What’s your story? Everyone has one — the ones we read and the ones we live. In The Good Books is a new weekly podcast that serves as a community for those who believe in the power of a good story. Each week, host Luke Bateman shares the books that have shaped his world, from timeless classics to buzzy bestsellers. He’ll also sit down with the most fascinating voices in the literary world — from bestselling authors to emerging new talent — as they reveal the inspirations behind their work. This is more than a book club; it's a space to explore how the stories we consume influence the lives we lead. 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
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.
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 accliamed 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.
'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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au . 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.
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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au . 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 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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au . 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.
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 Hachette See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au. 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.
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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au . 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.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 goodbooks@taptmedia.com.au 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.
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.
Luke is putting his spice tolerance to the test by ranking nine of the most romantic books he's read by how hot the action really gets. From the safe and tender pages of mainstream rom-coms to the completely unhinged world of monster smut, Luke lets you know which books keep their socks on and which ones bring serious ghost pepper heat. Turn up the AC - and maybe close the door - because things are about to get spicy on In The Good Books. Thanks to our sponsor Wild Secrets . Visit wildsecrets.com.au and use the code GOODBOOKS for a 20% discount. Wild Secrets, Pleasure Delivered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 writing can often be the most powerful, the crucial choices behind his best seller ' The Midnight Library' and how its new companion, ' The Midnight Train' is almost in an argument with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 you like The Correspondent, Luke share's an expertly curated list of similar titles thanks to our friends at Hachette. Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for The Correspondent, go to https://www.hachette.com.au/news/in-the-good-books and for more, visit www.hachette.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 thoughts on this book. Send your voice memos to goodbooks@nine.com.au 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.
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, how it's sometimes difficult to say you're good at what you do and Nathan's somewhat controversial take on audiobooks... Have someone you'd LOVE for Luke to talk to next? Or anything else you want him to hear? Send your voice memos to goodbooks@nine.com.au 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.
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 your voice notes to goodbooks@nine.com.au. 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.
