Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Stories Behind The Story: What Are You Reading? The App with Caroline Overington 07.06.2026 30min

Cheryl talks to Caroline about Better Reading’s new project, What Are You Reading? The App, an Australian, community-focused book tracker that lets readers log and follow their reading directly from their phone. Think of it as Goodreads and StoryGraph had a baby - but this one grew up Australian. Best of all, it's FREE. Download the app today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Francesca Albanese on War and Power 31.05.2026 33min

Francesca Albanese talks to Cheryl about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the impact of technology on modern warfare, and her career in academia and the United Nations. Her book, When the World Sleeps, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Dervla McTiernan on Ruthless Editing and Finding Home in Australia 24.05.2026 35min

Dervla McTiernan talks to Cheryl about her brain tumour diagnosis, her writing routine, the brutality of editing, and how living in Australia has reshaped her connection to her Irish heritage. Her new book, Three Reasons for Revenge, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Antoinette Lattouf on Books, Battles and Breaking Barriers 17.05.2026 36min

Antoinette Lattouf talks to Cheryl about her childhood, her love of reading and writing, her legal dispute with the ABC, and the lessons she’s drawn from the inspiring women featured in her new book Women Who Win, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Ann Mossop on the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival 10.05.2026 34min

Cheryl talks to Ann Mossop, Artistic Director of the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival, for a special episode of Stories Behind the Story. Together, they explore this year’s festival theme, highlight standout events, and discuss the exciting lineup of attending authors. The 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival runs from 17–24 May, with tickets now available via the official festival website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Mali Cornish on Life, Law & Her New Novel 03.05.2026 25min

Cheryl talks to Mali Cornish about her relationship with her own mother, her career in law, and how becoming a parent reshaped her perspective on life. They also explore the inspiration behind her new book, The Missing Mother, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Kate Mildenhall & Kate Forsyth on the Complexities of Writing 26.04.2026 23min

Kate Mildenhall (The Hummingbird Effect, The Mother Fault) and Kate Forsyth (Psykhe, Dragonclaw) have a laugh and talk about the complexities of writing. Learn more about the two authors, Forsyth's impressive and long writing career, Mildenhall's new kids book, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Rosalie Ham on Ageing, Connection and Look After Your Feet 19.04.2026 37min

Rosalie Ham talks to Cheryl about the beauty of ageing, the impact of her novel The Dressmaker, and her earlier career in aged care. She also reflects on the importance of staying mobile and how social connection supports overall wellbeing. Her new book, Look After Your Feet, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Mohammed Massoud Morsi on Journalism and Belonging 12.04.2026 34min

Mohammed Massoud Morsi talks to Cheryl about belonging, his career in journalism and the ways propaganda can shape worldviews. He reflects on the power of tradition and culture, as well as the personal losses that have influenced his life and writing. His book, The Hair of the Pigeon, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Linda Martin on Her Journey from Editor to Author 05.04.2026 30min

Linda Martin talks to Cheryl about her career in publishing, editing techniques she's uncovered over the years, and her transition from editor to author. She also highlights the value of writing competitions and celebrates the richness of the Australian writing and reading community. Her book, A Tale of Two Publishing Houses, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Durkhanai Ayubi on Displacement, Food and Hope 29.03.2026 33min

Durkhanai Ayubi talks to Cheryl about displacement, the beauty of food and its power to bring communities together. She also reflects on hope, resilience, and her family’s restaurant, sharing how these experiences have shaped her writing. Her book, She Who Tastes, Knows, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: James Colley & Christian White on Crime, Comedy and Their Kids 22.03.2026 18min

Christian White (The Ledge, Clickbait) and James Colley (The Next Big Thing, Gruen) have a laugh and talk about writing with their partners, the difference between crime and comedy (and how they're also strangely similar), and how their habits have impacted their kids. Learn more about the two authors, James' inspiration behind his debut, Christian’s love for the film industry, and as always, the world of publishing in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Bernice Barry on Historical Fiction, Botany and Writing 15.03.2026 35min

Bernice Barry talks to Cheryl about the magic of writing, the ways readers connect to stories, the complexities of historical fiction, Bernice’s transition from nonfiction to fiction, botany, Bernice's writing routine, and more. Her new book, The Names of a Hare, is out now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind the Story: JP Pomare and Michael Robotham on Crime and Twists 08.03.2026 19min

JP Pomare (Seventeen Years Later, In The Clearing) and Michael Robotham (Bombproof, When You Are Mine) talk about what it means to be guilty, their book tour in New Zealand and the crazy twists and turns that unfold during crime investigations. Learn more about the two authors, the reason behind the title of JP's newest book, tips and tricks on how Michael writes sequels, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind the Story: J.A. Stevens on Disability and Writing Her First Book 01.03.2026 33min

J.A. Stevens talks to Cheryl about her unique childhood, creating miniature love stories with her sister, and how living with a disability has shaped both her life and her writing. She also reflects on the importance of diversity in modern literature and the power of seeing complex characters on both the page and on screen. Her debut novel A Change of Pace is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind the Story: Matt Stanton and Sarah Ayoub on Family and Kids Books 22.02.2026 24min

Matt Stanton (Funny Kid series, The Odds series) and Sarah Ayoub (The Yearbook Committee, The Cult of Romance) have a laugh and reminisce on their relationship, their children and how they write books. Learn more about the two authors, how Matt wrote his latest Funny Kid novel, the different challenges Sarah faces when writing novels and kids picture books, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: John M. Green on Writing, Editing and A.I. 15.02.2026 29min

John M. Green talks to Cheryl about the power of asking “what if,” how the editing process can transform a book, the challenges and rewards of writing across different genres, and his thoughts on how AI is changing the world. His new book Staged is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Ian Kemish on Global Diplomacy and the Australian Economy 08.02.2026 29min

Ian Kemish talks to Cheryl about the Australian economy, how global conflicts ripple across borders, and his decades of experience working in Australian foreign affairs. He also reflects on the complexities of diplomacy, the challenges of navigating international relationships and what it means to engage with a rapidly changing world. His new book, Two Islands, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind the Story: Michael Mohammed Ahmad on Community, Grief and Writing 01.02.2026 34min

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 25.01.2026 29min

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.