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In The Good Books with Luke Bateman

In The Good Books with Luke Bateman

By: 9Podcasts
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About this listen

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 inspirations behind their work.

This is more than a book club; it's a space to explore how the stories we consume influence the lives we lead.

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

Follow all the action on our socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast

2025 9Podcasts Art Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Writer’s Room: Matthew Reilly

    The Writer’s Room: Matthew Reilly
    Dec 9 2025

    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 Reilly's Books Shaped Luke's Reading Journey
    • (02:55) Getting Young Guys Back to Reading: The Power of Ice Station and Hell Island
    • (05:01) Influential School Books: To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies
    • (07:31) Literary Influences
    • (09:07) Advice to His 19-Year-Old Self
    • (13:43) The Epic Scope of Mr. Einstein's Secretary
    • (14:16) Finding Sam Speedman's Voice in The Detective
    • (17:10) Every New Book Must Be Better Than the Last
    • (22:01) Not Surprising the Reader with Unsolvable Twists
    • (27:55) Obsessiveness in Writing
    • (33:42) Writing for Book Clubs
    • (39:15)The Impact of Killing Off a Character in Scarecrow
    • (44:34) Matthew Reilly's "Good Book"

    We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

    Follow all the action on our socials:

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Books Which Will Bring You To Tears

    Books Which Will Bring You To Tears
    Dec 2 2025

    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 feelings.

    • (00:00) Intro
    • (00:39) Listener Audio
    • (02:42) Books That Still Bring Me to Tears
    • (04:16) Impenetrability is Harmful
    • (07:11) Loss in Magician by Raymond E. Feist
    • (09:12) Loneliness in The Witcher
    • (11:17) Sacrifice in The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett
    • (13:36) Reunion in Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb
    • (15:32) Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
    • (17:41) Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
    • (19:17) Conclusion: Vulnerability is Strength
    • (22:02) Closing Remarks

    We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

    Follow all the action on our socials:

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • There’s A Reason It’s Called Epic Fantasy

    There’s A Reason It’s Called Epic Fantasy
    Nov 25 2025

    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 world-building, intricate magic systems, and characters on journeys of impossible scale.

    • (00:00) Intro
    • (00:39) Listener Recommendation: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
    • (07:58) Introducing Epic Fantasy
    • (08:25) Personal Connection: Fantasy as an Escape
    • (13:58) What to Expect: Not Just Swords and Soldiers
    • (15:25) Defining Epic Fantasy vs. Fantasy
    • (17:16) Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
    • (17:47) The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett
    • (18:08) The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
    • (19:49) Call to Listeners: Share Your Epic Fantasy Stories

    We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

    Follow all the action on our socials:

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
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