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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 author of Dark Mode, an internationally published psychological thriller. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, collected fiction and essays. 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 Twitter and 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, Kill Your Darlings and the Newtown Review of Books. He has appeared at events including the Sydney Writers Festival, Newcastle Writers Festival and BAD Crime Sydney. He works as a nurse. Find him on Twitter and Instagram or visit his website.

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  2. 92 | How to save a life with Kylie Ladd, author of 'I'll Leave You With This'

92 | How to save a life with Kylie Ladd, author of 'I'll Leave You With This'

Jan 30, 2024

'The whole concept of transplantation still blows me away. There is something a bit magical about it. But as with most things people do, it can also find ways to blow up in people’s faces.' 

Author and neuropsychologist Kylie Ladd joins us to speak about her latest book, 'I'll Leave You with This.' She shares her research into the incredible science of human organ and tissue donation, and the family tragedy that inspired her beautiful novel. 

Plus, you'll never guess what James is reading! 

Kylie Ladd is a novelist, psychologist and freelance writer. Her novels have been published in Australia and overseas, and her short works appear widely across Australia. She holds a PhD in neuropsychology.

Get your copy of 'I'll Leave You with This' from Booktopia or your local bookshop.

You can register to become an organ donor online. 

Books and authors discussed in this episode:

  • The Vitals by Tracy Sorensen; 
  • The Wolves of Eternity by Karl Ove Knausgård;
  • Red River Road by Anna Downes (from episode 5);
  • A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold; 
  • Andrew Solomon; 
  • Dani Vee, host of the Words and Nerds Podcast
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