Between The Lines

If you'd like to join our book discussions, you're always welcome inside the Between the Lines Book Club . The details are in the show notes.  Join us for the next chapter. You can join our bookclub here   Is This Still the Life I Want? Boogie Wonderland with Kate Halfpenny In this Between the Lines episode, we're talking about Boogie Wonderland — a novel that captures that very specific moment ma...

Dear Digital, We Need to Talk: Reclaiming Our Human Operating System with Dr. Kristy Goodwin In this insightful and energising conversation, Chelle and Leanne sit down with digital wellbeing expert Dr. Kristy Goodwin to unpack her book Dear Digital, We Need to Talk — a science-backed guide to navigating technology in a way that honours how our brains and bodies are actually designed to function. D...

Stories We Inherit: Reading "Cactus Pear for My Beloved" by Samah Sabawi Step into this deeply moving conversation as Chelle and Leanne sit down with the book club to discuss Cactus Pear for My Beloved by Samar Sabawi — a poetic, powerful story born from exile, memory, and love. Drawing from her father's life and her own research on transgenerational trauma, Sabawi captures what it means to inheri...

The Bookshop Detectives by Gareth & Louise Ward Step into the charming world of The Bookshop Detective with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with authors (and real-life couple) Louise and Gareth Ward — owners of Wardini Books in New Zealand and the creative minds behind the Tea and Cake and Death series. Blending their backgrounds as former UK police officers with their love of storytelling, they've...

The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House: Real Talk on Social Anxiety, Self-Acceptance & Connection with Jenny Valentish Step into the quietly chaotic world of social survival with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with journalist and author Jenny Valentish about her brilliant and funny new book, The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House . Written for introverts, "awkwards," "sociophobes," and eve...

The Butterfly Women: Melbourne's Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary Step back in time with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with debut author Madeleine Cleary about her captivating historical novel, The Butterfly Women . Set in the shadowy streets of 1863 Melbourne, this story weaves together romance, drama, and a murder mystery—all through the eyes of two unforgettable women:...

Join Chelle and Leanne as they sit down with debut memoirist  Daniel Nour to discuss his sharp, funny, and deeply moving book, How to Dodge Flying Sandals . Part coming-of-age tale, part cultural reflection, Daniel's memoir captures what it's like to grow up queer, Egyptian, and Australian—all while navigating family expectations, church traditions, and the sometimes absurd challenge of figuring o...

Episode: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World What does it take for a young woman to find her voice in a world determined to silence her? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne sit down with debut author Marion Taffe to explore her powerful historical novel, By Her Hand . Set in the wild, windswept Peak District of Mercia in AD 910, the story follows Freda—a girl w...

Between The Lines – Episode: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women What happens when three women—each with their own secrets, struggles, and cultural backgrounds—form an unlikely alliance over coffee, cocktails, and confessions? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne chat with Saman Shad about her bold, witty, and refreshingly honest novel, The Sex Lives of Mar...

Between The Lines – Episode: Unstuck with Dr. Emily Musgrove Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels—stuck in the same old patterns, wishing for change but not sure where to start? This episode is for you! 🎧 Leanne and Chelle sit down with Dr. Emily Musgrove, clinical psychologist and author of "Unstuck," to unpack practical, relatable strategies for moving through life's challenges (without t...

Between The Lines – Episode: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers Ever finish a book and just need to talk about it? Multiply that by four, and you'll get Chelle and Leanne's reaction to John Boyne's "The Elements" series! This week, our hosts dive into "Water," "Earth," "Fire," and "Air"—four compact but powerful novellas that weave together stories of crime, guilt, trauma, and r...

Between The Lines – Episode: Let Them: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You Ever wish you could care a little less about what others think? This week, Chelle and Leanne dive into Mel Robbins' buzzy new book, "The Let Them Theory"—a guide that promises to free us from the weight of other people's opinions (and maybe even our own inner critic). But is it really that simple? Our hosts dig into...

Between The Lines – Episode: Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up with Kate Solly What happens when a mother of three, a missing charity store item, and a tight-knit Melbourne community collide? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne welcome back Kate Solly to chat about her latest novel, Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up —a story brimming with humor, heart, and a dash of mystery. Kate takes us...

Guest: Rachael Coopes *Interviewed by Chelle Griffin* Episode Highlights: Introduction to Rachael Coopes : Award-winning actress, writer, and presenter known for her work on Australian television and theater Career Journey : Rachael discusses her path from early acting roles to becoming a multifaceted creative professional Writing Process : Insights into how Rachael approaches scriptwriting and st...

In this inspiring episode, we chat with author Christine Newell about her beautiful memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul , which chronicles her transformative year living and teaching in South Korea. Christine opens up about the personal challenges that led her to seek a fresh start, her deep cultural immersion, and the powerful impact of Korean traditions—especially the symbolic "five seasons" shaped by...

Episode Title: Rachael Johns: The Bad Bridesmaid and the Love of Books Guest: Rachael Johns, Australian Romance Author Key Highlights: Discussion of Rachael's latest book "The Bad Bridesmaid" Insights into her writing process and inspiration Exploration of her love for books and libraries Episode Breakdown: Book Overview Main character: Winnefren (Fred) Darling Setting: Norfolk Island Plot: Fred t...

Podcast Show Notes: Living Untethered with Michael A. Singer Episode Highlights: Book: Living Untethered: Beyond the Human Predicament Author: Michael A. Singer (New York Times bestselling author) Key Themes: Inner peace, self-realization, mindfulness, and personal growth Episode Overview: Hosts Leanne and Shel dive deep into Michael Singer's latest book, exploring profound insights about: Underst...

Podcast Episode: How to Age Disgracefully with Claire Pooley Guest: Claire Pooley, author of "How to Age Disgracefully", "The Authenticity Project", and "People on Platform Five" Episode Highlights: Discussion of Claire's latest novel "How to Age Disgracefully" Exploration of multi-generational connections and community Insights into writing, aging, and finding purpose Key Themes: Breaking stereot...

In this episode, Emma Lovell discusses her book "The Art of Pleasure" and shares insights on combining work, leisure, and self-care to create a fulfilling lifestyle. Key Highlights: Emma's philosophy of "pleasure life" - traveling the world, making money, and living life on your own terms Strategies for blending business and leisure Importance of work-life harmony over work-life balance Travel exp...

In this episode, Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin dive into Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors - a raw, layered novel about estranged siblings reunited by grief. Following the death of their sister Nikki, Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky return to their childhood home and are forced to confront the complicated ties that bind them. Told from alternating perspectives, Blue Sisters explores themes of identity, siste...