In The Good Books with Luke Bateman

If you wanted proof of the life-changing power of writing, you need look no further than Matt Haig. It hasn't just helped his countless readers, but first and foremost, it helped him too.  In this chat, you'll hear how about his turbulent early life, the similarities his story share with Luke's and how his first book was born of a total breakdown. Matt talks about why simple stories and writi...

We've got mail - and opinions. Luke pens his reply to Virginia Evans modern epistolary masterpiece and smash lit-hit of 2026 'The Correspondent', including why a book composed entirely of correspondence can be more compelling than prose, what it teaches us about making meaning of our lives, the beauty of connecting to others (and ourselves) and why we should all start writing letters again! And if...

It's hilarious, it's heart-wrenching, it's hectic. It's one of the most addictive series in modern fiction. And it's one awesome audiobook experience. It's Dungeon Crawler Carl - and in this episode, Luke chats to the masterminds behind it: author Matt Dinniman and audiobook producer, narrator and voice actor Jeff Hays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's why books ARE good! Luke pages through multiple studies showing the (often mind-blowing) ways that reading has been proven to be beneficial for us. Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to hear some of the beautiful messages about books and reading that have been generously shared from the Good Books community, as Luke reacts and gives his thoughts. And it just might get emotional.  Got something to send of your own to be featured in a future episode? Send your voice notes to goodbooks@nine.com.au Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com...

Luke reflects on the life-affirming messages within Matthew Haig's best-seller  the Midnight Library; delving into its themes of alternate lives, regret and possibility and how he saw himself within it. Plus, find out which book the Good Books Club will be looking at next! Warning: this episode contains brief mentions of self harm Join in the Book Club discussion! We'd love to hear your thoug...

Luke brings his fresh friendship with comedian Nath Valvo out of the jungle and into Good Books studio! Nath reveals the books that help him in his comedy and screenwriting, his childhood reading loves (that might just trigger some nostalgia) and the queer romance novel that he thinks 'walked so things like Heated Rivalry could run.'  They also discuss how personal growth can challenge others...

The characters we find in novels may not exist outside of our imaginations - but the values, lessons and examples they provide are real.  From someone that mirrored Luke's own experience, to the kind of parent he hopes he can be in the future, here are some of his favourite literary role models. Who are the characters that have inspired, challenged or changed you? Let Luke know by sending you...

True strength and responsibility as a man doesn't come in any pre-conceived definition of masculinity, but in the courage to confront your own unprocessed pain That's according to Matt Brown—author, barber, and founder of the global movement She Is Not Your Rehab. Drawing from his own experience of leaving a childhood home at just 15 years old, Matt has become a leading voice in the movement...

Did Luke ever mention he's pretty into fantasy novels? But what about you? If you're yet to discover the magic of the genre, here are some titles Luke reckons are the perfect places to start. They dispel common myths, answer common criticisms, they might reassure you that fantasy isn't too different from what you're reading already - and above all, they're just good books! Do you agree with these...

Does Kristin Hannah deliberately try to devastate us emotionally with her writing? The legendary best-selling author of T he Women, the Great Alone, the Nightingale and Between Sisters sits down with Luke to discuss her process, her research, her emotionally devastating reputation and more. Is there an author you’d love to hear Luke interview next? Or a book he NEEDS to read? Or anything els...

Complete immortality. Total freedom. But the world will never know you.  Would you take the deal? Today Luke dives into the magic, heartbreak and sensuality of our most recent Good Books Club read. What would YOU like to be part of our book club next? Send your voice memo to GoodBooks@nine.com.au.  Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcas...

There are some things the screen just can’t capture. From all time classics to those in cinemas now, from tear-jerking romances to sci-fi epics, here are Luke’s top picks for books that are worth the read even when you’ve already seen the film. What are your top picks on this topic? Got a book recommendation for Luke? Or anything else you want him to hear?  Send us your voic...

The love goes on! Luke continues to unpack the literary relationships that give us all the feels.    We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Hopeless romantics, meet Luke.  These are the books that make your heart ACHE — from the secret locker room romance of Heated Rivalry to the emotional wrecking ball that is The Song of Achilles and more…   We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instag...

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews C.M. Nascosta's spicy read, 'Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic'.  We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Paullina Simons talks how her life shaped her writing, The Bronze Horseman, her new book The Bell and the Blade, and why she writes 'love in loveless times' [00:43] - Paullina on finding Luke [02:21] - Paullina’s early life [05:34] - How Paullina’s love of stories began  [07:35] - Paullina’s earliest literary loves: The Three Musketeers , Les Miserables , the Count of Monte...

Struggling to start a habit or stay motivated?  Hear all the practical, no-pressure advice and proven hacks to help anyone discover the joy of reading and make it a daily practice. (00:00) Intro (00:31) Listener Audio (02:20)Why Reading is Important (05:11) Mindset Tip #1: Drop the Shoulds (07:33) Mindset Tip #2: The 50 Page Rule (08:33) Mindset Tip #3: Develop a Reading Identity (09:52) Medi...

From ride-or-die besties to deep, complex bonds, Luke explores the most memorable friendships which anchor the greatest fantasy novels and fictional worlds. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (04:47) Friendships in Fiction (07:12) Friendship #1: Locke and Jean from The Gentleman Bastard series (11:57)Friendship #2: Jude and Willem from A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (17:53)Friendship #3: Aman...

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Paullina Simons’ sweeping historical romance, The Bronze Horseman. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:23) The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons (04:15) First Impressions (06:18) The Setting: Leningrad, the Siege, and the War Hardship (09:11) Tension in the Metanova Apartment (10:26) The Love Story (11:38) The Sexual/Romantic Writing (13:40) Ale...

Move over, Chosen Ones.  We're shining a spotlight on the fantastic but often overlooked side characters of fantasy who well and truly make the story. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio:  A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (04:33) Unsung Heroes in Fiction (06:03) #1: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings (09:28) #2: Szeth-son-son-Vallano from Stormlight Archive (12:49) #3:  Nig...

New year, new me... Right?  Luke shares the four most impactful non-fiction books to help you achieve personal growth, cultivate success, and change your mindset for a better 2026. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (01:19) Book Recommendation: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (02:29) How to Become the Best Version of Yourself (04:47) The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank (08:21) At...

Forget everything you know about magic. From a deep dive into the incredible world-building to the unforgettable journey of Sabriel, Luke tackles Garth Nix's iconic fantasy series, The Old Kingdom Trilogy. (00:00) Intro (00:32) Listener Audio (02:39) The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix (05:07) Initial Connection to the Series (07:08) Sabriel by Garth Nix (10:45) Lirael by Garth Nix (15:03) Abhors...

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Kristin Hannah's epic Alaskan survival story, The Great Alone.  (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:19) The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah   (04:12) First Impressions (05:22) Immediate Takeaways (07:20) The Setting of Alaska (08:16) Key Themes (11:57) Complex Characters (15:50) SPOILER WARNING : The Ending  (21:17) Call to Listeners:...

Matthew Reilly steps into The Writer's Room to discuss his latest books The Detective and the creative process behind his bestselling novels. (00:54) Matthew Reilly's Books Shaped Luke's Reading Journey (02:55) Getting Young Guys Back to Reading: The Power of  Ice Station and Hell Island (05:01) Influential School Books:  To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies (07:31) Literary Influ...