Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading episodes:

• 04.22.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Sarah Bailey on how she reconnected with her love of writing

  Sarah Bailey talks to Cheryl Akle about reconnecting with her love of writing and her journey to publication. Her latest thrilling novel, Body of Lies, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 04.14.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Jackie French on hearing what wombats have to say

  Bestselling author Jackie French talks to Cheryl Akle about writing, wombats and historical fiction. Her latest book, The Sea Captain's Wife, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 04.11.2024

  BE Better: Simone Callahan on Growing with Grace

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Simone Callahan talks to Jane about yoga, gratitude and finding inner peace. Her book, Growing with Grace, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 04.08.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Vikki Wakefield on the craft of writing across genres

  Vikki Wakefield talks to Cheryl Akle about her path to publication and how she writes across genres, from YA to crime. Her latest novel, To the River, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 04.04.2024

  BE Better: Gyan Yankovich on Just Friends

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Gyan Yankovich talks to Jane about modern friendship, losing friends, ending friendships... and making new ones. Her book, Just Friends, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 03.31.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: James Norbury on Big Panda and Tiny Dragon being an audiobook

  Writer and artist James Norbury talks to Cheryl about life, art and having his bestselling book Big Panda and Tiny Dragon turned into an audiobook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 03.25.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Trish Bolton on ageism, grief and the lives of older women

  Trish Bolton talks to Cheryl Akle about how her latest novel, Whenever You're Ready, shines a light on the lives of older women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 03.18.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Glenna Thomson on writing complex family dynamics

  Glenna Thomson talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring the complexities of familial relationships in her latest thrilling novel, Gone, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 03.10.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Rachael Johns on editing, publishing and a change of direction

  Bestselling author Rachael Johns talks to Cheryl Akle about publishing, changing direction, and the books that inspired her latest novel, The Other Bridget, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 03.03.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Jane Tara on getting older and being visible

  Jane Tara talks to Cheryl about ageing, being visible... and the day she got the job at Better Reading. Her novel, Tilda is Visible, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 02.29.2024

  BE Better: Jodi Rodgers on being Unique

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Star of ABC TV's Love on the Spectrum Jodi Rodgers talks to Jane about working with the autistic community. Her book, Unique: What autism can teach us about difference, connection and belonging, is out now....

  
• 02.29.2024

  Conversations from the Vault: Julia Baird: on winning the ABIA Book of the Year

  We've had some amazing guests on the podcast over the years, so we're sharing a few old favourites from the vault. Award-winning author Julia Baird talks to Cheryl Akle about winning the 2021 ABIA Book of the Year for Phosphorescence, and...

  
• 02.26.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Simone Amelia Jordan on being Australia's most successful hip-hop journalist

  Simone Amelia Jordan talks to Cheryl Akle about how she went from a kid in the inner-west to a New York hip-hop journalist with a career spanning print, radio, TV, and digital media. Her memoir, Tell Her She's Dreamin', is...

  
• 02.19.2024

  Conversations from the Vault: Tom Keneally on exploring rural Australia through fiction

  We've had some amazing guests on the podcast over the years, so we're sharing a few old favourites from the vault. Award-winning author Tom Keneally talks to Cheryl Akle about his extraordinary legacy and exploring rural Australia through fiction. If you...

  
• 02.11.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Simon Rowell on good dogs and oil rigs

  Simon Rowell talks to Cheryl Akle about service dogs, oil rigs and about writing a female protagonist. His latest novel, The Good Dog, is out now. Photographer: Darren James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 02.05.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Kemper Donovan on Agatha Christie, Scriptwriting and Podcasting

  Kemper Donovan talks to Cheryl Akle about Agatha Christie, and how she consistently inspires his work, from podcasts to novels. His latest book, The Busy Body, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 02.01.2024

  BE Better: Lizzie Williamson on The Active Workday Advantage

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Lizzie Williamson talks to Jane Tara about incorporating micro moves into your daily routine. Her book, The Active Workday Advantage, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 01.31.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Victoria Vanstone on how sobriety changed her life

  Victoria Vanstone talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to sobriety and how it saved her life. Her memoir, A Thousand Wasted Sundays, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 01.29.2024

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Jack Heath

  Award-winning author Jack Heath talks to Cheryl Akle about what he's reading. His latest novel, Kill Your Husbands, is out now. Books discussed: If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin Killing Aurora by Helen Barnes...

  
• 01.22.2024

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Shelley Burr

  Bestselling author Shelley Burr talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Her latest novel, Ripper, is out now. Books discussed: The Banksia House Breakout by James Roxburgh Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie The Eleventh Floor by...

  
• 01.17.2024

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Josephine Moon

  Bestselling author Josephine Moon talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Her latest novel, The Wonderful Thing about Phoenix Rose, is out now. Books discussed: The Takedown by Lily Chu The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers The 7...

  
• 01.15.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Elizabeth Coleman on what makes a good mystery

  Elizabeth Coleman talks to Cheryl Akle about writing for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and what draws her to the genre. Her latest novel, A Dance with Murder, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 01.11.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Kate Ceberano on what inspires, humbles, hurts and sustains her

  Kate Ceberano talks to Cheryl Akle about her legendary career in music and why now was the time to write her memoir, Unsung, which is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 01.08.2024

  Stories Behind the Story: Sarah Barrie on juggling biker gangs with farm life

  Sarah Barrie talks to Cheryl Akle about juggling her writing and criminal research while running her farm. Her latest novel, Vendetta, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 01.03.2024

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: James Colley

  Comedian and author James Colley talks to Cheryl Akle about what he’s reading. His debut, The Next Big Thing, is out January 30. Books discussed: Everyone and Everything by Nadine J. Cohen The Bee Sting by Paul Murray Chain-Gang All-Stars by...

  
• 12.31.2023

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Jodi McAlister

  Academic and bestselling author Jodi McAlister talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Jodi’s latest book, Not Here to Make Friends, is out now.   Books discussed: Lace by Shirley Conran Tackle by Jilly Cooper Never Ever Forever by...

  
• 12.28.2023

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Esmé Louise James

  Academic and social media superstar Esmé Louise James talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Esme’s book, Kinky History, is out now.   Books discussed:   Sex: Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation by David Baker Philippa Gregory’s historical...

  
• 12.26.2023

  What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Kate Mildenhall

  Bestselling author Kate Mildenhall talks to Cheryl Akle about what she’s reading. Kate's latest book, The Hummingbird Effect, is out now.   Books discussed (NB: Some titles might not be published yet)   Sidelines by Karen Viggers The Strip by...

  
• 12.18.2023

  Book Chat: Listen to our Christmas episode with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington

  It's the final Book Chat of 2023, with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington discussing Christmas, Trent Dalton, Bryan Brown (again), and what everyone is reading over the summer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 12.17.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Joanna Nell on retirement and ageing gracefully

  Joanna Nell talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience working as a GP, ageing gracefully and preparing for retirement. Her latest novel, Mrs Winterbottom Takes A Gap Year, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 12.14.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Tony Birch on surviving domestic violence, writing and family

  Tony Birch talks to Cheryl Akle about his exploration of domestic violence, family and love, and how it inspired his latest novel, Women & Children, which is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 12.11.2023

  Lina Jebeile: on food, culture and Lebanese cuisine

  Lina Jebeile talks to Cheryl Akle about their love of food, culture and Lebanese cuisine. You can find Lina at thelebaneseplate.com.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 12.07.2023

  BE Better: Sydel Sierra on her own Metamorphosis

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Sydel Sierra talks to Jane Tara about being groomed in one of the most horrific child abuse stories you’ll hear, and her incredible journey to healing. Her book, Metamorphosis, is out now....

  
• 12.07.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Amal Awad on the experience of migrant women

  Amal Awad talks to Cheryl Akle about the experience of migrant women and the importance of cultural identity. Her latest novel, Bitter and Sweet, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 12.04.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Richard Osman on old-school mystery novels and ageing

  Richard Osman talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring ageing and capturing the feeling of old-school mysteries in his latest novel, The Last Devil to Die, which is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.30.2023

  BE Better: David Michie on meditation and The Dalai Lama’s Cat

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – David Michie talks to Jane Tara about meditation, and his bestselling series The Dalai Lama's Cat. The latest book in the series, The Claw of Attraction, is out now. Hosted on...

  
• 11.29.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Jess McGeachin on growing up in a museum

  Jess McGeachin talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up in a museum and how it inspired his blend of science, illustration and writing in his series of picture books, Deep, Lost and High.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.26.2023

  Stories Behind the Story: Matt Preston on the food that shapes us

  Matt Preston talks to Cheryl Akle about how food brings people together, his career, and what inspired him to write his memoir, Big Mouth, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.23.2023

  BE Better: Tom Cronin on meditation

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Tom Cronin talks to Jane Tara about meditation for stress, health and peace. His book, The Portal, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.20.2023

  Rachelle Unreich: on the brilliant life of her mother

  Rachelle Unreich talks to Cheryl Akle about her mother's horrifying, heartbreaking and hopeful Holocaust experience. Her book, A Brilliant Life, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.16.2023

  Chris Hammer: on journalism, crime, and how his writing has evolved

  Chris Hammer talks to Cheryl Akle about how his writing has evolved over time and how his career as a journalist helped him write crime. His latest book, The Seven, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.15.2023

  Antony Loewenstein: on the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict

  Cheryl Akle and Antony Loewenstein continue their conversation about the Israel-Palestine conflict, how it escalated, and how we move forward. His book, The Palestine Laboratory, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.15.2023

  Trent Dalton: on finding light in the darkest of places

  Trent Dalton talks to Cheryl Akle about how we overcome terrifying tragedy and find the light in the darkest of places. His latest novel, Lola in the Mirror, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.13.2023

  Bryan Brown: on his legendary career, from acting to writing

  Bryan Brown talks to Cheryl Akle about how storytelling has always been a part of his life, from acting to writing. His novel, The Drowning, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.09.2023

  Murder and Mystery: A Crime Author Panel

  Better Reading recently hosted a crime author panel with Karen Herbert, Dave Warner and David Whish-Wilson in conversation with Cheryl Akle for an evening discussing crime fiction.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 11.09.2023

  Robyn Davidson: on trekking across 1700 miles of the Australian Outback

  Robyn Davidson talks to Cheryl Akle about what inspired her trek across 1700 miles of the Australian Outback, and how she's learned to reflect on her life and her mother. Her memoir, Unfinished Woman, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

  
• 11.05.2023

  Tea Cooper: on uncovering the history of Mrs Greenway

  Tea Cooper talks to Cheryl Akle about how she finds inspiration for her novels, and uncovering the history and life of Mrs Mary Greenway. Her latest novel, The Talented Mrs Greenway, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

  
• 11.01.2023

  Katrina Strickland: on The Good Weekend and the power of memoirs

  Katrina Strickland talks to Cheryl Akle about her experience as editor of The Good Weekend, the power of memoirs and what makes them so popular.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 10.30.2023

  Melissa Ashley: on giving a voice to forgotten women in history

  Melissa Ashley talks to Cheryl Akle about giving a voice to the long-ignored women who shaped our understanding of the natural world – both the artists and those who made their work possible. Her latest novel, The Naturalist of Amsterdam, is out now.  ...

  
• 10.26.2023

  BE Better: Esmé Louise James on Kinky History

  BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Esmé Louise James talks to Jane Tara about sex, sex and more sex… and also some very Kinky History. Her book is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.