Auscast Literature Channel

Holiday season is upon us! Today, Amy, Abby, and Harry are joined by returning special guest Kathleen Stanley a.k.a The Christmas Expert. Observe as Kathleen works her magic on the Grinches of the group by breaking down what Christmas fiction means to people and what, at its core, this holiday should really be about. Anybody else have a list of new Christmas Romance movies to binge, or is it just me? LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here. 🎄 Where to find Kathleen Stanley: INSTAGRAM is here. Most recent publication is here. 🎅 Our Socials:  INSTAGRAM is here. FACEBOOK is here. TIKTOK is here. 🤶 Where to find Amy: Amy Matthews on IG here. Amy Barry on IG here. Amy Matthews / Amy Barry on FACEBOOK here. WEBSITE is here. Thank you so much for listening! 💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**Listener warning: This episode contains mild swearing and a brief reference to adult themes.** In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by comedian and action learning coach Daniel Delby to unpack how humour can transform classroom management and teacher wellbeing. Drawing on his journey from drama and phys-ed teaching into science and special needs support, Daniel shows how laughter can keep both students and teachers engaged for the long haul. As the creator of Teacher Comedy Night (teachercomedynight.com), Daniel has turned everyday school stories into a space where educators can connect, unwind and realise they are not alone. Teachers come for the laughs; however, they also leave with fresh perspective on behaviour, relationships and classroom management strategies. Along the way, Daniel shares how a professional learning course in Classroom Management Strategies (CMS) shifted his mindset from “these kids are the problem” to “what can I do differently?” Throughout the conversation, Daniel explains why humour works so powerfully in the classroom. Teachers are constantly performing in front of up to 34 students. Therefore, they must learn to hold attention, break the ice and win the class over. Yet he is clear that not every teacher needs to be a stand-up comic. Instead, he argues that authenticity, clear boundaries and genuine interest in students matter just as much as punchlines. The episode also explores how Daniel uses freestyle rap and improvisation to hook students into learning. From rapping about classes at assemblies to encouraging students to expand their vocabularies so they can rhyme, he demonstrates how creativity can sit alongside curriculum goals. As a result, humour becomes more than a gimmick; it becomes a tool for connection, confidence and student voice. Listeners will also hear about Daniel’s touring Teacher Comedy Night shows, his links to major comedy festivals and the growing community of teachers who are discovering comedy as a way to stay in the profession. Ultimately, this episode is for any educator who loves their students, feels the strain of the job and wants practical, light-hearted ideas to bring joy back into teaching. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re throwing back to September when we headed over to the Flinders University Library for a live chat about all things reading and writing romance. Does dark romance need content ratings or trigger warnings? Why do straight women love to read and write gay male romance? What can romance novels teach us about love? Are horror romance and paranormal romance the same thing? Do people yearn for an epic slowburn? And when will Harry write a Big Gay Fantasy novel?   MENTIONS 📚 BOOKS: Gild by Raven Kennedy; American Psycho by Bret Easton; Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton; Ali Hazelwood’s books; Captive Prince series by CS Pacat; A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas; The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss; Laurie Gilmore’s books; Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree; In Spite of You by Patrick Lenton; Cubs and Campfires by Dylan Drakes; God of Fury by Rina Kent; The Will to Change by bell hooks; Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier; Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas; The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien; Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta; Bride by Ali Hazelwood; Ghosted by Amy Hutton; Keri Arthur’s books; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery; Goal Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon; Bound for Sin by Tess Le Sue; Johanna Lindsay’s books 🎬 MOVIES: Love Lies Bleeding (2024); Tron (1982) 📺 TV SHOWS: Gilmore Girls  🎙️ PODCASTS: QBD Romance Book Club; Amy & Book Club   LINKS: Read our BOTM: BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub  Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub  Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor  Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Dylan Sulzer, founder of Not Just Teacher Education (www.notjustateachereducation.com), to explore how Dylan’s unique journey—from Port Lincoln to the Northern Territory and even mustering cattle—has shaped his deep understanding of emotional intelligence in education. Dylan brings practical tools and insights to help teachers and students navigate tricky behaviour, build emotional regulation, and foster a positive classroom culture. He reframes defiance as a bid for independence and examines the balance between happiness and purpose, offering educators a fresh way to connect, support and empower young people both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the episode, Dylan explains the five domains of emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and relational communication — and shows how educators can apply them in the real world. He shares simple, applicable strategies such as breathing techniques and naming tasks to re-engage teachers’ thinking brains in stressful moments.Furthermore, Dylan’s student-brand program demonstrates how young people can identify their character strengths, develop a sense of identity and shift from external rewards to intrinsic motivation. The conversation also touches on the role of choice in managing student independence, why banning social media might be a band-aid solution, and the importance of being more impressive in person than online. This episode is ideal for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in shaping classroom culture with emotional intelligence at the heart. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), Odie (Garfield) and Grimlock (Transformers) have Gregg Berger to thank when bringing them to life! Gregg Berger is an American Voice / Actor, who is internationally known for his iconic roles as Grimlock in G1 Transformers and Transformers Fall of Cybertron, Transformers: Devastation, Power of the Primes and more. His classic and contemporary iconic roles also include Odie, Squeak, Harry and others in the Garfield franchise, Spirit and Firefly in the original animated G.I. Joe, Mysterio and Kraven the Hunter in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Cornfed in Duckman, Agent Kay in Men in Black: The Animated Series, Jecht in Final Fantasy X & X-2, The Pain in Metal Gear Solid 3, The Gromble in Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, Ripto in the Spyro series and many more!Gregg Berger is the author of Think Globally… Act VOCALLY! (And Voice Virtue) and is the reader of the Audiobook. It is available on iTunes and Audible.com. For many years he has been associated with Famous Fone Friends, making calls in requested animated character voices to children in Pediatric HospitalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drawing on her own family history for inspiration, Heather Rose delivers a compelling and heart rending saga of a father and daughter torn apart by a terrible crime. In “A Great Act of Love” Caroline Douglas carries her dark secret to the penal colony of Van Dieman’s Land to begin life anew - but can she escape her past; does she even want to? + It’s no small thing to decide to be a publisher in today’s busy book marketplace but that’s what Emily Riches did. Aniko Press’s first offering is “The Slip” by Miriam Webster who was recently interviewed on Episode 56 this podcast. Aniko also publishes a literary journal and is always on the lookout for new talent.   GuestsHeather Rose, author of “A Great Act of Love” Emily Riches, founder of Aniko Press https://www.anikopress.com/   Other books that get a mention: Heather mentions Rebecca Yaros’ “Fourth Wing”, Robert Galbraith’s crime series, Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Marriage Portrait”, Hannah Kent’s “Always Home, Always Homesick”, Richard Macfarlane’s “Is A River Alive?” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”.   INSTAGRAM @heather_rose_writes @allenandunwin @aniko pressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kickstartin' November with a bang, we catch up on a Book Club we were all plague-ridden for and had to miss! Introducing...An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Our rocky August was nothing in comparison to Sadie and Jodi's marriage of convenience in this fun rom-com, packed with some lighthearted truths about the academic world. LINKS 🦜 Buy An Academic Affair: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/An-Academic-Affair/Jodi-McAlister/Love-Notes/9781761109379 📖 BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/718608/three-holidays-and-a-wedding-by-uzma-jalaluddin-and-marissa-stapley/ 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1828076371339381/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandpodcast 💛 Where to find Amy: Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor WEBSITE: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/ Thank you so much for watching!💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Nolan, Principal of Port Melbourne Secondary College (www.portmelbournesc.vic.edu.au) to explore how leadership, vision, and creativity shape a school’s culture and community. Tim leads one of Melbourne’s most distinctive schools, a striking campus inspired by the maritime character of Port Melbourne. From shipping containers to cruise-liner flair, the design mirrors a philosophy that values innovation, inclusivity, and connection. Throughout the conversation, Tim shares insights on leading with purpose amid rapid educational change and how culture and positivity drive effective teams. Listeners will hear how Tim’s leadership journey across Catholic, arts-focused, and STEM-driven schools has helped him understand what makes communities thrive. He explains why aspiring leaders should “do the job of the person above you” to build capacity and confidence. This episode also explores the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the role of creativity in teaching, and why trust and communication remain the cornerstones of strong school culture. The discussion turns to hands-on, real-world learning; from boat restoration projects to partnerships with community mentors at the local Men’s Shed. These programs help students discover confidence and purpose beyond the classroom while fostering intergenerational learning. Tim also reflects on how schools can stay visionary within regulatory frameworks, finding their “true north” by always asking what’s best for students. From navigating funding and growth at Fishermans Bend to building pathways for vocational and inclusive education, Tim highlights how adaptability and collaboration future-proof modern schools. The conversation closes with his vision for graduates who feel supported, inspired, and ready to lead others with empathy and curiosity. This episode offers practical inspiration for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to balance innovation with community connection in Australian education. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best known as leading man Ash from Pokemon, Veronica Taylor has a wealth of experience dubbing the english versions of a variety of Anime. We discuss why this form of voice acting may be the most difficult in the voice acting profession. Her voice has been a part of Saturday morning cartoons where she is known for her roles in Ash and May on Pokémon, April on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and roles in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sailor Moon Crystal (Sailor Pluto) and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon focuses on the potential threat of AI to voice artists and what is ethical AI? He also discusses what is being done and how to protect yourself.Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the final week of October, we're putting our books aside to discuss horror movies: our favourite (and not so favourite) horror films, the return of campy monster horror, future horror movie trends, potentially controversial opinions about the movies Weapons, and more!   LINKS: Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub  Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub  Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor  Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Bullard, CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) (aitsl.edu.au), to explore the state of the teaching profession across Australia. With more than half a million registered teachers, Tim shares how the latest Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is helping policymakers, educators, and communities understand the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping schools today. The conversation uncovers what the data reveals about teacher well-being, retention, and professional growth, and how education systems can better support teachers through every career stage. Tim discusses the importance of recognising teaching as a human endeavour, one grounded in connection, trust, and lifelong learning. He also highlights how returning teachers bring valuable life experience back into classrooms, enriching student learning and strengthening school communities. Steve and Tim explore how AI can reduce teacher workload without losing the essential human connection that defines effective teaching. From workload management and flexible career pathways to national initiatives like the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the discussion offers a clear-eyed look at how evidence-based policy and innovation can improve outcomes for both teachers and students. As World Teachers’ Day approaches, Tim shares why celebrating educators year-round is essential to building a culture of trust, respect, and appreciation across the nation. This episode is a timely reminder of how teachers’ voices and data-driven insights can shape the future of Australian education. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the podcast team and get spooky as we sit down to chat about our horror BOTM, Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta. Feast While You Can is a (extremely delicious) strange and sexy novel of queer love in a small town, in which the monster that possesses Angelina Sicco can only be repelled by the touch of her childhood crush, sternly handsome Jagvi … oh no 😔    Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub  Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub  Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor  Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Richard (Richie) Furber, Principal Consultant at the Motivation Foundation (motivationfoundation.com.au) and leader of the soon-to-launch Motivation Education Career School in Perth. Together, they explore how innovative education models are connecting learning with real-world industry opportunities. Richie shares how Motivation Foundation is transforming outcomes for students at academic risk by combining practical training, strong industry partnerships, and a deep belief in belonging and hope. Students graduate with recognised VET qualifications in civil construction, mining, and workplace skills—equipping them for meaningful, long-term employment. The conversation uncovers the school’s holistic approach: from teaching employability habits and professional behaviour to fostering resilience through trauma-informed practice. Richie explains how data-driven case management ensures each learner receives individualised support, while collaboration with organisations like the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and local employers builds confidence and purpose. Listeners will also hear how the Motivation Foundation creates industry-simulated environments where students develop practical competence, re-engage with learning, and find hope in achievable futures. This inspiring discussion offers educators and school leaders valuable insights into alternative pathways that empower young Australians to thrive beyond the classroom. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or training provider, this episode highlights how attitude, belonging, and authentic partnerships can change lives—and strengthen communities. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we dive straight into talking about one of our favourite reads this year, and get the chance to interview married couple and our BotM authors, Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta. We talk about what it's like to write possession, how horror and romance intertwine, the consumption of the dreaded Pit Monster, and--of course--what's behind Jagvi and Angelina's tender, thorny path towards each other. 🎃    Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to the live book club on October 23! Follow Mik & Onj on IG: @mikandonj Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub  Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub  Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor  Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In “The Seeker and the Sage” a traumatised journalist is given a dream assignment - track down the mayor of a mysterious town whose citizens are the happiest people on Earth. She wants to learn how to live a good life but the town’s mayor wants to protect his dominion from the modern world. In what is an allegory for our times; Delaney poses the question: can the ancient philosophy of Stoicism help us create our own utopias in an increasingly troubled world? + Short fiction set in the Pacific Islands was a popular genre in the early 20th century. Associate Professor Mandy Treagus offers a deep analysis of the adventuring writers whose stories were set in these islands, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and W. Somerset Maughan. + Our random reader, Lesley, introduces us to Jan Morris’ book “Conundrum” in which Jan  shares a grippingly honest account of her ten-year transition from man to woman. On first publication in 1974, “Conundrum” generated enormous interest around the world and was chosen by “The Times” as one of the '100 Key Books of Our Time'.   GuestsBrigid Delaney, author of “The Seeker and the Sage” Mandy Treagus, Associate Professor in English and Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, author of “The Pacific Tale: Short fiction from 1890 - 1950”   Other books that get a mention: Cath mentions Richard Osman’s “The Impossible Fortune”, Mick Herron’s “Clown Town” and “Peter Ackroyd’s “The English Soul; Faith of a Nation” Annie mentions “What we can Know” by Ian McEwin, “Ripeness” by Sarah Moss and “Novacene; The coming of age of hyper intelligence” by James Lovelock   INSTAGRAM @allenandunwin   @palgrave_macmillan @brigidwdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au) joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away. First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help staff spot patterns quickly and start supportive conversations with families. Importantly, Lisa highlights neuro-affirming practice. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and strong adult connections help neurodivergent students; in fact, they benefit everyone. Furthermore, flexible regulation supports—like planned breaks or headphones for focus—can reduce anxiety and increase engagement. Yet schools cannot carry the load alone. Therefore, respectful partnerships with families and allied professionals are vital. We also step into multi-tiered systems of support. Lisa explains how MTSS for attendance builds universal, targeted, and intensive responses over time. In addition, she reflects on international collaborations and OECD insights linking belonging, safety, and achievement. As a result, listeners gain a broader perspective on what works here in Australia and abroad. Finally, the episode calls for national leadership. A coordinated plan would amplify local innovations, reduce duplication, and elevate voices that are often missed. Teachers, leaders, and system thinkers will find actionable ideas, thoughtful nuance, and renewed confidence to tackle attendance with empathy and evidence. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strap in for more horror talk this week because Amy & Harry and Millie are joined by horror connoisseur Riley Jones to talk all things horrormance (horror/romance). Is paranormal fiction just a subgenre of horror? Does horror actually have to be scary? Are you allowed to kill the queer characters in your horrormance? All these questions and more will be answered. Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to our interview with the authors on October 16 followed by the live book club on October 23! Follow Riley on IG: @rileyblufield  Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub  Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub  Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor  Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Kirsten Ellis, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University (www.monash.edu/it) to explore how her creation, TapeBlocks (www.tapeblock.com), is reshaping STEM learning for students of all abilities. These vibrant, foam-based circuit blocks help children build electronic circuits using simple conductive tape—no soldering, no fear, just curiosity and creativity. Kirsten shares how her journey began with conductive jigsaw puzzles and evolved into a hands-on, accessible STEM resource that empowers every child to create, connect, and collaborate. Designed with inclusivity at its heart, tape blocks allow students with vision or motor skill challenges to build working circuits independently, experiencing both visual and tactile feedback. The conversation uncovers how Kirsten combines engineering ingenuity with educational insight to spark imagination in classrooms. Teachers can use the blocks to introduce fundamental electronic concepts while promoting teamwork and problem-solving. Colour-coded components—red for power, yellow for switches, green for light or vibration, and blue for fans—make learning intuitive and engaging for mixed-ability classrooms. Beyond accessibility, the episode explores the broader philosophy of natively built accessible design—creating tools that are inclusive from the start, not adapted as an afterthought. From integrating tape blocks with LEGO and micro:bits to inspiring creative classroom projects, Kirsten demonstrates that inclusive design benefits every learner, not just those with additional needs. Listeners will also hear how initiatives supported by Google and National Science Week helped bring tape blocks into hundreds of Australian schools, empowering educators to make STEM more tactile, playful, and inclusive. This episode offers practical inspiration for teachers seeking to blend accessibility with innovation—proving that when creativity meets inclusion, every student can shine. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.