This week we’re throwing back to September when we headed over to the Flinders University Library for a live chat about all things reading and writing romance. Does dark romance need content ratings or trigger warnings? Why do straight women love to read and write gay male romance? What can romance novels teach us about love? Are horror romance and paranormal romance the same thing? Do people yearn for an epic slowburn? And when will Harry write a Big Gay Fantasy novel?

MENTIONS

📚 BOOKS: Gild by Raven Kennedy; American Psycho by Bret Easton; Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton; Ali Hazelwood’s books; Captive Prince series by CS Pacat; A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas; The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss; Laurie Gilmore’s books; Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree; In Spite of You by Patrick Lenton; Cubs and Campfires by Dylan Drakes; God of Fury by Rina Kent; The Will to Change by bell hooks; Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier; Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas; The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien; Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta; Bride by Ali Hazelwood; Ghosted by Amy Hutton; Keri Arthur’s books; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery; Goal Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon; Bound for Sin by Tess Le Sue; Johanna Lindsay’s books

🎬 MOVIES: Love Lies Bleeding (2024); Tron (1982)

📺 TV SHOWS: Gilmore Girls

🎙️ PODCASTS: QBD Romance Book Club; Amy & Book Club

LINKS:

• Read our BOTM: BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
• 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.

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Dylan Sulzer, founder of Not Just Teacher Education (www.notjustateachereducation.com), to explore how Dylan’s unique journey—from Port Lincoln to the Northern Territory and even mustering cattle—has shaped his deep understanding of emotional intelligence in education.

Dylan brings practical tools and insights to help teachers and students navigate tricky behaviour, build emotional regulation, and foster a positive classroom culture. He reframes defiance as a bid for independence and examines the balance between happiness and purpose, offering educators a fresh way to connect, support and empower young people both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout the episode, Dylan explains the five domains of emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and relational communication — and shows how educators can apply them in the real world. He shares simple, applicable strategies such as breathing techniques and naming tasks to re-engage teachers’ thinking brains in stressful moments.
Furthermore, Dylan’s student-brand program demonstrates how young people can identify their character strengths, develop a sense of identity and shift from external rewards to intrinsic motivation. The conversation also touches on the role of choice in managing student independence, why banning social media might be a band-aid solution, and the importance of being more impressive in person than online.

This episode is ideal for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in shaping classroom culture with emotional intelligence at the heart.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

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Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), Odie (Garfield) and Grimlock (Transformers) have Gregg Berger to thank when bringing them to life!

Gregg Berger is an American Voice / Actor, who is internationally known for his iconic roles as Grimlock in G1 Transformers and Transformers Fall of Cybertron, Transformers: Devastation, Power of the Primes and more. His classic and contemporary iconic roles also include Odie, Squeak, Harry and others in the Garfield franchise, Spirit and Firefly in the original animated G.I. Joe, Mysterio and Kraven the Hunter in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Cornfed in Duckman, Agent Kay in Men in Black: The Animated Series, Jecht in Final Fantasy X & X-2, The Pain in Metal Gear Solid 3, The Gromble in Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, Ripto in the Spyro series and many more!

Gregg Berger is the author of Think Globally… Act VOCALLY! (And Voice Virtue) and is the reader of the Audiobook. It is available on iTunes and Audible.com. For many years he has been associated with Famous Fone Friends, making calls in requested animated character voices to children in Pediatric Hospitals

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Drawing on her own family history for inspiration, Heather Rose delivers a compelling and heart rending saga of a father and daughter torn apart by a terrible crime. In “A Great Act of Love” Caroline Douglas carries her dark secret to the penal colony of Van Dieman’s Land to begin life anew - but can she escape her past; does she even want to?

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It’s no small thing to decide to be a publisher in today’s busy book marketplace but that’s what Emily Riches did. Aniko Press’s first offering is “The Slip” by Miriam Webster who was recently interviewed on Episode 56 this podcast. Aniko also publishes a literary journal and is always on the lookout for new talent.

Guests
Heather Rose, author of “A Great Act of Love”

Emily Riches, founder of Aniko Press

https://www.anikopress.com/

Other books that get a mention:

Heather mentions Rebecca Yaros’ “Fourth Wing”, Robert Galbraith’s crime series, Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Marriage Portrait”, Hannah Kent’s “Always Home, Always Homesick”, Richard Macfarlane’s “Is A River Alive?” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”.

INSTAGRAM

@heather_rose_writes

@allenandunwin

@aniko press

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Kickstartin' November with a bang, we catch up on a Book Club we were all plague-ridden for and had to miss! Introducing...An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Our rocky August was nothing in comparison to Sadie and Jodi's marriage of convenience in this fun rom-com, packed with some lighthearted truths about the academic world.

LINKS

🦜 Buy An Academic Affair: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/An-Academic-Affair/Jodi-McAlister/Love-Notes/9781761109379

📖 BOTM: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/718608/three-holidays-and-a-wedding-by-uzma-jalaluddin-and-marissa-stapley/

🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria.

Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW

🌸 Our Socials:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandpodcast/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1828076371339381/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandpodcast

💛 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!💞

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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Nolan, Principal of Port Melbourne Secondary College (www.portmelbournesc.vic.edu.au) to explore how leadership, vision, and creativity shape a school’s culture and community.

Tim leads one of Melbourne’s most distinctive schools, a striking campus inspired by the maritime character of Port Melbourne. From shipping containers to cruise-liner flair, the design mirrors a philosophy that values innovation, inclusivity, and connection. Throughout the conversation, Tim shares insights on leading with purpose amid rapid educational change and how culture and positivity drive effective teams.

Listeners will hear how Tim’s leadership journey across Catholic, arts-focused, and STEM-driven schools has helped him understand what makes communities thrive. He explains why aspiring leaders should “do the job of the person above you” to build capacity and confidence. This episode also explores the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the role of creativity in teaching, and why trust and communication remain the cornerstones of strong school culture.

The discussion turns to hands-on, real-world learning; from boat restoration projects to partnerships with community mentors at the local Men’s Shed. These programs help students discover confidence and purpose beyond the classroom while fostering intergenerational learning. Tim also reflects on how schools can stay visionary within regulatory frameworks, finding their “true north” by always asking what’s best for students.

From navigating funding and growth at Fishermans Bend to building pathways for vocational and inclusive education, Tim highlights how adaptability and collaboration future-proof modern schools. The conversation closes with his vision for graduates who feel supported, inspired, and ready to lead others with empathy and curiosity.

This episode offers practical inspiration for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to balance innovation with community connection in Australian education.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

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Best known as leading man Ash from Pokemon, Veronica Taylor has a wealth of experience dubbing the english versions of a variety of Anime. We discuss why this form of voice acting may be the most difficult in the voice acting profession. Her voice has been a part of Saturday morning cartoons where she is known for her roles in Ash and May on Pokémon, April on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and roles in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sailor Moon Crystal (Sailor Pluto) and more!

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Simon focuses on the potential threat of AI to voice artists and what is ethical AI? He also discusses what is being done and how to protect yourself.
Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape.

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