Auscast Literature Channel

It's our first After Dark of the season, and we're revisiting a childhood classic, Dragonheart, as a bridge between April's YA month and our upcoming theme for May: dragons! We reflect on the movie, discuss the lore behind the original script, lament at the lost potential for a romance between Dennis Quaid and Draco, and then deep dive into the fantasy films that we feel nostalgic for (they're just not making them like Ladyhawke anymore . . .) MENTIONS Films/TV: Jurassic Park, 1993 Starship Troopers, 1997 Excalibur, 1981 Robin Hood, 1991 Ladyhawke, 1985 Willow, 1988 Conan the Barbarian, 1982 How to Train Your Dragon, 2010 Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, 2002 The Matrix, 1999 Akira, 1988 Neon Genesis, 1995 Princess Bride, 1987 The Dark Crystal, 1982 Hook, 1991 Inkheart, 2008 A Knight's Tale, 2001 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, 2003 The Lord of the Rings, 2001 The Mummy, 1999 Night at the Museum, 2006 Scarface, 1983 Lionheart, 1987 Red Sonja, 1985 Flesh and Blood, 1985 Braveheart, 1995 Kingdom of Heaven, 2005 Bridge to Terabithia, 2007 The Chronicles of Narnia, 2005 Reign of Fire, 2002 Beowulf, 2007 Hercule, 2014 Clash of the Titans, 2010 Jason and the Argonauts, 2000 Game of Thrones, 2011 House of the Dragon, 2022 Willow (TV Series), 2022 Dinotopia, 2002 Dragonheart: Vengeance, 2020 Slipper and the Rose, 1976 Authors: Charles Edward Pogue Actors: Dennis Quaid Sean Connery Dina Meyer David Thewlis Liam Neeson Helen Mirren Tim Allen Jackie Chan Tom Hanks Jim Henson Paul Bettany Daniel Craig Rachel Weisz Michelle Pfeiffer Eric Stoltz Jennifer Jason Leigh Christian Bale Dwayne Johnson Other: Rob Cohen, Director & Film Maker LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 listening! 💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Kerry Williams Director Teaching and Learning at SPELD SA Inc (speldsa.org.au), to unpack one of Australia’s most pressing education challenges. Together, they explore how literacy instruction has evolved and why evidence-based practice is now gaining traction across schools. Kerry shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy leader. As a result, she brings a unique perspective shaped by years of supporting educators and students with learning difficulties. Moreover, she explains how organisations like SPELD SA bridge the gap between research and classroom practice. The conversation highlights the shift away from outdated “wait to fail” models. Instead, Kerry explains how tools like DIBELS, linked to Student Maps (xuno.com.au/student-maps), enable early identification of struggling readers. Consequently, teachers can intervene sooner with targeted, effective strategies. She also outlines the five key components of reading, showing how each plays a vital role in building confident, capable learners. In addition, the episode explores the rise of structured literacy and synthetic phonics in Australian classrooms. While progress is evident, Kerry notes that misconceptions still persist. For example, outdated practices and myths about dyslexia continue to influence teaching approaches. Therefore, ongoing professional learning remains essential. Kerryalso addresses the importance of early intervention. She emphasises that support should focus on student need rather than diagnosis. As she explains, increased practice and targeted instruction often deliver the strongest outcomes. Furthermore, she highlights the equity challenges families face when accessing assessments and support. The discussion also reinforces the importance of balancing foundational skills with a love of reading. Once decoding is mastered, students can fully engage with rich literature and expand their vocabulary. As a result, both skill and curiosity are nurtured together. This episode offers practical insights for educators committed to improving literacy outcomes. Ultimately, it reinforces that when evidence meets action, every student has a stronger chance to succeed. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in conversation with New York Times bestselling author, Amie Kaufman, as we continue Young Adult month! We discuss the novels that shaped Amie as a young adult herself, the YA genre as a literature of transformation, what it's like to write in conversation with teenagers, how to find the quiet moments when writing with pace, how Amie got a tour of NASA, and we take a peek into Amie's soon-to-be finished PhD research (one of us, one of us).   MENTIONS Books The Baby-sitters Club, Ann M. Martin Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Jules Verne The Dark Is Rising, Susan Cooper The Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey Lady's Knight, Amie Kaufman Red Star Rebels, Amie Kaufman Illuminae, Amie Kaufman Films/TV A Knight's Tale, 2001 The Martian, 2015 Die Hard, 1988 Home Alone, 1990 Speed, 1994 Authors Marie Lu Dhonielle CLayton Lisa Fuller Sabaa Tahir Amy Doak Ellie Marney Other Michael Whelan, Artist Oasis, Band Miyazaki, Animator and Filmmaker   LINKS 🚀 Where to find Amie Kaufman: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amiekaufmanauthor WEB: https://amiekaufman.com Amie Kaufman On Writing: A Podcast: https://amiekaufman.com/podcast/ PUB DATES: https://open.spotify.com/show/33aX9ceG027L7tfU3GK5av   🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW   🌸 Our Socials: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i5qAqqPTopptVlXXfHi3J IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub   💛 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 listening!💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you remember what it was like to be a teenager? This week, author Olivia De Zilva joins us again to recall the feelings and stories that shaped us when we were young. As an ex-teenager and current writer for teens/young adults, Olivia has much wisdom to share about the whimsy and grittiness that characterise those formative years. Over the past few decades, what’s changed and what’s remained the same about books for young readers? What do teenagers really want to read? And how do authors express life’s messiness to younger audiences without being paternalistic? If you love YA or know somebody who does — check out Olivia De Zilva’s latest novel, Eggshell! It’s the current Amy & book of the month and we’d love to see you at our live book club over on YouTube on April 23 (7pm ACST). MENTIONS: Authors:Jacqueline WilsonJohn GreenLemony SnicketRachel Hennessy Books:Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora PierceAnne of Green Gables by L. M. MontgomeryChinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen MahCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinEggshell by Olivia De ZilvaFirst Love from Silhouette series by Silhouette Books New YorkHating Alison Ashley by Robin KleinI Am David by Anne HolmI Am Malala by Malala YousafzaiLola Rose by Jacqueline WilsonLooking for Alibrandi by Melina MarchettaMao’s Last Dancer by Li CunxinMax Remy Super Spy by Deborah AbelaMy Spare Heart by Jared ThomasPlaying Beatie Bow by Ruth ParkRanger’s Apprentice by John FlanaganSpecky Magee by Felice Arena & Garry LyonThe Book Thief by Marcus ZusakThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. SalingerThe Diary of a Young Girl by Anne FrankThe Little Mermaid by Hans Christian AndersenThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonThe Princess Diaries by Meg CabotThe Saddle Club by Bonnie BryantThe Time Master Trilogy by Louise CooperThe Worst Witch by Jill MurphyTom Brown’s School Days by Thomas HughesWarriors by Erin HunterWuthering Heights by Emily Brontë Film & TV:Bluey (2018–)BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)Daria (1997-2002)Gossip Girl (2007-2012)Skins (2007-2013)The OC (2003-2007)The Princess Diaries (2001)The Saddle Club (2001-2009)Wuthering Heights (2026) Other:Molly Goodrich, 2020, ‘The Rise and Fall of YA’, Your Magazine, August 8@Comfortable_Bell9539 ‘As a former fan, I feel betrayed by her’, r/EnoughJKRowling, Reddit LINKS: 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials:*   IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub*   FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/*   TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub   💛 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 listening! 💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our first LIVE BOOK CLUB of 2026 !! Join the Amy & team (minus Payton, who was missed) to catch up on recent events before we dive into our BoTM, How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. Would you survive being locked in a night club by a serial killer? Would you be caught dead on a speed date? How do you feel about dual narrated audiobooks? All important questions that we answer together as we discuss the marriage between the romance and horror genres and the rise in horromance novels . . . and end the episode playing a game, created by Harry, that has us all reaching for the closest sharp object we can find. MENTIONS: Books How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Game Changer Series by Rachel Reid Film/TV Zombieland, Columbia Pictures Scream (1996), Woods Entertainment Jennifer's Body, 20th Century Fox My Best Friend's Wedding, Sony Pictures Never Been Kissed, 20th Century Fox The Wedding Date, Universal Pictures Groundhog Day, Columbia Pictures LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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 listening!💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we interviewed the author of our latest favourite, and Book Club book of the month, 'How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates.' We chat all about the witty new slasher romance, the anxieties it feeds off, how to plot a book that spans over only a few hours, and the horniness of horror. What would you do if you were stuck with a serial killer, and they'd killed your blind date during a blackout opposite you at the table? Some of us would run and hide! Abby would probably grab the nearest weapon and fight to save us all. LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 📚Where to find Shailee: WEBSITE: https://shaileethompson.com/home/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shaileewrites/ 🌸 Our Socials: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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!💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh it is good to be back for Season 2! This month’s theme is Bad (ra-ra, ah-ah-ah) Romance and today we’re kicking the year off with a discussion of serial killer Romance Fiction. The episode begins with a very reasonable conversation about the ethics of True Crime entertainment and then … well. But within the proceeding chaos — games, Harry’s “incontinence”, and Amy’s determination to be the easiest prey a murderer could ask for — are a few gems regarding K-Dramas, Dark Romance novels, serial killers as patriarchs, and humanity’s fixation with the macabre. This month we’re reading How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson. If a slasher x Rom-Com mashup appeals to you, get yourself a copy and stay tuned for our interview with the author on March 19, followed by our live book club over on YouTube on March 26! MENTIONS BooksThe Stranger Beside Me by Ann RuleJoe Cinque’s Consolation by Ann RuleMindhunter by John Douglas & Mark OlshakerThe Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, & Sarah KrasnosteinLeather & Lark by Brynne WeaverHaunting Adeline by H.D. CarltonHow to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates Shailee Thompson PodcastSerial from New York Times Film/TVKilling Eve, BBCFlower of Evil, Studio DragonCome and Hug Me, MBCCrash Course in Romance, Studio DragonMaking a Murderer, NetflixThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Columbia Pictures CITATIONS Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Translated by James Strachey, London: W. W. & Company, 1961. Marono, Abbie Jean et al. “A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Serial Killers' Lives: From Childhood Abuse to Methods of Murder.” Psychiatry, psychology, and law : an interdisciplinary journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, vol. 27,1 126-137. 6 Feb. 2020, doi:10.1080/13218719.2019.1695517 LINKS 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW 🌸 Our Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/169K69qXsh/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub 💛 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!💞See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Kelly McBurnie, Director of Business Operation at Academy of Queensland Ballet (academy.queenslandballet.com.au), to explore how elite arts education can balance performance, wellbeing and operational precision. Drawing on her background in mainstream and Steiner education, Kelly shares how those leadership lessons now guide a world-class ballet programme. At the Academy of Queensland Ballet students undertake half-day academics alongside intensive dance training. As a result, excellence is pursued without sacrificing holistic development. Throughout the conversation, Kelly explains how research has reshaped ballet training. Rather than relying on chronological age, physical readiness is carefully assessed before students begin pointe work. Consequently, injury risk is reduced and long-term development is prioritised. Moreover, wellbeing is embedded through daily touchpoints with experienced staff, physiotherapists and strength coaches. Importantly, operational systems have also evolved. Previously, complex panel assessments were paper-based and manually averaged. However, digital platforms such as Xuno (xuno.com.au) and Student Maps (xuno.com.au/student-maps) now allow live moderation across four judges and 25 criteria. Therefore, reporting is streamlined and transparency is strengthened. Parents can track progress over time through clear data and visual insights. Communication has improved significantly as well. With real-time calendar updates and a parent portal, families receive timely information about rehearsals and performances. In addition, a digital kiosk sign-in system provides accurate visibility across six studios and multiple training spaces. Consequently, safety, accountability and engagement are enhanced. Beyond systems and structure, the episode highlights the human side of high performance. Students develop resilience, grit and collaboration through daily discipline. Furthermore, many graduates move into professional companies, including Queensland Ballet, while others pursue global opportunities in the arts. This episode offers practical insights for school leaders seeking to integrate wellbeing, data and operational excellence. Ultimately, it demonstrates that high performance and care can coexist when vision is matched with thoughtful systems. Powered by xuno.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Hans Moningka, Director, APAC from RM PLC Group (rm.com) to explore the evolving landscape of digital assessment. He brings a global perspective shaped by partnerships with major assessment authorities and education systems. Throughout the conversation, Hans unpacks how digital exams are steadily replacing paper-based models. Rather than describing a sudden revolution, he outlines a careful and strategic shift. Moreover, he explains why accessibility is driving student preference for online assessment. Research across several countries shows most students favour digital formats, especially after direct experience. Importantly, Hans addresses the balance between innovation and integrity. While digital platforms offer flexibility, assessment authenticity must remain central. Therefore, the discussion explores tools such as secure exam browsers, focus tracking, and AI-supported proctoring. These technologies strengthen oversight, yet they also raise ethical considerations. In addition, the episode examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence in schools. AI-generated content is becoming more common. Consequently, educators must rethink how originality and authorship are assessed. Hans shares practical insights into responsible AI use, emphasising preparation over panic. For teachers and school leaders, the conversation highlights two key gaps: availability and preparation. Infrastructure, device access, and professional learning all shape readiness. Furthermore, mindset plays a critical role. Small, deliberate steps towards digital integration can build long-term confidence. Ultimately, this episode offers cautious optimism. Assessment will continue to evolve, yet humane and credible practice can remain at its core. For educators navigating change, the insights from Hans provide clarity, reassurance, and strategic direction. Powered by: xuno.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Meskimen is the voice behind hundreds of beloved characters, and has a career most voice actors could only dream of! He chats with Rach and Eddie about his fascinating career, the power of observation, and his tips on how students can grow their skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) (www.edresearch.edu.au), Australia’s national evidence body for education. Together, they unpack why nine education ministers backed a shared “national evidence institute” approach. Moreover, they explore how AERO turns research into practical guidance for schools. Importantly, the focus stays on what improves learning, not just what sounds appealing. Jenny explains why outcomes did not always match investment after the Gonski reforms. However, she also highlights what changed with the later focus on how funding is used. As a result, the conversation centres on teaching practice as the key lever. It also challenges the idea that money alone lifts results. The episode then dives into initial teacher education reform. First, Jenny outlines four core areas every graduate should master. These include cognitive science, explicit instruction, classroom management, and responsive teaching. Consequently, the goal is classroom-ready teachers with consistent foundations nationwide. Next, Steve and Jenny explore what explicit instruction looks like in practice. For example, lessons are sequenced to reduce cognitive overload. Then, students practise with guidance before working independently. In addition, classroom routines are taught clearly and reinforced consistently. Professional learning is also under the microscope. Notably, AERO tested “booster” sessions using rigorous trials. Surprisingly, the extra sessions did not improve outcomes. Therefore, the findings help systems invest in what truly sticks. Finally, the discussion turns to equity, disability, and First Nations education. AERO is examining concentrated disadvantage and access to effective teaching. Meanwhile, a national survey on disability in classrooms is planned for 2026. There is also close attention on two-ways learning approaches, with benefits that may extend to all students. This episode offers grounded insights for teachers, leaders, and policymakers who want evidence that reduces guesswork and supports better learning. Powered by: xuno.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Dr Annette Marner who has spent eight years documenting her ‘patch’, South Australia’s geologically extraordinary Southern Flinders ranges. With patience and respect for wildlife, and some very fancy camera gear, Annette captures in her book very up close and personal moments with the animals and birds of the region, and explains in beautiful prose the tumultuous geo-history of the region and why it contains such unique species. + Meet Eleanor Elliott Thomas, a former lawyer turned author, who’s written a darkly comic tale about a family fracturing over the best and worst of problems - a lotto win! Skeletons begin emerging from the family closet  as the three very mismatched Halloway siblings gather around their mother, rightful owner of the winning ticket, who lies in a coma.   GuestsAnnette Marner, author and photographer of “The Southern Flinders; A Celebration of Wildlife and Landscapes” Eleanor Elliott Thomas, author of “Do We Deserve This?” and also “The Opposite of Success”   Other books that get a mention: Annie Hauxwell author of the Catherine Berlin crime series “Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason “Flying Hero Class” by Thomas Keneally “ Normal Women - 900 years of Making History” by Philippa Gregory   INSTAGRAM @text_publishing@eleanorelliottthomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamara Linke returns to talk about how breathing techniques can help your voice performance, warm up tips and gives us a AAVA update.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.