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Penguin Books Australia

First Read

A Books and Arts podcast

#28 in Books · 🇦🇺 #97 in Books · 🇮🇳
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About the show

The meeting ground for big ideas, compelling stories, and the conversations shaping our world. Insightful author interviews with leading thinkers, bestselling writers, and the experts behind today's most talked-about non-fiction books. Join Charle Malycon for this weekly podcast from Penguin, providing thoughtful conversation, expert analysis, and engaging cultural commentary. From politics, history, religion, business, society + culture, to conversations about cults, conspiracy theories, and the forces shaping our lives. First, Read - new episodes every Wednesday. Powered by Penguin.

Newest episodes

Jelena Dokic learns to Live Free (Part 2)

41 min

What happens when you begin to let go of judgment, shame and stigma and finally start to Live Free? For tennis champion Jelena Dokic, reclaiming her life and voice through being vulnerable and owning her story has been the catalyst for freedom. In this in-depth interview, we talk about how her time coaching childrens' tennis helped her to learn how to pursue excellence and strive for growth without trying to hit the unreachable goal of perfectionism. We also discuss how this perfectionism mindset led her to an eating disorder and poor mental health and the importance of getting professional help. As detailed in her new book Live Free, this propelled an interest in helping others to find their self-worth, harness the power of vulnerability, and to lead with self-belief. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Jelena Dokic. To read more about Jelena's books, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/jelena-dokic Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Jelena Dokic's extraordinary journey to become Unbreakable (Part 1)

47 min

What happens when one of the world's most celebrated athletes tells her real story? For tennis champion Jelena Dokic, her steely determination on the tennis court belied the horrific abuse at the hands of her father and coach. Today, Jelena Dokic is a multi-award winning presenter, author and commentator, and in this episode we dig deep into her story. Her first book, Unbreakable won Australian television’s version of a Golden Globe - a Logie - as did Jelena herself the following year, prior, for Most Popular Sports Presenter. Despite all the challenges she has faced, Jelena doesn’t ask for sympathy. Instead, her latest book, Live Free, provides a blueprint for others trying to follow in her footsteps. As she says, you don’t have to be anyone special; you just have to believe you are deserving. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Jelena Dokic. To read more about Jelena's books, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/jelena-dokic Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

From Mao's Last Dancer to the Lucky Son - Li Cunxin's latest chapter (Part 2)

36 min

What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive into his latest book, The Lucky Son and the events that drove him to write it. We talk through the experience of his family finally seeing him performing on stage , his marriage to fellow ballet dancer Mary and their relationship with their daughter Sophie, who was born profoundly deaf. We also discuss the lasting impression his Houston Ballet director Ben Stevenson had on him, and his surprise final chapter with the Queensland Ballet. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin. To read more about The Lucky Son, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lucky-son-9781761352607 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

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All episodes

Jelena Dokic learns to Live Free (Part 2)

41 min

What happens when you begin to let go of judgment, shame and stigma and finally start to Live Free? For tennis champion Jelena Dokic, reclaiming her life and voice through being vulnerable and owning her story has been the catalyst for freedom. In this in-depth interview, we talk about how her time coaching childrens' tennis helped her to learn how to pursue excellence and strive for growth without trying to hit the unreachable goal of perfectionism. We also discuss how this perfectionism mindset led her to an eating disorder and poor mental health and the importance of getting professional help. As detailed in her new book Live Free, this propelled an interest in helping others to find their self-worth, harness the power of vulnerability, and to lead with self-belief. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Jelena Dokic. To read more about Jelena's books, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/jelena-dokic Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Jelena Dokic's extraordinary journey to become Unbreakable (Part 1)

47 min

What happens when one of the world's most celebrated athletes tells her real story? For tennis champion Jelena Dokic, her steely determination on the tennis court belied the horrific abuse at the hands of her father and coach. Today, Jelena Dokic is a multi-award winning presenter, author and commentator, and in this episode we dig deep into her story. Her first book, Unbreakable won Australian television’s version of a Golden Globe - a Logie - as did Jelena herself the following year, prior, for Most Popular Sports Presenter. Despite all the challenges she has faced, Jelena doesn’t ask for sympathy. Instead, her latest book, Live Free, provides a blueprint for others trying to follow in her footsteps. As she says, you don’t have to be anyone special; you just have to believe you are deserving. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Jelena Dokic. To read more about Jelena's books, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/jelena-dokic Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

From Mao's Last Dancer to the Lucky Son - Li Cunxin's latest chapter (Part 2)

36 min

What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive into his latest book, The Lucky Son and the events that drove him to write it. We talk through the experience of his family finally seeing him performing on stage , his marriage to fellow ballet dancer Mary and their relationship with their daughter Sophie, who was born profoundly deaf. We also discuss the lasting impression his Houston Ballet director Ben Stevenson had on him, and his surprise final chapter with the Queensland Ballet. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin. To read more about The Lucky Son, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lucky-son-9781761352607 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Li Cunxin's incredible journey to becoming Mao's Last Dancer (Part 1)

34 min

What happens when a young peasant boy is given the chance to dance his way onto the world stage? For Li Cunxin, it was all about making the most of his luck. In our in depth interview with the internationally acclaimed dancer and bestselling author of Mao’s Last Dancer and The Lucky Son, we explore his extraordinary journey from childhood in China to the Beijing Dance Academy and the Houston Ballet. Li reflects on the life-changing influence of Teacher Xiao and Ben Stevenson, the opportunities that shaped his future, and the dramatic standoff with the Chinese consulate that threatened to cost him both his career and his family. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Julie Goodwin on coming 'Home For Dinner', and back to herself

53 min

What happens when the mental load becomes too much to bear? For cook and media personality Julie Goodwin, she had to reconfigure her life to take back her power. In this in-depth interview we cover Julie's ascendence from 'just a mum' on Masterchef's inaugural season, through to a period of work so intense she was eventually hospitalised. It's led her and her family to want to re-assess, and her new goal to help all families is laid out in her latest cookbook Home for Dinner. If this episode brought anything up for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Julie Goodwin. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 2: The Teen Years and Beyond

26 min

Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now. In Part 2, we discuss the teen years and beyond. We reflect on the importance of connection through play, the social media debate, and how to manage online and offline friendships. We also delve into how to have the hard conversations, what we should say, why it's important and why we must have them early and often. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey. WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES Websites Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com Phone support (in Australia) Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 1: The Early Years

41 min

What happens when our boys and their behaviour starts spiralling out of control? In Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey, author of Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys, we step through how to navigate the challenging early years of raising boys. We discuss toddler tantrums, the importance of connection and repair, and emotional regulation for kids and parents. We also reflect on the generational differences in parenting and Billy's personal experiences of childhood and parenting life. Part 2 of this interview releases 07/10/26. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey. WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES Websites Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com Phone support (in Australia) Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

George Megalogenis on immigration, One Nation, and Australia's future

54 min

What happens when the conversation around immigration reaches fever pitch? For political journalist George Megalogenis, it comes back to the data. In this in depth interview, we delve into the third book in the George's trilogy on Australia's politics, Three Shocks. We also discuss the future of Australia's two party system, the immigration debate, the likelihood of Pauline Hanson's bid to become Australia's next Prime Minister. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is George Megalogenis. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Dr Anastasia Hronis on gambling, addiction and our overstimulated world

48 min

What happens when our brains are bombarded by consistent sensory and mental overload? We talk to clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis, gambling and addiction expert to understand to how to overcome the overstimulation that our modern lives so often provide, and to find the roadmaps back to stillness. We discuss her best-selling book The Dopamine Brain and her forthcoming book Overstimulated: Finding Calm and Connection in a Noisy World, and the cutting-edge neuroscience research that led her to write them. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Anastasia Hronis. The Dopamine Brain is out now - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-dopamine-brain-9781761346378 Overstimulated is available for presale now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/overstimulated-9781761621314 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Dr Fatima Khan on navigating perimenopause and why 'Hormone Health is Mental Health'

52 min

What happens when you encounter the perfect storm - caring for young kids, peaking career demands, sick parents - and then your brain is suddenly hijacked by anxiety, brain fog and rage? For Dr Fatima Khan, it led her to writing her groundbreaking book, Hormone Health is Mental Health, a scientifically backed guide to perimenopause. We talk about the importance of seeking help to manage symptoms, empowering women to advocate for their medical needs and the impact trying to ‘do it all’ has on the menopause transition. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Fatima Khan. Hormone Health is Mental Health is out now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/hormone-health-is-mental-health-9781761623813 Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Amie McNee on the transformative power of creativity, and her book 'We Need Your Art'

42 min

What happens when we share our art, no matter how imperfect? For artist and author Amie McNee, that's when the power of creativity truly begins to shine. In this enlightening conversation, we we talk about why so many of us need permission to create, what ambition looks like when it isn’t simply hustle culture in nicer clothes, and the stories artists inherit about money and ‘proper’ work. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Amie McNee. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Dr. Amantha Imber on the extreme burnout that inspired 'The Energy Game'

49 min

What happens when a work and energy expert experiences extreme burnout? For Dr. Amantha Imber, it gave her the impetus to start researching how to gameify energy and to write her most personal book yet. We talk through the four energy types, how to manage your energy accounts, and the suprisingly simple, science-backed tricks that can get you out of an energy slump. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Amantha Imber. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Antoinette Lattouf on writing 'Women Who Win' while fighting her greatest battle

45 min

What happens when the most difficult period of your life is broadcast live across the country? For Antoinette Lattouf, the answer was to write. During her landmark court case against the countries public broadcaster for unlawful termination, she turned to the stories of other women who fought and ultimately won. Her bestselling book Women Who Win was the result. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, her experience in journalism over many years and the new independent journalism movement leading the charge on truth-telling. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Antoinette Lattouf. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Bek Condello on escaping a cult, and finding herself while writing 'Can You Handle A Girl Like Me?'

50 min

What happens when your whole life has been controlled by the confines of a cult, and you finally break free? Bek Condello's experience within the doomsday cult Geelong Revival Centre is what begins her new book, Can You Handle A Girl Like Me, but it's what she does after leaving that is truly surprising. We talk about the writing process of this powerful memoir, breaking free from the cult but still being married to someone in it, and Bek's journey of transformation in her 'second adolescence' once she was free. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Bek Condello. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Marc Fennell on writing his 'deeply uncomfortable' history book, 'Stuff the British Stole'

48 min

What happens when history stops being polite? In this wide-ranging author interview, Marc Fennell explains Stuff the British Stole, an “Indiana Jones in reverse” journey through the British empire, and the wild histories hidden behind polite little museum labels. We discuss cultural ownership, his career journey, and the extraordinary stories about contested objects in the world's biggest museums and galleries. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Marc Fennell. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Sarah Wilson on writing her most dangerous book yet, 'I Eat the Stars'

43 min

What is the most dangerous idea an author can have? Sarah Wilson believes it's the loss of hope. In this insightful best-selling author interview, we discuss the rise of fascism, the importance of truth in an increasingly fake world, and why infinite growth on a finite planet cannot be the answer. First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Sarah Wilson, author of 'I Eat the Stars'. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Introducing First, Read: The Meeting Ground for Big Ideas

1 min

First, Read is the meeting ground for big ideas, compelling stories, and the conversations shaping our world. Insightful author interviews with leading thinkers, bestselling writers, and the experts behind today's most talked-about non-fiction books. Hosted by Penguin Random House Australia books editor, Charle Malycon, this weekly podcast explores the ideas that define our times through thoughtful conversation, expert analysis, and engaging cultural commentary. From politics, history, religion, business, society + culture, biography, and memoir to fascinating conversations about cults, conspiracy theories, and the forces shaping our lives, each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real story. Whether you're searching for your next great read, lookingfor trusted book recommendations, discovering the best books of the year, or simply enjoy intelligent conversations with remarkable writers - First, Read is the podcast for readers who want to think more deeply about the world around them. New video and audio episodes out every Wednesday. Powered by Penguin.

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