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Join us in conversation with New York Times bestselling author, Amie Kaufman, as we continue Young Adult month! We discuss the novels that shaped Amie as a young adult herself, the YA genre as a literature of transformation, what it's like to write in conversation with teenagers, how to find the quiet moments when writing with pace, how Amie got a tour of NASA, and we take a peek into Amie's soon-to-be finished PhD research (one of us, one of us).   MENTIONS Books The Baby-sitters Club, Ann M. Martin Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Jules Verne The Dark Is Rising, Susan Cooper The Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey Lady's Knight, Amie Kaufman Red Star Rebels, Amie Kaufman Illuminae, Amie Kaufman Films/TV A Knight's Tale, 2001 The Martian, 2015 Die Hard, 1988 Home Alone, 1990 Speed, 1994 Authors Marie Lu Dhonielle CLayton Lisa Fuller Sabaa Tahir Amy Doak Ellie Marney Other Michael Whelan, Artist Oasis, Band Miyazaki, Animator and Filmmaker   LINKS 🚀 Where to find Amie Kaufman: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amiekaufmanauthor WEB: https://amiekaufman.com Amie Kaufman On Writing: A Podcast: https://amiekaufman.com/podcast/ PUB DATES: https://open.spotify.com/show/33aX9ceG027L7tfU3GK5av   🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW   🌸 Our Socials: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i5qAqqPTopptVlXXfHi3J IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub   💛 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 listening!💞 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that Rove McManus is an accomplished voice actor? You probably recognise Rove as one of Australia's most famous personalities. From his successful career as a standup comedian, long-running TV host, producer, children's author and overall cool guy, Rove has seen and done it all. Rach and Eddie learn about Rove's transition from cartoonist to voice actor, his love of animation, and get a preview of what Rove’s dreaming up next. This episode is a must-hear for anyone wanting to learn about the industry from a seasoned professional. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you remember what it was like to be a teenager? This week, author Olivia De Zilva joins us again to recall the feelings and stories that shaped us when we were young. As an ex-teenager and current writer for teens/young adults, Olivia has much wisdom to share about the whimsy and grittiness that characterise those formative years. Over the past few decades, what’s changed and what’s remained the same about books for young readers? What do teenagers really want to read? And how do authors express life’s messiness to younger audiences without being paternalistic? If you love YA or know somebody who does — check out Olivia De Zilva’s latest novel, Eggshell! It’s the current Amy & book of the month and we’d love to see you at our live book club over on YouTube on April 23 (7pm ACST). MENTIONS: Authors:Jacqueline WilsonJohn GreenLemony SnicketRachel Hennessy Books:Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora PierceAnne of Green Gables by L. M. MontgomeryChinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen MahCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinEggshell by Olivia De ZilvaFirst Love from Silhouette series by Silhouette Books New YorkHating Alison Ashley by Robin KleinI Am David by Anne HolmI Am Malala by Malala YousafzaiLola Rose by Jacqueline WilsonLooking for Alibrandi by Melina MarchettaMao’s Last Dancer by Li CunxinMax Remy Super Spy by Deborah AbelaMy Spare Heart by Jared ThomasPlaying Beatie Bow by Ruth ParkRanger’s Apprentice by John FlanaganSpecky Magee by Felice Arena & Garry LyonThe Book Thief by Marcus ZusakThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. SalingerThe Diary of a Young Girl by Anne FrankThe Little Mermaid by Hans Christian AndersenThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonThe Princess Diaries by Meg CabotThe Saddle Club by Bonnie BryantThe Time Master Trilogy by Louise CooperThe Worst Witch by Jill MurphyTom Brown’s School Days by Thomas HughesWarriors by Erin HunterWuthering Heights by Emily Brontë Film & TV:Bluey (2018–)BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)Daria (1997-2002)Gossip Girl (2007-2012)Skins (2007-2013)The OC (2003-2007)The Princess Diaries (2001)The Saddle Club (2001-2009)Wuthering Heights (2026) Other:Molly Goodrich, 2020, ‘The Rise and Fall of YA’, Your Magazine, August 8@Comfortable_Bell9539 ‘As a former fan, I feel betrayed by her’, r/EnoughJKRowling, Reddit LINKS: 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials:*   IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub*   FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/*   TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub   💛 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 listening! 💞 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to YA month! We're starting off the month talking about the fundamentals of the genre: what is it, why is it, and is it even a real genre? We get into the politics of ratings for books, letting kids pick their own reads, the YA author's obligation to hopefulness, and we name more books than ever, maybe. This month we’re reading Eggshell by Olivia De Zilva. Grab your copy and have a read before our bookclub on 23rd April, and don't miss Olivia's episode with us next week where we talk about our fave YA books! *This is definitely a joke. Don't do drugs, kids! MENTIONS BooksEggshell, Olivia De SilvaThe Hunger Games, Suzanne CollinsThe Messenger, Markus ZusakThe Book Thief, Markus ZusakWarriors, Erin HunterTomorrow, When the War Began, John MarsdenA Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony SnicketThe Outsiders, S.E. HintonDivergent, Veronica RothBoy Meets Boy, David LevithanLooking for Alaska, John GreenPushing the Limits, Katie McGarryThe Wind Singer, William NicholsonTruck Dogs, Graeme BaseSweet Valley High Series, Francine PascalThe Witches, Roald DahlThe Magic Faraway Tree, Enid BlytonOne Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Aleksandr SolzhenitsynThe Catcher in the Rye, J.D. SalingerMagician, Raymond E FeistFlowers in the Attic, V.C. AndrewsIcebreaker, Hannah GraceThe Crucible, Arthur MillerTo Kill a Mockingbird, Harper LeeMacbeth, William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet, William ShakespeareA Clockwork Orange, Anthony BurgessLapvona, Ottessa MoshfeghThe Reader, Bernhard SchlinkTreasure Island, Robert Louis StevensonThe Raven Cycle, Maggie StiefvaterEnder's Game, Orson Scott CardSong of the Lioness, Tamora PierceThe Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Sue TownsendThe Percy Jackson series, Rick RiordanThe Twilight series,  Stephanie MeyerThe Discworld series, Terry PratchettArtemis Fowl, Eoin ColferThe Wicked Lovely Series, Melissa MarrModern Faerie Tales series, Holly BlackFallen, Lauren KateThe Rest of Us Just Live Here, Patrick NessThe Mortal Instruments series, Cassandra Clare Films/TVDead Poets Society, 1989Bridge to Terabithia, 2007The Reader, 2008The Lion King, 1994The Fox and the Hound, 1981Treasure Planet, 2002Seven Up! series, (1964 - 2019) AuthorsAndy GriffithsSidney SheldonHarlan CobenStephen KingCharles Dickens LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 listening!💞 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our first LIVE BOOK CLUB of 2026 !! Join the Amy & team (minus Payton, who was missed) to catch up on recent events before we dive into our BoTM, How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. Would you survive being locked in a night club by a serial killer? Would you be caught dead on a speed date? How do you feel about dual narrated audiobooks? All important questions that we answer together as we discuss the marriage between the romance and horror genres and the rise in horromance novels . . . and end the episode playing a game, created by Harry, that has us all reaching for the closest sharp object we can find. MENTIONS: Books How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Game Changer Series by Rachel Reid Film/TV Zombieland, Columbia Pictures Scream (1996), Woods Entertainment Jennifer's Body, 20th Century Fox My Best Friend's Wedding, Sony Pictures Never Been Kissed, 20th Century Fox The Wedding Date, Universal Pictures Groundhog Day, Columbia Pictures LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 listening!💞 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adelaide poet Miriel Lenore didn't take to poetry until  two thirds of her way through an adventurous life. She was over her many years a botanist, researcher, traveller, student, teacher, activist, feminist, mother and  grandmother. Miriel spent twenty years in Fiji, forty years in the Australian women's movement and the Adelaide writing scene, and ten years as a regular visitor to a Ngaanyatjarra community in the Western Desert of Western Australia. Miriel died in 2024 aged 96. Cath discusses Miriel’s final collection, with the poet’s longtime friend and curator, author Margaret Merrilees.   Guest: Margaret Merrilees   “Driving to Mulberrygong” published by Wakefield press @wakefieldpress See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we interviewed the author of our latest favourite, and Book Club book of the month, 'How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates.' We chat all about the witty new slasher romance, the anxieties it feeds off, how to plot a book that spans over only a few hours, and the horniness of horror. What would you do if you were stuck with a serial killer, and they'd killed your blind date during a blackout opposite you at the table? Some of us would run and hide! Abby would probably grab the nearest weapon and fight to save us all. LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 📚Where to find Shailee: WEBSITE: https://shaileethompson.com/home/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shaileewrites/ 🌸 Our Socials: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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.

Continuing a banger month of unconventional romance (Bad ra-ra ah-ah-ah), this week we're digging into the phenomenon of Sentient Object Romance. What initially seems like a silly, goofy genre is revealed to have hidden depths as we get into the topics of women's pleasure, consent, being seen, and the kindness of these stories. Don't worry, we also play games! We learn things about ourselves with a game of FMK, and test our resolve as Payton delights us with select readings from the genre. It's worth noting: this episode may be particularly NSFW. This month we’re reading How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. If a slasher x Rom-Com mashup appeals to you, get yourself a copy and stay tuned for our interview with the author on March 19, followed by our live book club over on YouTube on March 26! MENTIONS BooksHallowpeen by Holly WildeThe Deviled Egg Made Me Do It by Holly WildeCold Sweat by Vera ValentineTaken by the Tetris Blocks by Leonard DelaneyMelt for Daddy by Holly WildePounded by Produce by G.M. FairyBedding the Bedding by Annara LaynePenetrated by the President's Twitter Feed by M.J. EdwardsPushin' Cushions by Vera Valentine & Unfortunate ReadsPounded by Pluto by Leonard DelaneySqueak by Vera ValentineStuffed by Sylvia MorrowMidori Days by Kazurou Inoue (anime series by Studio Pierrot) Film/TVPinnocchio, DisneyToy Story, DisneyBeauty & the Beast, DisneyStar Wars, LucasfilmDoctor Who, BBCDukes of Hazzard, CBS OTHER MEDIADate Everything, Sassy Chap GamesI'm in Love with my Car, QueenChuck Tingle (author)Grapie Deltaco (Youtube) LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 listening!💞 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh it is good to be back for Season 2! This month’s theme is Bad (ra-ra, ah-ah-ah) Romance and today we’re kicking the year off with a discussion of serial killer Romance Fiction. The episode begins with a very reasonable conversation about the ethics of True Crime entertainment and then … well. But within the proceeding chaos — games, Harry’s “incontinence”, and Amy’s determination to be the easiest prey a murderer could ask for — are a few gems regarding K-Dramas, Dark Romance novels, serial killers as patriarchs, and humanity’s fixation with the macabre. This month we’re reading How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. If a slasher x Rom-Com mashup appeals to you, get yourself a copy and stay tuned for our interview with the author on March 19, followed by our live book club over on YouTube on March 26! MENTIONS BooksThe Stranger Beside Me by Ann RuleJoe Cinque’s Consolation by Ann RuleMindhunter by John Douglas & Mark OlshakerThe Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, & Sarah KrasnosteinLeather & Lark by Brynne WeaverHaunting Adeline by H.D. CarltonHow to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates Shailee Thompson PodcastSerial from New York Times Film/TVKilling Eve, BBCFlower of Evil, Studio DragonCome and Hug Me, MBCCrash Course in Romance, Studio DragonMaking a Murderer, NetflixThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Columbia Pictures CITATIONS Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Translated by James Strachey, London: W. W. & Company, 1961. Marono, Abbie Jean et al. “A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Serial Killers' Lives: From Childhood Abuse to Methods of Murder.” Psychiatry, psychology, and law : an interdisciplinary journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, vol. 27,1 126-137. 6 Feb. 2020, doi:10.1080/13218719.2019.1695517 LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 the midst of the anxiety-ridden chaos of late-stage capitalism, is it really possible to lead a plain life? Philosopher, essayist and yogi Antonia Pont’s book is far more a philosophical analysis of our modern existence than it is self-help, but she offers advice on being true to oneself and ignoring the ‘noise’ of our current social media driven culture. + The Tsundoku team have a revealing chat about their summer reads; from erudite literature to cosy murder mysteries, from self-help to the secrets of the British Royals. Guest:Antonia Pont, author of ‘Plain Life’ Other books that get a mention: ‘Organising from the Inside out’ - Julie Morgenstern ‘Let them’ -  Mel Robbins ‘Paperboy’ - Christopher Fowler ‘A long winter’ - Colm Toibin ‘What Rhymes with Murder’ - Penny Tangey ‘The Names’ - Florence Knapp ‘Mad Mabel’ - Sally Hepworth ‘The Palace Papers’ - Tina Brown ‘The Vanity Fair Diaries’ - Tina Brown ‘A Different Kind of Power’ - Jacinda Ardern ‘The Lady in Gold’ - Anne-Marie O’Connor INSTAGRAM @newsouthpublishing@newsouthbooksau 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 Kelly McBurnie, Director of Business Operation at Academy of Queensland Ballet (academy.queenslandballet.com.au), to explore how elite arts education can balance performance, wellbeing and operational precision. Drawing on her background in mainstream and Steiner education, Kelly shares how those leadership lessons now guide a world-class ballet programme. At the Academy of Queensland Ballet students undertake half-day academics alongside intensive dance training. As a result, excellence is pursued without sacrificing holistic development. Throughout the conversation, Kelly explains how research has reshaped ballet training. Rather than relying on chronological age, physical readiness is carefully assessed before students begin pointe work. Consequently, injury risk is reduced and long-term development is prioritised. Moreover, wellbeing is embedded through daily touchpoints with experienced staff, physiotherapists and strength coaches. Importantly, operational systems have also evolved. Previously, complex panel assessments were paper-based and manually averaged. However, digital platforms such as Xuno (xuno.com.au) and Student Maps (xuno.com.au/student-maps) now allow live moderation across four judges and 25 criteria. Therefore, reporting is streamlined and transparency is strengthened. Parents can track progress over time through clear data and visual insights. Communication has improved significantly as well. With real-time calendar updates and a parent portal, families receive timely information about rehearsals and performances. In addition, a digital kiosk sign-in system provides accurate visibility across six studios and multiple training spaces. Consequently, safety, accountability and engagement are enhanced. Beyond systems and structure, the episode highlights the human side of high performance. Students develop resilience, grit and collaboration through daily discipline. Furthermore, many graduates move into professional companies, including Queensland Ballet, while others pursue global opportunities in the arts. This episode offers practical insights for school leaders seeking to integrate wellbeing, data and operational excellence. Ultimately, it demonstrates that high performance and care can coexist when vision is matched with thoughtful systems. Powered by xuno.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rach and Eddie recap the biggest highlights from Season 2, and drop some exciting news! 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 Hans Moningka, Director, APAC from RM PLC Group (rm.com) to explore the evolving landscape of digital assessment. He brings a global perspective shaped by partnerships with major assessment authorities and education systems. Throughout the conversation, Hans unpacks how digital exams are steadily replacing paper-based models. Rather than describing a sudden revolution, he outlines a careful and strategic shift. Moreover, he explains why accessibility is driving student preference for online assessment. Research across several countries shows most students favour digital formats, especially after direct experience. Importantly, Hans addresses the balance between innovation and integrity. While digital platforms offer flexibility, assessment authenticity must remain central. Therefore, the discussion explores tools such as secure exam browsers, focus tracking, and AI-supported proctoring. These technologies strengthen oversight, yet they also raise ethical considerations. In addition, the episode examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence in schools. AI-generated content is becoming more common. Consequently, educators must rethink how originality and authorship are assessed. Hans shares practical insights into responsible AI use, emphasising preparation over panic. For teachers and school leaders, the conversation highlights two key gaps: availability and preparation. Infrastructure, device access, and professional learning all shape readiness. Furthermore, mindset plays a critical role. Small, deliberate steps towards digital integration can build long-term confidence. Ultimately, this episode offers cautious optimism. Assessment will continue to evolve, yet humane and credible practice can remain at its core. For educators navigating change, the insights from Hans provide clarity, reassurance, and strategic direction. Powered by: xuno.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by James Thomas, Managing Director of Digital Education Partnerships Indonesia (DEPI) (depi.co.id). DEPI helps international edtech companies build trust and traction across Indonesia’s vast school landscape. It’s a market shaped by scale, complexity, and relationships. Early in the conversation, James breaks down what makes Indonesia unique. There are tens of millions of students and hundreds of thousands of schools. However, size is only one factor. Just as important is how schools communicate, buy, and implement systems. Next, the episode digs into a common assumption about “international schools”. Many people expect mature operations. Yet the reality can be mixed. James shares research across SPK schools (SPK stands for Satuan Pendidikan Kerja Sama, which translates to “Cooperative Education Unit.” These are Indonesian private schools officially licensed to deliver an international curriculum). While many use an LMS for learning, fewer rely on a dedicated school management system. As a result, critical workflows can remain manual. Importantly, James clarifies the difference between an LMS, an SMS, and an SIS layer. An LMS supports teaching and learning workflows. Meanwhile, an SMS runs operations like attendance, wellbeing, parent communication, events, and payments. Then, an SIS layer can connect systems without forcing a full replacement. Consequently, schools can reduce fragmentation and improve workflow reliability. Finance and payments emerge as a major pressure point. Schools often manage complex fee logic in spreadsheets. Unfortunately, one small change can trigger errors. In addition, many schools still depend on WhatsApp for parent communication. Because messages arrive constantly, teacher wellbeing can be impacted. The episode also explores safeguarding and reporting. James explains Indonesia’s TPPK mandate (TPPK stands for Tim Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan, which translates to Team for the Prevention and Handling of Violence) and why structured incident recording matters. Moreover, he shares why many rollouts fail. They’re treated as IT installs, not organisational change. Instead, James recommends phased implementation, clear ownership, and realistic priorities. If you’re a school leader reviewing systems, this episode offers a practical playbook. You’ll hear how to identify operational headaches, reduce risk, and build resilient school operations. Powered by: xuno.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Meskimen is the voice behind hundreds of beloved characters, and has a career most voice actors could only dream of! He chats with Rach and Eddie about his fascinating career, the power of observation, and his tips on how students can grow their skills. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.