Episode Title: A Romantic Journey with "Mary Christmas"

Hosts: Leanne and Chelle

Guest: Mary Anne O'Connor

Episode Overview: In this episode, Leanne and Chelle welcome Mary Anne O'Connor, author of "Mary Christmas," a romance novel set in 1909 in the picturesque Cotswolds. The story follows Mary Richards, a teacher torn between societal expectations and her career aspirations. Through the lens of love and family dynamics, the book explores themes of independence, the suffragette movement, and the courage to defy traditional gender roles.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Book Overview:

  • Introduction of Mary Anne O'Connor and her book "Mary Christmas."
  • Summary of the plot, highlighting Mary Richards' struggle between career and love as her sister Emily's wedding approaches.

• Mary Anne O'Connor's Background:

  • Mary Anne's career in copywriting and marketing before transitioning to writing fiction and non-fiction.
  • Her personal life in Northern Sydney and how her family influences her writing.

• Character Development and Historical Context:

  • Discussion on the societal pressures faced by women in 1909 and the inspiration from Mary Anne's previous novel, "Sisters of Freedom."
  • Emphasis on strong, independent female characters and the importance of career and independence.

• Transition to Writing Romance:

  • Mary Anne's shift from historical fiction to romance, inspired by Christmas movies.
  • The book's focus on a strong female lead and a kind, intellectual male character.

• Themes and Character Dynamics:

  • Exploration of love and career choice themes, and the dynamics between Mary and Jonathan.
  • Insights into Mary Anne's personal influences, including her family.

• Family and Romantic Elements:

  • The emotional journey of Mary and her sister Emily, and the significance of family bonds.
  • Personal anecdotes about Mary Anne's family and the influence of her mother.

• Historical and Modern Relevance:

  • Discussion on the suffragette movement and ongoing gender equality challenges.
  • Mary Anne's emphasis on supporting each other and challenging outdated gender roles.

• Romance and Real-Life Influences:

  • The portrayal of genuine, thoughtful relationships in the book.
  • The importance of mutual respect and support in romantic narratives.

• Emotional Impact and Reader Engagement:

  • The book's aim to create an immersive experience through vivid descriptions of Christmas markets and bookshops.
  • Strong, relatable characters that resonate with readers.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations:

• The book is available for purchase on Amazon and other platforms, making it a perfect Christmas gift.
• Mary Anne shares her pride in the book and hopes readers will connect with the characters.
• The episode concludes with gratitude for the discussion and a wish for a Merry Christmas to listeners.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Mary Christmas" by Mary Anne O'Connor
• Previous Work: "Sisters of Freedom" by Mary Anne O'Connor

Episode Title: Exploring "The Courage to Be Disliked"

Hosts: Leanne and Chelle

Episode Overview: In this episode, Leanne and Chelle dive into "The Courage to Be Disliked" by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi. This book explores Alfred Adler's psychological theories, focusing on themes such as self-determination, social interest, and the courage to be disliked. The hosts discuss how past experiences shape us through the meanings we assign to them and highlight the concept of true happiness stemming from contributing to others.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the Book: Leanne introduces "The Courage to Be Disliked," discussing its challenges and its foundation in Alfred Adler's psychology.
• Language and Respect: A conversation on the importance of language learning and respect, sparked by Leanne's experience with Japanese homework.
• Book's Premise and Style: The book's use of Adler's theories for personal growth and its conversational style, compared to "Conversations with God."
• Main Themes:
  • Self-determination, social interest, and the courage to be disliked.
  • The transient nature of relationships and contribution to happiness.
  • Living for oneself and overcoming the tendency to please others.
• Practical Application:
  • The significance of self-reflection and emotional work.
  • The concept of horizontal relationships in parenting.

Recommendations:

• Audiobook Suggestion: Leanne and Chelle recommend the audiobook version for its engaging conversational style.
• Further Reading: Interest in Fumitake Koga's other work, "The Courage to Be Happy."

Final Thoughts: The hosts express their appreciation for the book's practical insights and invite listeners to share their thoughts and book recommendations.

Navigating Grief and Hope with "The Last Love Note"

Hosts: Leanne and Chelle

Guest: Emma Grey

Episode Overview: In this heartfelt episode, Leanne and Chelle welcome Emma Grey, author of "The Last Love Note." The book delves into themes of grief and loss, drawing from Emma's personal experiences of losing her daughter and husband. Through the story of Kate, a grieving mother, the book explores the duality of sorrow and humor, and the journey towards hope. Emma shares her writing process, the therapeutic power of storytelling, and the importance of community support in times of grief.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Background of Emma Grey:
• Introduction of Emma Grey and her book "The Last Love Note."
• Emma discusses her personal journey through grief and the shared experiences of loss.
• Emma Grey's Writing Journey:
• The cathartic process of writing to understand and help others with their grief.
• Emma's background in writing, including young adult novels and non-fiction.
• Themes and Structure of "The Last Love Note":
• Overview of the plot, focusing on Kate's struggles with grief and her journey.
• The balance between grief and humor, with anecdotes from Emma's life.
• Grief, Humor, and Hope in the Book:
• Emma's insights on the coexistence of grief and humor.
• The importance of lifting readers with hope amidst the portrayal of loss.
• Accepting Help and Support:
• The role of community and accepting help during times of grief.
• Personal stories of unexpected support and the concept of paying it forward.
• The Role of Pop Culture and Nostalgia:
• How pop culture references add relatability and nostalgia to the book.
• The use of these references as anchor points to engage readers.
• A Day in the Life of Emma Grey:
• Emma's daily routine and her work on various projects.
• Her writing process, focusing on intense drafting and collaboration with editors.
• Connecting with Readers:
• Emma's love for audiobooks and the magic of storytelling.
• The importance of connecting with readers and the impact of her work.
• Balancing Grief and Parenting:
• The challenge of managing personal grief while parenting.
• Emma's journey of resilience and hope as she enters her 50s.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans:

• Emma shares her excitement for her upcoming book and future projects.
• The hosts express their admiration for Emma and the profound impact of her book.
• A desire to have Emma back for future discussions and well wishes for her endeavors.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "The Last Love Note" by Emma Grey

Episode Title: I'll Let Myself In

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin dive into the powerful and inspiring book "I'll Let Myself In" by Hannah Diviney, a leading disability and women's rights advocate based in Sydney. Diviney, who has cerebral palsy, shares her journey of self-discovery and advocacy, shedding light on the lack of representation of disabled characters in mainstream media and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Background: Leanne and Chelle introduce themselves, highlighting their professional backgrounds in child psychology and gestalt psychotherapy, respectively. They set the stage for discussing books that promote self-awareness, practical parenting, and understanding children.

• About Hannah Diviney: The hosts delve into Hannah's impressive achievements, including co-founding Missing Perspectives and advocating for a disabled Disney princess. Her book, "I'll Let Myself In," is praised for its defiant coming-of-age narrative and its call for representation and inclusion.

• Initial Impressions: Both hosts express admiration for Hannah's articulate and humorous writing style, discussing the importance of inclusive language and representation in media.

• Personal Experiences and Advocacy: The conversation covers Hannah's personal experiences with cerebral palsy, her determination to create her own representation, and her broader advocacy efforts.

• Challenges and Representation: Leanne and Chelle discuss the lack of disabled characters in mainstream media and the impact of representation on young people, emphasizing the need for awareness and education.

• Humor and Sensitivity: The hosts reflect on the evolution of humor and the importance of being mindful of the impact of words and actions.

• Calling Out and Awareness: They discuss Hannah's call-out of Lizzo for using ableist language, highlighting the role of advocates in raising awareness and modeling appropriate responses.

• Personal Reflections: Chelle shares a personal story about her daughter with cerebral palsy, underlining the emotional impact of ableist language and the importance of having a voice to address it.

• Hannah's Writing Style: The hosts appreciate Hannah's narration of her own book, adding a personal touch and enhancing the storytelling experience.

• Recommendations and Final Thoughts: Leanne and Chelle recommend "I'll Let Myself In" for its engaging narrative and its broader implications for understanding and inclusion, concluding with a call for more diverse perspectives in media.

Episode Title: Green Dot

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin discuss "Green Dot" by Madeleine Gray, a book that delves into the complexities of adulthood and relationships. The story follows Hera, a 24-year-old moderating online comments, who enters an affair with a middle-aged journalist, Arthur. The book is praised for its dark humor, relatable characters, and well-written prose. Leanne and Chelle reflect on themes of infidelity, the allure of the unattainable, and the challenges of navigating relationships, while also discussing the importance of supporting friends without being overly judgmental.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Participant Backgrounds: Leanne introduces herself as a child psychologist specializing in neurodivergent children, and Chelle introduces herself as a gestalt psychotherapist and intuitive guide. They welcome listeners and introduce the book "Green Dot" by Madeleine Gray.

• Summary and Initial Impressions: Chelle provides a summary of the book, describing it as a darkly hilarious and deeply felt examination of adulthood and the 21st century. Both hosts appreciate the book's humor and relatability, particularly in its portrayal of young adulthood.

• Themes of Relatability and Age Gap: Leanne and Chelle discuss the book's themes, including the sense of awkwardness and the desire to fit in. They share personal anecdotes about workplace interactions and the awkwardness of young adulthood.

• Exploring the Theme of Infidelity: The hosts explore the book's portrayal of infidelity and the complexities of Hera and Arthur's relationship. They discuss the allure of the unattainable and the portrayal of age gaps and power dynamics.

• Friendship and Support in the Book: Leanne and Chelle discuss the role of Hera's friends and the importance of supporting friends without judgment. They emphasize creating a safe space for friends to express themselves and make their own decisions.

• Reflections on Parental Relationships: The hosts discuss Hera's relationship with her father, noting the emotional connection despite a lack of communication. They reflect on the search for meaningful connections and the voids in relationships.

• Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Leanne and Chelle express their enjoyment of the book and its punchy storytelling. They recommend "Green Dot" for its quick read and thoughtful exploration of modern dilemmas, inviting listeners to share their thoughts and connect on social media.

Episode Title: Ending Body Burnout

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Guest: Philippa Bellette

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin are joined by Philippa Bellette to discuss her book "Ending Body Burnout," which explores the causes and solutions for body burnout in high-achieving women. Philippa emphasizes the importance of addressing stress, nutrition, sleep, movement, and mind health, highlighting the concept of a "stress bucket" and the need to balance recovery with stress reduction. She shares her personal journey and the stories of three fictional women to illustrate common health issues and solutions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Background: Leanne and Chelle introduce Philippa Bellette, co-founder of Chris and Philly Functional Medicine, and her book "Ending Body Burnout," which focuses on energy, mood, gut, and inflammatory issues, aiming to help high-achieving women restore their bodies without feeling restricted.

• Key Themes and Insights: The hosts discuss the importance of not aiming for perfection, with Philippa emphasizing unique dietary needs and the struggle with perfectionism. They highlight a statistic indicating work-life conflict among mothers and the breaking point leading to exhaustion.

• Personal Experiences and Stress Management: Philippa shares her personal experience of feeling like an 80-year-old in her late 20s and 30s, discussing the "stress bucket" concept and how stress manifests at home. Leanne and Chelle relate to stress accumulation and its impact on family life.

• Holistic Approach to Health: Philippa explains the book's balance between practical advice and scientific explanations, emphasizing addressing all aspects of the body for holistic health. The hosts appreciate the relatable stories and manageable health concepts.

• The Role of the Mind in Health: Philippa discusses unconscious core beliefs driving burnout, using her experience of feeling weak and incapable. The book helps readers reprogram these beliefs for a healthier mindset, addressing both physical and mental health.

• Practical Tools and Strategies: Philippa introduces "if-then" planning for anticipating health obstacles and emphasizes taking responsibility for health. Leanne and Chelle share experiences with sustainable health changes, focusing on minimum effort for maximum results.

• Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts: Philippa recommends influential books like "Body Keeps the Score" and "Deep Nutrition," and emphasizes reading novels for relaxation. She concludes by promoting her book and free resources on her website, encouraging exploration.

Action Items:

• Explore the "Ending Body Burnout" assessment on Philippa's website.
• Check out recommended books such as "Body Keeps the Score" and "The Work" by Lizzie Williamson.
• Consider trying the vagus nerve toning exercise mentioned.

Spring Reading Pile – Embracing New Beginnings

Hosts: Leanne and Chelle

Episode Overview: In this bonus episode, Leanne and Chelle celebrate the arrival of spring by sharing their spring reading pile. They discuss the books they are excited to read over the next three months, reflecting on how the season of renewal and transformation inspires their literary choices. From personal development to engaging fiction, they explore a diverse range of books that promise to energize and inspire.

Key Discussion Points:

• Welcoming Spring:

  • The hosts express their gratitude for spring, a time of new beginnings and transformation.
  • Discussion on the weather changes in Queensland and the feeling of renewal.

• Non-Fiction Picks:

  • "One Life: How to Have the Life of Your Dreams" by Tina Tower: A guide to designing and achieving a fulfilling life, inspired by the author's positivity and passion.
  • "Get Rich, Lucky Bitch" by Denise Duffield-Thomas: Focuses on releasing money blocks and living a first-class life, with insights on mindset and affirmations.
  • "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Dr. Joe Dispenza: Explores the power of the mind to create new realities, combining quantum physics and neuroscience.
  • "How to Be Well: A Handbook for Women" by Dr. Karen Coates and Sharon Kolkka: Discusses balancing busy lives with self-care, relevant to the hosts' current experiences.

• Fiction Picks:

  • "A Thousand Wasted Sundays" by Victoria Vanstone: A memoir about binge drinking and anxiety, offering humor and insights into new beginnings.
  • "When the Apricots Bloom" by Gina Wilkinson: A novel about friendship and motherhood under dictatorship in Baghdad, exploring themes of trust and sacrifice.
  • "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray: An epic Irish tragedy-comedy about the Barnes family's struggles, blending humor and poignant storytelling.
  • "Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies" by Catherine Mack: A mystery set on the Amalfi coast, described as "White Lotus meets Only Murders in the Building."

• Personal Reflections:

  • The hosts share their reading habits and how they balance their busy lives with their love for books.
  • Discussion on the joy of having an endless list of books to read and the privilege of being surrounded by literature.

Final Thoughts:

• A celebration of the season and the excitement of diving into new books.
• Wishing listeners a happy and fulfilling spring.

Episode Title: Homecoming

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin explore Kate Morton's novel "Homecoming," an epic narrative that spans generations and delves into themes of motherhood, secrets, and the healing power of truth. Set in 1959 and the present day, the story follows Jess, a journalist investigating a cold case linked to her grandmother Nora's past. Leanne and Chelle discuss Morton's storytelling style, comparing it to works like "Playing Beatie Bow" and "Picnic at Hanging Rock," and praise the book's detailed character development and engaging mystery.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Participant Backgrounds: Leanne introduces herself as a child psychologist and mother of three, while Chelle introduces herself as a gestalt psychotherapist and intuitive guide. They welcome listeners and set the tone for discussing "Homecoming" by Kate Morton.

• Discussion on Kate Morton's Books: The hosts discuss their experiences with Morton's novels, including "The Lake House" and "The Clockmaker's Daughter," noting the timelessness and mystery elements. They compare Morton's works to other classic stories and appreciate the engaging nature of her lengthy books.

• Synopsis and Themes of "Homecoming": Leanne reads the synopsis, describing the murder mystery from 1959 and its connection to the present day. The book's exploration of motherhood, secrets, and truth is highlighted, along with its intergenerational impact on family dynamics.

• Character and Plot Dynamics: The hosts discuss various characters, such as Jess, Nora, Polly, and Isabelle, and the corrosive effects of secrets on relationships. They praise the detailed character development and the book's evocation of a sense of place that enhances the story.

• Reader Experiences and Recommendations: Leanne and Chelle share their reading experiences, including using the audiobook narrated by Claire Foy. They recommend other books by Kate Morton, such as "The Secret Keeper," and agree on "Homecoming's" appeal for fans of immersive reads.

• Conclusion and Final Thoughts: The hosts wrap up by expressing their enjoyment of the book and its themes of home and belonging. Leanne suggests "Homecoming" as a great summer read, and both hosts express appreciation for Kate Morton's storytelling.

Episode Title: No Time Like the Future

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin delve into "No Time Like the Future" by Michael J. Fox, a poignant memoir about resilience and optimism in the face of Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed at 29, Fox has been a vocal advocate for Parkinson's and shares his journey through this new memoir, reflecting on challenges such as a fall that nearly shattered his optimism. Leanne and Chelle discuss the book's insights into the disease's impact, the importance of support, and the value of hope and gratitude, while also exploring the challenges of living with a chronic illness and the significance of understanding and empathy.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the Book and Michael J. Fox's Background: Leanne introduces "No Time Like the Future," highlighting it as a moving account of resilience and hope by Michael J. Fox, who has been a strong advocate for Parkinson's disease.

• Personal Connections and Emotional Impact: Leanne shares a personal connection to Parkinson's through her dad, while Chelle emphasizes the emotional impact of the book and the value of understanding and support for those affected by the disease.

• Insights on Living with Parkinson's: The hosts discuss the challenges of living with Parkinson's, including frustrations and the desire to avoid being a burden, drawing parallels to experiences with other invisible disabilities.

• Key Takeaways and Personal Reflections: They highlight key takeaways from the book, such as hope, gratitude, and self-acceptance, and the importance of support networks and community in times of adversity.

• Michael J. Fox's Storytelling and Humor: Leanne praises Fox's storytelling and humor, noting the authenticity and representation of people with disabilities in media.

• Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The hosts emphasize the importance of naming the elephant in the room and fostering curiosity and understanding about Parkinson's, recommending the book for its empathy and insights.

Conclusion:

Leanne and Chelle conclude by reflecting on the lightness and humor in Fox's storytelling and the positive impact of the book. They encourage listeners to explore the memoir for its valuable perspective on resilience and understanding.

Episode Title: The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir

Podcast: Between The Lines

Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin

Guest: Sandie Docker

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin are joined by Australian author Sandie Docker to discuss her sixth book, "The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir," set to release on June 18. The novel centers on sisters Eleanor and Maggie, who run a choir, and single mom Hannah, who joins them. Sandie highlights themes of community, belonging, and motherhood, drawing from her own experiences. She also shares insights into her writing journey, including overcoming 200 rejections before her first book's publication in 2018, and her role as founder and director of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction and Background of Sandie Docker: Leanne introduces Sandie, discussing her background, love for reading, and transition to writing. Sandie shares her experiences balancing writing with family life and the release of her sixth book in six years.

• Sandie's Writing Journey and Achievements: Sandie talks about her first novel, "The CoCo Burrow Creek Cafe," and subsequent books. She discusses her role in the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and the supportive nature of the Australian writing community.

• Themes and Community in Sandie's Books: The hosts and Sandie explore themes of community, belonging, and hope in her books, influenced by her upbringing in Coffs Harbour. They discuss the importance of small towns and the connections between characters.

• Exploring Motherhood and Sacrifice: Sandie shares how her personal experiences as a mother influence her portrayal of motherhood, sacrifice, and determination in her books, emphasizing the search for belonging.

• The Role of Music and Choir in the Book: Sandie explains the therapeutic aspects of music and how the choir theme in "The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir" serves as a metaphor for community and support.

• Challenges and Determination in Writing: Sandie discusses the challenges of getting published, the importance of resilience, and how her persistence serves as a role model for her daughter.

• Future Plans and Writing Process: Sandie shares her current work on new book ideas, the fast-paced nature of writing and promoting, and the importance of finding balance in the writing process.

• Favorite Characters and Audiobooks: Sandie expresses her love for all her characters and discusses the casting process for audiobooks, sharing her enjoyment of audiobooks to keep up with reading.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts:

Leanne and Chelle wrap up the conversation, encouraging listeners to pre-order "The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir" and support local independent bookstores. Sandie confirms the availability of the audiobook edition on the same release day as the print and ebook versions. The hosts thank Sandie for joining them and wish her continued success with her book and future projects.