Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
Episodes
Better Reading Book Chat: episode 4
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Better Reading’s Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, book news, the Top 100… and the return of the eighties bonkbuster...
Janet Skeslien Charles: on the unusual woman who sparked her love of France
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author Janet Skeslien Charles talks to Cheryl Akle about how she came to write her latest book, The Paris Library, and the unusual woman...
A.J. Gnuse: on writing short stories (before his six-figure deal novel)
14 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Author A.J. Gnuse talks to Cheryl Akle about how he went from writing short stories to writing his latest novel, Girl in the Walls, which was bought i...
Better Reading Book Chat: episode 3
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Better Reading’s Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, book news, the Top 100, and Cheryl’s conversation with literary l...
Australian exclusive - Isabel Allende: on feminism, and approaching it joyfully and together
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author and feminist Isabel Allende talks to Cheryl Akle about how the feminist movement has changed, intersectionality between movements, ...
Abigail Dean: on making the New York Times bestseller list as a debut author
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Debut author Abigail Dean talks to Cheryl Akle about making the New York Times bestseller list with her debut novel Girl A, and how her law career hel...
Better Reading Book Chat: episode 2
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, book news, the Top 100... and why Cheryl talks to her dog.Books menti...
Kellie McCourt: on dyslexia and dropping out of university to become a poet
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Kellie McCourt talks to Cheryl Akle about reading and writing with dyslexia, and dropping out of university to become a poet. He...
Gretel Killeen: on family, generational differences, and dementia
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian, television presenter, media personality and author Gretel Killeen talks to Cheryl Akle about her latest novel My Daughters Wedding which exp...
Alexandra Joel: on how women are held to a higher standard
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Author and former editor of Harper's Bazaar Alexandra Joel talks to Cheryl Akle about her editorial career, the success of her latest book The Royal C...
Jacqui Jones: on building positive foundations for kids
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Youth worker and author Jacqui Jones talks to Cheryl Akle about how her extensive career working with children evolved into her latest book The Greatf...
Better Reading Book Chat: episode 1
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, book news... and dinner with Linwood Barclay.Books mentioned:Find You...
Katherine Kovacic: on serial killers... and dogs
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Author, art historian and self-proclaimed crazy dog lady Katherine Kovacic talks to Cheryl Akle about her time as a veterinarian, her passion for the ...
Maggie Hamilton: on why human connection is so essential
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author and publisher Maggie Hamilton talks to Cheryl Akle about the damaging effects of social media, and why human connection is so essen...
J. P. Pomare: on how Maori heritage influences his writing
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author J.P. Pomare talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest book Tell Me Lies, his small-town upbringing, and how Maori heritage influences h...
Richard Osman: on TV, writing... and Steven Spielberg
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian, entertainer and author Richard Osman talks to Cheryl Akle about his career in the TV industry, why he decided to start writing, and how Stev...
Anita Abriel: on her extraordinary family history and why she decided to write about it
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Anita Abriel talks to Cheryl Akle about her family's history during World War II, and why she decided to write about it. Hosted on ...
Kate Elizabeth Russell: on the sometimes fine line between coercion and seduction
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Kate Elizabeth Russell talks to Cheryl Akle about why she decided to write about the confronting topics in her debut novel My Dark ...
Mary Li: on her love for her family and how it changed her career
24 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
World-renowned dancer and author Mary Li talks to Cheryl Akle about her Rockhampton upbringing, the impact of her husband's bestselling book Mao's Las...
Sue Brierley: on why she chose adoption and the challenges she faced
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Author and mother Sue Brierley talks to Cheryl Akle about why she chose adoption, the different challenges she faced with it, and how it strengthened ...
Ceridwen Dovey: on her multicultural upbringing and how her Harvard education shaped her writing
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Social anthropologist and author Ceridwen Dovey talks to Cheryl Akle about her multicultural upbringing and how her experience at Harvard shaped her l...
Greg Quicke: on stargazing and outback astronomy
10 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Astronomer and author Greg Quicke talks to Cheryl Akle about stargazing in the outback, and how the stars can change our perspective on life. Is the M...
Candida Baker: on communicating with horses
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Candida Baker talks to Cheryl Akle about life in the theatre, moving to Australia, and coming out of the psychic closet. She has a profound connection...
Sue Smethurst: on what sparked her career in journalism
03 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Sue Smethurst talks to Cheryl Akle about her career in journalism, the family story she had to tell, and her book The Freed...
Denise Leith: on her incredible experiences traveling through the Middle East
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author Denise Leith talks to Cheryl Akle about her travels through the Middle East, shares some stories about her time there, and reveals how it shape...
Garry Disher: on publishing his first book and how crime fiction has evolved
27 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Garry Disher talks to Cheryl Akle about how he published his first book and how crime fiction has evolved throughout the years. Hos...
Jenny Hocking: on the Whitlam Government and the fight to release the infamous Palace Letters
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist and biographer Jenny Hocking talks to Cheryl Akle about the Whitlam Government and the fight to release the infamous Palace Letter...
Fiona McIntosh: on Champagne... the history, the industry and travelling to research a novel on it
20 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Fiona McIntosh talks to Cheryl Akle about Champagne, how travelling has influenced her writing, and the incredible story behind her...
William McInnes: on Christmas
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
William McInnes talks to Cheryl Akle about the fun and wonder in the mundane, his love of Christmas, and how both these are celebrated in his lat...
Matthew McConaughey: on humour, values and Greenlights
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award winning actor and family man, Matthew McConaughey talks to Cheryl Akle about humour (and how we need more it), values and his new book Greenligh...
Joanne Fedler: on the female experience and finding freedom over fifty
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author Joanne Fedler talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring the female experience, and how turning fifty changes your perspective, something she ex...
Monica McInerney: on releasing a book during Covid and how her childhood shaped her writing
13 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Monica McInerney talks to Cheryl Akle about the experience of releasing a book during Covid, and how her childhood s...
Rebecca Higgie: on the importance of libraries and the romanticized idea of writing
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author Rebecca Higgie talks to Cheryl Akle about how libraries have evolved with the digital age, and how the writing process is often romanticized. H...
Patrick Carlyon: on the Melbourne gangland killings and the city's dark history
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author and journalist Patrick Carlyon talks to Cheryl Akle about the infamous Melbourne gangland killings, and the city's dark history of crime. All t...
Fiona O'Loughlin: on her religious upbringing and surviving alcoholism
06 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and author Fiona O'Loughlin talks to Cheryl Akle about her religious upbringing in a small South Australian town, and her experiences with al...
Nigella Lawson: on why Cook, Eat, Repeat is the story of her life
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nigella Lawson talks to Cheryl Akle about how the mundane tasks involved in cooking free up her creative side, and her latest bestseller, Cook, Eat, R...
Ben Pobjie: on life in comedy and how it shapes his writing
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and author Ben Pobjie talks to Cheryl Akle about his incredible life in the comedy world, how it has shaped his writing, and his newest book,...
Dawn French: on her journey to writing and making lifelong friendships
29 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian, author and actor Dawn French talks to Cheryl Akle about her inspiring journey to writing and the many connections and lifelong friendships s...
Nick Bryant: on post election America and what we can expect from the results
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl Akle about post election America, how the country got to where it is, and what we can expect moving forward. All things di...
Tania Blanchard: on telling her grandmother’s stories
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tania Blanchard talks to Cheryl Akle about her career from physiotherapist to bestselling author, and sharing her grandmother’s stories in The Girl ...
Belinda Alexandra: on writing, publishing and resilience
22 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Belinda Alexandra talks to Cheryl Akle about her publishing and writing journey. Always fascinating, she discusses the rejection sh...
Ronni Kahn: on growing up in South Africa and finding her ambition
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Activist, entrepreneur and author Ronni Kahn talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up in South Africa during Apartheid, finding her voice and ambition, a...
Stan Walker: on overcoming a painful past and singing Cheryl a song
15 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Actor, Singer/songwriter and author Stan Walker talks to Cheryl Akle about overcoming a painful past, and even sings her a song. Hosted on Acast. See ...
Paul Dalgarno: on polyamory and his journalism career
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Dalgarno talks to Cheryl Akle about his polyamorous lifestyle which he explores in his new novel, Poly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Bradley Trevor Greive: on meeting the Bloom family and telling their story
08 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bradley Trevor Greive talks to Cheryl Akle about meeting the Bloom family, telling their story, and travelling the world. Sam Bloom: Heartache & B...
Fiona Palmer: on Speedway driving and rural living
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Palmer talks to Cheryl Akle about her Speedway driving career, small town living, and the process of writing her novel, Tiny White Lies. Hosted ...
Craig Silvey: on the books that shaped his childhood
01 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Craig Silvey talks to Cheryl Akle about his journey after writing his modern classic, Jasper Jones, and the books that shaped his c...
Kate Mildenhall: on podcasts, writing and the fear of failure
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Mildenhall talks to Chery Akle about her own podcast, how she came to writing, fearing failure (but doing it anyway) and more. A great listen for...
Richard Flanagan: on unexpected tenderness and grateful wonder
25 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Booker Prize winning author Richard Flanagan talks to Cheryl Akle about the unexpected tenderness he's discovered this year, the renewed att...
Nick Bryant: on America's decline, Trump... and on getting COVID
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Foreign correspondent, Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl Akle about the political, economic, cultural and technological factors that contributed to America'...
Sue Miller: on observation, character and writing about something that terrifies her
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Good Mother author, Sue Miller talks to Cheryl Akle about her life, being a reader, scholar, the point where she realised she was in charge o...
Hazel Gaynor: on her unusual journey from self publishing to traditional publishing
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author, Hazel Gaynor talks to Cheryl Akle about the unusual route she took to publication. An excellent episode for aspiring authors....
Turia Pitt: on the small steps that lead to happiness
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Turia Pitt is living proof that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. Here she talks to Cheryl about life, gratitude and Happy (and othe...
Christine Jackman: on how to find silence in a noisy world
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Christine Jackman talks to Cheryl Akle about the noisy world we live in, and how Turning Down the Noise benefits our brains, our lives...
Trent Dalton: on the private conversations we have with the sky
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author Trent Dalton (and yes, that will now be on his email signature) talks to Cheryl Akle about the huge success of Boy Swallows Universe, and how h...
Kiley Reid: a look back at her podcast with us, recorded before her success with Such A Fun Age
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kiley Reid's Such A Fun Age didn't make the Booker Prize shortlist, but we're still celebrating her longlist nomination, and all the success this sens...
David Sinclair Ph.D: on fasting, ageing, and a pill that will help you live longer
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned Harvard University geneticist David SinclairPh.D. talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up in Sydney, working at Harvard, his research on ageing...
Allison Tait: on podcasts, writing and being a voracious reader as a child
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Fire Star author, Allison Tait talks to Cheryl Akle about podcasts, writing children’s books and being a voracious reader as a child. Hosted on ...
Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage: on food, collaboration, their new cookbook FLAVOUR
20 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage discuss food and collaboration, as well as their new cookbook FLAVOUR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Greg Woodland: on his journey from screenplay to novel
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Night Whistler author, Greg Woodland discuss obsessive plotting with Cheryl Akle, along with his background as a screenwriter and how that helped ...
Hugh van Cuylenburg: on showing up for the present moment
13 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hugh van Cuylenburg talks to Cheryl Akle about resilience, gratitude and happiness, and about getting better at being wherever you are. Hosted on Acas...
Rose Carlyle: on her love of sailing and spending a year sailing around the Indian Ocean
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debut author Rose Carlyle's thriller The Girl in the Mirror has been a huge success - Here she tells Cheryl all about her sailing adventures, and how ...
John Wood: on how he clawed his way to the middle
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Actor John Wood talks to Cheryl about his life, his career, and his fascinating new memoir How I Clawed My Way to the Middle. Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Michael Robotham: on the science of lying and the inspiration behind his characters
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cheryl Akle chats to best selling author Michael Robotham about the science of lying, TV adaptions, and the inspiration behind his characters. Hosted ...
Nat Amoore: on the importance of storytelling and how it affects kids
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cheryl Akle talks to Nat Amoore about making reading fun for kids, the circus, and the power of storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Anna Downes: on her colourful road to writing a bestselling debut thriller
23 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Downes has worn many different hats, including student, actress, and caretaker at a French estate... the job that inspired her bestselling debut ...
Anstey Harris: on telling tall tales when the truth isn’t interesting enough
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning writer Anstey Harris talks to Cheryl Akle about the tall tales she told as a child, and how happiness is available to everyone. Hosted o...
Kyle Perry: on mental health, social media and its effects on teens
09 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author of the debut thriller The Bluffs, Kyle Perry talks to Cheryl Akle about mental health, the dangers of social media, and how it affect...
Robyn Harding: on writing different genres, living in a small town, and the how we rely on the reading community.
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cheryl Akle chats to Robyn Harding about moving between genres, living in a small town, and the how we rely on the reading community. Hosted on Acast....
Dr Randa Abdel Fattah: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #1
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 1, Bestselling author and academic, Dr Randa Abdel Fattah talks to Cheryl Akle about being Muslim in post 9/11 Australia, the lack of diver...
Maxine Beneba Clarke: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #2
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 2, Maxine Beneba Clarke and Cheryl Akle discuss growing up as a POC in Australia, what happens when a child is underrepresented in what the...
Will Kostakis: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #3
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 3, Will Kostakis talks to Cheryl Akle about LGBTQ+ representation in schools, how diversity is constantly changing, and why we must get bey...
Laura Bloom: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #4
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 4, Laura Bloom is the mother of an autistic son who has an intellectual disability. Here Laura talks to Cheryl Akle about the importan...
Deborah Abela: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #5
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 5, Deborah Abela talks to Cheryl Akle about the benefits of diversifying children's literature, and her work with young people in Sydney's ...
Rachel Bin Salleh from Magabala Books: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #6
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 6, Rachel Bin Salleh from Magabala Books talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to becoming a publisher, the importance of giving diverse a...
Tara June Winch revisited: on life, the land, and writing her Miles Franklin winning novel, The Yield
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tara June Winch has won the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award for The Yield. Here we revisit our podcast with Tara, where she talks to Cheryl Ak...
Julia Gillard: on Women and Leadership
19 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard speaks to Cheryl Akle about the influence of gender on women’s access to positions of leaders...
Susan Allott: on Life in the UK and how Environment Shapes our Writing
12 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author of The Silence, Susan Allott talks to Cheryl about life in the UK, how our favourite authors impact us, and how our environment ultimately...
Hayley Katzen: on finding her place in the world
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
South African urban academic, Hayley Katzen talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to finding 'home' on a cattle property in Northern NSW, and her bea...
Jacqueline Harvey: on why Reading is Important for Kids, and How to Make it fun for Them at Home
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Best selling kids author, Jacqueline Harvey talks to Cheryl about why reading is important for kids, and how to make it fun for them at home. Hosted o...
Chris Flynn: on the climate, science and the future of cloning
28 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mammoth author, Chris Flynn talks to Cheryl Akle about nature during quarantine, the climate, and the future of cloning. Hosted on Acast. See ac...
Dugald Bruce Lockhart: on acting, writing and being the son of a spy
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dugald Bruce-Lockhart talks to Cheryl Akle about his journey to becoming an author, and the very interesting childhood he had as the son of a spy. Hos...
Lisa Ireland: on giving older people a voice in her new novel
21 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Ireland talks to Cheryl Akle about her life, her journey to becoming an author, and creating older characters, without the stereotypes. Hos...
Melina Marchetta: on writing for a whole new age group
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award winning author, Melina Marchetta talks to Cheryl Akle about reading the way she writes – across many genres, and how it was more difficult tha...
Peter Carey: The importance of story in troubling times #3
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Two-time Booker Prize winner and three times Miles Franklin Literary Award winner, Peter Carey talks to Cheryl Akle about life in New York, writing ab...
Patrick Ness: on how complacency is the death of creativity
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author, Patrick Ness digs in deep with Cheryl as they talk about his life, fiction, YA versus adult fiction, and how he believes that co...
Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley: on food, their collaboration... and the perfect hummus
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Foodie, Cheryl Akle has her dream guests on today - Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley talk about food, the Ottolenghi empire, and their bestselling coo...
Anna Funder: The importance of story in troubling times #2
07 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Acclaimed author of Stasiland, Anna Funder talks to Cheryl Akle about the public and private sides of the pandemic, and how women are crucial in these...
Miranda Tapsell: life, performance and being a Top End Girl
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Actress, producer and writer, Miranda Tapsell talks to Cheryl Akle about life, loneliness, growing up in Kakadu National Park, and taking the people y...
Kate Grenville: The importance of story in troubling times #1
31 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Literary icon, Kate Grenville talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of story, on truth, and not believing too quickly in the stories you're told. ...
Tayla Harris: AFL, boxing and 'that' photo
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Aussie Rules star Tayla Harris talks to Cheryl Akle about her life, her love of sport and the famous photo that fed the trolls. An inspiring conv...
Katherine Scholes: Africa, storytelling, and fictional pandemics
24 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author, Katherine Scholes talks to Cheryl Akle about isolation, not only during a pandemic, but as a writer and storyteller, and her conne...
Sophie McNeill: The Middle East and why We Can't Say We Didn't Know
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award winning reporter and author of We Can’t Say We Didn’t Know, Sophie McNeil talks to Cheryl Akle about her work in, and love of, the Middle Ea...
Pip Williams: how Dyslexia shaped her love of storytelling
17 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pip Williams has written one of the most talked about books of the year - The Dictionary of Lost Words, a fictional retelling of the compilation of th...
Danielle Binks: fan fiction and a passion for books
10 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle Binks chats to Cheryl Akle about the many hats she has worn in the book industry, from writer of fan fiction to literary agent, to author. A ...
Lauren Chater: on life, books and Gulliver's Wife
10 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Always fascinating, Lauren Chater talks to Cheryl Akle about Estonian lace, storytelling in unprecedented times, and Gulliver's Wife. Hosted on Acast...
Malcolm Turnbull: politics, the environment and the Liberal Party
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A fascinating conversation between Cheryl Akle and former Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, where they talk politics, the environment, Julia Gillard's...
Jess Hill: 2020 Stella Prize winner on domestic abuse
03 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Investigative journalist, Jess Hill won the 2020 Stella Prize for her book on domestic abuse, See What You Made Me Do. Here, she talks to Cheryl Akle ...
Kelly Rimmer: nothing compares to when readers share their personal stories
26 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Kelly Rimmer talks to Cheryl about how her readers often share their most personal stories with her, and how moving that is. Hosted...
Andrew Daddo Get Kids Reading: how to make reading fun
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling children’s author and TV presenter, Andrew Daddo talks to Cheryl Akle about why reading to children is important and how to make it fun....