Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Shane Jenek talks to Cheryl Akle about the genesis to Courtney Act – artist, advocate, and now, author. Shane’s memoir, Caught in the Act , is out now. It's also available via Bolinda Audio with Shane narrating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Jessie Burton talks to Cheryl Akle about why the tale of Medusa was so appealing to her, and the challenges that go into a retelling.  Medusa  is out now and explores the infamous mythological figure with a feminist twist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, radio and television presenter Kate Langbroek talks to Cheryl Akle about why she moved to Italy with her family, and what the Italian way of life can teach us all. Her memoir,  Ciao Bella! , is out now and explores her Italian adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, radio broadcaster and television presenter Yumi Stynes talks to Cheryl Akle about how she's breaking the stigma around everything women are thinking but not saying.  Ladies, We Need To Talk,  a companion book to her ABC podcast, explores the taboo topics of mental health, sex and relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Han Mattson talks to Cheryl Akle about how he explored social issues and racial relations in his literary horror novel, Reprieve . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter and journalist Mimi Kwa talks to Cheryl Akle about how she explored her incredible family history in her debut memoir,  House of Kwa . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Tricia Stringer talks to Cheryl Akle about exploring female friendship in fiction, and how COVID has shown us the importance of human connection. Her latest novel,  Birds of a Feather , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Herbert talks to Cheryl Akle about how being made redundant gave her time to write  The River Mouth,  and why telling stories with older characters is so important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Associate Editor of  The Australian  and bestselling author Caroline Overington talks to Cheryl Akle about turning  The Cuckoo's Cry  audiobook into a written novel, and why she decided to set this gripping new thriller during lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filmmaker and bestselling author John Safran talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest book,  Puff Piece , a deep dive into Big Tobacco and the vaping industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author, screenwriter and actor Judy Nunn talks to Cheryl Akle about her career in theatre and how it has influenced her writing. Her latest novel Showtime! is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Tom Keneally talks to Cheryl Akle about his extraordinary legacy and exploring rural Australia through fiction. His latest book,  Corporal Hitler’s Pistol , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times  Journalist and author Damien Cave talks to Cheryl Akle about his move to Australia, and how it changed the way he and his family approach risk. His latest book, Into the Rip , is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning writer, director and actor Brendan Cowell talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest novel,  Plum,  and why it's so important to foster creativity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and author Tim Ayliffe talks to Cheryl Akle about politics, power, and the rise of far-right extremism in Australia. His latest novel, The Enemy Within , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cecilia Ahern talks to Cheryl Akle about her Sunday Times bestselling novel  Freckles,  which explores how we are shaped by the people in our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alison MacLeod talks to Cheryl Akle about her latest historical fiction novel,  Tenderness , an exploration of society's reaction to the infamous  Lady Chatterley's Lover,  and the transformative and triumphant power of fiction itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John M. Green talks to Cheryl Akle about co-founding a publishing house, and why it's so important for us to embrace our creative side. His latest novel,  Double Deal,  is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Robyn Harding talks to Cheryl Akle about why she's drawn to writing domestic thrillers, and what makes the genre so popular. Her latest novel,  The Perfect Family,  is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Mayo talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest book,  Dear Son,  a collection of heartfelt letters written by First Nations men about life, masculinity, love, culture and racism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor and bestselling author Catherine Steadman talks to Cheryl Akle about being an actress and an author, and how she pulls back the (theatre) curtain on show business in her latest novel, The Disappearing Act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walkley Award-winning journalist Lisa Millar talks to Cheryl Akle about the flight that changed her life and how she overcame her fear of flying. Her memoir,  Daring to Fly,  is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake Avila talks to Cheryl Akle about what makes cave diving so dangerous, and how a diving trip inspired his action-packed thriller, Cave Diver. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Lock talks to Cheryl Akle about her acute anxiety and how her experiences living with it inspired her latest novel,  The Other Side of Beautiful.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and academic Karen Brooks talks to Cheryl Akle about how her historical novels challenge the male perspective of history. Her latest novel, The Good Wife of Bath , is a feminist reworking of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.