborah talks about her wri...
Summer Series, Episode One - Chris Hammer
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our Summer Series kicks off with a look back at our conversation with leading Australian crime fiction novelist Chris Hammer, author of international ...
Episode 14 - 2021: Louise Guy and Jodie Gibson
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our last episode for 2021 we chat to Australian authors, Louise Guy and Jodie Gibson. Louise talks to us about her latest novel "Her Last Ho...
Episode 13 - 2021: Sofie Laguna and Hannah Bent
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we chat to debut writer Hannah Bent about her writing and her novel - When Things are Alive they Hum. We also speak with Miles Franklin a...
Episode 12 - C.S. Pacat
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we had the pleasure of talking with local YA fantasy and romance writer C S Pacat about her latest novel Dark Rise, a fantasy epic set...
Episode 11: Tania Farrelly and Kerry McGinnis
11 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we are joined by debut Australian author Tania Farrelly who's story The Eighth Wonder will transport you back to New York in 1897. A s...
Episode 10: Stig Wemyss Book Week 2021
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this month's episode we celebrate Australian Book Week 2021 by interviewing audio book narrator, actor and writer Stig Wemyss. His amazing v...
Episode 9 - 2021: Debra Oswald
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this month's episode Janine speaks with author Debra Oswald two-time winner of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and the creator/head writer ...
Episode 8 - 2021: Tabitha Bird and Paige Toon
11 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have two exciting author interviews for you.Sam talks with Australian author and poet Tabitha Bird about her latest novel The Impor...
Episode 7 - 2021: Naidoc Week Special featuring Gary Lonesborough
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we celebrate the works of First Nations authors in honour of NAIDOC Week 2021. In this Episode Tim speaks with debut YA author and Yuin m...
Episode 6 - 2021: Emma Young and Katie McMahon Debut Author Special
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we celebrate debut authors with two author interviews!Emma Young is from Perth and is a former Bookseller. Her first novel "The Last B...
Episode 5 2021: Amanda Hampson
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we chat with Australian author Amanda Hampson, author of six novels. Her new novel Lovebirds is a road trip story that explores fam...
Episode 4 2021: Cassandra Austin
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us this month is LA based Australian author Cassandra Austin. Sam chats to her about her latest thriller Like Mother, a gripping tale set in 1...
Episode 3 - Midsumma Episode 2021 Featuring Holden Sheppard
18 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This month we celebrate Midsumma Festival, a chance to spotlight some of the wonderful LGBTQIA+ authors and stories that the library has to offer. Lit...
Episode 2 2021: Alli Sinclair
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our second episode for 2021 Janine chats to author Alli Sinclair about her new novel The Code Breakers, a novel inspired by the real world efforts ...
Episode 1 2021: Fiona Lowe
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
And we are back - Season 2 of Book Matters! In this episode we chat to award winning Victorian author Fiona Lowe and find out about her new book A Hom...
Episode 17: Summer Series with Monica McInerney
08 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the next episode of our Summer Series, we look back on our chat with popular Australian writer Monica McInerney about her latest novel The Godmothe...
Episode 14: Summer Series with Maya Linnell
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over the Summer period we have a great program lined up on Book Matters for your listening pleasure. We have the best of our In-Conversation events ...
Episode 16: Summer Series with Barbara Hannay
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over the Summer period we have a great program lined up on Book Matters for your listening pleasure. We have the best of our In-Conversation events du...
Episode 15: Summer Series with Katherine Firkin
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our new Summer series podcast Moira talks to Australian author Katherine Firkin about her debut crime novel Sticks and Stones. They chat about Kath...
Episode 13: Sandie Docker and Fiona McIntosh
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Sydney writer Sandie Docker takes us back to those beach holiday days with her book The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, then we speak to hist...
Episode 12: Naidoc Week Special featuring Lisa Fuller
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we reflect on the theme for NAIDOC week 2020, Always Was Always Will Be, by highlighting works by First Nations authors. Tim spoke w...
Episode 11: Anthony Sharwood
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Sam chat's to author and journalist Andrew Sharwood about his new memoir From Snow to Ash, a story about hiking one of Australia&...
Episode 10: Amie Kaufman and Book Week 2020
17 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Book Week episode of Book Matters, Tim interviews YA author, Amie Kaufman about her new book, The Other Side of the Sky co-written wit...
Episode 9: Karly Lane and Jessica Sanders
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Book Matters, Janine interviews romance and women’s fiction author, Karly Lane about her writing journey and her new novel Fool M...
Episode 8: Rose Carlyle and Erin Hortle
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode we catch up with two first time authors. Janine chats to New Zealand thriller writer Rose Carlyle about her runaway success Th...
Episode 7: Lisa Ireland
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Janine chats to Victorian author Lisa Ireland about writing thrillers and women’s fiction. Tim looks at Lilli Wilkinson’s After th...
Episode 6: Cassie Hamer and Rebecca Herrmann
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Book Matters, Janine interviews suspense author, Cassie Hamer about her writing life, her debut novel After the Party and her new n...
Episode 5: Ber Carroll
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Janine has the pleasure of chatting to author Ber Carroll about her latest thriller Who We Were - a story that will make you think twi...
Episode 4 Peggy Frew
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In anticipation of the Miles Franklin award announcement due this week, we offer this special Miles Franklin edition of Book Matters. In this mini epi...
Episode 3: Kimberly Belle
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Book Matters, Janine interviews international bestselling American author Kimberly Belle about her writing process and her latest d...
Episode 2: Rachael Johns
16 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In our second episode of Book Matters, Janine interviews beloved Australian Author Rachael Johns about her writing life and discusses her latest book,...
Episode 1: Kelly Rimmer
06 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In our debut podcast of Book Matters, Janine interviews Australian Author, Kelly Rimmer and discusses her latest book, 'Truths I Never Told You&a...