• 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
  
  

*Interviewed by Chelle Griffin*

• 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

In this inspiring episode, we chat with author Christine Newell about her beautiful memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul, which chronicles her transformative year living and teaching in South Korea.

Christine opens up about the personal challenges that led her to seek a fresh start, her deep cultural immersion, and the powerful impact of Korean traditions—especially the symbolic “five seasons” shaped by Yin and Yang philosophy. She shares how community, kindness, and resilience helped her find healing, purpose, and creative spark.

We also explore the emotional journey of writing a memoir, the vulnerability of putting your story on the page, and the surprising ways her time in Seoul has shaped her life and career back in Australia.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why Christine went to South Korea—and how it changed her

• The meaning behind “Five Seasons” and how it shaped her year abroad

• Cultural rituals, food, and unexpected moments of connection

• Grief, growth, and resilience while living far from home

• The process of writing a memoir and what it’s meant to readers

• Her love of Korean dramas, memoir recommendations, and what’s next on her travel list

Books Christine recommends:
📚 Breaking Badly by Georgie Dent
📚 True Friends by Patti Miller
📚 Bewildered by Laura Waters

Where to find Christine’s book:
Five Seasons in Seoul is available at most bookstores and online.

Episode Title: Rachael Johns: The Bad Bridesmaid and the Love of Books Guest: Rachael Johns, Australian Romance Author Key Highlights:

• Discussion of Rachael's latest book "The Bad Bridesmaid"

• Insights into her writing process and inspiration

• Exploration of her love for books and libraries

Episode Breakdown:

1. Book Overview

• Main character: Winnefren (Fred) Darling

• Setting: Norfolk Island

• Plot: Fred tries to stop her mother's sixth wedding

• Inspired by "The Parent Trap" movie concept

1. Writing Journey

• Started writing at 17

• Former English teacher

• Known as the "Undisputed Queen of Australian Women's Fiction"

1. Book Series Connection

• Linked to previous book "The Other Bridget"

• Features characters from the library where Fred works

1. Rachael's Book Club

• 6,500 members on Facebook

• Monthly book discussions

• Annual in-person retreats

• Focuses on supporting Australian and women writers

1. Personal Insights

• Loves audiobooks

• Passionate about libraries and librarian representation

• Enjoys traveling to research book settings

Recommended For: Romance readers, book lovers, fans of Australian fiction Contact/Follow:

• Website: RachaelJohns.com

• Facebook: Rachael Johns Book Club

• Book Club Retreat: rachaeljohnsbookclubretreat.com

Podcast Show Notes: Living Untethered with Michael A. Singer Episode Highlights:

• Book: Living Untethered: Beyond the Human Predicament

• Author: Michael A. Singer (New York Times bestselling author)

• Key Themes: Inner peace, self-realization, mindfulness, and personal growth

Episode Overview: Hosts Leanne and Shel dive deep into Michael Singer's latest book, exploring profound insights about:

• Understanding the universe's complexity

• Separating oneself from thoughts

• Practicing meditation and awareness

• Accepting life's inherent suffering

• Techniques for personal transformation

Notable Quotes:

• "Resistance creates tension and anxiety, and makes life a burden."

• "The Spirit can end up hiding in the head if living in the heart is too confronting."

• "All of life is suffering" - Buddha

Practical Takeaways:

• Start with "low hanging fruit" when practicing letting go

• Use meditation to create distance from your thoughts

• Practice being present in the moment

• Recognize that external things don't define your happiness

Recommended Companion Resource:

• The Untethered Soul Guided Journal: Practices to Journey Beyond Yourself

Upcoming Book Club Selections:

• Current: The Bee Sting (Join by end of May)

• Next: Dear Digital, We Need to Talk

Connect: www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com

Podcast Episode: How to Age Disgracefully with Claire Pooley Guest: Claire Pooley, author of "How to Age Disgracefully", "The Authenticity Project", and "People on Platform Five" Episode Highlights:

• Discussion of Claire's latest novel "How to Age Disgracefully"

• Exploration of multi-generational connections and community

• Insights into writing, aging, and finding purpose

Key Themes:

• Breaking stereotypes about aging

• The importance of community and human connection

• Humor as a tool for addressing challenging life experiences

Book Recommendations:

• "Margot" by Ruthie Thorpe

• "The Wedding People"

• "What Does It Feel Like?" by Sophie Kinsella

Claire's Writing Insights:

• Writes most creatively in early morning

• Believes in the power of a "triumphant second act"

• Passionate about challenging ageism and celebrating wisdom

Memorable Quote: "Every woman should have a triumphant second act." About the Author: Claire Pooley is a former advertising professional who published her first novel at 50, celebrating diverse characters and unlikely communities in her writing.

In this episode, Emma Lovell discusses her book "The Art of Pleasure" and shares insights on combining work, leisure, and self-care to create a fulfilling lifestyle. Key Highlights:

• Emma's philosophy of "pleasure life" - traveling the world, making money, and living life on your own terms

• Strategies for blending business and leisure

• Importance of work-life harmony over work-life balance

• Travel experiences and goals (76 countries visited)

• Practical tips for incorporating more pleasure into daily life

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not about waiting until everything is perfect to live your dream life"

• "Pleasure is a mindset and a lifestyle, not just a destination"

Guest Bio: Emma Lovell is an author, speaker, and coach specializing in helping people design lives that combine work, travel, and personal fulfillment. She has visited 76 countries and continues to explore the world while running her business. Upcoming Travel Plans:

• Central America trip

• European tour including Finland, Portugal, and potentially Bulgaria

• Panama Canal cruise

Recommended for listeners interested in:

• Travel hacking

• Lifestyle design

• Work-life integration

• Personal development

In this episode, Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin dive into Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors - a raw, layered novel about estranged siblings reunited by grief. Following the death of their sister Nikki, Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky return to their childhood home and are forced to confront the complicated ties that bind them.

Told from alternating perspectives, Blue Sisters explores themes of identity, sisterhood, and the legacy of family. Leanne and Chelle unpack the emotional weight of the book, share their thoughts on the characters’ extreme lives and inner worlds, and reflect on how relatable the story may be for readers with (or without) sisters of their own.

Despite mixed reviews from readers and book club members, both hosts recommend the novel for its compelling storytelling and honest look at love, loss, and healing.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The power and complexity of sisterhood

• Each sister’s unique journey—addiction, ambition, and grief

• Family roles, parental influence, and the burden of birth order

• Romance, resilience, and reinventing yourself after loss

• Why this book sparks mixed reactions—and why it’s still worth the read

• Movie adaptation potential (and their dream cast picks!)

📖 Blue Sisters is a page-turner with emotional depth—perfect for fans of character-driven family dramas.

Let us know what you think!
Join the conversation on Instagram or in our online book club.