Stories Behind The Story With Better Reading

Comedian and author Ben Pobjie talks to Cheryl Akle about his incredible life in the comedy world, how it has shaped his writing, and his newest book, Second Best: The Amazing Untold Histories of the Greatest Runners-up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comedian, author and actor Dawn French talks to Cheryl Akle about her inspiring journey to writing and the many connections and lifelong friendships she has made along the way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl Akle about post election America, how the country got to where it is, and what we can expect moving forward. All things discussed in Nick's new book, When America Stopped Being Great. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tania Blanchard talks to Cheryl Akle about her career from physiotherapist to bestselling author, and sharing her grandmother’s stories in The Girl from Munich, Suitcase of Dreams and now Letters from Berlin.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Belinda Alexandra talks to Cheryl Akle about her publishing and writing journey. Always fascinating, she discusses the rejection she experienced along the way - and looking back now as she publishes her 9th novel, The Mystery Woman. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Activist, entrepreneur and author Ronni Kahn talks to Cheryl Akle about growing up in South Africa during Apartheid, finding her voice and ambition, and reflecting on what brings her happiness in life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor, Singer/songwriter and author Stan Walker talks to Cheryl Akle about overcoming a painful past, and even sings her a song. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Dalgarno talks to Cheryl Akle about his polyamorous lifestyle which he explores in his new novel, Poly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bradley Trevor Greive talks to Cheryl Akle about meeting the Bloom family, telling their story, and travelling the world. Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong is his newest book in collaboration with Cameron and Samantha Bloom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fiona Palmer talks to Cheryl Akle about her Speedway driving career, small town living, and the process of writing her novel, Tiny White Lies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Craig Silvey talks to Cheryl Akle about his journey after writing his modern classic, Jasper Jones, and the books that shaped his childhood and still influence his writing today. A perfect listen if you enjoyed his new book, Honeybee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kate Mildenhall talks to Chery Akle about her own podcast, how she came to writing, fearing failure (but doing it anyway) and more. A great listen for any aspiring authors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Booker Prize winning author Richard Flanagan talks to Cheryl Akle about the unexpected tenderness he's discovered this year, the renewed attention to the beauty of the world, and the spirit of hope and grateful wonder. All things also expressed in his latest novel, The Living Sea of Waking Dreams. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Foreign correspondent, Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl Akle about the political, economic, cultural and technological factors that contributed to America's decline and inadvertently paved the way for Trump's presidency. And also about him and his wife getting COVID. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Good Mother author, Sue Miller talks to Cheryl Akle about her life, being a reader, scholar, the point where she realised she was in charge of her inner life, and her latest novel, Monogamy.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author, Hazel Gaynor talks to Cheryl Akle about the unusual route she took to publication. An excellent episode for aspiring authors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Turia Pitt is living proof that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. Here she talks to Cheryl about life, gratitude and Happy (and other ridiculous aspirations). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Journalist Christine Jackman talks to Cheryl Akle about the noisy world we live in, and how Turning Down the Noise benefits our brains, our lives and our communities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author Trent Dalton (and yes, that will now be on his email signature) talks to Cheryl Akle about the huge success of Boy Swallows Universe, and how his highly anticipated second novel was inspired by the sky. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kiley Reid's Such A Fun Age didn't make the Booker Prize shortlist, but we're still celebrating her longlist nomination, and all the success this sensational debut has had. Here we revisit the podcast she recorded with Better Reading, before her bestselling book was even published. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.