Shows / In The Good Books with Luke Bateman
In The Good Books with Luke Bateman
What’s your story? Everyone has one — the ones we read and the ones we live.
In The Good Books is a new weekly podcast that serves as a community for those who believe in the power of a good story.
Each week, host Luke Bateman shares the books that have shaped his world, from timeless classics to buzzy bestsellers. He’ll also sit down with the most fascinating voices in the literary world — from bestselling authors to emerging new talent — as they reveal the…
Episodes
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanMy 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanAriel 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanDrawing 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanShen 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanJoshua 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanV.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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanWrite 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke Bateman"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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanHow 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanOne 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 heroes Luke is joined by Peter V. Brett, the acclaimed writer behind the Demon Cycle, a fantasy series…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanHow 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanChanging 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLuke'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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLuke'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…
In The Good Books with Luke Bateman"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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanGeorgie 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanCharlotte 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanWhy 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanWhy 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 -…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBooks 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanMatt 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBook 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanCrafting 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLuke 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBOOK 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanHow 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanHow 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLuke'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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBOOK 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…
In The Good Books with Luke Bateman4 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLove 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLove 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBOOK 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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'…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanWant 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLuke'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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBOOK 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)…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanCelebrating 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)…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanRead 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBOOK 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThe 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanBooks 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThere’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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanIntroducing 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanLet'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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanThree 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…
In The Good Books with Luke BatemanChapter 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…