Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
Episodes
Karen Brooks: on bringing history to life
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Brooks talks to Cheryl Akle about her love of history and how she brought London's Restoration theatre to life in her latest novel, The Esc...
Vanessa McCausland: on what it means to dream in French
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vanessa McCausland talks to Cheryl Akle about journalism, women's fiction and how her experience as an au pair in France inspired her latest novel,&nb...
Roger Simpson: on how characters evolve over time
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Roger Simpson talks to Cheryl Akle about creating the character of Jane Halifax and how she's evolved. His latest book, Resurrection, is out now....
Emily Perkins: on identity, visibility and feminism
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Perkins talks to Cheryl Akle about her latest novel, Lioness, a brave and illuminating exploration of identity that exposes the chasm ...
Dianne Yarwood: on the near-death experience that inspired her debut
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dianne Yarwood talks to Cheryl Akle about her brush with mortality, its importance, and how it inspired her debut novel, The Wakes. Hosted ...
Alli Parker: on Australia's first Japanese war bride
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alli Parker talks to Cheryl Akle about the incredible, personal true story of Australia's first Japanese war bride, and how her grandparents' love cha...
Ben Mckelvey: on trauma, change and resilience
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben McKelvey talks to Cheryl Akle about the impact of trauma and changing the way we think about it in his memoir, A Scar is Also Skin. Hos...
Mark Brandi: on small-town life, poverty and class
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Brandi talks to Cheryl Akle about class and poverty in small towns and how they affect the community. His latest novel, Southern Aurora,&nbs...
BE Better: Kerri Sackville on The Secret Life of You
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Kerri Sackville talks to Jane Tara about how a bit of alone time can change ...
Nicole Madigan: on the disturbing phenomenon of stalking
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole Madigan talks to Cheryl Akle about her own experience with stalking and how it lead to her writing Obsession, a blend of me...
Ayesha Inoon: on the cultural differences that shape identity
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ayesha Inoon talks to Cheryl Akle about cultural differences and how her experience immigrating to Australia influenced her novel, Untethered.&nb...
BE Better: Amanda Thompson on Financially Fit Women
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Amanda Thompson talks to Jane Tara about women, finances, and taking control...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #7
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #7 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
Anna Funder: on feminism, marriage and Wifedom
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Funder talks to Cheryl Akle about what it means to be a wife, feminism, and how George Orwell's wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy, inspired her latest...
BE Better: Bec Wilson on How to Have an Epic Retirement
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Bec Wilson talks to Jane Tara about money, health, happiness, and How t...
Megan Rogers: on the beautiful messiness of midlife
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Rogers talks to Cheryl Akle about the complicated yet beautiful messiness of midlife, family, self-care, and writing her debut no...
Fiona Lowe: on the Ponzi scheme that inspired her novel
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Lowe talks to Cheryl Akle about the real-life Ponzi scheme that affected her community and how it inspired her latest novel, The Money Club...
BE Better: Kate Christie on The Life List
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Kate Christie talks to Jane Tara about goal setting, embracing ageing, and l...
Isabel Allende: on exploring the relationship between mother and child
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Isabel Allende talks to Cheryl Akle about why she explores the relationship between mother and child in her latest novel, The Wind Knows My Name....
BE Better: Melissa Levi reminds us that We Need to Talk About Ageing
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Clinical psychologist Melissa Levi talks to Jane Tara about w...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #6
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #6 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
Susan Paterson: on exploring the power of art in her debut novel
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Susan Paterson talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience with the Varuna Fellowship, and how her ancestor's painting inspired her debut novel,&nb...
James Comey: on the FBI, mob trials and writing crime
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former FBI Director James Comey talks to Cheryl Akle about his extensive time in law enforcement, and the real-life mob trial that inspired his debut ...
BE Better: Paul McKenna on Finding Freedom from Anxiety
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast –Self-help superstar Paul McKenna is the UK’s most successful non-fiction au...
Naima Brown: on exploring the dark side of reality TV
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Naima Brown talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience living in the Middle East and how her time in the reality TV industry inspired her debut no...
BE Better: Belinda Alexandra on being Emboldened
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Belinda Alexandra talks to Jane Tara about passion, purpose and connection. ...
Nilima Rao: on exploring her cultural identity through fiction
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nilima Rao talks to Cheryl Akle about her Indo-Fijian heritage and how cultural identity influenced her debut novel, A Disappearance in Fiji,&nbs...
BE Better: Sandra Radice on Our Green Change: A Journey to Green School, Bali & Beyond
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Sandra Radice talks to Jane Tara about moving her family to Bali to join the...
Antony Loewenstein: on writing The Palestine Laboratory
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Antony Loewenstein talks to Cheryl Akle about his investigation into Israel’s occupation-enforcing technologies for his book, The Pal...
Lisa Barr: on her transition from journalist to writer
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Barr talks to Cheryl Akle about The Unbreakables, journalism, and how her experience busting a sex-trafficking ring at seventeen inspired&nb...
BE Better: Helen Jacobs on how to Follow Your Heart
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Author and psychic, Helen Jacobs talks to Jane Tara about manifesting, intui...
Josephine Moon: on her inspiring journey to publication
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Josephine Moon talks to Cheryl Akle about being rejected over 100 times before being published, and her commitment to writing positive, uplifting nove...
Stuart Black: on the abuse of corporate power
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Black talks to Cheryl Akle about his experience in the corporate world and exploring the abuse of power in his latest novel, The Sign...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #5
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #5 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
BE Better: Wim Hof on The Wim Hof Method
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Iconic iceman Wim Hof enthusiastically chats to Jane Tara about his ground-b...
Jennifer Saint: on redefining Greek mythology
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Saint talks to Cheryl Akle about redefining Greek mythological characters and giving ancient women a voice. Her latest book, Atalanta,&n...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #4
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #4 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
Tim Winton: on his body of work and ABC nature series, Ningaloo Nyinggulu
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Winton talks to Cheryl Akle about his body of work, including Ningaloo Nyinggulu, the ABC nature series, and being chosen as t...
Markus Zusak: on how The Book Thief changed his life
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Markus Zusak talks to Cheryl Akle about his bestselling writing career and how The Book Thief changed his life. The Book Thief pla...
BE Better: Caitlin Cady on The Hope Dealer
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s new Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Author and meditation teacher, Caitlin Cady talks to Jane Tara about ins...
Armando Lucas Correa: on the rise of translated fiction
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Armando Lucas Correa talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise of translated fiction and how technology and social media are shaping modern publishing....
Candice Fox: on the success of her novels
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Candice Fox talks to Cheryl Akle about co-writing, championing Australian authors and the success of her novels. Her latest book, Fire With Fire,...
BE Better: Gretchen Rubin on living Life in Five Senses
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s new Self-Development & Wellness podcast – New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin talks to...
Loraine Peck: on criminal ex-husbands and writing courses
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Loraine Peck talks to Cheryl Akle about how creative writing courses, personal hardships and crime-related relationships inspired her writing car...
Brad Walls: on capturing the beauty of pools
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Walls talks to Cheryl Akle about their shared love of pools and why he decided to photograph them. His coffee table book, Pools From Above,&...
BE Better: Dr Ahona Guha on complex trauma
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s new Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Dr Ahona Guha talks to Jane Tara about complex trauma, and her...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #3
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #3 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
Samantha Shannon: on the intricacies of modern fantasy
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Shannon talks to Cheryl Akle about the modern fantasy landscape and what makes adult fantasy different from YA. Her latest book, A ...
BE Better: Kath Koschel on Kindness
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s new Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Founder of the Kindness Factory, Kath Koschel talks to Jane Tara about h...
Nicci French: on balancing writing as husband and wife
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Writing duo Sean French and Nicci Gerard, known as Nicci French, talk to Cheryl Akle about how they balance writing as a husband and wife. Their lates...
Rae Cairns: on the dangerous research process for her novel
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rae Cairns talks to Cheryl Akle about her intense research process, including interviewing bikies and shadowing police officers. Her latest novel,&nbs...
BE Better: Georgie Collinson on The Anxiety Reset Method
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BE Better: Better Reading’s new Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Anxiety Mindset coach, Georgie Collinson speaks to Jane Tara about her b...
Sally Colin-James: on the plane crash that changed her life
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sally Colin-James talks to Cheryl Akle about the plane crash that changed her life and her research process for her novel One Illumined Thread, which ...
Margaret Simons: on the process of writing a biography
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Margaret Simons talks to Cheryl Akle about what goes into writing a biography, researching her subjects, and the life of Tanya Plibersek. Her latest b...
Pip Williams: on expanding the world of A Dictionary of Lost Words
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pip Williams talks to Cheryl Akle about the bestselling success of A Dictionary of Lost Words and the challenges of writing its compani...
Toni Jordan: on the popularity of women's fiction
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Toni Jordan talks to Cheryl Akle about why she's drawn to women's fiction and the popularity of the genre. Her latest novel, Prettier i...
Louise Candlish: on the evolution of her writing
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Louise Candlish talks to Cheryl Akle about the evolution of her writing, and exploring darker themes in her novels. Her latest, The Only Suspect,...
Alexandra Collier: on navigating motherhood alone
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alexandra Collier talks to Cheryl Akle about her decision to have a child on her own terms and how she navigates motherhood alone. Her memoi...
Ali Lowe: on shifting from journalism to writing fiction
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ali Lowe talks to Cheryl Akle about journalism, publication and how Jacqueline Moriarty inspired her to write fiction. Her latest book, The Runni...
Jackie French: on the similarities between adults and children's fiction
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jackie French talks to Cheryl Akle about her love for Australian history and the similarities between writing adult and children's fiction. ...
Charlene Carr: on IVF, motherhood and identity
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Charlene Carr talks to Cheryl Akle about her IVF experience and how it inspired Hold My Girl, her gripping, heart-wrenching novel which...
Kate Legge: on Infidelity and Other Affairs
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist and author Kate Legge and Cheryl Akle have a candid conversation about infidelity. Kate’s memoir, Infidelity and Other Affa...
Rosemary Kariuki: on advocating for migrant women and refugees
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
2021 Australian of the Year – Local Hero Award winner Rosemary Kariuki talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey from Kenya to Australia, and her inspi...
Cassandra Austin: on moving from writing to ceramics
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cassandra Austin, the author of Like Mother, talks to Cheryl Akle about finding the magic in different creative outlets. Hosted on Acast. S...
Bebe Backhouse: on poetry and self-discovery
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bebe Backhouse talks to Cheryl Akle about how writing his poetry collection, More Than These Bones was a journey of self-discovery.&nbs...
Emilia Hart: on the Pendle Witch Trials
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emilia Hart talks to Cheryl Akle about the real-life Witch Trials that inspired her novel, Weyward, a generational story of female resilienc...
Mercedes Maguire: on the billion dollar romance fiction industry
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Mercedes Maguire talks to Cheryl Akle about the billion-dollar romance industry and how it's time to break the stigma around reading romanc...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #2
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #2 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. Cheryl and Caroline love nothing more than talking about books, so we fig...
Shannon Molloy: on being a voice for sexual abuse survivors
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon Molloy talks to Cheryl Akle about the taboo topic of male child sexual abuse, his own experiences and those he investigated for his latest boo...
Penelope Janu: on her passion for writing romance
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Penelope Janu talks to Cheryl Akle about the mainstream rise of romantic fiction and how she came into her own as a romance writer. Her latest book,&n...
Olivia Wearne: on the policewomen of 1940s Australia
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Olivia Wearne talks to Cheryl Akle about the inspiring policewomen of 1940s Australia and the feminist evolution of the crime genre. Her latest novel,...
Nikki Mottram: on how working as a child protection officer inspired her debut novel
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nikki Mottram talks to Cheryl Akle about how her career as a child protection officer influenced her debut crime novel, Crows Nest, which is...
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #1
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode #1 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington. This month, they discuss the National Cultural Policy, the Voge...
Bonnie Garmus: on 98 rejections and her bestselling debut
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone is talking about Lessons in Chemistry, so we thought we'd reshare our wonderful Bonnie Garmus interview. Here she tells Cheryl Akle...
Peter Doyle: on the crimes that shaped Sydney
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Doyle talks to Cheryl Akle about Sydney's major crimes in the 1950s and how they shaped the city we know today. His latest book, Suburban N...
Rebecca Heath: on exploring class and grief in The Summer Party
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rebecca Heath talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey transitioning from writing YA to crime, and how she explores grief and class in her latest n...
Ellidy Pullin: on deciding to have her late husband's child
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ellidy Pullin talks to Cheryl Akle about deciding to have her late husband's child and keeping his legacy alive. Her memoir, ...
Pip Drysdale: on how different cities influence her writing
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pip Drysdale talks to Cheryl Akle about identity, self-discovery and how her writing is shaped by the different cities she's lived in. Her latest nove...
What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Rachael Johns
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Rachael Johns talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Rachael’s latest book, The Work Wives, is out now. Books discussed...
Tom Keneally: on the life and exploits of Irish patriot John Mitchel
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Keneally talks to Cheryl Akle about writing forgotten people back into history and the life and exploits of Irish patriot John Mitchel. His l...
What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Chris Flynn
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Flynn talks to Cheryl Akle about what he’s reading. Chris’s latest book, Here Be Leviathans, is out now. Books discussed (NB: Some titles mi...
What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Michael Moseley
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Internationally bestselling author and science presenter, Dr Michael Mosley talks to Cheryl Akle about what he’s reading. Michael’s latest book, J...
Nat's What I Reckon: on how cooking changed his life
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nat's What I Reckon talks to Cheryl Akle about how food can tell a story. His latest book, Life: What Nat to Do, is out now. Hosted on Acas...
Michelle Johnston: on finding stories in everyday situations
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Johnston talks to Cheryl Akle about finding stories in everyday situations and exploring why we believe what we believe in her latest book,&n...
What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Caroline Overington
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author and Literary Editor at The Australian, Caroline Overington talks to Cheryl Akle about the book industry, Tik Tok titles, and what s...
Roger Simpson: on adaptation, television and why he's drawn to crime
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roger Simpson talks to Cheryl Akle about writing for television. His latest book, Halifax: Transgression, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See ...
Fiona Palmer: on the town that inspired The Wrong Sister
25 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Palmer talks to Cheryl Akle about how technology has changed rural writing, and the country town that inspired her latest novel, The Wrong ...
Behrouz Boochani: on his 6 years on Manus Island
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Behrouz Boochani talks to Cheryl Akle about his time on Manus Island Detention Centre and why Australia needs to change. His latest book, Fr...
Nikki Crutchley: on why psychological thrillers need a killer setting
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nikki Crutchley talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience with self-publishing and the haunted hotel that inspired her latest book, In Her Blood....
Sami Bayly: on her love of the natural world
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sami Bayly talks to Cheryl Akle about her love of nature and how she became a natural history author-illustrator. Her latest ...
Christine Courtenay: on the life and legacy of Bryce Courtenay
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christine Courtenay talks to Cheryl Akle about her husband's legacy and why she decided to write his memoir, Bryce Courtenay: Storyteller, which is ou...
Sally Thorne: on what the rise of BookTok means for authors
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sally Thorne talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise of BookTok and what it means for the future of authors. Her latest book, Angelika Frankenstein M...
Sean Wilson: on transitioning from playwright to author
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Wilson talks to Cheryl Akle about transitioning from a playwright to an author, and what drew him to write about Melbourne's Great Depr...
Judy Nunn: on writing short stories
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Judy Nunn talks to Cheryl Akle about the challenges of writing short stories and how it differs from longer-form fiction. Her first collecti...
Belinda Alexandra: on blending historical fact with fiction
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda Alexandra talks to Cheryl Akle about her deep love of history and what historical fiction can teach us. Her latest book, The French Agent...
Amaryllis Gacioppo: on identity, belonging and finding a home
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amaryllis Gacioppo talks to Cheryl Akle about the places we call home and how it affects our identity. Her latest book, Motherlands, is out ...
Janet Evanovich: on writing Stephanie Plum
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey from fine art to writing and her relationship with her p...
Paddy Manning: on the high-stakes life of Lachlan Murdoch
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paddy Manning talks to Cheryl Akle about his research into Lachlan Murdoch, the man and the empire. The Successor, is out now. Hosted ...
Kathy Reichs: on writing Temperance Brennan
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kathy Reichs talks to Cheryl Akle about how she is continually developing Temperance Brennan. The latest novel in her bestselling series, Cold, Cold B...
Sloane Crosley: on satirising modern dating
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author Sloane Crosley talks to Cheryl Akle about the social expectations of being single and how her novel, Cult Classic, o...