Vivien Stuart's novel was shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards and has received praise by award-winning authors and writers including Author Susan Midalia, Poet, editor and literary essayist, Dennis Haskell and Emeritus Professor Brenda Walker. Susan Midalia writes that it is "a searingly honest, deeply humane and beautifully written novel about the daily challenges and meaning of palliative care." Dennis Haskell writes: "The clarity of the writing and Stuart's empathy shine through in a dramatic story that might startle our present, sometimes locked down lives." Vivien ..read more

In this penultimate episode of a series of interviews with Dr Janni Lloyd, we discuss the role of spiritual practice in promoting healthy longevity.  At their best, many religious traditions incorporate aspects of meditation, compassion, forgiveness, and other practices that help promote a healthy body and mind. Again, Janni's story is a jumping off point for our discussion, and at the end of the episode we invite you to send in your questions for the final episode that we hope to publish in a couple of months' time.    ..read more

This is the second episode where I discuss the very real possibility of healthy longevity jumping off from the speculative fiction writing of Dr Janni Lloyd who has taken an active interest in the research for the past thirty years. Another episode on this topic will be posted in January 2024. Here is a link to Australian- based research in the area:  Fortuna ..read more

The Map of William is a beautifully realized novel set in Western Australia in 1909. Historical fiction, coming of age story, a treatise on all that is the best in men as they struggle against the darker elements in an uncompromising landscape. I enjoyed chatting with Michael about this, the first of a trilogy that will follow the most likeable protagonist through his life's adventures.  ..read more

What would you do if you had decades more to live a healthy life than you had expected? How would you use that extra time? A new career? Travel? Dedicate it to making the world a better place? We are now on the cusp of a world where the mechanisms for a significant extension of healthy lifespan are not only known but are beginning to be implemented by many around the world. This is the first of a series of interviews with Dr Janni Lloyd, a retired General Practitioner who has studied the research for the past thirty years. For young and old.   ..read more

My guest today is my dear friend and author of the moving memoir, Unheard Voices, Dawn Mauldon.  Dawn Mauldon is the first-born child of Deaf adults. Her first language was tactile, visual, physical and theatrical, teaching her to be aware of details, accept differences and informing her understanding of how stories are told.  Her poignant and powerful memoir is published by Fremantle Press.  More about Dawn and the book HERE ..read more

Gatluak Puoch is a South Sudanese born Australian with quite a story to tell. During the war that resulted in the separation of the South from the North of Sudan, his family was obliged to hand him over to the army at age fourteen. From there he persuaded his commanding officer to allow him to walk to a refugee camp in Ethiopia, and seven long years after this, he was able to migrate to Australia. This is his story. I hope to share more from him in the coming weeks.  ..read more

Laurie Steed's latest book, Love Dad, is a moving portrayal of how one new father navigates the ups and downs of early parenthood. It is a heart-warming and uplifting story of resilience, reconnection and self-discovery. In this interview, Laurie talks about the joys of parenthood and its challenges in navigating the path between being a present father and a committed writer.  Find out more about Laurie, the book, and his writing career here. Love Dad is published by Fremantle Press. To go to Laurie's author page, follow this link; https://fremantlepress.com.au/?s=Laurie+Steed Follow this ..read more

In 1845 twenty-eight mismatched Catholic missionaries arrive in what is later to become Western Australia. Some go on to establish a monastery at New Norcia, which continues to this day. This interview with author and Perth GP, Dr Peter Burke, explores his new novel; his third work of historical fiction. To discover more go to his website Peter Burke Writer or to The Fremantle Press site where you will find his book The Silk Merchant's Son ..read more

Jillian spent four and a half years sailing around the top end of Australia with her husband following his early retirement. Here she shares stories of some of the many adventures they had along the way.    ..read more