The Readings Podcast

George Kemp in conversation

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with award-winning playwright George Kemp, about his debut novel, Soft Serve. Stuck in a regional McDonald’s, as b...

The Comics Question: Lee Lai in conversation with Bernard Caleo

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, another instalment of the Comics Question, where Bernard Caleo is in conversation with acclaimed graphic novelist and comic artist, L...

Francesca Wade in conversation

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with Francesca Wade, author of Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife, a biography as unconventional and surprising as the ...

Fiona Hardy in conversation

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Fiona Hardy, author of Old Games, a pacey, off-beat Aussie crime story about two best female friends and investig...

Alister Newstead in conversation

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Alister Newstead, a music journalist, reporter and music editor with Triple J and Double J, and author of a new b...

The Comics Question: Georgina Chadderton in conversation with Bernard Caleo

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, another instalment of The Comics Question, where Bernard Caleo discusses comics, graphic novels, and the place they inhabit within th...

Hasib Hourani in conversation

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with poet and writer, Hasib Hourani, author of rock flight. This is a book-length poem that, over seven chapters, fol...

Readings Kids Podcast: Ruby Jean Cottle in conversation

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, another instalment of the Readings Kids podcast, and an interview with the author Ruby Jean Cottle, writer of Black River, a mystical...

Kate Mildenhall in conversation

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re delighted to begin 2026 with an interview with one of Readings’ favourite writers, a key member of Australia’s literary c...

Tony Tulathimutte in conversation

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Tony Tulathimutte, author of Rejection, an audacious and original novel-in-stories, following a cast of intricate...

Laura Bates in conversation

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Laura Bates, author of The New Age of Sexism. AI is here, bringing a seismic shift in the way our societ...

Sarah Housley in conversation

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Sarah Housley, author of the new book, Designing Hope. When did we stop dreaming of a better future? Wha...

Ender Başkan in conversation

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with poet Ender Başkan, author of a new book, Two Hundred Million Musketeers. In this work, Başkan explores the co...

The winners of The Readings Prize in conversation

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is a very special instalment of the podcast, as we have not one, not two nor three, but four interviews with four award winners – the 2025 winn...

Bri Lee in conversation

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Bri Lee, the acclaimed and bestselling author of Eggshell Skull and The Work, and of a new novel, Seed. Mitc...

Andrew Pippos in conversation

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Andrew Pippos, the author of Lucky’s, awarded the Readings Prize for Fiction, on his new, forthcoming book, Th...

Monica Raszewski in conversation

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of Monica Raszewski's Crimson Light Polished Wood. Leonora, a British teacher, has relocated to ...

Toni Jordan in conversation

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with a longtime Readings favourite, Toni Jordan, about her most recent book, Tenderfoot. The story is set in Br...

Paul Daley in conversation

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with respected journalist and acclaimed novelist Paul Daley, author of a new book, The Leap. The Leap is an out...

Rhett Davis in conversation

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with Rhett Davis, author of a new novel, Arborescence. Bren works for an obscure company with colleagues he's n...

Amy Lovat in conversation

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with writer, podcaster and academic Amy Lovat, author of the new novel, Big Feelings, a neurotic, anti-romantic c...

Samantha Byres in conversation

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with writer Samantha Byres, author of the new novel, Dead Ends. All-round chaos merchant Nell Jenkins has returned t...

Mikayla Bridge in conversation

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Mikayla Bridge, author of the Young Adult Fantasy Novel, Of Flame and Fury. The book focuses on Phoenix racing:...

Steve Vizard in conversation

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, writer and broadcaster Steve Vizard in conversation with Michael Veitch about Vizard’s new book, Nation, Memory, Myth. Vizard brin...

Jennifer Mills in conversation

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Jennifer Mills, author of Salvage, a work of suspenseful, deeply human literary speculative fiction, in wh...

Miranda Nation in conversation

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with screenwriter and actor Miranda Nation, author of New Skin, a powerful debut about first love and second chances f...

Brandon Jack in conversation

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the Melbourne launch of the novel Pissants, by Brandon Jack – former Sydney Swans football player. In Piss...

Sophie Quick in conversation

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with writer Sophie Quick, author of the new book, The Confidence Woman. Christina is a single mother living in the M...

Tania Davidge (Open House) in conversation

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a special conversation with Tania Davidge, Executive Director and Chief Curator with Open House Melbourne. Across Melbourne, every ...

The Readings Kids Podcast: Amie Kaufman in conversation

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, New York Times-bestselling author Amie Kaufman, in conversation with members of the Readings Teen Advisory Board. Kaufman’s book La...

Hugh White in conversation

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Hugh White, author of a new Quarterly Essay, in conversation with Michael Wesley about Australia’s place in the new global landsca...

Tyler Jenke in conversation

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with writer Tyler Jenke, author of an in-depth look at the rise of enigmatic Australian rock band TISM, the unexpected...

Laura Elvery in conversation

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of acclaimed author Laura Elvery’s novel, Nightingale, inspired by the life of Florence Nightinga...

Kimberley Allsopp in conversation

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Kimberley Allsopp, author of Love and Other Puzzles, and a new book, Rise and Shine. Charming, wryly fun...

Jacqueline Maley in conversation

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with the bestselling author of The Truth About Her, Jacqueline Maley. Maley’s new book, Lonely Mouth, is a tender...

Jane Caro in conversation

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Jane Caro, a commentator, writer and activist, and author of Lyrebird. In this new crime novel, which opens twe...

Hamish McDonald in conversation

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, author Hamish McDonald in conversation to discuss his book, Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania. Stretching from Fiji in the eas...

Lisa MacKinney in conversation

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of historian Lisa MacKinney’s book, Dressed in Black: The Shangri-Las and Their Recorded Legacy. ...

Irma Gold in conversation

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of Irma Gold's novel Shift. Gusty and gripping, tender and deeply compassionate, Shift is a co...

Someone Like Me: Featuring readings from several contributors

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of the anthology, Someone Like Me. In the book, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, 25 Autistic gend...

Diana Reid in conversation

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with a Readings favourite, Diana Reid, author of the new novel, Signs of Damage. The Kelly family’s idyllic holid...

Kate Grenville in conversation

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we have a conversation with acclaimed author, Kate Grenville, to discuss her most recent book, Unsettled. Grenville is no stranger to...

Shapeshifting: First Nations Lyric Nonfiction

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation recorded at the launch of Shapeshifting, a wide-ranging collection of nonfiction by First Nations writers co-edited by...

Kate Fitz-Gibbon in conversation

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with academic Kate Fitz-Gibbon, and author of Our National Crisis. In this book, Fitz-Gibbon explains why violence a...

The Readings Kids podcast: Lisa Fuller in conversation

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Readings Kids podcast, a conversation with Lisa Fuller, winner of The Readings YA Prize in 2020, and author of the new book, Wa...

Shain Shapiro in conversation

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a discussion about music and why it matters in our lives. Leading the conversation is Dr. Shain Shapiro, author of the book This Must...

Melanie Cheng in conversation

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Melanie Cheng, a winner of the Victorian Premier's Literary Award, and author of the book, The Burrow. A...

Neal Shusterman in conversation

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with New York Times-bestselling author Neal Shusterman. Shusterman’s newest book, All Better Now, is a young adult t...

Sara Haddad in conversation

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Sara Haddad, author of the novella, The Sunbird. Haddad’s book follow’s Nabila Yasmeen, a woman in her eigh...

Tess Woods in conversation

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Tess Woods, author of The Venice Hotel. When the lives of four very different women become entangled in a bouti...

My Imperfect Life with Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenburg of The Imperfects podcast detail their new project, My Imperfect Life: A Novel Journal Written b...

Readings Podcast Raeden Richardson

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Raeden Richardson, author of The Degenerates. Following the interwoven lives of four characters across India, A...

Nina Kenwood in conversation

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Nina Kenwood, author of The Wedding Forecast. The writer of two successful young adult novels, this new book is...

The Readings Kids Podcast: Tigest Girma in conversation

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, an instalment of the Readings Kids Podcast, and an interview with Tigest Girma, author of Immortal Dark. The first in a new fa...

Georgia Grace in conversation

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with acclaimed sex expert Georgia Grace. Grace’s new book, The Modern Guide to Sex, is the ultimate handbook for ...

Robbie Arnott in conversation

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have a conversation with award-winning author, Robbie Arnott. Be it The Rain Heron, Limberlost or Flames, Arnott’s highly regard...

Anita Heiss in conversation

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from an in-store event with Anita Heiss, an author, poet, cultural activist and social commentator. Heiss’ most...

Readings Podcast: Law Rare Book Lecture 2024 - Persuasion and Prejudice

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Persuasion and Prejudice: a recording, taken from this year’s Rare Books Melbourne, of a lecture from Professor Gary Cazalet on Jan...

Jess Ho & Almay Jordan in conversation

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording of the Dirty Books Bookclub. Writer, journalist, the host of the podcast Bad Taste, Jess Ho, chats with executive chef Al...

Andrew Fowler in conversation

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Andrew Fowler, author of Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty. Like all military acq...

Anthony Yotis & Laura di Florio Yotis in conversation

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Fish. What is the best type of fish to use for a curry or stir-fry or to cook on the barbecue? What should we look for when buying fr...

Ailsa Piper in conversation

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Ailsa Piper, author of the memoir For Life. When her husband doesn't answer his phone, Ailsa Piper knows someth...

The winners of The Readings Prize in conversation

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a very special instalment of the podcast, as we have not one, not two nor three, but four interviews with four award winners – the 2024 winn...

The creators of Follow Your Gut in conversation

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have a recording taken from the launch of Follow Your Gut, with co-creators Briony Barr & Gregory Crocetti, writers Lisa Stinso...

The Comics Question: Li Chen in conversation with Bernard Caleo

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new instalment of The Comics Question, a series where Bernard Caleo and I discuss comics, graphic novels, and all manner of illustrated books, zines...

Emma Hakansson in conversation

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of Emma Hakansson’s Sub-Human. The book delves into what it means to be an animal, how our view...

Andy McCarthy in conversation

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Andy McCarthy, author of Here Comes the Sun, in conversation. Misunderstood, tormented and bullied for years, Andy McCarthy was una...

Jordan Prosser in conversation

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jordan Prosser, author of Big Time, in conversation. The book is set in a not-too distant future Australia, where the eastern state...

Sarah Street in conversation

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, returning guest, Sarah Street, author of A Curse of Salt, in conversation to discuss their new book, A Sea of Wolves. The book is b...

Paul Ham in conversation

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Paul Ham, author of The Soul: A History of the Human Mind. Almost everyone thinks they have a soul, but nobody ...

Khin Myint in conversation

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Khin Myint, author of a new memoir, Fragile Creatures. Khin's sister Theda has a strange illness and a euthanas...

Clive Hamilton in conversation

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, recorded live at Readings Carlton, a talk and a Q&A session with public intellectual and widely published author Clive Hamilton. Ha...

Emma Kowal in conversation

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Emma Kowal, anthropologist and physician and author of the book Haunting Biology: Science and Indigeneity in Aust...

Mark Rubbo in conversation

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, something a little different, and a little bit special. Recorded live at the Athenaeum Library in Melbourne, author and literary co...

Francesca de Tores in conversation

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Francesca de Tores, author of Saltblood. The book is a work of historical fiction; it is a wild adventure, a tr...

The Readings Kids Podcast: Lili Wilkinson in conversation

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new instalment of the Readings Kids Podcast. In this episode, Readings Prize and Readings Foundation coordinator Angela Crocombe – who is also s...

Rebecca Strating & Joanne Wallis in conversation

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with Rebecca Strating and Joanne Wallis, authors of Girt By Sea: Re-Imagining Australia’s Security. Australia...

Judith Bishop in conversation

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a recording taken from the launch of Judith Bishop’s Circadia. These fiercely empathetic poems range deep into the woods of prese...

Stuart Kells in conversation

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Stuart Kells, author of the new book, Alice(TM). This book is the extraordinary story of Alice Corporation, a c...

Anna Downes in conversation

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Anna Downes, author of the crime novels The Safe Place, The Shadow House, and now, Red River Road. In this new ...

Manisha Anjali in conversation

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Manisha Anjali, a writer, artist, and teacher, and author of 'Naag Mountain'. This book is a journey across ocea...

Ouyang Yu in conversation

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Ouyang Yu, author, translator, academic, and renowned poet. Ouyang Yu’s first collection of stories in Englis...

Winnie Dunn in conversation

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Winnie Dunn – a Tongan-Australian writer, editor, the General Manager of Sweatshop Literacy Movement, and now a...

Amanda Hampson in conversation

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, a conversation with Amanda Hampson, author of the runaway crime novel success, The Tea Ladies. Hampson has returned with a seq...

Steven Carroll in conversation

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with award-winning writer Steven Carroll, author of Death of a Foreign Gentleman, the first book in a series of post-w...

The Readings Kids Podcast: Tobias Madden in conversation

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new instalment of the Readings Kids Podcast. This episode features some of the members of the Readings Teen Advisory Board engaging in conversatio...

Victoria Vanstone in conversation

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Victoria Vanstone, author of the new memoir, A Thousand Wasted Sundays. The book follows her journey from casual...

Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo in conversation

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with author Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo, recorded live at the launch of her memoir, My Father’s Shadow. Zurbo grew up i...

The Comics Question: Notable Books of 2023 Part Two

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An instalment of The Comics Question, a series where Bernard Caleo and I discuss comics, graphic novels, and all manner of illustrated books, zines, a...

Marina Kamenev in conversation

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with journalist and author Marina Kamenev, author of Kin: Family in the 21st Century. While the nuclear family still...

Samantha Harvey in conversation

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Samantha Harvey, author of Orbital. This is life on our planet as you’ve never seen it before: in this spellbin...

Mykaela Saunders in conversation

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Mykaela Saunders, author of a new collection of short stories, ‘Always Will Be’. Saunders is a Koori/Goori ...

The Comics Question: Notable Books of 2023 Part One with Bernard Caleo

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An instalment of The Comics Question, a series where Bernard Caleo and I discuss comics, graphic novels, and all manner of illustrated books, zines, a...

Sonny Jane Wise in conversation

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Sonny Jane Wise, a trans, multiply neurodivergent & disabled public speaker, advocate and author. Wise’s most...

Fiona Sweet, new Executive Director and CEO of Stella, in conversation

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with the new Executive Director and CEO of Stella, Fiona Sweet. Stella is a major voice for gender equality and cult...

Jeanine Leane in conversation

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Jeanine Leane, Wiradjuri poet, writer and academic. Author of the acclaimed novel Purple Threads, winner of the D...

Alex Miller in conversation

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Alex and Stephanie Miller, discussing Miller’s most recent book, A Kind of Confession. The book is a secret loo...

Damien Linnane in conversation

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Damien Linnane: writer, artist, and editor of Paper Chained, an art and writing magazine for prisoners. Linnane’...

Helen Hayward in conversation

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Helen Hayward, academic, writer, and author of Home Work. When Helen Hayward had her two children in London, 25...

Sam Sempill in conversation

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a conversation with Sam Sempill, chef, architect, and now author of Eat Lao: Recipes from a Lao Kitchen. The recipes in this book f...