Good Reading Podcast
Books & Literature
About
Book talk and author interviews aimed at helping you discover your next favourite read, presented by Good Reading Magazine.
Episodes
- Kerry Jewell on her compelling, candid and darkly funny novel, 'A Little Unwell'
Gregory Dobbs talks with Kerry Jewell about her novel 'A Little Unwell.' The discussion covers the contrast between the idealized image of being a doctor and the challenging reality of the profession, as well as the use of cynicism and dar…
- Martin McKenzie-Murray on the shadow world of first responders in 'Sirens'
Martin McKenzie-Murray talks with Gregory Dobbs about his book 'Sirens,' which examines the challenging experiences and psychological impacts on first responders, detailing their motivations and struggles with PTSD.
- Luke Taylor on Peter Marralwanga, Painter of the Djang of Western Arnhem Land
This episode features Luke Taylor discussing the life and work of Aboriginal artist Peter Marralwanga. The conversation covers Marralwanga's tradition of bark painting, his deep knowledge of Aboriginal culture and ceremony, and the politic…
- Jane Messer on her compelling memoir, 'Raven Mother: War, family and inheritance'
Jane Messer joins Gregory Dobbs to discuss her memoir "Raven Mother," which traces her Jewish family's experiences through Berlin, Israel, Palestine, and Melbourne, examining the effects of nationalism and personal history.
- Theresa Miller on stepping up to the microphone and making an impact in 'Speak Up'
Gregory Dobbs interviews Theresa Miller, a media trainer, about the growing need for public speaking skills. Miller emphasizes that expertise alone isn't sufficient for message delivery, highlighting preparation and presentation as fundame…
- Vikki Petraitis on a forty-year-old true crime mystery, 'The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron'
Vikki Petraitis joins Gregory Dobbs to discuss her investigation into the 1986 disappearance of Vivienne Cameron and the murder of Beth Barnard. Petraitis shares insights into the case, the Philip Island community, and her doubts about the…
- Debra Dank on family, culture, connection and the power of memory in 'Ankami'
Debra Dank shares her journey of uncovering her family's history, detailing the trauma of stolen Aboriginal children and the limitations of standard English in expressing Aboriginal culture. She discusses relying on memory and imagination…
- Vicki Bennett on her story of love, war, and inter-generational healing, 'The Letters'
Gregory Dobbs speaks with Vicki Bennett about 'The Letters,' a story of inter-generational healing, love, and war, centered around letters exchanged between WWI France and 1970s Australia.
- Chris Blake on his crime thriller set on New Zealand's wild west coast, 'Softly Calls the Devil'
Chris Blake talks with Gregory Dobbs about his crime novel, 'Softly Calls the Devil,' set in New Zealand's West Coast. The story follows a constable investigating a cold case while navigating the challenges of being a police officer and a…
- Henry Reynolds on Australian colonisation from the top down in 'Looking From the North'
Henry Reynolds discusses his book "Looking From the North," detailing the colonisation of Australia's north, the experiences of its diverse inhabitants including First Nations peoples, and the implications of government policies.
- Amra Pajalic on her thrilling Balkan war murder mystery, 'Time Kneels Between Mountains'
Amra Pajalic joins Gregory Dobbs to discuss her novel 'Time Kneels Between Mountains,' which follows a teenager in besieged Srebrenica who investigates corruption and finds love amidst conflict. The conversation touches on the Balkan histo…
- Joanna Nell on her heart-warming story celebrating life and love in, 'The Funeral Crashers'
Gregory Dobbs talks with Joanna Nell about her novel 'The Funeral Crashers,' which explores life-affirming outcomes from attending funerals. Nell also shares insights from her experience as a GP in aged care and her advocacy for positive a…
- Suzanne Leal on her HNSA award-winning book for young adults, 'The Year We Escaped'
Suzanne Leal discusses her HNSA award-winning young adult novel, 'The Year We Escaped', which tells the story of four friends escaping Nazi-occupied France during WWII. Leal shares her fascination with WWII history and the importance of se…
- Tasma Walton and Robbie Arnott on their ARA HNSA 2025 prize-winning novels
Gregory Dobbs interviews authors Tasma Walton and Robbie Arnott about their ARA Historical Novel Society of Australasia
- Katie Edmiston from Queensland State Library on 'How do you Library?'
This episode features Katie Edmiston discussing Queensland's "How do you library?" campaign, which encourages greater library engagement by showcasing their diverse offerings. Libraries are presented as community hubs providing access to k…
- Garry Disher on the fifth in the Hirsch crime thriller series, 'Mischance Creek'
Gregory Dobbs interviews Garry Disher about the crime novel 'Mischance Creek.' The discussion covers the character Paul Hirschhausen, Disher's research into far-right and sovereign citizen groups, and the defining characteristics of small-…
- Inga Simpson and Tannya Harricks on their picture book for children, 'The Peach King'
Gregory Dobbs speaks with Inga Simpson and Tannya Harricks about their children's book, 'The Peach King.' The discussion touches on resilience in nature, the story's themes, and the significance of the peach.
- Blake Johnston on surfing success, change and resilience in 'Swellbeing'
Blake Johnston, a world record holder for longest surf, shares his experiences of growing up surfing in Cronulla, turning pro, and navigating life changes. He discusses his memoir 'SwellBeing', which addresses family history of suicide, me…
- Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac on their children's picture book, 'The Legend of Jessie Hickman'
Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac discuss their children's book, 'The Legend of Jessie Hickman,' detailing the life of an adventurous Australian outlaw and cattle rustler who performed in a bush circus and was known as the 'Lady Bushranger.'…
- Jessica Mansour-Nahra on her first novel, an eerie gothic psychological thriller, 'The Farm'
Jessica Mansour-Nahra discusses her debut novel, "The Farm," a psychological thriller about Leila, who experiences unsettling phenomena while staying at her partner
- Belinda Castles on discovering literary Sydney on foot in 'Walking Sydney'
Gregory Dobbs speaks with Belinda Castles about her book "Walking Sydney," which documents walks with fifteen writers to explore the city's literary history and reimagined landscapes.
- Toni Jordan on greyhounds, gambling and growing up, in her new novel, 'Tenderfoot'
Gregory Dobbs talks with Toni Jordan about her new novel Tenderfoot, exploring themes of family, addiction, crime, and growing up in 1975 Brisbane.
- Tanya Scott on her high-octane debut crime thriller, 'Stillwater'
In this episode of the Good Reading Podcast, Gregory Dobbs interviews author Tanya Scott about her debut crime thriller, 'Stillwater.' Scott discusses the journey to publishing her novel, how her experiences in mental health impact her wri…
- Adam Courtenay on the dynamic, complex and driven man in his memoir 'My Father Bryce'
Adam Courtenay shares insights from his memoir about his father, the acclaimed author Bryce Courtenay, detailing his father's public persona, private struggles, career trajectory, and their complicated family relationship.
- Mike Amor on the highs and lows of a career as a foreign correspondent in 'News Cowboys'
Mike Amor shares his experiences as a foreign correspondent for Seven Network, detailing his coverage of significant global events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, alongside personal reflections on the career's demanding nature.
- Olivia Purvis on her first book for young children, 'Where's Moon?'
Speech Pathologist Olivia Purvis talks about her children's book, 'Where's Moon?', which follows a toddler searching for the moon. The episode explores the book's origins, its language features designed for emergent literacy, and the role…
- Belinda Lyons Lee on her gothic horror story, 'The Haunting of Mr and Mrs Stevenson'
Gregory Dobbs talks to Belinda Lyons Lee about her novel,
- Kaarina Parker on a remarkable woman of the Ancient Roman Empire, 'Fulvia'
Kaarina Parker talks with Gregory Dobbs about her novel on Fulvia, an ambitious woman from the Roman Republic. The discussion covers Fulvia's life, her marriage to Clodius, and her rise to influence in Roman society.
- Sarah Di Lorenzo on the steps to transform your liver health in 'The Liver Repair Plan'
Clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo discusses her four-week "Liver Repair Plan" for improving liver health and overall wellbeing. The episode covers the liver's regenerative capabilities and practical steps, including diet and recipes,…
- Simon Mustoe on unlocking the power of nature in 'How to Survive the Next 100 Years'
Ecologist Simon Mustoe explains how reconnecting with nature and animals can lead to greater health and happiness, potentially solving issues like anxiety, obesity, and food crises. He highlights how actions like saving wildlife can reduce…
- Erna Walraven on her memoir about zoo-keeping and feminism, 'Hear Me Roar'
Erna Walraven discusses her memoir 'Hear Me Roar', detailing her experiences as one of the first female zookeepers in Australia and how the sexism she faced from male colleagues led her to find parallels in the animal kingdom regarding fem…
- Jessica Townsend on the fourth in her Nevermoor series, 'Silverborn The Mystery of Morrigan Crow'
Jessica Townsend discusses the fourth book in the Nevermoor series,
- Raina MacIntyre on science, reason and the threat to 200 years of progress in 'Vaccine Nation'
Raina MacIntyre discusses the history and science of vaccines, their role in public health achievements, and the challenges posed by the anti-vaccine movement and misinformation. She also explores new vaccine technologies like mRNA and the…
- Dianne Wolfer on the retelling of an Australian classic in 'The Colt From Old Regret'
Dianne Wolfer, author of
- Stephen Gapps on his new book 'Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, 1838–1844
Stephen Gapps talks with Gregory Dobbs about his book "Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, 1838–1844." The discussion covers the unrecognized frontier wars in Australia, the economic motivation of wool production, First Nations…
- Kate Grenville on her family pilgrimage in 'Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place'
In this episode, Gregory Dobbs talks with author Kate Grenville about her family pilgrimage exploring Australian colonisation. Grenville shares insights from her book "Unsettled" and discusses the nation's path forward after the Voice refe…
- 'How to Be Normal' Q&A with author Ange Crawford and Cerdon College Merrylands
Author Ange Crawford, winner of the Walker Books Manuscript Prize, discusses her young adult novel "How to be Normal" with Cerdon College students. The conversation covers the book's themes of coercive control and finding oneself, and offe…
- Judy Friedlander's new book for kids, 'The Bee Squad: Boosting Biodiversity in Your Neighbourhood'
From the coast of Western Australia to Sydney’s suburbs, young people are discovering nature in their neighbourhoods and setting up nesting boxes for birds, cleaning up waterways, planting to attract bees and koalas, and building insect ho…
- Porscia Lam on a life-changing journey in 'The Unlocking: An Autism Story'
The Unlocking: An Autism Story unfolds in pandemic-stricken Melbourne, charting one family’s desperate battle against the escalating behavior of their autistic toddler. Amid the lack of in-person services, Harry exhibits severely restricte…
- Ronni Salt on her debut crime thriller about guns, drugs and small town life in 'Gunnawah'
When nineteen-year-old farm girl Adelaide Hoffman applies for a cadetship at the Gunnawah Gazette, she sees it as her ticket out of a life too small for her. The paper's owner, Valdene Bullark, seeing something of the girl she once was in…
- Judy King on a childhood betrayed and reclaimed in 'Agnes'
After a 30-year absence Agnes is returning to Australia, the country of her birth, at the behest of her aging, narcissistic mother. Having undergone a long period of psychotherapy she now entertains a hope that burning questions will be an…
- Garth Nix on his new novel for kids, 'We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord'
All Kim wants to do is play Dungeons & Dragons with his friends and ride his bike around the local lake. But he has always lived in the shadow of his younger sister. Eila is a prodigy, and everyone talks about how smart she is, though in K…
- Isobelle Carmody on a reluctant hero on an epic quest in 'Comes the Night'
Will Helloran is sixteen years old and lives with his father in the Canberra dome complex that protects its inhabitants from the corrosive atmosphere outside. At night his dreams are haunted by his beloved uncle Adam, who unexpectedly died…
- Chris Baker on life, love, memory and taking the plunge in 'Swimming Sydney'
Swimming Sydney is a tale of 52 swims in and around Sydney that take place over a calendar year. From Palm Beach to Cronulla, Mount Druitt to Bondi, Chris Baker swims at iconic beaches, municipal pools, harbour baths, tidal rock pools, bus…
- Chris Hammer on small town crime and blood relatives in 'The Valley'
A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers, conmen, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it's when Nell discovers the victim i…
- Melissa Lucashenko on her HNSA award-winning novel, 'Edenglassie'
When Mulanyin meets the beautiful Nita in Edenglassie, their saltwater people still outnumber the British. As colonial unrest peaks, Mulanyin dreams of taking his bride home to Yugambeh Country, but his plans for independence collide with…
- Beverley McWilliams on her 2024 HNSA prize-winning novel for children, 'Spies in the Sky'
Royal Blue is a royal racing pigeon from a long line of champions. Every morning he wakes in his comfortable loft at Sandringham House, eats the very best seeds and spends the day training with his best friend to be the fastest and stronge…
- Kathy Mexted on the incredible stories of Australian women who reach for the sky in 'Take Flight'
From balancing on a wingtip to circling with eagles, Take Flight tells the stories of Australian women who have leapt, tumbled and dived, and reached for the stars. Helicopter pilot Alida Soemawinata ascends over Kata Tjuṯa. Paramotor pilo…
- Emily Rodda on her epic three part fantasy adventure, 'Landovel'
Derry knows no other life than that of a captive on Cram's Rock, shunned by the other young prisoners for being Cram's poison taster. Until the day everything changes, when a traveller arrives, on the run from the sinister El executioners.…
- Tim Winton on a story of catastrophe, survival and the power of humanity in 'Juice'
Two fugitives, a man and a child, drive all night across a stony desert. As dawn breaks, they roll into an abandoned mine site. From the vehicle they survey a forsaken place – middens of twisted iron, rusty wire, piles of sun-baked trash.…