エピソード

  • Ep 55: The Butterfly Women: Melbourne’s Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary

    Ep 55: The Butterfly Women: Melbourne’s Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary
    2025/09/07
    The Butterfly Women: Melbourne’s Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary Step back in time with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with debut author Madeleine Cleary about her captivating historical novel, The Butterfly Women. Set in the shadowy streets of 1863 Melbourne, this story weaves together romance, drama, and a murder mystery—all through the eyes of two unforgettable women: Johanna Callahan, an Irish immigrant working in a brothel, and Harriet Gardner, a determined journalist on the hunt for a serial killer. Madeleine shares the wild ride of researching and writing her book (think: archives, family secrets, and a dash of footy-mum book clubs!), and what it means to shine a light on the complex, gritty, and often overlooked lives of women in 19th-century Australia. In this episode:
    • The real-life family history that inspired The Butterfly Women—and how Madeleine’s infamous ancestor became a character in her novel
    • What it took to research Melbourne’s notorious Little Lon district (spoiler: years of digging through archives and old newspapers!)
    • The challenges and joys of balancing historical accuracy with page-turning storytelling
    • How the book evolved from a quiet literary novel to a full-on murder mystery, complete with red herrings and footy-mum sleuths
    • The power and agency of women—even in the toughest circumstances—and the entrepreneurial spirit of Melbourne’s brothel keepers
    • Madeleine’s writing process, from train commutes to tight deadlines, and her advice for aspiring authors
    • A sneak peek at Madeleine’s next project, inspired by another family mystery

    Discussion prompt:
    What’s your favourite historical fiction set in Australia, or a family story you wish someone would turn into a novel? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in the book club!

    PS: If you love stories that blend real history, complex women, and a good old-fashioned whodunit, The Butterfly Women is a must-read. And keep an eye out for Madeleine’s next book—she’s just getting started!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    46 分
  • Ep 53: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World

    Ep 53: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World
    2025/08/24
    Episode: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World What does it take for a young woman to find her voice in a world determined to silence her? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne sit down with debut author Marion Taffe to explore her powerful historical novel, By Her Hand. Set in the wild, windswept Peak District of Mercia in AD 910, the story follows Freda—a girl who dreams of writing, longs for her father’s approval, and must navigate a world full of danger, loss, and impossible choices. Marion shares her journey from journalism to fiction, the six-year process of bringing Freda’s story to life, and the inspiration she drew from Old English poetry and fierce women of history. This episode is a celebration of women’s courage, the complexity of emotions, and the importance of breaking the rules to find your own voice—on the page and beyond. In this episode:
    • The inspiration behind By Her Hand and the real historical women who helped shape Freda’s character
    • Marion’s transition from a globe-trotting journalist to a debut novelist—and why fiction was her next big leap
    • The painstaking research, rewrites, and pandemic pivots that shaped the novel (plus a cameo from Marion’s kids learning medieval history at home!)
    • How Marion balanced historical accuracy with vivid storytelling, from Old English poetry to the book’s striking cover design by Sandy Cole
    • The emotional journey of Freda: from fear and anger to courage and self-expression
    • Why learning the rules—and then breaking them—is essential for writers and dreamers alike
    • Marion’s advice for anyone struggling to find their voice or push back against expectations
    Discussion prompt:
    What’s a “rule” you’ve had to break to be true to yourself? Or, which historical era would you love to see through the eyes of a fierce female character? Join us on Instagram or in the book club to share your thoughts! PS: If you’re drawn to stories of resilience, creativity, and women who fight for their place in the world, By Her Hand is a must-read. Let us know your favorite moments and what resonated with you most!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • Ep 52: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women

    Ep 52: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women
    2025/08/10
    Between The Lines – Episode: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women What happens when three women—each with their own secrets, struggles, and cultural backgrounds—form an unlikely alliance over coffee, cocktails, and confessions? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne chat with Saman Shad about her bold, witty, and refreshingly honest novel, The Sex Lives of Married Women. Saman, a true “third culture kid,” draws on her globe-spanning experiences to create characters who are as complex as they are relatable. Together, they explore the messy realities of marriage, motherhood, and friendship—plus the power of open, honest conversations about intimacy and pleasure. In this episode:
    • The story behind The Sex Lives of Married Women and why Saman wanted to write about female friendship and vulnerability
    • What it means to be a third culture kid—and how that shapes relationships, identity, and storytelling
    • Navigating cultural dynamics in modern marriages and friendships
    • The challenges (and importance!) of writing about sex, pleasure, and real intimacy in long-term relationships
    • How modern communication tools like WhatsApp and LinkedIn make their way into fiction—and real life
    • Why female friendships matter, and how honesty, humor, and support can get us through even the toughest times
    • Saman’s hopes for the book to inspire readers to have braver, more open conversations—about sex, relationships, and everything in between.

    Discussion prompt:
    Has a friendship ever helped you see your relationship or yourself in a new light? Or, what’s a conversation you wish women could have more openly? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in the book club!

    PS: If you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and honest, The Sex Lives of Married Women should be at the top of your pile. And if you love supporting Australian authors, grab a copy and pass it on!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分
  • Ep 51: Turning Toward the Tough Stuff: Dr. Emily Musgrove on Getting Unstuck

    Ep 51: Turning Toward the Tough Stuff: Dr. Emily Musgrove on Getting Unstuck
    2025/07/27
    Between The Lines – Episode: Unstuck with Dr. Emily Musgrove Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels—stuck in the same old patterns, wishing for change but not sure where to start? This episode is for you! 🎧 Leanne and Chelle sit down with Dr. Emily Musgrove, clinical psychologist and author of “Unstuck,” to unpack practical, relatable strategies for moving through life’s challenges (without the jargon!). Dr. Emily brings warmth, wisdom, and a refreshing honesty about what it really takes to live by your values—even when life gets messy. In this episode:
    • Why pain is a universal part of being human—and how resisting it can keep us stuck
    • How to use your values as a compass, not a checklist
    • The real reason change feels so hard (spoiler: staying stuck can be even harder!)
    • Parenting truths: breaking old patterns, repairing ruptures, and embracing imperfection
    • The power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and making choices that align with what matters most
    • Dr. Emily’s own journey writing “Unstuck” and balancing life as a parent, professional, and author
    Whether you’re a parent, a therapy-curious listener, or just someone looking for a little hope and practical wisdom, you’ll walk away with new tools—and a reminder that you’re not alone in the hard stuff. ✨ Discussion prompt: What’s one value you want to live by more intentionally this week? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in the book club! Want more? Grab a copy of “Unstuck” and join our Between The Lines Book Club for ongoing conversations about books that move us—and help us move forward.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    50 分
  • Ep 50: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers - John Boyne’s Masterclass in Human Nature

    Ep 50: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers - John Boyne’s Masterclass in Human Nature
    2025/07/13
    Between The Lines – Episode: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers Ever finish a book and just need to talk about it? Multiply that by four, and you’ll get Chelle and Leanne’s reaction to John Boyne’s “The Elements” series! This week, our hosts dive into “Water,” “Earth,” “Fire,” and “Air”—four compact but powerful novellas that weave together stories of crime, guilt, trauma, and redemption. Boyne’s storytelling is masterful: each book stands alone but also connects into a larger, unforgettable tapestry of human experience. The characters—a mother on the run, a rising soccer star, a surgeon with secrets, and a father on a journey of transformation—are complex, flawed, and oh-so-relatable. The result? A reading experience that’s both disturbing and deeply moving. In this episode:
    • The unique structure of “The Elements” series and how each novella brings a new perspective
    • Why Boyne’s approach to responsibility and redemption feels so real (and sometimes hits a little too close to home)
    • How the books challenge our ideas of good, bad, judgment, and compassion
    • The emotional rollercoaster of connecting with characters who make questionable choices for all-too-human reasons
    • Cliffhangers that will have you reaching for the next book (trust us: buy the whole set!)
    • Why this series is one of Chelle and Leanne’s top recommendations—and the kind of stories that linger long after the last page
    Discussion prompt:
    Which element—Water, Earth, Fire, or Air—pulled you in the most? Did you find yourself judging or empathizing with the characters? We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions, and wildest theories—join the conversation on Instagram or in the book club!

    PS: If you’re ready for a binge-worthy, emotionally rich reading experience, grab all four novellas and let us know which one you couldn’t put down. Spoiler chat is totally encouraged!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    12 分
  • Ep 49: The Let Them Theory: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You

    Ep 49: The Let Them Theory: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You
    2025/06/29
    Between The Lines – Episode: Let Them: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You Ever wish you could care a little less about what others think? This week, Chelle and Leanne dive into Mel Robbins’ buzzy new book, “The Let Them Theory”—a guide that promises to free us from the weight of other people’s opinions (and maybe even our own inner critic). But is it really that simple? Our hosts dig into the heart of the “Let Them” concept, exploring both its empowering message and the nuances that come with it—especially for women who are used to putting everyone else first. In this episode:
    • What the “Let Them” theory is all about—and why it’s taking over Instagram
    • The good, the bold, and the controversial: from self-acceptance to plagiarism rumors
    • Cultural differences—does “letting them” look different in Australia vs. the US?
    • How to set boundaries without building walls (especially if you have a trauma history)
    • Real talk about self-help claims: can two words really change your life?
    • Chelle and Leanne’s personal stories of trying out the “Let Them” mindset in everyday life
    • Why the book might be extra helpful (or a little tricky) for women who carry the emotional load
    A little food for thought:
    Is “letting them” always the answer, or do some situations call for speaking up and staying connected? Chelle and Leanne don’t shy away from the tough questions—and they want to hear your take! ✨ Discussion prompt: When have you had to “let them”—and how did it feel? Share your story with us on Instagram! PS: Got thoughts on Mel Robbins’ other books, like “The Five Second Rule”? Or want us to invite her on the pod? Let us know—your feedback shapes our next reads and guest wish list!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    45 分
  • Ep 48: The Stitch Up: Unpacking Kate Solly’s Paradise Heights Tale

    Ep 48: The Stitch Up: Unpacking Kate Solly’s Paradise Heights Tale
    2025/06/15
    Between The Lines – Episode: Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up with Kate Solly What happens when a mother of three, a missing charity store item, and a tight-knit Melbourne community collide? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne welcome back Kate Solly to chat about her latest novel, Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up—a story brimming with humor, heart, and a dash of mystery. Kate takes us behind the scenes of Fleck’s world: a mum who feels invisible, yet uses that very invisibility as her detective superpower. Together, we explore how motherhood, neurodivergence, and community all shape Fleck’s journey—and why the bonds between women matter more than ever. In this episode:
    • Why feeling invisible as a mum can actually be an advantage (and a detective’s secret weapon!)
    • The joy and chaos of balancing writing with motherhood, and how everyday moments spark creativity
    • Honest, positive representation of neurodivergence through Fleck and Trixie’s friendship
    • The importance of community, belonging, and the volunteers who keep the craft store running
    • Real-life inspirations from Melbourne’s suburbs and why setting matters in storytelling
    • Kate’s candid reflections on ADHD, writing routines, and the power of small steps
    • Favorite moments, laugh-out-loud lines, and why “cahoots” might just be the best word ever

    Discussion prompt:
    Have you ever felt invisible—or unexpectedly powerful—in your own community? What’s one small act of kindness or connection that made a difference for you? Share your story with us on Instagram or in the book club!

    PS: If you love books that celebrate friendship, neurodivergent joy, and the magic of everyday life, Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up belongs on your TBR pile. Let us know your favorite character or moment—we love hearing from you!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    48 分
  • Ep 47: Healing Through Words: Rachael Coopes on 'The Art of Forgiveness

    Ep 47: Healing Through Words: Rachael Coopes on 'The Art of Forgiveness
    2025/06/01
    Guest: Rachael Coopes

    *Interviewed by Chelle Griffin*

    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction to Rachael Coopes: Award-winning actress, writer, and presenter known for her work on Australian television and theater

    • Career Journey: Rachael discusses her path from early acting roles to becoming a multifaceted creative professional

    • Writing Process: Insights into how Rachael approaches scriptwriting and storytelling across different mediums

    • Industry Challenges: Honest conversation about navigating the entertainment industry and overcoming obstacles

    • Current Projects: Discussion of Rachael's latest work and upcoming productions

    • Creative Inspiration: Rachael shares what drives her creativity and where she finds inspiration

    • Advice for Aspiring Creatives: Practical tips for those looking to break into acting and writing
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分