Cool People Reading

Chantel Mila, also known as Mama Mila to her four million followers, joins Steph to chat about books, balance, and the mental load we don't talk about enough.Known for her cleaning and home styling pro-tips, Chantel shares how she finds time to read in her day, why she can't say no to a suburban psychological thriller, and how we can hack our way to more reading time.Plus, what happened when Chantel discovers Freida McFadden's new book is a choose-your-own-adventure?And what's the book Chantel finished only to realise she'd read it somewhere before....Plus, Chantel talks about her new book The Fair Share, and shares her advice on sharing the mental load and ways we can avoid shouldering it alone.Chantel Mila is a best selling author of two lifestyle books, including The Dream Clean, a styling, cleaning and organising expert, and mum of two.++Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@Mama_Mila_au@StephanieshouseofbooksToday's reading list:The Fair Share by Chantel MilaThe Dream Clean by Chantel MilaNone of this is True by Lisa JewellNever Lie by Freida McFaddenThe Boyfriend by Freida McFaddenThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThe Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFaddenThe Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFaddenAtomic Habits by James ClearA Brain that Breaths by Jodi WilsonMad Mabel by Sally HepworthThe Silent Patient by Alex MichaelidesParis: the Memoir by Paris HiltonLike Follow Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Breathwork facilitator, TV presenter and proud Warumungu/Yawuru woman Megan Waters joins Steph to talk about some of her favourite books and how she fits reading in within her busy life.What are the huge (literally) books Megzy loves? Has the Brick really changed her life?And what happens when she applies the Let Them theory in real life?Megzy also talks about why it's important the Stolen Generation is represented in contemporary literature and non-fiction, and why Archie Roach's book Tell Me Why means so much to her.++Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@Megzzy@StephanieshouseofbooksToday's reading list:Breath by James NestorLeBron by Jeff BenedictUnmasked by Turia PittVerity by Colleen HooverTell Me Why by Archie RoachLong Walk to Freedom by Nelson MandelaThe Housemaid By Freida McFaddenThe Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFaddenThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

We're back! After a few months of down time, Steph is joined by the perfect guest - author of A Brain that Breathes, Jodi Wilson.Jodi talks about how to find your way back after burnout, ways we can find breathing space in our every day lives (and YES, it includes reading!) and shares some of her favourite books (think nature nature nature).Plus, what makes the ultimate nightly cocoon? How do you put yourself to bed? And what happened when Jodi decided to take the plunge and go for a walk without her headphones or her phone??Jodi Wilson is a bestselling author, yoga teacher and postpartum doula. Her work has been published in the Guardian and ABC, and The Brain that Breathes is her fourth book.++Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@practisingsimplicity@stephanieshouseofbooksToday's reading list:A Brain that Breathes by Jodi WilsonLost Lambs by Madeline CashRodham by Curtis SittenfeldRaising Hare by Chloe DaltonConsider Yourself Kissed by Jessica StanleyWriters and Lovers by Lily KingHeart the Lover by Lily KingSandwich by Catherine NewmanWreck by Catherine NewmanThe Octopus and I by Erin HortleA Catalogue of Love by Erin HortleWild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghyAre You There God? Its Me, Margaret by Judy BlumeForever by Judy Blume

Acclaimed restaurant owner, chef and author Ben Shewry, best known for his innovative approach to modern Australian cuisine and commitment to sustainability at his Melbourne restaurant Attica, joins Steph to talk about his love of books.How on earth does Ben find time to read? And what's his perfect snack to accompany a book?What did he do when he came face-to-face with Anthony Bourdain’s former assistant, after he bagged Kitchen Confidential in his own memoir?And will Ben ever dare to skateboard with his long time friend Tony Hawk?Plus which rock and roll front man's memoir could Ben not get past page one of?++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@benshewry⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠Today’s reading list:​Uses for Obsession by Ben Shewry​Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever​Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin​The Darkest White by Eric Blehm​The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell​The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway​Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe​A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Adern​A Lick of Fireweed by Erik Jensen​The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

One of Australia’s most in demand media and digital personalities and host of Tell Me More, Olivia Molly Rogers, joins Steph from @Stephanie's House of Books for a chat.Ever read your book in the shower? Perhaps while putting on makeup? Liv shares her clever reading hacks to get more in her day, the prolific author she has read 11 titles by this year, and how embracing her inner bookworm has helped her connect to her authentic self.And will Liv finally convince Steph to move over to a Kindle...?++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@Oliviamollyrogers@StephanieshouseofbooksPresented by  —your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:White Oleander by Janet FitchThe Girls by Lisa JewellFiguring Out Thirty by Bridget Hustwaite Don’t Let Him In by Lisa JewellNever Lie by Freida McFaddenNone of this is True by Lisa JewellUnbreakable by Jelena DokicFearless by Jelena DokicIt’s on me by Sara Kuburic Untamed by Glennon DoyleMothering on Our Own: 30 Stories of Love, Hope and Navigating Single Motherhood by Rachel MaksimovicWe Love You, Bunny by Mona AwadBunny by Mona AwadThe Dry by Jane HarperForce of Nature by Jane Harper

Former Sydney Swans footballer and author of 2025's unhinged footy novel Pissants, Brandon Jack, joins Steph from @Stephanie's House of Books for a chat.How did being an AFL player prepare Brandon for being an author? What hurts more - being critiqued by your editor or letting down your coach? And will Brandon actually reveal WHO the embittered fringe players from Pissants are based on?Plus, Brandon shares his hot tips for perfecting your writing craft and we ask the big questions, like can you change the colour of track changes in Word?Brandon Jack is an Australian author, journalist, musician and former Sydney Swans AFL player.After retiring from football in 2017, he published his memoir 28 in 2021 and in 2025 released his debut novel Pissants, a chaotic and hilarious behind-the-scenes look into what actually goes on in a professional football club.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@brandonjackk⁠⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠Presented by  ⁠Obooko ⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:​28 by Brandon JackPissants by Brandon JackTrainspotting by Irvine WelshPostcards from the Edge by Carrie FisherA Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganLess Than Zero by Bret Easton EllisThe Shards by Bret Easton EllisIn Persuasion Nation by George SaundersTenth of December by George SaundersBoy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonCrime and Punishment by Fyodor DostoevskyJust Kids by Patti SmithDusk by Robbie ArnottThe Rain Heron by Robbie Arnott

Queen of tech-noir, author Ashley Kalagian Blunt joins Steph from @stephanieshouseofbooks for a chat.Find out what happened when law-abiding Ashley stepped into the dark web for the first time, what current true crime she's obsessed with, and how she single handedly re-defined an entire sub-genre of thriller.Plus, how hitting rock bottom with chronic fatigue actually helped Ashley find the thing she was really meant to do.Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the Sydney-based author of Dark Mode, Cold Truth and How to Be Australian. Her books explore how modern technology makes us vulnerable , and have inspired a new generation of thrillers about internet-based crime. Her new Audible Original, Like, Follow, Die, is out now, with the print and ebook editions coming in March 2026.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@stephanieshouseofbooks@akalagianbluntPresented by Obooko—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:​My Name is Revenge by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​Like Follow Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​How to be Australian by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​And Then the Darkness: The disappearance of Peter Falconio and the trials of Joanne Lees by Sue Williams​The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey​The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena​The Secret History by Donna Tartt​Body Friend by Katherine Brabon​Cure by Katherine Brabon

I'm Steph from ⁠⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ and it's our season finale!I'm joined today by @literature_lad who has brought a small suitcase of Australian fiction to share with us.Join us as we chat about some of our favourite moments from this season, reflect on Steph's latest favourite book Reservoir Bitches, and manifest the celebs we want to visit the pod next season.Also, Zack announces there will be a Cool People Reading in real life book club, but stay tuned, because we need to work out the details first.Thanks so much for listening to Season One! I hope you've loved it. See you in Season Two!++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠@literature_ladPresented by ⁠⁠Obooko⁠⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la CerdaAnimal by Lisa TaddeoAustralia Day by Melanie ChengThe Burrow by Melanie ChengDiving Falling by Kylie MirmohamadiBetween a Wolf and a Dog by Georgia BlainAustralian Gospel by Lech BlaineEx-Wife by Ursula ParrottColony by Annika NorlinThe Thrill of It by Mandy BeaumontThe Furies by Mandy BeaumontAn Exciting and Vivid Inner Life by Paul Dalla RosaLimber Lost by Robbie ArnottThe Rain Heron by Robbie ArnottThe White Girl by Tony BirchWomen and Children by Tony BirchLove, Pamela by Pamela Anderson

I'm Steph from ⁠⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ and today I'm joined by avid reader and AFL player, Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet. Find out how Marc chooses what book to read the night before a big game, how he uses reading books like Fourth Wing as a wellness tool, and what book he's read eight times.Plus, would Marc ever consider reading a book on field during the team warm up like Jack Ginnivan did in round one?++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠@marc_pittonetPresented by ⁠⁠Obooko⁠⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch AlbomThe Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian MallabyFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosRed Notice by Bill BrowderShoedog by Phil KnightIce Station by Matthew ReillySeven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly Harry Potter by JK RowlingWay of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan MillmanIntensity by Pep Lijnders

I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ and today - by popular demand - I'm joined by the very funny, award-winning author of seven books, JP Pomare.JP talks about the process of having his crime books adapted for the screen, how cancel culture becomes problematic, and what happened when his ex-girlfriend said her favourite book was Shantaram.He also gives us a sneak peak into the book he's currently writing, a follow up to The Wrong Woman.Plus, JP reveals that he wants to become a book reviewer on Instagram and needs help deciding on a name.JP's psychological thriller In the Clearing was adapted into an eight-part series by Disney. His novel The Last Guests has been developed into an erotic thriller airing on Stan in late 2025.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠@jppomarePresented by ⁠Obooko⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:​The Last Guests by JP Pomare​In the Clearing by JP Pomare​Harry Potter by JK Rowling​Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt​The Hollow Girl by Lyn Yeowart​Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin​Prophet Song by Paul Lynch​Limberlost by Robbie Arnott​The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry​The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins​Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman​Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence

I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ and today I'm joined by Adelaide author, Queen of Matilda Bookshop and the person responsible for about 90% of my To Be Read pile, Rose Hartley.Rose talks to us about what she did when COVID disrupted her debut novel's promo schedule, the book she told a customer was a 'nothing burger' and why she really loves a 'mean, selfish bitch.'Fans of short books, make sure you check out today's reading list because you're not going to want to miss any of Rose's brilliant recommendations.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠@rosehartleyPresented by ⁠Obooko⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Maggie’s Going Nowhere by Rose HartleyDisGraced by Rose HartleyTime of the Flies by Claudia PiñeiroThe Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di LampedusaAll Fours by Miranda JulyBreakdown by Cathy SweeneyThe Dry Heart by Natalia GinzburgThe Coin by Yasmin ZaherMy Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa MoshfeghThe Most by Jessica AnthonyGlaciers by Alexis M. SmithThe Details by Ia GenbergWhat I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki MurakamiCreation Lake by Rachel KushnerRandom Acts of Senseless Violence by Jack Womack The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret AtwoodOutline by Rachel CuskThe Blind Assassin by Margaret AtwoodPersuasion by Jane AustenSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenAnna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ and today I'm talking to Nine News Sports Reporter, former Sunrise correspondent and aspiring author Nathan Currie.Nathan gives us a crash course in what Fourth Wing is actually about, how working with Jane Harper at the Geelong Advertiser inspired him, and how he balances his job as a reporter with fatherhood, his love of Stephen King, and writing his own books.Plus, what Nepo Book Baby is Nathan never going to read again?++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠@nathancurriePresented by ⁠Obooko⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Once There Was a Way by Bryce Zabel Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosThe Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienThe Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. TolkienHarry Potter by J. K. RowlingIt by Stephen KingThe Shining by Stephen KingMisery by Stephen KingThe Dry by Jane HarperThe Lost Man by Jane HarperForce of Nature by Jane HarperDark Mode by Ashley Kalagian BluntCold Truth by Ashley Kalagian BluntThe Dark Tower by Stephen KingProphet Song by Paul LynchOpen by Andre AgassiI’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdyDracula by Bram Stoker The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson28 by Brandon Jack 

Today we chat to Shay, the founder of ⁠Tough Guy Book Club⁠, a global book club for guys in pubs.From humble beginnings in a Collingwood beer garden, find out how Tough Guy Book Club came about, how habit stacking has led to Shay taking paperbacks to birthday parties, and what a group of men really get up to when they go on book club camp.Plus, what guest is never, ever invited to a chapter meeting?++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠@toughguybookclub⁠Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest HemingwayThe Secret History by Donna TarttNeuromancer by William GibsonHoneybee by Craig SilveyHome by Toni Morrison The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Atomic Habits by James ClearStill Life by Sarah WinmanOn the Road by Jack KerouacNotes from Underground by Fyodor DostoevskyThe Gun by C.S. Forester

I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks and today I'm chatting with Romina, the founder of bespoke Melbourne jewellery label Casa Capri.Romy talks about how she fits reading into her life with three busy boys, the memoirs that inspire her and why she refuses to read fiction.Plus we reminisce about the wonderful world of John Marsden and introduce Romy to 'book people' lingo.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@stephanieshouseofbooks@casacapriPresented by Obooko—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Of Gold and Dust by Samantha WillsDown the Drain by Julia FoxHanging by a Thread by Erin DeeringLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusTomorrow When the War Began by John MarsdenLetters from the Inside by John MarsdenDear Miffy by John MarsdenGrain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Kristin LobergMothering our Boys by Maggie DentFrom Boys to Men by Maggie DentThe Sky so Heavy by Claire Zorn

I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ and today I'm talking to Fox Footy and Fox Cricket commentator, avid bookworm and historical fiction devotee Sarah Jones.Sarah shares her tips for fitting reading in during a busy day, how she considers reading her meditation, and her ultimate red flags when it comes to choosing a new book.Plus Sarah shares her favourite tips for developing a love of literature in kids, beyond 'the cat on the mat' readers from school.++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠@sarahjonesfoxfootyPresented by ⁠Obooko⁠—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Last Twilight in Paris by Pam JenoffOpen by Andre AgassiThe Adventures of the Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonBoy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonLola in the Mirror by Trent DaltonBeartown by Fredrick BackmanUs Against You by Fredrik BackmanThe Winners by Fredrik BackmanAnxious People by Fredrik BackmanA Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanBritt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik BackmanTully by Paullina SimonsThe Bronze Horseman by Paullina SimonsRed Leaves by Paullina SimonsLight at Lavelle by Paullina SimonsDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayDuck À L'Orange for Breakfast by Karina MayThe Venice Hotel by Tess Woods

I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks and today I'm chatting to author, book publicist and mum of two, Kimberley Allsopp.Find out how Kimberley finds the time to read, the hilarious reason she hasn't seen Baby Girl, and if being a book publicist is just like being on our favourite TV show Younger. Plus, what did guests at a late night book dinner let on about Anne Tyler's new book?Kimberley is the author of ⁠Love and Other Puzzles⁠ (Harper Collins, 2022) and the soon to be released⁠ Rise and Shine⁠ (Harper Collins, 2025).++Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@stephanieshouseofbooks@kimberleyallsoppPresented by Obooko—your go-to spot for free e-books.++Today’s reading list:Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberley AllsoppRise and Shine by Kimberley AllsoppSomebody Down There Likes Me by Robert LukinsWater by John BoyneA Ladder to the Sky by John BoyneThe Echo Chamber by John BoyneEarth by John BoyneFire by John BoyneNightbitch by Rachel YoderFleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-AknerThe Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey EugenidesMiddlesex by Jeffrey EugenidesDidion + Babitz by Lili AnolikThree Days in June by Anne TylerRedhead by the Side of the Road by Anne TylerHappy All the Time by Laurie ColwinSandwich by Catherine NewmanWe All Want Impossible Things by Catherine NewmanAnother Marvelous Thing by Laurie ColwinYou Be Mother by Meg MasonSorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

Welcome to our first episode! I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks and today I'm chatting to the coolest man on bookstagram, Zack from @literaturelad.⁠We discuss our mutual love of Bret Easton Ellis, what really happened at Dolly Alderton’s show, and the magic '50 page rule’. Plus, which iconic author does one of us shamefully admit to never reading?Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments!Follow us on socials:@stephanieshouseofbooks@literatureladPresented by Obooko—your go-to spot for free e-books.Today’s reading list: Trust by Hernan DiazRevolutionary Road by Richard YatesThe Year of Magical Thinking by Joan DidionCoventry by Rachel CuskOutline by Rachel CuskAftermath by Rachel CuskThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Shards by Bret Easton EllisAmerican Psycho by Bret Easton EllisThe Informers by Bret Easton EllisFight Club by Chuck Palahniuk  The Line of Beauty by Alan HollinghurstThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayEverything I Know About Love by Dolly AldertonThe Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-AknerFleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-AknerCold Truth by Ashley Kalagian BluntDark Mode by Ashley Kalagian BluntCrossroads by Jonathan Franzen