In The Good Books with Luke Bateman
In The Good Books with Luke Bateman is a weekly show for people who love stories and reading. Host Luke Bateman discusses the books that have shaped his world, from classics to buzzy bestsellers, and interviews authors about their work and inspirations. More than a book club, it explores how the stories we read influence the lives we lead. Listeners can send audio messages to GoodBooks@nine.com.au and follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok.
Episodes
What Do Our Boys Really Need? with Dr Billy Garvey
After the success of '10 things I wish you knew about your child's mental health', a perennial parental best-seller, Dr Billy Garvey wasn't keen on writing another book. That was, until he started thinking about our boys. In this episode, the incredible developmental pediatrician, researcher, author and podcaster joins Luke to discuss what the boys of today really needs from us - and the role book
My Favourite Australian Books
Everyone is discussing their favourite Australian books right now following the ABC Radio National Top 100 Australian books countdown. So, here are four of Luke's absolute favourites - from non-stop action adventure, to a fantasy gateway to non-fiction that changes how you see the world. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https
Book Club: Did Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary' Convert Me to Horror?
Luke has always hated horror. But was a classic by genre-master Stephen King enough to change his mind? In this Book Club episode, Luke breaks down the origins of his resistance to horror of all kinds, and why despite this, he still had plenty of things that excited him about diving into Pet Sematary - including growing closer to his mother. He reveals how the book was nothing like he expected, th
Ariel Lawhon on the Pirate Queen and Writing the Incredible Women History Forgot
History was written by the victors and the wealthy— but Ariel Lawhon is on a relentless mission to resurrect the women they erased. From an off-grid childhood reading by kerosene light in New Mexico to teaching herself how to write after leaving home at 16, Ariel shares the unconventional roots of her storytelling and why she views historical fiction not as a genre, but as an unflinching len
Drawing Courage from 'Dangerous' Women - Antoinette Lattouf
How do you hold your ground when speaking the truth makes you a target? For award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and author Antoinette Lattouf, at least one way is to draw upon the stories of all those who've done it before you. In this episode, Antoinette unpacks the brutal reality of challenging power and the personal price of unflinching integrity - discussing her own battle against the ABC a
The Serious Power of Uninhibited Imagination, with Andy Griffiths
Prepare for a peek inside the one-of-a-kind mind behind some of the most seriously kid-approved stories ever! In this episode, record-breaking and internationally bestselling children’s author and Australian Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths shares: How telling neighborhood kids fibs about his bath time led to his love of storytelling How his path to being an author first led to teac
Book Club: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Luke becomes acquainted with this regency romance classic, with it themes, characters and moments, and what they all have to show us about modern romance today. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for Pride and Preju
Shen Tao: The Real Magic of Words & the Poet Empress
Luke is joined by Shen Tao, the brilliant debut author behind The Poet Empress—a novel Luke proudly declares as his favorite book of the year so far! But despite being a debut, it was far from Shen's first work. In fact, as she reveals, there were many unpublished books before it... Shen details exactly what made The Poet Empress different, the breakthrough that allowed its first
The Limitless Passion of Jodi Picoult
From relentless research, to battling book bans, to a career of 30 bestsellers and counting, Jodi Picoult is a literary force unlike any other. In this conversation, Luke and Jodi trace her journey from reading at three years old and surviving over 100 agent rejections (and getting the ultimate petty revenge decades later) to the eerie 10-word postcard that inspired her new book, Hollow Bones, and
Joshua Hortinela Talks Representation, That 'Rom Com Feeling' and His Top Queer Romance Recommendations
Sydney-based author Joshua Hortinella, after becoming beloved in the book industry for over a decade, has just penned Hate You to Love You, one of the most vibrant romance debuts of the year. Josh spills wild behind-the-scenes secrets of bookselling—including the joys of stocking, heartwarming customer interactions, and mysterious boxes. He opens up about how queer representation helped
V.E Schwab: Fear, Magic, Monsters and Her Own 'Deep Lore'
A pre-birth prophecy, a contrarian relationship to fear that pushes her toward her deepest discomforts, and years spent studying both the stars and the greatest monsters of our imaginations alike. These aren't the notes of a fictional character - this is the lore of V.E Schwab herself! In this incredibly candid interview, she tells Luke all about it, along with illuminating insigh
Write What You Love (And Be Lucky): Unfiltered Advice from Fantasy Legend Garth Nix
There are few more beloved voices in fantasy writing than Australia's own Garth Nix - with Luke accounting for a fair share of that love himself. Here, the two finally sit down to discuss Garth's hesitant awakening as a writer, his process of using 'bad maps' to great novels, how his landmark work Sabriel was originally intended to be very different, his latest venture (and adventure) into sc
Book Club: My Personal 'GOOD BOOK', the Book That Saved Me - Magician by Raymond E Feist
Luke dives into his own personal "Good Book": Raymond E. Feist's fantasy classic, Magician. From picking up a paperback copy fresh out of rehab, to examining how Pug and Tomas's journeys inspired his own path to recovery, Luke shares why this epic story changed his life—and analyzes what it’s like to come back to it now. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.c
"Nothing Makes Me Hornier Than Books": Em Rusciano on Smut, Self-Discovery, and Her New Single Life
Luke is joined by Em Rusciano—the powerhouse singer, comedian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and more—for an uninhibited, laugh-out-loud, and deeply honest conversation about midlife awakenings, the transformative power of putting yourself first and the liberating world of spicy romance novels. Em opens up about her love for literary smut and why bookstores urgently need a dedicated "
How Liane Moriarty Tricks Herself to Write Bestsellers
Liane Moriarty, author of mega best-sellers Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and more, joins Luke in the studio for a candid, hilarious, and insightful conversation on her writing process, career origin story, and long-awaited return to her most famous literary world. In this episode, Liane opens up about growing up in a story-obsessed household of six kids—where her dad fun
The Secret Grief Behind Matt Nable’s Latest Novel
You wouldn't expect constructing a crime thriller to be a time of laughter and healing after a tragic loss. But that's exactly what it was for Matt Nable. In this conversation, the multi-talented ex-sport star, actor and author talks about why writing is his biggest love above all, the encouragement another legendary Australian writer gave him that changed everything, the moment he felt safe revea
One of Luke's MOST LOVED Authors! Peter V. Brett on How Fantasy Worlds Give Us Real Strength
The episode that proves that you SHOULD meet your heroesLuke is joined by Peter V. Brett, the acclaimed writer behind the Demon Cycle, a fantasy series destined to one of Luke's favourites from the moment he picked it up at 13. In this raw and far-ranging chat, Luke gets to express just how much Peter's work has meant to him, and explore the incredible impact that fantasy can have as a whole.
Book Club: The Layered, Living and Heartaching History of Land by Maggie O'Farrell
Prepare to be immersed in the times and lives of history in the most sweeping epic of Maggie O'Farrell's career yet. In this episode, Luke breaks down the lyrical, poetry-like prose and perspective-shifting narrative while exploring the story's rich tapestry of 19th-century Irish history, complex family dynamics, and the resonances he himself found with the stories vivid characters. Ho
The Real Story About Boys and Books, with Scott Stuart
What books do young boys really want to read? Scott Stuart, a passionate children's author and advocate for inclusive stories, joins Luke to reveal the surprising truths about gender bias in reading, how to break free from it, and the simple (and often joyful) acts that can ignite lifelong love of reading - even for reluctant boys.You'll learn how to model reading as a parent, the importance of di
How Maggie O’Farrell Gives Her Historic Novels Their Own Heartbeat
What does it really take to breathe life into a bestseller? To make another time come alive? To place us into a polyphony of perspectives? In this candid conversation, acclaimed author Maggie O’Farrell joins Luke Bateman to unpack her extraordinary life story and highly intuitive creative process. From surviving a life-altering childhood illness at age eight that forced her to re-learn basic
Changing the Narratives of Masculinity, with Dr Zac Seidler
'Becoming a man is a process of subtraction' - so says one of the leading experts in masculinity and men's mental health. But why? And what can we do to change that? In this episode, Luke is joined by Dr Zac Seidler: clinical psychologist, Global Director of Research at Movember and Associate Professor with Orygen at the University of Melbourne. Together, they dismantle the many stories men are to
Luke's Favourite Reads in 2026 So Far (Part 2)
We're back to finish Luke's list of favourite books he's read this year - including an EPIC fantasy, a global best-seller smash, the end of a romantic trilogy very well known to listeners of this podcast, and Luke's absolute top pick which he now calls one of his favourites of all time! Which of these have you read? What have your favourite book discoveries of the year been so far?Let us know and
Luke's Favourite Reads in 2026 So Far
It's the halfway point of the year and, surprise, Luke's read a lot of books so far! Here he takes us through some of his favourite discoveries - from a fantasy at the end of the world, sci-fi that takes you out of this world, a non-fiction that changes the way you see our world and more. Which of these have you read? What have your favourite book discoveries of the year been so far?Let us know an
"Give the Women What They Want!": How Tierney Page Writes Spice That Connects and Desirable Men with Depth
Let's be clear - this definitely isn't one to have on in the car with the kids. Luke is joined by his friend, the beautiful and brilliant Tierney Page, for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud, and deeply insightful chat that might change how you see romance writing.From her hilariously honest reading roots—recounting how A Court of Thorns and Roses and its "hot fairies" served as her ultimat
Georgie Tunny: How Her High Pressure Career Helped Achieve Her Debut-Novel Dream
For the many years Georgie Tunny has graced our TV screens, and many others before, there was another dream she held: the dream of being an author, a dream she has now achieved with Over to You - her debut novel of fierce female friendships set behind the scenes of the high stakes chaos of the media world. In this episode, Georgie draws the lines between her own career and the inspirations f
Charlotte McConaghy: Finding Ghosts, Skipping School and Using Your Biggest Feelings
Charlotte McConaghy (Wild Dark Shore, Migrations, Once Were Wolves) is one of Australia's most acclaimed authors; known for her lush prose, fiercely emotional tone and environments so rich you feel instantly transported. And turns out, her process is every bit as wild as what it creates. In this episode, Charlotte tells Luke all about how she practically skipped school homework after starting her
Book Club: the Grief, Wildness and Hope of 'Migrations' by Charlotte McConaghy
How far would you go to find hope in a desolate world? Are we all just wild at heart? How can we accept and be loved for who we truly are? These are just some of the questions that arise as you journey with Charlotte McConaghy’s breathtaking climate fiction masterpiece, Migrations (also published as The Last Migration).In this episode, Luke breaks down McConaghy’s lyrical, screenwritin
Why the Collapse of Everything is Our Greatest Chance for Love and Relief, with Sarah Wilson
What if the collapse of everything we know isn't a catastrophe to fear, but an opportunity for our fullest humanity? This is the idea explored by multi-New York Times and Amazon bestselling author and social philosopher Sarah Wilson in her latest book I Eat the Stars. In this conversation, she explains exactly what complex systems collapse means, the process of writing the book, including spe
Why Naomi Ishiguro Chooses Cozy Fantasy
Naomi may be the daughter of Nobel Prize winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro, but for her own writing, she is carving a very different and distinctly unique path - particularly in her new book The Rainshadow Orphans. It's one that balances high stakes adventure with writing that feels like a warm coat, that makes our inner children smile, and that tastes like bubble tea. In this chat, Naomi talks a
Books I've Read.... Ranked By Spice 🌶️
Luke is putting his spice tolerance to the test by ranking nine of the most romantic books he's read by how hot the action really gets. From the safe and tender pages of mainstream rom-coms to the completely unhinged world of monster smut, Luke lets you know which books keep their socks on and which ones bring serious ghost pepper heat. Turn up the AC - and maybe close the door - because things ar
Matt Haig: Writing What You Need to Hear
If you wanted proof of the life-changing power of writing, you need look no further than Matt Haig. It hasn't just helped his countless readers, but first and foremost, it helped him too. In this chat, you'll hear how about his turbulent early life, the similarities his story share with Luke's and how his first book was born of a total breakdown.Matt talks about why simple stories and writing
Book Club: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
We've got mail - and opinions. Luke pens his reply to Virginia Evans modern epistolary masterpiece and smash lit-hit of 2026 'The Correspondent', including why a book composed entirely of correspondence can be more compelling than prose, what it teaches us about making meaning of our lives, the beauty of connecting to others (and ourselves) and why we should all start writing letters again! And if
Crafting the Chaos of Dungeon Crawler Carl - with author Matt Dinniman and audiobook narrator/producer Jeff Hays
It's hilarious, it's heart-wrenching, it's hectic. It's one of the most addictive series in modern fiction. And it's one awesome audiobook experience. It's Dungeon Crawler Carl - and in this episode, Luke chats to the masterminds behind it: author Matt Dinniman and audiobook producer, narrator and voice actor Jeff Hays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Incredible Science-Backed Benefits of Reading
Here's why books ARE good! Luke pages through multiple studies showing the (often mind-blowing) ways that reading has been proven to be beneficial for us. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke Hears From YOU!
It's time to hear some of the beautiful messages about books and reading that have been generously shared from the Good Books community, as Luke reacts and gives his thoughts. And it just might get emotional. Got something to send of your own to be featured in a future episode? Send your voice notes to goodbooks@nine.com.au Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/
BOOK CLUB: The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig
Luke reflects on the life-affirming messages within Matthew Haig's best-seller the Midnight Library; delving into its themes of alternate lives, regret and possibility and how he saw himself within it.Plus, find out which book the Good Books Club will be looking at next! Warning: this episode contains brief mentions of self harm Join in the Book Club discussion! We'd love to hear your thought
How books help Nath Valvo 'Do the Work'
Luke brings his fresh friendship with comedian Nath Valvo out of the jungle and into Good Books studio! Nath reveals the books that help him in his comedy and screenwriting, his childhood reading loves (that might just trigger some nostalgia) and the queer romance novel that he thinks 'walked so things like Heated Rivalry could run.' They also discuss how personal growth can challenge others
The Role Models I Found in Fiction (and What They Showed Me)
The characters we find in novels may not exist outside of our imaginations - but the values, lessons and examples they provide are real. From someone that mirrored Luke's own experience, to the kind of parent he hopes he can be in the future, here are some of his favourite literary role models. Who are the characters that have inspired, challenged or changed you? Let Luke know by sending you
How Men Can (and Must) Heal Their Pain, with Matt Brown (She is Not Your Rehab)
True strength and responsibility as a man doesn't come in any pre-conceived definition of masculinity, but in the courage to confront your own unprocessed pain That's according to Matt Brown—author, barber, and founder of the global movement She Is Not Your Rehab. Drawing from his own experience of leaving a childhood home at just 15 years old, Matt has become a leading voice in the movement
Luke's perfect FIRST FANTASY reads
Did Luke ever mention he's pretty into fantasy novels? But what about you? If you're yet to discover the magic of the genre, here are some titles Luke reckons are the perfect places to start. They dispel common myths, answer common criticisms, they might reassure you that fantasy isn't too different from what you're reading already - and above all, they're just good books! Do you agree with these
The Writer's Room: Kristin Hannah
Does Kristin Hannah deliberately try to devastate us emotionally with her writing? The legendary best-selling author of The Women, the Great Alone, the Nightingale and Between Sisters sits down with Luke to discuss her process, her research, her emotionally devastating reputation and more. Is there an author you’d love to hear Luke interview next? Or a book he NEEDS to read? Or anything else
BOOK CLUB: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
Complete immortality. Total freedom. But the world will never know you. Would you take the deal? Today Luke dives into the magic, heartbreak and sensuality of our most recent Good Books Club read. What would YOU like to be part of our book club next? Send your voice memo to GoodBooks@nine.com.au. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/&
4 MUST READS If You Loved the Movie
There are some things the screen just can’t capture. From all time classics to those in cinemas now, from tear-jerking romances to sci-fi epics, here are Luke’s top picks for books that are worth the read even when you’ve already seen the film. What are your top picks on this topic? Got a book recommendation for Luke? Or anything else you want him to hear? Send us your voic
Love Stories That Last the Ages (Part 2)
The love goes on! Luke continues to unpack the literary relationships that give us all the feels. We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au. Follow all the action on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for
Love Stories That Last the Ages (Part 1)
Hopeless romantics, meet Luke. These are the books that make your heart ACHE — from the secret locker room romance of Heated Rivalry to the emotional wrecking ball that is The Song of Achilles and more… We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au. Follow all the action on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instag
BOOK CLUB: Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic by C.M. Nascosta
Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews C.M. Nascosta's spicy read, 'Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic'. We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au. Follow all the action on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
The Writer's Room: Paullina Simons
Paullina Simons talks how her life shaped her writing, The Bronze Horseman, her new book The Bell and the Blade, and why she writes 'love in loveless times' [00:43] - Paullina on finding Luke [02:21] - Paullina’s early life [05:34] - How Paullina’s love of stories began [07:35] - Paullina’s earliest literary loves: The Three Musketeers, Les Miserables, the Count of Monte Cr
Want To Be A Better Reader? Here's How!
Struggling to start a habit or stay motivated? Hear all the practical, no-pressure advice and proven hacks to help anyone discover the joy of reading and make it a daily practice. (00:00) Intro (00:31) Listener Audio (02:20)Why Reading is Important (05:11) Mindset Tip #1: Drop the Shoulds (07:33) Mindset Tip #2: The 50 Page Rule (08:33) Mindset Tip #3: Develop a Reading Identity (09:52) Med
Luke's Favourite Fictional Friendships
From ride-or-die besties to deep, complex bonds, Luke explores the most memorable friendships which anchor the greatest fantasy novels and fictional worlds. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (04:47) Friendships in Fiction (07:12) Friendship #1: Locke and Jean from The Gentleman Bastard series (11:57)Friendship #2: Jude and Willem from A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (17:53)Friendship #3: Am
BOOK CLUB: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Paullina Simons’ sweeping historical romance, The Bronze Horseman. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:23) The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons (04:15) First Impressions (06:18) The Setting: Leningrad, the Siege, and the War Hardship (09:11) Tension in the Metanova Apartment (10:26) The Love Story (11:38) The Sexual/Romantic Writing (13:40) Al
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
Move over, Chosen Ones. We're shining a spotlight on the fantastic but often overlooked side characters of fantasy who well and truly make the story. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (04:33) Unsung Heroes in Fiction (06:03) #1: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings (09:28) #2: Szeth-son-son-Vallano from Stormlight Archive (12:49) #3: Nigh
Read These To THRIVE in 2026
New year, new me... Right? Luke shares the four most impactful non-fiction books to help you achieve personal growth, cultivate success, and change your mindset for a better 2026. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (01:19) Book Recommendation: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (02:29) How to Become the Best Version of Yourself (04:47) The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank (08:21)
The Old Kingdom Trilogy
Forget everything you know about magic. From a deep dive into the incredible world-building to the unforgettable journey of Sabriel, Luke tackles Garth Nix's iconic fantasy series, The Old Kingdom Trilogy. (00:00) Intro (00:32) Listener Audio (02:39) The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix (05:07) Initial Connection to the Series (07:08) Sabriel by Garth Nix (10:45) Lirael by Garth Nix (15:03) Abhor
BOOK CLUB: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Kristin Hannah's epic Alaskan survival story, The Great Alone. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:19) The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (04:12) First Impressions (05:22) Immediate Takeaways (07:20) The Setting of Alaska (08:16) Key Themes (11:57) Complex Characters (15:50) SPOILER WARNING: The Ending (21:17) Call to Listeners:
The Writer’s Room: Matthew Reilly
Matthew Reilly steps into The Writer's Room to discuss his latest books The Detective and the creative process behind his bestselling novels. (00:54) Matthew Reilly's Books Shaped Luke's Reading Journey (02:55) Getting Young Guys Back to Reading: The Power of Ice Station and Hell Island (05:01) Influential School Books: To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies (07:31) Literary Influe
Books Which Will Bring You To Tears
Warning: Get tissues. Luke recommends the most emotionally powerful novels. why we often seek out books that make us cry and how they help us process our own feelings. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Audio (02:42) Books That Still Bring Me to Tears (04:16) Impenetrability is Harmful (07:11) Loss in Magician by Raymond E. Feist (09:12) Loneliness in The Witcher (11:17) Sacrifice in The Demon
There’s A Reason It’s Called Epic Fantasy
If there is one thing Luke loves, it’s a quest. Luke picks three essential reads that define the epic fantasy genre, diving deep into epic world-building, intricate magic systems, and characters on journeys of impossible scale. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Recommendation: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (07:58) Introducing Epic Fantasy (08:25) Personal Connection: Fantasy
Introducing My First Guest
Strap in, because this is a very special and emotional episode. Luke is joined by his biggest supporter, his Mum, to discuss his childhood love of reading, the books that shaped him, and the stories they cherish together. (00:00) Intro (01:08)The First Book Club Pick: The Great Alone (02:12) Introducing Special Guest: Luke's Mother, Leanne (03:30) Reading Rituals As Kids (04:52) Favorite Childhoo
Let's Talk About Smut
Is it hot in here? Luke's diving into the world of spicy books! It's time to unpack all things "smut," why its blown up as a genre, and the best reading recommendations if you're looking for something a little more saucy. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Suggestion: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (02:34) Smut in Literature and Its Place in Culture (03:25) A Male Perspective:
Three Books That Saved My Life...
Stories have the power to change you. Sometimes, a few very special few have the power to save you. In this episode, Luke talks about three books which provided an escape from reality and helped him to navigate life during the darkest of times. (00:00) Intro (01:21) 3 Books That Changed My Life (01:48) Struggling with Depression and Addiction (03:22) Accepting Help and Changing Direction (0
Chapter One: My Story
From the NRL field to overnight BookTok fame, Luke shares the personal journey which has all led to laying bare a deep passion for reading. We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au. Follow all the action on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podc
Coming Soon...
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