Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what are you reading?
Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the bestselling author of five books, including Dark Mode, Cold Truth and Like, Follow, Die. Her writing appears in the Sydney Morning Herald, Overland, Griffith Review, Sydney Review of Books, and more. Ashley is an enthusiastic teacher of writing and creativity. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico. Find her on Instagram or visit her website.
James McKenzie Watson is the author of Denizen, which won the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize and was shortlisted in 2023 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Debut. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, Meanjin and Kill Your Darlings. He has appeared at events including Sydney Writers’ Festival, Newcastle Writers Festival and BAD Sydney Crime, and teaches creative writing for organisations such as Writing NSW. He works as a nurse. Find him on Instagram or visit his website.
Oct 6, 2026
While reading rates are falling in Australia and around the world, the good news is there are lots of great ways to make more time for the books in your life, encourage others to return to reading, and soak up all the great health benefits it gives you.
In this bonus ep, James and Ashley discuss their love of...
Sep 22, 2026
Episode 135 features debut sensation Joshua Hortinela, a beloved fixture of the Australian book scene, discussing his first novel, Hate You to Love You. A joyful celebration of rom-coms on page and screen, with a soft spot for 90s classics, the story cleverly subverts the genre's familiar tropes and doubles as a...
Aug 25, 2026
Episode 134 features powerhouse author, publisher and podcaster Dani Vee discussing her latest picture book, My Spinning, Anxious Brain. For neurodivergent kids, this story draws on her own lived experience and mental health advocacy.
Dani says, 'I wanted a book about ADHD that didn’t ignore the bad stuff and the...
Aug 11, 2026
In ep 133, James and Ashley share an episode one of their favourite Australian writing podcasts – The Word Count with Jo Dixon, Fiona Taylor and Jacq Ellem. If you've not heard The Word Count before, this bonus episode will give you a taste of what it's all about. If you have, then you already know you're in for...
Jul 28, 2026
In episode 132, author Susannah Glenn joins us to discuss the creative process behind her second novel, Without a Trace, alongside her creativity coach and writing mentor, Ginger Moran.
Ginger and Susannah discuss what goes into a relationship centred on both support and skill development, and the tough love and...