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As we farewell 2021, we’ve put together some of the highlights of the year for you. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Walkley Award-winning journalist and international commentator Stan Grant talks to Cheryl Akle about universal western liberalism, its virtues and the deep trouble with it, and how we are at a time of momentous upheaval and enormous geopolitical shifts. Stan's latest book, With the Falling of the Dusk, is in stores now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As we farewell 2021, we’ve put together some of the highlights of the year for you. I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.Monica Dux talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up Catholic and how she lost her faith. Her latest book, Lapsed, explores her relationship with Catholicism. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Fleur McDonald talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up on a farm, and how her writing allows her to connect with her rural background. Her latest book, Deception Creek, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer, poet and photographer Berndt Sellheim talks to Cheryl Akle about his deep love of writing, and why he finds it so impactful. His latest novel, The Fatal Dance, is out now.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bolinda Audio founder Rebecca Herrmann talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise in audiobooks, and why so many people are drawn to audio storytelling. Bolinda is a world-leading audiobook and technology company that brings stories to life. Find them at Bolinda.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inga Simpson talks to Cheryl Akle about how a treechange inspired her writing, and why she opened a writing retreat. Her latest novel, The Last Women in the World, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Morris Gleitzman talks to Cheryl Akle about the challenges of bringing his award-winning Once series to a close. The seventh and final instalment in the series, Always, is out now and available in audio on Bolinda.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Award-winning author Ann Patchett talks to Cheryl Akle about why she decided to write an essay collection, and how it helped her reflect on her life. These Precious Days, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Dinah Jefferies talks to Cheryl Akle about her time living in Spain, and how the GFC sparked her career in writing. Her latest novel, Daughters of War, is out now.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Award-winning author Christos Tsiolkas talks to Cheryl Akle about learning to love his cultural heritage, and what that meant for his writing. His latest book, Seven and a Half, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sara Foster talks to Cheryl Akle about the lack of positive maternal figures in dystopian fiction. Her latest novel, The Hush, is a near-future dystopian thriller that explores three generations of mother-daughter relationships. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Van Badham talks to Cheryl Akle about the rise of QAnon, conspiracy theorists, and what it means for the world today. Her latest book, QAnon and On, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Walkley Award-winning journalist Garry Linnell talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest book, The Devil's Work, which explores the life of Frederick Deeming, an Australian serial killer who was a suspect in the Jack The Ripper killings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Hunt talks to Cheryl Akle about the fascinating history of Australia, and how he finds the humour in it. His latest book, Girt Nation, is out now and is the third book in the Girt series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Lola Berry talks to Cheryl Akle about why failing is something she looks forward to. Her new book, Fearlessly Failing, is a companion to her hit podcast of the same name. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Poet, social commentator and bestselling author Anita Heiss talks to Cheryl Akle about her latest book, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams), which shines a light on the flooding of Gundagai and the Indigenous heroes who saved many lives.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Historian Julie Kalman talks to Cheryl Akle about people smuggling and the criminalisation of refugees in Australia. Her book, Smuggled, provides compelling insight into this defining yet unexplored part of Australia’s history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shane Jenek talks to Cheryl Akle about the genesis to Courtney Act – artist, advocate, and now, author. Shane’s memoir, Caught in the Act, is out now. It's also available via Bolinda Audio with Shane narrating. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Jessie Burton talks to Cheryl Akle about why the tale of Medusa was so appealing to her, and the challenges that go into a retelling. Medusa is out now and explores the infamous mythological figure with a feminist twist. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comedian, radio and television presenter Kate Langbroek talks to Cheryl Akle about why she moved to Italy with her family, and what the Italian way of life can teach us all. Her memoir, Ciao Bella!, is out now and explores her Italian adventure. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.