69. Trent Dalton: By Sea & Stars & Australian Literature (Part 2) by Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

Dr Karl speaks to Dani Vee about all things science. Vital Science is an excellent book for the whole family, there is something in there for everyone; the benefits of cockroach milk, baby wasp assassins, intelligent birds and so much more. You will be more knowledgeable just from listening to this podcast! All opinions belong to Dr Karl.

In 2012 Karl was delighted to have Asteroid 18412 named after him. Asteroid Dr Karl/18412 was discovered by Robert H. McNaught at the Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia, on June 13, 1993. In March 2012 he was named as a National Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

In 2016 Dr Karl was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids’ Hospital in Sydney.

Dr Karl is currently the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, where his ‘mission’ is to spread the good word about science and its benefits.

His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

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Samuel Johnson chats to Dani Vee about the book he has curated 'Dear Santa,' life as a cancer vanquisher and the amazing people who, gave up their time to write a letter for this book. Every sale contributes to cancer research.

Brother, actor, Victorian of the Year Samuel Johnson OAM has gathered together a collection of letters from some of Australia's most notorious and best-loved grown-ups. Surprising, warm-hearted, wicked and witty, this little book of letters is the perfect gift for any adult who speaks human. Featuring letters by Adam Hills, Leigh Sales, Missy Higgins, Molly Meldrum, Grant Denyer, Shaun Micallef, Helen Garner, Deborah Mailman, Shaun Tan and many more.

Find the book in any good bookstore or go to LoveYourSister.org

Alice Nelson chats to Dani Vee about her beautiful slow burning novel The Children's House. We discuss motherhood, the importance of empathy, colliding cultures and refugees. We unpack the complexities of marriage and how marriage can't stand too much trouble. Alice discusses religious rituals, and how they can provide comfort in a dark world.

The Children's House has been described as an 'elegant and finely tuned work that hums with condensed life.' Stephanie Bishop

'It is a brave and original exploration of human complexity and vulnerability, a tale of reparation. Both fierce and tender.' Leah Kaminsky

Author Fiona Macintosh chats to Dani Vee about armchair travelling through her novel The Pearl Thief, set in 1939 Prague, London & Paris. We chat about the heartbreaking kinder transports and the importance of historical fiction.

A brilliant episode.

My favourite books written within this time period are:

1. The Book Thief

2. Boy In Striped PJs

3. The Red Ribbon

4. Hitler's Daughter

5. The Street Sweeper

6. The Pearl Thief

Pip Drysdale chats to Dani Vee about her psychological thriller The Sunday Girl, the writing process and the importance of exploring serious issues in literature.

The Girl on the Train meets Before I Go to Sleep with a dash of Bridget Jones in this chilling tale of love gone horribly wrong …

Some love affairs change you forever. Someone comes into your orbit and swivels you on your axis, like the wind working on a rooftop weather vane. And when they leave, as the wind alway does, you are different; you have a new direction. And it’s not always north.’

Any woman who’s ever been involved with a bad, bad man and been dumped will understand what it feels like to be broken, broken-hearted and bent on revenge.

Taylor Bishop is hurt, angry and wants to destroy Angus Hollingsworth in the way he destroyed her: ‘Insidiously. Irreparably. Like a puzzle he’d slowly dissembled … stolen a couple of pieces from, and then discarded, knowing that nobody would ever be able to put it back together ever again.’

So Taylor consults The Art of War and makes a plan. Then she takes the next irrevocable step – one that will change her life forever.

Things start to spiral out of her control – and The Sunday Girl becomes impossible to put down.

Intriguing, compelling. Impossible to put down.’

~ Liane Moriarty

Ber is the author of eight novels, including Just Business, High Potential, The Better Woman, Less Than Perfect, Worlds Apart and Once Lost. The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy is her first book published under B.M. Carroll.

She’s the victim.

But is she so innocent?

Sophie McCarthy is known for her determination, ambition and brilliance at work. She’s tough, but only because she wants to get the best out of people.

Aidan Ryan is strong, honourable, and a family man. He’s tough too; the army requires it.

When these two strangers are brought together in a devastating incident, Sophie’s life is left in ruins. Her family wants to see Aidan pay for what he did.

Aidan’s prepared to sacrifice everything - including his marriage and his child - to fix the mess he’s made.

But some things can’t be fixed, and Sophie is not at all what she first appeared…

Morten Durr, Danish children's author chats to Dani Vee about his new graphic novel Zenobia. Zenobia is a haunting and beautifully illustrated novel about the Syrian refuge crisis.

Zenobia is a wonderful graphic novel for children and adults to encourage empathy and a greater understanding of the plight of people attempting to escape war torn places. A powerful resource for the classroom too.

Morten discusses the Syrian refugee crisis, encouraging empathy and the importance of presenting serious issues to children.

Laura Stitzel, illustrator, designer and author chats to Dani Vee about collaborating with Elliot Perlman, on his children's book The Adventures of Catvinkle.

This episode is Part 2 of the creation of The Adventures of Catvinkle, in Part 1 Elliot Perlman chats about the writing process, the importance of empathy and literature. In Part 2, Laura takes us through the creative process of illustrating the book.

A wonderful chat about drawing, Dalmations, dancing cats and Amsterdam.

Oliver Phommavanh chats to Dani Vee about his new kid lit book Natural Born Loser. Oliver discusses the importance of cultural diversity in books, and ensuring all kids see themselves in his stories. Having taught in Western Sydney schools, he know show important it is to challenge stereotypes and ensure kids believe in their abilities.

Oliver chats about the writing process, working with young people and how he connects with his audience.

Oliver also chats about the importance of burgers, and what makes the best burger. Stay tuned for the burger evaluation.