In The Good Books with Luke Bateman

Episode

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  Joshua Hortinela Talks Representation, That 'Rom Com Feeling' and His Top Queer Romance Recommendations 15.09.2026 43mnt

  Luke Bateman sits down with Sydney-based author Joshua Hortinella to celebrate Hate You to Love You, his new book and one of the most vibrant romance debuts of the year. Josh spills wild behind-the-scenes secrets from a decade in Australian bookselling—including the joys of stocking, heartwarming customer interactions, and mysterious boxes. He opens up about how queer representation helped him overcoming feeling like a "side character" in his own life, shares the emotional highs and lows of writing enemies-to-lovers dynamics, how his book was an accidental love letter, and why holding it for the first time was an experience so powerful he almost had a panic attack.  But most of all, Josh shares his deep love for love itself, including rom-com nostalgia and why queer literature is for everyone, along with his top three recommendations for jus that topic... along with the book he is drawn to read every single winter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  V.E Schwab: Fear, Magic, Monsters and Her Own 'Deep Lore' 10.09.2026 55mnt

  A pre-birth prophecy, a contrarian relationship to fear that pushes her toward her deepest discomforts, and years spent studying both the stars and the greatest monsters of our imaginations alike. These aren't the notes of a fictional character - this is the lore of V.E Schwab herself!   In this incredibly candid interview, she tells Luke all about it, along with illuminating insights into her writing philosophy and her most loved works, including: How The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue contains her most personal character ever (that's not Addie!) How Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil explores not only her favourite monster, but one of her favourite themes  How she had the end to her her upcoming novel Victorious, the finale in her Villains Trilogy, from the very start - and exactly what we can expect from it.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Write What You Love (And Be Lucky): Unfiltered Advice from Fantasy Legend Garth Nix 08.09.2026 32mnt

  There are few more beloved voices in fantasy writing than Australia's own Garth Nix - with Luke accounting for a fair share of that love himself. Here, the two finally sit down to discuss Garth's hesitant awakening as a writer, his process of using 'bad maps' to great novels, how his landmark work Sabriel was originally intended to be very different, his latest venture (and adventure) into science fiction with Massif - and even why he thinks that if he weren't a writer, he might well be in jail!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Book Club: My Personal 'GOOD BOOK', the Book That Saved Me - Magician by Raymond E Feist 01.09.2026 29mnt

  Luke dives into his own personal "Good Book": Raymond E. Feist's fantasy classic, Magician. From picking up a paperback copy fresh out of rehab, to examining how Pug and Tomas's journeys inspired his own path to recovery, Luke shares why this epic story changed his life—and analyzes what it’s like to come back to it now. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast  Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for Magician and other Good Book Club picks, go to https://www.hachette.com.au/news/in-the-good-books  and for more, visit www.hachette.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  "Nothing Makes Me Hornier Than Books": Em Rusciano on Smut, Self-Discovery, and Her New Single Life 27.08.2026 47mnt

  Luke is joined by Em Rusciano—the powerhouse singer, comedian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and more—for an uninhibited, laugh-out-loud, and deeply honest conversation about midlife awakenings, the transformative power of putting yourself first and the liberating world of spicy romance novels. Em opens up about her love for literary smut and why bookstores urgently need a dedicated "middle-aged horn aisle". She retells how ADHD and autism influenced her reading, why books were a safe-haven, overcoming dyslexia, and turning personal trauma into her raw autobiography, 'Blood, Sweat and Glitter'. Em also shares the hilarity and liberation of stepping into her single era in her 40s, dating younger men, and why her stand-up show Addicted to Love is a rallying cry for women to stop sacrificing themselves for others and finally choose their own happiness. For tour dates and tickets head here: https://emrusciano.com/addicted-to-love/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How Liane Moriarty Tricks Herself to Write Bestsellers 25.08.2026 49mnt

  Liane Moriarty, author of mega best-sellers Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and more, joins Luke in the studio for a candid, hilarious, and insightful conversation on her writing process, career origin story, and long-awaited return to her most famous literary world. In this episode, Liane opens up about growing up in a story-obsessed household of six kids—where her dad funded her earliest writing efforts—and reveals how a sudden flash of sibling envy over her sister's debut novel finally kicked her own multi-million-copy career into gear. She offers a fascinating look into Big Little Truths, her new book and first-ever sequel, sharing how Hollywood adaptations subtly reshaped how she visualized her own characters, like Nicole Kidman's Celeste, and the unique pressure of writing characters ten years later. Plus, she reveals how even after all this time and all those copies sold, she sometimes still has to trick herself to write (using some very ornate equipment), and why her fans are her biggest source of joy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Secret Grief Behind Matt Nable’s Latest Novel 19.08.2026 32mnt

  You wouldn't expect constructing a crime thriller to be a time of laughter and healing after a tragic loss. But that's exactly what it was for Matt Nable. In this conversation, the multi-talented ex-sport star, actor and author talks about why writing is his biggest love above all, the encouragement another legendary Australian writer gave him that changed everything, the moment he felt safe revealing his creativity to his fellow footy-mates, everything that went into crafting his latest book Mire. Find more of Matt's books here: https://www.hachette.com.au/matt-nable Thanks to Hachette Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  One of Luke's MOST LOVED Authors! Peter V. Brett on How Fantasy Worlds Give Us Real Strength 12.08.2026 44mnt

  The episode that proves that you SHOULD meet your heroesLuke is joined by Peter V. Brett, the acclaimed writer behind the Demon Cycle, a fantasy series destined to one of Luke's favourites from the moment he picked it up at 13. In this raw and far-ranging chat, Luke gets to express just how much Peter's work has meant to him, and explore the incredible impact that fantasy can have as a whole.Peter retells the beginnings of his career, from the many manuscripts that will never see the light of day, to writing his breakthrough on his phone on the subway to his day job, the breakthough, all he learned along the way- and even a peek at what's next. He explains how witnessing the 9/11 attacks in New York inspired his written world, how he deliberately aims for his works to make his readers more empathetic, the importance of representation, what true literary heroes really look like, and the incredible power fantasy has to empower us and help us find belonging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Book Club: The Layered, Living and Heartaching History of Land by Maggie O'Farrell 04.08.2026 24mnt

  Prepare to be immersed in the times and lives of history in the most sweeping epic of Maggie O'Farrell's career yet.  In this episode, Luke breaks down the lyrical, poetry-like prose and perspective-shifting narrative while exploring the story's rich tapestry of 19th-century Irish history, complex family dynamics, and the resonances he himself found with the stories vivid characters.  How do the hardships of the past shape who we are? Can forcing ourselves to slow down help us truly step into another person's shoes? What does it mean to deeply belong to a place that outlasts all human attempts to own or alter it? What are your thoughts? Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast: email [email protected]. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast  Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for Land and other Good Book Club picks, go to https://www.hachette.com.au/news/in-the-good-books  and for more, visit www.hachette.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Real Story About Boys and Books, with Scott Stuart 31.07.2026 49mnt

  What books do young boys really want to read? Scott Stuart, a passionate children's author and advocate for inclusive stories, joins Luke to reveal the surprising truths about gender bias in reading, how to break free from it, and the simple (and often joyful) acts that can ignite lifelong love of reading - even for reluctant boys.You'll learn how to model reading as a parent, the importance of diverse voices, and the power of engaging with children’s interests, whether it be Disney or sports. Scott shares inspiring stories about on-the-ground literacy efforts, from author visits to library access disparities, illustrating the broader social impact of promoting inclusivity in literature.And you'll hear about his response to censorship controversies - including having his books criminalised and called out by Donald Trump - how it only encouraged him to continue challenging societal norms and trying to create a safer, more welcoming, more empathetic and inclusive world for our kids.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How Maggie O’Farrell Gives Her Historic Novels Their Own Heartbeat 28.07.2026 37mnt

  What does it really take to breathe life into a bestseller? To make another time come alive? To place us into a polyphony of perspectives? In this candid conversation, acclaimed author Maggie O’Farrell joins Luke Bateman to unpack her extraordinary life story and highly intuitive creative process. From surviving a life-altering childhood illness at age eight that forced her to re-learn basic motor skills and embrace reading (and re-reading), to inspirations and insights into her most acclaimed works such as Hamnet, Land and The Marriage Portrait, and why Irish culture is uniquely built for storytelling.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Changing the Narratives of Masculinity, with Dr Zac Seidler 21.07.2026 1j 1mnt

  'Becoming a man is a process of subtraction' - so says one of the leading experts in masculinity and men's mental health. But why? And what can we do to change that? In this episode, Luke is joined by Dr Zac Seidler: clinical psychologist, Global Director of Research at Movember and Associate Professor with Orygen at the University of Melbourne. Together, they dismantle the many stories men are told, and learn to tell themselves, about how they should be - from how the pressures of self-optimization culture creates isolated "lone-wolves", to the "perception gap" that keeps men from expressing themselves, and how reading, especially fiction, can serve as an antidote, and a path to empathy and authenticity. What are your thoughts? Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast: email [email protected]. 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.
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  Luke's Favourite Reads in 2026 So Far (Part 2) 16.07.2026 16mnt

  We're back to finish Luke's list of favourite books he's read this year - including an EPIC fantasy, a global best-seller smash, the end of a romantic trilogy very well known to listeners of this podcast, and Luke's absolute top pick which he now calls one of his favourites of all time! Which of these have you read? What have your favourite book discoveries of the year been so far?Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast: email [email protected]. 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.
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  Luke's Favourite Reads in 2026 So Far 14.07.2026 14mnt

  It's the halfway point of the year and, surprise, Luke's read a lot of books so far! Here he takes us through some of his favourite discoveries - from a fantasy at the end of the world, sci-fi that takes you out of this world, a non-fiction that changes the way you see our world and more. Which of these have you read? What have your favourite book discoveries of the year been so far?Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast: email [email protected]. 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.
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  "Give the Women What They Want!": How Tierney Page Writes Spice That Connects and Desirable Men with Depth 07.07.2026 41mnt

  Let's be clear - this definitely isn't one to have on in the car with the kids.  Luke is joined by his friend, the beautiful and brilliant Tierney Page, for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud, and deeply insightful chat that might change how you see romance writing.From her hilariously honest reading roots—recounting how A Court of Thorns and Roses and its "hot fairies" served as her ultimate gateway back into books —to spontaneously deciding to become a romance novelist, Tierney also dishes on her writing process, explaining how she crafts high-heat scenes that actually develop character relationships and progress the plot, and her secrets for penning the perfect male main character.  Together, Luke and Tierney put some respect on the genre that underpins the entire publishing industry, exploring why romance novels are essentially the ultimate handbook for men on communication, consent and desire, about the cathartic, vulnerable reality of using books as a personal journal for healing, and much more. Find more about Tierney's London Hearts Series here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/series/tierney-page/london-hearts/  Thanks to HachetteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Georgie Tunny: How Her High Pressure Career Helped Achieve Her Debut-Novel Dream 30.06.2026 47mnt

  For the many years Georgie Tunny has graced our TV screens, and many others before, there was another dream she held: the dream of being an author, a dream she has now achieved with Over to You - her debut novel of fierce female friendships set behind the scenes of the high stakes chaos of the media world.  In this episode, Georgie draws the lines between her own career and the inspirations for the book, she shares her very relatable early reading loves, how her writing process was far less peaceful than she expected, the truths she's had to face up to about sexism and ageism in her industry, and despite how much she has in common with Luke (which is a lot) there's one thing about how they like their books that couldn't be more different...   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Charlotte McConaghy: Finding Ghosts, Skipping School and Using Your Biggest Feelings 26.06.2026 34mnt

  Charlotte McConaghy (Wild Dark Shore, Migrations, Once Were Wolves) is one of Australia's most acclaimed authors; known for her lush prose, fiercely emotional tone and environments so rich you feel instantly transported. And turns out, her process is every bit as wild as what it creates. In this episode, Charlotte tells Luke all about how she practically skipped school homework after starting her first book at fourteen, how she intentionally channels her biggest emotions—from intense sadness and rage to deep fear—into her protagonists so they can fight their way toward healing, peace, and love, and how a wild research trip to a haunted island was the biggest breakthrough of her recent novel.  Don't forget to check out the Good Books Club episode discussing Charlotte's work Migrations! What are your thoughts? Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast:email [email protected]. 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.
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  Book Club: the Grief, Wildness and Hope of 'Migrations' by Charlotte McConaghy 23.06.2026 18mnt

  How far would you go to find hope in a desolate world? Are we all just wild at heart? How can we accept and be loved for who we truly are? These are just some of the questions that arise as you journey with Charlotte McConaghy’s breathtaking climate fiction masterpiece, Migrations (also published as The Last Migration).In this episode, Luke breaks down McConaghy’s lyrical, screenwriting-paced prose while diving headfirst into the story's raw landscape of grief, environmental desolation, and the beautiful, unconditional love that still pervades through it all.  What are your thoughts? Let us know and have your voice notes featured on the podcast: email [email protected]. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast  Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for Migrations, go to https://www.hachette.com.au/news/in-the-good-books  and for more, visit www.hachette.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why the Collapse of Everything is Our Greatest Chance for Love and Relief, with Sarah Wilson 16.06.2026 45mnt

  What if the collapse of everything we know isn't a catastrophe to fear, but an opportunity for our fullest humanity? This is the idea explored by multi-New York Times and Amazon bestselling author and social philosopher Sarah Wilson in her latest book I Eat the Stars. In this conversation, she explains exactly what complex systems collapse means, the process of writing the book, including speaking to over 200 global thought leaders, why we must continue to create art no matter what, and what radical hope and love truly look like.  Did this conversation spark something for you? Have some thoughts of your own? Share them with Luke - email a voice note to [email protected] 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.
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  Why Naomi Ishiguro Chooses Cozy Fantasy 10.06.2026 32mnt

  Naomi may be the daughter of Nobel Prize winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro, but for her own writing, she is carving a very different and distinctly unique path - particularly in her new book The Rainshadow Orphans. It's one that balances high stakes adventure with writing that feels like a warm coat, that makes our inner children smile, and that tastes like bubble tea. In this chat, Naomi talks about what it was like growing up in a very literary household, her time in a 'book spa' working to find people their perfect book, the power of found families, her love of the fantasy community, and the reasons she chooses to follow joy   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.