7am

Author Christos Tsiolkas reflects on how a sentence from a novel influenced his life, discussing the role of books, film, and music in shaping his identity. He contrasts generations and access to information today, expressing frustrations with limited content curation on mobile apps. The curation of platforms and impact of teachers on a writer's development are explored. Christos shares a personal story about a motivating harsh criticism from his lecturer. Reflecting on the connection to LP Hartley's novel, he discusses the value of fiction in keeping us open to different perspectives.

Author Carrie Tiffany reflects on the impact of sugar on her family's health and history, expressing regret for past indulgences. She explores the connection between sadness, sugar, and the Marshmallow experiment. Tiffany delves into her mother's personal experiences, including poverty and dental problems. She also reflects on cleaning out her mother's belongings after her death and the connection between sugar and her family.

Writer and filmmaker John Safran talks about his late friend Father Bob McGuire, sharing anecdotes and life lessons learned from their relationship. They discuss the importance of honest discussions, nuanced understanding of crime and punishment, conflicting perceptions of Father Bob, and the lesson of loving people even if you don't like them.

Richard Flanagan, one of our greatest living novelists, discusses his latest novel, Question 7, and its personal nature. The podcast explores Flanagan's childhood memories and the power of writing, as well as the influence of parental and societal context on his work. It also delves into the relationship between literature and human experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding our own stories for a better future.

Australian author Melissa Lucashenko, known for her big ideas and brutal experiences, discusses her new book 'Edenglassie' and the revolutionary act of writing a love story. They explore historical references, the character Granny Eddy, stories of colonial Australia, and recommend new books like 'The Secret Hours' and 'Gumflower'.

Acclaimed writer George Saunders reveals the three words that made him a writer. He discusses his journey, including an influential Irish pub moment and the impact of James Joyce. The episode explores Saunders' success with 'Lincoln in the Barrow' and the shift from writing for oneself to writing for readers. It concludes with enthusiasm for new projects and recommendations for audiobooks and Chris Womensley's 'Ordinary Gods and Monsters'.

Kate Grenville, known for bringing history to life and giving voices to those often left out of the official record, discusses her latest novel, Restless Dolly Maunder. She shares her journey of uncovering the true identity of her grandmother and the challenge of working with contradictory facts in storytelling. The episode also includes a discussion of 'Restless Dolly Maunder' and 'The Beasting' by Paul Murray.

Award-winning writer Tony Birch discusses the influence of his grandmother, Alma, on his life and writing. He reflects on her wisdom and the profound impact she had on shaping his perspective. Birch also delves into the complexities of storytelling and the mystery surrounding his grandmother's life. He highlights the strength of Aboriginal women and shares a personal anecdote about her favorite song.

Former literary prodigy John Hughes, now caught in a scandal, is discussed by Anna Verney and Richard Cooke. They recount uncovering Hughes' plagiarism through extensive research and matching software, the controversy surrounding his book and its similarities to another, and the impact this scandal will have on his legacy in the literary world.

Allegra Spender, an independent candidate in Sydney, is the guest on the podcast. The Teals, including Allegra, won seats from the Coalition in the 2022 federal election. The Teal independents face the challenge of addressing social inequality while representing wealthy electorates. Allegra Spender's views on house prices and wealthy individuals are discussed. The potential of independent Teal MPs to tackle Australia's challenges is explored.