Best James McKenzie Watson Podcasts (2023)

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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75 | How to manage creative anxiety with psychologist Sanchana Venkatesh 40:30

8h ago40:30

40:30

Does anxiety go hand-in-hand with creative ambition Psychologist Sanchana Venkatesh joins Ashley and James to discuss the positives of creativity for mental wellbeing and the common problem of creative anxiety. An emerging writer herself, she's familiar with the types of anxiety common to creatives. She delves into why we often can't just sit down …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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Upcoming events! A mess of a bonus episode 5:58

6d ago5:58

5:58

In this poorly planned mess of a bonus episode, James and Ashley each share some upcoming events. Stick around to hear the punchline to James' favourite joke. Ashley's events: Thursday 9 March, 6.30pm, Readings Carlton, Melbourne launch with Lyn Yeowart Wednesday 15 March, 8pm: online event with Better Reading, join on Facebook Live Wednesday 29 Ma…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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74 | Launching 'Dark Mode' with author Ashley Kalagian Blunt – mini-ep #4 12:47

20d ago12:47

12:47

A garden shop owner goes out for her morning run and discovers the body of a woman who looks just like her. As more murders shake the city, she fears her past is catching up with her. A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel 'Dark Mode' delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay fo…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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73 | Getting an agent and a publishing deal – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #3 10:40

16d ago10:40

10:40

Keen for insights into how to get an agent and a book publisher? This is the ep for you! This is one of four weekly mini-episodes in celebration of the March 1st Australian release day! A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay fo…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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72 | Insights into the novel writing process – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #2 13:55

1M ago13:55

13:55

Ashley wrote 40,000 words into the first draft of Dark Mode before scrapping most of it and restarting. Then she ploughed through to the end of a clunky draft in order to create a scene-by-scene outline of the plot mechanics. The outline became the blueprint for the next major revision – the one that landed her an agent. In this ep, Ashley also tal…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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71 | Where the ideas came from – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #1 14:06

1M ago14:06

14:06

A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time. But it didn't start there! Ashley began the manuscript while recovering from a major rejection, and envisioned it as Black Mirror inspired…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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70 | The secret of work/life balance with Dr Hilton Koppe, author of 'One Curious Doctor' 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

What happens when your job results in PTSD, forcing you into unexpected retirement? You write a memoir, of course! At least, that's what Dr Hilton Koppe did when he suddenly had to leave his practice as a rural GP. Hilton speaks to James and Ashley about his PTSD diagnosis, the secret of work/life, how he turned to creative writing as a form of the…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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69 | All the reading: the best book recommendations of 2022 1:21:16

3M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

This special episode gathers the best 'What Are You Reading?' segments from 2022 into a comprehensive summary of book recommendations from Australian and international authors. These well-informed highlights will give you plenty of last-minute gift solutions and ideas for how to spend your Christmas gift cards! Plus, James and Ashley each declare t…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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68 | Digging into shame with Hayley Scrivenor, author of 'Dirt Town' 59:59

3M ago59:59

59:59

'When I sat down to write, it felt like I had killed someone.' Hayley Scrivenor opens up about managing creative anxiety, what it means to write through our feelings, and the experience of having her novel 'Dirt Town' debut as a number one Australian bestseller. Plus James turns the interview into a therapy session. Hayley Scrivenor is the author o…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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67 | Learning with a beginner's mindset with urban ecologist Darryl 'The Bird Guy' Jones 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

'I regard my seventh book, Curlews on Vulture Street ... as my first real writing. You know, this is the one I'm most proud of. It was the biggest challenge and the one I enjoyed the most.' Urban ecologist and noted bird guy Darryl Jones joins us to share his transition from popular science to narrative nonfiction writer. Darryl discusses the impor…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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66 | How to say goodbye with Jackie Bailey, author of 'The Eulogy' 43:50

5M ago43:50

43:50

How do you work through a major edit on your book when you have a traumatic brain injury? And how do you write about the death of a loved one while you're grieving? Jackie Bailey, author of debut novel 'The Eulogy' and professional deathwalker, joins us to discuss her experience with both. Jackie Bailey is a professional writer and researcher and a…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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65 | The writer and the advocate with Al Campbell, author of 'The Keepers' 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

Author Al Campbell joins us to discuss her debut book 'The Keepers,' a fictionalised account of her own life both as the mother of two autistic boys and the survivor of an abusive parent. Al shares the reasons behind her choice to write fiction instead of memoir, what people don't realise about the life of a full-time carer, and the struggle for di…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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64 | The most successful episode ever: a conversation about 'Denizen' 1:04:28

6M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

***Warning! Spoilers for Denizen by James McKenzie Watson in this episode*** Heads up, this episode of James and Ashley Stay at Their Respective Homes in Separate Cities is full of spoilers for Denizen. If you haven't read Denizen yet, you can still enjoy reading about our special double-guest episode, and then get even more excited to go and read …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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63 | Rest, recovery and writing with Bronwyn Birdsall, author of 'Time and Tide in Sarajevo' 49:13

7M ago49:13

49:13

Author Bronwyn Birdsall joins us to discuss the writing of her first novel, 'Time and Tide in Sarajevo,' and her life after chronic fatigue syndrome. We discuss living with a mindset of rest and recovery, moving overseas and reinventing yourself, and the question at the heart of the book – how do we find hope in a world that feels beyond repair? As…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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62 | Ashley's big news 5:34

8M ago5:34

5:34

Ashley's got some exciting news she's been bursting to share, and you're just going to have to listen to this episode to find out what it is! Read more here! Get in touch! Ashley's website: ashleykalagianblunt.com Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt Ashley's Instagram: @akalagianblunt James' website: jamesmckenziewatson.com James' Twitter: @JamesMcWa…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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61 | Bonus episode! Denizen - Online Launch 55:36

8M ago55:36

55:36

This special episode is a recording of Denizen’s online launch, which was live-streamed on Thursday July 21, two days after Denizen’s release. It was one of a series of launch events, alongside in-person events in Dubbo and Sydney, and ahead of tonight's Melbourne launch (6:30pm August 3 at Readings Emporium - there's still time to book!) The event…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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60 | Behind the scenes of 'Denizen,' the debut novel from James McKenzie Watson 48:32

8M ago48:32

48:32

'Denizen,' the Penguin Literary Prize winning novel from James McKenzie Watson is finally out in the world! In this episode, Ashley asks James about the experience of taking 'Denizen' from idea to published novel. He shares insights into how to seriously improve your writing craft and how to understand your work as a reflection of your life. James …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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59 | Bonus episode! Queer Writes Sessions Podcast: R.W.R. McDonald interviews Professor Gregory Phillips 44:30

9M ago44:30

44:30

In this bonus episode, James and Ashley share an episode from a brand new podcast series called Queer Writes Sessions (QWS), a Words and Nerds Podcast spin-off series in partnership with Blarney Books & Art. The series is hosted by R.W.R. McDonald, who we interviewed in episode 32. Each month, QWS Podcast will interview a LGBTIQA+ writer and shout-…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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58 | Working doubly hard through illness with Rae Cairns, author of 'The Good Mother' 46:10

9M ago46:10

46:10

After a broken finger brought on a debilitating illness, author Rae Cairns lost two years as her doctors searched for the right treatment. A bad reaction to drugs caused her hair to fall out. When her health had stabilised enough for her to return to writing, she lost her literary agent. Undeterred, Rae self-published her novel. After being shortli…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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57 | Experiments in form with Yumna Kassab, author of 'Australiana' 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

In her exploration of life in rural Australia, author Yumna Kassab draws on horror, crime and gothic inspiration to craft a thematically linked experiment in form and style. She speaks to us about her own experiences of rural life and how her science background has influenced her experimental approach to writing. Plus, James pitches her writing on …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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56 | How to survive a stalker with Ellis Gunn, author of 'Rattled' 50:40

11M ago50:40

50:40

'If he wants to follow me, I can't stop him.' After a random encounter with poet and author Ellis Gunn at an auction, a stranger decides to stalk her. Years later, she sits down to write about the experience – and realises it's connected to a lifetime of gendered abuse, including surviving both sexual assault and domestic violence. In this wide-ran…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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55 | A very overcomeable fear with Katherine Collette, author of 'The Competition' 43:53

11M ago43:53

43:53

If you've ever dreaded public speaking, this episode is for you! Author and podcaster Katherine Collette speaks about her charming new novel The Competition, which satirises the world of competitive speaking clubs. We explore why public speaking is so intimidating for most people. We also discuss Katherine's personal experience with public speaking…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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54 | Living with ambiguous loss with Erin Stewart, author of 'The Missing Among Us' 54:34

12M ago54:34

54:34

38,000 people go missing every year in Australia, yet only a small number of these cases garner public interest. In 'The Missing Among Us,' author Erin Stewart explores the issue of missing persons from a variety of perspectives, including the lack of police resources that leave families leading their own searches, the Stolen Generations, and cults…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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53 | A sprinkling of magic with Fiona Robertson, author of 'If You're Happy' 34:33

1y ago34:33

34:33

Fiona Robertson lived with migraines for years, writing short stories as a creative pursuit. Now she's free from migraines and the award-winning author of the debut short story collection, If You're Happy. Her work explores the lives of lonely people seeking happiness in a turbulent world. She tells us about the common threads that bind her stories…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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52 | Channelling your obsessions with with Lech Blaine, author of 'Car Crash' 50:40

1y ago50:40

50:40

Lech Blaine is the author of the memoir 'Car Crash' and the Quarterly Essay ‘Top Blokes’. Here, he speaks to James and Ashley about the challenge of writing and releasing these two publications back to back during the pandemic, and the burnout that followed. He also discusses the epiphanies that writing a memoir can bring and the emotional toll of …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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51 | The joy of the win with Dinuka McKenzie, author of 'The Torrent' 44:37

1y ago44:37

44:37

When Dinuka McKenzie first sat down to write a novel, she had no dreams of publication or experience in the craft of fiction. She was the working mother of two young kids, feeling like everyone wanted something from her all the time, and in search of something that was purely for herself. Now she's the award-winning author of The Torrent, a police …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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50 | How to remake the world with Sarah Sentilles, author of 'Stranger Care' 43:53

1y ago43:53

43:53

It's our 50th episode! Author Sarah Sentilles joins us to talk about her new memoir, Stanger Care. She discusses coping with unexpected loss, who counts as family, and how at heart, all of us are baby monkeys. She also shares how each of us can use our creativity to remake the world around us. Stranger Care is a memoir of Sarah and her husband’s ex…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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49 | Bonus episode! What does it mean?! A conversation about Earthlings by Sayaka Murata 49:49

1y ago49:49

49:49

***Warning! Spoilers for Earthlings by Sayaka Murata in this episode*** After arguing about the intense and disturbing ending to Earthlings by Sayaka Murata in episode 45, James and Ashley rope past guest Jacinta Dietrich into returning to the podcast to try and figure out what might happened in the novel's closing pages. If you've read Earthlings,…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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48 | Using connection to build community with author Shankari Chandran 42:05

1y ago42:05

42:05

How do we build community and a sense of self after loss, especially the kind of loss that echoes for generations? James and Ashley speak with Australian Sri Lankan author Shankari Chandran about her new novel, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, and how her efforts to find connection in the writing community echo her Tamil family's work to build commun…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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47 | Bonus episode! In conversation with Michelle Tom for Avid Reader's Festival of Cancelled Events 48:09

1+ y ago48:09

48:09

The last episode for 2021 is a special bonus interview with Michelle Tom, who James and Ashley first spoke to in episode 38 (the most downloaded episode of the year). As part of Avid Reader's Festival of Cancelled Events, James joined Michelle in conversation for an online event to discuss her memoir, 'Ten Thousand Aftershocks.' This event took pla…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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46 | What are you reading? The best book recommendations of 2021 1:05:28

1+ y ago1:05:28

1:05:28

The best (and most!) book recommendations of the year! We share the 'What Are You Reading?' highlights from a wide range of our 2021 guests, including Nardi Simpson, David Vann, Kavita Bedford, Luke Stegemann, Ruhi Lee, Joanna Nell, Fiona Murphy, Heather Taylor Johnson, Jacinta Dietrich and – of course – James and Ashley. Books discussed in this ep…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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45 | Writing the book you need with Jacinta Dietrich, author of 'This Is Us Now' 39:01

1+ y ago39:01

39:01

James and Ashley speak with Melbourne-based author Jacinta Dietrich about her debut book 'This Is Us Now', which explores a young couple's relationship as one of them faces a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Based on her boyfriend's experience of surviving lymphoma, the book explores two individuals who don't know where their relationship is going a…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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44 | Bonus episode! CSI: TASMANIA, the Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival 18:50

1+ y ago18:50

18:50

CSI: TASMANIA, the Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival, is happening 27 & 28 November 2021, and it's entirely online! In this bonus ep, James and Ashley speak to festival director and author LJM Owen about this year's festival highlights. (This isn't a paid promo, we just love connecting readers and writers.) TAF2021 - CSI: TASMANIA onlin…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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43 | Losing your baby legs: James and Ashley discuss relapse and recovery 33:41

1+ y ago33:41

33:41

James is back! He and Ashley chat about his recent CIDP relapse and ongoing recovery, and how his perspective on living with chronic illness has shifted. Thankfully, the steroids haven't affected his sense of humour. Disclaimer: None of the information in this episode is medical advice, and if you're concerned about your own health, you should cons…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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42 | Ashley Stays at Home 20:16

1+ y ago20:16

20:16

Ashley's on her own again, and without James around, things get really earnest really fast. She shares ten of her favourite quotes from a variety of books, summarising 'The Most True Things She Knows About Life and Writing' (one of them, at least, is funny.) Then she does a deepdive #WhatAreYouReading into Rutger Bregman's 'Humankind: A Hopeful His…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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41 | Misdiagnosing Van Gogh with author and editor Heather Taylor-Johnson 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

Ashley interviews author and editor Heather Taylor-Johnson. When Heather was diagnosed with Ménière's disease at age 25, one of the many things it meant was quitting skydiving. She discusses how more than two decades of living with chronic illness have inspired her writing and led to the anthology 'Shaping the Fractured Self: Poetry of Illness and …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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40 | Vigilante justice with David Heska Wanbli Weiden, author of Winter Counts 36:32

1+ y ago36:32

36:32

James and Ashley interview David Heska Wanbli Weiden about his multi-award-winning debut novel 'Winter Counts.' In it, they discuss the shocking American laws that let crimes on Native American Reservations go unpunished, the importance of food in cultural reclamation, and the marvel of Carhenge. Learn more about David on his website, and buy a cop…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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39 | What are you wearing? with Lyn Yeowart, author of 'The Silent Listener' 48:12

1+ y ago48:12

48:12

James and Ashley interview Lyn Yeowart, author of the rural-noir thriller, 'The Silent Listener.' In it, they discuss how Lyn's own childhood shaped the events in the book, the fascinating world of synesthesia, and why it's never too late to start writing. Learn more about Lyn on her website, and buy a copy of 'The Silent Listener' from your local …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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38 | How to survive an earthquake with Michelle Tom, author of 'Ten Thousand Aftershocks' 53:06

1+ y ago53:06

53:06

James and Ashley interview Michelle Tom about her stunning memoir 'Ten Thousand Aftershocks.' In it, they discuss the captivating and highly original structure of Michelle's book, the strange parallels between childhood trauma and earthquakes, and the transformative power of owning your narrative. Learn more about Michelle on her website, and buy a…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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37 | Oversharing and neurodiversity with authors Kay Kerr and Anna Whateley 41:54

1+ y ago41:54

41:54

James and Ashley interview Kay Kerr and Anna Whateley, neurodiverse authors of young-adult fiction. In it, Kay and Anna discuss their journeys to diagnosis as adults, their upcoming second books, and their remarkable friendship. Learn more about Kay on her website, and buy a copy of her debut novel 'Please Don't Hug Me' from your local bookshop, Bo…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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36 | Deafness, secrets and solace with Fiona Murphy, author of 'The Shape of Sound' 50:58

1+ y ago50:58

50:58

James and Ashley interview Fiona Murphy about her memoir 'The Shape of Sound.' In it, they discuss the complexities of Deaf culture and identity, the corrosive power of secrets, and the challenges of being deaf in the healthcare industry. Learn more about Fiona on her website, and buy a copy of The Shape of Sound from your local bookshop, Booktopia…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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35 | Bonus episode! Amy Lovat of Secret Book Stuff grills James and Ashley 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

James and Ashley are interviewed by Amy Lovat of Secret Book Stuff (who they interviewed in episode 34), for Amy & Laura's radio show 'Reading Makes You Better in Bed.' In it, they discuss reading habits, the history of James and Ashley's podcast, and whether or not reading really does make you better in bed. This interview originally aired on Newc…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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34 | Why reading makes you better in bed with Amy & Laura of Secret Book Stuff 41:54

1+ y ago41:54

41:54

James and Ashley interview Amy and Laura, multitalented writers, social entrepreneurs, and radio hosts/podcasters from Newcastle, NSW. In it, they discuss the story behind Secret Book Stuff, transformative writing, and, of course, why reading makes you better in bed. You can learn more about Secret Book Stuff on their website, follow them on Instag…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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33 | Ageing disgracefully (and happily) with Joanna Nell, GP and bestselling author 43:02

1+ y ago43:02

43:02

James and Ashley interview GP and author Joanna Nell about her new novel 'The Great Escape from Woodland's Nursing Home.' In it, they discuss positive ageing, the challenges faced by Australia's aged care system, and the runaway success of the 'uplit' genre. Learn more about Joanna on her website, and buy a copy of 'The Great Escape from Woodland's…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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32 | Grief and girl detectives with RWR McDonald, author of Nancy Business 38:24

2y ago38:24

38:24

James and Ashley interview RWR McDonald about his new novel 'Nancy Business,' follow-up to the bestselling 'The Nancys.' In it, they discuss the parallels between the original girl detective Nancy Drew and The Nancys' Tippy Chan, the art of balancing the humorous and heavy in fiction writing, and the physical toll of a creative life. Learn more abo…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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31 | And the winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize is... 18:47

2y ago18:47

18:47

A very special episode to make a very special announcement! Get in touch! Ashley's Website: ashleykalagianblunt.com Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt Ashley's Instagram: @akalagianblunt James' Website: jamesmckenziewatson.com James' Twitter: @JamesMcWatson James' Instagram: @jamesmcwatson

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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30 | Recovering from childhood with Ruhi Lee, author of 'Good Indian Daughter' 38:28

2y ago38:28

38:28

James and Ashley interview Ruhi Lee, author of the hilarious and heartbreaking memoir 'Good Indian Daughter.' In it, they discuss what it means to be a girl in a South Asian family, the notion of unconditional parental love, and how one generation avoids making the same mistakes as the last. Follow Ruhi on Instagram (@lee_ruhi), and buy a copy of '…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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29 | A conversation from the National Writers' House 26:33

2y ago26:33

26:33

Ashley interviews a mystery guest from the Varuna Writer's House in Katoomba, NSW, where he's midway through a residential fellowship (hint: it's James). An episode for both those who've never been on a residential writing retreat and those who want to reminisce about their time at Varuna! You can learn more about Varuna and the incredible work it …

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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28 | Burning out with Yumiko Kadota, author of 'Emotional Female' 42:43

2y ago42:43

42:43

James and Ashley interview Yumiko Kadota about her memoir 'Emotional Female,' which tells the story of her time as a junior doctor in the NSW public system. In it, they discuss the devastating effects of burnout, the difficulties women of colour face in the public health system, and the possible future directions of chronic fatigue research. Follow…

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James and Ashley Stay at Home

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27 | Love and hoarding with Emily Maguire, author of 'Love Objects' 42:08

2y ago42:08

42:08

James and Ashley interview Emily Maguire about her stunning new novel 'Love Objects.' In it, they discuss our relationships with our belongings, the psychology of hoarding, and the beauty of writing for connection. Learn more about Emily on her website, and buy a copy of 'Love Objects' from your local bookshop, Booktopia or wherever else books are …

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