Explore every episode of the podcast Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stories Behind the Story: Michael Mohammed Ahmad on Community, Grief and Writing | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:34:31 | |
Michael Mohammed Ahmad talks to Cheryl about supporting his community, how his writing has evolved over time and the deeply emotional heart of his latest book, Bugger. He also reflects on grief, vulnerability and what it means to write difficult themes and ideas. Bugger is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Crime Special with Christian White & Tim Ayliffe | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:29:08 | |
Join Cheryl Akle as she sits down with Christian White (The Long Night) and Tim Ayliffe (Dark Desert Road) for an insightful conversation about the Australian literary landscape. Together, the three explore the surge in Aussie crime and thriller books, the realities and roadblocks of getting published, and what it really takes to build a career as an Australian author. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Omar El Akkad on Truth & Ignorance, From Guantánamo to Gaza | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:37:39 | |
Omar El Akkad joins Cheryl to discuss his latest book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. Together, they explore his experiences reporting from places like Guantánamo Bay, examine the dangerous allure of ignorance, and reflect on the Gaza War and how it has shaped both their lives and the world. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Francesca de Tores on Unveiling Gender Identity Through Historical Fiction | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:30:42 | |
Francesca de Torres talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey from poetry to historical fiction, the complexities of gender identity and literary inspirations. Her latest book Saltblood is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Rachel Treasure on The Transformative Power of Literature in Advocating for Change | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:26:56 | |
Rachel Treasure talks to Cheryl about her advocacy for environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the transformative power of literature in advocating for change. Her latest novel, Milking Time, is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Jo Peck on Embracing New Beginnings Later in Life. | 23 Jun 2024 | 00:29:54 | |
Jo Peck talks to Cheryl about overcoming adversity, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing new beginnings later in life. Her memoir, Suddenly Single at Sixty, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Lauren Chater on the allure of historical fiction and the inspiration behind timeless human experiences | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:31:27 | |
Lauren Chater talks to Cheryl Akle about the power and inspiration of storytelling, the significance of historical fiction and the continuity of human nature. Her fourth novel, The Beauties, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Isabel Allende on the power of reading and the impact of bullying on children. | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:29:43 | |
Isabel Allende talks to Cheryl Akle about the impact of bullying on children, the importance of a good illustrator and the story behind the real dog Perla. Her latest children's book: Perla The Mighty Dog, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Lisa Medved on art, travel and writing historical fiction | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:32:53 | |
Lisa Medved talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey from Melbourne to The Hague, how fine arts sparked creativity, and her five-year self-taught adventure in writing historical fiction. Her latest novel, The Engraver’s Secret, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Nat's What I Reckon on mental health, cooking and how quickly life can change | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:39:00 | |
Cheryl Akle and Nat's What I Reckon shared a stage at the Words on the Waves Festival to talk about food, mental health and how quickly life can change. The panel was recorded live and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Explicit Language Warning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Catherine Doyle on merging fantasy with real-world themes | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:33:34 | |
Catherine Doyle talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to publication and how she merges fantasy elements with real-world themes in her writing. Her latest novel, Pirates of Darksea, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Petronella McGovern on memories and her mother's influence on her writing journey | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:35:19 | |
Petronella McGovern talks to Cheryl about the significance of memories, truth, and how her experiences with her mother influenced her work. Don't miss her new book, The Last Trace, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Ariane Beeston on motherhood, madness and coming back from the brink | 27 May 2024 | 00:34:25 | |
Ariane Beeston talks to Cheryl Akle about the pressures of motherhood and her experience with postpartum psychosis. Her memoir, Because I'm Not Myself, You See, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Susan Wyndham on Elizabeth Harrower and a Life in Literature | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:39:37 | |
Susan Wyndham talks to Cheryl about researching her latest book Elizabeth Harrower: The Woman in the Watch Tower, how her mother’s love of books shaped her own, her career in journalism, and her path to becoming one of Australia’s leading literary editors. Elizabeth Harrower: The Woman in the Watch Tower is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Barbara Sumner on the forgotten female convicts of colonial Australia | 23 May 2024 | 00:31:55 | |
Barbara Sumner talks to Cheryl Akle about her unique path to publication and what inspired her to write her striking debut novel, The Gallows Bird, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Venita Dimos on the vital skills children learn through reading | 20 May 2024 | 00:35:34 | |
Venita Dimos talks to Cheryl Akle about the power of children’s fiction and how her Mini & Milo series teaches vital skills for childhood development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Garry Disher on his unique approach to crime fiction | 13 May 2024 | 00:30:22 | |
Bestselling author Garry Disher talks to Cheryl Akle about his research process and approach to writing crime fiction. His latest novel, Sanctuary, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Geoffrey Robertson on The Trial of Vladimir Putin | 06 May 2024 | 00:30:40 | |
Geoffrey Robertson QC talks to Cheryl Akle about his unique perspective on Vladimir Putin, international law and human rights. His latest book, The Trial of Vladimir Putin, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Diane Armstrong on what makes historical fiction personal | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:31:38 | |
Diane Armstrong talks to Cheryl Akle about focusing on the personal aspect of history and the incredible woman who inspired her latest novel, The Wild Date Palm, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Bradley Trevor Greive on how we find our way back from tragedy | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:37:14 | |
Bradley Trevor Grieve talks to Cheryl Akle about what makes a story feel personal and how he chooses his projects. His latest book, Broken Girl, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BE Better: Tim Duggan on how to Work Backwards | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
BE Better: Better Reading’s Self-Development & Wellness podcast – Tim Duggan talks to Jane about finding work-life balance in simple yet radical ways. His book, Work Backwards, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Sarah Bailey on how she reconnected with her love of writing | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:29:53 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Jackie French on hearing what wombats have to say | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:29:36 | |
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. | |||
| BE Better: Simone Callahan on Growing with Grace | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:23:57 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Jessica Mansour-Nahra on Her Debut, Pregnancy and Creativity | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:35:54 | |
Jessica Mansour-Nahra talks to Cheryl about writing her debut novel, The Farm, how her love of storytelling began, and the emotional challenges she experienced while pregnant. She shares what the publishing journey looked like for her and talks about the deep connection between creativity and motherhood. The Farm is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Vikki Wakefield on the craft of writing across genres | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:28:28 | |
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. | |||
| BE Better: Gyan Yankovich on Just Friends | 04 Apr 2024 | 00:30:32 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: James Norbury on Big Panda and Tiny Dragon being an audiobook | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:30:54 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Trish Bolton on ageism, grief and the lives of older women | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:25:07 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Glenna Thomson on writing complex family dynamics | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:30:31 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Rachael Johns on editing, publishing and a change of direction | 10 Mar 2024 | 00:31:09 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Jane Tara on getting older and being visible | 03 Mar 2024 | 00:34:53 | |
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. | |||
| BE Better: Jodi Rodgers on being Unique | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:41:06 | |
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Conversations from the Vault: Julia Baird: on winning the ABIA Book of the Year | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:18:51 | |
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 how the world has changed since its release. If you enjoyed this conversation, see Julia Baird in person at the 2024 Manly Writers Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Simone Amelia Jordan on being Australia's most successful hip-hop journalist | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:35:46 | |
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 out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Marika Sosnowski on Law, Creative Writing, and the Making of 58 Facets | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:39:25 | |
Marika Sosnowski talks to Cheryl about how her background in law shapes her writing and the challenges of merging academic insight with creative expression. She shares her deeply personal and complex writing process, the role of human connection in her work, and how legal systems can shift depending on who is interpreting them. Her debut collection, 58 Facets, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Conversations from the Vault: Tom Keneally on exploring rural Australia through fiction | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:31:06 | |
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 enjoyed this conversation, see Tom Keneally in person at the 2024 Manly Writers Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Simon Rowell on good dogs and oil rigs | 11 Feb 2024 | 00:26:35 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Kemper Donovan on Agatha Christie, Scriptwriting and Podcasting | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:31:28 | |
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. | |||
| BE Better: Lizzie Williamson on The Active Workday Advantage | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:30:43 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Victoria Vanstone on how sobriety changed her life | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:34:15 | |
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. | |||
| What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Jack Heath | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:10:45 | |
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 Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie A Thousand Wasted Sundays by Victoria Vanstone Shades of Gray by Jasper Fforde Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Shelley Burr | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:11:10 | |
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 Kylie Orr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Josephine Moon | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:14:18 | |
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 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens Tilda is Visible by Jane Tara The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Elizabeth Coleman on what makes a good mystery | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:21:13 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Kate Ceberano on what inspires, humbles, hurts and sustains her | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:36:24 | |
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. | |||
| Stories Behind The Story: Greg Haddrick on The Mushroom Murders and the Art of Storytelling | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:38:19 | |
Greg Haddrick talks to Cheryl about his acclaimed career in film and television, what drew him to the chilling real-life case of The Mushroom Murders, the complexities of covering the high-profile Erin Patterson trial, and the challenges faced by jurors. His latest book, The Mushroom Murders, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stories Behind the Story: Sarah Barrie on juggling biker gangs with farm life | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:23:42 | |
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. | |||
| What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: James Colley | 03 Jan 2024 | 00:12:41 | |
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 Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Are You Reading? Summer Edition: Jodi McAlister | 31 Dec 2023 | 00:16:02 | |
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 Karina May Love and Other Scores by Abra Pressler Italian Marriage by Jenna Lo Bianco Love Just In by Natalie Murray The Collected Works of Jackie Collins (reissues) The latest ‘Romance Class ‘releases – a self-publishing collective from the Philippines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||