Auscast Literature Channel

Actor, stuntman and voice artist, Neil Fanning’s entertainment career has spanned over 35 years. With more than 50 movie, television and commercial credits to his name, Neil’s versatility and experience continue to be highly sought after. Most notably Neil performed the voice of Scooby-Doo in both international blockbusters, Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. Among his other film credits are Elvis, Nim’s Island, Daybreakers, Peter Pan, Crocodile Hunter – Collision Course and Jackie Chan’s First Strike. TV appearances include Sea Patrol, Wanted, Mermaids along with many others and numerous commercials. Neil has also lent his unique voice talent to international movie studios including USA studios Warner Bros and Walt Disney Pictures. Neil continues to perform in the film and television industry and in the corporate entertainment sector writing, producing and performing over 15 interactive comedy characters and as an MC for major corporate events in Australia and internationally.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel and Eddie talk to one of the best gaming experts in voice acting today. Jay Anthony Franke is an American screen and voiceover actor who first rose to prominence as Jake Sommers in the hit ‘90s NBC teen sitcom California Dreams, where he rocked the screen as the leather-clad lead guitarist. As a voice actor, Jay is widely known for his portrayal of J. C. Denton in the critically acclaimed, award-winning video game Deus Ex, and can be heard in fan-favourites Mass Effect: Infiltrator & Black Desert Online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this third week of Pride month, Amy & Justina and Harry interview THE Patrick Lenton, author of In Spite of You, who joins us for a wildly honest chat about queerness, the chaos of writing, and the unexpected beauty of Gimli and Legolas. We dive into craft, community, and smile with equal delight about the splendour of the romance community! Patrick Lenton is a journalist and writer who lives in Melbourne. He is an amazing comedy writer and a regular arts and culture commentator in the media, having appeared on The Project, ABC's The Mix, ABC Breakfast, and more. His independent publication, Nonsense, covers comedy, queer news and culture, and his debut rom-com novel, In Spite of You, releases this year (2025).   LINKS Pre-order your copy of In Spite of You here. Find Patrick Lenton on instagram: @patrick_lenton . . . and his queer culture and comedy newsletter, Nonsense, here.   Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast 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.

James Bradley introduces his latest novel; one of crime in a time of climate crisis. The desperate search for a missing child is set against a terrifying Sydney of the future, where sea levels are rising with the temperature and the social divide has become a chasm. + Catherine Jinks, known for her children’s fiction, has turned her deft writer's hand to adult thrillers. In ‘Panic’ her main character Bronwyn leaves town when the fallout from a misjudged text inflames the wrath of social media. However, worse awaits her in the country where conspiracy theorists and escapees from society have created a hell of their own. + Our young random reader Arlo recommends The Star Wars trilogy and anything by Roald Dahl. Guests James Bradley, author of “Landfall”. His other books include the novels “Wrack”, “The Deep Field”, “Clade” and “Ghost Species”, a book of poetry, “Paper Nautilus”, and a work of non-fiction, “Deep Water”. Catherine Jinks, author of “Panic”. Her other thrillers include “The Attack” and “Shelter”. Her children’s books include “Traitor’s Mask” and “Demon Thief”. Other books that get a mention: Michaela’s been reading “The Accident” by Fiona Lowe. You can find Sarah’s interview with Fiona in Episode 40 of Tsundoku. As part of her judging gig for the Ned Kelly Awards, Cath has discovered “Home Truths” by Charity Norman and “Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter” by Nicci French. James Bradley mentions “Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami, “Human Nature”by Jane Rawson and “Is a River Alice” by Robert Macfarlane INSTAGRAM @penguinbooksaus@ghostspecies @catherinejinksauthor @text_publishingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis talks with Craig Ainsworth from Westport Public School about how a modest chess program in a low socio-economic school achieved elite educational outcomes over 18 years. Far from just a lunchtime club, Craig’s program developed students’ physical control, emotional intelligence, intellectual stamina, and creative thinking—all through the game of chess. Ainsworth shares that success wasn’t about innate giftedness, but about effort and process. Using a structured approach—such as the KM-PPS framework (King safety, Material, Pawn structure, Position, Space)—students learned to handle pressure, make strategic decisions, and apply consistent critical thinking under stress. Chess became more than a game; it was a vehicle for building resilience and a growth mindset. The program had broad academic impacts, boosting students’ performance in both maths and literacy. Notably, it also shattered stereotypes: many of the top players were athletic or quiet students who, through chess, discovered untapped cognitive strengths. Craig emphasises that coaching was not passive—it required active engagement, questioning students about their decisions, and creating an environment where learning was mutual. A key to the program’s longevity was its self-sustaining culture of mentoring. Elite players trained the next cohort, creating a legacy of peer-led excellence. Even though the program paused when Craig left in 2018, its ripple effects are seen in students now pursuing high-level studies and careers. When asked why chess still matters in the age of AI, Craig affirms that machines can analyse but not create. It’s human creativity, developed through tools like chess, that remains irreplaceable. This episode is a testament to how traditional games, paired with intentional teaching, can unlock transformative educational experiences—especially in places where they’re least expected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Nikki Bonus, founder of Life Skills Group and the digital platform Life Skills Go. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of emotional intelligence, student well-being, and readiness to learn—arguing that emotional regulation is foundational to academic success. Bonus explains how Life Skills Go serves as a “student-facing technology for good” by helping children identify and manage their emotions daily. Drawing on neuroscience and trauma-informed practices, the platform provides real-time data on students’ emotional states, offering teachers actionable insights without disrupting classroom learning. One example: a quick morning check-in reveals if a student is emotionally regulated and ready to learn. If not, teachers are equipped to engage with empathy rather than discipline. Central to the platform’s philosophy is the understanding that emotions aren't good or bad—they’re data. Recognising, normalising, and validating feelings like anger or worry builds self-awareness and trust. As Bonus explains, being seen—truly seen—can make all the difference in a child’s day, improving engagement and creating a sense of belonging. The discussion also touches on National Check-In Week, a post-COVID initiative that revealed how many students mask distress. Bonus argues for cultural change within schools: data on student well-being should be as critical as academic metrics. Real-world examples show how unnoticed emotional patterns can surface through data, leading to early intervention and support. The episode ends with a call to action: rather than waiting for policy shifts, schools should act now using the tools and research available. Bonus’ message is clear—emotional literacy isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for learning, and schools have the power to transform lives by prioritising it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis visits Leigh Johnson, principal of Harkaway Primary School—a small, 150-year-old school nestled in Victoria’s scenic hills. Despite its modest size and absence from the national spotlight, Harkaway has gained international recognition for its innovative, student-centred approach to education, especially around resilience and disaster preparedness. Johnson describes Harkaway’s unique charm, rooted in deep community ties and aesthetic appeal. Many families bypass other schools to enroll there, drawn by its relational culture and meaningful learning experiences. The school’s educational philosophy is anchored in a "child-centred disaster risk reduction" manifesto developed collaboratively with students and experts. Its four pillars are: involving children in learning about risks, dismantling outdated myths, connecting students with real-world experts, and empowering them to teach peers. The school’s learning environment encourages action-based education. From participating in water quality monitoring with River Detectives to co-designing a climate education game with Indonesian schools, students engage as scientists and global citizens—not just learners. Harkaway also embraces the idea of "failing successfully." Inspired by Finland’s National Day for Failure, the school celebrates mistakes as part of the learning process, helping build student resilience and normalise the iterative nature of discovery. Johnson emphasises the value of understanding individual learners and acting on that knowledge—a principle he believes any school can adopt. The episode is a compelling portrait of how a small, rural school is pioneering meaningful, globally connected education rooted in empathy, inquiry, and agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second week of Pride month, Amy & Justina, Payton, and Millie try to talk broader queer fiction, get distracted by queer romance again, but ultimately persevere to talk first queer classics, genre fiction with incidental queers, and their hopes for future queer fiction.   LINKS Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast 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.

Must there always be a boy one and a girl one? Is there only one way to write a queer HEA? What's the difference between representing queer people and queering the genre itself? Amy & Harry, Abby, and Justina are kicking off Pride Month with a discussion about all of this and more. Mentioned: Female Masculinity and The Queer Art of Failure by Jack Halberstam.   LINKS Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast 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.

Amy & the podcast team don their oodies and pyjamas to sit down After Dark and have a conversation about the topics that don't make it into our four-week schedule. This week, as part of smut month, we discuss the rise in dark & taboo romance novels. What is dark romance? Why are these narratives more popular now more than ever? Should we be concerned about the easy access to these novels as they are sold and distributed by department stores? Where do these novels belong on the shelves? No question, no matter how taboo, is off the table. This episode deals with adult content. Please take note of the content warning at the beginning of the video and take care of yourselves.   LINKS Watch the Live Bookclub on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast 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.