Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
Episodes
Natasha Lester: on fashion, France and historical fiction
20 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Natasha Lester talks to Cheryl Akle about her love of France and fashion, and how she combines these two loves in her lat...
Dominique Roques: on his worldwide search for perfumes
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dominique Roques talks to Cheryl Akle about his search for the best perfume ingredients across the globe, and how this inspired his memoir, ...
Kayte Nunn: on the haunting crime that inspired The Only Child
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kayte Nunn talks to Cheryl Akle about writing historical fiction and the haunting crime that inspired her latest novel, The Only Child. Hosted on...
Philippa Gregory: on writing women back into history
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Philippa Gregory talks to Cheryl Akle about the women who were written out of history, and how fiction helps them reclaim their voi...
Victoria Hannan: on the ripple effects of grief
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Victoria Hannan talks to Cheryl Akle about female friendship and the ripple effects of grief. Her latest book, Marshmallow, is out now....
Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders: on his first short story collection in 10 years
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of Cheryl's all-time favourite guests, Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders, returns to discuss his first short story collection in 10...
Tea Cooper: on butterflies, teaching and historical fiction
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tea Cooper talks to Cheryl Akle about her background as a teacher, researching butterflies and writing historical fiction. Her latest novel, The Butte...
Melissa Doyle: on learning to be brave
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa Doyle talks to Cheryl Akle about learning to be brave and finding hope in the stories of survivors. Her book, Fifteen Seconds of Brave,&n...
Craig Silvey: on exploring the bonds between dogs and humans
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Craig Silvey talks to Cheryl Akle about the bond between dogs and humans, and what they can teach us about life. His latest no...
Reece Carter: on exploring darker themes in gothic children's fiction
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reece Carter talks to Cheryl Akle about writing his debut novel and exploring darker themes in gothic children's fiction. His book, A Girl Called...
Kate McCaffrey: on gender, identity and adult fiction
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kate McCaffrey talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring gender identity in her latest novel, Double Lives, and why she moved from YA to adult fiction...
Sarah Schmidt: on parenthood and generational trauma
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author Sarah Schmidt talks to Cheryl Akle about mother-daughter relationships and generational trauma. Her latest book, B...
Julietta Henderson: on exploring sibling relationships in her writing
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Julietta Henderson talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring the complexities of sibling relationships in her second novel, Sincerely, Me.&n...
Anna Kent: on working as a midwife in developing countries
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Kent talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience working as a midwife in some of the most vulnerable places on the planet, and how it changed her p...
Tracey Lien: on journalism, identity, and growing up in Cabramatta
09 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tracey Lien talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience growing up in Cabramatta and challenging the myth of the model minority. Her debut book, Al...
Aaron Fa'Aoso: on being Torres Strait Islander and representation in the media
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron Fa'Aoso talks to Cheryl Akle about football, representation of First Nations people in the media and what it means to be a Torres Strait Islande...
Susan White: on systematic misogyny in the hospital system
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Susan White talks to Cheryl Akle about systematic misogyny and sexism in the hospital system, and her experiences working as a female doctor for more ...
Antoinette Lattouf: on starting conversations about diversity
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Antoinette Lattouf talks to Cheryl Akle about championing change and racial equality, and why diversity is so important. Her latest book, Ho...
Zoulfa Katouh: on giving a voice to young Syrian women
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Zoulfa Katouh talks to Cheryl Akle about embracing her identity and how she used her novel, As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow, to shine a light on ...
Andy McNab: on his career from SAS soldier to bestselling author
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former SAS soldier and bestselling author Andy McNab talks to Cheryl Akle about his military service and how it ultimately lead to writing c...
Clare Fletcher: on rural weddings bringing communities together
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Clare Fletcher talks to Cheryl Akle about bush weddings and how they bring rural communities together. Her latest novel, Five Bush Wedding,&...
Nigel Marsh: on being Smart, Stupid & Sixty
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel Marsh talks to Cheryl Akle about going from Fat, Forty & Fired to now being Smart, Stupid and Sixty. His latest memoir is out...
J.M. Miro: on escapism in fantasy fiction
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
J.M. Miro talks to Cheryl Akle about the power of escapism in fantasy fiction. His book, Ordinary Monsters, the first instalment in a thrilling new ad...
Claire G. Coleman: on the connection between culture and writing
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Clare G. Coleman talks to Cheryl Akle about the connection between culture and writing, and her return to her ancestral country. Her latest novel, Enc...
Emma Harcourt: on writing women back into history
04 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Harcourt talks to Cheryl Akle about how women are often written out of history, and how fiction allows us to finally give them a voice. Her lates...
Denis Knight and Cristy Burne: on co-writing Wednesday Weeks
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children's authors Denis Knight and Cristy Burne talk to Cheryl Akle about the challenges and perks of co-writing a novel. The final book in their bes...
Larry Emdur: on being Happy As
28 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Australian TV personality Larry Emdur talks to Cheryl Akle about his career on television, growing up in Bondi and how it shaped the person he is...
Lisa Barr: on using fiction to give voice to women
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Barr talks to Cheryl Akle about her time as a journalist in Jerusalem and the rise of women's voices in fiction...
Margaret Hickey: on the rise of Australian rural crime fiction
21 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Margaret Hickey talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise of rural crime fiction and how the Australian landscape inspires her writing. H...
Julie Fison: on alcohol-fuelled violence and coward punches
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Julie Fison talks to Cheryl Akle about the coward punch incident that inspired her novel, and the detrimental effects of alcohol-fueled street vi...
Richard McHugh: on his career from barrister to writer
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Richard McHugh talks to Cheryl Akle about his career as a barrister and how it influenced his writing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
Ruth Ozeki: on winning the 2022 Women's Prize for Fiction
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth Ozeki talks to Cheryl Akle about winning the 2022 Women's Prize for Fiction, and how certain books find us at the right time. Her latest novel,&n...
Matthew Spencer: on using his unusual childhood home in his debut novel
07 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Spencer talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up on the grounds of a private school, and how he used this experience as inspiration for his ...
Helen Thomas: on Melbourne's most notorious cold case
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Helen Thomas talks to Cheryl Akle about the fateful phone call that brought them together, and how it helped fill in the gaps of Melbourne's most noto...
Tim Winton: on 40 years of storytelling
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Four-time Miles Franklin award-winner Tim Winton talks to Cheryl Akle about his 40 years of writing, and how stories help us understand the world...
Brendan Colley: on writing as a solace
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan Colley talks to Cheryl Akle about feeling disconnected from South Africa, and how writing has become a solace. His debut novel, The Signa...
Indira Naidoo: on using writing to explore grief
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist and author Indira Naidoo talks to Cheryl Akle about losing her sister, and how she used writing to explore grief. Her book,&n...
Helen Fitzgerald: on social work and writing
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Helen Fitzgerald talks to Cheryl Akle about her time as a social worker and how it has influenced her writing. Her latest book, Keep Her Sweet,&n...
Geraldine Brooks: In conversation with the Pulitzer Prize winner
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Geraldine Brooks talks to Cheryl Akle about her career, and how the Pulitzer Prize changed her life. Her latest novel, Horse, is out now.&nb...
Nicole Haddow: on ethically growing your wealth
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Nicole Haddow talks to Cheryl Akle about how we can invest ethically. Her book, The Ethical Investor, is out now. ...
Mykaela Saunders: on First Nations speculative fiction
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mykaela Saunders on editing the first-ever anthology of First Nations speculative fiction. This All Come Back Now is out now. Hosted on Acast. See aca...
David Knoff: on surviving 537 days stranded in Antarctica
17 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David Knoff talks to Cheryl Akle about his experience of surviving 537 days stranded in Antarctica during the pandemic. His book, 537 Days of Win...
Luke Mathers: on changing curious habits
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Luke Mathers talks to Cheryl Akle about the habits we form and why we struggle to change them. His latest book, Curious Habits, is out now.&...
Michael Robotham: on the golden age of Australian crime fiction
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Michael Robotham talks to Cheryl Akle about the resurgence in Australian crime fiction, and how he creates authentic characters.&nb...
Melissa Fu: on the importance of place and identity in Fiction
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa Fu talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of identity and place, and how she adapted her novel Peach Blossom Spring from a short ...
Diane Armstrong: on her experience as a child holocaust survivor
03 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diane Armstrong talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience as a child holocaust survivor and how her family escaped to Australia. Her latest novel,&nbs...
Caroline Petit: on giving women a voice in historical fiction
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline Petit talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey from the US to Australia, and how the forgotten wife of a 19th-century naturalist inspired her n...
Robbi Neal: on cancer, family and overcoming hardship
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Robbi Neal talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience with cancer, and how her latest novel, The Secret World of Connie Starr, was&...
Carrie Cox: on marriage, love and loss
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Carrie Cox talks to Cheryl Akle about how she uses fiction as a vessel to explore marriage and long term relationships. Her...
Annabel Abbs: on why we need more food in fiction
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Annabel Abbs talks to Cheryl Akle about their shared love of cookbooks and why there needs to be more food in fiction. Her latest novel, The Lang...
Catherine Deveny: on honesty, dyslexia and being an ‘arts tradie’
19 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Deveny talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up with dyslexia, being an ‘arts tradie’, and how honesty is easy. Her memoir, True North, is ...
Averil Kenny: on her deep connection to rural life
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Averil Kenny talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up in rural Australia and how this bleeds into her writing. Her latest novel, The ...
Stella Rimington: on her experience as Director General of MI5
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Stella Rimington DCB talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience as Director General of the MI5 and how this translates into her writ...
Brigid Kemmerer: on the fantasy genre boom
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise of the fantasy genre, and why we're seeking escapism more a...
Liane Moriarty: on bestselling novels and award-winning TV shows
05 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Liane Moriarty talks to Cheryl Akle about her astonishing success as a New York Times bestselling author with an award-winning TV ...
Judy Cotton: on Art, New York and the constant longing for home
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Artist Judy Cotton talks to Cheryl Akle about art, Tokyo and New York, and how she deals with the constant longing for Australia. Her memoir, Swi...
Jon Faine: on the Mighty Apollo and Thelma Hawkes
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and broadcaster Jon Faine talks to Cheryl Akle about the legendary siblings Apollo and Thelma and his relationship to them both.&...
Alix Bradfield: on growing older, well
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alix Bradfield's parents were once, officially, the oldest couple in Australia. Here she talks to Cheryl Akle about her research into growing old...
Damon Galgut: on exploring the complexities of South Africa in his writing
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Booker Prize-winning author Damon Galgut talks to Cheryl Akle about the complexities of South Africa, and how death can bring a family toget...
Kylie Moore-Gilbert: on how she survived 804 days in an Iranian Prison
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kylie Moore-Gilbert talks to Cheryl Akle about how she survived 804 days in an Iranian prison and her journey back home. Her memoir, The Uncaged ...
Chloe Hooper: on the power of bedtime stories
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chloe Hooper talks to Cheryl Akle about reading the right book at the right time, and how she used the stories to explore grief and loss in her memoir...
Sheila O'Flanagan: on loss, grief, and accepting change
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan talks to Cheryl Akle about how reading can help us process grief, and why change is so important. Her latest nove...
Shelley Burr: on her award-winning crime debut WAKE
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shelley Burr talks to Cheryl Akle about the success of her debut novel WAKE, which won the CWA Debut Dagger Award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
Lauren Chater: on the gown that inspired The Winter Dress
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Lauren Chater talks to Cheryl Akle about the 17th-century gown that inspired her latest historical novel, The Winter Dress. Ho...
Better Reading Book Chat: Who made the 2022 Top 100?
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Better Reading’s Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their old... and new favourites from this year's Top 100. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
Better Reading Top 100: Craig Silvey: on the books that shaped his childhood
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The #1 spot on the Better Reading 2022 Top 100 goes to Honeybee by Craig Silvey. To celebrate, we're rereleasing this wonderful conversation Craig had...
Beth O'Leary: on why she loves writing romance
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beth O'Leary, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flat Share and The Road Trip, talks to Cheryl Akle about why she loves writing romance. ...
Eliza Hull: on breaking the stigma around disability
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Musician, journalist and writer Eliza Hull talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to motherhood, and her experiences living with a disability. Her boo...
Emma A. Jane: on breaking the silence surrounding sexual abuse and mental illness
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Associate Professor Emma A. Jane talks to Cheryl Akle about trauma, and why we need to break the silence surrounding sexual abuse&...
Toni Jordan: on science, writing, and Barbie dolls
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Toni Jordan talks to Cheryl Akle about her love of science, and how her passion for storytelling started from Barbie Doll...
Emma Viskic: on writing a deaf detective
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Viskic talks to Cheryl Akle about the challenges of writing a deaf Private Investigator in her award-winning Caleb Zelic series. The latest ...
Steve Toltz: on why fear is a big part of his writing
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Booker-shortlisted author Steve Toltz talks to Cheryl Akle about why fear is a big part of his writing, and how he comes up with the ideas for his nov...
Julie Bennett: on how her love of opera influenced her writing
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Julie Bennett talks to Cheryl Akle about the glitz and glamour of the Sydney opera scene, and how her family's history in the industry inspired her de...
Sarah Di Lorenzo: on her passion for overhauling the health of her clients
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nutritionist, Sarah Di Lorenzo talks to Cheryl Akle about her passion for health, wellness and how it’s possible to permanently lose 10 kilos in 10 ...
Kate Thompson: on the importance of libraries and storytelling
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sunday Times bestselling author Kate Thompson talks to Cheryl Akle about the power of storytelling and the incredible true story of Bethnal Green Libr...
Jonathan Butler: on the unsolved murder of Warwick Meale
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Butler talks to Cheryl Akle about the unsolved murder of his ancestor Warwick Meale in 1944. In his new book, The Boy in the Dress, Butler du...
Karin Tanabe: on how she's always been a storyteller
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karin Tanabe on her career in journalism and how she's always been a storyteller. Her novel, The Gilded Years, is out now and is soon to be adapted fo...
V. E. Schwab: on fantasy and escapism
13 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab talks to Cheryl Akle about writing fantasy fiction, and how it provides an escape for readers. Her ...
Jamar J. Perry: on writing diverse characters in children's books
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jamar J. Perry talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of creating diverse characters in his debut children's novel, Cameron Battle and the Hid...
Robert Gold: on publishing, crime fiction and working with James Patterson
06 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Gold talks to Cheryl Akle about his experience working as a sales director for a UK publishing company, and how co-writing with James Patt...
Joanna Buckley: on dementia and dying with dignity
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Buckley talks to Cheryl Akle about her father and grandfather's experience with Dementia, which inspired her debut novel Lily Ha...
Paul Callaghan: on how Indigenous thinking can change your life
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Callaghan talks to Cheryl Akle about the power of Indigenous thinking. His book, The Dreaming Path, examines the power of Abo...
Jana Firestone: on why we should embrace change
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Therapist, podcaster and author Jana Firestone talks to Cheryl Akle about change, and why it's good for us. Through a blend of professional advice and...
Dinuka McKenzie: on diversity in crime fiction
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dinuka McKenzie talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of diversity in crime fiction and how winning the HarperCollins Banjo Prize changed her...
Isabel Allende: on the inspiration for Violeta
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author and literary icon Isabel Allende sits down with Cheryl Akle in San Francisco to discuss her latest novel, Violeta, a fier...
Lizzie Pook: on the dark history behind Australia's pearling industry
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist and author Lizzie Pook talks to Cheryl Akle about researching the dark history behind Australia's pearling industry...
S.J. Norman: on the importance of diversity in writing
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning artist and writer S.J. Norman talks to Cheryl Akle about their First Nations identity, and why diversity is so important to them.&n...
Nita Prose: on her career as an editor
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nita Prose talks to Cheryl Akle about her job as Vice President and Editorial Director at a Canadian publishing house, and how it has affected her exp...
Imogen Crimp: on opera, feminism and storytelling
30 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Imogen Crimp talks to Cheryl Akle about how she's always been drawn to storytelling, and how feminism has played a role in her writing. Her debut...
2021 Highlights: Rick Morton: on complex PTSD and rediscovering love
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the summer, we've been sharing some highlights of 2021. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Award-winning Journalist and write...
Ethan Kross: on harnessing the voice in our heads
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning psychologist and author Ethan Kross talks to Cheryl Akle about the voice in our heads and how we can harness it in our everyday liv...
2021 Highlights: Michael Mohammed Ahmad: on being Lebanese-Australian and reclaiming Arab humanity
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the summer, we've been sharing some highlights of 2021. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did. Award-winning author Michael Moha...
Johann Hari: on why we're losing our ability to focus
16 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author and journalist Johann Hari talks to Cheryl Akle about why we're losing our ability to focus, and what we can do to fix this. His latest bo...
Miriam Margolyes: on her extraordinary life story
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
BAFTA award-winning actor Miriam Margolyes, OBE, talks to Cheryl Akle about her life, success and love for Australia. Her memoir, This Much Is Tr...
2021 Highlights: Cathy Kelly: on journalism, perspective, and how her writing has evolved
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we farewell 2021, we’ve put together some of the highlights of the year for you. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Sunday Ti...
Charlotte Wood: on what art and artists teach us
02 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author Charlotte Wood talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of art, and what artists can teach us. Her latest book, The Lu...
2021 Highlights: Stan Grant: on western liberalism and the state of the world
01 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we farewell 2021, we’ve put together some of the highlights of the year for you. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Walkley A...
2021 Highlights: Monica Dux: on Catholicism and her lapsed faith
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As we farewell 2021, we’ve put together some of the highlights of the year for you. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Monica Du...
Fleur McDonald: on writing rural fiction
26 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Fleur McDonald talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up on a farm, and how her writing allows her to connect with her rural background...
Berndt Sellheim: on the power of writing
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer, poet and photographer Berndt Sellheim talks to Cheryl Akle about his deep love of writing, and why he finds it so impactful. His latest novel,...